Transcripts For CSPAN3 CSIS Discussion On Indo-Pacific U.S. Army 20240712

Good morning, everyone. Im dr. Kathleen hicks, and im so pleased to have joining me this morning the chief of staff of the army. General, welcome to csis. Thank you, dr. Hicks. Great to be here with you. Wonderful. Theres so many things we should be talking to you about today. But i know we have a limited amount of your time. I really want to focus more than anything on the pacific. And i know you come from the region relatively recently. The National Defense strategy is prioritized, and especially china and russia. But i think most people, when they think about the army, are thinking obviously a ground intensive environment like europe and not thinking about the pacific. Is the pacific really a priority for the army and what does it mean if it is . Yeah. Historically we focused on europe, but with the strategy that puts the indopacific as a top priority, its certainly a priority for us. As we take a look and havent been out in the pacific, that was my first overseas trip as a chief in september of 2019. I just did my first trip with covid out into the region. When we look at the region, theres great competition there, which is really about the people. The people reside in the land domain. But the secret or the solution to this Great Power Competition is a joint force solution, and its with allies and partners coming together for peace through strength. And so when you talk about the joint force and then the combined, the allied piece, lets start with the joint piece. What are the what do you think are the priorities youre hearing from the joint force about what the army needs to be delivering or able deliver, particularly in the focus of the continuum of conflict, scaling all the way up to deterring significant warfare. Yeah, i think it starts with, as we talk to the commander, how do we help the commander compete, and the way we do this is we provide certain capabilities. Those capabilities are things like the Security Force assistance brigade. So we can send them to region, they can advise and assist our allies and partners, develop strong relationships to help them work the peace. And we also have some other capabilities that were standing up a new Organization Called Multidomain Task forces that provide the ability to do longrange precision effects. And if we get to a conflict, they have the ability to do longrange precision fires, which will help deterrence. Theyre also our other joint partners enable maritime or air force maneuver against an active antiaxis area of defense capability. Whats the concept for how those Multidomain Task forces would position or operate within the pacific . Is that settled or something youre still working on . Something were still working on as far as the exact positioning. We do have some capability in extremely long range precision fires to give us certain effects. But that capability as far as the exact position is still being determined. So that gets to the allies and partners piece, the combined forces piece. As i said, i know you have come from the region recently. Youve been there previously. What are you hearing from your counterparts in the Ground Forces in the armies oh of the pacific . What theyre looking to have from the United States and from the army specifically . What they want is a strong friendship, a strong partnership. They want a free and open indopacific. They want to be able to have a stable and secure area. Theyre very concerned about neighbors and no one wants to have any type of conflict out there. As we all know, theres so much trade going on. Its so important to the global economy. But they do want its in their interest to have a safe and open indopacific. Thats what they want us to help them with. Theres obviously a significant concentration of army forces in south korea. Im wracking my head to think, in other areas are you finding theres more appetite for forces on the ground, or is it more of the in the category of exercises and activities and engagements at the senior level with you and your subordinates . Yeah, i think its a range of activities. It starts at the International Military education and training programs, where they come to our schools. We work very closely. Some are interested in Foreign Military sales, purchasing equipment. So theres operaability between some that are interested, that we advise and assist capability that can enable them to be much better. And others want to train with us and some want to come to our combat training centers, some want us to train with them in their countries. So theres a variety of things were doing to increase that capability between the partners, depending on what their desires are. Yeah. The other major dynamic in addition to allies is china itself. North korea, as well. Can you talk a little bit about in the case of china, how you think that u. S. china dynamic, particularly as it relates to the army and your mission set, what does success look like in terms of how you position what youre doing with allies and with as part of the joint force . You know, as i talk to the allies and partners, the last thing we want is some type of conflict. So Great Power Competition doesnt mean theres a great power conflict. But at the same time, many of these countries, they do want a free and open indopacific, because they need to fish, they need to have access, they need to be able to do the things that they need to do for their economy. So what their interest is, is really stability and security in the region. And so all can prosper. China most recently, probably for folks watching, ground force efforts and the pla has gotten into border incursions with india. Its not the first time that those have happened. Theres historical border disputes. But they were deadly, and india itself is a growing element of the security environment. Can you speak to the degree to which you are focused and the india china die nam snynamicdyn . India is a very important country in the region. We used to be pacific command. Now its indopacific command reflecting how important they are. India and us have a lot of common interests. As a result, i think thats runlt theres opportunities for a relationship. And those discussions are possible in the future. Yeah. What are the priorities that you heard from the indians, again, with regard to their Ground Forces or cooperation with the army . Because historically theyve been focused on the India Pakistan dynamic and ground force capabilities were important to that. Are they still focussed on their Ground Forces . I tend to talk to the Ground Forces. As we talk to the indian chief of staff, the army, hes focused on the Ground Forces. As we have discussions, were looking for common interests and how we can improve relationships. Yeah. Lets talk about the trip you just came from. You met with your counterparts in a couple of other countries in southeast asia. Can you speak a little bit about what you heard in the midst of covid and in the midst oh of this competition between the United States and china . Yeah. First of all, you know, many of the countries are very, very concerned about covid. Covid is affecting the entire globe. Even during think travel, i was tested many times on national television, and in thailand, just to make sure as we november through the region, that covid is not spreading. So all the countries are very, very concerned with that. Were all aggressively working on some type of vaccine and some type of therapeutic to do that. So theyre very interested in what theyre doing. Once we discovered it, that we can share. Again, most of our partners are very concerned with some of the activities of the competitors out there that will limit their capability to do the things that they need to do for their economy to have a free and open trade. So that is their biggest concern. They dont want to have to choose between partners when it comes to the economy, because theyre all depending on the partners out there for the economy. We have to respect that, and respect their interest. With covid being such a predominant factor in the environment, as you say globally and certainly in that region and the degree of Chinese Influence Campaign activity around it, are you looking at i would just call it Health Diplomacy as something that the army can help provide to allies and partners who are looking for help on whether its vaccine or therapeutics or logistics, anything like that . I think theres certainly opportunities there. As we build relationships with these countries, you know, certainly were doing some very aggressive work with operation warp speed to get a vaccine and part of that is even the therapeutics that we can help treat that with our allies. We have that capability and we certainly want to share. Were doing sharing right now within the region that the indo command is working within his program to do that. But theres certainly that capability. One of the big issues right now at this point is that we have the National Defense authorization act through both chambers. We are obviously awaiting the endgame, if you will, which involves conferences, the president s signature, et cetera. But we have a general sense oh of the overall budget top line, and theres a lot of talk about regardless of what happens in the national election, theres certainly pressure on defense. Are you concerned about the armys ability to deliver in the Pacific Related to defense topline, or would you describe concerns in a different way . I mean, were in a major transformational effort in the United States. I suggest that every 40 years, we need to transform the army. We did nit 1940, we did it in 1980, and now were in 2020. And we have some major efforts going on. Its not just new equipment, but new doctrine, new organizations, its a Talent Management program. All these things coming together, theyre going to set the course for the next 40 years. Theyre going to allow us to have overmatch and Great Power Competition. So i think its very important that we continue these efforts in the top line and resources are going to allow us to do that. What is are the priorities that you have . I know you have six modernization priorities. Youre welcome to speak to that. But more broadly, what are the priorities for that Army Transformation . And again, maybe specifically thinking about the indo pacific competition dynamic . Yeah. A lot of people think when you talk about transformation and modernization, youre talking equipment. But its much more than that. It starts with a concept with how were going to compete and fight. At the joint level, were developing or helped develop an alldomain concept that recognizes that in the future, we will be a contestant on the air, land, sea, and in the space. And our contribution as a multidomains concept, were working very closely with our joint partners to make sure that were synchronized with our concepts. And from the concepts, we are developing new units. I mentioned the Multidomain Task force that will give us long range precision effects and fires. Were standing up Security Force Assistance Brigades so they can advise and assist. Were taking a hard look at how were going to do Information Operations in the future, because we know that our competitors are doing disInformation Operations all the time. And were taking a look at how we train. Were going to take advantage of the technology. So where we used to have what we call training areas, now we have cyber ranges so we can learn practice what were doing in cyber. Were using virtual reality, and training our soldiers to take advantage of that. And then our six modernization priorities with longrange precision fires, a new vehicle to replace the bradley. Two new aircraft coming in, on a network were tying all of our sensors together. Were looking at lasers, high powered microwaves, we can handle any type of threat. And were doing things to make our soldiers more lethal with some assistance. So really most importantly, were doing a lot in management. We talk about new staff, its moving our Industrial Aged Personnel Management system to a talent and Management System. Sorry, we lost you and well come back around. As far as when it comes to transformation and getting the force ready for the next 40 years, one of the most important things were doing is Talent Management. Were taking an Industrial Age system thats been in place and moving to a 21st century talent and Management System thats going to allow us to compete for talent, where we no longer manage everyone as interchangeable parts but individuals by their knowledge, skills, behavior. And even preferences, which is blasphemous in the army, we want to know what people want to do and where they want to go. But we think thats very important for the future, get the people we need in the right job in the right place, and were moving aggressively ahead in that area. Presumably, there are winners and losers in a constrain pd budget environment. What are the areas that you can gain more efficiency, or you are deprioritizing to make room for these major pushes . Both in funds but also in, you know, the attention of senior leadership, the transformation of Human Capital takes enormous capital. What is allowed to be a little less prioritized right now . One of the things were looking at is how we divest. Some of the systems we have, some would like us to continue to purchase. We know that ive kind of discussed we cant buy new old stuff so to speak. Were going to have to look at assistance. We cant have everything. So thats why we have our modernization priorities. We know we need longrange precision fires. Thats the number one priority. So were developing hyper sonic capability right now and have been successful in our tests. Were going to have midrange missiles that can sink ships. We think thats very, very important for the antiaxis or denial capabilities that and our tactical fires, were also increasing that. So some of the things that may be inkremental improvements in our current systems, were not going to be able to invest in, though some would like us to. One more question from you and ill switch to audience questions. Theres been obviously a lot happen inside the United States in the last six months, particularly in light of the black lives Matter Movement protests and then the Civil Military relations elements that were tied up, particularly in the Lafayette Square incident. One could think there are challenges to the u. S. Brand overseas. Certainly we have challenges with the brand at home, but you, as i said, just come from the indopacific. Its a region we want to have influence in, in addition to europe and elsewhere. Somewhats the army doing to do its part to make sure that the west has a legitimate brand itself, and that it actually can be influential with that brand joef seas . I think when it comes to the military, we need to do the right thing the right way in all circumstances. You know, as far as deploying regular army troops, thats only to be done at the absolute last resort, and in this case, we did not deploy regular army active troops. We need to work very closely with the Law Enforcement and even the National Guard should only be employed at the last resort. I think certainly governors and mayors are taking a look at that. As we talk to other countries and other militaries, we have that discussion and make sure they understand that the the purpose of the United States army is to protect the nation, not to place the nation. Thats what we have Law Enforcement for, and we should leave policing the nation to Law Enforcement. Also, i just add there have been quite a few diversity initiatives brought up by from secretary esper and inside the services. Can you share a little bit what the army is doing in this regard . Absolutely. First of all, the army is a very Diverse Service and its not just about diversity, its about inclusion. I think diversity is the numbers. We have 20 of our forces are africanamerican. Theres 200,000 soldiers, very important. 14 is his tannic, again, very important. And 18 are women. So when you look at 180,000 women, 140,000 latinos. So what we want to have is inclusion. So we have put together inclusion. How we compete for a diverse army and how we make sure that that diversity makes it all the way up to the top so we have programs in place for that. Even when it comes to some of the programs as far as we look at racism that is in the country, when it comes to stoeshl injsocial injustice. Youre not allowed youre only allowed to fly certain flags, theys that are divisive, were looking at that. But on the systemic side, how do we make sure that everyone has a fair chance. We did a study on photos, we took photos out of our promotion boards, because there was some unconscious bias associated with that. For the Battalion Command Assessment Program and for our colonels assessment program, we do a blind board. So people cant see what the person looks like, because we want to make it as fair as possible and were putting a lot of systemic procedures and processes in place to really help make sure that everyone has a fair chance in the United States army. Great. Let me get to the audience questions, because we have quite a few here. Theres one on the armys propensity, the questioner would put it, to travel heavy. And the question is, what is the army vision for shiptoshore logistics in the indopacific that doesnt rely upon port access thats exquisite, shall we say . Yeah, i think we have all types of forces. When you look at it from light forces to air Assault Forces to Airborne Forces to quite heavy forces. And each comes with a logistical tail, and ideally, the lighter you go, the less you have. But it also brings with it less combat power. So what were doing is tailoring our units and logistics to cut down the tail. The other thing is how we do logistics. Were taking advantage of a lot of the technologies. You can make your own parts so you dont have to bring a bunch of parts, you can make the one you need. Putting out official Intelligence Systems on our Weapons Systems so you dont change parts until you absolutely need to and then you have a system that only brings the parts forward that you need. Were doing much more on efficiency when it comes to fuel with vehicles and even looking at how we can go to hybrid type vehicles and save on fuel. So we recognize the challenge of logistics and as we like to say in the army, amateurs study tactics and professionals drive logistics, because that drives what we need to do. We are getting after that. And moving into the Information Age when it somes to logistics. I also have a question on india. And its on the quad, which is the u. S. , india, australia and japan, this concept of four nations working together. What is your view on how india can contribute to a quad or you can broaden it to multilateral approaches with the u. S. To neutralize chinese influence in the indo pacific . I think all those countries are extremely important in the region. And as we follow, you know, well leave the diplomacy and the strategic relationships to the state department. From us, what i think we provide is good militarytomilitary relationships. And for my role, its really with the chiefs of staffs. If you take a look at the armies, they are very, very important in those regions. So having a Strong Militarytomilitary relationship with my counterparts and finding out where we have common interests and where we can Work Together is very, very important. And with those chiefs, we have good relationships. Great. Another pacific question. This one from todd south of the army times. Could you please discuss your thoughts on stationing a rotational use of Army Personnel as it relates to partner nations in the first, second, or third island chain defense model. For example, how critical is it to have u. S. Forces inside the first island chain, such as oakland or in partner nations such as thailand . I think its very important that we have relationships with the countries inside the first island chain. And we do. As far as the ability to do exercises and train, its very, very important. Its very important to have advisers with our partners and allies. We take a look at who we have collective defense agreements with. Theres seven in our country as a whole. And five of those are in the region. So when you think about, you know, japan, philippines, the republic of korea, thailand, and australia, new zealand, those are the countries that we have defense agreements with. So we think its very, very important to make sure those partnerships are strong and we Work Together. So i have another question on the region. This one is about india and its potential for contributing through whats commonly called the quad, which is the notion of a u. S. , australia, japan, India Multilateral set of networks to work in the defense realm. So general, whether through the quad or otherwise, what is your sense of how india might be best able to help as the questioner asks, neutralize chinas influence in the indopacific. Well, i do think india is a very important country, and the reason by defining the pacific as indopacific right now, and we do have defense agreements with japan and australia already. I think that adding india if they were willing and they can make this agreement, that would be very, very helpful for the stability and security in the region. Great. Okay. And just a few questions, a couple on basing arrangements. We talked about some of these. But one specifically on the europe, particularly the germany basing decision. And the question reads, as stated in the pentagon strategic approach, the region, the indopacific region is d. O. D. s priority theater. How will this effect u. S. Army posture in europe in the foreseeable future . So what extent is the decision to withdraw troops from germany related to this . And what capabilities are critical for deterring russia that the army should still be providing . I think, at least when we look at the pacific, we know that theres been some announcements made today on units that may be coming out of europe or going back to europe. What well have to do in the army is a posture review. Right now we have enough forces committed in the pacific to do what we need to do. And what were doing in the army is developing those new units that we think are critical, like the multidoe neighbmain task fo will provide us the capabilities we think for longrange precision effects and longrange precision fires if required in the region. And i think the questioner was also interested in what european what capabilities would you like to see europe developing in light of the fact that the United States has set the indopacific as its priority theater, what would you hope others can provide in support of the Common Security goals we have in europe . We would like all the countries to work very closely together as we take a look at competition. Again, we got great competition going on europe. I think each country, doing their fair share and having a Strong Military that can Work Together is a very, very strong force to deter any type of maligned activities in europe. And so we want the intra operaability. One of the things i talk about in the future concept, were talking about a joint, all domain command and capabilities. But as i talk to my european counterparts, they all want to be part of working together and the command and control capabilities, its very important to Work Together. So we have one last question, and its on interimmediate range forces. The question is whether you would be supportive in the indopacific of landbased capabilities for strike that fit in that definition, whether preemptive in nature or defensive . Well, i think we want to have capabilities. I talked about this before when it came to longrange precision fires. We are developing hyper sonic capability which has a very long range. Were developing midrange capabilities that have an antiship capability. We simply want to bring to the National Leadership options that they can use, if required, for an antiaxis denial capability. And the question becomes whether theyre positioned and postured could be a decision that would come later. General, i just want to ask one last question, looping back to your answer on concepts and transformation. You mentioned the joint concept being developed, as well as the armys efforts. Is there a sense of a timeline for the process, at least the first iteration of the process of the Concept Development . And what we might look for, for signs that those concepts are beginning to influence organizations, design, and modernization . Yeah. What we see right now is really its happening as we speak. A lot of experimentation going on, even monthly, even during covid, over the next year. So the concept is being developed, but its being developed on experimentation. So were bringing together joint forces elements and making sure that they can Work Together and conduct multidomain type operations. So you can have air, ground, longrange fires. And were all working so we can die all of our sensors and shooters together. Were experimenting to see that work. Thats helping drive the concept that were developing. I really want to thank you for your time, talking about the pacific and what the army has as priorities. Its a challenging environment, and probably just going to get more challenging. Im really grateful that you are there at the helm of the army and for everything your soldiers are doing. Everyone, please help me virtually thanking the general, chief of staff of the army. Have a great day. Thank you, great to be with you. Heres whats coming up live today. The Senate Armed Services committee will hold a hearing on recommendations from the cyberspace commission, to defend the u. S. From cyber attacks. Watch live coverage starting at 2 30 eastern on cspan3. At 4 30 eastern, cspan3 will take you live to a News Conference with the Spacex Dragon crew. Theyll be talking to reporters about their space mission. 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