S.Hrg.119-355

1[Senate Hearing 119-355]2[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]34                                                        S. Hrg. 119-35556 NOMINATIONS OF: VICE ADMIRAL FRANK M. BRADLEY, USN, TO BE ADMIRAL AND7       COMMANDER, UNITED STATES SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND; AND8         LIEUTENANT GENERAL DAGVIN R.M. ANDERSON, USAF, TO BE9         GENERAL AND COMMANDER, UNITED STATES AFRICA COMMAND1011=======================================================================1213                                HEARING1415                               before the1617                      COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES18                          UNITED STATES SENATE1920                    ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS2122                             FIRST SESSION2324                               __________2526                             JULY 22, 20252728                               __________2930         Printed for the use of the Committee on Armed Services3132                 [GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]3334                Available via: http: // www.govinfo.gov3536                               ______3738                 U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE394063-382 PDF                WASHINGTON : 20264142                      COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES4344                ROGER F. WICKER, Mississippi, Chairman4546DEB FISCHER, Nebraska		     JACK REED, Rhode Island47TOM COTTON, Arkansas		     JEANNE SHAHEEN, New Hampshire48MIKE ROUNDS, South Dakota	     KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, New York49JONI ERNST, Iowa		     RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut50DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska		     MAZIE K. HIRONO, Hawaii51KEVIN CRAMER, North Dakota	     TIM KAINE, Virginia52RICK SCOTT, Florida		     ANGUS S. KING, Jr., Maine53TOMMY TUBERVILLE, Alabama	     ELIZABETH WARREN, Massachusetts54MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma	     GARY C. PETERS, Michigan55TED BUDD, North Carolina	     TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois56ERIC SCHMITT, Missouri		     JACKY ROSEN, Nevada57JIM BANKS, Indiana		     MARK KELLY, Arizona58TIM SHEEHY, Montana                  ELISSA SLOTKIN, Michigan5960                  John P. Keast, Staff Director61             Elizabeth L. King, Minority Staff Director6263                               (ii)6465                         C O N T E N T S6667                          _____________6869                          july 22, 20257071                                                                   Page7273Nominations of: Vice Admiral Frank M. Bradley, USN, to be Admiral     174  and Commander, United States Special Operations Command; and75  Lieutenant General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, USAF, to be General76  and Commander, United States Africa Command.7778                           Members Statements7980Wicker, Senator Roger F..........................................     18182Reed, Senator Jack...............................................     28384                           Witness Statements8586Bradley, Vice Admiral Frank M., USN, to be Admiral and Commander,     487  United States Special Operations Command.8889  Advance Policy Questions.......................................    419091  Questions for the Record.......................................    589293  Nomination Reference and Report................................    799495  Biographical Sketch............................................    809697  Committee on Armed Services Questionnaire......................    839899  Signature Page.................................................    86100101Anderson, Lieutenant General Dagvin R.M., USAF, to be General and     7102  Commander, United States Africa Command.103104  Advance Policy Questions.......................................    86105106  Questions for the Record.......................................   104107108  Nomination Reference and Report................................   124109110  Biographical Sketch............................................   125111112  Committee on Armed Services Questionnaire......................   128113114  Signature Page.................................................   131115116                                 (iii)117118              This hearing is printed to include all available119                information120                requested or required to be inserted for the121                record.122123                                  (iv)124125 NOMINATIONS OF: VICE ADMIRAL FRANK M. BRADLEY, USN, TO BE ADMIRAL AND126       COMMANDER, UNITED STATES SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND; AND127         LIEUTENANT GENERAL DAGVIN R.M. ANDERSON, USAF, TO BE128         GENERAL AND COMMANDER, UNITED STATES AFRICA COMMAND129130                              ----------131132                         TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2025133134                              United States Senate,135                               Committee on Armed Services,136                                                    Washington, DC.137    The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 9:30 a.m., in138room SD-G50, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Senator Roger139Wicker (Chairman of the Committee) presiding.140    Committee Members present: Senators Wicker, Fischer,141Cotton, Rounds, Ernst, Sullivan, Scott, Tuberville, Budd,142Schmitt, Banks, Sheehy, Reed, Shaheen, Gillibrand, Blumenthal,143Kaine, King, Warren, Rosen, and Kelly.144145          OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR ROGER F. WICKER146147    Chairman Wicker. This hearing will come to order. The148Committee meets today to consider the nominations of Vice149Admiral Mitch Bradley to be Commander of the United States150Special Operations Command (SOCOM), and Lieutenant General151Dagvin Anderson to be Commander, United States Africa Command152(AFRICOM). I welcome our witnesses and their families, and I153thank them for their continued willingness to serve our Nation.154    If confirmed, Admiral Bradley will assume command at a time155when Special Operations Command, SOCOM, faces a formidable156challenge. SOCOM is being asked to build a force capable of157combatting the advanced militaries of China and Russia while158simultaneously remaining fully engaged in the fight against159violent Islamic terrorism. At the same time, special operators160must be ready to respond at a moment's notice as our Nation's161premier crisis response force.162    It is clear to me that the role and importance of SOCOM is163greater today than at any time since its establishment four164decades ago. However, SOCOM's budget does not reflect this165reality. Its budget has remained flat since 2019. Adjusted for166inflation, that amounts to roughly a 14 percent cut in167purchasing power. To amplify that point, SOCOM identifies $757168million in unfunded requirements for fiscal year 2026.169    We want to ensure that SOCOM is fully resourced to meet the170demands placed on it. Admiral Bradley should tell us how he171plans to meet those demands and how we can help.172    If confirmed, General Anderson will confront a growing173array of threats on the African continent. The Chinese174Communist Party (CCP) views Africa as a critical link in Xi175Jinping's unprecedented global military expansion, and176continues to purchase new bases for the People's Liberation177Army (PLA).178    Vladimir Putin remains fully engaged in his destabilizing179campaign to trade security assistance for access to Africa's180abundant natural resources. This is one of Mr. Putin's ways to181fund his malign activities around the world. All the while,182Islamic violent extremist groups aligned with ISIS and al Qaeda183remain an enduring threat in Africa.184    Despite the growing complexity and scale of threats on the185continent, AFRICOM remains under-resourced in both manpower and186in critical capabilities like intelligence, surveillance, and187reconnaissance. I look forward to General Anderson's assessment188of Africa's importance to our national security, as well as his189description of what AFRICOM's strategy should be to counter the190growing threat posed by China, Russia, and other adversaries191across the continent. I am particularly interested in how192General Anderson plans to use America's economic tools,193including the Office of Strategic Capital, to combat Chinese194influence.195    If confirmed, our nominees will confront a global security196environment that is defined by emboldened, aggressive dictators197in Beijing, Moscow, Tehran, and Pyongyang. They view this fight198as a global fight, unconstrained by geographic boundaries and199the traditional forms of warfare. This axis of aggressors200blends conventional military power with asymmetric tactics,201including economic warfare, disinformation, and the use of202proxy networks to undermine America's security interests. The203witnesses before us today will play a key role in the204Department of Defense's (DOD's) efforts to combat these205challenges, and I look forward to hearing them address these206and many other concerns during today's hearing.207    With that I turn to my friend and colleague, Ranking Member208Reed.209210                 STATEMENT OF SENATOR JACK REED211212    Senator Reed. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Admiral213Bradley and General Anderson, welcome, and congratulations on214your nominations. I want to thank you for stepping forward to215continue your long careers of service. I would also like to216extend my appreciation to your families who were with you every217step of the way and will continue to serve alongside you.218    Admiral Bradley, you have been nominated to lead the United219States Special Operations Command, or SOCOM, at a time of220important transformation. Because of the efforts and sacrifices221of the Special Operations community over the past 2 decades,222the threat from ISIS [Islamic State of Iraq and Syria], al223Qaeda, and other violent extremist groups has been greatly224diminished. Now America's national security interests are225challenged by the aggressive and often coordinated ambitions of226China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.227    Our Special Operations Forces, or SOF, are not only needed228to maintain pressure on violent extremist groups that threaten229our Homeland, they are also key to addressing the challenges230posed by these adversarial nations. As the recently released231SOF Operating Concept proposes, quote, ``Joint SOF capabilities232will help deter conflict by changing our competitors' political233calculations, denying achievement, or imposing costs that234outweigh potential benefits.'' This concept is ambitious and235will require close partnership with the military services and236other elements of the interagency, especially the intelligence237community, and with our network of allies and partners around238the world.239    Admiral Bradley, if confirmed, I expect your experience240commanding Special Operators and SEALs around the world will241serve you extremely well. Today I would ask that you share how242you would plan to lead the Special Operations community to243adjust to the rapid pace of change on the battlefield and how244lessons learned from Ukraine, Gaza, the Red Sea, Syria, and245elsewhere can inform the tactics and modernization efforts of246SOCOM. Additionally, I am interested in how you would leverage247unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, space, cyber248information operations, and other capabilities in SOCOM249missions.250    Finally, as a combatant command with service-like251responsibilities, SOCOM needs and deserves a senior civilian to252provide service secretary-like oversight and advocacy for our253Special Operations forces. Congress has sought to empower the254Assistant Secretary of Defense of Special Operations and Low-255Intensity Conflict to fulfill that mandate. Admiral Bradley, if256confirmed, I ask for your support as the Department continues257to work to fully implement those reforms.258    General Anderson, you have been nominated to lead United259States Africa Command, or AFRICOM. In Africa, our adversaries260are focused on building trade relationships while seizing261influence from us. China's military ambitions on the continent262are no secret, from their growing presence in Djibouti to the263more than 100 seaports that have been constructed, financed, or264operated by Chinese-owned enterprises, and include service265dual-use for future military contingencies.266    Russia has also expanded its military engagement in Africa.267It is investing heavily in disinformation campaigns across the268continent to spread anti-Western movements, undermine269democracy, and promote Russian-backed authoritarian leaders,270especially in West Africa.271    General Anderson, given these challenges, AFRICOM must272continue to explore new methods to maintain United States273security interests in the region. Our forces continue to train274and advise partner militaries, but we are asked to do so with275fewer resources and troops going forward. I want to ask you to276share your views on the current security situation, the best277approach to establish and maintain close partnerships with278partner nations, and how we can seek to engage a whole-of-279government effort to address the political and economic280instability in Africa.281    Indeed, stability is essential for any successful nation.282For decades, we have relied upon our State Department diplomats283and the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, to284develop deep, lasting relationships in Africa that can outlast285China and Russia's coercion. The outgoing AFRICOM Commander,286General Langley, described our competitive advantage against287Russia as, quote, ``not just building military and security288capacity. The story needs to be told about the successes of289USAID and State Department, collectively, for all of our290operations, activities, and investments.'' I am deeply291concerned that our soft power leadership in Africa has been292significantly undermined over the past several months.293    General Anderson, I would like to know your perspective on294the importance of diplomacy and development tools to achieve295our national security objectives in Africa and how you would296work to ensure our competitors do not capitalize on the297dismantling of USAID in the region.298    Thank you both for your service and willingness to lead and299sharing your time. I look forward to your testimony. Thank you,300Mr. Chairman.301    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much, Ranking Member Reed.302Now Admiral Bradley, you may make your opening statement, and303feel free to introduce any friends and relatives you have with304you, supporting you today.305306STATEMENT OF VICE ADMIRAL FRANK M. BRADLEY, USN, TO BE ADMIRAL307    AND COMMANDER, UNITED STATES SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND308309    Admiral Bradley. Thank you, and good morning, Chairman310Wicker, Ranking Member Reed, and distinguished members of the311Committee. It is an honor to appear before you today as the312President's nominee to be the next Commander of the United313States Special Operations Command. I am grateful to the314President, to the Secretary of Defense, and to Chairman Caine315for their trust and confidence in me for this important316nomination.317    I would like to recognize and thank the current SOCOM318command team first, General Bryan Fenton and CSM Shane Shorter,319and their families, for their leadership of the SOCOM force and320families these past 3 years.321    I am privileged to be alongside my teammate Lieutenant322General Dag Anderson, a longtime friend and Colleague, and if323we are confirmed, I very much look forward to teaming with him324again in our new capacities.325    I would like to recognize my family that are here with me326today. They have been critical to my service and to our Nation327and without whom I can't imagine being here today.328    My best friend and wife of 34 years, Katie, is here with329me. The grounding rod and conscience of our family, she has330weathered the storms of this career, mentoring young SOF331families, rearing our four children, and keeping me humble and332centered. She grew up in an Army family, daughter to an333infantry officer who served in Vietnam before joining me in the334Navy, and has moved households 27 times in her life, a335testament to resilience if there ever was one.336    Our children and their families are here with me as well.337Mary Katherine and husband Ralph, scientists and parents to our338first granddaughter, Rosemary Louise; our oldest son, Henry, an339FBI special agent, and his wife Brianna, also an FBI employee--340we seem to be making interagency cooperation a bit of family341business here--our son, Lieutenant Frank Bradley, a fellow342SEAL, and his wife Kiley, a public servant in Hawaii; and our343youngest son, James, a data scientist working in the national344industrial base on autonomous underwater systems.345    I come from a small ranching community in southwest Texas,346where I learned the foundations of meritocracy at an early age.347I am the son of a World War II veteran, an Army Air Corps348Master Sergeant, who worked on P-38s from Operation TORCH in349North Africa to the final assault on Berlin. After the war, my350father ranched and served as the Justice of the Peace, an351elected judge, in our small Texas community. I learned a deep352appreciation for our democracy and the judicial system watching353him dispense judgment in our community. His example of service354and the allure of adventure are what drew me to the United355States Naval Academy and the SEAL community, and I have had356ample opportunity for both in my 37 years since leaving357Eldorado, Texas.358    My mother was the compassionate influence. As much of a359rancher as any man in our family, she and my grandmother were360the matriarchs who would weave discipline with love in361appropriate measure. Their influence looms large in everything362I do.363    Finally, I must thank my siblings and the countless364coaches, professors, and pastors who have shaped me both on and365off the field. Special Operations is the ultimate team sport,366where to win is to live, and to lose often means someone you367care for does not. As such, I am grateful to be a member of the368most precise and lethal fighting force the world has ever369known.370    On a strategic landscape where adversaries and competitors371challenge the rules-based international order, your SOF provide372the agility, precision, and nuance needed to confront and373disrupt these threats in competition. But should the need374arise, we are also ready to integrate into the joint force to375respond to crisis and engage in high-end conflict, where the376precise delivery of violence will be critical to shaping377success on the battlefield.378    To this Committee and your predecessors I say thank you.379SOCOM's existence reflects the strong bipartisan commitment in380Congress to ensure the United States leads the world in Special381Operations, and that commitment has paid off.382    If confirmed, I will work closely with the ASD SO/LIC, with383my fellow combatant commanders, service leadership, the384Chairman, the Secretary of Defense, and this Committee to385sustain and strengthen the force, to man, train, equip, and386care for our SOF warriors and their families. I will provide387the Secretary of Defense and the President candid and clear388military advice, and I will remain fully transparent with this389Committee, ensuring that you have the information necessary to390continue your critical constitutional oversight of our national391defense.392    I thank you for your service to our country. I look forward393to answering your questions and engaging with you on the394important work ahead.395    [The prepared statement of Admiral Bradley follows:]396397          Prepared Statement by Vice Admiral Frank M. Bradley398                           opening statement399    Good morning, Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Reed, and400distinguished Members of the Committee. It is an honor to appear before401you today as the President's nominee to be the next commander of the402United States Special Operations Command.403    I am grateful to the President, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman404of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for their trust and confidence in me for405this nomination.406    I'd like to recognize and thank the current SOCOM Command Team,407General Bryan Fenton and Command Sergeant Major Shane Shorter and their408families, for their leadership of the SOCOM force and families these409past 3 years.410    I am privileged to be alongside my teammate Lieutenant General Dag411Anderson--a longtime friend and colleague; and if we are confirmed, I412look forward to teaming with him again in our new capacities.413    I'd like to recognize the members of my family, who have been414critical to my service to our Nation and without whom I can't imagine415being here.416    My best friend and wife of 34 years--Katie. The grounding rod and417conscience of our family, she has weathered the storms of this career418mentoring young SOF families, rearing our children, and keeping me419humble and centered. She grew up in an Army family, daughter to an420infantry officer who served in Vietnam before joining me in the Navy,421and has moved households 27 times--a testament to resilience if there422ever was one.423    Our children and their families are here with me as well. Mary424Katherine and husband Ralph--scientists and parents of our first425granddaughter, Rosemary Louise. Our son--Henry, an FBI Special Agent426and his wife Brianna, also an FBI employee . . . we seem to be making427interagency cooperation a family business. Our son, Lieutenant Frank428Bradley--a fellow SEAL, and his wife Kiley, a public servant in Hawaii.429And our youngest son, James--a data scientist working in the National430Industrial Base on autonomous underwater systems.431    I come from a small ranching community in southwest Texas, where I432learned the foundations of meritocracy at an early age. I am the son of433a WWII veteran, an Army Air Corps Master Sergeant who worked on P-38s434from Operation TORCH in North Africa to the final assault on Berlin.435After the war, my father ranched and served as the Justice of the436Peace--an elected judge--in our small community. I learned a deep437appreciation for our democracy and the judicial system watching him438dispense judgment in our community. His example of service and the439allure of adventure are what drew me to the United States Naval Academy440and the SEAL Community . . . I have had ample opportunity for both in441my 37 years since leaving Eldorado, TX.442    My mother was the compassionate influence. As much of a rancher as443any man in our family, she and my grandmother were the matriarchs who444would weave discipline with love in appropriate measure. Their445influence looms large in everything I do.446    Finally, I must thank my siblings and the countless coaches,447professors, and pastors who have shaped me both on and off the field.448Special Operations is the ultimate team sport--where to win is to live,449and to lose often means someone you care for does not.450    As such, I am grateful to be a member of the most precise and451lethal fighting force the world has ever known.452    On a strategic landscape where adversaries and competitors453challenge the rules-based international order, SOF provide the agility,454precision, and nuance needed to confront and disrupt these threats in455competition. Should the need arise, we are also ready to integrate into456the joint force to respond to crisis and engage in high-end conflict,457where the precise delivery of violence will be critical to shaping458success on the battlefield.459    To this committee and your predecessors, thank you. SOCOM's460existence reflects the strong bipartisan commitment in Congress to461ensure the U.S. leads the world in special operations--and that462commitment has paid off.463    If confirmed, I'll work closely with the ASD SO/LIC, my fellow464Combatant Commanders, Service leadership, the Chairman, the Secretary465of Defense, and this committee to sustain and strengthen the force--to466man, train, equip, and care for our SOF warriors and their families.467    I will provide the SECDEF and President candid and clear military468advice, and I will remain fully transparent with this Committee--469ensuring that you have the information necessary to continue your470critical constitutional oversight of our national defense.471    Thank you for your service to our country. I look forward to472answering your questions and engaging with you on the important work473ahead.474475    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much, Admiral. General476Anderson, you are recognized.477478STATEMENT OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL DAGVIN R.M. ANDERSON, USAF, TO479     BE GENERAL AND COMMANDER, UNITED STATES AFRICA COMMAND480481    General Anderson. Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Reed, and482distinguished Committee Members, thank you for the opportunity483to appear before you this morning. It is truly a humbling484honor.485    I am honored by the President's trust and confidence in486nominating me to serve as the Commander of United States Africa487Command, and I am grateful for the support of the Secretary of488Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I would489also like to recognize General Langley's 40 years of490distinguished service and the strong leadership, and the team491that he and Sergeant Major Mike Woods forged.492    I am joined today by my wife of 26 years, Liz, a native of493the great State of Maine. Her unwavering support and sacrifice494have been instrumental to my service and the success of the495mission. Liz is the heart of our family, and despite nine496schools in six states and three countries she is the reason we497have two strong and talented daughters: Hala, who is watching498from Paris today, and Lilja, who is here with us.499    My commitment to service is rooted in the values instilled500in me by my family. My grandmother, a nurse, served her501community well into her 80's. My grandfathers, one a sailor in502World War I and the other a Marine in World War II, were503ordinary people who answered the call during extraordinary504times.505    My mother, Roberta, a special education teacher, and my506father, Charles, a police officer, modeled public service,507selflessness, and integrity. These values have guided me508through 33 years of military service. My parents are watching509from my hometown of Ypsilanti, Michigan, the home of Rosie the510Riveter and Willow Run, where, at the age of 17, I learned to511fly alongside these symbols of American ingenuity and512resilience.513    It is an honor to sit beside Vice Admiral Mitch Bradley, a514Special Operations teammate and one of the finest leaders and515warfighters I have served with. If confirmed, I concur with516Admiral Bradley that it is truly a team sport, and look forward517to collaborating closely with him, and all the combatant518commanders, to confront the complex emerging challenges of519today.520    My career has followed a non-traditional path, with seven521joint assignments across four commands, ranging from522conventional warfighting exercises in the Indo-Pacific, to523conducting special operations in the Middle East and Africa,524and from global mobility to stateside training.525    My experiences abroad have shaped my career. I had the526privilege of studying in the Czech Republic, where I witnessed527an outpouring of support for America after 9/11. Almost 23528years later, I had the honor to speak at the 80th anniversary529of the liberation of Plze. by Patton's Third Army. Thousands530gathered, waving Czech and American flags, a powerful reminder531of our shared values and enduring ties.532    While I have flown several aircraft, the missions flying533the U-28, a modest single-engine prop, were among my most534rewarding. In under 2 years, a team of operators, engineers,535and acquisitions experts turned an urgent need into a mission-536ready, highly capable surveillance platform, a testament to537empowered innovation meeting battlefield requirements.538    As the Commander of Special Operations Command Africa, I539witnessed how Africa, strategically positioned between the540Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, is increasingly at the convergence541of great-power rivalry and terrorism. China is expanding its542approach from a focus on economic influence to greater military543and information operations. Russia's actions are frequently544destabilizing and run counter to United States interests.545Terrorist networks continue to exploit ungoverned spaces,546posing a direct threat to our safety and security.547    During my time at Special Operations Command Africa, an548American citizen was taken hostage in Niger. Within 96 hours,549we located him, coordinated with multiple African partners and550European allies, and Joint Special Operations Command executed551the rescue. The speed and success of that mission underscored552the seamless integration of the joint force and the importance553of strong relationships. When we called in the middle of the554night, our partners answered.555    If confirmed, I look forward to building on that success556and those relationships. I will keep this Committee informed, I557will be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars, and I will558lead by example to advance U.S. interests and counter adversary559threats.560    Thank you for your unwavering support of the men and women561of the U.S. Military and thank you for this opportunity. I look562forward to your questions.563    [The prepared statement of General Anderson follows:]564565     Prepared Statement by Lieutenant General Dagvin R.M. Anderson566    Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Reed, and distinguished Committee567Members, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you this568morning.569    I am honored by the President's trust and confidence in nominating570me to serve as Commander, US AFRICA COMMAND, and I am grateful for the571support of the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint572Chiefs of Staff. I'd also like to recognize General Langley's 40 years573of distinguished service and the strong leadership team he and Sergeant574Major Mike Woods forged.575    I am joined today by my wife of 26 years, Liz, a native of the576great State of Maine. Her unwavering support and sacrifice have been577instrumental to my service and the success of the mission. Liz is the578heart of our family and despite nine schools in six states and three579countries, she is the reason we have two strong and talented daughters:580Hala, who is watching from Paris, and Lilja, who is here today.581    My commitment to service is rooted in the values instilled in me by582my family. My grandmother, a nurse, served her community well into her58380's. My grandfathers, one a sailor in WWI and the other a marine in584WWII, were ordinary people who answered the call during extraordinary585times.586    My mother, Roberta, a special education teacher, and my father,587Charles, a police officer, modeled public service, selflessness, and588integrity. These values have guided me through 33 years of military589service. My parents are watching from my hometown of Ypsilanti,590Michigan, the home of Rosie the Riveter and Willow Run--where, at the591age of 17, I learned to fly alongside these symbols of American592ingenuity and resilience.593    It is an honor to sit beside VADM Mitch Bradley, a Special594Operations teammate and one of the finest leaders and warfighters I've595served with. If confirmed, I look forward to collaborating closely with596him--and the other combatant commanders--to confront emerging597challenges.598    My career has followed a non-traditional path, with seven joint599assignments across four commands--ranging from exercising conventional600warfighting in the Indo-Pacific, to conducting special operations in601the Middle East and Africa, and from global mobility to stateside602training.603    My experiences abroad have shaped my career. I had the privilege of604studying in the Czech Republic, where I witnessed an outpouring of605support for America after 9/11. Almost 23 years later, I had the honor606of returning to speak at the 80th anniversary of the liberation of607Plzen by Patton's Third Army. Thousands gathered, waving Czech and608American flags--a powerful reminder of our shared values and enduring609ties.610    While I've flown several aircraft, the missions flying the U-28, a611modest single-engine prop, were among my most rewarding. In under 2612years, a team of operators, engineers, and acquisitions experts turned613an urgent need into a mission-ready, highly capable surveillance614aircraft--a testament to empowered innovation meeting battlefield615requirements.616    As the Commander of Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAF), I617witnessed how Africa--strategically positioned between the Atlantic and618Indo-Pacific--is increasingly at the convergence of great-power rivalry619and terrorism. China is expanding its approach from a focus on economic620influence to greater military and information operations. Russia's621actions are frequently destabilizing and run counter to United States622interests. Terrorist networks continue to exploit ungoverned spaces,623posing a direct threat to our safety and security.624    During my time at SOCAF, an American citizen was taken hostage in625Niger. Within 96 hours, we located him, coordinated with multiple626African partners and European allies, and executed the rescue. The627speed and success of that mission underscored the seamless integration628of the Joint Force and the importance of strong relationships. When we629called in the middle of the night, our partners answered.630    If confirmed, I look forward to building on that success and those631relationships. I will keep this Committee informed, I will be a632responsible steward of taxpayer dollars, and I will lead by example to633advance U.S. interests and counter adversary threats.634    Thank you for your unwavering support of the men and women of the635U.S. Military and thank you for this opportunity. I look forward to636your questions.637638    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much, General Anderson, and639thank you both for being with us. It is now time for me to ask640some standard questions that we ask of all military nominees.641    To exercise it legislative and oversight responsibilities,642it is important that this Committee and other appropriate643committees of the Congress be able to receive testimony,644briefings, and other communications of information. So if you645will just answer yes or no. You can answer simultaneously. And646we will be watching.647    Have you adhered to applicable laws and regulations648governing conflicts of interest?649    Admiral Bradley. Yes, Senator.650    General Anderson. Yes.651    Chairman Wicker. Okay. Just a yes or a no is fine. Do you652agree when asked to give your personal views even if those653views differ from the administration in power?654    Admiral Bradley. Yes.655    General Anderson. Yes.656    Chairman Wicker. Have you assumed any duties or undertaken657any actions which would appear to presume the outcome of the658confirmation process?659    Admiral Bradley. No.660    General Anderson. No.661    Chairman Wicker. Will you ensure your staff complies with662deadlines established for requests for communications,663including questions for the record in hearings?664    Admiral Bradley. Yes.665    General Anderson. Yes.666    Chairman Wicker. Will you cooperate in providing witnesses667and briefers in response to congressional requests?668    Admiral Bradley. Yes.669    General Anderson. Yes.670    Chairman Wicker. Will those witnesses be protected from671reprisal for their testimony or briefings?672    Admiral Bradley. Yes.673    General Anderson. Yes.674    Chairman Wicker. Do you agree, if confirmed, to appear and675testify upon requests before this Committee?676    Admiral Bradley. Yes.677    General Anderson. Yes.678    Chairman Wicker. Do you agree to provide documents,679including copies of electronic forms of communications, in a680timely manner, when requested by a duly constituted committee,681or to consult with that committee regarding the basis for any682good-faith delay or denial in providing such documents?683    Admiral Bradley. Yes.684    General Anderson. Yes.685    Chairman Wicker. And thus ends our standard questions. Let686me ask one that has become somewhat standard, and we have687gotten encouraging responses from all of our witnesses.688    Much of the funding in the defense reconciliation bill, the689Big Beautiful Bill, as the President calls it, is unspecific690and will technically be at the discretion of the Department of691Defense, though this Committee will write recommendations for692them. We do that because of the rules.693    A quick yes-or-no answer from each of you. Do you commit to694follow the Congress' spending recommendations in defense695reconciliation, unequivocally? Admiral Bradley.696    Admiral Bradley. Yes.697    Chairman Wicker. General Anderson?698    General Anderson. Yes.699    Chairman Wicker. And Admiral Bradley, you, in particular,700will be receiving quite a sum of money for SOCOM priorities,701and we want to work together to make sure it is used for the702most pressing needs. So I thank you for your answers there.703    General Anderson, you talked about the activities of China704and Africa. You talked about the activities of Russia under705their dictator, Vladimir Putin. Why do they do this? Are they706helping Africa out of the goodness of their hearts?707    General Anderson. Senator, I appreciate the concern. I see708that from my time at SOCAFRICA and my time on the Joint Staff709that there is growing activity from both China and Russia on710the continent. Both of those nations see their futures running711through the continent and as key to their strategy.712    I think we can look at several of the things that have been713done that have not necessarily been good for the people of714Africa. I think they are aware of that. I think when we can715highlight that it helps them understand the risks of dealing716with China and Russia, whether that be debt diplomacy from717China or the corrosive effects of the Africa Corps, previously718known as Wagner, in those societies.719    Chairman Wicker. Well, okay, and so when we have programs720such as PEPFAR or USAID, we would like to feel that that really721helps the people there. But we have a strategic security722purpose in doing that ourselves, do we not?723    General Anderson. Yes, Senator.724    Chairman Wicker. Okay, and what is that?725    General Anderson. Senator, these programs are important as726long as they provide for the security and prosperity of our727Nation. I think as we target those in key areas they can help728build stability in key regions.729    Chairman Wicker. If we abandoned the playing field in that730regard, what would be the response in Moscow or Beijing? I731think they would be celebrating, would they not?732    General Anderson. Well, Senator, I know that if there are733opportunities, they will seize them.734    Chairman Wicker. Yes. Now, on SOCOM, let me just say, the735SOCOM budget has been inadequate. There has been a 35 percent736increase in combatant command requests for SOCOM support over737the last 3 years. In the last decade, there has been a 200738percent increase in crisis response missions executed by SOCOM.739Fourteen percent budget cut, though, in SOCOM, as I pointed out740in my opening statement, since 2019, when adjusted for741inflation, and in raw numbers, 4,000 troops cut from SOCOM, and742$757 million in unfunded requirements for fiscal year 2026.743    Now Admiral, the reconciliation bill included $1.64 billion744to support SOCOM's readiness and modernization priorities. Do745you agree with me that SOCOM's budget is inadequate to meet746growing global demands?747    Admiral Bradley. Senator, as you have described it, I have748heard General Fenton make a compelling case with the same749statistics and believe those to be true.750    Chairman Wicker. Let me just point out to, and make sure751you agree. Reconciliation was always meant to be additive to,752not a replacement for the core budget, absent real growth in753SOCOM's future budget requests. Your command will face754significant resourcing challenges. Is that correct?755    Admiral Bradley. Senator, we will absolutely use the756resources that are provided to us, with ruthless prioritization757to go down through the tasks that are given to us. Inevitably,758though, with the current operations commitment that exists,759that will mean that we will have to mortgage some of our760modernization initiatives to be able to pay for that readiness761to sustain those current operations.762    Chairman Wicker. Well, listen. We will not be able to be763generous with either of you, but we do want to hear what you764really, really need. We are going to be depending on the two of765you and your teams to let us know that, because if something766goes wrong and you did not have the capacity to cover it, then767they should not look to you if this body has not provided you768with the resources.769    So thank you very much. Senator Reed, you are recognized.770    Senator Reed. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. When771General Fenton delivered the posture statement last year he772said, and I quote, ``Our interagency efforts also have included773close cooperation with the Department of State and U.S. Agency774for International Development. With the implementation of the775Global Fragility Act in Coastal West Africa fundamentally776focused on preventing crises in failed states before they can777occur.''778    Similarly, AFRICOM Commander, General Langley, testified,779``U.S. investment focused on stabilization, conflict prevention780and peace-building, democracy, governance, economic growth, and781public health attack the roots of terrorism and tyranny more782than bullets and air strikes ever will.''783    For both of you gentlemen, why are such efforts in our784vital national security interests and not just humanitarian785good deeds, and what do we risk by walking away from these786investments? Admiral Bradley?787    Admiral Bradley. Senator, thank you. In my 34 years I have788had the opportunity on many continents to work closely with our789humanitarian, our AID, our diplomats, and I have seen the790executors, even at the non-governmental organization level,791provide important capability for the U.S. I also recognize,792however, that there are many priorities, as we just talked793about, and the prioritization of the budget across those is a794difficult thing to balance and to manage.795    I pledge, and I believe, that throughout time we have796always worked as an integrated interagency to be able to bring797the multiple levers of influence and power that the U.S. needs798to achieve its policy objectives, and if confirmed, I would799pledge to continue that.800    Senator Reed. General Anderson, and particularly in Africa.801    General Anderson. Yes, Senator. From my time at SOCAFRICA,802much like Admiral Bradley, I worked extensively with State803Department, USAID, and NGO's across the continent to meet804requirements. Africa is very much an economy of force theater805so we have to maximize the limited resources we have. So going806forward we will look at where we can find those opportunities,807whether it is with State Department and the aid that they can808provide, bringing and working with the non-governmental809organizations--we have worked closely with several in Africa--810also looking at opportunities with the Office of Strategic811Capital or private equity as private firms may be able to812invest and help in some of these areas, as well.813    I think one of the things that AFRICOM is positioned well814to do is to convene people to have these discussions,815understanding we provide the military aspect of it, we can816provide a venue to bring folks together to look at the security817implications of these investments.818    Senator Reed. Given the current situation, in which the819State Department is being hollowed out and that USAID is being820effectively abolished, have you lost a valuable strategic tool?821    General Anderson. Senator, I understand that is still under822review for the foreign assistance and that much of that is823being transferred to State, so if I am confirmed I would have824to assess what is available and how we can best use that for825our national interests.826    Senator Reed. Admiral Bradley, the same question. Are you827losing a very valuable tool?828    Admiral Bradley. Senator, I am very confident that however829the distribution of those tasks and those efforts are made, we830will continue to work with them closely to make sure we bring831the best combination of those levers and tools to bear.832    Senator Reed. Admiral Bradley, what are your modernization833priorities for SOCOM?834    Admiral Bradley. Senator, thank you. As we look to the835future, the conflicts that SOCOM might be called to participate836in, I have had the opportunity this last 3 years to participate837in General Fenton's leadership team as a member of the Board of838Directors. We focused, as you have seen and in his testimony,839on how to penetrate and power project in contested840environments. We see that through the lessons learned on the841battlefields of Ukraine, even into the Red Sea, and certainly842as we contemplate what a future fight against China might look843like. So contested environments and being able to arrive with844the element of surprise are a critical component.845    A second priority, though, is also the ability to operate846within the ubiquitous technical surveillance environment that847is evolving around us today. It provides certainly challenges848to our ability to again arrive with that element of surprise,849but also opportunities, and here, the partnership with850CYBERCOM, with SPACECOM, and with your Special Operators is851particularly important. So those strategic partnership and852relationships and modernization of that partnership I think is853critical.854    Senator Reed. Finally, General Anderson, if I may, you have855had valuable experience on the ground already as commander of856Special Operations in AFRICOM. With respect to Somalia, do you857think a continuous presence is essential?858    General Anderson. I am sorry, Senator. I missed--where?859    Senator Reed. In Somalia.860    General Anderson. In Somalia. Senator, as you know, we have861had presence there for quite some time. We have seen some862limited success there in training their forces. The Danab force863is a capable counterterrorism force. I do believe that that864area is volatile. Al-Shabaab has shown the desire and will to865attack the United States and the United States' interests. They866are increasing cooperation with the Houthis. So I think it is867in our interests to have some level of engagement in that868region. Whether that is with the Federal Government or the869member states, I think that is something I would have to870assess, if confirmed.871    Senator Reed. Thank you.872    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator. Senator Fischer.873    Senator Fischer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you,874gentlemen, to both of you and to both of your families, as875well, for your many years of service and sacrifice.876    Countering China has been, and will continue to be, an877important mission for both SOCOM and AFRICOM. The Indo-Pacific878region, one of the most strategically vital and geographically879expansive regions in the world, we have SOCOM, and SOCOM must880be able to rapidly engage where the need is paramount over an881immense expanse of land, sea, and air space.882    Admiral Bradley, as the United States military prepares for883a potential war with China, what do you envision Special884Operations Forces, what kind of role will they be playing in885the Indo-Pacific, and how will you be able to balance that with886other SOF responsibilities?887    Admiral Bradley. Senator, thank you. I believe that the888role that SOF has played over its history has been founded on a889critical value proposition that will be very relevant, even890more relevant against China, and that is our ability to build891strong relationships, to partner and to build capacity,892essentially to be a force multiplier across a strong alliance,893and to strengthen that alliance by doing such.894    In fact, the credibility we have generated over these last895two-plus decades in the counterterrorism fight give us great896ability to be able to help sustain and extrapolate that897credibility into the Indo-Pacific, where building partnerships898with our allies will be very critical. That will allow us899placement and access to then help develop enhanced900understanding of our adversaries' actions that might be against901us. Then if deterrence fails and we cascade to crisis or902conflict, it will give us the ability to leverage that903placement and access for the delivery of irregular kinetic and904non-kinetic effects.905    Senator Fischer. Thank you. General Anderson, we talked a906little bit yesterday about the growing influence of China on907the continent, and talked about that influence that they have908and the threats that they are posing. What do you think are the909greatest areas of threats that you are going to have to focus910on if you are confirmed?911    General Anderson. Yes, Senator, and I appreciate the912discussion that we had on this. I think China does pose a913significant threat to United States interests on the continent.914We have seen how they have used the Belt and Road Initiative to915be a primarily economic focus in the past. We are seeing them916expand into more information operations on the continent, for917providing the communist propaganda to the continent. We are918also seeing them engage in more military-to-military919engagements, which is concerning.920    We are also looking at some of the infrastructure they are921looking to development, and ports that could become dual use922are of concern, especially if they have something on the923Atlantic. Atlantic base of sea-based Chinese ships would924greatly complicate our security picture writ large.925    So working across Africa I think to identify where China is926not working in everyone's interests is important, and I think927also engaging in the information domain to highlight some of928these malign activities is important.929    Senator Fischer. We also spoke a little bit about losing930some of our Nation partners who have been a great help to us on931the continent. We talked about looking at National Guard and932the partnerships that they have in various countries, and not933just in Africa but also around the world.934    Just briefly, could you kind of hit on the importance of935developing those or using those partnerships as tools to help936develop good relationships?937    General Anderson. Absolutely, Senator. I think the State938Partnership Program is one of the best programs we have within939our Department. It establishes long-term relationships, it940allows engagement, and builds capability and readiness for our941forces as well as theirs.942    I think what you brought up is an interesting point,943especially Nebraska, who has partners on the continent, but944also with the Czech Republic, as there are opportunities that945the State Partnership Program can bring these partners together946and help burden share some of the effort, so that we can use947the expertise--the Czech's bring great expertise and948capabilities--to help train our African partners. Combined with949the State Partnership Program, I think there are some950opportunities there, without a doubt.951    Senator Fischer. Admiral Bradley, short question, Mr.952Chairman, please. What is your view on the importance of the953space domain with regards to Special Operations Forces, and how954would you leverage that new command? If you would take that for955a question for the record, the Chairman is anxious to gavel me956out.957    Admiral Bradley. Senator, I will.958    Senator Fischer. Thank you very much.959    Chairman Wicker. Very, very fine question, Senator Fischer,960which is going to require a lengthy response on the record.961Senator Kaine.962    Senator Kaine. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and congratulations to963both of you for your nominations. I just noticed, in looking at964your bios, you both have had, in your professional careers,965some significant experience in programs kind of with966international partners. So Admiral Bradley, your posting to the967Italian equivalent of their sort of SEALs, the Incursori, and968General Anderson, your reception of the Olmsted scholarship.969Talk about how in each instance this was important to your970professional development.971    Admiral Bradley. Senator, thank you. I think I was most972surprised and rewarded with being able to see the world through973the eyes of a different culture, and as close even as the974Italian culture is to America, in fact, many immigrants, a975large portion of the country here. But they could still see the976same event in a decidedly different way.977    I believe that experience both deepened my family's978closeness and appreciation for the rest of the world but also979helped to deepen my own empathy, to be able to understand the980way other people might see things.981    Senator Kaine. So you clearly conveyed a benefit to these982Italian allies by being posted there, but also received a983benefit in return that has helped you in the leader you are984today.985    General Anderson, tell us about the Olmsted program.986    General Anderson. Yes, Senator, it was, in hindsight, a987transformative program to be able to study abroad and to be988immersed in the culture. Like I said in the opening statement,989when I was there after 9/11 you could not walk through any town990square without seeing a memorial to the United States and to991the Americans that were lost.992    As a matter of fact, when I walked to school that morning,993on September 12th, there was a status of Tomas Garrigue994Masaryk, the first President of the Czech Republic. On that995square you could not walk through it because it was covered996with flowers and candles, and across the chest of the statue997was, in Czech, a banner that said, ``We stand with you for998democracy.'' It was a pretty powerful reminder of what those999relations mean and what the American way of life and our values1000stand for to many people.1001    Senator Kaine. This was a number of years ago, at a time1002when it probably would have been hard to imagine a land war in1003Europe. But the relationship the United States has had with the1004Czech Republic, including in the current conflict in Ukraine,1005has been a very important one.1006    We also have a lot of programs where we bring military1007leaders from other nations to the United States to participate1008in programs at the Naval War College and the Army War College1009and others. If you benefited from the experiences in the Czech1010Republic and in Italy, I believe, from my own observation,1011these programs are also pretty important to building1012relationships with foreign military leaders who come to the1013United States. Do you share that view?1014    Admiral Bradley. Senator, I do.1015    Senator Kaine. The reason I ask the question--I was1016interested in the commonality in your resumes in this way--is I1017am very, very worried about the budget that the Administration1018has submitted, and the recissions package we voted on is1019dramatically undercutting these exchange programs. I have not1020yet seen the effect in the DOD, but in the recission package1021that we passed last week, it was very nonspecific about1022details. But you can tell a little bit from how these1023recissions will be used from looking at the Administration's1024submitted budget.1025    The Administration's submitted budget for 2026 basically1026eliminates a lot of funding that goes into this. The Bureau of1027Education and Cultural Affairs in the State Department, which1028handles these programs for diplomates, the recommendation is1029that it be cut by 93 percent, and many of the RIFs that were1030done a couple of Fridays ago in the State Department, laying1031off people who do this work. This is the Fulbright Program, and1032this is other exchange programs. These programs that the U.S.1033has funded have educated more than 600 current or former heads1034of other nations. They have come to the United States and1035gained experience here. Eighty-eight Nobel Prize winners are1036alumni of these exchanges, and the Administration proposes to1037cut the budget by 93 percent. I am very worried about that.1038    Let me ask one other question. How important is it, in your1039work in AFRICOM or Special Forces, going forward, that the U.S.1040be a strong competitor in the information domain?1041    Admiral Bradley. Senator, I will start there. It is1042critical. In the competition, in the information domain, truth1043is the high ground. We in the United States have a history of1044leveraging the truth, telling the truth, and I think that is1045powerful.1046    Senator Kaine. General Anderson?1047    General Anderson. Senator, I think it is absolutely1048critical across the continent, and I agree with Admiral1049Bradley. The fact that we have a credible news source and that1050we tell the truth is a very powerful information operation.1051    Senator Kaine. The Administration's proposed budget for10522026 slashes the U.S. Agency for Global Media's budget by 821053percent. The Voice of America, the Middle East Broadcasting1054Network, VOA Persian, all of these are being dramatically1055reduced, and I think many of the RIFs that happened at the1056State Department are in that space.1057    Mr. Chair, I would conclude, I would like to just introduce1058in the record an article from the Washington Institute of Near1059East Policy, ``Here's How State Department Cuts Would Impede1060U.S. Policy,'' dated July 3, 2025.1061    Chairman Wicker. Is there objection? Without objection, so1062ordered.1063    [The information referred to follows:]10641065    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]10661067    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much, Senator Kaine.1068Senator Cotton.1069    Senator Cotton. Gentlemen, welcome. Congratulations. Thank1070you for your continued service. Thanks to your families for1071their service and sacrifice, as well.1072    Admiral Bradley, Special Forces were targeted for1073reductions in forces and funding in recent years by the past1074administration. Could you explain what it takes to turn a1075conventional soldier, sailor, airman, or marine, into a Special1076Operator? How many years does it take to build that kind of1077expertise and ability?1078    Admiral Bradley. Senator, thank you. First, I have to say1079we have the benefit of being able to draw from the best and the1080brightest across the great population of the United States. Our1081services do the principal recruiting, and we have the1082opportunity to be able to draw from within those recruits.1083    But Special Operations provides a very valuable recruiting1084tool for those services, as well. Once a candidate assesses1085into a service and has the initiative to want to volunteer to1086come to one of our selection assessments programs, a rigorous1087process, both of their resume, of their psychological1088resilience, of their physical capabilities begins, followed by1089some amount of training and really grit determination. On the1090back side of that, that may take anywhere up to a year,1091depending upon the program. Then additional advanced training1092will continue. Then finally, the operator or the member will be1093assigned to an operational unit where, frankly, another amount1094of apprentice to master a progression begins.1095    So for a fully up and around operator to reach leadership1096status it is not uncommon for that to take 6 or 7 years.1097    Senator Cotton. So if Special Operations Forces were to1098face cuts, you do not just lose capability. You lose a lot of1099time, as well. That is correct?1100    Admiral Bradley. It does take time to build that operator.1101Yes, Senator.1102    Senator Cotton. Versus, say, just for the sake of1103comparison, the Army can send someone from the first day of1104basic training through infantry training to an infantry platoon1105in maybe 6 months. Obviously, they are brand new privates just1106out of training, about 6 months versus many years. I think we1107should be mindful of that contrast.1108    What is your assessment on how drones are changing the1109modern battlefield? Every day there are new reports of new1110developments in drone warfare in Ukraine. We saw a couple of1111months ago Ukraine launched audacious attacks from inside of1112Russia with pre-positioned drones. It appears that Israel may1113have done something similar inside of Iran. I know you have1114probably given this a lot of thought in your current job and1115looking ahead to your future job.1116    Admiral Bradley. Senator, I do not think it is unfair to1117call this a revolution in military affairs. The changing,1118accelerating pace of technology, the ubiquitous information1119environment, and the advent of man-machine teamed autonomy on1120the battlefields of the world today are absolutely changing the1121character of warfare in our very eyes.1122    Within Special Operations, and I believe the initiatives,1123frankly, that you have initiated here with the FORGED Act, the1124SPEED Act across the way, and the President and the Secretary's1125initiatives to drive innovation within the Department are1126critical to allowing us to use the innovative spirit of our1127operators, to be able to capture those problems and1128opportunities we see on the battlefield and turn them into new1129man-machine teamed approaches.1130    Senator Cotton. Thank you. General Anderson, given your1131current role and also the threat of drone attacks from1132terrorist groups and your future role, what are your thoughts1133on this question?1134    General Anderson. Yes, Senator, I appreciate that. It is1135transforming the battlefield. We are at a critical inflection1136point in history, much like the Industrial Age matured in the1137early 20th century, the Digital Age maturing now. As Admiral1138Bradley mentioned, it is not just the drones we see today. It1139is what does it mean when we have autonomy and AI behind those1140drones, and we have swarm attacks. That is not necessarily1141science fiction. That is in the future.1142    So we have to take this very seriously, not just taking on1143the drone operations but also what do we do to counter them and1144defend against them. This is a grave concern for me as I look1145at the African continent, as there are vulnerabilities out1146there for our forces. But it is also a vulnerability for our1147partners, as well.1148    Senator Cotton. I guess I should say this, not just1149potential terrorist groups. It is also potential insurgencies,1150uprisings, clashes of the kind that we see with more frequency1151in Africa, as well.1152    Okay, thank you, gentlemen.1153    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Cotton. Senator King.1154    Senator King. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First, I want to1155welcome both of you, congratulate you on your nominations, and1156acknowledge Liz in the audience, a resident of Maine, as you1157noted, General Anderson, proud graduate of the University of1158Maine. I hope, Liz, you will convey to your family in Maine1159that you saw me working. I appreciate you being here today.1160    Mr. Chairman, I have a statement from our brother, Jim1161Inhofe, on the AFRICOM legislation from 2008, when it was first1162adopted, and I would like unanimous consent to enter it into1163the record of this hearing.1164    Chairman Wicker. Without objection, it is so ordered.1165    [The information referred to follows:]11661167[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]11681169    Senator King. As all of us know, Senator Inhofe was a great1170champion of our interests in Africa, probably the greatest in1171the Senate. I noted in his statement, again from 2008, ``My1172resolution recognizes the strategic importance of the African1173continent and encourages the Department of Defense, the State1174Department, and USAID to work cooperatively together with our1175African allies to bring hope to the continent.''1176    We sort of have been talking around this today. We just1177made one of the greatest geopolitical mistakes in my lifetime1178in the last several weeks by essentially abolishing USAID. I do1179not expect either of you to answer questions directly about1180that because it could jeopardize your appointment. But there is1181just no question.1182    The term ``soft power'' is kind of unfortunate, because the1183emphasis is on soft, but it is power, and as both of you have1184testified, communications is important, relationships with the1185countries' stabilization, anti-terrorism, developing good1186relationships, the PEPFAR program, the malaria program,1187education programs, democracy promotion programs are essential1188to our ability to compete with the Chinese and the Russians in1189the African continent.1190    In talking to some friends who have been deployed there,1191their view was that we just made an enormous gift, particularly1192to the Chinese. As the Chairman suggested in his opening1193statement and questions, there is no question in my mind that1194our recent actions in essentially dismantling and abolishing1195AID has met with celebration and approbation in Russia and1196China.1197    General Anderson, one of the things that concerns me, and1198it relates somewhat to the AID question but more generally, is1199the rise of terrorism. You mentioned September 11th. That was120019 people, and my concern is with our so-called pivot to the1201Indo-Pacific we are taking our eye off the terrorism ball.1202Could you share with us the thoughts about the status of al1203Qaeda and ISIS in Africa and what we should be watching out for1204and being concerned of?1205    General Anderson. Yes, Senator. I appreciate that concern,1206and if confirmed, I will definitely make this a priority to1207assess, as it has been 4 years since I was at SOCAFRICA.1208    With that said, though, we have seen the terrorist groups1209move much of their operations into the ungoverned spaces of1210Africa, both ISIS and al Qaeda. We are seeing ISIS active in1211Somalia, as well as in West Africa, ISIS West Africa. AQIM and1212their affiliate, JNIM, are also very active in the Sahel, both1213with intent to attack U.S. interests. Whether or not they have1214that capability is not clear.1215    So to your point, one of the greatest concerns we have is1216having enough resources and enough relationships to be able to1217understand how these threats are progressing. So we have the1218adequate amount of indicators and warnings and we know what the1219threat to the United States could be, so we could take action.1220    The access is also critical with our partners to understand1221what is happening with these threats, and I would also say what1222is happening with some of the other powers there and how they1223may be working with them or maybe not acting in our interests,1224so that we can understand what the threat landscape is on the1225continent.1226    Senator King. Well, I think one of the new duties of your1227job, as you take this on, since State Department and USAID is1228essentially retreating, you are going to have diplomatic duty,1229whether you signed up for that or not. But you are going to1230have to build relationships, not necessarily strictly military,1231but with the local governments and the local leadership. Do you1232see that as a priority?1233    General Anderson. Senator, where we prioritize those areas1234we have the best return on our investment. I think it is1235important to build those relationships. I think it is important1236to look at creative ways, as we go forward. One of the greatest1237powers the United States brings is our economy. That is largely1238done through private investment. So finding opportunities in1239the continent as it continues to expand and grow in population1240I think is an opportunity. Then working with NGO's to identify1241some of these. I have worked with several in the past that have1242been very productive, and engaging some of those areas that you1243are talking about, that we help them understand the environment1244and then they are able to execute the actual engagements.1245    Senator King. Thank you very much. Mr. Chairman, I will1246have a question for the record for Admiral Bradley about brain1247health and the protecting of our troops from traumatic brain1248injury. I will followup on the record. Thank you very much,1249gentlemen.1250    Chairman Wicker. Thank you for your interest in that,1251Senator King. Senator Rounds.1252    Senator Rounds. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Gentlemen, first1253of all, thank you for your service to our country. To your1254families also, I just want to say thank you, because you1255sacrificed a lot, as well, and we most certainly recognize1256that, and we appreciate what you do to help both of these1257gentlemen be successful in their careers.1258    Gentlemen, I have heard from, at least now from 29 senior1259Department officials, including every service chief and eight1260combatant commanders, that vacating the 3.1 to 3.45 GHz and 7.71261to 8 GHz bands of the spectrum would have negative consequences1262for our warfighting capabilities. Being forced to share these1263bands with commercial interests in a non-optimal way would have1264the same impact.1265    Admiral Bradley, does the Special Operations Force have1266capabilities operating on the 3.1 to 3.45 band and the 7 and 81267bands of spectrum, which would be used in a conflict with1268China?1269    Admiral Bradley. Senator, thank you. I have to say that I1270am not intimately aware of all of the systems across SOCOM. I1271can speak to my personal experience in these last 3 years. I do1272agree that both directly, some of our systems operated in those1273bands that we rely upon for critical tactical capability, but1274also indirectly the service systems that operate on those bands1275are very important for us as we integrate with the Joint Force.1276    Senator Rounds. Thank you. would those capabilities be1277negatively impacted if DOD were forced to share those bands?1278    Admiral Bradley. Senator, I believe they would.1279    Senator Rounds. Thank you. General Anderson, same question.1280Does AFRICOM make use of capabilities which reside on our make1281use of those bands of the spectrum?1282    General Anderson. Senator, Africa being a remote location,1283we depend upon satellite communications that use some of those1284bands, as well as the air and missile defense systems that are1285on the continent.1286    Senator Rounds. Thank you, sir. Admiral Bradley, your1287predecessor testified earlier this year that SOCOM makes up 31288percent of DOD's forces and less than 2 percent of the budget,1289all while missions have increased by over 170 percent compared1290to the last decade. Is it fair to say that if we are going to1291continue to ask more of SOCOM, more resources will be needed to1292enable those increased missions?1293    Admiral Bradley. Senator, thank you. As I have watched1294General Fenton make the compelling case about that exact1295equation you described, I think that is a conclusion that comes1296out. An alternative is we just do less, we do fewer missions.1297We have to say no more times.1298    Senator Rounds. You are the tip of the spear. It seems to1299me that we should be doing everything possible to make sure1300that those young men and women have the best and capable1301technologies and weapon systems available to them.1302    General Anderson, how do you assess AFRICOM's role in1303countering Chinese and Russian influence in Africa,1304particularly in regions where entities such as the Wagner Group1305or the PRC-affiliated commercial ventures are exploiting1306governance or security gaps? What strategies do you believe are1307most effective in addressing these challenges?1308    General Anderson. Senator, I appreciate that question. I1309think that is a critical area, how do we counter what these1310powers are doing on the continent when they run counter to U.S.1311interests. One of the areas, when I was at SOCAFRICA, that was1312useful was engaging with the partners and explaining to them1313what those risks were when they were working with these1314partners, especially when Wagner was trying to expand into the1315Sahel. While they have gotten a foothold there, we were able to1316explain to them the risks that that would entail, the corrosive1317nature of those engagements, the lack of human rights that1318those nations bring. That was helpful in buffering. It also1319helped in some of the other Coastal West Africa states, as1320well.1321    As far as China, I would say it is similar, engaging and1322countering some of the malign influence operations that are out1323there. We saw, across the Sahel, counter-Western, counter-1324French, counter-United States propaganda take hold, and that1325then turns the populations against our interests.1326    Senator Rounds. Would it be fair to say that there is a1327combination of hard power, military power, but there is also1328the desire to have not just that stick but the ability to offer1329other capabilities, as well? Can you give me some examples of1330what we would call soft power that might be available or be1331very helpful to you, based upon our current situations in1332Africa?1333    General Anderson. Yes, Senator. Across the breadth of what1334our Nation brings is important, whether that is called hard1335power or soft power, its influence and how could we engage1336constructively with them. Can we encourage investment? Can we1337open sources to critical minerals? Can we partner with the1338nations that are in our interest that also benefit them, as1339well? Those are opportunities, as well, that are slightly1340outside the military lane, but I do believe we have the1341opportunity to convene some of the right folks to have these1342types of discussions. Then, again, engagement and building1343trust and partnership is critical, as we found in the past.1344    Senator Rounds. Thank you. Thank you, gentlemen.1345    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Rounds. Senator Ernst.1346    Senator Ernst. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you,1347gentlemen, both for being here today and your continued service1348to our great United States. Your families, as well. We1349appreciate their selfless service and sacrifice on your behalf,1350as well.1351    General Anderson, we will start with you, and we will1352continue to buildupon what Senator Rounds was discussing.1353History has shown that when America reduces her presence, our1354adversaries are quickly seeking to fill the void. So sustained1355U.S. leadership is essential to deterring those threats and1356preserving stability. This is something we talked about in my1357office, that I firmly believe that presence is power,1358especially when it comes to the forward posture of our American1359servicemembers.1360    General Anderson, can you speak to why continued American1361leadership around the globe is essential, and in your1362particular case in Africa, why it is essential that we maintain1363a presence and how it is in America's best interests.1364    General Anderson. Senator, I appreciate the question, and I1365agree that that engagement is absolutely vital. Having that1366access and that engagement and building of trust makes a1367difference in times of crisis or in times of need. When we call1368in the middle of the night, we want our partners to answer, and1369we want them to help.1370    At the same time, it needs to be in our mutual interests.1371One thing I have found, as you talked about, in SOCAFRICA is1372that we could often bring parties together that normally would1373not. We could bring some of the European partners together with1374the African partners and create a dialog. And sometimes just1375that American presence as a trusted partner opened that door to1376be more effective.1377    I would also say, as you mentioned, small investments and1378small teams go a long way on the continent in working with our1379African partners. As an example, I was the first general1380officer to go back to Cote D'Ivoire after 19 years. The very1381first person who met me was the chief of the army, and the1382first thing he told me was he thanked me for the training that1383the Special Forces team had given him as a captain, 19 years1384before. He said it was the best training he ever had, and he1385was very excited that we were able to restore relationship,1386because it was the best training he had received, and he was1387looking forward to that for his army.1388    It did not take a persistent presence. It took some1389episodic engagements and continued investment in that partner.1390What I have found in Africa is many of those partners that we1391work with are incredibly good partners. They are not looking1392for a handout. They are looking for helping hand, and if we can1393help them build that capacity they are willing to try to stand1394on their own.1395    Senator Ernst. That is amazing, and thank you for1396reaffirming what I have always believed, as well, is that1397relationships matter, and our friends will never forget that.1398Neither will our enemies. So we will continue on. We could talk1399more about China's presence. I think a number of our colleagues1400have covered down on that, so we will go ahead and turn to1401SOCOM.1402    Admiral Bradley, thank you so much for your continued1403leadership within the organization. We have already talked a1404little bit about the fact that SOCOM, you have earned the1405reputation that the command can do more with less. I have heard1406SOCOM commander after SOCOM commander come in front of the1407Committee and State it really does not matter, we will salute1408smartly and move out and execute our mission.1409    But we are reaching a point where, as you have very clearly1410stated today, that if you do not continue to see growth,1411especially just for inflation, within the department, that you1412will have to do less. You will have to dig in deeper and make1413the necessary cuts.1414    So we are in an era of heightened threats and expanding1415mission demands. I believe that do-more-with-less mindset can1416no longer be sustainable. Do you agree with that?1417    Admiral Bradley. Senator, I do, and, in fact, we have1418adopted the term ``less with less'' to ensure we apply the1419ruthless prioritization to achieve the highest priority of1420those missions.1421    Senator Ernst. Mm-hmm, and given the increasingly complex1422threat environment, we need to be able to strengthen SOCOM's1423capacity to deter our near-peer adversaries. So that does1424require us moving beyond a stagnant budget. So if confirmed,1425Admiral Bradley, then what is the vision for SOCOM and how do1426you do that ruthless prioritization?1427    Admiral Bradley. Senator, thank you. If confirmed, our1428priorities are the priorities of the Department--defend the1429Homeland, ensure that we deter China, and ensure that our force1430multiplication of an already strong alliance is strengthened1431even further.1432    Senator Ernst. Thank you, gentlemen, very much, and again1433to your families, thank you for your sacrifice, as well. Thank1434you.1435    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much, Senator Ernst.1436Senator Schmitt.1437    Senator Schmitt. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Actually,1438Admiral, I am glad that you ended that way, because that, those1439sort of prioritizations of America, which is defend the1440Homeland and really this pivot to the Indo-Pacific has been1441absent in a lot of the questions that have been asked. A lot of1442the questions that have been asked, I feel like I have been1443teleported into the Foreign Relations Committee.1444    I want to ask you, since it was brought up--I had no plan1445to talk about this--I am going to just read off a few things: a1446half a million dollars for electric buses in Rwanda, $3.31447million for civic engagement in Zimbabwe, $300,000 to hold a1448private parade in Lesotho, and almost $900,000 for electrical1449reforms and voter education in Kenya, $1.2 million for an1450Afrobarometer public opinion survey, $116,000 for media1451strengthening activity in Liberia, $800 for promoting vegan1452food in Zambia, African hide camping and tours to create1453adventure camps for backpackers, graphic design training in1454Nigeria.1455    Do you think these are in the best interest of the United1456States of America, given the scarcity that we have?1457    Admiral Bradley. Senator, I know there are a lot of1458priorities that have to be balance through the budget process.1459    Senator Schmitt. I know that, and I appreciate your story.1460You were very willing to opine about other things that were1461sort of policy matters, in my view. These are policy matters,1462and I think that when we do this stuff, it totally undermines1463the desire to have real soft power. Like I am not disputing the1464idea that soft power exists. My contention is that all of this1465nonsense that continues to be defended, in many ways, inhibits1466the ability to do exactly what you are articulating, which is1467there are smart things to do that are not just about blowing1468things up and killing people. But that has been crowded out1469with a mission creep in this wandering foreign policy that just1470believes that we can just do all of this do-gooding stuff1471around the world.1472    Getting back to what you said at the end of your last1473statement, which is, ``Defend the Homeland and understand that1474our chief threat is in China,'' that is what I wanted to ask1475you questions about, and I am going to. But I cannot let this1476go without it being responded to.1477    Like we are moving away from this stuff, whether people1478like it or not. Like the American people do not support it. We1479have an Administration that wants to move away from this stuff,1480and I applaud it. I might be in the minority on this Committee.1481I do not really know. I do not really care, because I think1482that is in the best interest of the United States, and we can1483have a robust debate about it.1484    But I do want to ask you, because we are in this great1485powers competition, how does SOCOM assess the right balance1486between sort of the counterterrorism mission that has existed1487for a long time, and is not necessarily going away, versus this1488kind of direct action, and especially as it relates to1489irregular deterrence and China's gray zone activity that is1490happening in the South China Sea and places where our allies1491are really--a real threat. We are not talking about electric1492buses in Rwanda. We are talking about, you know, communist1493China here.1494    Admiral Bradley. Senator, thank you. Having had the1495opportunity to be a part of our counterterrorism operations1496since 9/11, I have seen us achieve some great successes to1497diminish the threat against the Homeland. The credibility that1498has come from that gives us a very powerful entree with the1499alliance members in the Indo-Pacific. All of our national1500defense strategies since 2018, the INDSG all illuminate the1501importance of that alliance. I believe that force1502multiplication effort is a critical capability.1503    As you know, General Fenton is the coordinating authority1504for counter-VEO, as well, within the Department of Defense, and1505so still maintains a principal responsibility to be able to1506oversee and advise the Secretary on the approach for1507counterterrorism.1508    The most acute of those threats, those VEOs with external1509operations, aspiration, and capability, are the top priority1510threats that we, as a whole, integrated interagency, orient our1511priorities against. I believe, in many cases, and one instance1512in particular, the case in the Philippines is a great example--1513--1514    Senator Schmitt. I was going to ask you about that, yes.1515    Admiral Bradley.--where our work with the Filipinos over1516the last two decades has allowed them to be able to keep that1517terrorist threat at bay, and frankly, allowed us to weather a1518very difficult diplomatic season with a particular leader1519there, and now come out an even stronger ally.1520    Senator Schmitt. I agree. I think that is a great example,1521which completes sort of like the last question I have, in1522limited time. Do you feel like our other really important1523allies in that region, say Australia and Japan, are prepared or1524sufficiently ready to work alongside us the way that the1525Philippines has?1526    Admiral Bradley. Sir, I absolutely believe the Australians1527are, and I believe our other allies are working to come to that1528place, as well.1529    Senator Schmitt. Okay. Thank you. Good luck.1530Congratulations.1531    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much, Senator Schmitt.1532Senator Warren.1533    Senator Warren. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and1534congratulations to both of you on your nominations.1535    So the American military is built to defeat our enemies,1536not to create more of them, and that is why Republican and1537Democratic administrations have worked to reduce risks to1538innocent civilians as part of military options. In fact, the1539last Trump administration issued DOD first instruction to1540establish policies to mitigate civilian harm after concerns1541grew about civilian casualties in the campaign against ISIS.1542    Now, one of the tools that commanders now have in the1543toolkit is working with Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response1544advisors, from refining war games to real attack planning in1545the Middle East and Africa operations, and more.1546    Vice Admiral Bradley, your predecessor at Special1547Operations Command recently said that these experts, quote,1548``assisted commanders and their staffs in mitigating civilian1549harm without compromising lethality.'' What's more, their1550knowledge, quote, ``enhanced precision, preserving legitimacy,1551and enabling mission success.''1552    So Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed, will you1553commit to keeping civilian harm prevention experts at SOCOM to1554advise you and your team?1555    Admiral Bradley. Senator, first, just to resonate, it is1556not only an obligation to adhere to the law of armed conflict1557to protect civilians, it is critical to our success and1558competition to represent our values. I believe that every1559uniformed, every civilian, and every contractor that is1560employed or in oversight of the use of lethal force has a1561critical obligation to be able to do that, and I do commit to1562keeping that as a focus for our command, if confirmed.1563    Senator Warren. Thank you. That is a strong answer, and I1564appreciate it.1565    Other tools in the toolkit here are the Civilian Harm1566Mitigation and Response Action Plan and DOD's Policy1567Instruction on Civilian Harm, which outlines DOD's plans and1568policies to reduce civilian harm risks. AFRICOM has made1569progress in implementing these policies, including through1570training allies and partners on how to reduce risks to innocent1571civilians. We are serving as a model that our other partners1572are now beginning to adopt. In May, the Nigerian Air Force1573announced its own Civilian Harm Prevention Plan. These are1574efforts that save innocent lives.1575    Lieutenant General Anderson, if you are confirmed, will you1576carry forward these efforts to integrate civilian harm1577mitigation planning into AFRICOM operations and train allies in1578the region to help them do the same?1579    General Anderson. Senator, to echo Vice Admiral Bradley's1580importance of this, this is a critically important show of our1581values. It is also important that we maintain the laws of armed1582conflict, and when we engage with our partners that we help1583them education and that we model this. This has been something1584that, when I was at Special Operations Command Africa, we did.1585We worked with partners, and when we saw things or heard of1586things that were credible, we encouraged them to investigate1587and to look into this, and then we gave them assistance, as1588needed, in order for them to conduct their own investigations.1589So I will continue, if confirmed, to take that on at AFRICOM.1590    Senator Warren. I appreciate that. I want to hit one other1591point here, because we also need to reduce harm to our own1592Special Operators. I have worked with Senator Ernst and others1593on this Committee for years to address high levels of brain1594injury caused by blast overpressure. Exposed servicemembers1595have reported debilitating systems, from seizures to depression1596to suicidality. Now preliminary research is showing high rates1597of heart disease, chronic pain, hypertension, even links to1598brain cancer and neurogenerative diseases. Clearly, we have a1599lot more we need to learn.1600    So let me ask, Vice Admiral Bradley, if confirmed, you will1601oversee tens of thousands of Special Operations personnel. Do1602you support DOD partnering with outside experts to study the1603long-term effects of blast overpressure?1604    Admiral Bradley. Senator, I do. I have seen great benefit1605from our partnership with academic and other organizations that1606are studying this problem critically. Our number one SOF truth1607is that people are more important than hardware, and the1608critical part of those people is the intellectual capacity. Of1609course, that is jeopardized by these brain health issues. We1610see them as a critical contract with our operators and our1611operators' families to ensure that we keep them sustainable.1612    Senator Warren. Oh, I appreciate that very, very much. If1613you are confirmed, I will be calling on you to help us with1614that. There is language in both the House and the Senate NDAA1615that would help us get this study, and there are lots of1616organizations like Home Base Massachusetts who have the1617expertise to help us get these answers. We owe this to our1618servicemembers.1619    Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1620    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Warren. Senator1621Tuberville.1622    Senator Tuberville. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good morning.1623Thanks to both of you. Thank you for what you have done for our1624country over your careers, you and your families. What a1625sacrifice it has been. But you have done an outstanding job.1626    Admiral, I think for far too long we have had our eyes on1627other things and not on our hemisphere, whether it is illegal1628migrants, drugs, or both. So what is Special Operations1629community doing to assist the militaries and governments in our1630hemisphere, like Panama, to combat narcoterrorists?1631    Admiral Bradley. Senator, in my current capacity I am not1632privy to all of the activities that SOCOM is engaged in in the1633Southern Hemisphere. But in listening and watching General1634Fenton and his leadership over these last 3 years, I know that1635the partnerships that our teams have been engaging in and1636developing remain critical to being able to help them build1637capacity, to be able to defend themselves, but also to provide1638security locally, which, of course, helps to prevent and secure1639our southern border, as well.1640    Senator Tuberville. Yes. I am sure you are up on the point1641of the Darien Gap and the problems it has caused over the1642years, and relationship with our Special Ops down in that area,1643training people. That will probably be in your forte going1644forward. What are your thoughts about cooperation activities1645with Latin America, as going into this job?1646    Admiral Bradley. Yes, sir. I think, as the counterterrorism1647fight informs us, it is far better to find the root of the1648problem well away from our borders than it is to have to defend1649them internal to the United States. So if confirmed, making it1650a priority to provide assistance to all of our combatant1651commanders as far forward as possible and with those partnered1652forces to help them to be able to secure their own territory.1653    Senator Tuberville. Yes, and we have problems all over the1654world, but if we do not watch our back door then we are going1655to have really problems within our country, which we already1656have.1657    General, I think we need to be reinforcing our military1658presence in AFRICOM. Unfortunately, under the previous1659administration we seemed like we were doing just the opposite.1660In Niger--you and I talked about this in a meeting in my1661office--the vacuum that was caused there. China, Russia, Iran1662were all too happy to fill the things that we were doing there.1663    What is your assessment of our withdrawal from Air Base 2011664and have we learned from these lessons, and your thoughts about1665maybe the future there.1666    General Anderson. Senator, I appreciate that question, and1667there was significant investment that went into that air base.1668It was in a key area for us to be able to monitor the threat,1669so the loss of that is one that we will have to find creative1670ways to continue to get the indicators and warnings of what the1671terrorists are doing in this area.1672    I think we also have to understand that there is some1673volatility across the continent, so how do we make smart1674investments with the partners that we can continue to sustain.1675I will say that the relationships that we built in Niger with1676the military over several decades are still there. When the1677time is right, I believe there will be an opportunity, but that1678time will have to be determined, and if confirmed, I will look1679at what that is.1680    Senator Tuberville. Yes. After your confirmation, I guess1681by telling the Committee, and people even watching at home, why1682do we need to have presence in Africa? What are your thoughts?1683    General Anderson. Africa is key to any strategy. It is just1684on strategic terrain, just the waterways that it forms between1685the Straits or Gibraltar all the way down through the Suez1686Canal and the Red Sea. It is critical minerals and resources1687that are on the continent that we need for the future economy.1688Both China and Russia see their strategies going through the1689continent, and they are going to engage there.1690    So we can cede that ground or we can compete in that1691ground, and I think we have a very powerful tool to compete1692with. As Admiral Bradley mentioned, nobody brings more1693credibility to the counterterrorism fight than the U.S. As a1694matter of fact, when we rescued that hostage in Niger, the next1695morning there was an influential blogger that posted, ``The1696Americans came like the lion in the night. They killed their1697enemies and rescued their own.'' No other nation on Earth could1698do that, and that is a powerful symbol across the continent and1699around the world of what our military and what the United1700States is capable of. I do think that some level of engagement1701in Africa does matter. I agree it is an economy of force, but a1702small investment goes a long way, so that we do not have1703strategic surprise that then distracts the United States from1704focusing on the rising threats in the Pacific and other areas.1705    Senator Tuberville. Thank you. Thanks, Mr. Chairman.1706    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Tuberville, and well1707said, General Anderson. Senator Sheehy.1708    Senator Sheehy. Thank you, Chairman. General, I want to1709thank you for what you just said there, because we have been1710hearing a lot today about how pulling back investment in1711certain programs in Africa is going to end the world and cede1712the entire dominance to China. The reality is what you just1713said is what the real power projection is. When we can display1714to the world that we are going to protect our interests and our1715people ruthlessly, no matter what, that is what the real power1716projection of the U.S. Military is about. The SOF stuff is1717absolutely important. Being able to project economic power and1718stability is important. But nothing will ever supersede what1719you just said, so thanks for saying that.1720    Thanks to both of you and your families for what you have1721done for this country and continue to do.1722    Admiral, over to you. We are facing a very challenging1723naval atmosphere against China. They are building ships faster1724than we can, 230 times faster than we do, as a matter of fact.1725So if we should face a maritime conflict, our most asymmetric1726advantage is going to be our undersea Special Operations1727capability, how we can project that power, manned and unmanned.1728    Would you take a moment here and just explain to me your1729commitment to that program and how we are going to make sure it1730remains dominant?1731    Admiral Bradley. Senator, thank you, and thanks for your1732service in that community, as well. I believe, from my time1733serving in our undersea community, that the partnership between1734Special Operations and the Navy in this regard is singular in1735the world in its sophistication. The ability to arrive with the1736element of surprise is unparalleled through this approach. It1737gives us advantage, asymmetric advantage, not just in1738warfighting but also in the ability, in competition and in1739crisis.1740    The Special Operations community has a unique and growing1741and deepening relationship with the United States Navy in this1742regard, and if confirmed, I would very much look forward to1743advancing that and continuing to maintain that asymmetry.1744    Senator Sheehy. Thank you, and for both of you a similar1745question. The last time we fought a war in INDOPACOM we had1746about 5,000 seaplanes that were a critical part of our1747logistical and tactical network across the region, from moving1748insurgents, to supplies, to logistics, to rescuing ships' crew1749and downed airmen in areas that, at the time, were out of1750range.1751    Right now we have precisely zero planes that can land, or1752any aircraft that can land on water in the entire U.S.1753Military. General, with your background in non-standard1754aviation, as I do too--I used to fly seaplanes and PC-12s like1755you--this is a capability that as we are entering a new era of1756great power competition I believe we need to reinvest in it,1757and SOCOM would be the tip of that spear.1758    I recently worked with INDOPACOM to try to reinvigorate the1759ability for them to access this capability. Would either of you1760care to comment on what you think amphibious aviation could1761mean for our ability to project power all over the world?1762    General Anderson. Senator, I appreciate the question. I do1763think there are several types of new technologies, emerging1764technologies, that we need to invest in that allow different1765types of logistics and different types of support. Seaplanes1766could be part of that. I think unmanned systems,1767semisubmersibles, but a plethora of capabilities that allow us1768to operate in a contested environment, with a combination of1769manned and unmanned systems is critical. In the Indo-Pacific,1770there is a lot of water across that area, so having the ability1771to operate in those areas, and to be able to resupply small1772islands I think will be very important to a potential Pacific1773fight.1774    Senator Sheehy. Yes. I would say on an AO that in some1775cases is over 90 percent water, having the entire AO be a1776runway seems like a pretty good idea.1777    I was recently in Kenya, Djibouti, Egypt. I went over there1778for a reason. We also served many years in the Middle East. But1779Africa is now going to have 2.5 billion people, become the most1780populous continent in the world here, potentially, in the next1781decade. It is very possible that the 21st century could be an1782African century, and as that 2.5 billion people plug into the1783global economy, as they become global citizens, active on the1784internet, as they become banked, as they become crypto1785citizens, we are going to have to reckon with the great power1786competition that is happening there.1787    As I look at some of our engagement across the Horn of1788Africa, and through all of Africa really, what do you see that1789your biggest challenge is going to be? What do your first 90,1790120 days look like, as you try to grapple with the fact that we1791have a massive geopolitical battlefield emerging?1792    General Anderson. Senator, I appreciate those comments, and1793I agree that Africa is growing rapidly. There is a large youth1794population. That youth can either be challenged to contribute1795to the global economy or they could become terrorists or other1796nefarious actions.1797    What I would say to that is that the first thing I would1798look at is do we have the right access and placement in order1799to have the indicators and warnings to prevent that strategic1800surprise. To your point earlier, I think it is a combination of1801hard power and soft power, as you put it. But having the1802relationships and the trust to have the access, when needed, in1803order to project power, to be able to counter terrorism, to be1804able to respond to a crisis somewhere on the continent, and1805then also to understand what other powers are doing.1806    So my first few days, if confirmed, would be focused on1807assessing that, and do we have the right posture and footprint,1808and what can we do to maximize the indicators and warnings.1809    Senator Sheehy. Thank you. I am out of time, but I would1810also encourage you to take a look at Camp Simba and upgrades1811required there. It is a key point of power projection for us in1812that region. Thank you.1813    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Sheehy. Let me ask both1814of you, with regard to the first set of questions Senator1815Sheehy brought up about seaplanes, that sort of capacity. Is1816there anything on the horizon in that regard?1817    General Anderson. Senator, there are a few out there that1818are being developed. I know DARPA is working on a project.1819There are some other companies that are looking at seaplanes1820and unmanned seaplanes, as well.1821    Admiral Bradley. Senator, across Special Operations there1822have been experiments with that kind of capability.1823    Chairman Wicker. Thank you. Thank you very much. Senator1824Kelly.1825    Senator Kelly. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Admiral Bradley,1826General Anderson, thank you for being here and for continuing1827to volunteer to serve our Nation.1828    SOCOM and AFRICOM both leverage economies of force1829principles, so applying limited resources for having an1830outsized impact. This requires some careful planning and using1831the right assets against the right problem.1832    Within this economy of force principle, how important are1833interagency partnership, like the Department of State, for1834SOCOM and AFRICOM's campaign plan?1835    Admiral Bradley. Senator, I will start. Across the Special1836Operations community our partnership with the integrated1837interagency, also our law enforcement, Federal and, frankly,1838even our local law enforcement partnerships have been critical1839to us over these last 25 years. I see that as nothing but1840growing in the future. If confirmed as the SOCOM Commander, the1841relationships that we have inside our integrated interagency,1842cultivating those and sustaining them I think would have to be1843a top priority. I can tell you that today the State of those1844relationships, from my current experience, is, frankly, a high-1845water mark certainly of my 34 years, and I suspect even longer1846than that.1847    Senator Kelly. General, do you share that view?1848    General Anderson. Senator, I agree that we have very1849limited resources, and so we have to partner across all1850government agencies to maximize those resources and to find1851where we can complement each other. We provide the military1852piece of that, but to Admiral Bradley's point, my entire career1853with Special Operations has been working with multiple1854different agencies in order to maximize that, whether that is1855the FBI and using legal authorities in different parts of the1856world, working with our intelligence community, or with State1857Department and others to make sure we leverage the full1858authorities and capabilities of our Nation.1859    Senator Kelly. One of my big concerns here is the impact1860that the cuts to USAID within the State Department is going to1861have on our ability to build some trust with partner nations.1862That is a concern of mine. I am not going to put you on the1863spot here on that topic, but I think it is something that I1864hope the two of you think about.1865    Admiral Bradley, China and Russia currently waging some1866irregular warfare campaigns against us and our allies in a lot1867of different places. PRC is using violence to impose their will1868in the Philippines in the Second Thomas Shoal, and Russia has a1869long history of using irregular warfare, most recently in1870Ukraine. Leveraging your most recent experience as the1871Commander of JSOC, how does the United States effectively wage1872irregular warfare to compete and win with Russia and China in1873the gray zones?1874    Admiral Bradley. Senator, thank you. In my last 3 years I1875have had the opportunity to be a member of the SOCOM Board of1876Directors and really watch our theater of Special Operations1877commands who are responsible for operations from the joint SOF1878community inside those areas. I can tell you that our principal1879advantage that the SOF value proposition brings is1880understanding, and enhanced understanding, of those insidious1881actions, which are really preying on our alliance structure.1882Being able to illuminate that predatory activity gives our1883diplomats and our whole-of-government and our allies power to1884be able to stand against it and be resilient to it. That, in1885turn, strengthens our alliance and deepens our credibility when1886we want to partnership and build capacity there.1887    Senator Kelly. Great. Well, thank you, and finally, in my1888last minute here, General Anderson, I traveled, and it has been1889about a year and a half now, in the Sahel, and part of Africa1890where Wagner is pretty active, especially on social media, to1891exploit coups in Western Africa, commit human rights abuses.1892When the Russians gain a foothold in these countries they use a1893significant amount of disinformation to intimidate the local1894population, stifling opposing views, while they claim to1895provide security.1896    So General, how does Russia's social media activity impact1897security and stability in AFRICOM?1898    General Anderson. Senator, I think that is one of Russia's1899greatest weapons that they are employing across the continent.1900One of the things they use quite often is disinformation. They1901play on historic grievances, historic colonial issues, fears of1902sovereignty, and they play that up into an anti-democratic,1903anti-Western that then has impacts to U.S. support.1904    I believe that the Russian influence in the information1905operations was critical in turning populations against the1906French in the Sahel. I think it is very much not in our1907interest with what the Russians are doing in the information1908domain.1909    Senator Kelly. Not only in Africa but, if I could just take1910a couple more seconds, do you feel like we are losing this1911information warfare with the Russians, Chinese, Iranians?1912    General Anderson. Senator, I refer to what we discussed1913earlier. The truth is incredibly powerful. We have that still.1914We are still a very credible source of information. We need to1915leverage that. I think we need to be more aggressive about that1916in this domain. But I would not say we are necessarily losing1917it. But if we do not engage, we risk losing it.1918    Senator Kelly. Thank you.1919    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much. Senator Scott.1920    Senator Scott. Thank you, Chairman. Admiral Bradley,1921General Anderson, congratulations. First off, thanks for your1922service. Thanks to your family for being here. Thank you for1923their sacrifice while you have served. You both are going to do1924an outstanding job.1925    number one, do you believe that the government of China has1926decided to be our adversary?1927    General Anderson. Senator, I do.1928    Admiral Bradley. Senator, I concur.1929    Senator Scott. So this Committee has put a lot of effort1930into getting rid of Chinese drones, in the military and in our1931country, and we have made a lot of progress. As you know, we1932are seeing drone warfare increase around the world. We have1933watched what happened in Ukraine. We have watched what has1934happened in the Red Sea. We have watched what the Houthis have1935been doing to shoot down ships.1936    So do you believe drone technology is going to be important1937in warfare, going forward?1938    Admiral Bradley. Senator, I do.1939    General Anderson. Absolutely, Senator.1940    Senator Scott. So do you think it is really important to1941make sure that we do not have, you know, Chinese products in1942our military, such as drones?1943    Admiral Bradley. Senator, I know that there are nefarious1944aspects to Chinese products that come out. We must be careful1945not to include any of those.1946    General Anderson. Senator, I would agree that we need to1947make sure that we do not open back doors or other1948vulnerabilities. We need to understand what products we are1949using.1950    Senator Scott. So whether it is Chinese drones, computers,1951printers, drugs, products like garlic that is grown in raw1952sewage, do you think it is important that we make sure none of1953that--none of that--is used by our military, or never dependent1954on any of it?1955    Admiral Bradley. Senator, I do resonate with those1956thoughts, and though I cannot speak to all the details,1957certainly we must be cautious of anything that comes from China1958that would be part of our kill chain or part of a military1959chain of production.1960    General Anderson. Yes, Senator. I think that is something1961that we need to assess is where are those critical1962vulnerabilities, where do we need to ensure we have alternate1963supply chains as we look at the future.1964    Senator Scott. How about drugs? Do you think we ought to be1965buying Chinese drugs for our service men, service women?1966    Admiral Bradley. Senator, I have to say I cannot speak to1967the details of our drug production chain. Sorry.1968    General Anderson. Senator, I am not familiar with the1969details of that either.1970    Senator Scott. Off the top of your head, so you think we1971ought to have Chinese drug in our bodies, should anybody be1972relying on them when we go to war? Do you think they might hold1973them back?1974    General Anderson. Senator, that could be a risk, any time1975we become dependent on a sole source. I have full faith in the1976American system, and I would prefer American-made medicines.1977    Senator Scott. I was encouraged to see Secretary Hegseth1978announce last week that he was removing CCP cloud services out1979of the DOD, which was added, unfortunately, during the Obama1980era initiative.1981    So last question. Do you think it is really important that1982we continue to do everything we can to get all Chinese1983products, all Chinese apps, everything, drones, computers,1984printers, drugs, everything, as much as we can, out of our1985supply chain for our military?1986    Admiral Bradley. Senator, I do agree with that.1987    General Anderson. Yes, Senator, I agree we should eliminate1988as many vulnerabilities as we possibly can.1989    Senator Scott. Thank you.1990    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much, Senator Scott.1991Senator Rosen.1992    Senator Rosen. Well, thank you, Chairman Wicker, Ranking1993Member Reed for holding this hearing. I want to thank our1994nominees and your families, of course, for your service--it1995takes a whole family when you give a lifetime of service--and,1996of course, your willingness to continue to serve, and1997congratulations on your nominations.1998    I want to go right into the Houthis and their relations1999with al-Shabaab, because the Iranian-backed Houthis are2000diversifying their military capabilities and leveraging2001regional conflicts to expand their influence. U.S. intelligence2002reports indicate that the Houthis are working to provide2003weapons to al-Shabaab. This development is incredibly2004concerning, as al-Shabaab could utilize more sophisticated2005Houthi weapons to target United States equities in the Horn of2006Africa, such as our base in Djibouti.2007    So to both General and Admiral, please, to the extent that2008you are able in this open setting, can you share more about the2009growing partnership between the Houthis and al-Shabaab, the2010risk that it poses, not only to the United States equities but2011personnel in the region, global shipping in the Red Sea, the2012Gulf of Aden? How are we going to address this challenge?2013    Since you are closest, Admiral, I am going to start with2014you.2015    Admiral Bradley. Senator, thank you. The Houthi militia and2016Iranian-supported renegade element inside Yemen has been a2017destabilizing force in the southern Arabian Peninsula and2018across the Horn for some time, and continues to act2019belligerently. Any connection that they might make as an2020outreach to a violent extremist organization, like al-Shabaab,2021an al Qaeda affiliate, definitely bears close concern and,2022frankly, interdiction. The potential for them to partner is2023what we would see with grave concern.2024    If confirmed as the SOCOM Commander, I would have the2025responsibility as a coordinating authority for an advisor to2026the Secretary on counter-ciolent extremist organizations, and a2027combination of those two actors would be a serious measure.2028    Senator Rosen. Thank you. General?2029    General Anderson. Yes, Senator, I appreciate that question.2030As having been the Commander of Special Operations Command2031Africa, I am well aware that the al Qaeda affiliate, that al-2032Shabaab is, is fully intent, has full intent to attack United2033States interests in the United States Homeland, if they can2034build the capability. The concern is that cooperation now2035across the Red Sea with the Houthis, who are backed by the2036Iranians, and what that could mean, and give them the2037capability, not just have the will but now the capability, to2038attack the United States or United States interests in a more2039robust way.2040    Again, the Houthis and al-Shabaab operate in critical2041terrain for the United States and for global shipping, and so2042the means for them to disrupt that and have impact on our2043interests is significant.2044    Senator Rosen. So we need to do everything we can to stop2045that partnership.2046    I want to move on to talking about ISR strategy in the2047Sahel. We know that Senator Kelly was talking about the Sahel a2048little bit, but I want to go a little bit further, because2049since our withdrawal from the two air bases in Niger last year,2050at the behest of the host nation, our ability to conduct ISR2051within the Sahel, throughout the African continent, has been2052severely degraded. This also hurts other activities, as well.2053    So to both of you, can you speak to the challenges of our2054withdrawal from Niger, the loss of the ISR, what is poses to2055countering this violent extremism in the region, these2056partnerships between the Houthis, al-Shabaab, and other things,2057any other groups, and what are the latest updates to2058establishing ISR basing elsewhere in Africa?2059    General Anderson. Senator, I appreciate that question, and2060we did use the ISR coming out of Niger extensively. The loss of2061that does make it more difficult. There is never enough ISR to2062meet global demand, as I understand, and that Africa, as an2063economy of force theater, will have limited assets available. I2064think it is important that we balance the exquisite high-end2065ISR capabilities where most needed, and then look at investing2066in other capabilities, whether it be emerging technologies that2067can allow some surveillance, partnering with key partners in2068the area, having intel-sharing agreements so that we can gain2069understanding from them on the ground. I think those are all2070critical areas as we look at balancing the ISR demand across2071the continent. As to where they could be in the future, if2072confirmed, I would look into that. I am not privy to those2073plans right now.2074    Senator Rosen. Thank you. Admiral?2075    Admiral Bradley. Senator, just quickly, the evolving,2076ubiquitous information environment provides us an opportunity2077here, the space-SOF-cyber triad, an opportunity to be able to2078leverage what we call horizontal ISR, to be able to leverage2079more and more information available publicly, that people are2080freely giving through their use of social media.2081    Senator Rosen. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2082    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Rosen. Senator Budd.2083    Senator Budd. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you both2084for being here. I enjoyed our meetings last week in the office.2085Congrats on your nominations, and thank you for your service2086and your sacrifice and that of your families, as well.2087    Admiral Bradley, in our conversation last week, and I have2088said it publicly in this room many times, before this hearing,2089we need more and not fewer Special Operations Forces. A large2090reason is because of their ability to help train our foreign2091partners. You highlighted in your Advance Policy Questions that2092SOF are uniquely suited for building partner capacity in2093contested and sensitive areas.2094    So how is SOCOM building partner capacity, particularly in2095the Indo-Pacific, and what is the Joint Force getting in return2096for those efforts?2097    Admiral Bradley. Senator Budd, thank you. I very much2098appreciated the time to visit with you, and thank you for your2099great support for all of our bases, my current headquarters2100there in the great State of North Carolina.2101    Sir, I think the example that best illustrates the essence2102is the Philippines, where over a period of 20 years our--well,2103for over 100 years, our strong societal relationship with the2104Philippine society has been strong. But just within these last210520, our ability to help train, advise, assist the Philippines2106to counter the terrorism threat in their country has deepened2107that relationship and, in fact, helped us to withstand a very2108troubled period, diplomatically, during the Duterte regime.2109Now, on the back side, we have an even stronger alliance with2110the Philippines, which will be critical as we look at any2111action of deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.2112    I certainly would not want to speak for Admiral Paparo to2113talk about the overall region and where this fits relative to2114his other priorities, but I know from a SOF perspective our2115contribution to partnerships throughout the region are2116important, and we really bring that credibility from the2117counterterrorism fight to help leaven and deepen those.2118    Senator Budd. Thank you very much. General Anderson, I want2119to read you a quote from DOD's 2024 Annual Report to Congress2120on Military and Security Developments Involving the PRC. I will2121tee it up with this, and I will ask you a question about it. It2122says, ``Some of PRC's Belt and Road Initiative projects could2123create potential military advantages such as PLA access to2124select foreign ports, to preposition necessary logistics to2125sustain naval deployments in water such as distant as the2126Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean.''2127    So here is my concern. I am concerned about the PRC's2128access to ports and the potential military advantage that this2129could give them. So alongside Senator Kelly and Scott, I2130introduce the Strategic Ports Reporting Act. It is a bill to2131require monitoring of the PRC's access to foreign ports.2132    So if confirmed, do you commit to looking into the PRC's2133access to foreign ports in your area of responsibility?2134    General Anderson. Senator, if confirmed, I will look into2135that, definitely.2136    Senator Budd. Thank you, and would you be willing to share2137with us some of your concerns in that area, particularly with2138PRC access to foreign ports?2139    General Anderson. Senator, I think as we have seen across2140the Indian Ocean and into the African AOR and to the Atlantic2141and even the Mediterranean, China is investing in ports2142globally. I think that should be concerning to us. I think it2143should be concerning to us not only that they could potentially2144use those as dual-use military ports but what access could they2145deny U.S. Forces or U.S. commerce as necessary in time of2146conflict.2147    So I think this is an absolutely critical area that we need2148to understand, the vulnerabilities that may be posed by this.2149It does not mean that we do not believe in free commerce and2150economics, but at the same time we need to understand our2151national security interest and what this may entail.2152    Senator Budd. Thank you very much. A question about the2153North Carolina National Guard. In particular, we have State2154partners in the AFRICOM AOR. It is Malawi, Zambia, and2155Botswana. So General, how do you view the future of the State2156Partnership Program and its ability to strengthen regional2157stability in Africa?2158    General Anderson. Senator, I think the State Partnership2159Program is one of the greatest programs we have within the2160Department. It builds long-term relationships. The nice thing2161about the National Guard and the partner nation is those same2162people will see each other decade after decade, and that builds2163a really powerful relationship that I know we can buildupon. As2164a matter of fact, it was the California National Guard that we2165called upon to get the first information in Ukraine, because2166they had long-standing relationships with that State2167Partnership Program there. The same thing can happen in Africa,2168where a small investment can have a great return for us in the2169future.2170    Senator Budd. Thank you both. Chairman.2171    Chairman Wicker. Thank you. Further questions? We are told2172that Senator Shaheen is on her way.2173    Senator King. I can fill a little time, Mr. Chairman.2174    Chairman Wicker. There is a vote going on also. But yes,2175the gentleman is recognized.2176    Senator King. I was struck by the Admiral's comment that2177they had moved 27 times in their career. My first job was2178moving furniture for Allied Van Lines in this area. Most of our2179customers were military families, and I will never forget a2180military spouse saying, ``In terms of damage to the furniture,2181seven moves equals a fire.'' So congratulations on surviving2182multiple fires.2183    [Laughter.]2184    Admiral Bradley. Thank you, Senator.2185    Chairman Wicker. Senator King, I am a veteran myself, and I2186only served 4 years Active Duty. It seems to me that those2187people who have made 20 moves have been able to throw away a2188lot of things that my children and grandchildren may have to2189deal with, since I have not moved now in over 30 years.2190    We think, within 10 seconds, Senator Shaheen will2191materialize. There is a vote going on, and we are trying to do2192our best.2193    [Pause.]2194    Chairman Wicker. I do not believe we will be able to go on2195with our hearing, so I want to thank our witnesses for their2196testimony. There will be an opportunity for questions on the2197record. So I would remind members, or I would inform members,2198that questions for the record will be due to the Committee by 52199p.m. today.2200    With that we are adjourned.2201    [Whereupon, at 11:19 a.m., the Committee adjourned.]2202                              ----------22032204    [Prepared questions submitted to Vice Admiral Frank M.2205Bradley, USN by Chairman Wicker prior to the hearing with2206answers supplied follow:]2207                        Questions and Responses2208                       duties and qualifications2209    Question. What is your understanding of the duties and functions of2210the Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)?2211    Answer. As a Unified Combatant Command with service-like2212responsibilities, USSOCOM is a strategic headquarters with2213responsibilities to organize, train, and equip four service components2214(Army Special Operations Command, Naval Special Warfare Command, Air2215Force Special Operations Command, Marine Corps Forces Special2216Operations Command), the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and2217seven Theater Special Operations Commands (TSOCs). In that role, in2218accordance with Title 10 U.S.C. Section 167, the Commander of USSOCOM2219is responsible as a force provider to the other supported Combatant2220Commands to provide ready forces to meet operational requirements and2221contingency war plans. As directed by the President or Secretary of2222Defense, and in accordance with Title 10 U.S.C. Section 164, the2223Commander USSOCOM conducts operations globally.2224    Question. What background and experience do you possess that you2225believe qualify you to perform these duties?2226    Answer. It has been an honor to serve within the special operations2227community since 1992, when I completed Basic Underwater Demolition2228School and became a U.S. Navy SEAL. Since then, I have been privileged2229to both serve and command at the tactical, operational, and strategic2230levels, including multiple Naval special warfare units, joint task2231forces, Special Operations Command Central, and for the last 3 years as2232the commander of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). I have2233worked counternarcotics missions across South and Central America,2234served in our undersea forces, and deployed to Afghanistan soon after2235the September 11th attack. Later, I shaped counterterrorism strategy in2236the Joint Staff's Strategy, Plans and Policy directorate (J5), and2237worked as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph2238Dunford's executive officer (XO). I also served as a liaison officer to2239the Italian equivalent of the U.S. Navy SEALs. These experiences taught2240me the value our special operators bring in deterring adversaries,2241strengthening relationships with allies and partners, and disrupting2242terrorist threats to the homeland.2243    Question. Do you believe there are actions you need to take to2244enhance your expertise to perform the duties of Commander, USSOCOM?2245    Answer. Yes--absolutely. Under the leadership of General Fenton and2246Command Sergeant Major Shorter, USSOCOM is maximizing its comparative2247advantages, preserving crisis response capability, and modernizing2248toward modern warfare and the threat of China. If I am confirmed, I2249will seek to provide continuity and acceleration rather than course2250correction. To that end, I would humbly and actively seek the advice2251and counsel of the USSOCOM and Assistant Secretary of Defense for2252Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict (ASD(SO/LIC)) teams, the2253Undersecretary of Defense for Policy (USD(P)) and other DOD leaders,2254interagency partners, and our combat-experienced special operators.2255                             relationships2256    Question. Please describe your understanding of the relationship of2257the Commander of USSOCOM to the following offices:2258    The Secretary of Defense2259    Answer. The Secretary of Defense is the USSOCOM Commander's next2260superior in the operational chain of command. If confirmed, I will look2261to the Secretary for guidance and resources to train, equip, and employ2262Special Operations Forces (SOF) to advance enduring U.S. national2263interests. The USSOCOM Commander owes the Secretary his best military2264advice on all aspects of special operations matters linked to national2265security objectives.2266    Question. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS)2267    Answer. The Chairman is the senior military advisor to the2268President, Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council. He2269may also consult with Congress, as required. His role is essential to2270communicating SOF capabilities and requirements to the President and2271the Secretary of Defense. Coordinating USSOCOM activities with the2272Chairman enables the Chairman to fulfill his responsibilities to the2273President, the Secretary of Defense, and to senior policymakers.2274    Question. The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy2275    Answer. The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (USD(P)) is the2276Principal Staff Assistant and advisor to the Secretary of Defense and2277the Deputy Secretary of Defense for all matters on the formulation of2278national security and defense policy. The USD(P) develops, coordinates,2279and oversees the implementation of a wide variety of Department policy,2280including matters related to special operations activities. If2281confirmed, I will work closely with the USD(P) to ensure USSOCOM2282activities support Department policies.2283    Question. The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence &2284Security2285    Answer. The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence (USD(I&S))2286is the principal intelligence advisor to the Secretary of Defense.2287USD(I&S) exercises authority, direction, and control on behalf of the2288Secretary of Defense over all intelligence and security organizations2289within the Department of Defense (DoD), including the National Security2290Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Geospatial2291Intelligence Agency, the National Reconnaissance Office, the Defense2292Counterintelligence and Security Agency, and the intelligence2293components of the Combatant Commands and military Services. USD(I&S) is2294also dual hatted as the Director of Defense Intelligence in the Office2295of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), and reports to the DNI2296in this capacity. USD(I&S) is the Department's principal interface with2297the Central Intelligence Agency and other elements of the Intelligence2298Community and represents the Department on intelligence and sensitive2299activities at the National Security Council. If confirmed, I will work2300closely with USD(I&S) to coordinate USSOCOM matters related to2301intelligence, intelligence-related activities, and security.2302    Question. The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition &2303Sustainment2304    Answer. The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and2305Sustainment (USD(A&S)) serves as the DOD Senior Procurement Executive2306(SPE) and the Defense Acquisition Executive (DAE) responsible for all2307matters relating to the DOD Acquisition System, including system2308design, development, procurement of goods and services, sustainment of2309systems, and providing Department-wide policy. Per Title 10 U.S.C.2310Section 167, the USSOCOM Special Operations Acquisition Executive2311(SOAE) derives authority to conduct acquisition from the DAE. If2312confirmed, I will ensure USSOCOM acquisition activities, in2313coordination with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special2314Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict (ASD(SO/LIC)), are executed by2315the SOAE under the authorities delegated to the Command by the DAE. In2316addition, I will ensure that the Command is effectively implementing2317policies and procedures for logistics, maintenance, material readiness,2318and sustainment support to the warfighter.2319    Question. The Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering2320    Answer. The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering2321(USD(R&E)) is responsible for overseeing the research, engineering, and2322technology development activities across the DOD enterprise, and is2323mandated with driving the key technologies (cyber, space, unmanned2324systems, machine learning/artificial intelligence, directed energy,2325hypersonics) to ensure technological superiority for the DOD. If2326confirmed, in coordination with ASD(SO/LIC), I will ensure USSOCOM2327science and technology research activities and funding are2328complementary to and aligned with Department research policy,2329processes, and priorities. In addition, we will assist in the2330initiation and implementation of acquisition pathways that embrace2331agile practices that innovate, develop, exploit, and reduce barriers of2332entry for commercial technologies and non-traditional defense partners.2333    Question. The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations2334and Low-Intensity Conflict (ASD (SOLIC))2335    Answer. ASD(SO/LIC) is the Principal Staff Assistant and civilian2336advisor to the USD(P) and the Secretary of Defense on special2337operations and low intensity conflict matters. The principal duty of2338the ASD(SO/LIC) is the overall oversight of DOD special operations2339activities. The FY17 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Section2340922 codified the administrative position of the ASD(SO/LIC) formally in2341the chain of command between the Secretary of Defense and the2342Commander, USSOCOM to exercise of authority, direction, and control2343with respect to the special operations-peculiar administration and2344support of USSOCOM, including the readiness and organization of SOF,2345resources and equipment, and civilian personnel. If confirmed, I will2346work closely with ASD(SO/LIC) to ensure our forces are organized2347effectively, highly trained, and well-equipped to conduct global2348special operations.2349    Question. The Service Secretaries2350    Answer. The Goldwater-Nichols Act granted the USSOCOM Commander2351authority over the Service components assigned to him, but this2352relationship requires close coordination with the Service Secretaries,2353to respect and preserve each Service Secretary's legal2354responsibilities. Close coordination between the USSOCOM Commander and2355each of the Service Secretaries is also essential to gaining and2356maintaining the Services' support of SOF as an integral part of the2357Joint force.2358    Question. The Service Chiefs2359    Answer. In cooperation with the Service Chiefs, the USSOCOM2360Commander will ensure the preparedness of his forces to execute his2361assigned missions. The Service Chiefs play a critical role in the2362development, promotion, and assignment of SOF senior officers and2363enlisted personnel. The Service Chiefs are also a source of experience2364and judgment that every Combatant Commander may call upon. If2365confirmed, I will continue an open dialog and cooperative partnership2366with the Service Chiefs.2367    Question. The other combatant commanders2368    Answer. Successive USSOCOM Commanders have fostered an atmosphere2369of teamwork and trust in their relationships with fellow Combatant2370Commanders. These relationships have only strengthened over the years2371as trans-regional threats have taken hold and certainly since USSOCOM2372has been responsible for synchronizing planning for global operations2373against terrorist networks. If confirmed, I will continue to work2374closely and collaborate with the other Combatant Commanders to achieve2375our common objectives. I will be committed to providing the Combatant2376Commanders trained and ready SOF to support national and theater2377security objectives.2378                    major challenges and priorities2379    Question. In your view, what are the major challenges confronting2380the next Commander of USSOCOM?2381    Answer. The next USSOCOM Commander must continually evaluate and2382balance SOF readiness and employment with SOF modernization to preserve2383and advance our vital interests and those of our allies and partners--2384in a resource constrained environment. SOF must continue to enable the2385Joint Force and provide strategic leaders with options that span the2386continuum from competition to crisis and conflict, and across the2387spectrum of attribution.2388    USSOCOM must preserve and protect the Department's crisis response2389capability and continue to serve as the Department's Coordinating2390Authority for Countering Violent Extremist Organizations (C-VEO). All2391of this allows the Services and other Combatant Commands to maintain2392focus on the pacing threat while building warfighting advantage. At the2393same time, USSOCOM must invest in modernizing for the future of2394campaigning in contested and denied areas, with China as the pacing2395threat.2396    Question. If confirmed, what plans do you have for addressing these2397challenges?2398    Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that we are always ready for2399our no-fail missions--crisis response and keeping the homeland safe2400from another major terrorist attack. I would also continue to invest in2401SOF's irregular warfare capabilities, by maintaining close ties with2402U.S. Cyber Command and U.S. Space Command; enhancing the ongoing work2403of the Joint Task Force-Strategic Reconnaissance and Enabling Command;2404and enabling joint campaigning as a partner with the Combatant Commands2405and other USG agencies. If confirmed, I would also fully leverage2406USSOCOM's flexible acquisition authorities--in close coordination with2407ASD(SO/LIC)--to continue accelerating USSOCOM's modernization campaign,2408against the Chinese pacing threat. These acquisition and modernization2409efforts enable SOF to capitalize on our Nation's innovation advantage,2410and to extend the reach and lethality of the Joint Force. I would also2411buildupon SOF's proud history of strengthening the resilience and2412resistance ability of partners and allies, in conjunction with the2413other Combatant Commands and the interagency. Additionally, I would2414maximize usage of the Preservation of the Force and Family (POTFF)2415program to ensure the readiness and resilience of our special operators2416and their families.2417    Question. What are the most important lessons you have learned2418during your tenure in senior leadership positions in the Department of2419Defense?2420    Answer. Our purpose is our mission. Ultimately, we must answer our2421Nation's call to provide for a common defense. Our most important2422warfighting system is our people--we must man, train, equip, and2423sustain our world-class special operators for success in both the2424physical and virtual domains. SOF win by maintaining readiness and2425modernization--readiness to fight and win in combat; assure allies;2426illuminate peer adversary predation; and provide placement and access2427options for the Joint Force.2428    The pace of technological advancement is accelerating and changing2429the character of warfare in a way that demands we transform to remain2430as decisive in the future as the past 25 years. SOF transform by2431modernizing and leveraging our Nation's technological advantage. This2432includes expanding SOF's capabilities in contested environments by2433leveraging rapid acquisition to integrate state-of-the-market and2434state-of-the-art capabilities into operational plans and coupling2435cutting-edge capabilities with our world-class people using man-machine2436teaming.2437    Question. If confirmed, what priorities would you establish in2438terms of issues that must be addressed by the Commander of USSOCOM?2439    Answer. I believe that USSOCOM should align its strategic2440priorities directly to those in the Interim National Defense Strategic2441Guidance (INDSG) and new strategic guidance as it is published. The2442first defense priority is defending the homeland. Here, SOF provide2443unique value in its Crisis Response and Countering Violent Extremist2444Organizations with the intent and capability of attacking the homeland2445and defending the territorial integrity of the United States from State2446and non-State threats. I also recognize we have the mission to insure2447against strategic distractions such as the rapid expansion of ISIS that2448destabilized an entire region and that might divert resources from the2449pacing threat.2450    The next priority is deterring China. The INDSG offers a laser2451focus on deterring China--while simultaneously defending the U.S. Our2452longstanding ability to build relationships and increase the capacity2453of allies and partners is critical to strengthening our alliances2454maintaining U.S. global influence and ensuring deterrence. SOF have a2455unique role in building resistance and resilience in allies and2456partners. These relationships provide access and placement for enhanced2457understanding of adversary threats. They also provide warfighter2458advantage for the delivery of asymmetric and irregular kinetic and non-2459kinetic effects; holding adversary systems at risk around the world;2460and extending the reach, lethality, and maneuver space of the Joint2461Force.2462                     civilian oversight of ussocom2463    Question. Section 922 of the National Defense Authorization Act for2464Fiscal Year 2017, as amended, included modifications to the roles and2465responsibilities of the ASD (SOLIC) as well as the relationship between2466the ASD (SOLIC) and the Commander of USSOCOM in order for the ASD2467(SOLIC) to more effectively fulfill its ``service secretary-like''2468responsibilities to provide civilian oversight of and advocacy within2469DOD for USSOCOM's service-like requirements.2470    What is your view of the role of the ASD (SOLIC) in promoting2471civilian control over the military?2472    Answer. Civilian control over the military is a foundational2473element of our constitutional democracy. To that end, ASD(SO/LIC)2474assists in interpreting DOD policy guidance for SOF equities and2475provides administrative oversight to USSOCOM. Per Section 922 of the24762017 National Defense Authorization Act codifying ASD(SO/LIC)'s roles2477and responsibilities in 10 U.S.C., ASD(SO/LIC) exercises authority,2478direction, and control over administrative matters relating to2479organizing, training, and equipping of SOF. ASD(SO/LIC) assists the2480Department in the development and supervision of policy, program2481planning and execution, and provides oversight for USSOCOM. His role2482also gives the SOF enterprise a stronger position to connect2483operational needs with Title 10 solutions.2484    Question. What is your understanding of the organizational and2485administrative relationship between the ASD (SOLIC) and the Commander2486of USSOCOM?2487    Answer. Section 922 of the Fiscal Year 2017 NDAA codified ASD(SO/2488LIC) in the chain of command for special operations-peculiar2489administration and support of USSOCOM, including the readiness and2490organization of SOF, resources and equipment, and civilian personnel.2491Section 922 specifically did not impact the Combatant Command's2492operational relationship between the Combatant Commander and the2493Secretary of Defense. ASD(SO/LIC) fulfills an important Secretary-like2494role in the coordination and relationship with the legislative branch2495and complements USSOCOM's long-standing Service-like role. ASD(SO/LIC)2496plays a critical role in senior level forums like the Special2497Operations Policy Oversight Counsel (SOPOC), providing Service2498Secretary-like advocacy for issues affecting SOF. If confirmed, I will2499work closely with the ASD(SO/LIC) as he provides civilian oversight and2500advocacy for SOF within DOD.2501    Question. What is your understanding of the role of the ASD (SOLIC)2502in:2503    (1) The formulation and submission of USSOCOM's annual budget2504request;2505    Answer. As codified in DOD Directive 5111.10, ASD(SO/LIC) performs2506a budgetary role and responsibility like those of the Secretaries of2507the Military Departments. In close partnership with Headquarters,2508USSOCOM, ASD(SO/LIC), provides overall supervision of the preparation2509and justification of special operations programs and budget for Major2510Force Program-11 to include review and approval of the USSOCOM annual2511budget request prior to submission to Congress. Further, ASD(SO/LIC)2512partners closely with USSOCOM during budget rollout activities and2513coordinates on all answers to congressional requests for information.2514    Question. (2) Approving programs of record and the acquisition of2515special operations-peculiar capabilities by USSOCOM;2516    Answer. ASD(SOLIC) is a full partner in the development and2517approval of two key processes for USSOCOM that define our programs of2518record: the Special Operations Command Requirements Evaluation Board2519(SOCREB) and the Program Objective Memorandum (POM). The SOCREB is2520USSOCOM's requirements validation board that approves all special2521operations-peculiar requirements and lays the foundation for the2522Special Operations Acquisition Executive to establish Programs of2523Record. The POM determines the resources we will apply to these2524programs of record.2525    Question. (3) Overseeing the organization of USSOCOM headquarters2526and service components;2527    Answer. Section 922 of the fiscal year 2017 NDAA directs ASD(SO/2528LIC) to exercise authority, direction, and control of all special2529operations-peculiar administrative matters relating to the2530organization, training, and equipping of SOF. This includes the2531organization of all USSOCOM elements.2532    Question. (4) Ensuring the readiness of special operations forces2533(SOF); and2534    Answer. Since the Section 922 amendment, USSOCOM has maintained a2535quarterly readiness brief with the ASD and the ASD(SO/LIC) staff to2536facilitate oversight of special operations readiness issues and discuss2537areas that warrant advocacy from the ASD(SO/LIC) office. The USSOCOM2538staff maintains regular contact with the ASD(SO/LIC) staff for actions2539that require attention between quarterly briefs.2540    Question. (5) Actions relating to the culture, ethics, and2541accountability of SOF.2542    Answer. The SOF enterprise is a meritocracy built on a foundation2543of ethical leadership, professionalism, and accountability. The SOF2544meritocracy is strong--the battlefield successes and competitive2545advantages our professionals have attained continue to grow. However,2546we must acknowledge we are human, and we make mistakes. A culture of2547meritocracy must also ensure accountability for those mistakes. We must2548learn from them and demonstrate that unacceptable behavior will not be2549tolerated. Leadership is the key to preventing and deterring poor2550behavior. Treating every teammate with dignity and respect is2551foundational to any culture, especially a meritocracy. Every individual2552must be given the opportunity to achieve success based on their own2553talents and contributions. Sustaining and cultivating a culture that2554reinforces dignity, respect, and accountability is vital to this. If2555confirmed, I will work closely with ASD(SO/LIC) to continue to ensure2556SOF maintain a meritocratic culture, built on a foundation of2557professionalism and accountability, empowering the innovative spirit to2558ensure readiness and mission accomplishment.2559    strategic environment and the role of special operations forces2560    Question. What is your assessment of the current strategic2561environment, including your assessment of the critical and enduring2562threats to the national security of the United States and its allies2563and partners?2564    Answer. I believe the current strategic environment is2565characterized by danger, opportunity, and accelerating change. In light2566of this, the INDSG directs a strategy of peace through strength, and2567prioritizes homeland defense and deterring Chinese aggression in the2568Indo-Pacific, while empowering U.S. allies and partners to address2569other enduring threats. At the same time, the character of warfare is2570changing rapidly, with an increasing role for unmanned systems,2571artificial intelligence, man-machine teaming, and virtual domain2572sensing--with battlefield success rewarding those who can integrate2573these elements and shorten the cycle of innovation, experimentation,2574testing, and fielding. I judge that U.S. allies and partners are2575critical to mitigating the enduring threats to our national security2576identified in the INDSG, and that relationships--including those forged2577and strengthened by SOF--are essential to the cooperative threat2578reduction and burden sharing envisioned by our strategic guidance.2579    Question. In your view, what should be the role of SOF in2580addressing these threats and challenges?2581    Answer. In my view, the evolving operational environment and the2582emphasis on strategic competition across the Joint Force requires2583continual reassessment of SOF's operations and activities across the2584spectrum of competition, crisis, and conflict. SOF must maintain its2585core, no-fail missions of crisis response and counterterrorism, while2586integrating with conventional forces, interagency partners, and2587partners and allies to deter State adversaries to prevent large scale2588conflict. USSOCOM has been a proactive participant in the Joint Force's2589development of warfighting and competition concepts, and the lessons we2590are learning have driven assessment and modernization efforts within2591the SOF enterprise. If confirmed, I intend to continue USSOCOM's2592modernization to ensure SOF can continue to deliver asymmetric2593strategic effects for the Joint Force in competition and conflict while2594globally responding to crisis in any operational environment.2595    Question. How do you intend to balance the competing requirements2596of countering violent extremist organizations, crisis response, and2597efforts to counter China and Russia?2598    Answer. In my view, USSOCOM must balance sustainable2599counterterrorism, focusing on threats to the homeland and our no-fail2600Crisis Response mission, with precision access and global networks to2601support campaigning. There is shared interest among our partners and2602allies in countering terrorism, and I judge there are opportunities for2603effective collaboration and increased burden sharing. If confirmed, I2604will use the INDSG and additional strategic documents as a guide and2605prioritize the limited available resources for counterterrorism toward2606the most dangerous threats--specifically those with the demonstrated2607intent and capability to conduct external operations (EXOPs) attacks2608against the homeland--while also focusing USSOCOM's modernization and2609acquisition programs toward contested environments and China.2610    Question. Do you believe SOF are appropriately organized and sized2611to meet global requirements?2612    Answer. If confirmed, I will review the organization and size of2613SOF in light of the global requirements laid out in the INDSG and other2614strategic guidance, the rapidly evolving strategic environment, and the2615changing character of war and will make any recommendations for change2616through the Department and in close coordination with ASD(SO/LIC).2617                      special operations missions2618    Question. Do you believe the special operations activities2619identified in section 167 of title 10, U.S. Code, remain relevant and2620appropriate?2621    Answer. The ten special operations activities specified in USC2622Title 10, Section 167 are sufficient to meet the requirements of the2623evolving global security environment and the implementation of the NDS.2624The tenth specified authority in particular--to perform ``Such other2625activities as may be specified by the President or the Secretary of2626Defense''-provides adequate flexibility to meet INDSG requirements.2627    Question. What changes, if any, would you recommend?2628    Answer. At this time, I am not prepared to advocate for changes in2629current USSOCOM missions. If confirmed, and using the INDSG as the2630foundation, I will review the range of SOF missions and recommend any2631necessary changes in close coordination with ASD(SO/LIC) and the2632Department.2633                     evolving operating environment2634    Question. The operating environment facing SOF has evolved2635significantly over the last two decades, as adversary capabilities in2636areas such as area access/area denial, ubiquitous technical2637surveillance, and rapid advances in unmanned systems.2638    What do you view as the most pressing challenges that special2639operation forces will face on the battlefield currently and over the2640next 10 years?2641    Answer. This is the most complex and dynamic security environment2642I've seen in 34 years of service. The character of war is changing2643faster than ever. SOF face pressing battlefield challenges requiring2644adaptability and innovation. Technological advancements provide State2645and non-State actors with commercially available tools to confront us2646across the virtual and physical domains. Our adversaries' innovation2647cycles are days to weeks, not months to years. Our adversaries are2648leveraging asymmetric capabilities, such as using inexpensive, one-way2649drones to threaten U.S. forces, bases, and our allies and partners. We2650are also seeing the threats from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea,2651State proxies, and violent extremist organizations converge globally.2652In addition, our competitors seek to undermine U.S. global influence,2653competing with us, and our allies and partners, to expand their own2654partnerships and influence in critical regions such as Africa, South2655America, the Middle East, and Asia.2656    Question. What will be your priorities in addressing these2657challenges?2658    Answer. As proven by the increased demand for SOF by Combatant2659Commanders over the last several years, addressing these challenges2660will continue to require more from SOF. The operating environment will2661only become more and more complex, requiring unrelenting modernization2662for the most dangerous crises or conflicts we may face. We must balance2663the need to maintain SOF operational readiness to meet increasing2664global demand, with the imperative to modernize SOF to ensure we are as2665decisive in the future as we have been in the last 25 years.2666Additionally, SOF's decades-long relationships with allies and2667partners, and corresponding global placement and access, will continue2668to be critical to maintaining U.S. global influence, enhancing2669understanding, increasing burden-sharing, and enabling rapid response2670to crises. If confirmed, I will conduct a robust analysis against2671current and future challenges, and develop plans to ensure SOF remain a2672capable, ready, and resilient force.2673                          combating terrorism2674    Question. What is your assessment of the threat posed by Al Qaeda,2675the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and other violent extremist2676organizations, to the U.S. homeland, and western interests, more2677broadly? Which group or groups, in your view, currently present the2678greatest threat to the United States?2679    Answer. I believe ISIS, its senior leadership, and its affiliates2680including ISIS-Khorasan and ISIS-Somalia pose the greatest terrorist2681threat to the United States. Al Qaeda senior leadership, al Qaeda in2682the Arabian Peninsula, and Al Shabaab also present a terrorist threat2683to the United States Homeland and United States interests abroad.2684Although our CT operations, combined with allied and local partner2685efforts, reduced the threat of sophisticated, large-scale attacks on2686the Homeland, the underlying causes that produce extremist ideologies2687persist. Although degraded, ISIS and al Qaeda retain operational2688networks across the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia, and2689continue to pose a threat to our regional interests.2690    Question. If confirmed, how would you seek to fulfill USSOCOM's2691assigned responsibilities for synchronizing global operations against2692terrorist networks?2693    Answer. If confirmed, I would fulfill the USSOCOM responsibilities2694by coordinating with Combatant Commands and across the DOD and2695interagency, to plan, assess, and make recommendations to the Chairman2696and Secretary regarding C-VEO campaigning. Under current strategic2697guidance, SOF resources are focused on disrupting and degrading only2698the most dangerous VEOs (those demonstrating intent and capability to2699attack the U.S. homeland), while allocating fewer resources toward2700disrupting and monitoring VEOs which present a regional and/or local2701threat to U.S. interests. If confirmed, I will continue to leverage and2702seek burden sharing opportunities with like-minded partners and allies.2703In my experience, a wide-ranging partnership among U.S. and coalition2704military, interagency and law enforcement capabilities and authorities2705is key to addressing global, trans-regional VEO threats.2706    Question. What is your view of the U.S. counterterrorism strategy2707and the role of USSOCOM in supporting that strategy?2708    Answer. In my experience, USSOCOM plays a pivotal role in2709supporting U.S. counterterrorism strategy. In my view, current2710strategic guidance is appropriate, and periodic reviews and risk2711assessments help refine priorities for addressing global VEO threats.2712Informed by this guidance and the evolving environment, USSOCOM helps2713focus SOF resources on monitoring and disrupting only the most2714dangerous VEOs, while allocating fewer resources to VEOs which present2715a regional or local threat to U.S. interests. In recent years, USSOCOM2716has recommended, approved, and implemented modest but highly impactful2717adjustments that have reduced risk of external operations attacks at a2718sustainable level of investment, consistent with U.S. counterterrorism2719strategy. If confirmed, I will work to sustain and improve this2720valuable process, which begins with tactical-level feedback from the2721special operators and intelligence professionals working our most2722challenging counterterrorism problems. USSOCOM also supports U.S.2723counterterrorism strategy by working with and leveraging like-minded2724partners to address the threat and mitigate the risk against less2725capable regional VEOs--this allows U.S. SOF to focus on the more2726capable, transregional VEO threats.2727             countering weapons of mass destruction (cwmd)2728    Question. Under the Unified Campaign Plan, USSOCOM is tasked with2729coordinating DOD's efforts on CWMDs.2730    Answer. Correct, the 2023 Unified Command Plan, with change #2 (dtd273123 MAY 2025) states, ``Commander, USSOCOM is responsible for planning2732of DOD CWMD efforts in support of other Combatant Commands, DOD2733priorities, and, as directed, other U.S. Government agencies.2734    Question. What is your understanding of USSOCOM's responsibilities2735under the Unified Campaign Plan for synchronizing the Department's2736efforts to counter weapons of mass destruction?2737    Answer. As the Department of Defense CWMD Coordinating Authority,2738USSOCOM is currently responsible for coordinating and planning DOD CWMD2739efforts in support of other Combatant Commands, DOD priorities, and as2740directed, other USG agencies; integrating DOD plans, in coordination2741with other Combatant Commands, against adversaries and networks that2742possess, seek or facilitate WMD; in support of Combatant Commands,2743executing global operations against adversaries and networks that2744possess or seek WMD.2745    Question. In your assessment are there any resources, authorities,2746or organizational changes needed to better execute USSOCOM's CWMD2747mission?2748    If confirmed, I will conduct a holistic review of USSOCOM's CWMD2749capabilities, and its role as CWMD Coordinating Authority. If changes2750are needed, I will make appropriate recommendations via the Chairman to2751the Secretary of Defense on resources, authorities, and organization as2752required to address current and emerging CWMD threats.2753                       10 u.s.c. 127e operations2754    Question. Section 127e of title 10, United States Code, authorizes2755the provision of support (including training, funding, and equipment)2756to regular forces, irregular forces, and individuals supporting or2757facilitating military operations by U.S. SOF to combat terrorism.2758    What is your assessment of this authority?2759    Answer. I believe that 127e remains one of the most relevant tools2760for our forces countering terrorism overseas. It continues to provide2761outsized effects in return for a relatively small investment of U.S.2762training and resourcing of select foreign forces. 127e is the essence2763of burden-sharing; our ability to enable and leverage the access and2764local-area knowledge of select indigenous regular and irregular forces2765is critical to mission success, especially in remote or politically2766sensitive areas where a large U.S. military footprint is neither2767desirable nor feasible.2768    Question. If confirmed, what criteria would you use to evaluate2769127e proposals to ensure they comply with policy guidance, are2770complementary to other DOD and U.S. Government counterterrorism2771efforts, and achieve their intended purpose?2772    Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that proposals for the use of2773127e authority are aligned with INDSG priorities and focused on2774combatant command strategic objectives accomplished by U.S. SOF2775operations within the scope of Secretary of Defense-granted operational2776authority. 127e will not be used to build capacity; rather, it has and2777will continue to serve as a mechanism to facilitate burden-sharing with2778foreign allies, partners, and surrogates, as a component of our broader2779counterterrorism strategy. Proposals must be fully coordinated with the2780interagency with a well-defined end-State and off-ramp plan that2781considers the Combatant Command, U.S. Country Team, and Department of2782State long-term relationships with partner nations. 127e-resourced2783tactical maneuver forces must be fully vetted to ensure integrity of2784the force and mitigate the risk of human rights violations.2785                           irregular warfare2786    Question. Nation states are becoming more aggressive in challenging2787U.S. interests through the use of asymmetric means that often fall2788below the threshold of conventional conflict, commonly referred to as2789irregular warfare and ``gray zone operations.''2790    What is your understanding of the threat to U.S. interests posed by2791adversaries in this domain of warfare?2792    Answer. The threat to U.S. interests posed by adversaries employing2793irregular techniques and hybrid warfare strategies includes peer and2794near-peer competitor nations, whose actions could drain U.S. resources2795and those of our allies and partners. In my judgment, adversary nations2796and their proxies are increasing the frequency and severity of their2797gray zone operations. By their nature, these operations fall below the2798level of war and provide attractive and inexpensive options for our2799adversaries, in part because it increases the difficulty of identifying2800perpetrators, understanding red lines, and identifying the thresholds2801at which adversaries would intensify or escalate violence. They also2802provide the means for a militarily inferior force to coerce advantage2803through a more limited and insidious approach that falls between2804traditional diplomacy and our conventional military deterrence2805approaches.2806    Question. What should be the guiding principles of the Department2807of Defense's strategy to counter these threats?2808    Answer. The INDSG provides clear guidance to focus Department of2809Defense strategy on U.S. homeland defense and deterring Chinese2810aggression in the Indo-Pacific, while empowering allies and partners2811against other threats with more limited support from the U.S.2812    Question. What is your understanding of the role of irregular2813warfare in supporting Department of Defense strategy and operations?2814What role should SOF have in executing such a strategy?2815    Answer. Irregular Warfare (IW) activities support the DOD's2816strategic and operational priorities, including competing against and2817deterring China and Russia; combating non-State actors such as al-2818Qaida, ISIS, and state-backed proxies like the Houthis; assisting2819allies and partners against State and non-State actors; and preparing2820for large-scale combat.2821    SOF have been executing IW operations and activities for more than282280 years. SOF's operations in support of broader USG deterrence efforts2823help undermine adversaries' confidence; alter their decisionmaking2824calculus; and provide Combatant Commanders opportunities and2825advantages--to prevent conflict. With decades of combat experience and2826credibility, SOF's long-term relationships with allies and partners2827improve interoperability, while also ensuring broad access, placement,2828and influence across the globe. This provides the Joint Force with2829expanded situational awareness and increases options in competition,2830crisis, and conflict. Small, persistent, globally deployed SOF teams,2831working alongside regular and irregular forces, strengthen partner2832capacity, counter adversary malign activity, and promote regional2833stability.2834    Question. Do you believe that SOF have the appropriate authorities2835and capabilities to operate effectively in this domain of warfare?2836Please explain your answer.2837    Answer. I appreciate Congress's efforts to provide the DOD and2838USSOCOM with the tools needed to fight and win. In my experience, one2839of our most important tools is the array of fiscal authorities that we2840can apply to enable foreign forces that support our operations. To2841build our military advantage in a changing operational environment, we2842must adapt and innovate our authorities and capabilities to provide2843flexibility and operational agility. If confirmed, I intend to assess2844current authorities in close coordination with the USSOCOM staff and2845components, as well as ASD(SO/LIC) and the Department.2846    Section 127d of title 10, United States Code, authorizes the2847provision of support (including training, funding, and equipment) to2848regular forces, irregular forces, and individuals supporting or2849facilitating irregular warfare operations by U.S. SOF.2850    What is your assessment of this authority?2851    Answer. I am grateful to Congress for codifying the former 12022852authority into title 10. The ability to enable and leverage the access2853and local area knowledge of select foreign forces allows U.S. SOF to2854achieve specific effects in direct support of ongoing priority2855Combatant Command irregular warfare operations. This enables outsized2856returns from a relatively small investment in our efforts to impose2857costs upon malign actors and enhance resiliency of frontline allies. As2858a resourcing tool, 127d is the mechanism that sets conditions for2859current and future burden-sharing with partners and surrogate forces.2860If confirmed, I would work closely with ASD(SO/LIC) to provide Congress2861with the transparency necessary to build the necessary trust and2862confidence that this authority is being appropriately implemented to2863maintain our military advantage.2864    Question. If confirmed, what criteria would you use to evaluate2865section 127d proposals to ensure they comply with policy guidance, are2866complementary to other DOD and U.S. Government irregular warfare2867efforts, and achieve their intended purpose?2868    Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that proposals for the use of2869127d are aligned with INDSG priorities, consistent with congressional2870intent, within the scope of Secretary of Defense-granted operational2871authority and fully coordinated and synchronized with interagency2872partners. Proposals must include detailed counterintelligence plans to2873mitigate risk and ensure integrity of the enabled force, with defined2874control measures to mitigate risk of inadvertent escalation. Proposals2875must also include well-defined milestones and end State, with2876consideration for eventual off-ramp, executed in concert with the2877Combatant Command and the Department of State.2878                         information operations2879    Question. In your view, are the Department and the broader2880interagency appropriately organized to compete with State and non-State2881adversaries in the information environment? If not, what2882recommendations would you make?2883    Answer. If confirmed, I would like to examine this issue in greater2884detail and assess how USSOCOM and our other capabilities can contribute2885to a broader USG effort by integrating and coordinating efforts both2886within DOD and the Interagency. The DOD has conducted analysis of force2887structure, authorities, and standing capabilities to meet our Nation's2888requirements to compete in the information environment. This has2889resulted in several initiatives across the Joint Staff, the Services,2890and at USSOCOM. I believe SOF are well-positioned both to support2891Combatant Commanders and to help synchronize the Department's messaging2892across the Department and interagency.2893    Question. What is the appropriate role of the Department and,2894specifically, SOF in the broader information operations and strategic2895communications efforts of the U.S. Government?2896    Answer. I understand that the Department's role in the broader USG2897information operations effort is typically to support the designated2898lead agencies for strategic communications. In most cases,2899communication efforts take place outside declared areas of hostility2900with the Department of State as the designated lead. In a broader2901sense, DOD is emphasizing throughout the force that every operation,2902action, and investment planned has an accompanying informational2903component which together contribute to strategic campaigning. Every2904action we take conveys the principle of Peace through Strength.2905    As directed in the Unified Command Plan and Title 10 USC Section2906167, USSOCOM is the Department's SOF Joint Force Provider with the2907responsibility to provide combat ready SOF, including Psychological2908Operations (PSYOP) forces. The UCP also specifies that the USSOCOM2909Commander's ``responsibilities include integrating and coordinating DOD2910Military Information Support Operations (MISO) capabilities, and when2911directed, executing MISO in support of Combatant Commands.'' Working2912primarily through the Theater Special Operations Commands, USSOCOM2913provides military information support operations capabilities and2914exercises its coordinating authority role to support achievement of2915supported Combatant Commanders' objectives. Outside of areas of2916hostilities, PSYOP forces conduct military information support2917operations in close coordination with Department of State and other2918interagency personnel to support the achievement of U.S. Government2919information objectives, consistent with Department of State mission2920strategic plans.2921    Question. Do you believe that USSOCOM's military information2922support capabilities can be more effectively utilized? If so, are there2923doctrinal, organizational, training, or authority modifications that2924you believe could make military information support capabilities more2925effective?2926    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with USSOCOM, supported Combatant2927Commands, and interagency partners to review the agility and2928effectiveness of USSOCOM's military information support capabilities.2929In my current position, I have witnessed the increasing importance of2930these capabilities--and other related capabilities in the virtual2931domain, such as cyber and horizontal ISR--and judge these capabilities2932to be critical enablers in our current and future operations. I firmly2933believe that USSOCOM's innovation in this arena--and its fruitful2934partnership with USSPACECOM and USCYBERCOM in particular--should be2935reinforced and accelerated. If confirmed, I will remain a strong2936partner to other Combatant Commands--such as USINDOPACOM--that are2937integrating information environment operations into their theater2938campaign plans.2939    Question. Are there additional military capabilities that should be2940developed by the Department to more effectively compete in the2941information environment?2942    Answer. At this time, I am not prepared to advocate for the2943development of additional military capabilities in this area. If2944confirmed, I will coordinate employment of these capabilities closely2945with Department, Combatant Command, and interagency stakeholders. As2946with many other military capabilities, it is essential that these2947effects are employed with speed, agility, appropriate discipline, and2948consistent with the relevant law.2949                        intelligence operations2950    Question. In your view, how are intelligence operations carried out2951by SOF different from those carried out by others in the intelligence2952community?2953    Answer. In my experience, SOF principally conduct intelligence-2954related activities, in support of the warfighter and the Department--to2955achieve national security objectives. However, SOF do not do this2956alone; they integrate, coordinate, and deconflict these activities with2957partners in the Intelligence Community and interagency, often setting2958conditions for potential DOD operations in support of deterrence,2959crisis response, and conflict. SOF's unique capabilities, access, and2960placement enables enhanced understanding, and extends the operational2961reach and collection capabilities of the Joint Force and intelligence2962community.2963    Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure that intelligence2964activities carried out by SOF are properly coordinated with activities2965carried out by the intelligence community?2966    Answer. If confirmed, and in coordination with OUSD(I&S), I will2967direct USSOCOM to adhere to Intelligence Community and DOD directives2968for coordination of intelligence collection and intelligence-related2969activities. I will also ensure that USSOCOM works closely with our2970intelligence community partners to share best practices, particularly2971those tied to counterintelligence and force protection, as required by2972the increasing adversary use of technical surveillance. USSOCOM will2973also continue to leverage its SOF liaison network and Intelligence2974Community senior representatives and liaison officers to collaborate,2975coordinate, and leverage intelligence expertise to support operations.2976Theater Special Operations Commands and SOF Joint Task Forces will2977continue to conduct coordination with Country Teams and the2978Intelligence Community to deconflict activities, share information,2979leverage available capabilities, and enable operations.2980                      crisis response capabilities2981    Question. What is your understanding of the demand for and2982associated costs of USSOCOM's crisis response capabilities over the2983last decade?2984    Answer. Employed at the direction of the President and Secretary of2985Defense, USSOCOM's crisis response forces eliminate threats to the2986homeland, rescue American citizens, and protect our diplomats, all at a2987moment's notice. These urgent missions lack predictability in terms of2988timing, duration, and total cost. In the past three-and-a-half years,2989the frequency of these Presidentially directed missions has increased2990by over 200 percent. During this same time, composite strategic airlift2991costs increased over 76 percent. Adequate funding for crisis response2992and National Command Authority-directed missions is critical to ensure2993critical readiness exercises and modernization efforts are not2994sacrificed to resource the increased frequency, duration and cost of2995crisis response.2996    Question. What implications, in your view, does a significant2997increase in the demand for USSOCOM's crisis response capabilities over2998the last decade have for the readiness and resourcing of the force?2999    Answer. Crisis response operations are inherently unpredictable and3000vary year-to-year in number, timing, duration, and total cost. In3001particular, the last 2 years have seen some of the most complex and3002longest crisis response operations in U.S. history. The increased3003demand for SOF to respond to crises, and the duration and cost of those3004operations, have impacted SOF's ability to modernize for the future.3005Crisis response is no-fail mission for SOF. We must balance SOF3006readiness for immediate crisis response requirements, with the need to3007modernize the force to be able successfully execute the crisis response3008in contested environments.3009    Question. What changes, if any, would you recommend to USSOCOM's3010crisis response posture, capabilities, and employment?3011    Answer. USSOCOM provides the most capable crisis response force in3012the world. To sustain this, we must continue to modernize our crisis3013response capabilities, focused on the potential requirement to execute3014crisis response operations in environments either directly or3015indirectly contested by China or other State and/or state-supported3016proxies. Advanced autonomous and remotely controlled unmanned systems,3017man-machine teaming, counter-unmanned systems capabilities, and virtual3018domain sensing and effects will be critical to future crisis response3019operations. If confirmed, I will continue to accelerate USSOCOM's3020modernization program--including those capabilities required for crisis3021response, and in close coordination with ASD(SO/LIC)--with China as the3022pacing threat.3023                    ussocom acquisition authorities3024    Question. Section 167(e)(4) of title 10, U.S. Code, assigns to the3025Commander, USSOCOM the authority to develop and acquire special3026operations-peculiar equipment, and to acquire special operations-3027peculiar material, supplies, and services. The Commander, USSOCOM is3028advised and assisted in these matters by a command acquisition3029executive.3030    What technology areas and capabilities do you believe should be3031prioritized to enable SOF to most effectively support the objectives of3032the NDS?3033    Answer. The increasing pace of technological advancement demands3034SOF modernize rapidly to outpace our adversaries through the3035unrelenting development and integration of cutting-edge technologies.3036This includes harnessing the power of man-machine teaming and fusing3037all-domain capabilities to achieve decisive advantages. The pervasive3038technical surveillance environment presents both unique challenges and3039unprecedented opportunities. Recognizing this, I am committed to3040strengthening the Space-SOF-Cyber triad, leveraging the combined3041strengths of USSPACECOM and USCYBERCOM to ensure SOF's operational3042effectiveness in support of national security objectives. My vision3043encompasses integrating technological advancements across all domains--3044physical and virtual--including surface and subsurface maritime3045platforms; autonomous uncrewed systems; counter-unmanned systems; next-3046generation intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; stand-off3047precision effects; and modernized mission command systems. If3048confirmed, I will leverage the INDSG and other strategic documents to3049guide a comprehensive review of USSOCOM's priorities and capabilities3050and make recommendations to ASD(SO/LIC) aimed at ensuring SOF remain at3051the forefront of military innovation and preparedness.3052    Question. If confirmed, what criteria would you apply in validating3053a determination that a particular requirement for equipment, materiel,3054supplies, or services is ``special operations-peculiar''?3055    Answer. The SOF enterprise relies on Service-common investments in3056foundational capabilities such as personnel, infrastructure, mobility3057platforms, and weapons systems. However, SOF provide the Nation unique3058capabilities, and therefore, require specialized capabilities. This may3059involve modifications of Service-common systems or developing entirely3060unique SOF capabilities. SOF should continue to look for opportunities3061to enhance or build from Joint Force solutions wherever possible. I3062also believe SOF should be viewed as the vanguard for innovation and3063will work with the Services to develop capabilities with transition to3064the joint force at the forefront of our development. If confirmed, I3065will partner with ASD(SO/LIC) to validate SOF capabilities through our3066established process SOF Capability Integration and Development System3067(SOFCIDS). Any capability deemed non-special operations-peculiar will3068be transitioned to the appropriate Service sponsor--in collaboration3069with the Joint Staff and leveraging the Joint Capabilities Integration3070and Development System (JCIDS) framework.3071    Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take to improve each3072of the three aspects of the special operations-peculiar acquisition3073process--requirements, acquisition, and budgeting?3074    Answer. If confirmed, I commit to ensuring SOF remain a vanguard3075for agility across the Department and I will assess current USSOCOM3076requirements, acquisition, and budgeting processes to identify what3077improvements may be required. I recognize the critical need to respond3078to adversary innovation cycles with speed and precision. It will be3079important to reduce capability fielding and employment timelines by3080empowering leaders to make risk-informed capability development3081decisions and enabling rapidly fielded capabilities against emerging3082threats. Openness with industry will foster strategic partnerships,3083competition, and innovation. Allowing companies insight into SOF3084requirements will unlock the ingenuity of the American industrial base3085and drive development of critical cutting-edge technologies.3086    If confirmed, I will also assess USSOCOM's business systems and3087processes, and look to modernize them, as required. I will continue to3088make strides toward achieving a clean audit to earn your full trust and3089confidence in the management and expenditure of the resources entrusted3090to USSOCOM. I will continually seek to enhance transparency throughout3091the requirements, acquisition, and budgeting processes.3092    Question. If confirmed, what actions would you propose, if any, to3093ensure that special operations-peculiar requirements are realistic,3094technically achievable, and prioritized?3095    Answer. If confirmed, I will lead a Commander-driven prioritization3096process, ensuring that precious MFP-11 resources are allocated to3097programs that are demonstrably relevant, realistic, and aligned with3098addressing the current and most dangerous future threats. I will look3099to divest of obsolete programs, freeing up resources for modernization.3100In my experience, special operator-identified capability gaps combined3101with agile authorities, and iterative experimentation and modernization3102exercises are invaluable to the successful development and fielding of3103special operations-peculiar capabilities. To sustain this advantage, we3104must cultivate a battlefield test lab environment with realistic and3105technically achievable requirements. If confirmed, I commit to equip3106our operators with the best tools possible while remaining good3107stewards of the resources entrusted to USSOCOM.3108    Question. If confirmed, how will you ensure that special operations3109capabilities and requirements are integrated into overall DOD research,3110development, and acquisition programs?3111    Answer. I believe a strong partnership with the Department is3112critical for success in this area. If confirmed, I will prioritize3113maintaining a close partnership with USD(A&S), USD(R&E), the Strategic3114Capabilities Office (SCO), and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). I3115will also continue the practice of co-chairing the Acquisition Summit,3116fostering collaboration between SOF acquisition efforts and those of3117the Services and key DOD leaders. This synergy will enable SOF to3118leverage its unique ability to be both a first mover on emerging3119technologies and an early adopter of innovations developed across the3120Department. The USSOCOM enterprise's ongoing partnerships with the3121Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and SCO exemplifies3122this approach, increasing collaboration on defining SOF requirements3123and serving as a transition partner for their groundbreaking3124technologies. If confirmed, I am committed to ensuring transparency and3125interoperability by integrating USSOCOM developmental efforts and3126capabilities into the broader DOD and Joint Force to maximize our3127collective impact.3128                       ethics and accountability3129    Question. What are your views on the current culture of ethics and3130accountability in SOF?3131    Answer. In my view, the SOF enterprise is a meritocracy built on a3132foundation of ethical leadership, professionalism, and accountability.3133A meritocratic culture must also ensure accountability for mistakes. We3134must learn from them and demonstrate that unacceptable behavior will3135not be tolerated. Strong, ethical leadership is the key to preventing3136and deterring poor behavior. Sustaining and cultivating a culture that3137reinforces dignity, respect, and accountability is vital to this. If3138confirmed, I will work closely with ASD(SO/LIC) to continue to ensure3139SOF maintain a meritocratic culture, built on a foundation of3140professionalism and accountability, empowering the innovative spirit to3141ensure readiness and mission accomplishment.3142    Question. What steps will you take, if confirmed, to foster a3143culture of ethics and accountability in SOF?3144    Answer. If confirmed, I am fully committed to fostering an3145enduring, meritocratic culture underpinned by ethical leadership and3146accountability across the USSOCOM enterprise. I will work closely with3147ASD(SO/LIC) and subordinate commanders to promote this culture within3148SOF, and to make professionalism and accountability pillars of SOF3149leadership, training, and assessment programs at all echelons.3150    Question. What role, if any, should past mission accomplishment3151play in decisions relating to misconduct by SOF?3152    Answer. As a general matter, mission accomplishment does not excuse3153criminal or corrosive behaviors. Accountability is fundamental to3154ensuring good order and discipline in any formation, and SOF commanders3155at all levels have a responsibility to uphold standards. In making3156decisions relating to misconduct, leaders must evaluate each case on3157its own merits.3158                  health of special operations forces3159    Question. What is your assessment of the health and readiness of3160SOF?3161    Answer. U.S. SOF are the most capable special operations forces in3162the world. This is an achievement that would not be possible without a3163strong foundation of health and readiness. To maintain this, if3164confirmed, I will ensure the USSOCOM force continues to have access to3165the range of services provided by the command's Preservation of the3166Force and Families (POTFF) program.3167    Question. If confirmed, what will be your priorities in addressing3168the stress on SOF?3169    Answer. If confirmed, first and foremost, I will continue the3170efforts of my predecessors with respect to POTFF. We ask people to do3171difficult things, and this produces stress--we owe our teammates3172resources to help with stress. The SOF enterprise knows from hard3173learned lessons the importance of managing operational tempo and giving3174our warriors the resources and opportunities to reset and strengthen3175their minds, bodies, and spirits. If confirmed, my priorities will3176include closely monitoring the health and well-being of the force3177through screening and data, initiatives that cultivate an empathetic3178culture of self and buddy care, sustaining POTFF resources, and3179investing in innovations to improve the physical, psychological, and3180cognitive performance of SOF.3181    Question. If confirmed, what steps will you undertake to address3182suicides in SOF?3183    Answer. Even one suicide in our formation is one too many. With the3184cessation of large-scale combat operations, suicide is now the leading3185cause of deaths among our service members. Suicide is preventable.3186Prevention requires involved leaders, peers, and subordinates; constant3187vigilance; the willingness to ask incisive questions; and access to3188mental healthcare and spiritual guidance. If confirmed, I will assess,3189and enhance as required, routine screening and resources for mental3190health, cognitive impairment, and interpersonal relationship problems--3191and to increase continuity of care between caregivers. The cultural3192measures we take--to increase empathy and decrease the stigma of asking3193for help--also have a tremendous positive impact. In my current3194command, I am proud to report nearly 50 percent of personnel have3195visited and used mental health services, a high rate unprecedented in3196my career, and not always for acute care but to increase resilience and3197performance.3198    Question. What is your understanding of the USSOCOM's Preservation3199of the Force and Families program?3200    Answer. The POTFF program is a powerful capability for the USSOCOM3201enterprise, augmenting Service-provided efforts. We must continue to3202care for our people--particularly those who have been injured on the3203battlefield--and their families. Having benefited from the POTFF3204program as a Commander, I understand and appreciate the value of having3205embedded, multidisciplinary teams within our formations. The POTFF3206construct provides top-quality physical and psychological care to our3207members, and the spiritual and family services enhance the3208belongingness and interpersonal relationships of our members and their3209families. I understand that in FY24 some 89 percent of SOF members were3210served by the POTFF program, and that USSOCOM's data showed positive3211results in physical performance and reduced severity of injuries,3212better mental health access, improved cognitive functioning and deeper3213family and community connections.3214                        recruiting and retention3215    Question. What are the biggest challenges to retention you see in3216the USSOCOM community?3217    Answer. In my current role, I have limited visibility on USSOCOM's3218recruiting and retention challenges, but if confirmed, I will examine3219this issue closely, in partnership with the Services. I anticipate one3220of the biggest challenges to retention in the SOF community is3221competition from the civilian workforce. To mitigate this, SOF rely on3222Service compensation policies as a significant contributor to retain3223the best and most qualified members. Continued support of compensation3224policies can only serve to sustain our already positive retention3225rates. However, service members assessed into SOF have already3226demonstrated their propensity to serve and are some of the most3227innovative and adaptive problem solvers in the world. We improve3228retention and our collective capability by providing SOF service3229members with a purposeful mission and venues that empower their3230innovative nature--from training ranges at home to our most3231sophisticated adversaries at the forward edge of the battlefield.3232    Question. What steps need to be taken, in your view, to meet the3233recruiting and retention goals of each of the services' SOF?3234    Answer. If confirmed, I will conduct a holistic assessment with the3235USSOCOM team and Services to better understand recruiting and retention3236issues. Recruiting new service members falls under the purview of each3237of the Services, and it is evident that they are taking the recruiting3238challenge seriously. I fully support and applaud the actions that all3239the Services are taking to ensure that we appeal to today's youth, from3240compensation and benefit reviews that bolster both recruiting and3241retention, to studying the factors that disqualify young Americans from3242serving--such as physical, medical, and educational requirements. I am3243confident the Services are making positive progress on these3244challenges, with beneficial downstream effects on SOF's overall3245readiness and manning.3246  capabilities of special operations forces and general purpose forces3247    Question. What is your assessment of the mix of responsibilities3248assigned to general purpose and SOF, particularly with respect to3249security force assistance and building partner military capabilities?3250    Answer. Both SOF and GPF have important and complementary roles in3251Building Partner Capacity (BPC) and Security Force Assistance (SFA)3252missions; and both have demonstrated their ability to conduct these3253missions across the globe. It is likely that both SOF and GPF will3254continue to prove vital to the Department's approach to campaigning. In3255general, SOF is designed for, and best utilized, as small teams in3256contested or politically sensitive areas to achieve low-cost, high-3257return results with partner nations. Because SOF is a high demand, low3258density force, it is often necessary to use GPF for SFA and BPC3259missions at larger scale. In my experience, GPF are most effective when3260specially trained to deliver conventional capabilities to foreign3261military forces--and in environments where U.S. presence is acceptable3262to the host-country government. Both GPF and SOF are utilized in the3263conduct of security cooperation for BPC under 10 U.S.C. Sec. 333 and3264other Chapter 16 security cooperation authorities.3265                special operations enabling capabilities3266    Question. In your view, how should the responsibility for providing3267enabling capabilities for special operations missions be divided3268between USSOCOM and the services?3269    Answer. In my 34-years of experience within the SOF community, the32705th SOF Truth, ``most special operations require non-SOF support,'' has3271proven accurate. USSOCOM and SOF units depend on the Services in a wide3272variety of ways, from administrative needs including recruiting,3273personnel, and logistics, to operational needs such as Service-common3274equipment and training. In return, SOF serve as a vanguard for the3275Services, integrating unique capabilities into operational plans and3276creating military options that conventional forces cannot readily3277provide. The symbiotic relationship between SOF and the Services is a3278critical variable in the success or failure of both special and3279conventional operations. This dynamic also highlights the importance of3280ASD(SO/LIC) providing oversight and advocacy in a role comparable to3281that of a service secretary. If confirmed, I pledge to partner with the3282Services--in close collaboration with ASD(SO/LIC)--to bring outsized3283return-on-investment and value to the Services and the Joint Force.3284    Question. How would you ensure that the enabler requirements of SOF3285are appropriately communicated to, and receive support, from the3286services?3287    Answer. The Joint Staff Global Force Management Process provides3288the appropriate means to communicate special operations requirements3289for Service support and allows DOD leadership to consider the strategic3290risk associated with the allocation of forces. If confirmed, I would3291also leverage the Special Operations Policy and Oversight Council--in3292cooperation with ASD(SO/LIC)--to address any support concerns with the3293Services.3294    Question. Do you believe USSOCOM and the services are maintaining3295adequate enabling capabilities to support special operations missions?3296    Answer. If confirmed, I will assess this topic in greater detail3297and provide transparency and recommendations to ASD(SO/LIC) and the3298Department. USSOCOM and the Services are adjusting their structure and3299focus to align with strategic guidance, with downstream effects on SOF3300enabling capabilities.3301                       interagency collaboration3302    Question. The collaboration between SOF, general purpose forces,3303and other U.S. Government departments and agencies has played a3304significant role in the success of counterinsurgency and3305counterterrorism operations in recent years. However, much of this3306collaboration has been ad hoc in nature.3307    What do you believe are the most important lessons learned from the3308collaborative interagency efforts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and3309elsewhere, and what lessons, in your view, are applicable to efforts3310against China and Russia?3311    Answer. In my view, the most important lesson learned from recent3312decades of combat in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere is the importance3313of relationships--within DOD, with other U.S. departments and agencies,3314and with foreign allies and partners. Whether fighting insurgents,3315conducting counterterrorism operations, competing against and deterring3316China and Russia, combating non-State actors, assisting allies and3317partners, or preparing for large scale combat, special operations is3318most often a team sport. With decades of combat experience and3319credibility, SOF's long-term relationships are directly applicable to3320efforts against China and Russia. These relationships are foundational3321to SOF's ability to provide the Joint Force with placement and access,3322enhanced understanding, and increased options in competition, crisis,3323and conflict.3324                      supported combatant command3325    Question. Under certain circumstances and subject to direction by3326the President or Secretary of Defense, USSOCOM may operate as a3327supported combatant command.3328    In your view, under what circumstances should USSOCOM conduct3329operations as a supported combatant command?3330    Answer. In my view, USSOCOM's primary role is to provide trained3331and ready SOF to Combatant Commanders with physical areas of3332responsibility to execute operations in support of their respective3333theater objectives. By exception, and if directed by the Secretary and3334President, USSOCOM could be designated as the supported combatant3335command, particularly when crisis response operations are trans-3336regional and dynamic, or when exquisite sensitive capabilities may be3337employed. However, this has not been the historical norm.3338    Question. In your view, what resource, organization, and force3339structure changes, if any, are required in order for USSOCOM to more3340effectively conduct both supporting and supported combatant command3341responsibilities?3342    Answer. If confirmed, and using the INDSG and other strategic3343guidance as a guide, I will conduct a holistic review of the SOF3344enterprise resource, organization, and force structure, and make3345appropriate adjustments and recommendations to the Department in close3346coordination with ASD(SO/LIC) and the Services.3347                  theater special operations commands3348    Question. Based on your professional military experience, how would3349you characterize the benefits of a dedicated special operations3350component to a geographic combatant command in providing responsive3351special operations planning and capabilities in support of the3352combatant command's theater campaign plan and associated requirements?3353    Answer. As a former commander of Special Operations Command Central3354(SOCCENT), I know firsthand the crucial role our TSOC's play in support3355of Combatant Commands' campaign plans. TSOCs are the primary theater3356SOF organization responsible for planning, executing, and controlling3357theater special operations in support of their respective Combatant3358Commands. Similarly, TSOC Commanders also serve as the senior SOF3359representative on Combatant Command staffs responsible for advising3360Combatant Commanders on the best use of SOF in support of theater3361campaign plans and any other emergent theater operational or training3362requirements.3363                          civilian casualties3364    Question. In your view, what are the primary challenges for the3365combatant commands in mitigating, investigating, and responding to3366allegations of civilian casualties resulting from U.S. military3367operations?3368    Answer. Minimizing civilian harm is one of the core purposes of the3369Law of Armed Conflict, and crucial for maintaining local support,3370strengthening partnership, and denying adversaries exploitable3371propaganda. Civilian casualties are never routine--every civilian death3372is a tragedy, and we will always take feasible precautions to mitigate3373CIVCAS--and every time we fail, we will examine where and how we failed3374and adjust our processes to mitigate civilian casualties to the best of3375our ability. In my experience, the mitigation, investigation, and3376reporting of civilian casualties have been improved through measures3377such as the use of training, technology (weaponeering and modeling),3378refined processes, and dedicated personnel and funding. If confirmed, I3379will prioritize the minimization of civilian harm, and I will provide3380feedback and recommendations on the associated challenges to the3381Department, in close coordination with ASD(SO/LIC) and supported3382Combatant Commands.3383    Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure civilian casualty3384allegations are adequately and promptly investigated by USSOCOM?3385    Answer. USSOCOM actively works with supported Combatant Commands to3386ensure all CIVCAS incidents and allegations are promptly investigated3387and reported. USSOCOM has subject matter experts who are involved in3388responding to all allegations of civilian harm in accordance with3389Department of Defense policy, and in identifying potential trends of3390issues specific to SOF. If confirmed, and when USSOCOM forces are3391operating under another Combatant Command's operational authority, I3392will emphasize full cooperation with that command's processes to ensure3393we are taking all appropriate action to investigate and resolve3394civilian harm allegations.3395    Question. Do you believe credible civilian casualty incidents3396should be independently investigated by personnel who are sufficiently3397removed from the unit or chain of command associated with the incident?3398Please be specific in your response.3399    Answer. The Civilian Harm Assessment Cells (CHAC) at Combatant3400Commands are organized to ensure that they are not part of the3401targeting process, to maintain a degree of separation that enables an3402impartial review of civilian harm allegations. At the same time, these3403CHAC personnel, by working as part of the staff, maintain real-time3404awareness of operations, policies, battle rhythm, battle damage3405assessments, civilian damage estimates, and have access to all relevant3406information regarding military operations, including classified3407material that requires special access. In my judgment, this ensures the3408CHACs are well-positioned to evaluate all civilian harm allegations3409thoroughly and in a timely manner, while maintaining their3410impartiality. This model provides commanders with maximum flexibility3411and discretion to assign and oversee incidents of civilian harm and3412results in more relevant investigations as the personnel understand the3413organization, policy, and processes involved, and have the expertise to3414make relevant recommendations to create institutional change.3415Additionally, partnerships with civilian non-governmental organizations3416can provide important access to information on civil context in and3417around battlefields.3418    Question. What is your understanding of USSOCOM's obligation to3419report civilian casualty incidents to Congress?3420    Answer. USSOCOM forces conduct combat operations under the3421operational authority of a combatant commander with a physical area of3422responsibility. USSOCOM provides required inputs to Congress via3423Combatant Commanders with physical areas of responsibility and the3424Joint Staff. This report is submitted annually by USD(P). These reports3425include specific operational details, such as the date, location, and3426the number of civilian deaths and/or injuries that occurred, among3427other relevant details.3428    Question. Under what circumstances do you believe it is appropriate3429to provide ex gratia payments when civilian casualties or other3430civilian harm result from unilateral or partnered U.S. military3431operations?3432    Answer. Ex gratia is an expression of condolence or sympathy with3433the aim to maintain good relationships with the local community. There3434are many factors to consider when making the decision to use ex gratia3435funds including the extent of harm, local culture, local economic3436situation, the ability to confirm the identity of the affected3437individuals, and the command's ability to communicate with them. There3438are also the considerations that an ex-gratia payment could put those3439individuals in danger, or that the payments could be diverted to3440support terrorist activities. There are cases when ex gratia payments3441are appropriate due to damage or destruction of property, or injury or3442death due to U.S. military operations. In my view, while ex gratia is a3443means to maintain positive relationships with affected communities, it3444must be weighed against potential risks to the recipients and/or future3445operations.3446                        congressional oversight3447    Question. In order to exercise legislative and oversight3448responsibilities, it is important that this committee, its3449subcommittees, and other appropriate committees of Congress receive3450timely testimony, briefings, reports, records (including documents and3451electronic communications) and other information from the executive3452branch.3453    Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on request,3454to appear and testify before this committee, its subcommittees, and3455other appropriate committees of Congress? Please answer yes or no.3456    Answer. Yes.3457    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to3458provide this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees3459of Congress, and their respective staffs such witnesses and briefers,3460briefings, reports, records (including documents and electronic3461communications) and other information, as may be requested of you, and3462to do so in a timely manner? Please answer yes or no.3463    Answer. Yes.3464    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to3465consult with this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate3466committees of Congress, and their respective staffs, regarding your3467basis for any delay or denial in providing testimony, briefings,3468reports, records--including documents and electronic communications,3469and other information requested of you? Please answer yes or no.3470    Answer. Yes.3471    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to3472keep this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees of3473Congress, and their respective staffs apprised of new information that3474materially impacts the accuracy of testimony, briefings, reports,3475records--including documents and electronic communications, and other3476information you or your organization previously provided? Please answer3477yes or no.3478    Answer. Yes.3479    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on3480request, to provide this committee and its subcommittees with records3481and other information within their oversight jurisdiction, even absent3482a formal Committee request? Please answer yes or no.3483    Answer. Yes.3484    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to3485respond timely to letters to, and/or inquiries and other requests of3486you or your organization from individual Senators who are members of3487this committee? Please answer with a simple yes or no.3488    Answer. Yes.3489    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to3490ensure that you and other members of your organization protect from3491retaliation any military member, Federal employee, or contractor3492employee who testifies before, or communicates with this committee, its3493subcommittees, and any other appropriate committee of Congress? Please3494answer with a simple yes or no.3495    Answer. Yes.3496                                 ______34973498    [Questions for the record with answers supplied follow:]34993500              Questions Submitted by Senator Dan Sullivan3501                naval special warfare detachment kodiak3502    1. Senator Sullivan. Vice Admiral Bradley, President Trump recently3503said, ``We will ensure Alaska gets even more defense investment as we3504fully rebuild our military, especially as Russia and China are making3505menacing moves in the Pacific.'' As you know, Alaska offers some of the3506most challenging and realistic training environments in the world,3507especially for cold-weather and maritime operations. Naval Special3508Warfare Detachment Kodiak has played a vital role for decades in3509preparing our SEALs for missions in Arctic conditions--an area of the3510world that is increasingly relevant given the strategic competition in3511the High North. How does SOCOM view the importance of Kodiak in3512sustaining the readiness of our Naval Special Warfare units?3513    Vice Admiral Bradley. While I cannot speak for USSOCOM's view writ3514large, I believe Naval Special Warfare Detachment Kodiak provides3515critical training to enable NSW personnel to operate in extreme, cold-3516weather maritime environments.35173518    2. Senator Sullivan. Vice Admiral Bradley, are there plans to3519expand or modernize Naval Special Warfare Detachment Kodiak's3520capabilities as the Arctic becomes a more contested environment?3521    Vice Admiral Bradley. In my current position, I am not aware if3522there are plans to expand Naval Special Warfare Detachment Kodiak. If3523confirmed, I will review this, as well as SOF's other artic-focused3524training capabilities.3525                            8(a) contracting3526    3. Senator Sullivan. Vice Admiral Bradley, the Small Business Act3527(SBA) 8(a) program, created by Congress, provides a contract vehicle3528through which sole source and set aside contracts can be awarded to3529small businesses owned by Alaska Native corporations, Community3530Development Corporations, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian3531organizations. These corporations are tied to political relationships,3532not racial classifications. They also are some of our most efficient3533contractors, earning stellar Contractor Performance Assessment3534Reporting System (CPARS) marks. Last, many of these small businesses3535employ veterans at rates far exceeding the national average, allowing3536our Nation's finest to continue to service after they take off the3537uniform. Will you commit to me to work to preserve and strengthen 8(a)3538contracting for the Department of Defense?3539    Vice Admiral Bradley. I do.35403541    4. Senator Sullivan. Vice Admiral Bradley, I recently toured an SBA35428(a) contracting operation and saw firsthand the value 8(a) brings to3543the Federal customer in terms of cost and efficiency while delivering3544mission-critical solutions that increase our national security and3545warfighting readiness. 8(a) contracts represent the best ``bang for the3546buck'' for taxpayers, giving contracting officers additional3547flexibility while also maximizing efficiency by reducing red tape. Do3548you see the value in increasing efficiency in flexibility brought from3549initiatives such as the 8(a) program?3550    Vice Admiral Bradley. I believe we must use every tool available to3551leverage the incredible power of the U.S. industrial base to support3552warfighting readiness, innovation, and modernization. This absolutely3553includes small business and any legally available mechanism that allows3554acceleration and delivery of mission critical services and capabilities3555should be leveraged.35563557    5. Senator Sullivan. Vice Admiral Bradley, rapid response3558capabilities are essential to enable our warfighters to win on the3559battlefield. At the same time, our defense contractors must rapidly3560respond to the needs of our military to make the U.S. Military more3561lethal. Flexible and efficient contracting through the SBA 8(a) program3562is one trusted way to do this, but many of these small businesses do3563not have the past performance that other traditional vendors may boast.3564How does SOCOM evaluate their operational performance in program awards3565and procurement planning?3566    Vice Admiral Bradley. I am aware that the DOD has a partnership3567agreement with the Small Business Administration that allows flexible3568and efficient contracting through the 8(a) program. From my current3569position, I do not have insight on how SOCOM evaluates operational3570performance in program awards and procurement planning, but if3571confirmed I will do an assessment of this important function.3572                               __________3573              Questions Submitted by Senator Kevin Cramer3574                           mq-9 availability3575    6. Senator Cramer. Vice Admiral Bradley, I've heard from both the3576Special Operations community and from our own 119th Air National Guard3577unit in North Dakota that the MQ-9 is doing critical work for3578conventional and special operations around the world. But attrition is3579taking its toll on the MQ-9 fleet, and it doesn't look like the Air3580Force has an immediate plan to replace the fleet with existing or3581future capabilities. Can you briefly explain the importance of the MQ-35829's capabilities to the Special Operations mission?3583    Vice Admiral Bradley. In my experience, MQ-9s have been, and will3584continue to be, a critical and enduring platform in SOF's airborne ISR3585(A-ISR) toolkit. SOF require an array of complementary physical and3586virtual ISR capabilities for permissive, contested, and denied3587environments to identify and locate targets, characterize adversary3588activities, and provide overwatch of our forces during operations. This3589includes A-ISR. My assessment is that we will continue to need MQ-9s,3590which we can apply to a range of SOF missions. We must balance our ISR3591portfolio with other capabilities, in order to protect essential3592platforms like the MQ-9 that our enemies seek to destroy/defeat through3593kinetic and non-kinetic (jamming) means. As MQ-9s are primarily used in3594more permissive environments, we must also modernize our A-ISR3595platforms for operations in contested airspace.3596                               __________35973598             Questions Submitted by Senator Mazie K. Hirono3599                               background3600    7. Senator Hirono. Vice Admiral Bradley, as part of my3601responsibility as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and3602to ensure the fitness of nominees for appointment to senior positions3603within the Department of Defense, I will be asking the same two3604questions that I ask nominees to all of the committees on which I3605serve:?'Since you became a legal adult, have you ever made unwanted3606requests for sexual favors, or committed any verbal or physical3607harassment or assault of a sexual nature?3608    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.36093610    8. Senator Hirono. Vice Admiral Bradley, have you ever faced3611discipline, or entered into a settlement related to this kind of3612conduct?3613    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.3614                        great power competition3615    9. Senator Hirono. Vice Admiral Bradley, as United States Special3616Operations Forces pivot to address threats beyond counterterrorism--3617particularly from great power competitors like China and Russia--U.S.3618Special Operations Command (SOCOM) must adapt its structure, mission3619set, and technology investments. SOCOM has a unique role to play in3620irregular warfare, strategic influence, and information operations that3621can disrupt or deter adversaries operating below the threshold of armed3622conflict. In this context, the ability of SOCOM to counter malign3623influence and support resistance networks in contested environments has3624become increasingly important. How would you assess SOCOM's current3625readiness to deter or disrupt Chinese and Russian irregular influence3626campaigns in regions like the Pacific Islands, Africa, or Eastern3627Europe?3628    Vice Admiral Bradley. While I don't have complete visibility of the3629readiness of the entire USSOCOM enterprise in my current position, I3630can say that SOF are successfully conducting critical deterrence and3631shaping activities today across the globe, including in the Indo-3632Pacific, Africa, Central and South America, and Europe. On any given3633day, more than 6,000 SOF are deployed to over 80 countries supporting3634over 30 named operations and other Combatant Command requirements.36353636    10. Senator Hirono. Vice Admiral Bradley, what role should SOCOM3637play in shaping strategic influence operations and countering hybrid3638threats that fall outside traditional kinetic engagements?3639    Vice Admiral Bradley. Drawing upon decades of combat-experience and3640credibility, SOF provide tailorable, asymmetric options while creating3641dilemmas for our adversaries. With a range of kinetic and non-kinetic3642options to deter aggression and counter coercion, SOF leverage unique3643authorities to collaborate and operate with allies and partners--our3644greatest strategic advantage for tackling shared challenges. This also3645helps bolster our global influence and counter attempts by our3646adversaries to undermine our alliances and partnerships. SOF have a3647unique role in building resistance and resilience, and our long-term3648partnerships also provide SOF incredible placement and access across3649the globe, enhancing our understanding of adversary activities.36503651    11. Senator Hirono. Vice Admiral Bradley, how are you prioritizing3652investments in emerging technologies--such as artificial intelligence3653(AI), unmanned systems, and cyber tools--to give our operators a3654decisive edge in irregular and information warfare?3655    Vice Admiral Bradley. The increasing pace of technological3656advancement demands SOF modernize rapidly to outpace our adversaries3657through the unrelenting development and integration of cutting-edge3658technologies. This includes harnessing the power of man-machine teaming3659and fusing all-domain capabilities to achieve decisive advantages. The3660pervasive technical surveillance environment presents both unique3661challenges and unprecedented opportunities. Recognizing this, I am3662committed to strengthening the Space-SOF-Cyber triad, leveraging the3663combined strengths of USSPACECOM and USCYBERCOM to ensure SOF's3664operational effectiveness in support of national security objectives.3665My vision encompasses integrating technological advancements across all3666domains--physical and virtual--including surface and subsurface3667maritime platforms; autonomous uncrewed systems; counter-unmanned3668systems; next-generation intelligence, surveillance, and3669reconnaissance; stand-off precision effects; and modernized mission3670command systems. If confirmed, I will leverage the INDSG and other3671strategic documents to guide a comprehensive review and prioritization3672of USSOCOM's priorities and capabilities and make recommendations to3673ASD(SO/LIC) aimed at ensuring SOF remain at the forefront of military3674innovation and preparedness.3675 civilian harm prevention and mitigation for special operations command3676    12. Senator Hirono. Vice Admiral Bradley, General Bryan Fenton,3677current SOCOM Commander, when asked during posture hearing whether the3678Civilian Protection Center of Excellence (CPCOE) has been an asset to3679SOCOM operations: ``I think certainly.3680    [ . . . ] We absolutely, as your SOCOM team, always aim to do the3681mission . . . and then protect noncombatants and civilians as part of3682who we are and what we stand for. And I think to your point, that sends3683a very--that sends a very powerful message across the globe that we're3684there to eliminate or disrupt a bad actor yet at the same time protect3685innocents and vulnerable and noncombatants. That's a very different3686signal from a nation. And that's what your SOCOM team works to do every3687day.'' Do you agree with General Fenton's comments on CPCOE and3688protecting noncombatants?3689    Vice Admiral Bradley. I absolutely agree. While SOF are laser-3690focused on mission accomplishment, ensuring we do everything we can to3691protect noncombatants and civilians from harm represents our values as3692a Nation, and is critical to our success in competition.36933694    13. Senator Hirono. Vice Admiral Bradley, if so, how will you3695continue SOCOM's mitigation and prevention of civilian harm?3696    Vice Admiral Bradley. In my experience, the mitigation,3697investigation, and reporting of civilian casualties have been improved3698through measures such as the use of training, technology (weaponeering3699and modeling), refined processes, and dedicated personnel and funding.3700If confirmed, I will prioritize the minimization of civilian harm, and3701I will provide feedback and recommendations on the associated3702challenges to the Department, in close coordination with ASD(SO/LIC)3703and supported Combatant Commands.37043705    14. Senator Hirono. Vice Admiral Bradley, if confirmed, what do you3706understand to be your roles and responsibilities regarding civilian3707harm mitigation and response?3708    Vice Admiral Bradley. If confirmed, I understand my role and3709responsibilities regarding the mitigation of civilian harm and3710mitigation response as provided in Under Department of Defense3711Instruction (DoDI) 3000.17 and the Civilian Harm Mitigation and3712Response Action Plan. My role would be to continue to apply resources3713and leverage our staff to identify the risks of our military operations3714to civilians and make every effort to minimize harmful effects while3715achieving our military objectives. I would also work with Combatant3716Commands on investigating reports of civilian harm resulting from SOF3717operations and responding accordingly when civilian harm does occur.37183719    15. Senator Hirono. Vice Admiral Bradley, furthermore, do you agree3720that preventing and responding to civilian harm is a critical3721responsibility of the U.S. Military and makes the United States more3722effective?3723    Vice Admiral Bradley. I agree. We have a moral and strategic3724obligation to avoid civilian casualties and investigate allegations3725thereof. This is at the heart of who we are as a Military and a Nation.3726                    scaling innovative capabilities3727    16. Senator Hirono. Vice Admiral Bradley, it's broadly agreed that3728the Department of Defense needs more rapid procurement and acquisition3729authorities. However, SOCOM is unique in how it rapidly acquires and3730fields cutting-edge technologies for special forces around the world.3731If confirmed, what specific procurement or innovation practices are you3732most interested in expanding or institutionalizing within SOCOM?3733    Vice Admiral Bradley. If confirmed, I commit to ensuring SOF remain3734a vanguard for innovation and agility and will assess current USSOCOM3735procurement and innovation practices in coordination with ASD(SO/LIC)3736and the Department. I recognize the critical need to respond to3737adversary innovation cycles with speed and precision and reduce3738capability fielding and employment timelines. I believe openness with3739industry will foster strategic partnerships, competition, and3740innovation. Allowing companies insight into SOF requirements will3741unlock the ingenuity of the American industrial base and drive3742development of critical cutting-edge technologies. SOF's ability to3743rapidly test, evaluate, and make combat-informed judgments on a3744product's viability for its intended function is key to informing the3745iterative nature of product development.37463747    17. Senator Hirono. Vice Admiral Bradley, how would you build on3748SOCOM's existing authorities and innovative processes?3749    Vice Admiral Bradley. I appreciate Congress's efforts to provide3750the DOD and USSOCOM with the tools needed to fight and win. In my3751experience, one of our most important tools is the array of fiscal3752authorities that we can apply to enable foreign forces that support our3753operations. To build our military advantage in a changing operational3754environment, we must adapt and innovate our authorities and3755capabilities to provide flexibility and operational agility. If3756confirmed, I intend to assess current authorities in close coordination3757with the USSOCOM staff and Components, ASD(SO/LIC), and the Department.37583759    18. Senator Hirono. Vice Admiral Bradley, rapid acquisition often3760increases risk. How do you propose measuring and managing risk without3761eroding accountability?3762    Vice Admiral Bradley. If confirmed, I will assess and strengthen3763internal controls, managing cost schedule and performance risk3764throughout our acquisition programs, ensuring accountability and3765stewardship of resources.37663767    19. Senator Hirono. Vice Admiral Bradley, if confirmed, how would3768you advocate within the broader Department of Defense to scale SOCOM's3769agile acquisition practices across other commands?3770    Vice Admiral Bradley. USSOCOM's unique alignment of flexible budget3771authorities, mission command, and capability-based programming have3772been instrumental in SOF's ability to address critical and emergent3773requirements--specifically unmanned systems development and capacity. I3774commit to ensuring SOF remain a vanguard for innovation and agility and3775commit to working with the Services to develop capabilities with3776transition to the joint force at the forefront of our development. If3777confirmed, I will commit to assess these authorities and provide3778recommendations to ASD(SO/LIC) and the Department.3779                               __________37803781                Questions Submitted by Senator Tim Kaine3782             counter-unmanned aircraft systems capabilities3783    20. Senator Kaine. Vice Admiral Bradley, in your advance policy3784questions (APQ) you cited the threat that one-way drones pose to U.S.3785Forces, bases, and allies and partners as one of ``the most pressing3786challenges'' facing special operations forces over the next 10 years.3787What role does SOCOM have to play in counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems3788(c-UAS) operations?3789    Vice Admiral Bradley. The ability to counter threats from unmanned3790systems, of all types, from both static and dynamic positions, is a3791critical capability for SOF--and will only become more important with3792the constant advances in commercial unmanned and autonomous3793technologies. The ability to rapidly innovate to solve hard problems is3794a hallmark of SOF, and if confirmed, I will ensure USSOCOM continues to3795work closely with the rest of the Department, and international3796partners and allies to advance our c-UAS capabilities for fixed site,3797mobile, and expeditionary scenarios.37983799    21. Senator Kaine. Vice Admiral Bradley, how is SOCOM integrating3800with U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) (as synchronizer) and the Army3801(as executive agent) to develop c-UAS technology?3802    Vice Admiral Bradley. In my current position, I do not have3803complete visibility on how SOCOM is integrating with NORTHCOM on c-UAS3804technologies. If confirmed, I will review SOCOM's efforts in this3805critical capability area.38063807    22. Senator Kaine. Vice Admiral Bradley, what are our biggest3808technology gaps?3809    Vice Admiral Bradley. The increasing pace of technological3810advancement demands SOF modernize rapidly to outpace our adversaries3811through the unrelenting development and integration of cutting-edge3812technologies. My vision encompasses integrating technological3813advancements and man-machine teaming across all domains--physical and3814virtual--including surface and subsurface maritime platforms;3815autonomous uncrewed systems; counter-unmanned systems; next-generation3816intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; stand-off precision3817effects; and modernized mission command systems. I am committed to3818strengthening the Space-SOF-Cyber triad, leveraging the combined3819strengths of USSPACECOM and USCYBERCOM to ensure SOF's operational3820effectiveness in support of national security objectives.3821                               __________38223823           Questions Submitted by Senator Angus S. King, Jr.3824            united nations convention on the law of the sea3825    23. Senator King. Vice Admiral Bradley, do you support the3826ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea3827(UNCLOS)?3828    Vice Admiral Bradley. U.S. Forces currently follow UNCLOS as a3829matter of customary international law. As to the policy decision of3830whether UNCLOS should be ratified, I defer to the Office of the3831Secretary of Defense.3832                              brain health3833    24. Senator King. Vice Admiral Bradley, Special Operations Command3834leads the Department with regards to blast overpressure testing.3835Special operators are a high-risk population when it comes to brain3836health including blast overpressure and brain health, what specific3837plans do you have to keep this a priority?3838    Vice Admiral Bradley. Our people are the most important resource.3839SOF's lethality and readiness is an obligation to defend the Nation, as3840is our commitment to safe training while still maintaining critical3841combat skills. USSOCOM has been a leader in brain health and continues3842to lead efforts with respect scientific research and advances. As we3843gain more fidelity on the impacts of the range of traumatic brain3844injuries, USSOCOM is also taking steps to identify better mitigation3845and protection measures, as well as improving treatment and care for3846our impacted service members. In partnership with Massachusetts General3847Hospital and Harvard Medical School, USSOCOM concluded The Repeated3848Exposure to Blast (ReBlast) Study, the most comprehensive work of this3849kind to date. If confirmed, I will remain committed to prioritizing3850brain health, and I will ensure USSOCOM continues to align with, lead,3851and inform the Department of Defense.38523853    25. Senator King. Vice Admiral Bradley, how can the Congress be3854helpful to you to support brain health for special operators?3855    Vice Admiral Bradley. Congress and this committee have been very3856supportive of fiscal resources in support of SOF and brain health3857initiatives. I ask for your continued commitment and support to SOF,3858the Department, and our families to better understand brain health3859issues and develop solutions to mitigate and treat them.3860                               __________3861            Questions Submitted by Senator Elizabeth Warren3862                                 ethics3863    26. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed,3864will you commit not to seek any employment with or compensation from a3865defense contractor, including through serving on a board, as a3866consultant, or as a lobbyist, for 4 years after leaving DOD?3867    Vice Admiral Bradley. If confirmed, I intend to focus on the job at3868hand. I have no intentions of seeking such employment. I commit to3869following applicable statutes, policies, and regulations regarding3870post-government employment and conflicts of interest.38713872    27. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed,3873will you commit not to engage in any lobbying activities, including3874unregistered ``shadow'' or ``behind-the-scenes'' lobbying under the3875guise of consulting or advising, focused on DOD or any of its3876components for 4 years after leaving DOD?3877    Vice Admiral Bradley. If confirmed, I intend to focus on the job at3878hand. I have no intentions of engaging in such activities. I commit to3879following applicable statutes, policies, and regulations regarding3880post-government employment and conflicts of interest.38813882    28. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, will you commit not to3883seek employment, board membership with, or any other form of3884compensation from a company that you regulated or otherwise interacted3885with while in government, for at least 4 years after leaving office?3886    Vice Admiral Bradley. If confirmed, I intend to focus on the job at3887hand. I have no intentions of seeking such employment. I commit to3888following applicable statutes, policies, and regulations regarding3889post-government employment and conflicts of interest.38903891    29. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, during your nomination3892process, did anyone on the Trump campaign, transition team, or other3893closely related entity approach you about your loyalty to President3894Trump?3895    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.38963897    30. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you were approached3898about your loyalty to President Trump, did you sign a loyalty pledge or3899other similar oath? If so, please provide a copy of the text of that3900pledge or oath.3901    Vice Admiral Bradley. I was not approached about my loyalty to3902President Trump.39033904    31. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you were approached3905about your loyalty to President Trump, did you make any verbal3906representations of loyalty? If so, please describe this representation.3907    Vice Admiral Bradley. I was not approached about loyalty to3908President Trump.39093910    32. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, in November 2024, the New3911York Times and other news outlets reported that Boris Epshteyn, a top3912adviser to President Trump, allegedly requested payment from3913prospective political appointees to promote their candidacies for top3914positions within the administration. Did you discuss the possibility of3915joining the administration with Mr. Epshteyn at any time?3916    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.39173918    33. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you did discuss the3919possibility of joining the administration with Mr. Epshteyn, did Mr.3920Epshteyn seek payment from you for promoting your candidacy for a3921position within the administration?3922    Vice Admiral Bradley. I have never spoken to Mr. Epshteyn.39233924    34. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, at any time, did lawyers3925for President Trump or members of President Trump's team approach you3926regarding Mr. Epshteyn and the allegations cited above? If so, please3927describe the information that they provided you (including copies of3928documents), what was discussed during any calls, and any other3929information pertaining to this interaction.3930    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.39313932    35. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, were you in contact with3933Mr. Elon Musk at any time during your nomination process? If so, please3934describe the nature of those contacts.3935    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.39363937    36. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, was Mr. Musk present or3938involved in any interviews you did related to your nomination? If so,3939please describe the nature of his involvement.3940    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.39413942    37. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, was Mr. Musk involved in3943any way with your nomination, including but not limited to directly or3944indirectly contacting Senators regarding their position on your3945nomination?3946    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.39473948    38. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, who was in the room or3949participated in any of your interviews regarding your nomination?3950    Vice Admiral Bradley. During my interview with President Trump for3951the position, the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint3952Chiefs of Staff, the potential nominees for USAFRICOM, USEUCOM, and3953USCENTCOM, and a notetaker were also present.3954    During my office calls with SASC members and staff, my current3955Commander's Action Group (CAG) Director and a representative from the3956Joint Staff Legislative Affairs were present in the room.39573958    39. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you own any stock or3959hold any other interest in any defense industry contractors, will you3960divest it to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest?3961    Vice Admiral Bradley. I do not hold any stock or hold any interest3962in any defense industry contractors.39633964    40. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what do you consider the3965role of the press in a democracy?3966    Vice Admiral Bradley. I am a firm believer in the U.S. Constitution3967and the First Amendment which provides for freedom of the press. This3968is the cornerstone of our democracy. The press helps hold the3969government accountable by exercising the right of all Americans to3970freedom of speech through their reporting without censorship.39713972    41. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, will you commit not to3973retaliate, including by denying access to government officials or3974facilities, against news outlets or individual journalists who publish3975articles that are critical of you, your office, your agency, or the3976Trump administration?3977    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes, I commit to not retaliate or deny access3978to news outlets or journalists if they publish articles critical of me,3979my office, my agency, or the administration.39803981    42. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, have you ever been3982accused of sexually harassing, assaulting, or creating a hostile work3983environment for another individual in a personal or professional3984capacity? Provide a list of all instances in which you have been3985accused of sexually harassing, assaulting, or creating a hostile work3986environment for an individual and the behavior of which you were3987accused.3988    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.39893990    43. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, have you requested, or3991has anyone requested on your behalf, that any other person or third3992party sign a nondisclosure, confidentiality, non-disparagement, or3993similar agreement regarding your conduct in a personal or professional3994capacity?3995    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.39963997    44. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, will you voluntarily3998release any individual from any such agreements before this committee3999votes on your nomination?4000    Vice Admiral Bradley. I do not have any such agreement in place.40014002    45. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, have you ever paid or4003promised to pay, or has anyone paid or promised to pay on your behalf,4004an individual as part of any non-disclosure, confidentiality, non-4005disparagement, or similar agreement?4006    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.40074008    46. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if the answer to the4009previous question was yes, how much was promised, how much was paid,4010and what were the circumstances?4011    Vice Admiral Bradley. I do not have any such agreement in place.40124013    47. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, were you at any time, or4014are you currently, contacted by or under investigation or review by any4015inspector general or any inspector general's office for any reason?4016    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.4017    48. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what is your4018understanding of the Hatch Act?4019    Vice Admiral Bradley. The Hatch Act is a law that restricts the4020partisan political activity of civilian executive branch employees of4021the Federal Government. While it does not apply to members of the Armed4022Forces, there are Department of Defense Policies that similarly4023restrict partisan political activities for Active Duty servicemembers.40244025    49. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what disciplinary actions4026are appropriate for violations of the Hatch Act?4027    Vice Admiral Bradley. The penalty structure for violations of the4028Hatch Act by Federal employees includes removal from Federal service,4029reduction in grade, debarment from Federal employment for a period not4030to exceed 5 years, suspension, reprimand, or a civil penalty. The4031nature of the violation, rank/position of the employee, and other4032extenuating or mitigating circumstances should drive the appropriate4033disciplinary action in any given case.40344035    50. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, has a member of your4036family currently or ever been a member, founder, or investor of the4037``Executive Branch'' social club? Please provide their name and role4038related to the club.4039    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.40404041    51. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, has a member of your4042family ever visited the club or attended an event at the club?4043    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.40444045    52. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if a member of your4046family has ever visited the club or attended an event at the club,4047please provide the date, circumstances of the visit, and the event.4048    Vice Admiral Bradley. Neither I nor any members of my family have4049visited the club or attended an event at the club.40504051    53. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, have you had any meetings4052at the club? If so, what were these meetings about and with whom?4053    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.40544055    54. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, has a member of your4056family had any meetings at the club? If so, which family member(s),4057what were these meetings about, and with whom were these meetings?4058    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.40594060    55. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, have you encouraged4061anyone to join the club or promoted the club in any other way? If so,4062in what ways did you promote the club?4063    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.40644065    56. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, has a member of your4066family encouraged anyone to join the club or promoted the club in any4067other way? If so, which family member(s) and in what ways did they4068promote the club?4069    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.4070                congressional oversight and transparency4071    57. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what is your4072understanding of the role of the Department of Defense Inspector4073General and service Inspectors General?4074    Vice Admiral Bradley. The DOD Inspector General acts as the4075principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense in matters regarding DOD4076fraud, waste, and abuse. The DOD OIG combats fraud, waste and abuse by4077conducting audits, investigations and evaluations. In addition, the IG4078ensures the Secretary of Defense, and the Congress are fully informed4079of problems in the Department.4080    The Military Services Inspectors General provide oversight and4081assistance through inspections, investigations, and evaluations within4082the DOD. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force each4083maintain their own IG office, focusing on their respective branches and4084investigating matters affecting them. These Service IGs operate under4085similar principles of independence and objectivity, ensuring4086transparency and accountability within the armed forces.40874088    58. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, will you ensure your4089staff complies with any Inspector General deadlines established for4090requested communications, documents, and witnesses, and that staff will4091be protected from reprisal for their testimony?4092    Vice Admiral Bradley. I will.40934094    59. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are not able to4095comply with any Inspector General requests and deadlines, will you4096notify the Republican and Democratic members of this committee4097regarding the basis for any good faith delay or denial?4098    Vice Admiral Bradley. I will.40994100    60. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed,4101will you commit to refusing to follow illegal orders from any4102individual, including the President?4103    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes.41044105    61. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what actions would you4106take if you were given an illegal order from any individual, including4107the President?4108    Vice Admiral Bradley. I would first seek clarification on the4109order, as I do not anticipate that I would receive an illegal order. I4110would then seek advice and counsel from the Chairman and my legal4111advisor. If I ultimately determine that the order is an illegal order,4112I would not follow the order.41134114    62. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, will you commit to4115voluntarily provide a deposition if you are requested by Congress to4116provide one?4117    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes.41184119    63. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, will you commit to4120voluntarily testify in front of Congress if you are requested by4121Congress to do so?4122    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes.41234124    64. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, will you commit to4125testify or provide a deposition in front of Congress if you are issued4126a subpoena to do so?4127    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes.41284129    65. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, will you commit to4130providing information or documents to Congress voluntarily if you are4131requested to do so?4132    Vice Admiral Bradley. In accordance with all applicable laws and4133regulations, I will provide information or documents voluntarily to4134Congress if requested to do so.41354136    66. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, will you provide4137information or documents to Congress if you are issued a subpoena to do4138so?4139    Vice Admiral Bradley. In accordance with all applicable laws and4140regulations, I will provide information or documents to Congress if4141issued a subpoena.41424143    67. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, will you commit to4144following current precedent for responding to information requests,4145briefings, and other inquiries from Congress, including the Senate and4146House Armed Services Committees and their minority members?4147    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes.41484149    68. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if confirmed, will you4150commit to posting your official calendar monthly?4151    Vice Admiral Bradley. If confirmed, I commit to conducting a4152security review to ensure OPSEC before I publicly release any4153information.41544155    69. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, do you think the Federal4156Government has an overclassification problem? If so, please provide4157examples of overclassification you have encountered.4158    Vice Admiral Bradley. While there is always room for improvement in4159our classification processes and procedures, the Joint Force regularly4160writes for release and utilizes classification markings at the lowest4161classification levels to ensure dissemination to the widest audience in4162a timely manner.41634164    70. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if confirmed, do you4165think your department should pursue strategic technology to support4166automated declassification?4167    Vice Admiral Bradley. I believe there are great opportunities to4168leverage advancing technologies such as artificial intelligence and4169machine learning to assist in both the classification and4170declassification of information. However, I believe there will still4171need to be a human in the loop to confirm the accuracy of4172classification recommendations made by any machine, especially before4173officially declassifying information.4174                              project 20254175    71. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, have you discussed4176Project 2025 with any officials associated with the Trump campaign, the4177Trump transition team, or other members of the Trump administration? If4178so, please explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with4179whom you discussed it.4180    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.41814182    72. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, have you discussed4183Project 2025 with any officials associated with the Heritage4184Foundation? If so, please explain what you discussed, when you4185discussed it, and with whom you discussed it.4186    Vice Admiral Bradley. No.4187                           foreign influence4188    73. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, have you received any4189payment from a foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign4190government within the past 5 years?4191    Vice Admiral Bradley. No, I have not.41924193    74. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, have you communicated4194with any foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign4195government within the past 5 years?4196    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes, as a part of my official duties.41974198    75. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, please disclose any4199communications or payments you have had with representatives of any4200foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government within4201the past 5 years and describe the nature of the communication.4202    Vice Admiral Bradley. In the course of my official duties over the4203past 5 years, I have had various contacts with, but no payments to,4204foreign governments and entities controlled by foreign governments. I4205am happy to answer specific lines of inquiry on this topic, in a4206closed/classified setting, as appropriate.4207                        impoundment control act4208    76. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, do you believe the4209Secretary of Defense has the legal authority to block the disbursement4210of funds appropriated by Congress?4211    Vice Admiral Bradley. I am aware of the Congressional Budget and4212Impoundment Control Act of 1974 detailing procedures available to allow4213Congress to consider Presidential proposals to delay or rescind budget4214authority expeditiously. However, I defer questions regarding the legal4215authorities of the Secretary of Defense to OSD.42164217    77. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what is your4218understanding of the Impoundment Control Act?4219    Vice Admiral Bradley. I am aware of the Congressional Budget and4220Impoundment Control Act of 1974 detailing procedures available to allow4221Congress to consider Presidential proposals to delay or rescind budget4222authority expeditiously.42234224    78. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, do you commit to4225complying with the Impoundment Control Act?4226    Vice Admiral Bradley. I do.42274228    79. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, do you commit to4229notifying the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, including the4230majority and minority, if you are asked not to comply with the4231Impoundment Control Act or not to expend the money that Congress4232appropriates or authorizes?4233    Vice Admiral Bradley. I do.42344235    80. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what is your4236understanding of the requirements for Federal agencies to obligate4237funding that Congress authorizes and appropriates, in accordance with4238the time period that Congress deems it to do so?4239    Vice Admiral Bradley. I understand the Anti-Deficiency Act requires4240Federal agencies to obligate dollars for the purposes appropriated, in4241the year apportioned, and within our allocated budget. I understand4242funds cannot be expended in advance of or in excess of an4243appropriation.42444245    81. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, do you commit to4246expending the money that Congress appropriates and authorizes?4247    Vice Admiral Bradley. I do.42484249    82. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, do you commit to4250following and implementing every provision of the annual National4251Defense Authorization Act passed into law?4252    Vice Admiral Bradley. I do.42534254    83. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you became aware of a4255potential violation of the Antideficiency Act, Impoundment Control Act,4256or other appropriations laws, what steps would you take?4257    Vice Admiral Bradley. I commit to comply with and prevent4258violations of the Anti-Deficiency Act, Impoundment Control Act, and4259other appropriations laws by ensuring proper internal controls are in4260place to ensure all appropriated dollars are responsibly and accurately4261expended for the purposes appropriated, in the year apportioned, and4262within our allocated budget. I will promptly and thoroughly investigate4263and report any potential violations.4264                             civilian harm4265    84. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, do you agree that one4266difference between the United States and its potential adversaries is4267the greater value that the U.S. Government puts on protecting human4268life and liberty at home and abroad?4269    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes.42704271    85. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what is your4272understanding of title 10 U.S.C. 184, which established the Civilian4273Protection Center of Excellence?4274    Vice Admiral Bradley. Title 10 U.S.C. 184 establishes the Civilian4275Protection Center of Excellence (CP CoE) as a specialized military4276organization that serves as the Department of Defense's primary4277institution for advancing civilian protection capabilities. The CPCoE4278operates as a hub and facilitator of Department-wide analysis,4279learning, and strategic approaches to civilian harm mitigation and4280response during military operations.42814282    86. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, the U.S. Military has4283spent many years working to improve its ability to prevent and mitigate4284civilian harm without sacrificing lethality--including through the4285development of the DOD Instruction on Civilian Harm under the first4286Trump administration, which I commend. These efforts received4287bipartisan support from Congress and grew out of a recognition from the4288U.S. Military itself that, after over 2 decades of U.S. wars,4289warfighters needed better tools and trustworthy systems to prevent4290civilian harm, uphold U.S. values, and prevent the moral injury and4291psychological trauma that too often comes with deadly mistakes. If4292confirmed, will you commit to continued leadership on civilian harm4293issues?4294    Vice Admiral Bradley. I will.42954296    87. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed,4297what do you understand to be your role and responsibilities regarding4298civilian harm mitigation and response?4299    Vice Admiral Bradley. If confirmed I understand my role and4300responsibilities regarding the mitigation of civilian harm and4301mitigation response as provided in Under Department of Defense4302Instruction (DoDI) 3000.17 and the Civilian Harm Mitigation and4303Response Action Plan. My role would be to continue to apply resources4304and leverage our staff to identify the risks of our military operations4305to civilians and make every effort to minimize harmful effects while4306achieving our military objectives. I would also work with Combatant4307Commands on investigating reports of civilian harm resulting from SOF4308operations and responding accordingly when civilian harm does occur.43094310    88. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what do you understand to4311be the importance of mitigating civilian harm in military operations?4312    Vice Admiral Bradley. While SOF forces are laser-focused on mission4313accomplishment, ensuring we do everything we can to protect4314noncombatants and civilians from harm represents our values as a4315Nation, and is critical to our success in competition. Furthermore, we4316have a moral and strategic obligation to avoid civilian casualties and4317investigate allegations thereof. This is at the heart of who we are as4318a Military and a Nation.43194320    89. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what value can advisors4321with expertise in civilian harm mitigation and response provide to4322commanders?4323    Vice Admiral Bradley. Civilian harm mitigation and response4324advisors provide commanders with crucial data on the civilian4325environment, tailored mitigation advice, and enhanced understanding of4326the impact of operations on civilians, preserving the commander's vital4327decision space.43284329    90. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, how have SOCOM and4330AFRICOM, respectively, benefited from the Civilian Protection Center of4331Excellence?4332    Vice Admiral Bradley. The CPCoE provides reach-back support should4333our team require it and has provided training for our CHMR personnel.4334Additionally, CPCoE has provided coordination across the Department.43354336    91. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, how have SOCOM and4337AFRICOM, respectively, supported and implemented the Civilian Harm4338Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP)?4339    Vice Admiral Bradley. The CHMR-AP formed the basis for SOCOM's4340approach to CHMR and resulted in a range of policies and operational4341processes designed to reduce the risk to civilians prior to conducting4342U.S. Military operations. During my time in the SOF enterprise, I have4343seen firsthand that SOCOM has been focused on incorporating CHMR4344principles into planning, training, and exercises.43454346    92. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what have been the4347benefits for SOCOM and AFRICOM, respectively, in supporting and4348implementing Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response efforts and the4349CHMR-AP?4350    Vice Admiral Bradley. Supporting and implementing CHMR efforts has4351promoted consistency and efficiency in operations by standardizing4352processes across SOF. The standards developed following CHMR-AP4353implementation govern lethal activities by enhancing precision,4354repeatability, and accountability.43554356    93. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, do you believe that our4357troops are at higher risk for retribution as the number of civilian4358deaths from U.S. Military operations or U.S.-led military operations4359increases?4360    Vice Admiral Bradley. While I cannot correlate specific incidents4361of civilian casualties with instances of retribution against troops, I4362believe terrorist groups like al Qaeda and ISIS exploit galvanizing4363events to inspire supporters worldwide.43644365    94. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, how does preventing and4366mitigating civilian harm help to promote U.S. National Security?4367    Vice Admiral Bradley. Minimizing civilian harm is one of the core4368purposes of the Law of Armed Conflict, and is crucial for maintaining4369local support, strengthening partnerships, and denying adversaries4370exploitable propaganda.43714372    95. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, does having civilian-harm4373prevention personnel build trust and relationships with local civil4374society groups help commanders to collect useful intelligence4375information?4376    Vice Admiral Bradley. Civilian harm mitigation and response4377advisors provide commanders with crucial data on the civilian4378environment and enhanced understanding of the impact of operations on4379civilians, preserving the commander's vital decision space.43804381    96. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, in what ways do you see4382civilian harm mitigation and response efforts furthering SOCOM and4383AFRICOM's missions and the effectiveness of their operations,4384respectively?4385    Vice Admiral Bradley. Civilian harm mitigation is crucial for4386maintaining local support, strengthening partnerships, and denying4387adversaries exploitable propaganda.43884389    97. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed,4390will you commit to supporting and protecting the Civilian Protection4391Center of Excellence?4392    Vice Admiral Bradley. If confirmed, I will continue to follow all4393the Department's policies and instructions regarding civilian harm4394mitigation, to include supporting the Civilian Protection Center of4395Excellence.43964397    98. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, how will you prevent and4398mitigate civilian harm?4399    Vice Admiral Bradley. In my experience, the mitigation,4400investigation, and reporting of civilian casualties have been improved4401through measures such as the use of training, technology (weaponeering4402and modeling), refined processes, and dedicated personnel and funding.4403If confirmed, I will prioritize the minimization of civilian harm, and4404I will provide feedback and recommendations on the associated4405challenges to the Department, in close coordination with ASD(SO/LIC)4406and supported Combatant Commands.44074408    99. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed for4409these roles, will you commit to working with civil society and4410interviewing civilian witnesses during civilian harm investigations?4411    Vice Admiral Bradley. If confirmed, when USSOCOM forces are4412operating under another combatant command's operational authority, I4413will emphasize full cooperation with that combatant command's4414processes, to include working with civil society and interviewing4415civilian witnesses, to ensure we are taking all appropriate action to4416investigate and resolve civilian harm allegations.44174418    100. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed for4419these roles, how do you plan to work with civil society to reduce4420civilian harm in military operations?4421    Vice Admiral Bradley. If confirmed, I will leverage the tools4422available at my disposal--including working with civil society through4423combatant commands when appropriate--to ensure mission success while4424mitigating civilian harm.44254426    101. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed for4427these roles, will you commit to supporting thorough investigations of4428allegations of civilian harm, including by partners and allies?4429    Vice Admiral Bradley. If confirmed, I will continue to follow all4430the Department's policies and instructions regarding civilian harm4431mitigation, to include policies on investigating allegations of4432civilian harm. Learning from instances of civilian harm helps us4433improve our processes and mitigate future instances of civilian harm.44344435    102. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, how would a potential4436high-intensity conflict with a peer or near-peer adversary that4437purposefully embeds itself in densely populated operational4438environments impact targeting capabilities, precision, and risks to4439servicemembers?4440    Vice Admiral Bradley. In general, purposely using humans as shields4441is a Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) violation. Nevertheless, despite4442adversaries' actions, U.S. Forces maintain an obligation to apply LOAC4443to all operations, including the principles of distinction and4444proportionality. As such, to counter an adversary embedded in densely4445populated operation environments, it is critical that SOF have range of4446options available, to include precision weapons, AI, and non-kinetic4447tools.44484449    103. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, how would current4450technology, capabilities, planning, and rules of engagement, including4451efforts to prevent and mitigate civilian harm, help to mitigate such4452impacts from the previous question?4453    Vice Admiral Bradley. Technology, planning, and tailored rules of4454engagement are tools that can be utilized to ensure mission completion4455against adversaries in densely populated areas while mitigating4456civilian harm. If confirmed, I will strive to keep USSOCOM's4457capabilities and forces agile to anticipate and respond to evolving4458adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures.44594460    104. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed for4461these roles, will you commit to sharing all findings of each4462investigation of civilian harm with Congress, including the members of4463the Senate Armed Services Committee within 15 days of the4464investigation's completion?4465    Vice Admiral Bradley. In accordance with all applicable laws,4466policies, and regulations, I will work through the combatant commands,4467Joint Staff, and Office of the Secretary of Defense to provide4468investigations of civilian harm to Congress.44694470    105. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed,4471will you commit to supporting and implementing the Civilian Harm4472Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP)?4473    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes. I will follow all Department policies4474and instructions regarding civilian harm mitigation.44754476    106. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed,4477will you commit to supporting and implementing the Civilian Harm4478Mitigation Response and Action Plan (CHMR-AP)?4479    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes. I will follow all Department policies4480and instructions regarding civilian harm mitigation.4481         protecting classified information and federal records4482    107. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what is your4483understanding of the need to protect operational security, or OPSEC?4484    Vice Admiral Bradley. Preserving the element of surprise through4485operational security is paramount. Operational security measures should4486always be implemented and adhered to in order to not unnecessarily put4487the lives of our service members at risk and jeopardizing mission4488success.44894490    108. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what are the national4491security risks of improperly disclosing classified information?4492    Vice Admiral Bradley. The national security risks of improperly4493disclosing classified information depend on the information disclosed,4494but all classified information should be handled properly and only4495discussed in sensitive compartmented information facilities (SCIFs) or4496shared on approved networks for that classification level.44974498    109. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what would you do if you4499learned an official had improperly disclosed classified information?4500    Vice Admiral Bradley. If I witnessed an official improperly4501disclosing classified information, I would redirect them to the4502appropriate channels for sharing the information and ensure that the4503incident was reported to the applicable security manager.45044505    110. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what is your4506understanding of Government officials' duties under the Federal Records4507Act?4508    Vice Admiral Bradley. The Federal Records Act is the legal4509framework that maintains transparency and accountability for our4510government by requiring each Federal agency, to include those within4511the Department of Defense, to properly maintain all recorded4512information to include electronic records. Government officials are4513required to abide by their organization's records management program.45144515    111. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, should classified4516information be shared on unclassified commercial systems?4517    Vice Admiral Bradley. No, classified information should not be4518shared on unclassified commercial systems.45194520    112. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, is it damaging to4521servicemembers' confidence in the chain of command if the pilots flying4522a mission find out that the official who ordered them to perform that4523mission shared sensitive information that could have made it more4524likely that the mission would fail or they would be killed?4525    Vice Admiral Bradley. I believe that it could potentially be4526damaging to a servicemember's confidence in the chain of command if4527information that put their mission or safety at risk was improperly4528shared.45294530    113. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you had information4531about the status of specific targets, weapons being used, and timing4532for imminent U.S. strikes against an adversary, under what4533circumstances would you feel comfortable receiving or sharing that4534information on an unclassified commercial application like Signal?4535    Vice Admiral Bradley. I would not feel comfortable sharing4536classified information on an unclassified commercial application.4537               retaliation and protecting whistleblowers4538    114. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, do you believe that4539servicemembers, civilians, grantees, and contractors should be4540protected from any form of retaliation for coming forward about an4541illegal order, sexual assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or4542any other concern that they wish to raise?4543    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes, all servicemembers, civilians, grantees4544and contractors should feel protected from retaliation and empowered to4545come forward about any concern they wish to raise.45464547    115. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what do you consider to4548be the purpose of Federal whistleblower protection laws?4549    Vice Admiral Bradley. Federal whistleblower protection laws protect4550Federal employees and uniformed servicemembers who come forward with4551claims about agency wrongdoing from reprisal through adverse personnel4552actions or other threats.45534554    116. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, have you ever retaliated4555against any individual for coming forward about an illegal order,4556sexual assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or any other4557concern that they wish to raise?4558    Vice Admiral Bradley. No, I have not.45594560    117. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed,4561will you commit to protecting whistleblowers? If so, please specify how4562you will do so.4563    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes. I will adhere to the mandates of the4564Federal whistleblower protection laws. I will not levy any adverse4565actions or condone retaliation against whistleblowers related to their4566coming forward to expose violations, mismanagement, or other4567allegations.45684569    118. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed,4570will you commit to preventing retaliation against any individual for4571coming forward about an illegal order, sexual assault or harassment,4572negligence, misconduct, or any other concern that they wish to raise?4573    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes, I commit to preventing retaliation4574against any individual for coming forward about an illegal order,4575sexual assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or any other4576concern they wish to raise.45774578    119. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, do you consider it to be4579retaliation to demote an individual, prevent the promotion or4580advancement of an individual, remove an individual from the military or4581their role, or take other adverse actions related to personnel4582decisions for an individual, in response to that individual engaging in4583protected activity?4584    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes, I do consider it to be retaliation if an4585individual faces adverse personnel actions in response to their4586engaging in a protected activity.45874588    120. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, do you consider it to be4589retaliation to encourage another person(s) to demote an individual,4590prevent the promotion or advancement of an individual, remove an4591individual from the military or their role, or take other adverse4592actions related to personnel decisions for an individual, in response4593to that individual engaging in protected activity?4594    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes, I do consider it to be retaliation to4595encourage someone else to levy adverse personnel actions against an4596individual in response to their engaging in a protected activity.4597                              data privacy4598    121. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what is your4599understanding of your obligations to protect sensitive servicemember,4600contractor, and civilian employee information from unauthorized4601disclosure and from foreign governments?4602    Vice Admiral Bradley. Protecting sensitive and personally4603identifiable information for servicemembers, contractors, and civilian4604employees is a legal requirement. Everyone within the Department of4605Defense has the responsibility for safeguarding and properly handling4606sensitive information and preventing unauthorized disclosure.46074608    122. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what are the risks of4609any failure to protect sensitive servicemember, contractor, and4610civilian employee information from unauthorized disclosure and from4611foreign governments?4612    Vice Admiral Bradley. The failure to protect sensitive4613servicemember, contractor, or civilian employee information from4614unauthorized disclosure and from foreign governments could potentially4615put them or their families at risk of being targeted by an adversary or4616nefarious actor looking to exploit them or put national security at4617risk.46184619    123. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what is your4620understanding of the Protecting Americans' Data from Foreign4621Adversaries Act?4622    Vice Admiral Bradley. The act protects American's personally4623identifiable information (PII) by prohibiting data brokers from selling4624or transferring that information to foreign adversaries to include4625China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.46264627    124. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, do you oppose private4628entities such as DOD contractors and data brokers selling servicemember4629data to China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, Syria, and North Korea4630and entities controlled by those countries?4631    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes.46324633    125. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, would you support any4634contracts for the sale or transfer of servicemember data including a4635prohibition on reselling or transferring servicemember data to China,4636Russia, Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, Syria, and North Korea and entities4637controlled by those countries?4638    Vice Admiral Bradley. No, I would not.46394640    126. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, a 2023 Duke University4641study found that data brokers with datasets about Active Duty4642servicemembers were willing to sell to buyers in Asia for as little as464312 cents per record. Do you think selling service member data in4644foreign countries creates a national security risk?4645    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes, I do.46464647    127. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, would you support4648stronger enforcement of existing protections for U.S. and servicemember4649data?4650    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes, I would.4651                           blast overpressure4652    128. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed,4653will you commit to protecting servicemembers from blast overpressure4654and increasing their options for seeking care after being exposed?4655    Vice Admiral Bradley. I will.46564657    129. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed,4658what steps will you take to protect servicemembers from blast4659overpressure and increase their options for seeking care after being4660exposed?4661    Vice Admiral Bradley. USSOCOM has been a leader in brain health and4662continues to lead efforts with respect scientific research and4663advances. As we gain more fidelity on the impacts of the range of4664traumatic brain injuries, including blast overpressure, USSOCOM is also4665taking steps to identify better mitigation and protection measures, as4666well as improving treatment and care for our impacted service members.4667In partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical4668School, USSOCOM concluded The Repeated Exposure to Blast (ReBlast)4669Study, the most comprehensive work of this kind to date. If confirmed,4670I will remain committed to prioritizing brain health, and I will ensure4671USSOCOM continues to align with, lead, and inform the Department of4672Defense.46734674    130. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, how do you plan to work4675with the Department of Veterans Affairs to make sure that4676servicemembers, veterans, and their families are aware of the risks of4677blast overpressure and traumatic brain injury?4678    Vice Admiral Bradley. Historically, military medical research and4679experience have benefited the civilian healthcare community, academia,4680and industry partners. If confirmed, I commit to ensuring USSOCOM's4681understanding of these risks, risk mitigation tools, and treatment4682options, are shared with the Department of Veterans Affairs.46834684    131. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, do you support4685establishing logs for soldiers on blast overpressure exposure and4686traumatic brain injury (TBI)?4687    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes, I do. USSOCOM is currently exploring the4688use of sensors and wearable technology to monitor blast exposure in4689real-time, enabling cognitive monitoring.46904691    132. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, do you support requiring4692neurocognitive assessments of soldiers annually, before they begin4693training to establish a baseline, and before they leave the military to4694determine when their change in cognitive health over time?4695    Vice Admiral Bradley. Yes, I do.46964697    133. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed,4698how will you address the links between blast overpressure exposure and4699increased risks of suicide?4700    Vice Admiral Bradley. The first SOF truth is ``humans are more4701important than hardware.'' Protecting the health of the special4702operations force is paramount. There is much we still do not know about4703the impact of blast overpressure on our brains, but USSOCOM, alongside4704the DOD, is committed to finding solutions and protecting our people4705now. If confirmed, I commit to continue studying the impacts so we can4706diagnose, treat, and institute better preventative measures to protect4707our service members.47084709    134. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, what steps would you4710take to improve suicide prevention efforts, including investing in peer4711support programs, crisis intervention, and community-based mental4712health initiatives?4713    Vice Admiral Bradley. Losing even one service member to suicide is4714one too many and compels us to reflect on what signs we may have4715missed. I commit to ensuring service members have the support, tools,4716and resources necessary for mental fitness and health while being4717afforded appropriate confidentiality. We must eliminate the stigma of4718seeking help. As we go to the physical gym to strengthen our bodies, we4719must leverage the full range mental health tools available to us to4720strengthen our minds. If confirmed, I will continue to support the4721broad range of programs that emphasize and aid mental wellness.47224723    135. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed, what steps would4724you take to ensure that servicemembers and their families are aware of4725the potential increased risks of suicide after exposure to blast4726overpressure?4727    Vice Admiral Bradley. Protecting the health and well-being of our4728SOF and their families is paramount to ensuring SOF's readiness, now4729and in the future. We must educate our service members and their4730families about the risks associated with any traumatic brain injury and4731provide resources to help them address the impacts. If confirmed, I4732commit to ensuring these critical education initiatives and response4733resources are available.47344735    136. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed,4736what resources and support will you provide for families of special4737operators so that they can understand the risks of blast overpressure4738and recognize if their loved one may be experiencing symptoms as a4739result of this exposure?4740    Vice Admiral Bradley. Family and community support are essential4741for recovery. The well-being of our service members is closely linked4742to their support networks, which is why SOCOM provides resources and4743programs to assist families, including counseling, education and4744support groups. Additionally, the Preservation of the Force and Family4745(POTFF), provides a robust mental health programs that include regular4746screenings, access to mental health professionals, and peer support4747networks. If confirmed, I commit to ensuring these critical resources4748remain available to our force and families and will constantly seek to4749improve them.47504751    137. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, it appears that U.S.4752Army Green Beret Master Sgt. Matthew Livelsberger, who died by suicide4753in a cybertruck explosion on January 1, 2025, may have had a history of4754traumatic brain injury. What do you understand to be the consequences4755and long-term effects of blast overpressure exposure and brain injury4756on servicemembers?4757    Vice Admiral Bradley. While I'm not intimately familiar with MSG4758Matthew Livelsberger's medical history, any potential connection to4759traumatic brain injury continues to highlight the urgent need to4760understand the consequences and long-term effects of blast overpressure4761exposure and other brain injuries on service members to find solutions4762now. Prevention is critical, which is why SOF are continually looking4763for ways to improve protective equipment and exploring wearable4764technology to monitor blast exposure in real time.47654766    138. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, do you support4767addressing the risks of blast overpressure to service members through4768the swift implementation of sections 721 through section 725 of the4769Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)?4770    Vice Admiral Bradley. I support all efforts to address the risks of4771blast overpressure to service members and am grateful to Congress for4772their emphasis on this critical issue. If confirmed, I will work4773closely with the Department as they implement the comprehensive brain4774health initiatives outlined in the FY25 NDAA.47754776    139. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, which occupational4777specialties do you understand to be at the highest risk for blast4778overpressure exposure?4779    Vice Admiral Bradley. SOF operate as a team of teams, so while our4780breachers and explosive ordinance disposal teams are clearly the4781highest risk, I believe all team members in proximity to a blast are at4782risk. It is critical that we do not exclude portions of our SOF4783formation from cognitive assessment, monitoring, and protection measure4784for traumatic brain injuries.47854786    140. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, do you support making4787blast overpressure training mandatory for all troops?4788    Vice Admiral Bradley. I do.47894790    141. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, how have special4791operators benefited from working with community partners to treat4792servicemembers who have been exposed to blast overpressure or suffered4793brain injuries?4794    Vice Admiral Bradley. Our SOF service members benefit greatly from4795programs like the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICOE) and4796Home Base--which provide our service members with vital brain health4797care. In partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard4798Medical School, USSOCOM also concluded The Repeated Exposure to Blast4799(ReBlast) Study, the most comprehensive work of this kind to date. If4800confirmed, I will remain committed to prioritizing service members'4801brain health and I will ensure USSOCOM continues to align with4802community partners, the military health system, and the Department of4803Defense.48044805    142. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed, do4806you commit to working with community partners to treat servicemembers4807who have been exposed to blast overpressure or suffered brain injuries?4808    Vice Admiral Bradley. I do.48094810    143. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, since 2019 Home Base has4811partnered with SOCOM to provide comprehensive TBI and poly trauma4812evaluations to over 750 operators through its Comprehensive Brain4813Health and Trauma Program--or ``ComBHaT.'' Ninety-three percent of4814SOCOM servicemembers who have attended ComBHaT have returned to duty4815after attending. General Bryan Fenton, current Commander of U.S.4816Special Operations Command, has stated that ``This high return-to-duty4817rate demonstrates the effectiveness of ComBHaT, and the value of4818partnership with community organizations like Home Base in supporting4819the health and readiness of our operators.'' Do you support continuing4820this partnership with the ComBHaT program and Home Base if you are4821confirmed?4822    Vice Admiral Bradley. I am committed to ensuring service members4823have access to as many resources as possible when it comes to brain4824health. While I am not intimately familiar with the specifics of4825ComBHaT program, if confirmed, I look forward to learning more about4826the benefits it provides our special operators.48274828    144. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, how have special4829operators benefited from the ComBHaT Program at Home Base?4830    Vice Admiral Bradley. I am not intimately familiar with the4831specifics of ComBHaT program, but if confirmed, I look forward to4832learning about all the program has done in support of our SOF warriors.48334834    145. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, why is it important to4835mitigate the risks of blast overpressure for special operators?4836    Vice Admiral Bradley. Our people are SOF's competitive and4837comparative advantage--this is, first and foremost, because of their4838incredible cognitive capabilities. We must continue to ensure SOF's4839physical, psychological and cognitive readiness. Understanding the4840impacts of all traumatic brain injuries and developing / advancing4841mitigation and protection measures are critical to ensuring SOF remain4842ready for current and future challenges.48434844    146. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, why is it important to4845ensure special operators have access to quality care after exposure to4846blast overpressure?4847    Vice Admiral Bradley. Understanding the impacts of all traumatic4848brain injuries, including blast overpressure, and advancing care and4849treatment for those injuries is critical to ensuring SOF remain ready4850for current and future challenges.48514852    147. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, over the past several4853years, this Committee has supported efforts to better understand the4854links between blast exposure, brain injuries, and declining health. The4855Home Base program partners with SOCOM to provide TBI and poly trauma4856evaluations to operators. If confirmed, how will you ensure that the4857focus on TBI remains at the forefront of SOCOM's efforts to ensure4858readiness and longevity of the force?4859    Vice Admiral Bradley. Without our people and their families, we4860cannot accomplish our missions. If confirmed, I will remain committed4861to continue SOCOM's efforts to trailblaze for DOD and partner with4862other agencies to ensure the readiness and longevity of the force when4863it comes to brain health.48644865    148. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, SOCOM currently partners4866with the Home Base Program to provide operators with TBI and poly4867trauma evaluations and care plans to help mitigate TBI related issues.4868This program is a prime example of how SOCOM can leverage best-in-class4869researchers and innovators to ensure longevity of the force and4870readiness. If you are confirmed, will you continue to work with Home4871Base and ensure SOCOM stays at the forefront of innovation?4872    Vice Admiral Bradley. I will.48734874    149. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, research suggests4875exposure to repeated blasts can cause microscopic brain injuries that4876lead to profound challenges like mood swings, insomnia, substance4877abuse, panic attacks and suicide. At Home Base, researchers are working4878on HealthSpan--with early findings showing that repeated blast injury4879and TBI, along with other exposures from a SOF career, correlate to4880advanced aging and fewer years healthy and free of disease. Will you4881commit to support efforts to better understand and mitigate TBI-related4882chronic conditions, and ensure SOF personnel remain the Command's4883priority?4884    Vice Admiral Bradley. I will.48854886    150. Senator Warren. Vice Admiral Bradley, how would Special4887Operators benefit from working with outside experts on a longitudinal4888study to better understand the long-term effects from blast4889overpressure?4890    Vice Admiral Bradley. There is much to learn about the cognitive4891impacts on the brain from blast overpressure exposure. Cognitive4892monitoring and longitudinal studies are critical to assess and track4893exposures and impacts over time. I am committed to advancing the4894research in this area, including working with outside experts who are4895deeply invested in the study of brain health.4896                               __________48974898             Questions Submitted by Senator Tammy Duckworth4899                     impact of cuts to foreign aid4900    151. Senator Duckworth. Vice Admiral Bradley, how have you seen4901U.S. diplomatic and economic tools--such as development aid and State4902Department engagement--play a decisive role in either deterring4903conflict or shaping escalation outcomes?4904    Vice Admiral Bradley. In my 34 years of service, I've had the4905opportunity to work closely with U.S. diplomatic and development4906professionals on many continents. I have seen firsthand the benefits4907they bring in helping to deter conflict--through the application of4908American statecraft and economic development power. These efforts4909helped increase stability in critical regions, directly supporting U.S.4910National Security. If confirmed, I pledge to continue to work closely4911with our interagency partners to ensure we are maximizing the use of4912the resources available to meet U.S. policy objectives.49134914    152. Senator Duckworth. Vice Admiral Bradley, how do you perceive4915U.S. Special Operations Command's (SOCOM) role in forging and4916maintaining partnerships, given the aforementioned gaps in our4917interagency toolkit resulting from cuts to aid and diplomatic presence?4918    Vice Admiral Bradley. Drawing upon decades of combat-experience and4919coalition credibility, an important part of SOF's value proposition is4920our ability to build and maintain strong relationships with partners4921and allies. If confirmed, I pledge to continue to work closely with4922interagency and international partners, and NGO's, as appropriate, to4923ensure we are maximizing the use of all the resources available to meet4924U.S. policy objectives.4925                        interagency cooperation4926    153. Senator Duckworth. Vice Admiral Bradley, how has your4927experience as a commander been made easier when you have support from4928the interagency--such as expert negotiators and other tools like4929economic aid and civic-institution-building--to maintain positive4930bilateral relations that facilitate your military missions?4931    Vice Admiral Bradley. Special operations are most often a team4932sport. Our interagency partners are critical members of that team, and4933I have benefited greatly from their expertise and teamwork over the4934course of my career. The efforts of our diplomats, law enforcement4935officials, economic and development advisors, treasury officials,4936intelligence community partners, and more, are critical--whether4937fighting insurgents, conducting CT operations, competing against and4938deterring China and Russia, combating non-State actors, assisting4939allies and partners, or preparing for large scale combat. Building the4940strong, enduring relationships with partners and allies which are4941essential to most of our military missions--is best achieved by4942leveraging all elements of our national power.4943                               future war4944    154. Senator Duckworth. Vice Admiral Bradley, if confirmed, how4945will you work with U.S. Transportation Command and other stakeholders4946to navigate complex and contested logistical challenges in your4947commands?4948    Vice Admiral Bradley. If confirmed, I look forward to working with4949USTRANSCOM and the rest of the DOD logistics enterprise to tackle these4950critical challenges. From my perspective, the US advantage is in our4951ability to surge combat power rapidly to deliver effects on the enemy--4952no one does that better than USSOCOM and USTRANSCOM. SOF has the4953advantage of tactical networks that strategic commands such as4954USTRANSCOM do not. Through a close partnership, USSOCOM could leverage4955these networks to provide vital information to USTRANSCOM by setting4956the stage in a contested environment where the DOD may have to ``fight4957to the fight''.49584959    155. Senator Duckworth. Vice Admiral Bradley, if confirmed, what4960concrete ideas would you bring into your roles to drive innovation in4961contested logistics and implement solutions that enable more agile4962force posture and sustainment?4963    Vice Admiral Bradley. If confirmed, I look forward to working with4964USSOCOM team, and the DOD logistics enterprise, to identify ways to4965drive innovation for contested logistics, and develop and implement4966sustainment solutions to ensure SOF can remain agile. Two such examples4967are:4968    1. Establishing energy independence through self-sufficient power4969grids. Such grids enable warfighters to establish C2 and basing nodes4970anywhere in the word free from dependency on traditional logistics4971supply lines and contracted solutions.4972    2. Autonomous resupply over land, sea, and air able to achieve4973large standoff to avoid enemy A2AD threats, while delivering4974substantial payload to objectives. These systems enable flexible,4975responsive resupply of warfighters across the conflict continuum.4976Autonomous systems also present the opportunity to create an unmanned4977system of systems allowing one pilot to orchestrate a multitude of4978systems across the battlespace providing commanders more capability4979with the same manning.49804981    156. Senator Duckworth. Vice Admiral Bradley, if confirmed, how4982would you work with our international partners to combat complex and4983contested logistical challenges and test the concepts that we will need4984for future warfare?4985    Vice Admiral Bradley. If confirmed, I look forward to working with4986SOF's robust network of international partners and allies, 30 of which4987are represented at the USSOCOM headquarters on these challenges. This4988knowledge becomes critical in bridging gaps U.S. Forces would face in4989contested environments where the tyranny of distance is multiplied. SOF4990are the leaders in fostering these relationships. Additionally, our4991international relationships provide another perspective on the same4992contested environment challenges that we grapple with globally. By4993gathering a multi-national consortium, we can address these problems4994collectively and multiply the possible solutions.4995                u.s. special operations command posture4996    157. Senator Duckworth. Vice Admiral Bradley, if confirmed, what4997would your top priorities be for Special Operations Forces (SOF) in the4998Indo-Pacific theater?4999    Vice Admiral Bradley. If confirmed I will consult with Commander,5000USINDOPACOM, and Commander, Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC)5001to assess what SOF's priorities should be in the Indo-Pacific.50025003    158. Senator Duckworth. Vice Admiral Bradley, how do you assess the5004role of SOF in countering PRC gray zone activities in areas like the5005South China Sea or the first island chains?5006    Vice Admiral Bradley. Drawing upon decades of combat-experience and5007credibility, SOF provide tailorable, asymmetric options while creating5008dilemmas for the Communist Chinese. With a range of options to deter5009aggression and counter coercion, SOF leverage unique authorities to5010collaborate and operate with allies and partners--our greatest5011strategic advantage for tackling shared challenges. This helps assure5012and bolster our global relationships and helps counter the predatory5013approach of the Chinese against our alliances and partnerships.5014Deterrence is a function of influence, and SOF contribute to deterring5015China with the influence generated by our enduring engagements with5016partner and allied forces. These relationships also provide SOF5017incredible placement and access, enhancing our understanding of Chinese5018activities in the Indo-Pacific, but also places like Africa and South5019America. Additionally, SOF have a unique role in building resistance5020and resilience. If deterrence fails, SOF's speed and agility to project5021force offer warfighting advantages in crisis and conflict--to deliver5022precision effects with the element of surprise, and to establish small5023but meaningful levers of dominance.50245025    159. Senator Duckworth. Vice Admiral Bradley, which Indo-Pacific5026nations do you view as the most promising for new SOF partnerships?5027    Vice Admiral Bradley. In my current position, I do not have in-5028depth understanding of all the nations in this critical region, to be5029able to identify those most promising for new partnerships. If5030confirmed, I would consult with Commander, USINDOPACOM, and Commander,5031Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) to identify these5032opportunities.50335034    160. Senator Duckworth. Vice Admiral Bradley, for the nations with5035whom we already maintain partnerships, what specific steps would you5036take to expand those relationships, if confirmed?5037    Vice Admiral Bradley. If confirmed I will consult with Commander,5038USINDOPACOM, and Commander, Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC)5039to identify the appropriate steps to expand our current relationships5040in the Indo-Pacific.50415042    161. Senator Duckworth. Vice Admiral Bradley, how do you see SOCOM5043aligning with the Trump administration's prioritization shift to the5044Indo-Pacific, as reportedly outlined in the interim National Defense5045Strategy?5046    Vice Admiral Bradley. From my perspective in my current position as5047a USSOCOM Subunified Commander, USSOCOM has been steadily shifting5048focus to the Indo-Pacific over the last several years. SOF deployed5049continuously to the Indo-Pacific region throughout the last 20+ years5050of the CT-focused fight, maintaining our placement and access in the5051region, and paving the way for greater SOF presence and partnerships5052over the last few years.50535054    162. Senator Duckworth. Vice Admiral Bradley, how can SOCOM5055continue to maintain credible forward presence in all geographic5056commands without overextending?5057    Vice Admiral Bradley. As General Fenton has spoken about, the5058global demand for SOF increased by 35 percent in just the last 2 years.5059If confirmed, I will ruthlessly prioritize the allocation of SOF,5060aligned with DOD's priorities defined in the INDSG and future guidance5061documents, as appropriate.50625063    163. Senator Duckworth. Vice Admiral Bradley, given SOCOM's track5064record of pioneering some of our military's most adaptive solutions in5065austere environments, how do you plan to expand or accelerate that role5066to benefit the joint force?5067    Vice Admiral Bradley. The ability to rapidly adapt and innovate to5068address changes to the operating environment is a hallmark of our SOF5069operators. They have been, and will continue to be, pathfinders for the5070Department in identifying, leveraging, and integrating new technologies5071to support operations. If confirmed, I will continue the great work5072USSOCOM is already doing to rapidly develop and field new capabilities5073to SOF, and transition them, as appropriate to the broader Joint Force.5074                                 ethics5075    164. Senator Duckworth. Vice Admiral Bradley, would you follow an5076illegal, unlawful or immoral order?5077    Vice Admiral Bradley. I would not.50785079    165. Senator Duckworth. Vice Admiral Bradley, if confirmed, do you5080commit that your deliberations and decisions will only be communicated5081through official, secure channels and any decisions properly documented5082for both oversight and institutional memory?5083    Vice Admiral Bradley. I do.5084                                 ______50855086    [The nomination reference of Vice Admiral Frank M. Bradley,5087USN follows:]50885089[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]50905091                                 ______50925093    [The biographical sketch of Vice Admiral Frank M. Bradley,5094USN, which was transmitted to the Committee at the time the5095nomination was referred, follows:]50965097[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]50985099                                 ______51005101    [The Committee on Armed Services requires certain senior5102military officers nominated by the President to positions5103requiring the advice and consent of the Senate to complete a5104form that details the biographical, financial, and other5105information of the nominee. The form executed by Vice Admiral5106Frank M. Bradley, USN in connection with his nomination5107follows:]51085109[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]51105111                                 ______51125113    [The nominee responded to Parts B-E of the committee5114questionnaire. The text of the questionnaire is set forth in5115the Appendix to this volume. The nominee's answers to Parts B-E5116are contained in the committee's executive files.]51175118[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]51195120                                 ______51215122    [The nomination of Vice Admiral Frank M. Bradley, USN was5123reported to the Senate by Chairman Wicker on July 29, 2025,5124with the recommendation that the nomination be confirmed. The5125nomination was confirmed by the Senate on July 31, 2025.]5126                                ------51275128    [Prepared questions submitted to Lieutenant General Dagvin5129R.M. Anderson, USAF by Chairman Wicker prior to the hearing5130with answers supplied follow:]5131                        Questions and Responses5132                                 duties5133    Question. What is your understanding of the duties and functions of5134the Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)?5135    Answer. Under section 164 of title 10, United States Code,5136Combatant Commanders are responsible to the President and the Secretary5137of Defense for the performance of assigned missions within their5138respective areas of responsibility. If confirmed, I would command U.S.5139Armed Forces as directed by the Secretary of Defense and approved by5140the President and ensure USAFRICOM has ready and postured forces to5141execute directed national defense missions, respond to military5142contingencies, and deter conflict. I would provide authoritative5143directions to subordinate commands and forces to carry out the missions5144assigned to USAFRICOM, identify and request any additional required5145support, engage the interagency, allies, and partners.5146    I would execute these duties informed by the National Security5147Strategy (NSS), the Interim National Defense Strategic Guidance5148(INDSG), Defense Planning Guidance (DPG), National Military Strategy5149(NMS), and other plans.5150    Question. What qualifications, qualities, and characteristics would5151you bring to the position of Commander, AFRICOM, if confirmed?5152    Answer. Throughout my assignments across the last 33 years of5153service to this Nation, I have been consistently humbled by, and5154inspired to lead and serve alongside, the talented men and women of our5155Armed Forces and our civilian teammates, who make it possible for us to5156achieve our mission.5157    Since commissioning in 1992, I have been fortunate to command at5158every level below Combatant Command which gives me a wide breadth of5159experience across conventional and Special Operations missions. From5160commanding the Joint Task Force during Operation Octave Quartz, leading5161Air Force Special Operations units from Squadron to Wing, serving as5162the Deputy Director of Operations at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command5163(USINDOPACOM), or as the Joint Staff Director of Force Development, my5164path has been non-traditional and gives me a unique perspective.5165Specific to Africa, my previous experience as the Commander of Special5166Operations Command--Africa (SOCAF), provides me with insight into the5167threats to our Homeland, our interests, and our forces, but also the5168opportunities across the African continent to advance U.S. interests.5169    Additionally, my time as the Deputy for Operations in USINDOPACOM5170and my current role as the Director for Joint Force Development informs5171my understanding of the changing character of war and how the future5172Joint Force needs to change to counter the growing threat from China.5173    I possess the joint qualifications required by sections 661 and5174664(d) of title 10, United States Code. Specifically, I have completed5175seven joint tours at various echelons, most notably as Director for5176Joint Force Development, the Pentagon; Vice Director, Joint Staff5177Operations, the Pentagon; Commander, SOCAF; and Deputy Director for5178Operations, USINDOPACOM.5179    Question. Do you believe there are actions you need to take to5180enhance your ability to perform the duties of Commander, AFRICOM?5181    Answer. Key actions I would need to take include assessing the5182theater operating environment, securing partner and allied engagement5183to solve shared problems, and clearly communicating the risks and5184requirements relevant to our national security and defense strategies.5185If confirmed, I will learn from the USAFRICOM staff about the current5186intelligence assessments, ongoing efforts and campaigns, and the5187associated approaches of components, the interagency, and allies and5188partners.5189    Africa is truly the world's crossroads--throughout its history, its5190location between the Atlantic and Pacific, and now in terms of its5191rising populations and economies. It is also of vital and growing5192importance to the world--and to U.S. interests. The continent is one of5193the world's most dynamic. As it rapidly changes, I will need to5194constantly reevaluate the significant opportunities but also the5195substantial risks Africa offers. Ungoverned African spaces host global5196terrorist organizations with growing reach and ill intent. China and5197Russia seek their own advantages at the expense of African nations and5198the United States.5199    If confirmed, I will buildupon the successes of the Commanders and5200teams who came before while taking steps to ensure USAFRICOM's plans5201are adjusted, as necessary, to any strategic guidance that encompasses5202coordinated equities across the U.S. Government.5203                            chain of command5204    Question. Section 162(b) of title 10, United States Code, provides5205that the chain of command runs from the President to the Secretary of5206Defense and from the Secretary of Defense to the combatant commands.5207Section 163(a) of title 10 further provides that the President may5208direct communications to combatant commanders through the Chairman of5209the Joint Chiefs of Staff.5210    Do you believe that these provisions facilitate a clear and5211effective chain of command?5212    Answer. Yes.5213    Question. In your view, do these provisions enhance or degrade5214civilian control of the military?5215    Answer. These provisions enhance civilian control of the military.5216In essence, ensuring that all lawful orders are passed from the5217President to Combatant Commanders through the Secretary of Defense and/5218or the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ensures that policy5219direction flows through individuals that have been nominated by the5220Administration and confirmed by the Senators on the Armed Services5221Committee elected to represent their constituents.5222    Question. Are there circumstances in which you believe it is5223appropriate for U.S. Military Forces to be under the operational5224command or control of an authority other than the chain of command5225established under title 10, United States Code?5226    Answer. I understand that national command authority over U.S.5227Forces is always retained by the President. This includes authority and5228responsibility for, as consistent with law, the organization,5229direction, coordination, control, and employment of U.S. Forces. To the5230extent practicable, operational command and control should remain under5231the chain of command established through title 10 of the United States5232Code. That said, I also understand that there are historical cases in5233which U.S. Forces have operated in multinational forces, and there may5234be such cases in the future. Generally, national command was often5235retained through political negotiations or U.S.-led NATO roles. These5236historical cases have formed the bedrock of our doctrine on5237Multinational Operations. In my role as the Joint Staff J-7, I led and5238supervised the review and development of this doctrine and am5239comfortable in its application.5240    Nations operating in an alliance or coalition should always seek to5241achieve and maintain unity of effort with all missions, tasks,5242responsibilities, and authorities clearly defined and understood by all5243involved--as that is a pre-requisite to achieving mission success in an5244allied, coalition, or partnered operation.5245                             relationships5246    Question. The law and traditional practice establish important5247relationships between the Commander, AFRICOM, and other senior5248officials of the DOD and the U.S. Government. Please describe your5249understanding of the relationship of the Commander, AFRICOM, to each of5250the following officials:5251    The Secretary of Defense5252    Answer. My understanding is that the relationship with the5253Secretary of Defense is informed by title 10, U.S. Code Sec. 113,5254162(b), and 164(b). Unless otherwise directed by the President, the5255chain of command runs from the President to the Secretary of Defense,5256and from the Secretary of Defense to the Commander of USAFRICOM. If5257confirmed, I would be directly responsible to the Secretary for the5258preparedness of the command to carry out missions assigned to the5259command. I would be responsible for interpreting and implementing5260defense strategic guidance within the bounds of USAFRICOM's area of5261responsibility (AOR), with careful consideration of application of the5262Nation's resources.5263    Question. The Under Secretaries of Defense.5264    Answer. My understanding is that the relationship with the Under5265Secretaries of Defense is informed by title 10, U.S. Code Sec. 133-137.5266These appointees are principal staff assistants and advisors to the5267Secretary on all matters that pertain to their specific portfolios.5268They serve as valuable counsel to the Secretary, and to the Combatant5269Commanders, and are an integral part of the overall decisionmaking5270process within the Department.5271    Question. The Assistant Secretary of Defense for International5272Security Affairs.5273    Answer. My understanding is that the relationship with the5274Assistant Secretaries of Defense, including for International Security5275Affairs, is based on their roles and responsibilities as specified by5276title 10, U.S. Code Sec. 138. The Assistant Secretary of Defense for5277International Security Affairs (ASD (ISA)) is the principal advisor to5278the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (USD(P)) and the Secretary of5279Defense on international security strategy and policy on issues of5280Departmental interest that relate to the nations and international5281organizations of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, their governments5282and defense establishments; and for oversight of security cooperation5283programs and foreign military sales programs within these regions. If5284confirmed, I would ensure that the staff of USAFRICOM continues to5285maintain positive and proactive relationships with the ASD (ISA), given5286the need to establish more effective ways to collaborate with our5287allies and partners for burden sharing in Africa.5288    Question. The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations5289and Low Intensity Conflict.5290    Answer. As the former Commander of Special Operations Command--5291Africa, I'm familiar with the work of the ASD for Special Operations5292(SO) and Low Intensity Conflict (LIC). Per title 10, U.S. Code5293Sec. 138(b)(2), the ASD (SO/LIC) is the principal civilian advisor to5294the Secretary of Defense on special operations and low-intensity5295conflict matters and (after the Secretary and Deputy Secretary) is the5296principal special operations and low intensity conflict official within5297the senior management of the Department. The ASD (SO/LIC) oversees and5298advocates for Special Operations and Irregular Warfare throughout the5299Department to ensure these capabilities are properly employed in5300accordance with Administration priorities. If confirmed, I will ensure5301we maintain coordination with this office on policy issues related to5302special operations capabilities and resourcing, given the propensity5303for special operations forces to operate on the African continent.5304    Question. The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of5305Staff.5306    Answer. The Chairman's roles are delineated by title 10, U.S. Code5307Sec. 151-3 and Sec. 163. The Chairman is the principal military adviser5308to the President, the National Security Council (NSC), the Homeland5309Security Council (HSC), and the Secretary of Defense. In carrying out5310his functions, duties, and responsibilities the Chairman shall consult5311with and seek the advice of the Commanders of the Unified and Specified5312Combatant Commands and the Service Chiefs, as necessary. The Chairman5313transmits communications between the National Command Authority and the5314Commander of USAFRICOM and oversees the activities of the same, as5315directed by the Secretary of Defense. The Chairman is a key conduit5316between Combatant Commanders as well as the Service Chiefs.5317    The Vice Chairman's roles are specified by title 10, U.S. Code5318Sec. 151 and Sec. 154. As a full voting member of the Joint Chiefs of5319Staff, the Vice Chairman is a military adviser to the President, NSC,5320HSC, and Secretary of Defense who may provide advice after first5321informing the Secretary and the Chairman. When there is a vacancy in5322the office of the Chairman or in the absence or disability of the5323Chairman, the Vice Chairman acts as Chairman and performs the duties of5324the Chairman until a successor is appointed or the absence or5325disability ceases. The Vice Chairman serves on several councils and5326boards whose decisions affect USAFRICOM, including the Joint5327Requirements Oversight Council, the Defense Acquisition Board, the5328Defense Advisory Working Group, and the Senior Readiness Oversight5329Council. Regular communication between Combatant Commanders and the5330Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is key to ensure these5331boards and councils make informed choices on matters affecting the5332command. If confirmed, I will keep the Chairman informed on significant5333issues regarding the command's area of operations, provide advice5334regarding the USAFRICOM mission and theater as appropriate, and5335communicate directly with the Chairman and Vice Chairman on a regular5336basis.5337    Question. The Secretaries of the Military Departments and Service5338Chiefs.5339    Answer. The roles of the Service Secretaries are clearly delineated5340in title 10, U.S. Code Sec. 7013, 8013, and 9013. Generally, they are5341responsible for, and have the authority necessary to, the conduct of5342all affairs for their respective Departments. These affairs include the5343functions of organizing, supplying, equipping, training, administering,5344and maintaining their forces. They exercise administrative control5345through the Service Component Commands assigned to USAFRICOM.5346    Duties of the Service Chiefs are covered in title 10, U.S. Code5347Sec. 7033 (Chief of Staff of the Army), Sec.  8033 (Chief of Naval5348Operations), Sec.  8043 (Commandant of the Marine Corps), Sec.  90335349(Chief of Staff of the Air Force), Sec.  9082 (Chief of Space5350Operations), and Sec.  10502 (Chief of the National Guard Bureau).5351Additionally, as members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, their roles and5352responsibilities are further defined in title 10, U.S. Code Sec. 151.5353The Service Chiefs are responsible for ensuring the readiness of their5354Service branch. As members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff the Service5355Chiefs can also serve as advisers to the President, NSC, HSC and the5356Secretary of Defense. If confirmed, I would rely on the Service Chiefs5357to provide properly trained and equipped forces to accomplish the5358mission.5359    Question. Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command.5360    Answer. The responsibilities of the Commander, U.S. Special5361Operations Command (USSOCOM) are defined in title 10, U.S. Code5362Sec. 167. The Commander, USSOCOM is responsible for the administration5363and support of special operations forces assigned or attached to5364USAFRICOM. Unless directed by the President or Secretary of Defense,5365however, a special operations activity or mission shall be conducted5366under the command of the Combatant Commander in whose geographic area5367the activity or mission is to be conducted. If confirmed, I would5368maintain an exceptionally close relationship with the Commander,5369USSOCOM, on issues of mutual interest. SOCAF serves as a Theater5370Special Operations Command and is a sub-unified command of USSOCOM5371under the operational control of USAFRICOM. As a former SOCAF5372commander, I look forward to maintaining the close relationship between5373USAFRICOM and USSOCOM.5374    Question. The other combatant commanders.5375    Answer. Duties of the other combatant commanders are defined in5376title 10, U.S. Code Sec. 164, the Unified Command Plan, and other5377Departmental guidance and directives. While each Combatant Commander5378may be assigned a specific geographic area or functional5379responsibility, it is imperative that they all work together. Today's5380strategic operating environment is characterized by global threats that5381cannot be addressed solely in one theater. Additionally, each combatant5382commander is vying for the same resources from the Military5383Departments. Collaboration and consultation between commanders are5384critical to assisting the Chairman in ensuring all operations are5385integrated globally to execute the NMS.5386    USAFRICOM has close relationships with several other Combatant5387Commanders, namely the Commanders of U.S. European Command (USEUCOM),5388U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM), and USSOCOM. Shared boundaries5389between USAFRICOM, USEUCOM, and USCENTCOM require close coordination as5390military operations in one AOR have systemic impacts on the other5391areas. The Commander, USAFRICOM has an especially close relationship5392with the Commander of USEUCOM as they share four component commands5393(USAREUR/AF, NAVEUR/AF, MARFOREUR/AF, SPACEEUR/AF), as well as forces5394and assets. Additionally, as the Combatant Commander for special5395operations forces operating in Africa under the control of USAFRICOM,5396close collaboration is necessary with USSOCOM. If confirmed, I pledge5397to continue to maintain the great relationships that have been formed5398before me.5399    Question. The U.S. Chiefs of Mission in the AFRICOM area of5400responsibility (AOR).5401    Answer. My understanding of the roles and responsibilities of U.S.5402Chiefs of Mission is informed by title 22, U.S. Code Sec. 3927. Upon5403presenting their credentials to the host government, Chiefs of Mission5404are recognized as the principal diplomatic representative of the U.S.5405Government. Serving as the official representative of the U.S.5406President, they have the task of carrying out overarching U.S. foreign5407policy goals and strategic objectives in their country of assignment.5408The Chiefs of Mission have full responsibility for the direction,5409coordination, and supervision of all government executive branch5410employees in a given country, except those employees under the command5411of a U.S. area military commander. If confirmed, recognizing their5412scope of authority, I will ensure USAFRICOM's partner engagement5413complements the Ambassadors' priorities as directed by the President5414and Secretary of State.5415    Question. The U.S. Senior Defense Officials/Defense Attaches (SDO/5416DATT) in the AFRICOM AOR.5417    Answer. The roles and responsibilities of the SDO/DATT are defined5418in Department of Defense Directive (DoDD) 5205.75, ``DoD Operations at5419U.S. Embassies.'' Unified DOD representation in U.S. embassies is5420critical to the accomplishment of national security objectives. The5421SDO/DATT is the Chief of Mission's principal advisor on defense issues5422and the senior diplomatically accredited DOD military officer assigned5423to a U.S. diplomatic mission. All DOD elements under Chief of Mission5424authority are under the coordination authority of the SDO/DATT, except5425for the Marine Security Guard Detachment and naval support units. While5426they do not work directly for USAFRICOM, they represent the Command's5427perspective on a Country Team. There is a supervisory relationship5428between the Commander, USAFRICOM and the SDO/DATT. This relationship5429ensures they maintain close coordination on all matters as the5430Command's senior representative. If confirmed, I will ensure that the5431staff at USAFRICOM continues to maintain positive relationships with5432the SDOs/DATTs within the AOR.5433                   major challenges and opportunities5434    Question. What do you consider to be the most significant5435challenges you will face if confirmed as Commander, AFRICOM?5436    Answer. If confirmed, the most significant challenges I will face5437as USAFRICOM Commander include maintaining awareness and understanding5438of the growing threat, monitoring and countering terrorists that5439threaten the Homeland, countering expanding Chinese malign activity.5440aggression. ISIS, centered in Somalia, has demonstrated the capability5441and intent for external operations to threaten the Homeland, while al-5442Shabaab threatens our forces in East Africa. West Africa, meanwhile, is5443becoming a growing hotbed of terrorism as Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-5444Muslmin (JNIM) and ISIS-WA expand their control over large swaths of5445the Sahel and destabilize the region.5446    Concurrently, China's military and economic influence over the5447continent continues to grow as Beijing continues to exploit Africa as a5448source of power. China is expanding beyond traditional economic5449activity with increasing military engagement and information5450activities. If confirmed, I will direct USAFRICOM resources to defend5451the Homeland, counter China, and prepare for crises--to include5452enabling joint force freedom of maneuver during a conflict. I will also5453direct aggressive engagement with partners as the ability to rapidly5454respond to crisis requires effective relationships to gain and maintain5455the required access.5456    Question. What plans do you have for addressing each of these5457challenges, if confirmed?5458    Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that USAFRICOM's priorities5459remain centered on achieving the goals of the INDSG, and the5460forthcoming NDS and the NMS. Secretary Hegseth has given USAFRICOM two5461overarching priorities: prevent terrorist groups in Africa from5462exporting threats to the United States and to deter Chinese military5463advances across the continent. I will continue to place pressure on5464terrorists with the intent and capability to threaten the Homeland and5465work to improve indications and warnings of emerging threats.5466Additionally, I will task assigned forces to take actions that5467undermine any Chinese malign intent throughout the continent. Key to5468this effort will be to work with willing and capable allies and5469partners, where feasible and mutually beneficial. Any security5470cooperation should be tailored and time-bound based on demonstrated5471partner will and capacity with the goal to build partner independence5472to operate against mutual security threats.5473    Africa is a theater where threats, opportunities, adversaries,5474partners, and allies converge. The challenges in Africa go beyond just5475terrorism and require a nuanced approach that spans multiple agencies.5476While working on these priorities, I will also seek ways to balance5477investment between United States Forces, African and other partners,5478and allies on shared objectives throughout the theater. I know that5479USAFRICOM and its forces are not the right tool to solve all these5480problems alone. I will prioritize working with the whole-of-government,5481international institutions, and our global network of partners and5482allies to advance U.S. interests.5483    Question. Recognizing that challenges, anticipated and unforeseen,5484will drive your priorities to a substantial degree, if confirmed, what5485other priorities, beyond those associated with the major challenges you5486identified above, would you set for your tenure as Commander, AFRICOM?5487    Answer. Beyond the identified major challenges, I would also seek5488to create opportunities for U.S. advantage. While Africa has many5489challenges including terrorism, political instability, and malign5490foreign actors, it also shows great promise. This promise will create5491extraordinary opportunities for our Nation but realizing it will take5492time and investment to find. As China and Russia both focus their5493strategies on Africa, I want to ensure the U.S. realizes these5494opportunities first.5495    Additionally, many African nations are susceptible to instability5496to threats and other unforeseen challenges to governance--sometimes5497with little to no notice. The responsibility to safeguard American5498lives, property, and interests at U.S. Military installations and5499diplomatic facilities across the continent factor into my crisis5500response priority. Force protection remains a key and critical concern5501of mine, and I understand my responsibility to protect the5502servicemembers assigned to African-based operating locations. I5503understand my role in identifying, communicating, and integrating5504capabilities across all domains to protect the force from potential5505threats. I will also coordinate with fellow Combatant Commanders to5506close seams that adversaries would exploit. I acknowledge my mandate to5507support the Department of State in safeguarding our embassies and the5508people assigned to them--especially the 14 high threat embassies in5509theater.5510    Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take to focus your5511Command's efforts on each of these priorities?5512    Answer. If confirmed, I will prioritize my efforts to understand5513the situation on the continent as quickly as possible, specifically5514related to our counterterrorism efforts against ISIS and al-Shabaab. I5515will also work to better distinguish CCP military objectives in Africa,5516where I will seek ways to prevent further military encroachment that5517disrupts U.S. access and relationships. This will involve visiting the5518AOR and meeting with key U.S. Ambassadors, my counterparts from our5519allies and partners, and senior military and diplomatic officials from5520our multilateral security institutions who share our security5521objectives. I would also seek guidance from USD(P) and partner with5522USINDOPACOM to see where we can deepen mutual efforts to counter5523Chinese malign objectives in Africa.5524    I will obtain assessments from subordinate Service Component5525Commanders and discuss regional issues with African Ministers of5526Defense and Chiefs of Defense. These efforts will inform USAFRICOM's5527priorities as we receive a new NDS and update our own guiding5528documents. I will carefully review command priorities to maximize5529scarce resources for greatest effect.5530                       national defense strategy5531    Question. What is your understanding of the 2025 Interim National5532Defense Strategic Guidance (INDSG) and its implications for the AFRICOM5533AOR?5534    Answer. My understanding of United States strategic objectives in5535Africa is informed by the INDSG through the Secretary of Defense. The5536United States strategic objectives in Africa are to defend America5537forward by preventing terrorists from coordinating attacks on the5538Homeland from the continent and contribute to deterrence against CCP5539aggression. The implications for the USAFRICOM AOR are a ruthless5540prioritization of terror organizations that are looking to attack the5541Homeland. Additionally, it calls for a more targeted focus on CCP5542military activity and the impact it has on our objectives. Finally, the5543INDSG calls for a deliberate effort to shift activities over time to5544our allies and partners.5545    Question. What is your understanding of United States strategic5546objectives in Africa and what role do you believe AFRICOM should play5547in supporting these objectives?5548    Answer. My understanding of United States strategic objectives in5549Africa is informed by the INDSG through the Secretary of Defense. The5550U.S. strategic objectives in Africa are to defend America forward by5551preventing terrorists from coordinating attacks on the Homeland from5552the continent and contribute to deterrence against CCP aggression.5553USAFRICOM accomplishes these objectives by building partner operational5554independence through tailored and high-impact security cooperation with5555African partners, exposing CCP and Russian malign influence that is5556counter to our interests, and retaining access for contingency5557operations.5558    Question. In your view, what does ``great power competition'' look5559like in the AFRICOM AOR?5560    Answer. USAFRICOM's priorities are to defend the U.S. Homeland from5561terrorist threats and to deter CCP global military ambitions on the5562African continent in alignment with the 2025 INDSG. As the Department5563of Defense balances resources to the Pacific, USAFRICOM's greatest5564challenge will be to undermine China's expanding military goals across5565Africa while preventing strategic surprise from an attack on the United5566States Homeland by external threats. Additionally, USAFRICOM would need5567to consider the effect of Russia's destabilizing activity on the5568continent and how it impacts United States interests and military5569requirements. If confirmed, I will work closely with the interagency to5570undermine China's military activities in key areas and apply5571USAFRICOM's modest resources for a high return on investment.5572    Question. Are United States policies and programs, as applicable to5573Africa, appropriate to ensure the United States can succeed in great5574power competition in the AFRICOM AOR? Are there additional measures we5575should be considering? What do you perceive as the areas of highest5576risk?5577    Answer. As China is the Department of Defense pacing threat,5578USAFRICOM would need to balance countering China with preventing5579attacks on the United States Homeland by Africa-based terrorists'5580organizations. Terrorist attacks would create strategic surprise and5581serve as a strategic distraction from countering China's global malign5582ambitions. Specific to Africa, USAFRICOM would look to counter any5583additional CCP military basing in Africa--especially on the West coast.5584To accomplish both, USAFRICOM would need to detect the indications and5585warnings provided by sufficient Intelligence, Surveillance, and5586Reconnaissance (ISR) and partner and allied information, access, and5587placement.5588    Question. Do you believe the Command's resources and authorities5589are aligned in a manner consistent with U.S. strategic objectives?5590    Answer. If confirmed, I intend to review the Command's current5591assigned tasks and missions, resources, and authorities considering5592their alignment to Defense guidance and U.S. strategic objectives. From5593this review, I will provide an assessment on any additional5594requirements or residual risk to the Secretary and Chairman.5595    Question. If confirmed, what would you do to enhance or expedite5596the implementation of the U.S. strategic objectives in AFRICOM?5597    Answer. If confirmed, I will update the theater strategy, campaign5598plan, and campaign order as appropriate to align with the forthcoming5599NDS and support of overarching U.S. foreign policy goals. In alignment5600with the current guidance in the INDSG, I will engage with African,5601European, and interagency partners to maximize our combined efforts and5602achieve United States advantage.5603    Question. If confirmed, how would you seek to balance the5604requirements for increased emphasis on great power competition with5605China and Russia with countering violent extremism in the AFRICOM AOR?5606    Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure USAFRICOM has a balanced5607approach between countering violent extremist organizations with the5608intent to attack the Homeland and competing with China and Russia.5609Successfully executing both efforts requires increased partners and5610allies' capability and engagement to actively take the lead on regional5611terror threats. This shift will allow limited U.S. resources to be5612focused on threats to the U.S. Homeland and countering China.5613                                 china5614    Question. What is your assessment of China's strategic objectives5615in the AFRICOM AOR?5616    Answer. China views Africa as critical to its future and central to5617its strategy. China seeks to build diplomatic influence and supremacy5618in the information, military, and economic spheres to achieve regional5619hegemony. The CCP seeks to secure access to markets and resources in5620Africa to decrease its reliance on supply chains and financial systems5621led by the United States and Western allies and promote China as leader5622of the so-called ``Global South.'' Frequent senior leader engagement5623with African leaders, political parties, and militaries serves5624Beijing's strategic objective to build international support for its5625global leadership at the expense of the United States. The CCP has5626increased People's Liberation Army (PLA) engagements across the5627continent, offering professional military education, military equipment5628donations and sales, and training and exercises to African militaries5629to deepen strategic access and influence.5630    Question. In what ways, if any, do their strategic objectives5631conflict with U.S. strategic objectives? In what ways, if any, do they5632align with those of the U.S.?5633    Answer. The strategic objectives of the CCP in Africa aim to ensure5634continued CCP rule, domestic economic growth, and regional hegemony5635despite Beijing's narrative of championing the Global South. Beijing5636uses all instruments of national power with little regard to the rule5637of law, stable and open international system, democratic governance,5638and multilateral institutions. CCP State and non-State entities lack5639fair and transparent practices, which has challenged African5640governments to achieve favorable terms and has undermined debt5641restructuring efforts.5642    In comparison, the strategic objectives of the United States and5643our Western allies include promoting a favorable distribution of power5644to ensure equal and fair access to the global commons. We are concerned5645that expanding PLA security presence in Africa could restrict freedom5646of navigation and global commerce through strategic sea lines of5647communication. While the CCP searches for clients and customers, the5648United States seeks partners and allies. This reality puts our two5649nations' long-term strategic objectives at direct odds.5650    Question. In your opinion, what effect has China's engagement with5651African militaries had on those militaries and on United States5652security interests?5653    Answer. The CCP has likely marginally improved some African5654militaries through delivering military equipment sales on a quicker and5655cheaper basis than the U.S. The opportunity to seemingly more rapidly5656modernize their military forces entices African partners to purchase5657CCP equipment, but these purchases frequently do not address the5658underlying military need, are of low-quality, and lack robust training5659and maintenance support. The prevalence of Chinese military equipment5660can complicate U.S. security assistance and interoperability. The CCP5661contributes up to 2,000 personnel to United Nations peacekeeping5662operations, but Beijing's deployments are tailored toward its security5663interests, including gaining overseas operational experience for its5664military personnel.5665    Question. Are United States policies and the associated5666authorities--as applicable to Africa--sufficient to counter China's5667influence, where needed, or are additional measures required? What role5668should AFRICOM play in this regard?5669    Answer. The second most important task the Secretary of Defense has5670given USAFRICOM is to deny CCP encroachment on United States interests5671in Africa, after countering terrorist threats to the Homeland. If5672confirmed, I will thoroughly review USAFRICOM's policies and5673authorities to determine if the Command is sufficiently postured to5674counter China's malign activities in Africa. I will seek to work with5675partners and allies to expose and hold the CCP accountable for its5676activities in Africa and determine ways to strengthen African5677institutional capacity to withstand those efforts to undermine5678international norms.5679    Question. Do you foresee China's growing energy and resource5680demands affecting security developments in Africa?5681    Answer. Yes. Beijing has agreements with at least 45 African5682countries to extract natural resources, including critical minerals. It5683continues to acquire new mines and expand production and investment in5684strategic minerals to reduce critical dependencies on the West. China's5685dominance in this sector, from extraction to processing, is resulting5686in strangleholds over global bauxite, cobalt, iron ore, lithium, and5687tantalum supply chains.5688    CCP private security companies are playing an increasingly pivotal5689role in securing economic investments in Africa. While Beijing5690typically avoids investing in countries deemed unsafe or incapable of5691protecting its citizens or interests, Africa is a continent with a5692rapidly shifting threat environment. Increased presence of these and5693other CCP-affiliated groups or state-owned enterprises could pose a5694challenge to U.S. access and influence in the region.5695                                 russia5696    Question. What is your assessment of Russia's strategic objectives5697in the AFRICOM AOR?5698    Answer. Across all theaters, Russia seeks to systematically counter5699Western interests and bolster its influence through military/5700intelligence cooperation, arms sales, and energy partnerships. Moscow5701sees Africa as a vehicle necessary for its own success centered on5702developing the partnerships necessary for its vision of a multipolar5703world, while also presenting an opportunity for Russia to extract5704natural resources, weaken the West's dominance of global governance,5705and recognize economic opportunities for Russian companies,5706particularly those closed off to Western markets because of sanctions.5707    Question. In what ways, if any, do their strategic objectives5708conflict with U.S. strategic objectives? In what ways, if any, do they5709align with those of the United States?5710    Answer. Russia intends to undermine Western influence and access5711wherever possible. USAFRICOM assists allies in combatting violent5712extremists to protect United States and Western interests. In contrast,5713Russia's assistance is focused on gaining influence to serve Moscow's5714needs and its business interests. Russia's strategic objectives do not5715align with those of the United States.5716    Russia seeks to pressure NATO's southern flank through its5717activities in North Africa, but its influence there remains unlikely to5718threaten the alliance in the near future, especially while Moscow is5719focused on the war in Ukraine.5720    Russia presents its limited efforts in humanitarian and economic5721aid, infrastructure development, and security assistance, including5722counterterrorism, as broadly consistent with objectives shared by the5723United States and Western partners; however, Moscow views these5724activities primarily as tools to compete with Western influence. In5725pursuit of these goals, Kremlin-linked groups such as the private5726military company Wagner Group have been implicated in practices--5727including human rights abuses and illicit mining--that are counter to5728United States and Western values.5729    Question. In your opinion, what effect has Russia's engagement with5730African militaries had on those militaries and on United States5731security interests?5732    Answer. Russia provides extensive arms sales and limited training5733to African militaries, specifically to former Soviet partners. Moscow5734is the largest exporter of weapons systems to Africa, though this5735support has faced constraints due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Russia5736is historically a leading supplier of military equipment--to include5737small arms and heavier weapons such as armor and artillery, as well as5738air defense systems, fighter aircraft, and naval vessels--to select5739African militaries. These systems increase host nation lethality, but5740several of these systems are difficult to sustain and decrease5741interoperability with Western military norms and systems. Russia's lack5742of robust end-user agreements and support for authoritarian regimes5743undermines United States objectives in Africa and fosters human rights5744abuses by host nations.5745    Question. Do you view Russia's activities on the continent of5746Africa as a threat or challenge to United States national security5747interests? Please explain your answer.5748    Answer. Russia's current activities challenge United States5749national security interests in the USAFRICOM AOR. Russian military and5750security advisers currently do not pose a direct military threat to5751United States personnel, but Russian deployments and influence5752organizations severely limit USAFRICOM's placement and access5753throughout the region, inhibiting campaign effectiveness. Russia's5754pursuit of a permanent military presence and the deployment of Russian5755military and paramilitary personnel across Africa undermines democratic5756norms, destabilizes vulnerable security environments, disrupts U.N.5757missions, and threatens United States and Western progress.5758Additionally, Russia's pervasive propaganda, guised as information5759operations, seeks to actively undermine United States influence and5760highlight anti-western narratives throughout Africa. These propaganda5761efforts are as much an impediment to United States Government access as5762its military operations. Ultimately, Russia's operations, activities,5763and investments complicate future United States Military and economic5764access and heighten the risk to United States national security5765interests in Africa.5766    Question. Are United States policies, associated authorities, and5767resources--as applicable to Africa--sufficient to counter Russia's5768influence, where needed, or are additional measures required? What role5769should AFRICOM play in this regard?5770    Answer. Based on my prior experience at SOCAF, the current5771authorities extended to USAFRICOM appear sufficient, though a5772comprehensive review upon confirmation would definitively assess their5773adequacy considering updated strategic guidance and priorities.5774USAFRICOM's role is to continue interagency collaboration, integrating5775with Defense plans, and to work with partners and allies to expose and5776hold Russia accountable for its activities in Africa. USAFRICOM's5777future role in countering Russian influence and propaganda will require5778nuanced adjustments focused on military-to-military relationships with5779African partners and information operations.5780    Question. In your view, is the interagency effectively unified in5781implementing a strategy to compete with Russia in the AFRICOM AOR?5782    Answer. If confirmed, I will assess the effectiveness of5783interagency integration and the appropriate role for USAFRICOM. An5784interagency approach is critical to effectively counter Russian5785influence across the continent. Russia's hybrid warfare tactics, which5786include disinformation campaigns, economic coercion, political5787interference, and security partnerships, demand a coordinated response5788that transcends purely military solutions. Our success hinges on5789leveraging the diverse expertise of agencies focused on diplomacy,5790intelligence, cybersecurity, economic policy, law enforcement,5791development assistance, and public diplomacy to ensure a comprehensive5792and impactful strategy. USAFRICOM has played a vital supporting role in5793this effort, enabling diplomatic and development initiatives that5794support U.S. interests.5795                         availability of forces5796    Question. AFRICOM has minimal assigned forces and, as a result, is5797required to compete for forces in the global force management process.5798    What is your assessment of the availability and predictability of5799forces and associated capabilities to support the AFRICOM Theater5800Campaign Plan and other requirements in the AOR?5801    Answer. If confirmed, I will assess the current posture and force5802allocation to ensure the command has the necessary forces to accomplish5803the tasked mission.5804    Question. What is your understanding of the challenges and risks to5805U.S. security interests, if any, resulting from the lack of assigned5806forces to AFRICOM?5807    Answer. Predictable, postured, and ready forces and resources are5808essential to the successful execution of any mission. Based on my5809previous experience as the SOCAF commander, rotational forces increase5810the complexity and lose some momentum with partners due to turnover.5811Effective partnering is based on relationships, which can be difficult5812to maintain in a rotational construct. If confirmed, I would assess how5813to optimize the force allocated to USAFRICOM against the assigned tasks5814and mission to maximize effectiveness.5815    Question. What is your assessment of the utility of the assignment5816of the Army's Security Force Assistance Brigade to AFRICOM?5817    Answer. From my time as the SOCAF commander, the Security Force5818Assistance Brigade has conducted training throughout the African5819continent, advanced partner capacity, and developed relationships5820demonstrating the United States as the partner of choice. These5821deployments significantly contributed to USAFRICOM's Theater Campaign5822Plan, providing multiple teams capable of conducting military-to-5823military engagements.5824                   theater special operations command5825    Question. Special Operations Command-Africa (SOCAF) is under the5826operational control of AFRICOM and employs United States Special5827Operations Forces (SOF) to conduct operations, exercises, and theater5828security cooperation activities.5829    What is your understanding of the roles and responsibilities of5830SOCAF in supporting AFRICOM's Theater Campaign Plan and associated5831requirements?5832    Answer. Based on my experience as a previous SOCAF commander, SOCAF5833plays an important role in executing USAFRICOM's Campaign plan as5834operationalized through the USAFRICOM Campaign Order. SOCAF provides5835SOF expertise dedicated to the security challenges and operational5836environment unique to the USAFRICOM AOR. SOCAF supports USAFRICOM5837across the competition continuum, leading the theater counter terrorism5838campaign, overseeing the integration of SOF capabilities, and advising5839the Combatant Commander, Service component commanders, and others on5840the proper employment of SOF.in executing USAFRICOM's Campaign plan as5841operationalized through the USAFRICOM Campaign Order. SOCAF provides5842SOF expertise dedicated to the security challenges and operational5843environment unique to the USAFRICOM AOR. SOCAF supports USAFRICOM5844across the competition continuum, leading the theater counter terrorism5845campaign, overseeing the integration of SOF capabilities, and advising5846the Combatant Commander, Service component commanders, and others on5847the proper employment of SOF.5848    Question. Based on your professional military experience, how would5849you characterize the benefits of a dedicated special operations5850component for a geographic combatant command in supporting the5851combatant command's theater campaign plan and associated requirements?5852    Answer. A dedicated special operations component allows for5853singularity of focus with economy of force, development of long-term5854relationships, and theater-specific operational approaches. USAFRICOM5855requires dedicated SOF support to effectively counter malign5856competitors in addressing the complexities of strategic competition,5857disrupt terrorist threats, and maintain relationships with key allies5858and partners through its niche skills and capabilities that are not5859present in other elements of the joint force. This also facilitates5860greater integration of planning efforts amongst all components and the5861USAFRICOM staff.5862    SOF offers low cost for the high return on investment to shape5863conditions for to counter terrorist attacks on the Homeland, counter5864adversary exploitation of the resources and people of Africa and create5865United States advantage. U.S. SOF are the premier training partner for5866our African partners and enable them to continue the fight against5867extremists. Their quality shows through exercises like FLINTLOCK and5868the example they set through Joint Combined Exchange Training events5869throughout the continent.5870    Question. What special operations capabilities are in highest5871demand by AFRICOM?5872    Answer. From my previous experience as the SOCAF commander and in5873my current capacity, I believe the Special Operations capabilities that5874are in the highest demand in USAFRICOM are the expert training and5875advising of counter terrorist forces as well as the ISR capabilities to5876assist partner forces in counterterrorism operations. Personnel5877recovery, search and rescue, and casualty evacuation assets are also in5878extremely high demand.5879    Question. Which countries in the AFRICOM AOR do you believe have5880the greatest need for engagement with SOF?5881    Answer. If confirmed, I will closely examine all USAFRICOM's5882requirements to include those for the unique capabilities of SOF. I5883will encourage engagement that is driven by analysis, yet flexible5884enough to be adapted to the dynamic environment in the USAFRICOM AOR. I5885would consider the feasibility of future partnerships based on the5886partner nation's will and capacity to absorb and operationalize U.S.5887engagement. enough to be adapted to the dynamic environment in the5888USAFRICOM AOR. I would consider the feasibility of future partnerships5889based on the partner nation's will and capacity to absorb and5890operationalize U.S. engagement.5891            violent extremist organizations (veos) in africa5892    Question. What is your understanding of the U.S. counterterrorism5893strategy as it relates to the AFRICOM AOR?5894    Answer. Countering terrorist threats in Africa with the capability5895of affecting the United States Homeland is the number one priority5896given to USAFRICOM by the Secretary of Defense. I understand that the5897National Strategy for Counterterrorism outlines a comprehensive5898approach to combating terrorism by leveraging all elements of national5899power and collaborating with international partners. In the USAFRICOM5900AOR, and in alignment with the INDSG, assigned and allocated forces5901focus their efforts on countering the most pressing threats to the U.S.5902Homeland. Separately, remaining limited resources are used to help5903African partners to independently address regionally focused terror5904threats.5905    Question. How would you assess the effectiveness of the U.S.5906counterterrorism strategy and associated activities in addressing the5907threat posed by violent extremist organizations?5908    Answer. My view on this varies by region, and the situation has5909evolved since my time as the Commander of SOCAF. For example, in North5910Africa, groups like JNIM are expanding south to pose a significant5911threat to the Sahel and increasingly Coastal West Africa. In the East,5912counterterrorism operations against ISIS-Somalia have garnered some5913success at halting external operations plots targeting the West and5914United States Homeland and paused the group's ability to freely move5915additional forces to Somalia, many of whom possess technical expertise.5916A reduction in pressure against ISIS-Somalia without increasing5917counterterrorism burden sharing with allies and partners, will likely5918undo hard-won gains made by partner ground operations and U.S. air5919strikes.5920    Also in Somalia, al-Shabaab has retaken nearly all the territory5921the group lost in the 2022 Somali National Army (SNA) offensive, while5922continuing to collaborate with the Huthis, directly threatening the5923security of United States Forces in the region. While United States and5924partner CT efforts likely have slowed the pace of the group's offensive5925and immediate threat to Mogadishu, the Huthi-al-Shabaab relationship5926constitutes a serious threat to United States Force protection in the5927USAFRICOM AOR.5928    Question. What changes, if any, would you recommend to the strategy5929or associated measures of effectiveness? Should efforts to prevent the5930underlying causes of extremism be a component of our counterterrorism5931strategy?5932    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with my staff to assess our5933counterterrorism operations, activities, and investments to ensure they5934align to the priorities of the INDSG. I welcome the opportunity to work5935with the Department to further refine our strategy, in conjunction with5936USSOCOM, USCENTCOM, and the interagency, to ensure a global approach to5937deterring terrorist threats to the Homeland.5938    Question. Within the AFRICOM AOR, what do you consider the highest5939counterterrorism priorities?5940    Answer. USAFRCIOM's number one counter terrorism priority is5941countering those organizations that pose the highest threat to the5942United States Homeland and United States personnel. Terrorists continue5943to expand and adapt to locations that allow greater freedom to5944maneuver. They are seeking to shift recruiting, financial and weapons5945transactions, and planning for external operations to locations in5946Western Africa. We must continue to adapt to these threats to minimize5947risks to American citizens at home and abroad.5948    Question. What is your assessment of the threat posed by al Qaeda,5949the Islamic State, and other violent extremist organizations operating5950in Africa, to nations in the AFRICOM AOR, the United States Homeland,5951and broader western interests?5952    Answer. The global center of terrorism has shifted from the5953USCENTCOM AOR to the USAFRICOM AOR. While al Qaeda and ISIS have5954suffered setbacks outside Africa, their affiliates on the continent5955have expanded in tempo and lethality to pose an increased threat to5956African partners and other United States and Western interests on the5957continent. Africa-based al Qaeda and ISIS affiliates aspire to attack5958the United States Homeland.5959    In East Africa, Al-Shabaab--al Qaeda's largest, wealthiest, and5960most lethal global affiliate--is the main organization that threatens5961United States and partner interests. Additionally, they have publicly5962advocated for attacks against United States targets, including lone-5963actor attacks against the United States. ISIS-Somalia is expanding and5964continues to aspire to attack the United States Homeland and foreign5965deployed U.S. personnel and facilities abroad. In West Africa, JNIM has5966emerged as one of al Qaeda's most capable and deadly affiliates and has5967increased the frequency and lethality of its attacks in Burkina Faso,5968Mali, and Niger. It also has positioned itself to effectively threaten5969West African littoral states including Benin and Togo.5970    Question. Which VEOs do you find most concerning, and why?5971    Answer. As ISIS and al Qaeda shift from the Middle East to Africa,5972both have the intent to attack the United States and our Homeland.5973Africa's ungoverned spaces provide them the opportunity to plan where5974they are difficult to find. I am concerned about our ability to detect5975the indications and warnings of an attack on our Homeland that would5976create strategic surprise and distraction from our focus on China. If5977confirmed, addressing this concern will be a priority.opportunity to5978plan where they are difficult to find. I am concerned about our ability5979to detect the indications and warnings of an attack on our Homeland5980that would create strategic surprise and distraction from our focus on5981China. If confirmed, addressing this concern will be a priority.5982                                somalia5983    Question. What is your understanding and assessment of United5984States National Security interests in Somalia?5985    Answer. The critical United States interest in Somalia is5986preventing terrorists from using Somalia as a safe haven to threaten5987the United States Homeland and United States persons and facilities in5988East Africa. United States national security interests in Somalia5989remain focused on our commitment to our allies and partners in5990coordinating and addressing the shared security threat presented by al-5991Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia.5992    Question. What is your understanding and assessment of the United5993States strategy for Somalia?5994    Answer. In my current capacity, I have not conducted a detailed5995assessment of United States strategy in Somalia. I would consider how5996USAFRICOM can enable Somalia and other allies and partners to5997effectively contribute to countering shared threats.5998    Question. What role should AFRICOM play in supporting that5999strategy?6000    Answer. Given al-Shabab's continued resilience within Somalia,6001USAFRICOM should continue to play two key roles in Somalia. First, it6002should continue to plan, enable, coordinate, and facilitate ongoing6003kinetic actions to disrupt Somali terror networks. Second it should6004identify opportunities to burden share while also supporting our6005network of allies and partners on the ground.6006    Question. How would you evaluate the effectiveness of United States6007efforts to counter Al Shabab and ISIS to date?6008    Answer. Al-Shabaab's manpower has swelled in the past few years,6009increasing the resources needed to counter the group's capabilities and6010influence. Over the past 6 months, USAFRICOM's air support to Somali6011National Army (SNA) operations has mitigated the immediate threat to6012Mogadishu, but al-Shabaab still controls substantial territory, has6013increased their attacks in Mogadishu, and has been able to increase the6014group's overall capability. If confirmed, I will assess our persistent6015presence that the President has approved to ensure it provides an6016adequate force to work with our interagency partners and international6017allies and partners to degrade and disrupt al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia.6018    Question. What is your assessment of the prospect for long-term6019stability in Somalia?6020    Answer. I believe that long-term stability in Somalia will require6021the establishment of inclusive, representative, and accountable6022governance at all levels. Having previously grappled with this6023challenging problem as the Commander of SOCAF, I know what a challenge6024long-term stability in Somalia is. Creating stability there is beyond6025the scope of the military alone to solve.6026    Question. What is your assessment of the effectiveness of United6027States efforts to build the capacity of the Somali National Army to6028date and what should the objectives of such efforts be in the near-,6029mid-, and long-term?6030    Answer. As the SOCAF commander, we saw moderate success with the6031Danab as a component of the SNA. I would need to reassess our progress6032to date and determine what appropriate timeline objectives should be. I6033would also look to engage other regional allies and partners to6034determine their level of interest and investment to determine what6035limited role the U.S. would play in concert with other contributors.6036                     lake chad basin and the sahel6037    Question. What is your understanding and assessment of United6038States national security interests in the Lake Chad Basin? The Sahel?6039    Answer. JNIM is now one of the most active and lethal terrorist6040groups in the world and poses a direct threat to the governments in the6041Lake Chad Basin, Sahel, and coastal West Africa regions. The ungoverned6042spaces in Northern Mali and the Sahel pose a challenge to detect6043indications and warnings for an attack on the United States Homeland.6044Additionally, China and Russia seek to exploit instability in the6045region to achieve their own strategic ends.6046    Question. What is your understanding and assessment of the United6047States strategy to address threats in the Lake Chad Basin and across6048the Sahel?6049    Answer. I have not had the opportunity to do a thorough assessment6050of United States strategy for the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel. If6051confirmed, I will advocate for where possible United States and African6052partner engagement to advance an African-led regional counter-terrorism6053strategy.6054    Question. What is your understanding of AFRICOM's role in6055supporting that strategy?6056    Answer. I believe that USAFRICOM supports partner efforts to6057counter threats emanating from Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa and does6058so through bilateral and multilateral United States security force6059assistance to our partners in the region. If confirmed, I will ensure6060USAFRICOM coordinates closely with the interagency to meet our Nation's6061objectives in the region.force assistance to our partners in the6062region. If confirmed, I will ensure USAFRICOM coordinates closely with6063the interagency to meet our Nation's objectives in the region.6064    Question. Do you view the problem sets in the Lake Chad Basin and6065the Sahel to be the same? If not, how do they differ and how should we6066account for that in our strategies?6067    Answer. No, I do not. However, a more detailed assessment will be6068necessary for my full understanding of the relationships between these6069problems. The Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel problem sets differ in the6070nuances of grievances between terrorist organizations and nation states6071and long histories of ethnic tension. They are separated geographically6072and ideologically.6073    Question. What is your assessment of the efforts of governments in6074the region to combat VEOs, as well as other regional security and6075governance challenges?6076    Answer. My assessment on this topic is informed by my time as the6077Commander of SOCAF. Security and political challenges continue to6078undermine stability in the Sahel. Mali and Burkina Faso remain the6079epicenter of instability and a haven for many terrorist groups to stage6080and launch attacks across the region. Governments are willing to combat6081terrorists. Yet, these countries are among the world's poorest, face6082severe resource constraints, and have relatively limited military6083capability.6084    Similarly, in the Lake Chad Region, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger,6085and Nigeria are largely willing to confront terrorists operating out of6086Nigeria and do so through unilateral operations and the five-nation6087Multinational Joint Task Force. Multiple competing national security6088priorities in each of the Lake Chad Region nations have prevented them6089from focusing adequate resources to counterterrorism operations, which6090has allowed terrorists freedom to operate.6091    Question. What do you view as the most pressing impediments to6092regional efforts to address security and governance challenges?6093    Answer. Regional efforts to improve security and governance are6094often interrupted by urgent internal crises, whether they be caused by6095terrorist organizations, military coups, natural and man-made6096disasters, or displaced populations. These events redirect the state's6097attention and limited resources and distract from capacity and6098institution-building endeavors. Weak and hollow State institutions6099struggle to reorganize and grow while confronting constant challenges6100and limited resources. One of the most pressing impediments to regional6101efforts, however, is corruption. Sudden crises also hinder progress on6102security and governance challenges by requiring time and resources at6103the expense of capacity building work.6104    Question. In your view, what measures should the United States6105incorporate into current and future military-to-military engagements to6106help avoid violence by regional police and the militaries of other6107nations against civilians during operations?6108    Answer. I believe that the United States should continue to press6109for partner compliance with long established international norms and6110not hesitate to restrict security forces from receiving assistance when6111there is credible evidence of gross violation of human rights by6112security forces. Consistent application of these standards as a basis6113for access to the benefits accrued from military-to-military6114engagements with the United States will further legitimize these norms,6115reinforce the concept of the rule of law, and act as a deterrent to6116violators.6117                              north africa6118    Question. What is your understanding and assessment of United6119States national security interests in North Africa?6120    Answer. United States interests are directly tied to maintaining6121stability in North Africa by preventing malign foreign and non-State6122actors from expanding their presence. The United States can do so by6123leveraging two of our most capable African partner nations, Morocco and6124Tunisia, who are able to serve as security exporters, most notably when6125it comes to training other African nations. The United States should6126also strive to reorient Algeria away from its historic dependence on6127Russia, and to prevent Libya from serving as an access point for6128Russian malign actions and expansion. Unchanged for 225 years, the6129United States's desired objectives for North Africa are stable,6130western-oriented nations that ensure access to critical sea lines of6131communication through the Mediterranean.6132    Question. What is your understanding and assessment of the United6133States strategy for North Africa?6134    Answer. In my current capacity, I have not conducted a detailed6135assessment. I do know that the United States continues to support6136Morocco and Tunisia, and continues to encourage them to take the lead6137in training other African partner nations. Both nations demonstrated6138this willingness during my time at SOCAF by serving as the first6139African training leads during exercise FLINTLOCK. NATO is another6140important ally in addressing the challenges of North Africa as6141terrorism and immigration challenge their southern flank.6142    Question. What is your understanding and assessment of the United6143States strategy for Libya?6144    Answer. In my current capacity, I have not conducted a detailed6145assessment of the United States strategy for Libya. I do know the6146United States continues to pursue a diplomatic and political6147reunification process.6148    Question. What is your understanding of AFRICOM's role in6149supporting the United States strategy for North Africa broadly and6150Libya specifically?6151    Answer. I believe that USAFRICOM primarily works to facilitate6152military engagement and training opportunities for North African6153partner nations, encouraging them to assume a primary role for African6154security challenges. A priority for USAFRICOM is to guarantee United6155States overflight through North Africa to the remainder of the6156continent, and to maintain access to critical sea lines of6157communication. USAFRICOM coordinates these efforts with partners such6158as Turkiye, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, and NATO to synchronize6159and layer our activities. For Libya specifically, USAFRICOM strives to6160facilitate military engagement and training opportunities between both6161Libyan sides to encourage the formation of an integrated military force6162capable of conducting independent counterterrorism operations with the6163oversight of a unified government.6164    Question. What do you view as the most significant challenges and6165opportunities with regards to the AFRICOM interests and objectives in6166North Africa?6167    Answer. Libya remains a key challenge in North Africa. I would6168continue to seek opportunities to engage with Libya and despite the6169political instability and other challenges to focus on countering6170terrorism that could affect the United States Homeland. Additionally, I6171would continue to engage with Morocco and Tunisia to leverage their6172partnerships and leadership in our various exercises and security6173cooperation with other African partners.6174                      central and southern africa6175    Question. What is your understanding and assessment of United6176States National Security interests in central and southern Africa?6177    Answer. Our national security interests in Central and Southern6178Africa extend beyond counterterrorism to include strategic competition6179with China and Russia, transnational threats such as trafficking and6180piracy, global health security, and commercial access to natural6181resources. Instability in the region can directly impact U.S. security,6182while the economic and political trajectory of these nations is6183increasingly important to U.S. investments.6184    Question. What is your understanding and assessment of the United6185States strategy for central and southern Africa?6186    Answer. The U.S. strategy prioritizes partnership with African6187nations to promote security and economic opportunity and respond to6188crises. Key pillars include counterterrorism focused on root causes,6189investment in sustainable development where interests align, security6190sector reform to support operationally independent partners, and6191countering malign influence. African leadership and ownership are6192central to this approach, emphasizing a collaborative rather than6193prescriptive model.6194    Question. What is your understanding of AFRICOM's role in6195supporting the U.S. strategy?6196    Answer. USAFRICOM protects the United States Homeland from external6197threats to prevent strategic surprise, counters malign actors such as6198China, and maintains a ready and responsive crisis response force.6199USAFRICOM provides extraordinary value for a very modest investment to6200advance U.S. interests, by maintaining access and placement to detect6201indications and warnings and find opportunities to gain advantage.6202USAFRICOM does this in close partnership with African nations, allies,6203and the interagency.6204    Question. What do you view as the most significant challenges and6205opportunities with regards to the AFRICOM interests and objectives in6206central and southern Africa?6207    Answer. Key challenges in central and southern Africa include6208expanding terrorist groups, increased Chinese investment in military6209exercises and engagement, and integrating into whole of government6210approaches across the region. USAFRICOM is limited in its resources and6211infrastructure focused on this region--especially in the lack of a6212contingency location for crisis response. Southern Africa presents a6213variety of opportunities where nations have approached the United6214States for engagement.6215           building partner capacity and security assistance6216    Question. In your view, what should be our strategic objectives in6217building the capacities of partner nations in the AFRICOM AOR through6218defense security cooperation activities or other means?6219    Answer. I believe that USAFRICOM's building partner capacity (BPC)6220efforts should focus on partners that are directly supporting6221USAFRICOM's efforts to combat threats to the Homeland and advance6222United States interests. BPC efforts should also support advancing6223partners to the point where they can train, conduct, and sustain their6224own operations against shared threats in a manner that supports U.S.6225strategic interests, and regional security. USAFRICOM can also use BPC6226programs to counter China as it works to expand its influence across6227the continent. If confirmed, my aim will be to make sure we are a6228valued security partner throughout the continent by supporting6229partners' efforts to field sustainable, accountable security forces6230that possess the capability and capacity to address their own security6231needs.6232    Question. In your view, what is the appropriate balance between6233efforts to build partnership capacity at the tactical and operational6234levels and at the institutional and ministerial levels?6235    Answer. Any assessment of the appropriate balance begins with a6236nation's commitment to some shared U.S. interest. Engagement with6237nations should be based on our assessment of feasibility--including6238both a nation's will and their capacity to absorb and operationalize6239U.S. engagement. Then, we would balance building partnership capacity6240at both the national and operational levels as appropriate for that6241nation. Building only one would be ineffective without the other.6242Efforts to build partner capacity must be very select, judicious, and6243balanced to ensure a partner nation's ability to maintain a6244comprehensive defense approach conducive to U.S. strategic interests.6245    Question. Do you believe the ability of a partner nation to sustain6246U.S.-provided equipment and capabilities should be a key factor in6247determining the level and type of assistance to be provided?6248    Answer. I do. Providing unsupportable aid ultimately undermines our6249relationships and creates vulnerabilities malign State actors are6250likely to exploit.6251    Question. How would you characterize the importance of adherence to6252human rights as an objective of AFRICOM security cooperation programs6253and activities?6254    Answer. Adherence to human rights underpins USAFRICOM's6255relationships with our partners and allies, and, ultimately, increases6256our mission effectiveness to advance U.S. interests. Support for human6257rights is the cornerstone of an effective military. Security6258cooperation improves partner nations' ability to mitigate civilian6259casualties and enhances operational effectiveness by maintaining6260government legitimacy and differentiating from adversaries who violate6261human rights. If confirmed, I will ensure every engagement with a6262partner nation, regardless of topic or objective, is an opportunity to6263emphasize the core values of human rights and a professional military.6264    Question. When credible allegations of violence against civilians6265by partner nation security forces arise, what should the U.S. response6266be?6267    Answer. Allegations of violations of human rights, the rule of law,6268or law of armed conflict undermine governance and should be fully and6269transparently investigated. If reports are deemed credible, we will6270call on our partners to hold perpetrators accountable via legitimate6271judicial processes in addition to internal disciplinary actions.6272Incidents of civilian harm by partner nation security forces should6273also inform the planning, design, and execution of security cooperation6274activities and programs. If confirmed, I will support full and6275transparent investigations into credible allegations of civilian6276casualties, and violations of the law of armed conflict.6277                      crisis response capabilities6278    Question. What is your understanding of the crisis response6279capabilities available to AFRICOM?6280    Answer. My experience as Commander of SOCAF provides direct insight6281into the critical role of USAFRICOM's crisis response capabilities.6282Properly equipped, postured, and ready forces are essential for6283protecting U.S. personnel, property, and interests during crises.6284USAFRICOM possesses limited organic crisis response forces. Their6285missions include reinforcing embassy security and facilitating6286military-assisted departures of Department of State-designated6287personnel. Furthermore, subject to the Secretary of Defense's approval,6288additional crisis response assets from the United States, Europe, and6289the Middle East can supplement USAFRICOM's resources.6290    Question. Do you believe that the availability of crisis response6291capabilities and the mechanism for obtaining and deploying those6292capabilities are both appropriate and adequate to meet crisis response6293requirements in the AFRICOM AOR?6294    Answer. Africa's vast size and overall lack of an integrated6295logistics infrastructure make the movement, employment, and sustainment6296of military forces exceedingly difficult. Many locations suffer from6297unstable and delicate security conditions. On any given day, a crisis6298could arise that requires USAFRICOM to commit military forces either to6299augment the security of a U.S. facility or to evacuate personnel.6300Allocation of assets to crisis response in Africa will be balanced6301against global requirements in line with security and defense6302strategies. If confirmed, I will conduct an assessment to determine if6303additional capabilities or contingency locations are necessary given6304the current and future risks and mission requirements. I will also6305examine how to best develop access with partners to enhance USAFRICOM's6306ability to respond to crises.6307    Question. In your opinion, what additional steps, if any, should be6308taken to reduce the risk of attacks on U.S. embassies, consulates, and6309personnel by terrorist organizations and other threats throughout6310AFRICOM?6311    Answer. The Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service is6312the lead agency for embassy protection supported by Marine Security6313Guard Detachments, and Marine Security Augmentation Units as needed. If6314confirmed, I will review the current authorities and resources6315available to support the Department of State to reduce the risk of6316attacks on U.S. embassies, consulates, and personnel. Key factors of6317that assessment would consider available military response forces, ISR6318and associated collection for indications and warnings, the posturing6319of forward coordinating elements, and regular information sharing and6320coordination with agencies, allies and partners.6321                          civilian casualties6322    Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure civilian casualty6323allegations are adequately and promptly investigated by AFRICOM?6324    Answer. I understand that USAFRICOM has a long-standing process to6325assess or investigate allegations of civilian casualties. I also6326understand that staff sections review allegations of civilian6327casualties in a holistic fashion, considering all the information6328available. This includes classified information to assess the6329allegation and, as necessary, determine whether a further assessment or6330investigation is necessary. To the extent permissible by law and6331policy, and except as necessary to ensure operational security,6332USAFRICOM publishes the results of these assessments. If confirmed, I6333intend to continue to implement and refine that process consistent with6334Department policy and law.6335    Question. Do you believe credible civilian casualty incidents6336should be independently investigated by personnel who are sufficiently6337removed from the unit or chain of command associated with the incident?6338Please be specific in your response.6339    Answer. I believe that to be useful and fair, any assessment must6340be impartial. I understand that USAFRICOM's current civilian harm6341assessment process ensures an appropriate level of separation or6342distance between the unit and/or chain of command involved in a6343potential allegation and the unit that is conducting the assessment.6344    Question. What is your understanding of AFRICOM's current policies6345with respect to public transparency, and if confirmed, what policies6346would you seek to establish in this regard?6347    Answer. I understand that USAFRICOM publishes press releases after6348any kinetic strike taken by units under its commander and, since 2020,6349has publicly reported information on its assessment of allegations of6350civilian casualties. If confirmed, I will continue to support6351transparency through the release of information in accordance with law6352and policy while protecting operational security.6353    Question. Under what circumstances do you believe it is appropriate6354to provide ex gratia payments when civilian casualties or other6355civilian harm result from U.S. unilateral or partnered military6356operations?6357    Answer. I understand that, consistent with law, ex gratia payments6358may be an appropriate response for damage to civilian property or the6359personal injury or death of a civilian that is incident to the use of6360force by U.S. Armed Forces, a coalition that includes the United6361States, a military organization supporting the United States, or a6362military organization supporting the United States or such coalition. I6363believe that the decision to offer such payments should be made6364consistent with law and implementing Department guidance, on an6365individual and case-by-case basis, considering factors such as whether6366the relevant facts can be verified and any potential risks to both U.S.6367personnel and the intended recipients, including any risk that such6368funding could be exploited by malign actors.United States or such6369coalition. I believe that the decision to offer such payments should be6370made consistent with law and implementing Department guidance, on an6371individual and case-by-case basis, considering factors such as whether6372the relevant facts can be verified and any potential risks to both U.S.6373personnel and the intended recipients, including any risk that such6374funding could be exploited by malign actors.6375   intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (isr) capabilities6376    Question. Demand for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance6377capabilities of every kind has grown exponentially in recent years,6378largely due to the enhanced situational awareness and targeting6379capabilities they bring to our commanders. Almost all of the geographic6380combatant commands have validated ISR requirements that are not being6381met.6382    What is your understanding of the support AFRICOM is currently6383receiving to respond to its ISR requirements?6384    Answer. ISR availability remains a challenge not only for USAFRICOM6385given its lack of organic assets, but also to all other Combatant6386Commands given the high global demand for ISR. The need for ISR in the6387USAFRICOM AOR remains high to maintain indications and warnings of6388attacks on the Homeland and to characterize malign State actor activity6389on the continent.6390    Question. Do you believe the threats emanating from the AFRICOM AOR6391warrant additional resources from within DOD? If so, how do you intend6392to advocate for additional ISR and other enabling assets, if confirmed?6393    Answer. Threats emanating from Africa are likely to distract from6394our strategic focus and give our adversaries the advantage if not6395checked--both from terrorists and State actors such as China. While6396additional resourcing is a question of policy, I will assess the6397current risk and advocate for the required resources as appropriate to6398achieve the national security and defense strategies. I will also6399engage allies and partners to continue developing the relationships6400that mitigate potential shortfalls and enhance our domain and threat6401awareness.6402                           maritime security6403    Question. What is your assessment of AFRICOM's ongoing maritime6404security initiatives?6405    Answer. My perspective from my current capacity is that USAFRICOM6406has been expanding the maritime capabilities of partners through a mix6407of security cooperation efforts and exercises. USAFRICOM appears to be6408prioritizing its maritime security efforts appropriately given current6409security challenges, which I intend to reassess, if confirmed, given6410the evolving circumstances of our security interests in North, West,6411and East Africa.6412    Question. Very few African countries have the capacity to project6413naval forces beyond their coastal waters. As a result, the economic6414exclusion zones of many coastal African countries are exploited by a6415variety of international actors.6416    Answer. I agree and see this topic as an opportunity to engage6417African partners and encourage them to hold malign actors, such as6418China, accountable.6419    Question. What opportunities, if any, do you see for expanded U.S.6420engagement on maritime security in the AFRICOM AOR?6421    Answer. If confirmed, I will assess opportunities to expand U.S.6422Military, interagency, partner, and allied engagement on maritime6423security across the USAFRICOM AOR. The AOR's expansive maritime domain6424holds both significant challenges and strategic opportunities that6425demand a robust and collaborative approach. I envision enhanced6426coordination with our European allies and other non-traditional6427partners to advance shared national security objectives, from6428strengthening security in NATO's southern flank to combating illegal,6429unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Gulf of Guinea.6430    Through focused maritime exercises, security cooperation training,6431information sharing, and bilateral law enforcement engagements,6432USAFRICOM can empower partners to operate independently, detect and6433expose malign activity, and achieve these vital shared goals. Moreover,6434I will coordinate with adjacent Combatant Commands to maximize regional6435outcomes. A critical area for disruption involves United States-6436designated drug cartels whose involvement in West Africa's drug supply6437chain poses a threat to the United States Homeland.6438                 quality-of-life challenges in africom6439    Question. What unique quality-of-life challenges affect service6440members, civilians, and their families assigned to the AFRICOM AOR?6441    Answer. From my experience, the USAFRICOM AOR presents unique6442challenges to Service members, civilians and their families assigned on6443the African continent. These challenges include access to medical care,6444access to education, local environmental concerns impacting health,6445adequate religious/spiritual fitness resources, isolation from serving6446in remote locations, high operational tempo, local crime, language6447barriers, and potential armed conflict exposure. If confirmed, I will6448assess the extent to which those serving forward have the necessary6449resources and support to fulfill their mental, physical, and spiritual6450needs to execute the mission.6451    Question. If confirmed, how would you address these theater-wide6452challenges to help improve the quality-of-life and retention of these6453personnel and their families?6454    Answer. If confirmed, I will complete a thorough assessment of the6455current initiatives USAFRICOM employs to address quality of life and6456retention. In addition, I will assess subordinate command climates6457through site visits, surveys, and feedback. Leveraging my experience as6458the Commander of SOCAF, I will refine and promote quality of life6459initiatives for personnel deployed within Africa based on eligibility,6460threat environment, and mission requirements. I would ensure that6461forward-deployed personnel are provided a clear mission, defined6462objectives, necessary resources, and appropriate capabilities required6463for mission success.6464                        congressional oversight6465    Question. In order to exercise legislative and oversight6466responsibilities, it is important that this committee, its6467subcommittees, and other appropriate committees of Congress receive6468timely testimony, briefings, reports, records--including documents and6469electronic communications, and other information from the executive6470branch.6471    Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on request,6472to appear and testify before this committee, its subcommittees, and6473other appropriate committees of Congress? Please answer yes or no.6474    Answer. Yes.6475    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to6476provide this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees6477of Congress, and their respective staffs such witnesses and briefers,6478briefings, reports, records--including documents and electronic6479communications, and other information, as may be requested of you, and6480to do so in a timely manner? Please answer yes or no.6481    Answer. Yes.6482    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to6483consult with this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate6484committees of Congress, and their respective staffs, regarding your6485basis for any delay or denial in providing testimony, briefings,6486reports, records--including documents and electronic communications,6487and other information requested of you? Please answer yes or no.6488    Answer. Yes.6489    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to6490keep this committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees of6491Congress, and their respective staffs apprised of new information that6492materially impacts the accuracy of testimony, briefings, reports,6493records--including documents and electronic communications, and other6494information you or your organization previously provided? Please answer6495yes or no.6496    Answer. Yes.6497    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on6498request, to provide this committee and its subcommittees with records6499and other information within their oversight jurisdiction, even absent6500a formal Committee request? Please answer yes or no.6501    Answer. Yes.6502    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to6503respond timely to letters to, and/or inquiries and other requests of6504you or your organization from individual Senators who are members of6505this committee? Please answer yes or no.6506    Answer. Yes.6507    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to6508ensure that you and other members of your organization protect from6509retaliation any military member, Federal employee, or contractor6510employee who testifies before, or communicates with this committee, its6511subcommittees, and any other appropriate committee of Congress? Please6512answer yes or no.6513    Answer. Yes.6514                                 ______65156516    [Questions for the record with answers supplied follow:]6517            Questions Submitted by Senator M. Michael Rounds6518                                `rwanda6519    1. Senator Rounds. Lieutenant General Anderson, Rwanda is a capable6520and reliable United States partner on the African Continent,6521particularly in the areas of peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and6522regional stability. For example, Rwanda's deployment in northern6523Mozambique to combat the ISIS [Islamic State of Iraq and Syria]6524affiliate in Mozambique has been a vital contribution to restoring6525security in Cabo Delgado and protecting critical energy infrastructure.6526Given United States Africa Command's (AFRICOM) increasing focus on6527strategic partnerships and burden-sharing in counterterrorism efforts,6528can you commit to strengthening United States coordination and support6529for Rwanda's operations in Mozambique, and more broadly, to deepening6530AFRICOM's engagement with Rwanda as a trusted partner in promoting6531security and stability across the region?6532    Lieutenant General Anderson. If confirmed, I commit to support the6533priorities identified in national strategic guidance, to include6534continuing partnerships with capable and willing African nations to6535degrade and defeat terrorist organizations who pose a threat to the6536United States Homeland.6537                               __________65386539              Questions Submitted by Senator Dan Sullivan6540                            8(a) contracting6541    2. Senator Sullivan. Lieutenant General Anderson, the Small6542Business Act (SBA) 8(a) program, created by Congress, provides a6543contract vehicle through which sole source and set aside contracts can6544be awarded to small businesses owned by Alaska Native corporations,6545Community Development Corporations, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian6546organizations. These corporations are tied to political relationships,6547not racial classifications. They also are some of our most efficient6548contractors, earning stellar Contractor Performance Assessment6549Reporting System (CPARS) marks. Last, many of these small businesses6550employ veterans at rates far exceeding the national average, allowing6551our Nation's finest to continue to service after they take off the6552uniform. Will you commit to me to work to preserve and strengthen 8(a)6553contracting for the Department of Defense?6554    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator. If confirmed, I look6555forward to working with you to ensure our defense industrial base is6556more agile and flexible so that our warfighters have the most advanced6557and capable equipment to meet our national security priorities.65586559    3. Senator Sullivan. Lieutenant General Anderson, I recently toured6560an SBA 8(a) contracting operation and saw firsthand the value 8(a)6561brings to the Federal customer in terms of cost and efficiency while6562delivering mission-critical solutions that increase our national6563security and warfighting readiness. 8(a) contracts represent the best6564``bang for the buck'' for taxpayers, giving contracting officers6565additional flexibility while also maximizing efficiency by reducing red6566tape. Do you see the value in increasing efficiency in flexibility6567brought from initiatives such as the 8(a) program?6568    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator. As I committed in my6569testimony to the Committee, I will be a responsible steward of taxpayer6570dollars. I see significant value in increasing warfighting readiness6571through enhanced efficiency. If confirmed, I will prioritize efficiency6572as well as low-cost solutions to address the greatest threats to U.S.6573national security in the USAFRICOM area of responsibility.6574                                morocco6575    4. Senator Sullivan. Lieutenant General Anderson, 2 years ago, this6576Committee, at my request, asked for a briefing on the options to6577establish a forward deployed AFRICOM headquarters in AFRICOM. In6578response, I understand that DOD has assessed that AFRICOM's current6579location in Stuttgart provides key efficiencies and logistical benefits6580it requires. Still, Africa is a long way from Stuttgart. Given6581Morocco's status as a longstanding and valuable United States security6582partner--and the vast range of potential contingencies in Africa--if6583not as a subordinate command of AFRICOM, how can we leverage our6584partnership with Morocco to more effectively advance AFRICOM's security6585objective on the Continent?6586    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, USAFRICOM's security6587objectives on the Continent are focused on undermining China's malign6588activities while simultaneously defending the United States Homeland6589from terrorist attack. It's my understanding that USAFRICOM continues6590this critical partnership with Morrocco to ensure we can focus our6591efforts on these objectives.65926593    5. Senator Sullivan. Lieutenant General Anderson, how do you assess6594the threat posed by Iran and its proxies on the African Continent,6595specifically in North Africa and the Sahel?6596    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, Iran and its proxies pose a6597growing threat to stability across Africa, exploiting existing6598vulnerabilities and seeking to expand their influence. Looking across6599the Continent, I am most concerned about the Iranian and Iranian proxy6600threat in East Africa, where the Iran-backed Huthis pose a force6601protection threat to United States personnel in Djibouti and Somalia,6602as well as to maritime traffic in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. If6603confirmed, I can assure you that USAFRICOM will continue to monitor6604their activities and work with partners to counter their malign6605influence through intelligence sharing, capacity building, and6606coordinated security efforts.6607                               __________66086609                Questions Submitted by Senator Ted Budd6610                                somalia6611    6. Senator Budd. Lieutenant General Anderson, in 2022, the6612Department of Defense deployed hundreds of Special Operations Forces to6613Somalia to counter Al-Shabab. After 3 years of operations, I'd like to6614know your assessment of the fight and what you think AFRICOM needs to6615accomplish the mission?6616    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, I am not fully informed on6617the details of the current United States strategy in Somalia. I am6618aware that al-Shabaab has demonstrated resilience and, as al Qaeda's6619largest, wealthiest, and most lethal global affiliate, is the main6620organization that threatens United States and partner interests.6621Additionally, they have publicly advocated for attacks against U.S.6622targets, including lone-actor attacks against the United States.6623    I am concerned by al-Shabaab's continued collaboration with the6624Huthis, which also directly threatens the security of United States6625Forces in the region. While United States and partner counterterrorism6626efforts likely have slowed the pace of the group's offensive and the6627immediate threat to Mogadishu, the Huthi-al-Shabaab relationship6628constitutes a serious threat to United States Force protection in the6629USAFRICOM area of responsibility.6630    I understand that to successfully counter al-Shabaab, all6631stakeholders and the government of Somalia need to act with a singular,6632unified objective. The United States, along with our allies and6633partners, must deliver a strong message to Somali leadership that6634counterterrorism is the international priority in Somalia. If6635confirmed, you have my assurances that I will assess our persistent6636presence to ensure it provides an adequate force to enable Somalia and6637other partners to effectively contribute to countering shared threats.6638                               __________66396640             Questions Submitted by Senator Mazie K. Hirono6641                               background6642    7. Senator Hirono. Lieutenant General Anderson, as part of my6643responsibility as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and6644to ensure the fitness of nominees for appointment to senior positions6645within the Department of Defense, I will be asking the same two6646questions that I ask nominees to all of the committees on which I6647serve:?'Since you became a legal adult, have you ever made unwanted6648requests for sexual favors, or committed any verbal or physical6649harassment or assault of a sexual nature?6650    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.66516652    8. Senator Hirono. Lieutenant General Anderson, have you ever faced6653discipline, or entered into a settlement related to this kind of6654conduct?6655    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.6656                       posture/budget reductions6657    9. Senator Hirono. Lieutenant General Anderson, AFRICOM operates6658under persistent resource constraints compared to other geographic6659combatant commands, despite the Continent's growing strategic6660importance. Budget limitations, combined with recent discussions about6661restructuring or even merging AFRICOM with United States European6662Command (EUCOM), risk sending the wrong message to our African partners6663and ceding influence to China, Russia, and other malign actors. Any6664reduction in posture or personnel would likely diminish the command's6665ability to respond to crises and maintain long-standing security6666relationships. What risks do you see in the current review of AFRICOM's6667posture, particularly if it results in budget or force reductions?6668    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, as the former Commander of6669Special Operations Command--Africa, I witnessed first-hand the ability6670of USAFRICOM component units accomplishing their missions with limited6671resources, leveraging both innovation and strong partnerships. We have6672opportunities to seek capable partnerships on the African Continent,6673enabled by our allies and partners, to address regional security6674concerns and allow our command elements to focus on the most pressing6675national interests. If confirmed, I look forward to continuing that6676same effort to maximize resources by working with allies and partners6677toward shared security goals.66786679    10. Senator Hirono. Lieutenant General Anderson, how would such a6680decision affect our ability to counter violent extremist organizations6681and support regional stability efforts in places like Somalia, the6682Sahel, and the Gulf of Guinea?6683    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, violent extremist threats6684emanating from Africa are likely to distract from our strategic focus6685and give our adversaries--both terrorists and State actors such as6686China--advantage if not sufficiently checked. While additional6687resourcing is a question of policy, I will assess the current risk and6688advocate for the required resources as appropriate to achieve the6689national security objectives. I will also engage allies and partners to6690continue developing relationships that mitigate potential shortfalls6691and enhance domain and threat awareness.66926693    11. Senator Hirono. Lieutenant General Anderson, in your view, what6694resources or authorities are most urgently needed to maintain or grow6695AFRICOM's impact given the strategic competition playing out across the6696Continent?6697    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, our Nation's greatest pacing6698threat is China. Beijing sees Africa as an important theater to secure6699international support for its policies, strategic resources for its6700economy and defense industrial base, and operational experience in6701military power projection. As we look at China beyond the next 3 years,6702we must consider Africa as a major source of China's long-term6703capability to sustain a globally protracted conflict. If confirmed, I6704will work with the Department to identify resources and authorities6705needed for USAFRICOM to support United States National Security6706objectives and constrain China's efforts to achieve hegemony in the6707Indo-Pacific and beyond.6708                              foreign aid6709    12. Senator Hirono. Lieutenant General Anderson, I am very6710concerned about how this Administration's mass firing of State6711Department employees, cuts to foreign aid, and the dismantling of U.S.6712Agency for International Development (USAID) affect our standing with6713allies and partners in the Region. How does ending foreign assistance6714programs and other regional aid efforts impact AFRICOM's security6715cooperation missions and the command's relationship with partners in6716the region??6717    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, in alignment to national6718security and defense priorities, I am committed to defending the U.S.6719Homeland and countering China's malign activities on the Continent. If6720confirmed, I look forward to working with the interagency, allies, and6721partners, to ensure that USAFRICOM's limited resources are maximized to6722responsibly execute and enable African partners to be more independent6723and ensure our shared strategic objectives are achieved.67246725    13. Senator Hirono. Lieutenant General Anderson, what is your best6726military advice on the potential risk of the United States ceding6727influence in the region by abandoning our allies, partners, and foreign6728aid commitments??6729    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, one of the greatest tools we6730have in defeating terrorist activity and undermining malign Chinese6731activities is enhanced engagement and collaboration with strong African6732partners and other allies. If confirmed, I look forward to continuing6733the work currently underway at USAFRICOM to engage with key African6734partners and enable their ability to operate independently.67356736    14. Senator Hirono. Lieutenant General Anderson, I am reminded of6737former Defense Secretary James Mattis' comment: ``If you don't fund the6738State Department fully, then I need to buy more ammunition.'' Do you6739agree with that statement??6740    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, the State Department is6741essential to interagency efforts in Africa that further United States6742and partner shared interests. If confirmed, I look forward to working6743with the Department of State and other interagency members as I did as6744Commander, SOCAF, to ensure that the United States Homeland is safe6745from terrorist attacks and United States security interests are6746advanced on the African Continent.6747                       china and russia in africa6748    15. Senator Hirono. Lieutenant General Anderson, China has6749dramatically expanded its presence in Africa through the Belt and Road6750Initiative, dual-use port investments, and a permanent military base in6751Djibouti. Russia, meanwhile, is deploying private military companies to6752support autocratic regimes and secure access to critical minerals.6753These efforts often come at the expense of good governance,6754transparency, and civilian safety. AFRICOM plays a crucial role in6755helping African partners resist coercion and maintain sovereignty but6756faces growing competition in both the security and diplomatic domains.6757How do you assess the evolving security risks posed by China's military6758and commercial expansion in East Africa, and how is AFRICOM postured to6759respond?6760    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, China's approach to security6761and economic engagement allows Beijing to expand its influence and6762normalize its military presence through its base in Djibouti, the6763continuous presence of Chinese warships assigned to the Naval Escort6764Task Force, and extensive Chinese economic investment. I am very6765concerned about the China's growing efforts, not just in East Africa,6766but across Africa. Attempts to entrench Chinese influence with African6767Governments and militaries poses challenges to United States6768relationships. If confirmed, I will assess USAFRICOM's efforts to6769undermine China's military ambitions and work closely with the6770Department of Defense and the interagency to address risks to United6771States national security because of those activities.67726773    16. Senator Hirono. Lieutenant General Anderson, what role is6774Russia's paramilitary presence--especially in Central and West Africa--6775playing in destabilizing partner governments or disrupting United6776States interests?6777    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, as I stated in my testimony,6778Russia is a destabilizing force whose actions often run counter to6779United States interests. Russia's deployments in multiple African6780nations and use of persistent information operation campaigns undermine6781USAFRICOM and Western military support and relationships. Russia uses6782its presence to bolster and protect transitional and fragile regimes--6783many with highly objectionable practices toward local populations--to6784derive geopolitical, military, and economic benefits. This also6785disrupts United States and Allied military access to countries in6786Central and West Africa that are key terrain for countering ISIS and al6787Qaeda terrorist groups that could pose a threat to the United States6788Homeland. If confirmed, I will work with allies to address the6789destabilizing propaganda that Russia uses to further its malign goals6790of instability across the Continent.67916792    17. Senator Hirono. Lieutenant General Anderson, how can AFRICOM6793better coordinate with the Department of State and international6794partners to provide a viable, values-based alternative to Chinese and6795Russian engagement?6796    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, USAFRICOM must remain in6797close coordination with the Departments of State, Commerce, and6798Homeland Security, as well as other elements of the interagency, to6799ensure that we achieve U.S. national security objectives and advance6800U.S. national interests. USAFRICOM must also work with African6801partners, traditional allies, other global partners, and multinational6802organizations with shared security objectives to enable a broader6803approach to safeguard national interests.6804    One of the greatest powers the United States brings is our economic6805power, largely through private investment. I believe this approach has6806the potential to offer additional opportunities across the USAFRICOM6807area of responsibility, particularly as the populations of Africa grow.6808In my prior role at SOCAF, we were successful in partnering with non-6809governmental organizations and elements of civil society to identify6810other opportunities to demonstrate the value proposition and power of6811U.S. partnerships.6812    If confirmed, I look forward to further developing both internal6813and external relationships to provide viable, credible alternatives to6814Chinese and Russian malign efforts that exploit African partner6815nations.6816                civilian harm prevention and mitigation6817    18. Senator Hirono. Lieutenant General Anderson, the U.S. Military6818has spent many years working to improve its ability to prevent and6819mitigate civilian harm from its operations without sacrificing6820lethality, consistent with both U.S. values and strategic goals,6821including through the development of the Department of Defense (DOD)6822Instruction on Civilian Harm under the first Trump administration and6823the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP).6824Congress also mandated the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence to6825provide support to warfighters across the force, and combatant commands6826have onboarded expert staff to support civilian harm mitigation and6827response. As you know, these efforts received bipartisan support from6828Congress and grew out of a recognition that warfighters needed better6829tools and trustworthy systems to prevent civilian harm in today's wars6830and in the future. Do you agree that preventing and responding to6831civilian harm is a critical responsibility of the U.S. Military and6832makes the United States more effective?6833    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.68346835    19. Senator Hirono. Lieutenant General Anderson, if confirmed, what6836do you understand to be your roles and responsibilities regarding6837civilian harm mitigation and response?6838    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, it is my understanding that6839Combatant Commanders regularly ensure that Civilian Harm Mitigation and6840Response (CHMR) considerations are integrated into all phases of6841planning and execution, including operational planning, intelligence6842preparation of the environment, and targeting processes. If confirmed,6843I will work with the Department to ensure compliance in accordance with6844Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) 5840.01.6845                               __________68466847                Questions Submitted by Senator Tim Kaine6848                            unmanned systems6849    20. Senator Kaine. Lieutenant General Anderson, the events at6850Langley Air Force Base (AFB) 18 months ago, and Operation Spider's Web6851last month, both underscore the role that unmanned systems currently6852play in modern warfare. How do you assess the threat from unmanned6853systems to U.S. interests in AFRICOM?6854    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, threat actors operating in6855and within reach of U.S. interests in the USAFRICOM area of6856responsibility have benefited greatly from the proliferation of6857inexpensive, advanced unmanned system technology. Their access to this6858technology and ability to integrate these capabilities into more6859complex and lethal attacks present a high risk to U.S. forces,6860operations, and interests in Africa. As I did as Director, Joint Force6861Development, I will continue to prioritize innovative ways to increase6862capabilities with respect to unmanned technologies in line with the6863Secretary's imperative to achieve drone dominance. I will also seek6864solutions to help African and other partner nations build their6865capacity and capability related to UAS opportunities and threats.68666867    21. Senator Kaine. Lieutenant General Anderson, what are our6868capability gaps?6869    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, if confirmed and after6870completing my initial assessment, I welcome the opportunity to have a6871conversation on this subject in a secure setting.6872                               __________68736874           Questions Submitted by Senator Angus S. King, Jr.6875            united nations convention on the law of the sea6876    22. Senator King. Lieutenant General Anderson, do you support the6877ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea6878(UNCLOS)?6879    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, I understand that the United6880States considers the vast majority of UNCLOS to be reflective of6881customary international law, and I support the continued leadership of6882the United States in promoting international norms that advance6883American interests in the freedom of the seas and safe navigation.6884                               __________68856886            Questions Submitted by Senator Elizabeth Warren6887                                 ethics6888    23. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you are6889confirmed, will you commit not to seek any employment with or6890compensation from a defense contractor, including through serving on a6891board, as a consultant, or as a lobbyist, for 4 years after leaving6892DOD?6893    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, I will abide by U.S. law and6894all ethical rules, regulations, and restrictions pertaining to post-6895government employment.68966897    24. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you are6898confirmed, will you commit not to engage in any lobbying activities,6899including unregistered ``shadow'' or ``behind-the-scenes'' lobbying6900under the guise of consulting or advising, focused on DOD or any of its6901components for 4 years after leaving DOD?6902    Lieutenant General Anderson. I will abide by U.S. law and all6903ethical rules, regulations, and restrictions pertaining to post-6904government employment.69056906    25. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, will you commit6907not to seek employment, board membership with, or any other form of6908compensation from a company that you regulated or otherwise interacted6909with while in government, for at least 4 years after leaving office?6910    Lieutenant General Anderson. I will abide by U.S. law and all6911ethical rules, regulations, and restrictions pertaining to post-6912government employment.69136914    26. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, during your6915nomination process, did anyone on the Trump campaign, transition team,6916or other closely related entity approach you about your loyalty to6917President Trump?6918    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.69196920    27. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you were6921approached about your loyalty to President Trump, did you sign a6922loyalty pledge or other similar oath? If so, please provide a copy of6923the text of that pledge or oath.6924    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.69256926    28. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you were6927approached about your loyalty to President Trump, did you make any6928verbal representations of loyalty? If so, please describe this6929representation.6930    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.69316932    29. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, in November 2024,6933the New York Times and other news outlets reported that Boris Epshteyn,6934a top adviser to President Trump, allegedly requested payment from6935prospective political appointees to promote their candidacies for top6936positions within the administration. Did you discuss the possibility of6937joining the administration with Mr. Epshteyn at any time?6938    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.69396940    30. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you did discuss6941the possibility of joining the administration with Mr. Epshteyn, did6942Mr. Epshteyn seek payment from you for promoting your candidacy for a6943position within the administration?6944    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.69456946    31. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, at any time, did6947lawyers for President Trump or members of President Trump's team6948approach you regarding Mr. Epshteyn and the allegations cited above? If6949so, please describe the information that they provided you (including6950copies of documents), what was discussed during any calls, and any6951other information pertaining to this interaction.6952    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.69536954    32. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, were you in6955contact with Mr. Elon Musk at any time during your nomination process?6956If so, please describe the nature of those contacts.6957    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.69586959    33. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, was Mr. Musk6960present or involved in any interviews you did related to your6961nomination? If so, please describe the nature of his involvement.6962    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.69636964    34. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, was Mr. Musk6965involved in any way with your nomination, including but not limited to6966directly or indirectly contacting Senators regarding their position on6967your nomination?6968    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.69696970    35. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, who was in the6971room or participated in any of your interviews regarding your6972nomination?6973    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, during my nomination process6974I interviewed with the Secretary of Defense and the President. In my6975courtesy calls with members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I6976was accompanied by an aide from the Joint Staff.69776978    36. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you own any6979stock or hold any other interest in any defense industry contractors,6980will you divest it to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of6981interest?6982    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.69836984    37. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what do you6985consider the role of the press in a democracy?6986    Lieutenant General Anderson. The press is vital to our Nation and6987democratic governance, and to the military's civic duties and civil6988engagement. DOD doctrine recognizes this importance, emphasizing a6989responsibility to proactively engage with the media while balancing6990operational security with the public's right to information.69916992    38. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, will you commit6993not to retaliate, including by denying access to government officials6994or facilities, against news outlets or individual journalists who6995publish articles that are critical of you, your office, your agency, or6996the Trump administration?6997    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.69986999    39. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, have you ever been7000accused of sexually harassing, assaulting, or creating a hostile work7001environment for another individual in a personal or professional7002capacity? Provide a list of all instances in which you have been7003accused of sexually harassing, assaulting, or creating a hostile work7004environment for an individual and the behavior of which you were7005accused.7006    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.70077008    40. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, have you7009requested, or has anyone requested on your behalf, that any other7010person or third party sign a nondisclosure, confidentiality, non-7011disparagement, or similar agreement regarding your conduct in a7012personal or professional capacity?7013    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.70147015    41. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, will you7016voluntarily release any individual from any such agreements before this7017committee votes on your nomination?7018    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, I have no such agreements.70197020    42. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, have you ever paid7021or promised to pay, or has anyone paid or promised to pay on your7022behalf, an individual as part of any non-disclosure, confidentiality,7023non-disparagement, or similar agreement?7024    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.70257026    43. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if the answer to7027the previous question was yes, how much was promised, how much was7028paid, and what were the circumstances?7029    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, I have no such arrangements.70307031    44. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, were you at any7032time, or are you currently, contacted by or under investigation or7033review by any inspector general or any inspector general's office for7034any reason?7035    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.70367037    45. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what is your7038understanding of the Hatch Act?7039    Lieutenant General Anderson. As I understand it, the Hatch Act is7040applicable to civilian Federal employees and generally restricts them7041from engaging in partisan political activities while on duty, in a7042Federal facility, or using Federal property. Military personnel are7043subject to DOD Instruction (DODI) 1344.10, which governs military7044engagement with political activities.70457046    46. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what disciplinary7047actions are appropriate for violations of the Hatch Act?7048    Lieutenant General Anderson. Potential penalties for violations of7049the Hatch Act are detailed in law and include the possibility of7050disciplinary actions, including suspension, removal from Federal7051employment, or assessment of civil penalties. I believe that7052appropriate disciplinary action should be consistent with law and, as7053provided for by law, made on a case-by-case basis after considering all7054lawful factors.70557056    47. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, has a member of7057your family currently or ever been a member, founder, or investor of7058the ``Executive Branch'' social club? Please provide their name and7059role related to the club.7060    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.70617062    48. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, has a member of7063your family ever visited the club or attended an event at the club?7064    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.70657066    49. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if a member of7067your family has ever visited the club or attended an event at the club,7068please provide the date, circumstances of the visit, and the event.7069    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.70707071    50. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, have you had any7072meetings at the club? If so, what were these meetings about and with7073whom?7074    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.70757076    51. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, has a member of7077your family had any meetings at the club? If so, which family7078member(s), what were these meetings about, and with whom were these7079meetings?7080    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.70817082    52. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, have you7083encouraged anyone to join the club or promoted the club in any other7084way? If so, in what ways did you promote the club?7085    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.70867087    53. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, has a member of7088your family encouraged anyone to join the club or promoted the club in7089any other way? If so, which family member(s) and in what ways did they7090promote the club?7091    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.7092                congressional oversight and transparency7093    54. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what is your7094understanding of the role of the Department of Defense Inspector7095General and service Inspectors General?7096    Lieutenant General Anderson. It's my understanding that the DOD7097Inspector General (IG) serves as an independent watchdog and objective7098oversight body within the Department of Defense. Their primary role is7099to detect and deter waste, fraud, and abuse in DOD programs and7100operations, promoting economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. Each7101military service also has its own Inspector General focused on7102readiness, standards, and addressing servicemember complaints within7103their branch. Together, they uphold ethical conduct, improve7104efficiency, and provide a trusted channel for reporting concerns. This7105dual structure creates a system of checks and balances, ensuring the7106integrity of the DOD workforce and operations.71077108    55. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, will you ensure7109your staff complies with any Inspector General deadlines established7110for requested communications, documents, and witnesses, and that staff7111will be protected from reprisal for their testimony?7112    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.71137114    56. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you are not7115able to comply with any Inspector General requests and deadlines, will7116you notify the Republican and Democratic members of this committee7117regarding the basis for any good faith delay or denial?7118    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.71197120    57. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you are7121confirmed, will you commit to refusing to follow illegal orders from7122any individual, including the President?7123    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.71247125    58. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what actions would7126you take if you were given an illegal order from any individual,7127including the President?7128    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, I do not anticipate that I7129will receive an unlawful order. I swore an oath to support and defend7130the constitution of the United States 33 years ago. I have reaffirmed7131this oath eight times and will continue to adhere to it as long as I'm7132able to serve.71337134    59. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, will you commit to7135voluntarily provide a deposition if you are requested by Congress to7136provide one?7137    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.71387139    60. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, will you commit to7140voluntarily testify in front of Congress if you are requested by7141Congress to do so?7142    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.71437144    61. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, will you commit to7145testify or provide a deposition in front of Congress if you are issued7146a subpoena to do so?7147    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.71487149    62. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, will you commit to7150providing information or documents to Congress voluntarily if you are7151requested to do so?7152    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.71537154    63. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, will you provide7155information or documents to Congress if you are issued a subpoena to do7156so?7157    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.71587159    64. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, will you commit to7160following current precedent for responding to information requests,7161briefings, and other inquiries from Congress, including the Senate and7162House Armed Services Committees and their minority members?7163    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.71647165    65. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if confirmed, will7166you commit to posting your official calendar monthly?7167    Lieutenant General Anderson. I will comply with DOD guidance7168related to operational security and force protection.71697170    66. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, do you think the7171Federal Government has an overclassification problem? If so, please7172provide examples of overclassification you have encountered.7173    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, I can only speak to my7174experience with the Department of Defense (DoD). Due to the complex7175nature and multiple factors involved in the classification process, DOD7176does face challenges with overclassification. While enterprise7177solutions and training can help to address specific shortfalls, the7178classification process seeks to strike a balance between required7179access to capabilities, tools, and information to execute a mission and7180protecting those elements--to the greatest extent possible--from7181compromise by adversaries. If confirmed, I will seek to encourage a7182``write for release'' environment and support efforts to limit7183overclassification.71847185    67. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if confirmed, do7186you think your department should pursue strategic technology to support7187automated declassification?7188    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, based on my experience as a7189military leader at multiple echelons, the Department possesses a vital7190need to declassify or sanitize classified information in an7191operationally timely manner to enhance interoperability and support7192transparency. I believe there is great potential for emerging7193technologies to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and cost-7194effectiveness of declassifying government records.7195    Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are at the7196forefront of these innovations. Challenges will remain in achieving a7197balance of transparency with risk to national security, as well as7198ensuring the responsible and ethical implementation of AI for this7199application. If confirmed, I will support classification and7200declassification tools authorized and promulgated by the Department and7201Joint Staff.7202                              project 20257203    68. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, have you discussed7204Project 2025 with any officials associated with the Trump campaign, the7205Trump transition team, or other members of the Trump administration? If7206so, please explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with7207whom you discussed it.7208    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.72097210    69. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, have you discussed7211Project 2025 with any officials associated with the Heritage7212Foundation? If so, please explain what you discussed, when you7213discussed it, and with whom you discussed it.7214    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.7215                           foreign influence7216    70. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, have you received7217any payment from a foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign7218government within the past 5 years?7219    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.72207221    71. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, have you7222communicated with any foreign government or entity controlled by a7223foreign government within the past 5 years?7224    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator, throughout my 33 years7225of service, I was required to interact regularly with military and7226other representatives of foreign governments.72277228    72. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, please disclose7229any communications or payments you have had with representatives of any7230foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government within7231the past 5 years and describe the nature of the communication.7232    Lieutenant General Anderson. My engagement with representatives of7233foreign governments is consistent with existing U.S. law and those7234ethical rules, regulations, and restrictions applicable to a serving7235Officer in the U.S. Military.7236                        impoundment control act7237    73. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, do you believe the7238Secretary of Defense has the legal authority to block the disbursement7239of funds appropriated by Congress?7240    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, it's my understanding that7241the President must obligate funds appropriated by Congress, unless7242otherwise authorized by Congress to withhold them. I would defer any7243specific questions related to legal authorities to my colleagues in the7244Office of the Secretary of Defense.72457246    74. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what is your7247understanding of the Impoundment Control Act?7248    Lieutenant General Anderson. The Impoundment Control Act of 19747249codified the limits of Presidential discretion with respect to either7250withholding or delaying the spending of funds appropriated by Congress7251and established legal processes by which impoundment can be executed.72527253    75. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, do you commit to7254complying with the Impoundment Control Act?7255    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.72567257    76. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, do you commit to7258notifying the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, including the7259majority and minority, if you are asked not to comply with the7260Impoundment Control Act or not to expend the money that Congress7261appropriates or authorizes?7262    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.72637264    77. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what is your7265understanding of the requirements for Federal agencies to obligate7266funding that Congress authorizes and appropriates, in accordance with7267the time period that Congress deems it to do so?7268    Lieutenant General Anderson. It's my understanding that in Federal7269budgeting, an obligation of funds represents a legal commitment by a7270Federal agency to use funds for the purposes appropriated, in the year7271apportioned, and may not be expended in advance of or in excess of an7272enacted appropriation.72737274    78. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, do you commit to7275expending the money that Congress appropriates and authorizes?7276    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.72777278    79. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, do you commit to7279following and implementing every provision of the annual National7280Defense Authorization Act passed into law?7281    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator, without reservation, I7282will follow U.S. law and defend the U.S. Constitution in accordance7283with my Oath of Office.72847285    80. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you became7286aware of a potential violation of the Antideficiency Act, Impoundment7287Control Act, or other appropriations laws, what steps would you take?7288    Lieutenant General Anderson. In the event of a violation, I will7289comply with the legal reporting requirements. I will promptly and7290thoroughly investigate and report such violations, taking remedial7291actions to prevent future violations.7292                             civilian harm7293    81. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, do you agree that7294one difference between the United States and its potential adversaries7295is the greater value that the U.S. Government puts on protecting human7296life and liberty at home and abroad?7297    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.72987299    82. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what is your7300understanding of title 10 U.S.C. 184, which established the Civilian7301Protection Center of Excellence?7302    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, my understanding is that this7303law established the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence to7304institutionalize and advance knowledge, practices, and tools for7305preventing, mitigating, and responding to civilian harm.73067307    83. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, the U.S. Military7308has spent many years working to improve its ability to prevent and7309mitigate civilian harm without sacrificing lethality--including through7310the development of the DOD Instruction on Civilian Harm under the first7311Trump administration, which I commend. These efforts received7312bipartisan support from Congress and grew out of a recognition from the7313U.S. Military itself that, after over 2 decades of U.S. wars,7314warfighters needed better tools and trustworthy systems to prevent7315civilian harm, uphold U.S. values, and prevent the moral injury and7316psychological trauma that too often comes with deadly mistakes. If7317confirmed, will you commit to continued leadership on civilian harm7318issues?7319    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator, I do. In my 33 years of7320experience, the U.S. Military takes extreme care to avoid civilian harm7321and are more transparent than any other military in the world.73227323    84. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you are7324confirmed, what do you understand to be your role and responsibilities7325regarding civilian harm mitigation and response?7326    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, my understanding is that7327Combatant Commanders ensure that civilian harm considerations are7328integrated into all phases of planning and execution, including7329operational planning, intelligence preparation of the environment, and7330targeting processes. If confirmed, I will work with the Department to7331ensure compliance in accordance with Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff7332Instruction 5840.01.73337334    85. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what do you7335understand to be the importance of mitigating civilian harm in military7336operations?7337    Lieutenant General Anderson. Civilian harm mitigation and response7338efforts support Department missions by enhancing operational7339effectiveness, strengthening partnerships, and reducing the risk of7340unintended consequences, such as the loss of human life.73417342    86. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what value can7343advisors with expertise in civilian harm mitigation and response7344provide to commanders?7345    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, I would defer to those with7346dedicated experience in this field to offer more substantive insights7347into the potential impact of military operations on civilians. Based on7348my experience as Commander, SOCAF, I can personally attest to the value7349of that expertise.73507351    87. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, how have SOCOM and7352AFRICOM, respectively, benefited from the Civilian Protection Center of7353Excellence?7354    Lieutenant General Anderson. If confirmed, I will work with the7355Department to assess the specific benefits.73567357    88. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, how have SOCOM and7358AFRICOM, respectively, supported and implemented the Civilian Harm7359Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP)?7360    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, if confirmed, I will work7361with my staff to assess how the Command has implemented the Civilian7362Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan.73637364    89. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what have been the7365benefits for SOCOM and AFRICOM, respectively, in supporting and7366implementing Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response efforts and the7367CHMR-AP?7368    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, if confirmed, I will work7369with my staff to assess how the Command has implemented the Civilian7370Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan and what specific benefits7371have come from those actions.73727373    90. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, do you believe7374that our troops are at higher risk for retribution as the number of7375civilian deaths from U.S. Military operations or U.S.-led military7376operations increases?7377    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, as a former commander at7378other echelons, I believe civilian deaths can be a factor in military7379operations.73807381    91. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, how does7382preventing and mitigating civilian harm help to promote U.S. national7383security?7384    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, the U.S. Military should7385minimize civilian casualties in warfare as a matter of moral obligation7386and strategic imperative. As DOD continues to incorporate civilian harm7387and mitigation and associated response efforts into planning and7388operations, we strengthen our standing among allies and partners,7389separating ourselves from adversaries.73907391    92. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, does having7392civilian-harm prevention personnel build trust and relationships with7393local civil society groups help commanders to collect useful7394intelligence information?7395    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, it can, Senator.73967397    93. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, in what ways do7398you see civilian harm mitigation and response efforts furthering SOCOM7399and AFRICOM's missions and the effectiveness of their operations,7400respectively?7401    Lieutenant General Anderson. If confirmed, I look forward to7402continuing the current efforts of integrating civilian harm and7403mitigation and response efforts into operations and plans at USAFRICOM.74047405    94. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you are7406confirmed, will you commit to supporting and protecting the Civilian7407Protection Center of Excellence?7408    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, if confirmed, I commit to7409working with the Department to ensure I comply with all legal and7410policy directives to ensure our national security objectives are met.74117412    95. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, how will you7413prevent and mitigate civilian harm?7414    Lieutenant General Anderson. If confirmed, I will continue to7415ensure that civilian harm and mitigation and response considerations7416are integrated into all phases of planning and execution, including7417operational planning, intelligence preparation of the environment, and7418targeting processes.74197420    96. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you are7421confirmed for these roles, will you commit to working with civil7422society and interviewing civilian witnesses during civilian harm7423investigations?7424    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.74257426    97. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you are7427confirmed for these roles, how do you plan to work with civil society7428to reduce civilian harm in military operations?7429    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, if confirmed, I will continue7430to ensure that civilian harm and mitigation and response considerations7431are integrated into all phases of planning and execution, including7432operational planning, intelligence preparation of the environment, and7433targeting processes.74347435    98. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you are7436confirmed for these roles, will you commit to supporting thorough7437investigations of allegations of civilian harm, including by partners7438and allies?7439    Lieutenant General Anderson. I commit to working with the7440Department to ensure I comply with all legal and policy requirements7441associated with civilian harm.74427443    99. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, how would a7444potential high-intensity conflict with a peer or near-peer adversary7445that purposefully embeds itself in densely populated operational7446environments impact targeting capabilities, precision, and risks to7447servicemembers?7448    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, based on my experience, a7449peer adversary embedded within dense urban environments significantly7450degrades our targeting capabilities and increases risks to U.S.7451servicemembers. Precision targeting is compromised by the difficulty in7452distinguishing combatants from civilians, increasing the potential for7453collateral damage. To mitigate this, we must prioritize refining our7454rules of engagement, enhancing intelligence gathering, and adapting our7455tactics to minimize civilian harm and maintain mission legitimacy.74567457    100. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, how would current7458technology, capabilities, planning, and rules of engagement, including7459efforts to prevent and mitigate civilian harm, help to mitigate such7460impacts from the previous question?7461    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, our advanced ISR, precision7462munitions, and specialized units, coupled with rigorous planning and7463rules of engagement designed to prevent civilian harm, provide a strong7464foundation for mitigating the impacts of the situation described above.7465Our deliberate targeting process and civilian harm mitigation7466frameworks prioritize minimizing collateral damage and ensuring7467compliance with the Law of Armed Conflict.74687469    101. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you are7470confirmed for these roles, will you commit to sharing all findings of7471each investigation of civilian harm with Congress, including the7472members of the Senate Armed Services Committee within 15 days of the7473investigation's completion?7474    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, if confirmed, I will continue7475to support transparency through the release of information in7476accordance with existing U.S. law and policy, while protecting7477operational security.74787479    102. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you are7480confirmed, will you commit to supporting and implementing the Civilian7481Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP)?7482    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator. If confirmed, I commit7483to working with the Department to ensure I comply with all legal and7484policy requirements associated with Civilian Harm Mitigation and7485Response.74867487    103. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you are7488confirmed, will you commit to supporting and implementing the Civilian7489Harm Mitigation Response and Action Plan (CHMR-AP)?7490    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator. If confirmed, I commit7491to working with the Department to ensure I comply with all legal and7492policy requirements associated with Civilian Harm Mitigation and7493Response.7494         protecting classified information and federal records7495    104. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what is your7496understanding of the need to protect operational security, or OPSEC?7497    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, operational security (OPSEC)7498is paramount to mission success and the safety of our personnel.7499Failure to protect OPSEC can result in the compromise of sensitive7500information, data, or capabilities, which may provide advantage to U.S.7501adversaries as they seek to exploit vulnerabilities.75027503    105. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what are the7504national security risks of improperly disclosing classified7505information?7506    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, the disclosure of classified7507information can have far-reaching and detrimental consequences for7508national security. Such disclosure can provide adversaries with7509critical insights into our capabilities, vulnerabilities, and7510intentions, potentially impacting ongoing operations, compromising7511relationships with allies and partners, and eroding public trust.75127513    106. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what would you do7514if you learned an official had improperly disclosed classified7515information?7516    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, I would follow DOD guidance7517and report the incident in accordance with DOD Directive 5210.50.75187519    107. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what is your7520understanding of Government officials' duties under the Federal Records7521Act?7522    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, it is my understanding that7523the Federal Records Act is the primary law governing the management of7524records created by U.S. Federal agencies. It establishes a framework7525for the creation, maintenance, and disposition of Federal records,7526ensuring the preservation of documents relevant to government7527activities and decisions.75287529    108. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, should classified7530information be shared on unclassified commercial systems?7531    Lieutenant General Anderson. Classified information should be7532communicated on an appropriately classified system.75337534    109. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, is it damaging to7535servicemembers' confidence in the chain of command if the pilots flying7536a mission find out that the official who ordered them to perform that7537mission shared sensitive information that could have made it more7538likely that the mission would fail, or they would be killed?7539    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, I wouldn't want to speculate7540or generalize. We should always preserve the element of surprise and7541never put our warfighters in harm's way.75427543    110. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you had7544information about the status of specific targets, weapons being used,7545and timing for imminent United States strikes against an adversary,7546under what circumstances would you feel comfortable receiving or7547sharing that information on an unclassified commercial application like7548Signal?7549    Lieutenant General Anderson. As I have throughout my career, I will7550continue to communicate classified information through the appropriate7551channels.7552               retaliation and protecting whistleblowers7553    111. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, do you believe7554that servicemembers, civilians, grantees, and contractors should be7555protected from any form of retaliation for coming forward about an7556illegal order, sexual assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or7557any other concern that they wish to raise?7558    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator. I understand that7559Federal law provides whistleblower protections to specific individuals,7560and I firmly believe that servicemembers, civilians, grantees, and7561contractors should be protected from retaliation for any protected7562activity.75637564    112. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what do you7565consider to be the purpose of Federal whistleblower protection laws?7566    Lieutenant General Anderson. ework to insulate those who make7567protected communications or engage in other protected activity from7568retaliation or reprisal for their actions. The legal framework is7569intended to encourage those persons to report potential wrongdoing so7570it can be appropriately investigated and, as warranted, addressed.75717572    113. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, have you ever7573retaliated against any individual for coming forward about an illegal7574order, sexual assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or any7575other concern that they wish to raise?7576    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.75777578    114. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you are7579confirmed, will you commit to protecting whistleblowers? If so, please7580specify how you will do so.7581    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator. If confirmed, I will7582comply with Federal whistleblower protection laws and will not take any7583adverse actions or condone retaliation against whistleblowers who7584engage in protected activities.75857586    115. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if you are7587confirmed, will you commit to preventing retaliation against any7588individual for coming forward about an illegal order, sexual assault or7589harassment, negligence, misconduct, or any other concern that they wish7590to raise?7591    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.75927593    116. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, do you consider7594it to be retaliation to demote an individual, prevent the promotion or7595advancement of an individual, remove an individual from the military or7596their role, or take other adverse actions related to personnel7597decisions for an individual, in response to that individual engaging in7598protected activity?7599    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.76007601    117. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, do you consider7602it to be retaliation to encourage another person(s) to demote an7603individual, prevent the promotion or advancement of an individual,7604remove an individual from the military or their role, or take other7605adverse actions related to personnel decisions for an individual, in7606response to that individual engaging in protected activity?7607    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.7608                              data privacy7609    118. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what is your7610understanding of your obligations to protect sensitive servicemember,7611contractor, and civilian employee information from unauthorized7612disclosure and from foreign governments?7613    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, all personnel, regardless of7614component or status, must diligently safeguard personally identifiable7615information from compromise, including from foreign governments and7616their agents. This requires strict adherence to established policies7617regarding data handling, storage and transmission, and destruction, as7618well as a constant awareness of potential threats and vulnerabilities.7619Personnel complete annual training to ensure adherence to policies and7620procedures.76217622    119. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what are the7623risks of any failure to protect sensitive servicemember, contractor,7624and civilian employee information from unauthorized disclosure and from7625foreign governments?7626    Lieutenant General Anderson. ncial exploitation, and physical harm7627to individuals and their families. Operationally, compromised data can7628reveal critical vulnerabilities, enabling adversaries to target7629personnel, disrupt operations, and undermine strategic objectives.7630Maintaining robust security measures is therefore not merely a7631compliance requirement, but an imperative for safeguarding our people,7632protecting our mission, and preserving national security.76337634    120. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what is your7635understanding of the Protecting Americans' Data from Foreign7636Adversaries Act?7637    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, the Act generally prohibits7638data brokers from selling, licensing, or transferring personally7639identifiable sensitive data to certain foreign adversary countries or7640to any entity controlled by those foreign adversary countries. I take7641the safeguarding of personally identifiable information seriously and7642will continue to abide by U.S. law and all DOD policies and guidance.76437644    121. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, do you oppose7645private entities such as DOD contractors and data brokers selling7646servicemember data to China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, Syria, and7647North Korea and entities controlled by those countries?7648    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.76497650    122. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, would you support7651any contracts for the sale or transfer of servicemember data including7652a prohibition on reselling or transferring servicemember data to China,7653Russia, Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, Syria, and North Korea and entities7654controlled by those countries?7655    Lieutenant General Anderson. No, Senator.76567657    123. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, a 2023 Duke7658University study found that data brokers with datasets about Active7659Duty servicemembers were willing to sell to buyers in Asia for as7660little as 12 cents per record. Do you think selling service member data7661in foreign countries creates a national security risk?7662    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.76637664    124. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, would you support7665stronger enforcement of existing protections for U.S. and servicemember7666data?7667    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.7668                        interagency cooperation76697670    125. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, how has your7671experience as a commander been made easier when you have support from7672the interagency--such as expert negotiators and other tools like7673economic aid and civic-institution-building--to maintain positive7674bilateral relations that facilitate your military missions?7675    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, during my career I have7676worked with the interagency to achieve national security objectives.7677Going forward, I believe that support from the interagency will be7678critical to ensure we can maintain close relationships with allies and7679partners who are willing and capable of meeting shared security7680objectives. If confirmed, I anticipate building on these partnerships7681to achieve the security priorities set forth in national strategic7682guidance.7683                               future war7684    126. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if confirmed, how7685will you work with U.S. Transportation Command and other stakeholders7686to navigate complex and contested logistical challenges in your7687commands?7688    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, the presence of terrorists,7689malign State actors, maritime chokepoints, vast geography, austere7690environmental conditions, and insufficient infrastructure represent7691many of the logistical challenges within the area of responsibility. It7692is essential for USAFRICOM to synchronize and collaborate with7693USTRANSCOM, the Defense Logistics Agency, and other key logistics7694support agencies. If confirmed, I will ensure the Command continues to7695work with these partners to develop a resilient, robust array of7696methods, modes, and means to deploy and distribute personnel,7697equipment, and supplies.76987699    127. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if confirmed,7700what concrete ideas would you bring into your roles to drive innovation7701in contested logistics and implement solutions that enable more agile7702force posture and sustainment?7703    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, I am a strong proponent of7704leveraging the latest concepts and technology to overcome the7705significant logistical challenges to the Joint Force. Ideas such as7706additive manufacturing, autonomous drone delivery of essential7707supplies, and simulation-enabled wargaming to identify optimal7708logistics methods, among others, offer the potential not only for7709greater efficiency in our logistics operations but also for possible7710cost savings once implemented. These same concepts and technologies can7711also enable greater agility in our ability to support new or emergent7712posture requirements. Together, such innovations can reduce our7713dependency on vulnerable or time-consuming transoceanic supply lines.7714If confirmed, I will look for opportunities to adopt and adapt emerging7715technologies to address USAFRICOM's most pressing logistical7716challenges.77177718    128. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if confirmed, how7719would you work with our international partners to combat complex and7720contested logistical challenges and test the concepts that we will need7721for future warfare?7722    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, the USAFRICOM area of7723responsibility includes partner nations with significant logistical7724support capabilities and infrastructure that we leverage for access,7725basing, and overflight needed for daily mission success, as well as7726crisis and contingency response. Key to leveraging these capabilities7727is investing the necessary time and resources to establish and maintain7728relationships with select governments and their militaries, including7729incorporating them into logistics-focused exercises. In addition,7730USAFRICOM must continue to leverage the logistics-sharing arrangements7731we have with several of our NATO allies, especially for airlift7732delivery.77337734    129. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, in your7735experience as the Director for Joint Force Development for the Joint7736Staff, how has the Joint Staff incorporated lessons from engagements7737with partners in Africa into the Joint Warfighting Concept and the7738Joint Concept for Contested Logistics, particularly around agile and7739resilient logistics, assured joint power projection, and sustainment7740for distributed operations?7741    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, the Joint Warfighting Concept7742(JWC) aims to address how the Joint Force will overcome future military7743challenges, including those posed in a highly contested environment by7744sophisticated adversaries. The JWC emphasizes agility, speed, and the7745ability to execute multi-domain operations to achieve objectives and7746maintain strategic advantage. A key element of the JWC is the Joint7747Concept for Contested Logistics (JCL), which seeks to provide the Joint7748Force with concepts of operations (CONOPs) for planning, executing, and7749enabling the movement and support of military forces in austere and7750wide-ranging operating environments.7751    The JWC and JLC have global application for the Joint Force, but7752the specific emphasis on contested and globally integrated logistics is7753particularly relevant to the USAFRICOM area of responsibility and our7754ability to conduct operations on--and from--the African continent. The7755sheer size of Africa, when combined with population growth, harsh7756environments, austere conditions, lack of infrastructure, and the7757presence of malign actors and terrorist organizations, creates7758multifaceted logistical challenges. The JWC and JLC present solutions7759for navigating complex environments by building agility and resilience,7760fostering strong partnerships, and leveraging emerging technology to7761bridge infrastructure gaps. The implementation of the JWC and7762adaptation of logistics strategies are vital for the United States to7763maintain a strategic presence in Africa to ensure power projection and7764to defend the Homeland from external threats.7765                  united states africa command posture77667767    130. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, press reports7768indicate that the Trump administration is considering plans to combine7769United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) under United States European7770Command. If confirmed, do you commit to consulting with this committee7771before recommending or implementing any change to these two commands?7772    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, as a matter of policy, the7773Office of the Secretary of Defense is charged with revisions to the7774Unified Campaign Plan. I believe that there needs to be an entity7775focused entirely on the African continent, whether that takes the form7776of a sub-unified or unified command. If confirmed, I can offer my7777assessment of risk to mission and the potential impact to United States7778strategic interests. If asked, I will provide military advice through7779my Chain of Command.77807781    131. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what threats do7782Russia and the People's Republic of China (PRC) pose to United States7783Forces in Africa?7784    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, as I testified before the7785Committee, China is expanding its approach from a focus on economic7786influence to include military and information operations, while7787Russia's actions are frequently destabilizing and run counter to United7788States interests.77897790    132. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if confirmed, how7791will you work to deter PRC and Russian influence and activities that7792undermine democracy and exacerbate conflicts on the Continent?7793    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, if confirmed, I will work to7794ensure that malign activity and regional instability are addressed by7795engaging with those allies and partners with shared interests. If7796confirmed, I will also work with the interagency to prioritize those7797activities that directly address threats to the United States national7798security interests and counter China's strategy on the African7799Continent.78007801    133. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, the PRC continues7802to pursue control of key port and other dual-use infrastructure as part7803of its Belt and Road Initiative across Africa that could also support7804their future military operations. What do you believe is the most7805productive way AFRICOM and the United States Military can or should7806check the PRC's expanding military and economic footprint in Africa?7807    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, China's military and economic7808influence over the continent continues to grow as Beijing continues to7809exploit Africa as a source of industrial and financial power. China is7810expanding beyond traditional economic activity with increasing military7811engagement and information activities, with a clear intent to undermine7812Western influence and access wherever possible. If confirmed, USAFRICOM7813will support interagency efforts to disrupt Beijing's military efforts7814and malign activities in African.78157816    134. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, how would AFRICOM7817manage relationships with partners who do not want to have to choose7818between the United States and any other security partner, including the7819PRC and Russia?7820    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, I believe a moderate7821investment can yield out-sized returns in the USAFRICOM area of7822responsibility. If confirmed, I will pursue focused relationships7823through operations, activities, and investments that achieve7824warfighting advantage and support U.S. security interests. African7825partners are sovereign nations, free to make their own security and7826economic decisions in accordance with their national interests. As7827China and Russia's malign activities are exposed over time, African7828partners will pursue those relationships that best serve their7829interests. Through prioritized and targeted engagement, the United7830States must present ourselves as a valuable partner to African nations,7831specifically those with the will and capacity to address shared threats7832on the Continent.78337834    135. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if confirmed, how7835will you promote maritime security in Africa?7836    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, if confirmed, I will assess7837opportunities to expand U.S. Military, interagency, partner, and allied7838engagement on maritime security across the USAFRICOM area of7839responsibility. Africa's expansive maritime domain holds both7840significant challenges and strategic opportunities that demand a robust7841and collaborative approach. I will pursue enhanced coordination with7842our European allies and other non-traditional partners to advance7843shared national security objectives, from strengthening security in7844NATO's southern flank to combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated7845fishing in the Gulf of Guinea.7846    Lieutenant General Anderson. Through focused maritime exercises,7847security cooperation training, information sharing, and bilateral law7848enforcement engagements, USAFRICOM can empower partners to operate7849independently, detect and expose malign activity, and achieve vital7850shared goals. Moreover, I will coordinate with adjacent Combatant7851Commands to maximize regional outcomes and safeguard U.S. national7852security interests.78537854    136. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, how can AFRICOM7855support or complement United States efforts to secure sea lines of7856communication?7857    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, U.S.-led naval exercises7858present the greatest opportunities to demonstrate freedom of navigation7859in key sea lines of communication, both military and commercial. These7860annual exercises, conducted by USAFRICOM's assigned naval forces,7861demonstrate U.S. capabilities and send the message to malign actors7862that the United States is ready to defend freedom of navigation and7863global commerce. Additionally, if confirmed, I will continue to work7864with our NATO allies to find additional opportunities for maritime7865cooperation, particularly in the Mediterranean and the Red Seas.78667867    137. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if confirmed, how7868will you ensure effective intelligence, surveillance, and7869reconnaissance coverage in Africa to combat destabilizing, violent7870extremist activity from non-State actors?7871    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, as you know, intelligence,7872surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) is a high-demand/low-density7873asset. Its availability remains a challenge not only for USAFRICOM but7874for all other Combatant Commands.7875    As an economy of force theater, I understand USAFRICOM will have7876limited ISR assets while the need for ISR coverage remains high. If7877confirmed, I will assess the current risk and advocate for the required7878resources to safeguard U.S. national security interests. To maintain7879timely and relevant indications and warnings, I will also seek to7880balance the requirement for exquisite, airborne ISR with other cost-7881effective means to enhance domain and threat awareness. There are7882suitable emerging technologies we can look to leverage. I would also7883engage allies and our African partners to strengthen relationships, to7884include exploring the potential for enhanced intelligence-sharing7885agreements.78867887    138. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if confirmed, how7888would you assess and adapt AFRICOM's posture following recent U.S.7889troop withdrawals in countries like Niger?7890    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, as I discussed in my7891testimony, the United States used Niger extensively to support ISR7892activities. We invested significant resources, particularly at the air7893base, which was a key foothold for us to monitor regional threats. As a7894result, we'll have to find creative ways to ensure we have timely,7895reliable indicators and warnings to counter terrorist threats to the7896U.S. Homeland and advance U.S. security interests.7897    You have my assurance that, if confirmed, I will assess USAFRICOM's7898current posture so we can achieve the objectives identified by national7899strategic guidance.79007901    139. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if confirmed, how7902will you leverage security cooperation, diplomatic engagements, and7903other tools to build long-term strategic relationships across Africa?7904    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, I believe that a modest7905investment of resources in Africa can yield an outsized return where7906U.S. security interests are concerned. If confirmed, I will ensure that7907USAFRICOM strategy is aligned to the U.S. national security priorities7908identified in national strategic guidance. I will also engage with7909allies and African partners by leveraging security cooperation and7910capacity-building activities, and exercises to better enable our7911African partners to address regional challenges.79127913    140. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, how would you7914continue to ensure that these efforts remain consistent with U.S.7915commitments to democratic governance, civilian oversight, and human7916rights?7917    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, these commitments are7918critical to the standing of the U.S. Military across the globe. If7919confirmed, I will work with the Department to ensure USAFRICOM7920activities are conducted in accordance with those U.S. law and7921policies.79227923    141. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, can you describe7924your priorities for burden-sharing and security capacity-building in7925Africa, should you be confirmed?7926    Lieutenant General Anderson. If confirmed, I commit to support the7927priorities identified in national strategic guidance, to include7928continuing partnerships with capable and willing African nations to7929degrade and defeat terrorist organizations who pose a threat to the7930United States Homeland.79317932    142. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, which countries7933would you prioritize and deprioritize?7934    Lieutenant General Anderson. If confirmed, I will assess the7935current strategy to ensure that all USAFRICOM activities, operations,7936and investments align to United States national security objectives,7937including decisions on the prioritization of African partner nations.79387939    143. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what areas of7940cooperation would you emphasize or de-emphasize, and why?7941    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, if confirmed, my focus at7942USAFRICOM will be to: (1) counter terrorism to protect the U.S.7943Homeland and prevent strategic surprise; (2) counter adversary7944strategies on the Continent, and (3) ensure Joint Force readiness to7945respond to crisis. I look forward to working with both allies and7946partners to enhance their capacity to execute against shared security7947objectives and enable our African partners to address regional security7948challenges independently.79497950    144. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, what do you see7951as the role of our partners in Africa in developing and fielding7952innovative new technologies for use in security?7953    Lieutenant General Anderson. USAFRICOM continuously looks for7954opportunities to work with our African partners--whether it be through7955combined military exercises, individual technology demonstrations, or7956establishing relationships to further research that is mutually7957beneficial. Many of our African partners also have strong military-7958affiliated research and development facilities and innovation7959ecosystems. The ingenuity of our African partners will be critical as7960USAFRICOM continues to evolve its military technological edge in7961coordination with allies and partners.79627963    145. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if confirmed, how7964do you anticipate AFRICOM to align with the Trump administration's7965prioritization shift to the Indo-Pacific, as reportedly outlined in the7966interim National Defense Strategy?7967    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, my understanding is that7968USAFRICOM staff and components are already operating with a theater7969strategy and campaign plan in support of U.S. national security7970objectives. If confirmed, I will assess the strategy and ensure that7971all USAFRICOM activities, operations, and investments align to national7972strategic guidance.7973                                 ethics7974    146. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, would you follow7975an illegal, unlawful or immoral order?7976    Lieutenant General Anderson. Senator, I do not anticipate that I7977will receive an unlawful order. I swore an oath to support and defend7978the Constitution of the United States 33 years ago. I have reaffirmed7979this oath eight times and will continue to adhere to it as long as I'm7980able to serve.79817982    147. Senator Warren. Lieutenant General Anderson, if confirmed, do7983you commit that your deliberations and decisions will only be7984communicated through official, secure channels and any decisions7985properly documented for both oversight and institutional memory?7986    Lieutenant General Anderson. Yes, Senator.7987                                 ______79887989    [The nomination reference of Lieutenant General Dagvin R.M.7990Anderson, USAF follows:]79917992[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]79937994                                 ______79957996    [The biographical sketch of Lieutenant General Dagvin R.M.7997Anderson, USAF, which was transmitted to the Committee at the7998time the nomination was referred, follows:]79998000[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]80018002                                 ______80038004    [The Committee on Armed Services requires certain senior8005military officers nominated by the President to positions8006requiring the advice and consent of the Senate to complete a8007form that details the biographical, financial, and other8008information of the nominee. The form executed by Lieutenant8009General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, USAF in connection with his8010nomination follows:]80118012[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]80138014                                 ______80158016    [The nominee responded to the questions in Parts B-F of the8017committee questionnaire. The text of the questionnaire is set8018forth in the Appendix to this volume. The nominee's answers to8019Parts B-F are contained in the committee's executive files.]8020                                ------80218022[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]80238024                                 ______80258026    [The nomination of Lieutenant General Dagvin R.M. Anderson,8027USAF was reported to the Senate by Chairman Wicker on July 29,80282025, with the recommendation that the nomination be confirmed.8029The nomination was confirmed by the Senate on July 31, 2025.]80308031                             [all]