Hearings to examine the nomination of Daniel Driscoll, of North Carolina, to be Secretary of the Army, Department of Defense.

1[Senate Hearing 119-294]2[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]34                                                      S. Hrg. 119-29456               THE NOMINATION OF MR. DANIEL P. DRISCOLL7                       TO BE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY8=======================================================================910                                HEARING1112                               BEFORE THE1314                      COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES15                          UNITED STATES SENATE1617                    ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS1819                             FIRST SESSION2021                               __________2223                            JANUARY 30, 20252425                               __________2627         Printed for the use of the Committee on Armed Services2829[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]3031                Available via: http: // www.govinfo.gov3233                                __________3435                   U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE3662-891 PDF                  WASHINGTON : 202637-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------3839                      COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES4041                ROGER F. WICKER, Mississippi, Chairman4243 DEB FISCHER, Nebraska			JACK REED, Rhode Island44 TOM COTTON, Arkansas			JEANNE SHAHEEN, New Hampshire45 MIKE ROUNDS, South Dakota		KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, New York46 JONI ERNST, Iowa			RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut47 DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska			MAZIE K. HIRONO, Hawaii48 KEVIN CRAMER, North Dakota		TIM KAINE, Virginia49 RICK SCOTT, Florida			ANGUS S. KING, Jr., Maine50 TOMMY TUBERVILLE, Alabama		ELIZABETH WARREN, Massachusetts51 MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma	        GARY C. PETERS, Michigan52 TED BUDD, North Carolina		TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois53 ERIC SCHMITT, Missouri			JACKY ROSEN, Nevada54 JIM BANKS, INDIANA			MARK KELLY, Arizona55 TIM SHEEHY, MONTANA                  	ELISSA SLOTKIN, MICHIGAN5657 		   John P. Keast, Staff Director58 		Elizabeth L. King, Minority Staff Director5960                                  (ii)6162                            C O N T E N T S63_________________________________________________________________6465                            january 30, 20256667                                                                   Page6869The Nomination of Mr. Daniel P. Driscoll to be Secretary of the       170  Army.7172                           Members Statements7374Wicker, Senator Roger............................................     17576Reed, Senator Jack...............................................     37778                           Witness Statements7980Driscoll, Daniel P., to be Secretary of the Army.................     88182  Advance Policy Questions.......................................    448384  Questions for the Record.......................................    658586  Nomination Reference and Report................................    968788  Biographical Sketch............................................    968990  Committee on Armed Services Questionnaire......................    979192  Signature Page.................................................   1029394                                 (iii)9596  THE NOMINATION OF MR. DANIEL P. DRISCOLL TO BE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY9798                              ----------99100                       THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2025101102                              United States Senate,103                               Committee on Armed Services,104                                                    Washington, DC.105    The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 9:30 a.m. in room106SD-G50, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Senator Roger Wicker107(Chairman of the Committee) presiding.108    Committee Members present: Senators Wicker, Fischer, Ernst,109Sullivan, Cramer, Scott, Tuberville, Budd, Schmitt, Banks,110Reed, Shaheen, Gillibrand, Hirono, Kaine, Warren, Peters,111Duckworth, Rosen, and Slotkin.112113           OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR ROGER WICKER114115    Chairman Wicker. The hearing will come to order. We thank116the witnesses for being here, and those in attendance.117    Certainly, all of us are concerned and saddened by the118tragedy which occurred near Reagan National Airport last night,119and I ask that the committee observe a moment of silence before120we begin the hearing.121    [Pause.]122    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much.123    The Committee on Armed Services has convened this hearing124to consider the pending nomination of Mr. Dan Driscoll to be125the 26th Secretary of the Army. In support of Operation Iraqi126Freedom, Mr. Driscoll served our country in Iraq, spending 4127years with the Army. So we thank him and the entire Driscoll128family: his wife, Dr. Cassie Driscoll, and their two children,129Daniel and Lila, who could not be with us today, for their130willingness to serve this country again, by accepting this new131assignment.132    After his Military Service, Mr. Driscoll received his law133degree from Yale and has worked in private equity and venture134capital, all the while he has retained many ties to his former135service.136    The Army faces a complex array of challenges. Recruitment137and retention improved last year, but the Army still has more138than 10,000 fewer recruits than it did in 2023. Since the139beginning of the Biden administration, the service is down14036,000 soldiers. On top of that, the Army is not taking full141advantage of opportunities to nurture interest in Military142Service. Almost 300 high schools sit on a waiting list to get143their own Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC)144unit. These units mean more than potential individual recruits.145They represent communities where the Department of Defense146(DOD) can put down roots, developing the Army of leaders for147tomorrow, as well as excellent citizens for our entire society.148    As the service catches up on recruitment, it must also149ensure that those who do enlist are equipped for the mission.150The nature of large-scale combat operations is changing. The151world sees this every week in Ukraine. To be ready for152potential combat in the Western Pacific, the Army must expedite153modernization efforts.154    On top of recruitment and modernization projects, the next155Secretary of the Army must address the servicemember quality of156life issues that afflict this, the largest service. In the157fiscal year 2025 budget, the Army increased funding for158barracks maintenance problems, but the effects of decades of159neglect cannot be fixed overnight. The Army has a facility160backlog of more than $100 billion. I offered an amendment which161passed the most recent NDAA [National Defense Authorization162Act], requiring all of the services to adopt minimum annual163facility sustainment levels. My colleagues and I need to see164evidence that this change has been embraced within the service.165    I believe Mr. Driscoll's record, his Army service, his166legal background, and financial experience have prepared him to167handle the myriad responsibilities of Army Secretary. If he is168confirmed, Mr. Driscoll will face the challenges I have already169outlined.170    He will be handed a budget that has not kept pace with171inflation. He will also take the helm at a time of increasing172danger around the world.173    The Army is playing a largely quiet but crucial role in the174Western Pacific. It is deepening partnerships with our allies175and partners in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, the service is176helping us maintain deterrence against the Chinese Communist177Party, and it ensures that our South Korean allies are postured178to prevent North Korean aggression.179    Soldiers from across the United States remain stationed in180Europe. Their presence helps deter Russia and helps assure our181NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] allies.182    In the Middle East, the Army continues to play a lead role183in combating Iranian aggression.184    Clearly, the Army's work has been instrumental in these185theaters. It must choose to remain relevant in today's complex186threat environment. The Army should accelerate its187transformation efforts and focus on new portions of the defense188industrial base. It should expand its work on small unmanned189aerial systems, or UAS, and counter-UAS. I say that even as I190recognize and appreciate the chief of staff of the Army's focus191in this area.192    In the Western Pacific theater, the Army's contribution to193sensing and shooting remains in its infancy. The service has194the chance to realize its key logistics role for the joint195force in contested areas, but it can do so with significant196investment and focus.197    So I look forward to this hearing on how Mr. Driscoll will198work to change the culture around the issues I have listed, as199well as other pressing matters.200    I now recognize my friend, the Ranking Member of the201Committee, Senator Jack Reed for any opening remarks he may202offer.203204                 STATEMENT OF SENATOR JACK REED205206    Senator Reed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much.207Before I begin I want to take a moment to express my profound208sorrow for those involved in the crash at National Airport last209evening. This is a tragedy beyond words, and my thoughts are210with the families both on board both aircraft as well as the211entire Army community. I am grateful to the hundreds of brave212first responders who worked throughout the night, and this213Committee will do everything we can to assist, and I thank the214Chairman for recognizing it with a moment of silence. Thank215you, Mr. Chairman.216    Mr. Driscoll, welcome to this morning's hearing. We were217expecting to see Cassie and Daniel and Lila, but they are218working or otherwise occupied, but give them our greeting,219please.220    Let me take this opportunity to also thank you for your221military service. Mr. Driscoll is a third-generation soldier.222He follows his father, who served in the infantry during223Vietnam, and his grandfather, who was a decoder during World224War II. The Committee is grateful to your family's military225service and for your willingness to continue serving your226country.227    Mr. Driscoll, if confirmed as the Secretary of the Army you228will oversee the manning, training, and equipping functions of229the United States Army. This is no small task. The Army is in230the midst of a generational modernization effort, currently231overhauling many of its major weapon systems. Simultaneously,232the Army is seeking to transform the structure and organization233of its brigade combat teams, equipping them with cutting-edge234technology in order to be more mobile and lethal. The service235is experimenting with rapidly evolving technology such as236unmanned system, drone defenses, and communications237technologies, among other.238    However, the Army continues to face a multiyear trend of239flat budgets, which has forced Army leaders to fund the highest240priority programs by reducing procurement of modern241capabilities. With a smaller and more continental base force,242maintaining readiness must be one of your top priorities. The243Army has continuous deployment requirements around the globe,244to include supporting Ukraine against Russia's invasion,245defending our interests and allies in the Middle East, and246maintaining a forward presence in the Indo-Pacific.247    I am concerned that the Administration's orders to248significantly increase military support to domestic law249enforcement, particularly on the southwest border, will harm250the Army's readiness. This is a role for DHS [Department of251Homeland Security], and I am a consistent supporter of a big252increase in DHS budget in the appropriations process as part of253a bipartisan border bill. That is the way to address the254border. In my personal engagements with commanders at all255levels, they have made clear that fully readying their256formations requires extensive time, training, and opportunities257to innovate, and border missions will not build these258warfighting skills.259    Mr. Driscoll, I would like to know how would you plan to260ensure soldiers' time, training, and capabilities are not spent261on the border, rather than on readiness issues.262    Of course, the Army's success also depends on its soldiers263and civilians. Recently the Army has been challenged to meet264recruiting goals. The Army has worked hard to improve its265recruiting activities, and it has enjoyed success with new266programs like the Future Soldier Preparatory Course. But it267should continue to improve efforts to reach all who are willing268and qualified to serve.269    Mr. Driscoll, in your advanced policy questions you State270your intention to, quote, ``review the Army recruiting strategy271to ensure it effectively conveys a strong value proposition to272young people across the Nation.'' In addition to the Army's273strategy, I am concerned that comments from the Secretary of274Defense about women in combat and the President's Executive275Order banning transgender troops may have a chilling effect on276recruiting, and I am interested in your thoughts on this issue.277    During our meeting early this month we discussed the278importance of maintaining a professional and apolitical Army. I279am also concerned by reports that the Administration may280implement a so-called ``warrior board'' to screen senior281military officers for supposed unfitness to lead. This raises282the chilling possibility that the Administration may fire283officers who are deemed to have the wrong political views or284have served effectively in military assignments that are285disagreeable to President Trump. In fact, we have already seen286this happen with Admiral Linda Fagan, who was unceremoniously287fired from her position as the Commandant of the Coast Guard,288and I am troubled that this firing was not based on her289performance.290    Furthermore, I am alarmed that this week Secretary Hegseth291stripped retired Army General Mark Milley, former Chairman of292the Joint Chiefs and former Chief of Staff of the Army, of the293protective security detail that he had because of credible294security threats from Iran, and revoked General Milley's295security clearance. Secretary Hegseth has also directed the296Defense Department's acting inspector general--acting because297the inspector general was fired Monday--to look into the facts298and circumstances surrounding General Milley's conduct, so the299Secretary may determine whether it is appropriate to reopen his300military grade review determination.301    President Trump seems to be fulfilling his longtime threat302to fire military leaders as a political loyalty test. I would303point out, however, that our servicemembers swear an oath to304the Constitution rather than a party or a leader. This is what305makes our Army the finest in the world.306    Mr. Driscoll, I am interested in your view on military307officers' obligation to provide their best military advice,308even if that advice contradicts the views of a political309appointee. I would also like to hear your thoughts on how310military officers can be expected to provide their best311military advice if they are subject to loyalty screens or purge312boards and whether you think we are moving members to military313for the views or positions will have a chilling effect within314the military ranks.315    Mr. Driscoll, you face complex challenges and will require316all of your skills. Thank you for your willingness to continue317your service and lead the Army at this very critical time, and318I look forward to your testimony.319    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.320    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much, Senator Reed. Before321Mr. Driscoll makes his opening remarks he will be introduced by322two of our distinguished colleagues, first Senator Mullin and323then Senator Blumenthal.324    Senator Mullin, you are recognized.325    Senator Mullin. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I will say,326you guys are much more intimidating from this side. I do not327think I have ever really been intimidated by you all until I am328looking at you now, so this is really scary.329    I am so privileged and pleased to be able to introduce my330good friend, Dan Driscoll. You know, we got to know each other,331and it has been quite an honor, because I will say, right off332the bat, what you see is what you get. I think everybody333sitting up here has had the opportunity to sit down personally334with him, and his personality, no matter what we were dealing335with, no matter what pressure was facing us, was the same336personality you received 24/7. I do not care if I was talking337to him at 3 in the morning, 4 in the morning, 5 in the morning,338or at 11 at night, which we did multiple times, he always this339same type of personality, which is exactly what we need in our340Army today.341    We need consistency. We need a leader that our warfighters342and those that are supporting our warfighters can rally behind.343We need someone that brings positive attention to the real344challenges that the Army is facing. As has been pointed out by345our Ranking Member Reed, he is also the third generation in the346family that has served, proudly and honorably, in the Army, and347currently has a nephew that is stationed in Korea. He is348heavily invested in it.349    So I want to go through and read what he has accomplished,350because it honestly makes me sometimes feel intimidated by351sitting beside him when you start thinking about it.352    First of all, he graduated in 3 years at UNC Chapel Hill353with the highest distinction. I am still trying to figure out354how to graduate from college. He used his 9/11 G.I. Bill to355attend Yale Law School, worked at Yale's Veteran Legal Service356Clinic. He ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in North357Carolina's 11th District in 2020. He lost, but I want to show358that he was willing to serve, and when that happened it just359got him more involved in public service.360    He did not go away. He still stayed involved, which361sometimes defeat shows the biggest character, and that is when362we first started getting to know each other, and his character363shined true in that. He was not upset, he was not bitter, and364we all know individuals that have lost elections that get very365bitter. Instead, he dug down and still wanted to know how he366could be involved in public service. It spoke highly of his367character.368    He worked at the 100 watt investment firm, was chief369operating officer at a $200 million venture capital fund, a370member of the North Carolina State Bar Rotary Club, VFW Post3711137, and the IAVA [Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America].372    Just to go through some of the stuff he did in the373military, basic service training at Fort Jackson, OCS374commissioned to U.S. Army as an armor officer. Completed Army375Ranger School, stationed at Fort Drum New York with the 10th376Mountain Light Infantry Division as a Cavalry Scout Platoon377Leader. Deployed in 2009 to Baghdad, Iraq, in support of378Operation Freedom, earned the rank of first lieutenant.379    Awards include the Army Accommodation Medal, Combat Action380Badge, Ranger Tab, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq381Campaign Medal and a Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism382Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service383Ribbon.384    I think the things if you ask him that he is most proud385about is his wife and his two kids though. His personal life is386something that guides him each day, and I know this personally387because we have had deep conversations about our family and388about how we balance the work life and how it can be done.389    We have had conversations about how you center your life390and make sure your priorities are right because I believe391wholeheartedly if your priorities are straight with God,392family, and everything else, that everything else you will be393highly successful at. This is why Dan has been highly394successful in everything that he has put his hands upon.395    For us to have someone like himself that is willing to step396away from his family for a short period of time, because you397all know the challenges that he is going to face, to be willing398to still serve when he does not have to is exactly what we399need. We need a selfless server that is going to be willing to400take on the task of the United States Army, and as Secretary of401Army, we have got a winner here.402    So I really hope that all my colleagues, that this could403possibly be a unanimous support of someone that is exactly what404the United States needs today. With that, I will yield back.405    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much, Senator Mullin.406    Senator Blumenthal, I do not know about you, but I did not407know until this morning that Senator Mullin could be408intimidated, so this is a revelation to us. You are now409recognized.410    Senator Blumenthal. Thanks, Mr. Chairman, and I join411Senator Mullin in observing how impressive this panel looks412from this vantage point. More impressive without us being up413there, I may say.414    I want to join my colleagues in expressing my deep415heartbreak at the tragic loss on American Airlines Flight 5342416and the soldiers lost on PAT25. My heart goes out to the417families, especially of the servicemen who were lost. My heart418breaks for their loved ones, and I want to thank the first419responders for swiftly delivering their critical assistance at420the scene.421    As we await further updates, I hope that we will all pledge422to redouble our efforts to ensure that the Federal agencies423that make the Nation's skies safe, the FAA [Federal Aviation424Administration], the NTSB [National Transportation Safety425Board], the DOT [Department Of Transportation] and others, have426the tools, the funding, the resources, support from the427Congress to prevent future tragedies like this one. We all fly428in and out of that airport, and I must say I often look out the429window, as perhaps you do, with planes taking off and landing430and wondering how this dangerous dance is done safely day in431and day out. But we have to invest in the technology as well as432the people to make it safe.433    I have the great honor to introduce Dan Driscoll, and I434want to thank his family, his wife Cassie, son Daniel and435daughter Lila. We all know that families serve along with436public officials, especially in our military and Department of437Defense (DOD). I join the Chairman and the Ranking Member in438observing that the Army stands at a pivotal juncture. Ongoing439global conflicts and nascent threats demand that the Army440remains the strongest, best fighting land force in the world,441and that we assure that they never have a fair fight, that they442always have superiority in every space and sphere.443    This nomination comes at a time when leadership and444accountability in the Department of Defense require the highest445standards of integrity, judgment, and capability. The next446Secretary of the Army will be faced with training and equipping447that land force in a way that reflects our Nation's values and448commitments.449    Now, this introduction is personal for me. As many of you450know, Dan Driscoll was a classmate of the Vice President at451Yale Law School, also my alma mater. He came to know, at Yale452Law School, Jake Sullivan, who has just finished serving as453National Security Advisor for President Biden, and Matt454Blumenthal, my son, who is a United States Marine Corps veteran455of Afghanistan.456    Once Dan's nomination became public, I quickly heard from457both Jake and Matt. Both shared stories of their friendship458with Dan and recounted his strong intellect, his powerful work459ethic, and his willingness to find solutions to difficult460problems based on the facts, whatever those solutions might be.461As a lawyer, we follow the facts and the law, and that is what462Dan Driscoll will do as Secretary of the Army. hey assured me463that he is a person willing to listen, to learn, and to work in464a bipartisan way to put our soldiers first.465    I am confident that his prior service in the Army will466serve him well, and he will remember that the Army's strength467comes not just from its technological prowess but from the468Americans who proudly wear the uniform he once wore.469    I spoke to Dan a number of times in the course of his470preparing for his appearance here today, and those471conversations convinced me that he is willing to work on the472basis of collegiality, be transparent and open with this panel,473with the Congress and our colleagues. I welcome this474opportunity to introduce him perhaps as a sign of not just the475collegiality but the bipartisanship that has characterized this476Committee so clearly and consistently.477    So I am proud to introduce him today, and I hope that my478colleagues will ask him tough questions, because he has479indicated to me that he is not only confident in his ability to480serve, but also in his ability to learn and do it with an open481mind and a willingness to listen to Members of this Committee482when we have views that he has to hear.483    I thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield the floor.484    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Blumenthal, and to both485Senator Blumenthal and Senator Mullin, I do not want either of486you to feel anxious. So if you would like to return to your487seats up here, you may do so.488    Mr. Driscoll, you are now recognized for your opening489statement. We appreciate you being here.490491  STATEMENT OF DANIEL P. DRISCOLL, TO BE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY492493    Mr. Driscoll. Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Reed,494distinguished Members of the Committee, good morning. Thank you495for the opportunity to appear before you today as the nominee496to serve as Secretary of the United States Army. It is an honor497to be considered for this role. To Senator Mullin and Senator498Blumenthal, I am sincerely thankful for the introductions, and499I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me500by President Trump.501    Our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved in last502night's tragedy, which occurred a few miles away from this503hearing room. If confirmed, I commit to working with this504Committee to ensure that this never happens again.505    Returning to my prepared remarks, I would like to begin by506acknowledging my family who could not join me here because of507the rescheduled hearing, but I know are watching. To my wife508Cassie, who manages to keep us afloat despite being an509accomplished surgeon, and children, Daniel and Lila, it is your510unwavering support that has made my service possible, and I511will be forever grateful. I also want to thank the men and512women of the United States Army, past and present, whose513courage and dedication inspire all of us every day.514    My commitment to this role is rooted in my family's long515lineage of military service. My grandfather served in the Army516during World War II as a decoder. My father served as an517infantryman in Vietnam. I served as a cavalry scout in support518of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and, in as much as you can trust519the plans of an 8-year-old, my son, Daniel plans to join too.520    We are a family that is grateful to have had the privilege521of wearing the uniform of the United States Army. We are a522family that understands the gravity of leading soldiers in and523out of combat. We are a family that has chosen for generations524to serve alongside our brothers and sisters in arms.525    I joined the Army as a middle-class public school kid from526the mountains of North Carolina. The values and experiences I527gained through military service molded me into the man I am528today, and they opened up ways for opportunities I could529scarcely have imagined when I enlisted. In my experience, the530transformative power of military service is open to those who531are willing and able to shoulder the task.532    During my time in the Army, I was fortunate to serve and533deploy to combat alongside soldiers who represent the very best534of America. The American soldier's professionalism, ingenuity,535and dedication are unmatched. Whether in garrison at Fort Drum,536New York, on the training grounds of Yuma, Arizona, or on the537battlefield in Baghdad, Iraq, I saw firsthand the immense538sacrifices they and their families make to uphold the freedoms539we hold dear. The world is changing rapidly, and we must ensure540the Army is prepared to operate in new, complex, and contested541environments. From advancing our capabilities in multi-domain542operations to cutting-edge technologies, my sacred duty to our543Army is to ensure our soldiers have the world's finest544training, equipment, and leadership to accomplish any mission,545and to be as lethal a force as it can be.546    If confirmed, I intend to be the soldiers' Secretary of the547Army. This is why I believe President Trump has nominated me.548America's soldiers and their families will be my mission.549    Last, I recognize the importance of working closely with550Congress, and in particular with this Committee. Chairman551Wicker, Ranking Member Reed, and Members of the Committee, it552is the honor of my life to be given the opportunity to earn553your trust and continue my service to our great nation. I look554forward to responding to your questions and discussing how we555can work together to support the soldiers, civilians, and556families who make up the United States Army. Thank you.557    [The prepared statement of Mr. Daniel P. Driscoll follows:]558559                 Prepared Statement by Mr. Dan Driscoll560    Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Reed, distinguished Members of the561Committee, good morning. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before562you today as the nominee to serve as Secretary of the United States563Army. It is an honor to be considered for this role. To Senator Mullin564and Senator Blumenthal, I'm sincerely thankful for the introductions. I565am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me by566President Trump.567    I would like to begin by acknowledging my family who have joined me568here today. To my wife, Cassie, who manages to keep us afloat despite569being an accomplished surgeon, and children, Daniel and Lila--your570unwavering support has made my service possible, and I will be forever571grateful. I also want to thank the men and women of the United States572Army, past and present, whose courage and dedication inspire all of us573every day.574    My commitment to this role is rooted in my family's long lineage of575military service. My grandfather served in the Army during World War II576as a decoder. My father served during Vietnam as an infantryman. I577served as a cavalry scout in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In as578much as you can trust the plans of an 8-year old, my son, Daniel is579planning to join the Army too.580    We are a family that is grateful to have had the privilege of581wearing the uniform of the United States Army. We are a family that582understands the gravity of leading soldiers in, and out of combat. We583are a family that has chosen to serve alongside our brothers and584sisters in Arms for generations.585    I joined the Army as a middle class public school kid from the586mountains of North Carolina. The values and experiences I gained587through military service molded me into the man I am today and opened588the way for opportunities I could scarcely have imagined when I589enlisted. In my experience, the transformative power of military590service is open to all those who are willing and able to shoulder the591task.592    If confirmed, I will continue my family's lineage of service. I593will be accountable to the President, the Congress, and the American594people for the judicious and effective use of an approximately $200595billion budget and leadership of over a million soldiers and civilians.596    Most important, I intend to be the soldiers' Secretary of the Army,597not of the Generals or of the Bureaucracy. It is the American Soldier598to whom our national defense and prosperity are entrusted. This is why599I believe President Trump has nominated me. These are serious600obligations that I will enter into with humility and determination.601    During my time in the Army, I was fortunate to serve, and deploy to602combat, alongside soldiers who represent the very best of America. The603American soldier's professionalism, ingenuity, and dedication are604unmatched. Whether in garrison at Fort Drum, NY, on the training605grounds of Yuma, Arizona or on the battlefield in Baghdad, Iraq, I saw606firsthand the immense sacrifices they and their families make to uphold607the freedoms we hold dear. This service and sacrifice by soldiers is608what will drive my commitment to ensuring the Army has the resources,609leadership, and support it needs to remain the world's premier land610force. I also saw firsthand how the decisions their leaders made611affected the lives of our soldiers, many times decisions which just612didn't make sense. We must do better, and we will do better for our613soldiers.614    The Army's purpose is simple. To protect and advance our national615interests by deterring our adversaries. If deterrence fails, to win616wars with overwhelming dominance. If confirmed, I will prioritize the617readiness and modernization of the service to realize that purpose. The618world is changing rapidly, and we must ensure the Army is prepared to619operate in new, complex and contested environments. From advancing our620capabilities in multi-domain operations to cutting-edge technologies,621my sacred duty to our Army is to ensure our soldiers have the world's622finest training, equipment, and leadership to accomplish any mission,623and to be as lethal a force as it can be.624    One of my top priorities will be reinvigorating the defense625industrial base. New battlefields are teaching us important lessons.626These conflicts have demonstrated that the innovation, production, and627fielding of some of our new weapons and capabilities must be done in628weeks and months rather than years or decades. I believe our Nations'629innovators and their companies stand ready for this challenge. We must630empower them and hold them accountable for achieving these new goals as631it is our warfighters who will ultimately pay the price.632    If confirmed, America's soldiers will be my mission. Recruitment633and retention challenges demand innovative solutions and a renewed634focus on quality of life for our troops and their families. The Army635has a rich history filled with American heroes in both war and peace.636With the Army's 250th anniversary this year, we have a unique637opportunity to tell those stories to a generation of future soldiers,638who may not yet know that service is their path.639    On retention, I want to take a moment to thank this Committee for640passing the Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA. Your hard work to improve the pay,641housing and access to childcare is appreciated by our soldiers and642their families. We ask so much of them, and you have helped us take an643important step in supporting them. If confirmed, your efforts will have644made my job easier and I will strive to ensure you see a return on that645investment through increased retention of our most capable personnel646who will comprise the Army's future leaders.647    Last, I recognize the importance of working closely with Congress648and in particular with this Committee. Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member649Reed, and Members of the Committee, it is the honor of my life to be650given the opportunity to earn your trust and continue my service to our651great Nation. I look forward to responding to your questions and652discussing how we can work together to support the soldiers, civilians,653and families who make up the United States Army. Thank you.654655    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much, Mr. Driscoll. Before656I begin my questions, there are a few routine questions which657we ask all civilian nominees that appear before this Committee,658so if you would answer these questions. Have you adhered to659applicable laws and regulations governing conflicts of660interest?661    Mr. Driscoll. Yes.662    Chairman Wicker. Have you assumed any duties or taken any663actions that would appear to presume the outcome of the664confirmation process?665    Mr. Driscoll. No.666    Chairman Wicker. Exercising our legislative and oversight667responsibilities makes it important that this Committee, its668subcommittees, and other appropriate committees of Congress669receive testimony, briefings, reports, records and other670information from the executive branch on a timely basis. Do you671agree, if confirmed, to appear and testify before this672Committee when requested?673    Mr. Driscoll. Yes.674    Chairman Wicker. Do you agree to provide records, documents675and electronic communications in a timely manner when requested676by this Committee, its subcommittees, or other appropriate677Committees of Congress and to consult with the requester678regarding the basis for any good faith delay or denial in679providing such records?680    Mr. Driscoll. Yes.681    Chairman Wicker. Will you ensure that your staff complies682with deadlines established by this Committee for the production683of reports, records and other information including timely684responding to hearing questions for the record?685    Mr. Driscoll. Yes.686    Chairman Wicker. Will you cooperate in providing witnesses687and briefers and response to congressional requests?688    Mr. Driscoll. Yes.689    Chairman Wicker. Will those witnesses and briefers be690protected from reprisal for their testimony or briefings?691    Mr. Driscoll. Yes.692    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very, very much. Let me begin693then my line of questioning by getting back to something I694mentioned in my opening statement, and that is Junior ROTC.695This Committee is serious about building Junior ROTC. It is a696matter of scholarly study that Junior ROTC, whether Army or the697other branches, is a citizenship builder. Students who698volunteer for Junior ROTC, and they only take volunteers. They699have better attendance records, they have higher graduation700records, they attend post-secondary education at a higher rate,701and in general, they are better students. This is without702question based on peer-reviewed studies.703    We have increased the minimum number of Junior ROTC units704by 200 in our legislation, yet there are today only 15 more705units across the DOD than there were 2 years ago.706    Now, as Chairman of this Committee, and I think I speak for707the Committee, we intend for the statute to be followed. This708is not a ceiling that we have created. It is a floor, and we709intend for the Department of Defense and the Department of the710Army to follow the statute as passed by the House and Senate711and signed by the President of the United States. So it712troubles me that only 15 units across the country have actually713been opened in spite of our statute.714    Meanwhile, there are 300 schools around the country that715are on a waiting list. If you ask a principal, any principal in716any State of the Union, would they like a Junior ROTC, they say717yes. If you ask the school board or the superintendent, they718say, ``We would love to have a Junior ROTC.'' This is a winner.719The data are clear and a RAND Corporation study supports this.720    So Mr. Driscoll, if confirmed, how would you plan to721improve the situation that I have described and to reduce the722Army Junior ROTC waiting list?723    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I appreciate the question, and thank724you for taking the time in your office to dive into this with725me. This is actually a personal issue. My nephew, who is now726stationed in Korea, did JROTC in Lexington, Virginia. It was727one of the most powerful experiences in his life, and I think728that this is a topic that requires focus from the top. I729commit, if confirmed, to looking at this, working with the730team, because these are the kind of lineages and relationships731and chains that we can build into communities that can get us732not just one future soldier but get us generations of soldiers.733So I would love to work with your office, if confirmed.734    Chairman Wicker. Even those who do not go into military735service are better citizens. So I appreciate that. So how are736we going to tackle the overall issue of Army recruiting?737    Mr. Driscoll. I think we have an incredible opportunity738this year, Senator. It is the 250th anniversary of the Army.739The Army has an incredible history that can be told of the men740and women that have served and the amazing deeds they have done741both in and out of uniform. This year, we can take that742momentum and build a backlog and a pipeline of soldiers that743can hopefully fill up for the next couple of years. The Army744has been actually taking some reasonably good steps, it seems745from the outside. The Future Soldier Corps out of Fort Jackson746that has been helping with ASVAB [Armed Services Vocational747Aptitude Battery] prep and a lot of the physical fitness prep748seems to be working.749    If confirmed, I would want to look and see if that can be750scaled even further. There are a lot of technology tools that751have been integrated into the recruiting process. Some of them752have had great benefits. Some of them like digitizing young753people's medical records have had unintended consequences where754now we are starting to find all sorts of things we would not755have been able to see before. I think we need to take a deep756dive on what are those unintended consequences to some of the757things we are doing and try to create pathways and mechanisms758for more waivers or whatever it is to continue to strengthen759the Army's recruiting pipeline.760    Chairman Wicker. I agree with that. Thank you very much.761Senator Reed, you are recognized.762    Senator Reed. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr.763Driscoll, you bring integrity, intelligence, and the experience764as a young officer leading soldiers, which is the greatest765privilege an American can have, so thank you for that.766    In one of your advanced policy questions you said that the767current promotion system does not necessarily select senior768officers for their institutional knowledge or strategic acumen,769which are increasingly desirable. Could you elaborate on that?770    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I think contrasting my experience in771the military with my experience in the private sector, the772private sector does recruiting a little bit differently where773it is often the best woman or a man for the job. Time in a774specific role is less correlated with promotion, and there are775all sorts of things that would be a larger mosaic of traits776that you would look at. I think the Army could take a similar777view of promotion and mechanize it.778    Senator Reed. How would you describe the current sort of779metric for promotion in the Army? My assumption is that it is780principally based on performance and merit.781    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, my understanding is that is a782component of it with a heavy weighting toward time in service783or time in your role.784    Senator Reed. Now, will you look at this promotion system785with the idea you are making appropriate changes?786    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, Senator.787    Senator Reed. Thank you. In the acquisition process we788have, as you suggest in your answers, barriers to doing789business from your perspective and particularly those in the7901980's that were designed to ensure fair competition. Could you791generally describe these barriers and what you think you can do792to eliminate them?793    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I think the first thing we need to794do is improve the Army as a customer. The current model the795Army uses to acquire things rewards entities that are enormous.796The big five primes are the case study in who can currently797survive such a hard relationship with a customer. The Army's798ability to project what it is going to need in the future799limits the ability for companies to buildup the infrastructure800to provide that support and to price things knowing how long801the Army will remain in its life. I think that a hard focus on802improving the Army's ability to project what it needs and803empowering the defense base to expand from, call it, 5 to 7 to80425 to 50 would be powerful first steps.805    Senator Reed. One of the issues that you will face is the806apparent increased deployments to the border for immigration807activities. Back in June 2020, before the Appropriations808Committee, General Hokanson, who is the previous commander of809the National Guard, said, and I will quote, ``As I have810expressed within the building as well, there is no military811training value for what we do. This is a law enforcement812mission under the Department of Homeland Security.'' He also813emphasizes stress on families of such missions.814    What is your assessment of the training value and815consequently the readiness status of the forces?816    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I think border security is national817security. We have had soldiers at the border for a number of818years. I think the Army stands ready to execute on any mission819from the President of the United States and Secretary of820Defense up to and including helping to secure our border.821    Senator Reed. But is there a cost in terms of readiness?822Readiness to conduct military operations against a military823opponent, not an immigrant?824    Mr. Driscoll. I think the Army has a long 249-year history,825Senator, of balancing multiple objectives, and if this is826important to our commander in chief the Army will execute on827it.828    Senator Reed. I guess the question would be how do you829account then for General Hokanson's observation after serving830as the Commander of the National Guard and looking closely at831many National Guard deployments?832    Mr. Driscoll. I think, Senator, the burden borne by our833National Guard is something when I was in, when we deployed,834the stress on their families is incredible. They were doing835many deployments back to back. They have to manage jobs outside836of their military roles. I think it adds a stress level that a837lot of times is forgotten or just set aside by leaders.838    My commitment to this Committee is, if confirmed, I would839want to, anytime we work with National Guard, make sure we are840considering and taking into account this stress on their jobs841back home and on their families.842    Senator Reed. Well, thank you very, very much, Mr. Driscoll843and thank you for your family's service.844    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Reed. Senator Fischer.845    Senator Fischer. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and welcome, Mr.846Driscoll. It is good to see you. Thank you for your service and847really the sacrifice, service, commitment of your family as848well.849    The last several years from the war in Ukraine and the850United States response to Iranian and Houthi attacks in the851Middle East, it really has demonstrated just how quickly852munitions are expended in modern conflicts. If confirmed, will853you commit to reviewing our current stockpile requirements for854Army munitions to ensure our stockpiles are right-sized for855modern conflicts, especially for potential conflicts that would856last more than a few weeks?857    Mr. Driscoll. Absolutely, Senator, and this is a topic that858you and I have talked about. I think what we have learned in859Ukraine and with some of the other conflicts is it is no longer860sufficient to buildup a munition supply, put it on the shelf861over 20 years, and hope that we guessed the right amount that862we or our allies or our friends would need. We have got to have863an industrial base that is able to scale with us. I thank the864Committee for this work on 155 munitions and getting it going865again, but we have to do more, and if confirmed, I would want866to work with this Committee and your office, Senator, to do a867deep dive on this.868    Senator Fischer. Since the cold war, we have, I think, seen869this pattern of feast and famine. When there is conflict, the870first couple years we boost up production and then we let it871slide, and I do not believe we can continue to have that kind872of pattern there. You said you would work with Congress, that873you would work with the Committee on that.874    Just what do you think, off the top of your head, since we875had the discussion, what do you believe is a path forward that876you would suggest to this Committee? Do we have the necessary877resources available to be able to accomplish that currently, do878you think?879    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, to the resource question, I would880need to take a deeper dive once briefed, if confirmed, to what881we could do. I think the United States has an incredible882history of agile and innovative manufacturing. It has decayed883as a nation over the last couple of decades, but it is still884there. The American people will be with us if we include them.885I think if you look at the private sector and the innovation886loop, we do have some case studies of being able to create887things with soldiers, having coders with them in the field, and888actually updating products and getting it back to the889manufacturing floor with a much tighter innovation loop. I890think we can do that working together and it could make an891incredible difference.892    Senator Fischer. Do we have the authorities to be able to893accomplish that now, or do you think that you would need more894authority to be able to move us quickly forward?895    Mr. Driscoll. I think we do have the authorities, Senator.896    Senator Fischer. Thank you. Mr. Driscoll, small drones and897the UAS, they are undoubtedly going to play a key role in898future conflicts, but where do you see opportunities to expand899the Army's use of those drones and unmanned systems?900    Mr. Driscoll. I think, Senator, and it was incredibly great901talking to you about this, it has changed how warfare has902fought. When I did armor school, the way we have designed much903of our equipment, our tanks in particular, our tanks are built904to receive fire from the front or indirect fire from the top.905They are not built to receive it from the rear or the back906corners. So there are soft spots all over our tanks, which are907some of our most dependable fighting machines, that very cheap908drones rigged with very cheap explosives can exploit. I think909we saw this with the Russian invasion in Ukraine, that a lot of910the way that we have thought about how to fight will have to911change because of drones, both large and small with swarms. We912can no longer shoot $4 million missiles to take down a $400913drone. That just simple math does not add up. We are going to914have to find solutions, whether it is directed energy or915whatever it is, that can have a cost-effective way to provide916security.917    Senator Fischer. You answered my second part of the918question on how we are going to make sure it is cost-effective919because right now it is not.920    Okay, recruiting. We see tremendous challenges with921recruiting in the Army across all services. What is your922current assessment right now of the Army's recruiting923challenges, and how would you address them?924    Mr. Driscoll. My sense is for the last 3 or 4 years, we925have missed our goals. I believe even the goals we hit from the926outside, it seems as if the Army lowered their goals. The best927analogy that I heard is the Army threw the dart at the928dartboard and then drew the bullseye around where the dart929landed. That is not a great way to staff an army. We have the930fewest number of Active Duty soldiers that we have had since931World War II right now. Conflict is erupting around the world.932    I think there is a story to tell of the United States Army933that young people want to hear, and I think we have complicated934that story a bit over the last couple of years. I actually do935not think it is throwing more money at the problem. I think it936is nice to get things like the GI Bill, I got to use the GI937Bill but I did not enlist for that. I enlisted because I wanted938to go serve my country, and I think young people stand by ready939for us to tell that story again in a compelling way. If940confirmed, I look forward to working with you to tell that941story.942    Senator Fischer. Thank you. I look forward to working with943you.944    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Fischer. Senator945Shaheen.946    Senator Shaheen. Mr. Driscoll, congratulations on your947nomination. Thank you for your past service and for the948willingness of you and your family to continue to serve this949country.950    I want to start by expressing my condolences, as the Chair951and Ranking Member, on the loss of lives last night, those952members of the military who were lost as well as everyone lost953in that air tragedy.954    According to the Army's fiscal year 2024 accident or mishap955assessment that was just released this month, 2024 had the most956Class A flight mishap rates per 100,000 hours since 2007. So957what will your strategy be to try and keep training flights out958of harm's way?959    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, to echo your remarks, it is an960absolute tragedy. I have seen the same thing I believe you are961on television. So it is an accident that seems to be962preventable from what we can tell today. That should not963happen. I think a focus from the top-down on a culture of964safety. There are appropriate times to take risk and there are965inappropriate times to take risk. I do not know the details966around this one. But after doing it, if confirmed, and working967with this committee to figure out the facts, I think we might968need to look at where is an appropriate time to take training969risk and it may not be near an airport like Reagan.970    Senator Shaheen. Well, thank you. As I am sure you know,971historically the Secretary of the Army has unique Homeland972defense responsibilities and it is especially critical in times973of crises. So at the direction of the Army Secretary, you could974direct that the National Guard be available to coordinate with975civilian authorities on airspace. Is this something that you976will be willing to consider and to work with civilian977authorities?978    Mr. Driscoll. Absolutely, Senator.979    Senator Shaheen. Thank you. I want to followup on your980conversation with Senator Fischer because, as you know, most of981the capabilities that we have provided to Ukraine come from982Army stock or Army programs, Abrams tanks, anti-air and anti-983armor weapons, long-range strike and guided multiple rocket984launchers. The National Security Supplemental that Congress985passed last year is providing real relief to the U.S.986industrial base, including in New Hampshire where we have a987significant defense industrial base.988    If confirmed, will you ensure that Army stockpiles can meet989our national security requirements and will you include in your990budget and supplemental requests to Congress enough funding to991replenish the defense industrial base?992    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, as I told your colleague, I think993this is one of the great problems facing our time in getting994our munition and getting our magazines back up to where they995need to be. I think we need to use this moment to figure out996how do we create sustainable, scalable solutions so that if in997the future we need to tap back into those stockpiles, how do we998get them to scale even faster?999    I commit to working with your office to both get us to1000where we need to be to replace what we have used in Ukraine, or1001to what we have had our friends using in Ukraine. But then also1002to get lessons learned from that, that we can record, so that1003we are ready to go if we need to for a threat like China.1004    Senator Shaheen. Well, thank you. One of the things we1005talked about when we met in my office was some of the1006challenges, those exact challenges. One of the companies I1007mentioned was L3 and their development of ENVG-Bs, the night1008vision goggles that have been so important to the Army. You1009talked about improving the Army's ability to project what it1010needs over the long term. One of the challenges that we have1011had with the ENVG-Bs is that the Army budget requests have been1012up and down over the years. They have not been consistent1013despite positive feedback from our warfighters.1014    How will we commit to dealing with that kind of budget1015inconsistency and how will you address it? What kinds of1016things, strategies are you thinking to address it?1017    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I think this is the perfect kind of1018topic where, if confirmed, working with this committee to find1019solutions for funding. This is a problem that includes a lot of1020different parties, and I think a level of transparency and1021inclusion and planning will be helpful. As the Army does things1022like IVAS [Integrated Visual Augmentation System], it may be1023expanding away from some of the previous technologies that it1024used. I think we have to keep our eye on what has worked in the1025past and keep a hybrid of maintaining and refurbishing some of1026the old technologies to kind of smooth out the transition to1027the new ones, and I look forward to working with your office on1028these kinds of topics, if confirmed.1029    Senator Shaheen. Well, thank you very much. As you point1030out, we are not going to be able to replenish the stockpiles1031that we are losing if we do not have a strategy for how to deal1032with this long-term and ensure that our companies that are so1033critical to that replenishment are engaged in that1034conversation.1035    So thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.1036    Chairman Wicker. Thank you for that excellent point,1037Senator Shaheen. Senator Sullivan.1038    Senator Sullivan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Driscoll,1039congratulations. I appreciated our meeting. I look forward to1040supporting you, in spite of your Yale law degree, which I think1041generally is disqualifying, but I will overlook that this time.1042    Ten years ago I was in this position. I was a brand new1043U.S. Senator, been here for a month, and the Obama1044administration announced, as part of its gutting of our U.S.1045Military, they were going to cut 40,000 Active Duty Army troops1046including the 425 at JBER [Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson] in1047Alaska, the only airborne brigade combat team in the entire1048Indo-Pacific, strategic national security suicide in my view. I1049was a brand new Senator. I fought that with everything I had. I1050put a hold on the Chief of Staff of the Army's confirmation. I1051put a hold on the Secretary of the Army's confirmation for1052several weeks until we got the Army to see the light, okay?1053Obama ended up cutting 35,000 troops, and he kept the 425 in1054Alaska, 5,000 airborne army troopers, which became the1055cornerstone of the 11th Airborne Division, as we built up the1056Army in Alaska.1057    Are you aware that the Army now has two Active Duty1058airborne divisions?1059    Mr. Driscoll. I am, Senator.1060    Senator Sullivan. The 82d, which we all love, but the 11th1061Airborne Division, which is in Alaska, the Arctic Angels. Are1062you aware of that?1063    Mr. Driscoll. I am, Senator.1064    Senator Sullivan. Great. So imagine my surprise, there have1065been some recent articles in the paper saying certain leaders1066in policy roles in the Trump Pentagon have passed ideas in the1067debate about shifting resources to the Indo-Pacific, which I1068support, but passed ideas on how we can do that.1069    One was a report, an idea from a report from 2021, that1070would deactivate four striker brigade combat teams, 6 infantry1071brigade combat teams, two National Guard aviation brigades,1072more than 10 percent of the Army's Active Duty combat power. If1073this idea ever saw its head in the Pentagon from a non-Senate-1074confirmed DAS [Deputy Assistant Secretary], I need your1075commitment to me and this Committee right now that you would1076kill it.1077    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I commit, if confirmed, to fight as1078hard as I can for the Army. As I said to your colleague, the1079Army is at its lowest staffing since World War II.1080    Senator Sullivan. Right, and do you think cutting 121081brigade combat teams worth of combat power is a good idea?1082    Mr. Driscoll. Without knowing the specifics Senator, no.1083    Senator Sullivan. Well, come on. Just I need your answer to1084say no.1085    Mr. Driscoll. No.1086    Senator Sullivan. Do you think cutting 12 brigade combats--1087this is Obama 2.0, right? Do you think cutting 12 brigade1088combat teams from the Army would implement President Trump and1089Secretary Hegseth's policies of peace through strength?1090    Mr. Driscoll. No.1091    Senator Sullivan. No, it would not. Do you think it would1092deter Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin if this idea, and maybe1093this idea has been discarded by this DAS who is there right1094now, cutting 12 brigade combat teams would help with1095deterrence?1096    Mr. Driscoll. No.1097    Senator Sullivan. I do not think so either. Well, thank you1098on that, because very disturbing when I read that, and I am1099glad you agree with me that we are not doing Obama 2.0. We are1100doing Reagan and Trump 1-2.0, peace through strength, and ideas1101of gutting the Army's act of duty force, that is what I fought1102when I came here. If there is anyone who is trying to do that,1103we will fight it. I will fight it.1104    Okay, let me go to another question. In addition to the110511th Airborne Division in Alaska, we have the 49th Missile1106Defense Battalion at Fort Greeley. A lot of people do not know1107this but the cornerstone of missile defense for America is in1108Alaska, and it is led by the U.S. Army. The President put out1109his Iron Dome Executive Order recently for layered missile1110defense. I fully support that.1111    Will you work with me and this Committee, Senator Cramer,1112we are going to be introducing legislation to bolster what the1113President's trying to do, but a lot of it will involve the1114Army. A lot of people do not know that. The 49th Missile1115Defense Battalion at Fort Greeley, they like to call themselves1116the 300 protecting the 300 million, because they protect the1117whole country. Will you commit to working with this Committee1118and me on bolstering our missile defenses, particularly as it1119relates to Fort Greeley and our brave soldiers who are doing a1120great job defending our Nation, and come to Alaska with me to1121see them in the 11th Airborne Division?1122    Mr. Driscoll. It would be an honor, Senator. As we talked1123about in your office, I was stationed with 10th Mountain1124Division in Fort Drum, New York.1125    Senator Sullivan. Where there are no mountains.1126    Mr. Driscoll. When you get there you assume 10th Mountain1127Division would have mountains around and I think the highest1128elevation on the entire base is 50 feet. So I would be honored,1129Senator.1130    Chairman Wicker. Great, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Driscoll.1131    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much. Senator Warren.1132    Senator Warren. Thank you Mr. Chairman. Congratulations on1133your nomination, Mr. Driscoll.1134    What I would like to do is continue the conversation that1135we started in my office. The Army buys a lot of stuff, from1136tanks to helicopters. They buy a lot of stuff from big defense1137contractors. But those giant companies often sneak restrictions1138into the contracts. They hog up the software rights or the1139technical data all to prevent servicemembers from being able to1140repair their own equipment.1141    So today I would like to talk through an example so we can1142see the difference it makes when the Army is not hamstrung by1143right-to-repair restrictions. Last year the Army needed a new1144cover for a safety clip, but the contractor told the Army they1145could not have it for months and the safety clips would cost1146$20 a pop. Now thankfully, the Army had managed to keep right-1147to-repair restrictions out of this contract and was able to 3D1148print the part in less than an hour for a total cost of 161149cents.1150    Now, Mr. Driscoll, does being able to get the parts we need1151in hours, maybe minutes instead of months, and for nickels1152instead of dollars, help U.S. readiness and national security?1153    Mr. Driscoll. Unequivocally, Senator.1154    Senator Warren. Good. When right-to-repair restrictions are1155in place, it is bigger profits for giant defense contractors,1156but also higher prices for DOD and longer wait times for1157servicemembers who need to get their equipment repaired so they1158are ready to go. Chairman Wicker has an Acquisition Reform1159Agenda which calls for a complete review of data rights across1160the Department of Defense. I think that is exactly right1161because it would help put the Army fully in command of the1162equipment that it has paid so much for.1163    Mr. Driscoll, let me ask you, if confirmed, will you work1164with this Committee to identify more opportunities where the1165Army can save money and time by making their own parts and1166fixing their own equipment?1167    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, unequivocally, Senator.1168    Senator Warren. Would you like to expand on that at all?1169    Mr. Driscoll. This type of innovation that is happening in1170the private sector at scale in a lot of ways seems to have not1171trickled into the Army as much. If we think about engagement1172with a peer like China, being able to repair our parts in areas1173around the world will be crucial to that. If we are having 6-1174month delays in CONUS [Continental United States] and paying1175100x the rate, that is not scalable in an actual conflict. So I1176am totally supportive, Senator.1177    Senator Warren. Good.1178    Chairman Wicker. That was a very good answer, Mr. Driscoll.1179    Senator Warren. It was an excellent answer. Thank you, Mr.1180Chairman.1181    Right-to-repair restrictions have truly gotten out of1182control and they threaten our national security. In some cases,1183the Army cannot even write its own training manual without a1184sign-off from the contractor. My Service Member Right-to-Repair1185Act would help fix this problem.1186    But a root cause of this defense contractor profiteering is1187the revolving door between senior Pentagon officials and big1188defense contractors. Last year I released a report that found1189700 instances of top-20 DOD contractors hiring former high-1190ranking officials. Do you think this is a problem, Mr.1191Driscoll?1192    Mr. Driscoll. I do, Senator.1193    Senator Warren. When government officials cash in on their1194public service by lobbying, advising, or serving as board1195members and executives for the companies that they used to1196regulate, it undermines public officials' integrity and it1197casts doubt on the fairness of government contracting, and it1198costs DOD a lot of money. We owe it to our taxpayers and we owe1199it to our men and women in uniform to fix this broken system. I1200look forward to working with you on this, Mr. Driscoll.1201    Mr. Driscoll. Thank you, Senator.1202    Senator Warren. Thank you, I yield back.1203    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Warren. Senator Cramer.1204    Senator Cramer. Thank you, Chairman, and Senator Reed, and1205thank you Mr. Driscoll for your service and your willingness to1206step in the gap again in this important position.1207    I am going to, first of all, thanks for all your answers to1208the previous questions, particularly on acquisition reform. It1209is a high priority for the chairman. It is a high priority for1210all of us, and quite honestly, I worry less about witnesses'1211answers to questions and promises that come from people at the1212Pentagon than I do the culture. To me, that is the big thing1213that all the policies in the world, in fact, I appreciated you1214answering earlier to the question that I think it was Senator1215Fischer asked when you said you have some of the authorities1216already that you need. We just have to go faster, and the Army1217does it quite well by the way. But just know that I am on the1218encouragement side. Go faster, as I have said from this roster1219many, many times to witnesses.1220    If people go faster and innovate more and encourage1221innovation, particularly from smaller companies, I promise not1222to be the person that sits up here and says, ``I got you,''1223when something bad happens, but I promise you I will be your1224worst nightmare if you fail to go fast because you are worried1225about your backside and some DOD lawyer or leader that does not1226have the guts to do what needs to be done to keep up with the1227pace of China. Having said all that, great answers.1228    I am going to go a whole different direction and talk to1229you about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A number of us,1230including the Chairman, Senator Sullivan, and at least the1231three of us and maybe a couple of others up here, are also on1232the Environment and Public Works Committee so we have1233jurisdiction over the Corps of Engineers in two committees. In1234the last Congress, in the Water Resources Development Act1235(WRDA), that was signed into law December 2022, I authored some1236bipartisan language with Senator Merkley requiring the Army1237Corps to establish the Western Water Cooperative Committee.1238Now, the Corps hates advisory committees, but this was a1239committee of Western states, at the encouragement of Western1240states, every Governor from Washington State to California to1241the Dakotas and in between supported it, and every attorney1242general. In other words, a pretty diverse group of leaders in1243this country, supported this Western Water Cooperative1244Committee. It was to be implemented no later than 90 days after1245enactment.1246    So here we are more than 2 years later, after it has been1247authorized and fully funded, it still has not been stood up.1248Now, that is not your fault. But Senator Merkley and I sent the1249Corps a letter in October of last year asking for an update.1250After a whole bunch of back and forth leading up to this1251hearing, I finally got a little bit of clarity the other day on1252the process--process, by the way, is a word I am growing to1253hate; process is what DOD officials use to kill good people and1254good ideas. Just my opinion. Thanks for listening. But I1255finally have a bit of clarity on the process and what the1256Army's working through.1257    Yesterday I was told that the committee's charter currently1258sits before the DOD's Advisory Committee Management Office,1259really, and will be approved within 30 days. It is a law. It1260has been approved by the only people that matter, the people in1261Congress and the President of the United States. So 30 days to1262approve something that they are required to do by law seems a1263little outrageous to me, but I am going to be generous today.1264    After that, quote, ``30 days,'' which we will see--I will1265believe it when I see it--it goes back to the Army for action,1266okay? Now that does not give me a lot of solace because I have1267history. Again, it is a law. It has been a law for over 21268years.1269    Now I know you are not in your role yet, Mr. Driscoll, and1270I did not plan on using my time on this topic necessarily, but1271my colleagues have done a great job on the priorities of the1272day. Can I get your commitment that it does not have to take 301273days to get something going that is been the law for over 21274years, that DOD officials, who do not like this idea, have just1275tried to kill by stalling? Do I have your commitment to get to1276it and get it done in quick order?1277    Mr. Driscoll. Unequivocally, Senator. and just to1278highlight, I hope it is illustrative and I would hold myself1279accountable to this next statement, having two of your1280colleagues here from each side, I intend to, if confirmed, work1281with this Committee and follow the law. I would absolutely1282commit to looking into that.1283    Senator Cramer. Thank you. I yield.1284    Chairman Wicker. Senator Cramer, thank you for your1285question, which is well taken and applies to the issue that I1286rose about the increased floor of junior ROTC units, for which1287there are 300 applications and only 15 have been created in1288response to a statute passed by the Congress and signed by the1289President of the United States.1290    Senator Kaine, you are next.1291    Senator Kaine. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Mr.1292Driscoll. Congratulations on your nomination.1293    Thanks to all my colleagues who offered thoughts about the1294crash, the three soldiers from Belvoir, we do not have their1295identities yet, but that is something I know the Army family1296feels and this region feels, all my colleagues do actually,1297because all my colleagues have staffers who work in this area1298and we are all kind of awaiting with dread the manifest and the1299passenger list of those who died.1300    Here is a topic that this Committee has really grappled1301with, and I will say that none of us are happy with it in a1302bipartisan basis, and that is the efforts of our DOD to figure1303out strategies to counter UAS incursions into our bases. A1304well-publicized one occurred at the Langley base in Hampton,1305Virginia, but there have been other sightings, New Jersey and1306other bases have been subject to these. Langley as an example,1307the incursions occurred over a period of 17 days in December13082023, and we are 14 months later and we still have not been1309given good answers about what, in fact, happened. I think we1310are really frustrated by this because if it was just a 1-day1311thing, well maybe you could not track it, could not figure it1312out, but if it happened for 17 days and we still do not have1313answers, that is problematic.1314    The reason I raised this with you, Mr. Driscoll, is that1315the Army has been tasked with being the DOD's executive agent1316on this topic. All the stakeholders are at the table, but the1317Army is tasked with being the lead in countering small UASs.1318The Army is charged with leading and directing relevant1319doctrine requirements, materiel training standards and1320capabilities to establish joint solutions, not just Army1321solutions, but joint solutions for addressing current and1322future emerging small UAS threats.1323    Should you be confirmed, what will you do to ensure1324coordination between the services in developing a joint counter1325small UAS doctrine?1326    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I think these drone incursions1327highlight kind of a core problem with how we have thought of1328our Nation's defense. We have not thought about it in a while,1329and I got to speak with your colleague kind of in-depth about1330this specific incursion and it seems to be the buck falls1331between a lot of different agencies and no one is empowered to1332act quickly. That is at scale even when it continues to show up1333day after day, night after night.1334    I think a lot of the first steps are building a network of1335communication and identifying an SOP [Standard Operating1336Procedure] for how do you engage with these things? Who owns1337what? Who is calling and what is an acceptable timeframe for1338this kind of communication to occur? That would just be the1339people side of the thing.1340    Then from a technology side, I think if you look at a lot1341of the tools like directed energy, we need to empower our1342agencies to protect our Homeland from these types of incursions1343so that we can shoot them down and learn from specifically who1344sent it, what was it doing, what was it collecting? My1345understanding of this situation in particular is we just do not1346know, and that is not good enough for the American people.1347    Senator Kaine. Thank you, Mr. Driscoll. I know that Senator1348Fischer asked you some questions about recruiting when I was at1349another hearing, but I want to come back to it. I am on the1350Health, Education, Labor, Pension Committee too so workforce1351issues economy-wide in the military, in the civilian space are1352very important to me.1353    What innovative approaches have you either seen in the Army1354or do you foresee trying so that we can have the size of the1355force that we need to defend this country?1356    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, from what I have heard of the Future1357Soldier Program out of Fort Jackson, which is actually where I1358did basic training, it is working really well. It is helping1359future soldiers prep for the ASVAB, which, in and of itself,1360might have some complications of how valuable is a test when1361you are prepping everybody for it.1362    But the fitness side of things is obviously helping. Those1363soldiers are doing really well in basic training. Those are the1364types of solutions that I think are going well.1365    If you look at things like waivers, I had mentioned to your1366colleague, I think we need to relook at the waiver process.1367Currently, the physicians in charge of giving waivers, their1368incentive structure, as I understand it, is they are punished1369when somebody they waive does not make it to basic training,1370but there is no feedback loop to reward them for somebody that1371needed a waiver, that got through basic training. So I think we1372need to start to look at things like that, which could have1373some pretty meaningful impacts on the pipeline.1374    Senator Kaine. Finally, one last question. At his1375confirmation hearing before us 8 years ago, Former SECDEF1376General Mattis noted, and I quote, ``If you don't fund the1377State Department fully then I need to buy more ammunition.'' He1378was talking about the fact that you needed a whole-of-1379government approach to promote national security. Do you agree1380with that sentiment?1381    Mr. Driscoll. Unequivocally.1382    Senator Kaine. That is why I am really, really troubled by1383the Trump order pausing all foreign assistance. I think when an1384order goes out pausing foreign assistance to other nations,1385except for arms transfers to Israel and Egypt. China and our1386adversaries hear that and then they rub their hands together,1387because they are not pausing. They look at us pausing as an1388opening for them to build deeper and deeper ties into the1389hearts and minds of nations that should be our allies. I am1390glad you agree with what General Mattis said, and I hope we1391might move forward in budgets and in policy to express that as1392a bipartisan priority. Thank you very much.1393    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Kaine. Senator Kaine,1394do you recall which Member of the Committee asked that question1395of General Mattis?1396    Senator Kaine. I am going to guess it was the Senator from1397Mississippi.1398    Chairman Wicker. You are absolutely correct. You got it1399right the first time. Senator Tuberville.1400    Senator Tuberville. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thanks for1401being here. Thanks for your service.1402    I want to echo the thoughts about what happened last night1403here in our home territory. It is devastating. It just so1404happens to coincide a little bit, not that it has anything to1405do with this, but Fort Novosel in my State of Alabama we train1406all the vertical lift Army pilots, as you well know.1407    My first question for several weeks has been, I want to get1408your thoughts on what you think about the new curriculum for1409flight school that the Army has proposed. This affects all the1410pilots in the Army, and I want to get your commitment to1411continue an open dialog about the Army's intent on how best to1412leverage existing resources. You know, we are cutting back on1413sorties. We are not putting the money in training like we used1414to, that we need to do. We are undertrained in some areas.1415    So I would like to get your thoughts on the curriculum and1416your thoughts about the future of vertical lift, especially1417with the new vertical lift that the Army is purchasing for the1418future fights that we might have.1419    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, to your comment on what occurred1420last night, I think we are all collectively going to have to1421take a deep dive----1422    Senator Tuberville. Oh yes.1423    Mr. Driscoll.--and figure out what occurred there. The1424early indicators, from what I have seen on television--I have1425no other access to information--is that it might have been a1426training exercise gone wrong, that had catastrophic outcomes.1427So we are going to have to work together to make sure that1428never occurs again, or at least to mitigate the odds that it1429could ever occur again.1430    Then specifically to future vertical flight, if you look at1431the contested airspace with our peer, China, and what we will1432have to do, our vertical assets are going to have to be able to1433get further and faster with lower signature than they do today.1434That being said, if you look at FARA, the push for the Army, it1435is early in its development, it is incredibly expensive, and we1436are likely going to have to work with the Blackhawks and the1437Chinooks and the assets that we have today.1438    If confirmed, I would want to get briefed on this and do a1439deep dive with the team to figure out how are we going to1440position ourselves and what training do we need for the next 11441day to 5 years until we can get to a better state.1442    Senator Tuberville. Thank you. I want to discuss an issue1443that affects many of our installations, including mine in1444Huntsville Redstone Arsenal. The issue is military1445construction, MILCON, as we know it. We need to move fast and1446the traditional military construction process is far too slow.1447Back at Redstone Arsenal, there are two warehouses as we speak1448that are being constructed, one for military by the Corps of1449Engineers and one by the FBI [Federal Bureau of Investigation].1450These warehouses are roughly the same size, regarding to the1451size, but the FBI has got a huge amount of bells and whistles,1452more than the military warehouse.1453    The military warehouse is going to cost almost $56 million1454and it is going to take 48 months, 4 years, to build this,1455where the FBI facility is going to cost $40 million and take1456only basically a year and a half. We have got a problem. How on1457the earth does this make any sense?1458    The Army is currently running a repair-by-replacement pilot1459program that is being tested at a couple of installations to1460demolish older barracks and replace them with new modern1461facilities. The key part of this program is that it is using1462operations and maintenance dollars versus traditional MILCON1463dollars. Are you familiar with this?1464    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I had the opportunity to talk with1465you about it in your office. This is the type of thing that1466makes my blood boil on behalf of soldiers. The Army has a1467limited budget to begin with. We have to be good stewards of1468the American taxpayers' dollars, and when we are not, it is1469both the taxpayer and the soldier, and these soldiers are my1470friends. It is my friends that live in these barracks and raise1471their families there, and we need to stretch these dollars as1472far as we can.1473    Senator Tuberville. Yes, and the other small point I want1474to bring up, we talked about recruiting, I will not get into1475that. The new recruit in the Army makes $25,000 a year before1476taxes. We just gave a raise, but we cannot expect to attract1477the best and the brightest young men and women in the military1478unless we do something else, we got to continue. I know we give1479them a lot of perks at the end of the day, but we have got to1480understand $25,000, I mean, most of them can make that in a 2-1481months time in some kind of big tech or whatever. So just keep1482that in mind as you get into recruiting. We have got to start1483taking care of these young men and women if we are going to1484build the fighting force that we need. Thank you.1485    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, Senator.1486    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Tuberville. Senator1487Slotkin.1488    Senator Slotkin. Sorry, apologies. I am not used to going1489anything but last, Chairman, so shocked me. Thank you for being1490here and congratulations on your nomination, as I said when we1491met.1492    I was glad to hear so many people talking about the1493collision that happened last night, you will have an important1494role in that investigation, if confirmed. It does sound like it1495is a training mission, but it is just important that we lead a1496thorough process. people across the country are mourning1497watching that, and everyone on this panel here flies in and out1498of there. I mean, it is hard not to think about it, so thank1499you for your attention to that.1500    I think the thing we talked about in my office is I am a1501Democrat who won on the same ballot as Donald Trump. I1502absolutely understand that Donald Trump has the right to1503nominate his own people, put forward his own policies. I have1504seen that now in many transitions, Democrat and Republican. But1505the thing that I keep coming back to is the core constitutional1506responsibility. You will swear an oath to the Constitution, not1507to any one President. Many of us have worked alongside or in1508the military for a long time and care deeply about it remaining1509apolitical. We are seeing now Active Duty military Army being1510sent to the border, being sent on missions right now to support1511DHS, but according to our Constitution, the U.S. military1512Active Duty cannot perform law enforcement roles.1513    When you were trained in the military, were you trained on1514basic law enforcement techniques?1515    Mr. Driscoll. I was not, Senator.1516    Senator Slotkin. Can we agree that searching a building in1517Iraq or Afghanistan when you are in a combat zone as an Army1518officer is fundamentally different than performing those kinds1519of search and activities inside the United States with American1520citizens?1521    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, this is not meant to be evasive. I1522have never been trained on it, and so I could not answer what1523would be different about it from my training.1524    Senator Slotkin. Yes, I think the issue is not just the1525Constitution, although that should be enough. I am deeply1526concerned that Active Duty troops are going to be forced into1527law enforcement roles, and we are already hearing stories that1528really, really touch right on the line. They are not properly1529trained. There is going to be an incident. Someone is going to1530get hurt. There is going to be some sort of blow-up, and1531suddenly we are going to have a community deeply, deeply angry1532at uniformed military who were just told to go and drive those1533DHS vehicles, clear that building, perform support to1534something.1535    So I have to ask you again that if the U.S. was asked,1536Active Duty, was asked to do something that contravenes the1537Constitution, can you say clearly that you will push back on1538anyone, whether it is the Secretary of Defense or the Commander1539In Chief, and stand up on behalf of the Army instead of just1540doing whatever you are told?1541    Mr. Driscoll. Just to answer the beginning part of the1542question, Senator, I reject the premise that the President or1543Secretary of Defense would ask for an order like that.1544    Senator Slotkin. Fine.1545    Mr. Driscoll. But I will always follow the law.1546    Senator Slotkin. Okay. I mean, your predecessor, Secretary1547of the Army, Secretary Esper, had this exact thing that he1548wrote about in his book. The 82d Airborne, Army, was asked to1549come in and cleanup peaceful protests in Washington DC. So I1550reject your rejection that this is theoretical, that this is1551hypothetical. It is not, and a nominee and confirmed Secretary1552under Trump, I know they have removed his portrait, but I just1553have to say this is not a hypothetical. So we are counting on1554you to protect the integrity of a non-political military that1555is not trained in law enforcement roles.1556    Next, do you support revoking the pension that comes with1557anyone who is honorably discharged from the Army?1558    Mr. Driscoll. It is hard to deal on a hypothetical,1559Senator.1560    Senator Slotkin. It is not hypothetical. There is now focus1561on Mark Milley, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and I1562know there is lots of controversy around Mark Milley, but you1563cannot debate that he served many more years than anyone on1564this panel. Can you tell me that you support the seemingly1565political reprisal of removing someone's pension when they have1566already been honorably discharged?1567    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, without knowing the specific1568details, I do support the President's right to execute law for1569order.1570    Senator Slotkin. Because you see the pattern this starts.1571So then another Administration comes in and suddenly people who1572supported Donald Trump are having their pensions removed. You1573can see how this politicizes the institution that should be1574apolitical, and for the January 6th guys and all these folks,1575there was not a question about their pensions, and I have deep1576concerns about it. I know my time is up and I yield back.1577    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much. Senator Ernst, you1578are next.1579    Senator Ernst. Yes, thank you Mr. Chairman, and I will also1580add my condolences to the families who lost loved ones near DCA1581last night.1582    Good morning, Mr. Driscoll, and thank you for your1583testimony today and for being with us, and I appreciate the1584time you took to meet with me in my office and just dive into1585everything Army. Very important to me obviously, my time in1586service, my family's time in service, and your time in service,1587so thank you.1588    Once confirmed, you will be facing a challenging path1589ahead, and you have already talked a little bit about1590recruiting. I will add some thoughts to that. We also have to1591buildupon the current modernization efforts, and of course we1592have very complex geopolitical landscapes out there.1593    So I am going to start with recruitment and I just want to1594give you some of my thoughts on this. Recruiting remains a1595really critical issue for the Armed Forces. Army is on track to1596meet its recruiting goals for the second consecutive year. That1597is an encouraging sign. We have to maintain the momentum.1598    But a key concern that is been brought to my attention is1599ensuring our recruiters have meaningful access to schools, to1600be able to get into high schools and talk to young men and1601women. I plan to introduce my SERVE Act to enhance military1602recruiters' access to schools and mandate regular visits to1603improve information sharing with the students and their1604administrators, and I would love to work with you on this1605particular issue, once confirmed.1606    Additionally, the military has faced challenges reaching1607potential recruits via social media, and we have seen a recent1608flurry of activities when it comes to Meta and regarding1609reports that U.S. Army posts were being shadow-banned or1610removed for alleged violations. I did send a letter to Meta1611about this last month.1612    So Mr. Driscoll, given the challenges, do you commit to1613working with us on these recruiting challenges, on making sure1614that we are able to spread our good message to young men and1615women?1616    Mr. Driscoll. Absolutely, Senator, it would be an honor, if1617confirmed.1618    Senator Ernst. Thank you. So very briefly, I am also the1619chair of the DOGE [Department of Government Efficiency] caucus1620in the U.S. Senate, and Iowans sent me here to make them1621squeal. I have made it my mission to find ways to identify1622waste, fraud, eliminate it, get more efficient, more1623accountable to our taxpayers. The Department of Defense, and,1624of course, our great Army should not be exempt from this1625effort.1626    So Mr. Driscoll, can I count on your commitment to1627collaborate on strategies for reducing waste in the Army?1628    Mr. Driscoll. Absolutely, Senator, and as I told your1629colleague earlier, the dollars are limited, as they should be,1630and we are beholden to this committee and the Congress for how1631to use those dollars. But then once the dollars come to us, it1632is our responsibility to use them as effectively as we possibly1633can, and it would be an honor to work with you on that, if1634confirmed.1635    Senator Ernst. Absolutely. Thank you, Mr. Driscoll. Another1636one of my top priorities remains addressing traumatic brain1637injuries (TBI), within our services, and last year I1638successfully passed comprehensive TBI legislation, and I intend1639to build on that progress in the upcoming NDAA cycle. So can I1640get your commitment to collaborate with the Defense Health1641Agency Army, SOF [Special Operations Forces], and acquisition1642personnel to prioritize TBI initiatives and further enhance our1643Army's immediate and long-term health and safety?1644    Mr. Driscoll. This issue, Senator, is deeply personal. When1645we were deployed, we had mortars and IEDs [improvised explosive1646device]. You never know how that impacts a soldier, but I know1647when we got back, a lot of our guys struggled with a lot of1648issues. So I would be honored to do anything I possibly can to1649lend a hand here. So if confirmed, absolutely, yes.1650    Senator Ernst. Excellent. No, I appreciate that. Thank you,1651and I think both of us have had many friends that have been1652impacted by TBI. It is very, very important to them and their1653families.1654    Force structure, as well. I have limited time, but I do1655chair the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities,1656and I prioritize the Special Operations Community and the1657critical enablers that they provide. In recent years, the Army1658implemented force reductions within SOF. Despite these cuts,1659SOCOM [Special Operations Command] has testified last year that1660the demand for Special Operations Forces remain high.1661    So Mr. Driscoll, will I get your commitment to work with me1662to make sure that we are addressing these cuts and how we can1663continue to provide for our special operations community so1664that they may further support our conventional forces?1665    Mr. Driscoll. Absolutely, Senator. Our special operators1666are force multipliers. If you look at the threats ahead, we1667have a pacing threat in China, but that certainly does not mean1668that other threats would not take advantage of us being in1669engagement with China. Special Forces are incredibly well1670suited to both lend a hand in that fight, and also, with all of1671our innovation, they are innovation laboratories that can test1672things more quickly, they can learn and get their procurement1673lessons and actual lessons learned to the larger force. So I am1674incredibly supportive, Senator.1675    Senator Ernst. Well, thank you, Mr. Driscoll. Mr. Chair, I1676was going to ask him to sing the Army song, but I will submit1677that for the record.1678    Chairman Wicker. Your time is expired, regrettably,1679Senator, but thank you for your questions. Senator Gillibrand.1680    Senator Gillibrand. Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman. I know1681you served your Active Duty tour with the Army at Fort Drum.1682Climb to glory. A little over a year ago, Fort Drum was1683selected to host the Army's second multi-domain task force1684(MDTF). If confirmed, your tenure as Secretary will align with1685the Army's target for the full MDTF implementation by fiscal1686year 2028. What challenges do you see in this timeline, and do1687you believe the split structure of the second MDTF between1688Germany and Fort Drum is sustainable? Can the structure be1689leveraged in other theaters such as the Pacific?1690    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I have not been specifically briefed1691on that unit and its bifurcation of location, but the1692multidomain rollout across the Army is the future of warfare.1693If you think of things like cyber and space, how war has been1694fought up until this point will no longer look the same. Those1695issues require networked abilities that in near real time or1696real time allow for a communication across a lot of assets and1697sensing tools and human beings. I look forward to both learning1698more, working with your office and specifically returning to1699Fort Drum, if confirmed.1700    Senator Gillibrand. Thank you. A recurring challenge that1701you and I talked about in our meeting for the military has been1702the recruitment and retention of skilled cyber operators, both1703military and civilian. As of November, the military reported1704about 28,000 unfilled military and civilian cyber roles. To1705help address this, I created the Cyber Service Academy1706Scholarship Program and secured language in the most recent1707NDAA to study the advisability of a cyber military service.1708Army Cyber is the largest of our cyber service components,1709placing a significant portion of this burden on you. How will1710you approach the cyber personnel challenge, and how do you see1711things like the Cyber Service Academy supporting your efforts?1712    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, very sincerely, thank you for your1713work on this. We are going to have to figure out and work1714together to create unique pathways for the cyber experts among1715us to be the most lethal cyber person or soldier. That pathway1716may look very different from going to ranger school and ending1717up in ranger battalion. We need to work with the feeders and1718the pipelines in the civilian sector to empower those1719candidates who want to join the Army, those future soldiers, to1720come in, and I think pathways, like what you were describing,1721are incredibly valuable.1722    Senator Gillibrand. You will need a capable and qualified1723principal cyber advisor, but that role has been vacant for1724nearly 6 months. Will you commit to me to quickly fill that1725role if you are confirmed?1726    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, that would be, if confirmed, one of1727the roles I would be most excited to fill. I do not know what1728has led to the delay in filling it, so I cannot speak to that.1729But I can commit to very early on trying to prioritize that1730because, as stated earlier, with the way that multidomain is1731going and our wars are going to be fought in the future, that1732will be a critical role.1733    Senator Gillibrand. Thank you. One of the issues that this1734Committee has spent at least a decade working on is the scourge1735of sexual assault in the military. We put in place bipartisan1736reforms that had the support of 65 Senators. It was1737overwhelmingly supported. The reforms are geared toward more1738transparency, more accountability, more training, and having1739the decisionmaker of whether a crime has been committed be1740given to a trained military prosecutor who is not in the chain1741of command, who arguably has more precise and applicable1742training to reach better decisions.1743    Are you aware of these reforms and do you commit to me that1744you will do everything to make sure these reforms are fully1745implemented so that our military can be a functioning place for1746everyone to work and that certain people are not unfortunately1747disregarded or devalued because of the system in place?1748    Mr. Driscoll. Very sincerely, Senator, I thank you and your1749colleagues for the work on this. I mentioned in my opening1750statement that my 8-year-old son is planning to join the Army.1751It is hard to know if my 6-year-old daughter wants to join. My1752wife and I have been nudging her that way, as much as you can1753nudge a 6-year-old. I want her to join an Army that the sky is1754the limit, the standards of excellence are hard, but she is1755able to achieve them, she faces absolutely zero instances of1756sexual harassment during her time in. It would be an absolute1757honor, Senator, to work with you in this Committee to, from the1758top, ensure we are both rolling out the law and setting a1759culture where that is not tolerated in any way.1760    Senator Gillibrand. Thank you. With my last 20 seconds, you1761mentioned in the questions you gave to the committee that you1762wanted to appoint a high-level position dedicated to ensuring a1763focus on ending sexual assault in the military. Do you have any1764thoughts about what your thinking is there or what you would do1765for that position?1766    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I would want to work with you in1767your office and with your colleague, Senator Ernst. I know you1768have done a deep dive on this. I want to commit publicly to1769commit the resources, the time, the energy, and the focus to1770scorching it from the United States Army, and I think that that1771could be a powerful first step.1772    Senator Gillibrand. Thank you, Mr. Driscoll. Thank you, Mr.1773Chairman.1774    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Gillibrand. Senator1775Scott.1776    Senator Scott. Good morning, Mr. Driscoll. Congratulations1777on your nomination, and thanks for your willingness to do this.1778I think I told you my father was one of 3,000 people who did1779all four combat jumps with the 82d Airborne in the Second World1780War. He was crazy. After that, he fought in the Battle of the1781Bulge. My whole childhood he told me the Germans were horrible,1782the food was horrible, and the foxholes was horrible, so after1783high school I joined the Navy, which, the food was not bad, but1784no Germans, no foxholes.1785    So first, tell me what is your experience in the Army, and1786thank you for your service as calvary scout platoon leader.1787What lessons did you learn that is going to make you a better1788Secretary of the Army?1789    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, Secretary Hegseth mentioned it in1790his hearing that the dust on the boots model, I had not thought1791of that in a long time. But the experiences of being able to1792think through when a decision from the top comes down, how does1793it actually impact the soldier. I can think back to our COP1794[combat outpost] outside Baghdad, Iraq, that had 40 of us, and1795we had these amazing vehicles, which I think probably this1796Committee had a lot of help in getting these MRAPs [mine-1797resistant ambush protected] out. When our soldiers first1798deployed, the bottom of these Humvees was thin and it basically1799perfectly absorbed a blast. These MRAPs were created, which1800saved a lot of lives. But one of the problems with the MRAPs is1801they were very heavy, very tall, and very prone to roll over.1802    I can remember for the entire 9 or 10 months we were at the1803COP, every couple of weeks you would send a soldier out there,1804they would startup the MRAP, turn it on and run the engine for1805a couple of minutes and then turn it back off, and then the1806process would repeat itself. It was not for any sort of1807malintention, and the actions by those creating it were for1808good purposes, which is fundamentally the MRAP did not work in1809a lot of areas in Iraq because it is muddy, dusty roads that1810just cannot support a lot of weight.1811    I think those types of experiences of saying this may be1812the right answer some of the time, but what is it actually1813going to look like for the actual soldier on the ground where1814we need this? I think that that will be a very impactful, or I1815hope if confirmed, that will be a very impactful vision.1816    Senator Scott. I became Governor of Florida in January18172011. I had no earthly idea that the Army Corps of Engineers1818was going to control every bit of development in my State. You1819could not do anything at their ports, you could not do anything1820in our rivers, there was so much the Army Corps of Engineers1821controlled. My experience is it is just an absolute black hole.1822They are wonderful people, but you could never get an answer--1823never get an answer about their timeline, never get an answer1824about why they make the decisions. It was just an absolute1825black hole. It has been consistent for my 8 years as Governor1826and my 6 years up here.1827    I do not know if you have spent any time with the Army1828Corps of Engineers, wonderful people, but for anybody that1829wants to get anything accomplished in their State, it is just a1830pain in the royal butt. Have you thought about what you would1831do to change that?1832    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, one of the amazing parts of the Army1833is that it does touch so many different parts of both our1834countrymen's lives and the lives of those abroad. When I talked1835to your colleague, Senator Warren, one of the things we had1836talked about is, is it possible to do something like an NPS1837score, which is a net promoter score. It is pretty common in1838business. If you went to a Chick-fil-A, you might get a1839questionnaire afterwards, zero to 10, how likely would you be1840to refer this to a friend? If we could start to do those in our1841communities where our bases are, either abroad or in our1842communities locally, I think what we would start to find is1843there are some low-hanging areas that when our soldiers are1844touching those in our civilian population, there are probably1845ways that we can just be more responsive.1846    I would love, if confirmed, to work with this Committee to1847try to figure out what low-hanging fruit exists to make the1848Army a better co-inhabitant of the world and our country.1849    Senator Scott. In your private life, have you had to1850recruit employees? Have you recruited people to work with you,1851try to find how to work with people?1852    Mr. Driscoll. I have, Senator.1853    Senator Scott. So why do you think the Army has such a1854horrible experience trying to recruit people?1855    Mr. Driscoll. I think that from my experience as a third-1856generation soldier, what my grandfather would say he joined1857for, and we all joined during times of war. I think if you1858asked us, it would have been, we would have said the reason we1859joined is we did not want to miss the opportunity to serve our1860country when it needed us. I think that very specific story is1861what a lot of soldiers, women and men, would say is the reason1862that they joined.1863    I think we have oftentimes lost focus on that and started1864to focus on things like the benefits, which are all important1865and they are very valuable reasons to join, but I think for1866many of America's youth, it is the purpose of getting to serve1867this amazing nation. So, if confirmed, I would love to work1868with this Committee to clarify that story and tell it more1869broadly.1870    Senator Scott. Thanks. You will do a great job.1871    Mr. Driscoll. Thank you, Senator.1872    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Mr. Driscoll. You have made1873that point repeatedly during this hearing, and I think it is1874got quite a bit of validity. Senator Rosen.1875    Senator Rosen. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Ranking Member1876Reed, for holding this hearing. Mr. Driscoll, I would like to1877thank you for your service, your willingness to serve again,1878and for being here with us today.1879    I will take a moment of privilege, like the rest of my1880colleagues and all Americans, today our heart is broken by the1881events at DCA last night, and I just want to offer my deepest1882condolences to the families, to the fellow soldiers, to all of1883those who were lost. I want to thank our first responders for1884their immediate action, running to the scene in the dark of1885night, in the iciest of waters, to try to save lives. Thank1886you.1887    Now I am going to turn to my home State of Nevada and talk1888a little bit about Hawthorne Army Depot. Mr. Driscoll, Nevada's1889Hawthorne Army Depot is the world's largest ammunition depot1890and demilitarization facility, depot stores and demilitarized1891munitions and ensures that munitions readiness for all of DOD.1892    Despite its size and crucial role that Hawthorne plays,1893again, the only one in the country, it is in need of continued1894infrastructure upgrades. Investing more in our munitions depots1895has only become more important in light of our need to ramp up1896munitions productions, both to arm Ukraine against Russian1897aggression and backfill our own stockpiles for just a few1898examples.1899    In recent years, Army's posture hearings, the Secretary and1900Chief of Staff of the Army made commitments to me to consider1901new investments in Hawthorne, and I am happy that the Army is1902doing so.1903    Mr. Driscoll, if confirmed, can I have your commitment to1904include Hawthorne in Army's future years defense planning or1905unfunded priority list so that Congress can fund these crucial1906and critical investments to ensure our munitions' readiness?1907    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, our munitions readiness, as I was1908referencing to your colleagues, is absolutely one of the1909primary challenges facing us as a Nation, as we face the threat1910of a peer like China. I absolutely commit to, if confirmed,1911taking a deep dive and look at this topic----1912    Senator Rosen. I invite you to come to Hawthorne and see1913what they are doing there. How is that?1914    Mr. Driscoll. It would be an honor, ma'am.1915    Senator Rosen. Thank you. I want to move now to women in1916combat because prior to women being able to serve in combat1917arms, cultural support teams, largely from the Army Reserve,1918embedded with Special Operations Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan1919to engage with female populations. They fill critical gaps,1920significantly expanding operation and intelligence collection1921capabilities.1922    However, in so many cases, their military records do not1923reflect that they served in combat despite accompanying SOF on1924raids and sustaining injuries, some even dying. This is because1925their Reserve units who oversaw them administratively were not1926there to document their service in combat. So in some1927instances, these women have no record of ever having left the1928base despite having done so as a job requirement.1929    As a result, they have all struggled to prove to the VA1930that their injuries are service-related, they are combat-1931connected, and since women have only been able to serve in1932combat arms in the last decade.1933    So, if confirmed, will you commit to performing a review of1934these combat veterans, these women who embed overseas, to help1935us collect this important cultural intelligence Army records?1936We must have them be accurate. These women come home and they1937are denied their disability claims because the lack of1938documentation. They really need to receive the care and the1939benefits, their families as well, and the recognition that they1940deserve. It is the least that we owe to our women in uniform.1941    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, we have a sacred duty to care for1942our soldiers, and from my experience deploying, some of the1943most competent, heroic people I deployed with were women. They1944served incredibly important jobs, with bomb-sniffing dogs,1945searching out IEDs. They were right beside us every step of the1946way. So I absolutely commit to working with your office to make1947sure that that population is not forgotten and gets the care1948and respect that they deserve.1949    Senator Rosen. Thank you. I am proud to serve with some1950women who showed their valor in times of need as well.1951    I just have another moment, so we will submit this for the1952record, but it is about cyber workforce development. It has1953been touched on here, the fiscal year 2024 NDAA, and did1954include my bipartisan legislation authorizing the Army to1955create a Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve to provide CYBERCOM1956with qualified civilian personnel for surge capacity in times1957of need, to ensure the U.S. Government has the cyber talent1958needed to respond to malicious activities, secure DOD's1959information and systems. We are trying so many ways to really1960buildup that force.1961    I will take the answer off the record, but I would like to1962speak with you about the implementation of the Civilian Cyber1963Reserve Corps and have your commitment to see this through as1964we know cyberattacks are on the rise.1965    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, it would be an honor to speak1966about that, Senator.1967    Senator Rosen. Thank you.1968    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Rosen. Senator Banks.1969    Senator Banks. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Driscoll,1970welcome and congratulations on your important nomination. You1971bring a unique background in business and private equity, and1972one of the biggest things that we have to accomplish in this1973moment is innovation at the Pentagon. I wonder if you could1974talk about your background and how that uniquely helps you help1975us create better innovation in our national security.1976    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, after attending law school on the GI1977Bill, I was fortunate enough to spend time as a CEO [Chief1978Executive Officer] at a venture capital firm where, for a1979couple of years, I got to spend time working with and learning1980and seeing how some of our country's most amazing innovators1981are building their businesses. Some of the lessons that they1982have learned in the private space over the last 10 to 20 years1983I think are ripe for transferal to the United States Army.1984Creating a feedback loop and a learning loop that gets lessons1985learned from the actual soldiers in the field back into the1986manufacturers or the software developers occurs in the private1987space frequently, and I think it is a little bit less frequent1988in the Army.1989    There are examples of this, I think, working wonderfully in1990the Army, like the IVAS system as I understand it. It is kind1991of a shining beacon of effective development, and so what I am1992hoping to do, if confirmed, Senator, is work with this1993Committee and the Army's existing leaders to figure out where1994can we tighten the innovation loop and get the learnings from1995the field, and the learnings from our friends in places like1996Ukraine. I mean, that battlefield is ripe with lessons around1997drones and cyber and how can we get those lessons into our1998procurement processes and on the manufacturing floor as quickly1999as possible.2000    Senator Banks. Part of working in venture capital and when2001it comes to innovation is thinking outside of the box, and we2002have a major crisis in the military right now, especially with2003the United States Army, with a historic recruitment crisis. I2004know you have already covered this, but give us more specific2005ideas that we can use new technologies and innovation to2006recruit the best and brightest of the next generation to serve2007our country.2008    Mr. Driscoll. I think if you look, Senator, there are a lot2009of tools used by some of our larger corporations in the country2010to recruit at scale but give a very individualized and2011personalized experience. What I have heard with the recruiting2012processes, they are looking at all sorts of different ways of2013creating a specialty where a recruiter, if you are an2014incredible recruiter, perhaps that can be how you serve your2015country for your entire time in uniform. Things like that, that2016mimic the expertise that can be developed in the private2017sector. Applying those best lessons and processes to the Army I2018think will continue to unlock what has seemed to be, no doubt,2019a lot because of the work of this Committee, forward momentum2020in recruiting in the Army right now.2021    Senator Banks. Secretary Hegseth has talked at length about2022restoring the meritocracy to our military, and I happen to2023believe that the recruitment crisis faced in the military today2024has a lot to do with taking merit out of the military. Young2025men and women say, why would I join the military if it is no2026longer the great meritocracy that it used to be? So I think2027restoring that would be important to the Army.2028    On that note, last year the Army argued that affirmative2029action at our service academies was, quote, ``critical to2030mission success and national security.'' When I asked Secretary2031of the Army Wormuth last year in the House Armed Services2032Committee, where I previously served, whether the Supreme Court2033harmed national security when it banned affirmative action at2034schools with ROTC programs, she admitted she was, quote, ``a2035little puzzled'' why affirmative action at West Point was not2036also banned.2037    Mr. Driscoll, do racial admission preferences at service2038academies like West Point help our national security?2039    Mr. Driscoll. I do not believe so.2040    Senator Banks. You would support efforts, as Secretary2041Hegseth has talked about as well, to end affirmative action at2042our service academies, especially at West Point?2043    Mr. Driscoll. I think one of the most amazing parts of my2044time in service is the Army, in my experience, was an2045incredible meritocracy. I cannot remember a single time being2046in where anyone thought that this system was against them. When2047I have told our kids, Daniel and Lila, about what we hope that2048they will do after high school, I have told my daughter it2049would be the proudest day of my life, and I do not think she2050understands the nuance of what I am saying, to pin a ranger tab2051on her if she can complete ranger school, with the incredibly2052difficult standards being the exact same as when I went2053through.2054    I think that those standards and excellence that the2055Secretary of Defense has talked about are important. It is what2056makes our Army great. It is what has made our Army the greatest2057land fighting force in the last 249 years on the Planet Earth,2058and I hope that we are able to hold those standards going2059forward.2060    Senator Banks. You bring a lot to the table. I am excited2061to work with you to make the Army as strong as it can possibly2062be, fix the recruitment crisis, and modernize the Army for the2063future. Thank you for agreeing to serve our country. You have2064my full support.2065    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much, Senator Banks. Mr.2066Driscoll, I have said that the United States military is the2067greatest civil rights organization in the history of the world.2068What do you think about that?2069    Mr. Driscoll. My experience, Senator, is the exact same.2070    Chairman Wicker. Yes. Having served in the Air Force, that2071has been my experience and so I do appreciate that. Senator2072Peters.2073    Senator Peters. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Driscoll,2074congratulations on your nomination to serve as the Secretary of2075the Army, and I want to thank you for your service to our2076Nation as well as thank you for the time that we spent in my2077office earlier. We addressed a number of concerns and I think2078we had a very fruitful discussion, so I appreciate that.2079    As you know, senior officials and combatant commands have2080testified before this Committee on the severe threat that is2081posed by PRC [People's Republic of China]-sponsored cyber2082actors. The threat is evidenced by the Salt Typhoon, the recent2083infiltration of U.S. telecommunication companies that left2084civilians, servicemembers, and installations vulnerable to2085these attacks. The attack is part of a broader pattern of PRC2086cyber aggression targeting United States infrastructure across2087the country.2088    The U.S. Army plays a critical role in deterring these2089threats through defensive cyber operations, through2090intelligence, integration with U.S. Cyber Command, as well, to2091protect us.2092    So my question for you, sir, is do you agree with the2093Army's current cyber strategy?2094    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I think the cyber threat to this2095country--I was actually beside one of our elected officials2096when we found out our phones were hacked, and I was reflecting2097with them that all that we do to protect our information and2098keep it classified, if things like our Verizon cell phone2099network are going to be compromised, we have to think through a2100lot of the ways that we have designed our information2101protection systems.2102    I think cyber with the changes occurring with quantum2103computing, the changes with generative AI [artificial2104intelligence], these are fundamentally going to alter how2105soldiers fight wars, how information is exchanged on the2106battlefield, how we prepare, and then the kind of gray zone2107activities that our peers like China are able to do through2108cyber are scary.2109    I have not received a formal brief, but my understanding is2110that the Army actually is taking steps in the right direction.2111I look forward to learning more and working with your office,2112as I know this is close to your heart, to make the Army as2113effective as I can both on offense and defense in cyber.2114    Senator Peters. So specifically about the strategy because2115certainly we are in total agreement with the statement that you2116made. But as far as the strategy that the Army is using now,2117what is your assessment and would you change anything to2118support operations with what you know of the strategy now?2119    Mr. Driscoll. My understanding now, Senator, is that our2120offensive capabilities are perhaps not where they should be,2121and I think our adversaries are being much more aggressive with2122us than we are with them. I would want to take a deep look at2123that.2124    Senator Peters. The intelligence systems play a pivotal2125role in informing commanders' decisions, and the adoption of AI2126is changing that dramatically. Question to you is about the AI2127implementation strategy that the Army currently has. Do you2128have any changes or do you believe the Army is adequately2129evaluating this threat and adapting accordingly?2130    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, my understanding of how AI2131implementation is occurring is that it is siloed right now. I2132think that this is the type of work that should occur across2133the different services. Our lessons learned for the Army will2134apply to the Air Force and apply the Navy. So I think we need2135to be focusing on this AI threat, because the speed and the2136pace of the growth here is unbelievable. I do not know if you2137read the article about the Chinese startup that basically was2138able to, I think it was between 4 and $10 million, 1/10000th of2139the cost, or 1/1000th of the cost of what some of our American2140companies were able to develop, 6 months trailing. The pacing2141and the timeline on this, is not going to allow us to be slow,2142and so we are going to need to be at the front curve of it.2143    Senator Peters. So that leads the question that how do we2144stay at that front curve, because you are right, things are2145changing dramatically. Traditionally in the Army or any of the2146services, innovation has not moved as quickly as it has in the2147civilian side, and civilian side innovations are only2148accelerating, including our adversaries, as you mentioned.2149    How would you engage with small businesses and other2150innovators to shake up the procurement process and make sure we2151are on the forefront of AI development, for example?2152    Mr. Driscoll. I am optimistic, Senator. I think from what I2153have seen since being the President's nominee we have had a lot2154of interest from Silicon Valley and other places in the country2155for innovators at small companies, medium companies, and some2156of the big ones that want to get in the game on behalf of our2157country. I think having very deliberate conversations with them2158about how do we get into their R&D [research and development]2159pipeline, how do we partner with them early on, so as they are2160training these models, the Army as I understand it today is2161getting access to these models once they go public. China and2162our other threats are also getting access to those models.2163There is no reason that, from my understanding, we could not be2164getting access earlier, and so instead of having a 6-month2165lead, perhaps there are ways we could have a 9- or 12-month2166lead on these things.2167    I think those conversations could be important and I would2168look forward to working with your office to have them.2169    Senator Peters. Great. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2170    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Peters. Senator2171Duckworth.2172    Senator Duckworth. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I, like2173everyone else, am praying for all the family members and2174thinking about the crew of the Black Hawk and all the people2175that we lost last night. I would like to caution that before we2176start calling it a training accident that we have better idea2177of what exactly happened, because a training accident has very2178specific definitions, so please be careful about that. It tends2179to then start to blame the pilots and frankly, our military2180pilots are some of the best trained in the world.2181    Earlier this week the Trump administration imposed a2182funding freeze on all Federal grants and loans. Even though the2183OMB [Office of Management and Budget] memo was rescinded2184yesterday, the freeze has not been rescinded. Mr. Driscoll,2185what is your position on the legality of that funding freeze?2186    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, before answering your question, I2187very sincerely, last night I was sitting watching what occurred2188on TV with a friend from 10th Mountain who was the downed2189chopper, one of the platoons that had to deal with that in2190Afghanistan, and watching this struggle and heartbreak as he2191had to relive those moments. We actually reflected in the2192moment. I want to take a quick moment to say, very sincerely,2193thank you for your service. I know it is an immense sacrifice.2194Soldier to soldier, I am sorry for what you had go through.2195    To your question, the legality of--would you mind repeating2196it?2197    Senator Duckworth. Was the order from President Trump, his2198current order to pause all grant funding, legal?2199    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I have not been able to take a good2200deep enough look to know whether it was legal or not, but I2201would not believe that the President would issue an illegal2202order.2203    Senator Duckworth. You do not believe that the President of2204the United States can issue an illegal order?2205    Mr. Driscoll. I do not believe President Trump would do2206that, Senator.2207    Senator Duckworth. Okay. That leads me to my next question.2208If President Trump directed you to do something illegal, would2209you refuse to obey?2210    Mr. Driscoll. I reject the premise of the question,2211Senator, that he would, but I would only follow lawful orders.2212    Senator Duckworth. Constitutional ones?2213    Mr. Driscoll. Constitutional ones.2214    Senator Duckworth. Okay. If confirmed, will you commit to2215disbursing all obligated grant funding from the Department of2216the Army on time and without delay?2217    Mr. Driscoll. I would follow all lawful requirements of my2218job if confirmed, Senator.2219    Senator Duckworth. Okay. I would like to followup on our2220meeting last week. To be candid, you performed very poorly in2221your conversation with me. I asked you, for example, how many2222personnel are in a division and you told me 3,500. You just2223recently, when I came, were answering my colleague from2224Alaska's questions about brigade combat teams. How many2225personnel are in an average brigade combat team?2226    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I imagine the purpose of this2227question is to get to my qualifications as a leader.2228    Senator Duckworth. No, no. I want you to answer the2229question.2230    Mr. Driscoll. Senator----2231    Senator Duckworth. What is the--do you not know? If you do2232not know, that is okay.2233    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I assume----2234    Senator Duckworth. Answer my question. How many personnel2235are in a--because you have performed very well today and I have2236been impressed because it looks like you actually did some2237homework. But you spoke with conviction about the number of2238brigade combat teams that the Army needs to be effective. Can2239you tell me how many soldiers are in a brigade combat team on2240average?2241    Mr. Driscoll. 3,500.2242    Senator Duckworth. Great. Thank you. See, I would have been2243so much easier, but I know you are filibustering. I get it.2244What is FM 3-0?2245    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I believe all of these questions are2246going to be----2247    Senator Duckworth. What is FM 3-0?2248    Mr. Driscoll. I actually was reading it last night,2249Senator.2250    Senator Duckworth. Excellent.2251    Mr. Driscoll. It is the Army's Training Manual.2252    Senator Duckworth. Operations.2253    Mr. Driscoll. Operations Manual.2254    Senator Duckworth. Fantastic. I am glad you are doing your2255homework. See, this is working because you are doing your2256homework, which you did not do because you could not name a2257country in Africa where we have troops, when I asked you.2258    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I believe----2259    Senator Duckworth. What are your views on force posture2260generally and the components and elements of force posture as2261well as your understanding of the Army's current force posture?2262    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I believe that the President of the2263United States chose me specifically because of my experience2264set that your colleagues----2265    Senator Duckworth. You are not answering. Does that mean2266that you do not have an opinion on the Army's current force2267posture? It is my job to advise and consent on the nominees2268that the President puts forward. Just because a President puts2269forward a nominee does not mean that person is automatically2270qualified to do the job.2271    My question to you is, sir, as someone who will become2272Secretary of Army, if confirmed, what is your current opinion2273of the Army's force posture and can you describe the elements2274of that force posture?2275    Mr. Driscoll. Absolutely. Senator, and to your Africa2276comment, West Africa and Horn of Africa. I did study after you2277asked me that question, so I am grateful for the question.2278    Senator Duckworth. Answer my question on force posture.2279    Mr. Driscoll. We need to be prepared, Senator, for a threat2280from China, a peer that we have not----2281    Senator Duckworth. I am not asking you about near-peer2282threats. I am asking you about the force posture.2283    Mr. Driscoll. We need our forces postured all over the2284world to respond----2285    Senator Duckworth. What are the components of the force2286posture?2287    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I believe that the question----2288    Senator Duckworth. The answer is military disposition,2289strength, and condition and readiness of the military. It is in2290FM 3-0 Operations which you were reading last night. Can you2291outline for me the key capabilities that the Army is supposed2292to provide the combatant command?2293    Chairman Wicker. Senator, you can ask that question for the2294record. Your time has expired.2295    Senator Duckworth. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Rescued by the2296Chairman.2297    Chairman Wicker. Senator Budd.2298    Senator Budd. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2299    Senator Duckworth. I am sorry, Mr. Chairman. Can I add FM23003-0, the Army's Operations Manual, for the record? Include in2301the record?2302    Chairman Wicker. Well, without objection.2303    Senator Duckworth. Thank you.2304    Chairman Wicker. But let me ask you this. How many pages2305does that consist of?2306    Senator Duckworth. It is quite a few pages actually, but it2307is a basic reading for anybody who has gone through the2308officer's basic course, which I believe you have completed.2309Have you not, Mr. Driscoll?2310    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, it is 350 pages approximately.2311    Senator Duckworth. There you go.2312    Chairman Wicker. So you really do want us to go to the2313expense of reprinting something that is widely available? Could2314we just refer to it?2315    Senator Duckworth. That is acceptable to me, Mr. Chairman.2316    Chairman Wicker. All right, thank you very much. Senator2317Budd.2318    Senator Budd. Thank you again, Mr. Chairman, and again,2319welcome, Mr. Driscoll. It is good to see you. As a fellow North2320Carolinian, I know, and as you are someone who served in the2321Army, I know our hearts are broken with the recent flight, with2322the aircrew, the Black Hawk. Having a family of Army aviation2323and Army aviators, my hearts are especially broken.2324    You know, I want to congratulate you as a friend. It has2325been good to know you for several years, and this is a great2326role that you have been nominated to. I am proud to see someone2327born and raised in North Carolina, particularly western North2328Carolina, to serve in this role. So many from the Army were2329serving there in days following recent Hurricane Helene.2330    Mr. Driscoll, in your advanced policy questions, you2331identify recruiting as one of the most significant challenges2332facing the Army. So if confirmed, how would you recommend the2333Army fix this recruiting challenge?2334    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I had mentioned to your colleagues a2335couple of things that the Army has done really well as it seems2336from the outside.2337    Senator Budd. Right.2338    Mr. Driscoll. The Future Soldier training course at Fort2339Jackson where I did basic training that prepares soldiers to2340take their ASVAB test and get more prepared from their fitness,2341get more fit before they go to basic training, has seemed to2342pay dividends. That type of thing, that type of innovation I2343think could be spread farther around the country to continue to2344increase the pipeline of the population that is qualified.2345    But more specifically, I think telling this story of the2346United States Army with its 250th anniversary coming up this2347summer is an incredible time through our JRTCs, through our2348communities across the country, to buildup the pipeline of2349freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school who2350can join. This is the year to tell the story of the women and2351the men in uniform who have done amazing things on behalf of2352our country and who I think would say, like me, had their lives2353changed by this experience.2354    So Senator, I look forward to working with you and this2355committee, if confirmed, to make this year the Army's best2356recruiting year in history.2357    Senator Budd. I look forward to that as well. Thank you.2358    As you know, special operations forces, and I think you2359spoke about this with some of my colleagues prior to me, but2360they are essential in responding to irregular warfare. North2361Carolina is home, and for the purpose of this morning, maybe we2362will call it Fort Bragg, and special operations forces, special2363operations are now playing a larger role in the cyber and the2364space domains. Yet the Army recently decided to cut significant2365number of Army special operations forces.2366    So in your advanced policy questions, you State that Army2367special forces play a critical role in supporting the joint2368force and accomplishing the objectives of the National Defense2369Strategy. Do you believe that SOF is still relevant today?2370    Mr. Driscoll. Wholeheartedly, Senator. Just from my2371qualitative experience, the special operators that I was2372fortunate enough to serve alongside of were some of the most2373incredible soldiers that I ever saw. They were innovation2374laboratories, testing out all sorts of new things, from new2375weapons to backpacks to whatever it was. A lot of the lessons2376that they learned, even if it was not formal, trickled down to2377the larger force. So, Senator, I think unequivocally on a go-2378forward basis, they are a crucial force multiplier for our2379Army.2380    Senator Budd. Well, thank you. In my recent visits there to2381Fort Liberty, Fort Bragg, I have seen the same thing continuing2382today and I know you will see that very soon, if confirmed.2383    As you work to address recruiting more broadly, what2384strategies will you pursue to increase the pool of recruits so2385that they are eligible and have qualifications to serve in Army2386special operations forces positions?2387    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, my understanding, which I had2388covered with one of your colleagues, was one of the problems2389with what we have done by digitizing medical records is2390accidentally we have taken people who have broken arms but have2391been an ultra-marathoner or who have had an inhaler prescribed2392when they were 13 and a day. These were the types of things2393that for 249 years, or 244 of those years, just would have2394never come up. Either you would not have remembered to put it2395down or your recruiter would told you it was not relevant.2396Right now it is blocking a lot of possible soldiers who I2397believe would be incredible future soldiers.2398    So I think taking a deep dive on the incentive structure2399for how we do waivers and maybe working with this Committee to2400look back at--should some of these things, should flat feet2401still be preventative of joining? I do not have an opinion on2402the matter, but I think it is worth a fresh look.2403    Senator Budd. Thank you, and again, I appreciate your2404willingness to serve our country and I wish you the best.2405    Mr. Driscoll. Thank you, Senator.2406    Chairman Wicker. Thank you very much. Mr. Driscoll, before2407I recognize Senator Hirono, I want to make sure I get this2408straight. As a Mississippi young man, I joined the Air Force2409and was stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in2410Goldsboro, North Carolina. You would agree, would you not, that2411eastern North Carolina barbecue is far superior to Lexington-2412type of barbecue?2413    Senator Budd. I would ask you not to answer the question,2414sir.2415    Mr. Driscoll. So as someone from western North Carolina,2416Senator, my heart bleeds the thick, ketchup-based barbecue that2417I grew up with, but I can concede that Lexington barbecue is2418exceptional.2419    Chairman Wicker. Well, there is no accounting for taste,2420but a pretty good answer. Senator Hirono.2421    Senator Hirono. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I did want to take2422a moment to extend my condolences to all those affected by the2423tragic accident last night near Reagan National Airport and the2424brave Army soldiers on board the helicopter.2425    Mr. Driscoll, I ask the following two initial questions of2426all nominees who come before any of the committees on which I2427sit to ensure the fitness of the nominees. Since you became a2428legal adult, have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual2429favors or committed any verbal or physical harassment or2430assault of a sexual nature?2431    Mr. Driscoll. Never.2432    Senator Hirono. Have you ever faced discipline or entered2433into a settlement relating to this kind of conduct?2434    Mr. Driscoll. Never.2435    Senator Hirono. Mr. Driscoll, several of the critical2436training areas that the Army uses in Hawaii are leased from the2437State, including Pohakuloa, and the leases are set to expire in24382029. These leases are vital to ensuring military forces can2439adequately train in the Pacific. However, the land involved2440also holds cultural significance to the Native Hawaiian2441community.2442    How do you plan to approach these important lease2443renegotiations, and will you commit to engaging in good faith2444with State officials and the community to ensure that the2445leases are negotiated in a way that is fair to the State, the2446people of Hawaii, and the military?2447    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, this is an incredibly important2448issue, not just in Hawaii, but in all the places we engage with2449the community and sign leases. I would absolutely commit to2450wanting to work with your office and then to engage with2451community members to ensure the Army is being its best neighbor2452that it can be.2453    Earlier in the hearing I was referencing with your2454colleague, Senator Warren and I were chatting about this, both2455kind of abroad how the Army exists in its footprint, but then2456specifically domestically, how the Army and its soldiers and2457the civilians that work on the bases engage with the community2458and the youth in that community is directly correlated to who2459gets a taste of what the Army has to offer and who gets to see2460what a life in the Army can do for them. I think it is both the2461right thing to do and the selfish thing to do to be the best2462neighbors we can be.2463    Senator Hirono. Mr. Driscoll, I want to particularly2464emphasize how important these negotiations are and how they are2465conducted because the military of late has been criticized for2466what happened at Red Hill basically involving the Navy. But as2467far as the community is concerned, what happens to one service2468is something that impacts all of the other services. So it is2469really critical that you engage with the community.2470    So going to modernizing DOD infrastructure is one of my top2471priorities, and the Army has a deep backlog of maintenance and2472modernization for its facilities. Sadly, for example, in2473Hawaii, 50 percent of Army facilities are classified as failing2474or failed, and the cost to repair or replace them is over $52475billion. This is just involving Hawaii.2476    So we need to have a functioning infrastructure critical to2477military readiness. How are you planning to address the Army's2478infrastructure issue in Hawaii and in the greater Indo-Pacific?2479    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, I have had many friends stationed in2480Hawaii, and though the experience has been good, I think that2481they might echo that some of the maintenance issues exist. We2482owe a duty to our soldiers and their families. My daughter, my24836-year-old Lila is named after my E6's daughter, Lila. She2484lives on a military----2485    Senator Hirono. So Mr. Driscoll, my time is running out. So2486what I am getting from you is that there is a commitment to2487deal with the lagging infrastructure throughout the military2488and the Army, so I will certainly be holding you to that,2489should you be confirmed.2490    Let me get to mass deportations. President Trump has2491already ordered thousands of additional Army soldiers to the2492southern border. Experts have said deporting over 11 million2493people--these are the people who are undocumented--will require2494tens of thousands of personnel, hundreds of billions of2495dollars, and years to complete.2496    The Army is the primary military service who would be2497called upon to support a mass deportation order. What impact2498would deploying tens of thousands of troops have on Army2499readiness?2500    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, my understanding from the outside is2501that the Army stands by and stands ready to support the2502President's mission to defend the border----2503    Senator Hirono. Well, if you have to deploy 10,000 people2504or more from the Army to do that, I would say that it is going2505to impact Army readiness for the other purposes for which the2506Army is stood up. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2507    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Hirono. Senator2508Schmitt.2509    Senator Schmitt. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, I agree.2510Actually, Joe Biden letting in 15 million people here2511necessitating the mass deportations is a problem. But Bill2512Clinton deported 12 million people. Barack Obama deported 82513million people. So deportations, they may have been suspended2514over the last 4 years, but is exactly what people voted for.2515They are tired of the lawlessness.2516    But for you, thanks for being here and thanks for your2517willingness to serve. As you know, I am very supportive of your2518nomination. I think you are going to do a great job, and I2519think you are going to provide a great perspective for what the2520Army really needs. I think your energy and your attitude and2521the way you explain why you served and I think a way forward to2522improve recruiting is actually, I have not heard that before.2523You hear it from soldiers and you hear it from people who are2524actually serving, but for somebody that is serving in your2525capacity I think it is a great way to sort of frame the2526importance of the recruitment challenges that we have and how2527we get beyond it.2528    I do want to ask about Fort Leonard Wood. We talked about2529it. In Missouri, we are really blessed to have Fort Leonard2530Wood in our State. It is pretty uniquely situated in that it is2531in a rural setting with the Mark Twain Forest, you have got a2532lot of room. I think that maneuverability that you get and the2533versatility that you get, including from other branches in law2534enforcement, to train there is a pretty unique asset. So just a2535couple of questions on that.2536    There has been some talk, and I mentioned this to you, not2537really from the Army, but from the Defense Health Agency, there2538is a hospital there that is really important, not just to the2539base, but to the community there. There has been some2540discussion about downgrading that to some sort of health2541clinic. Will you commit to working with me to make sure that2542that does not happen? I think they have sort of backtracked2543from that, but that would be devastating for the Fort Leonard2544Wood community. Is that something we can work on?2545    Mr. Driscoll. Senator, it would be an honor to work with2546your office, and as somebody who grew up in the mountains of2547North Carolina, and my wife is a physician, access to health2548care is a real thing. If you take that access away, it can2549completely change how a community is able to function. So this2550is an important issue and I would look forward to working with2551you, if confirmed.2552    Senator Schmitt. Can you talk a little bit about the2553benefits of having a sort of centrally located base like that2554at Fort Leonard Wood? You have got all the real eState you2555need. There have been significant upgrades made, hundreds of2556millions of dollars pumped into the new housing there, so for2557the long term, it is a great place for us to kind of stage2558operations. A lot of people get their early training there. But2559why that is important to the Army to have a base like that?2560    Mr. Driscoll. My understanding, Senator, of your2561description, and if confirmed I would be honored to visit it2562with you, is the base can scale for future needs that we just2563do not know about. In a lot of areas, the bases are constrained2564by what is around them. This base seems to have the ability2565that if we needed it in 1 day, 1 year, or 10 years to scale for2566things. We do not quite know what we need. We do not know where2567our soldiers need to be positioned. We do not know what testing2568requirements will be. Fort Leonard Wood seems like an amazing2569place to be able to expand.2570    Senator Schmitt. Well, the folks back home would be happy2571to hear that you want to come by, and Missouri barbecue is the2572best in the country, so we will make sure you get some of that.2573My Texas friends and Carolina friends may disagree, but they2574are wrong. They are wrong.2575    I want to ask, we talked a little bit in my office and2576others may have touched on this too, but clearly our chief2577adversary is China, and so the Army is reorienting itself a2578little bit for this challenge. Can you talk about how you see2579it, and some things that if you were just talking to somebody2580on the street about what the Army's traditionally done and what2581it is going to need to do in the future to prepare for what2582could potentially be this struggle, of course, for the 21st2583century?2584    Mr. Driscoll. Absolutely, Senator. My time being deployed,2585and I think my friends who deployed to Afghanistan and my2586experience in Iraq, most of the movements were squad level2587movements. So you would have, call it, 15 to 25 men and women2588doing most actions. The logistics, getting things in and out of2589the countries was less contested. If you needed water or fuel,2590you could get it from the continental United States to those2591theaters quickly and relatively easily.2592    An engagement with a peer like China will be a completely2593and totally different thing than I have seen in my time on the2594Planet Earth. Everything can be contested. It is a peer2595adversary who will do everything they can to defeat us. This2596requires, let's call it a pre-war time footing for us as an2597Army and us as a people to get ourselves ready to engage in a2598conflict that could fundamentally alter our future way of life2599if we are not ready for it.2600    Senator Schmitt. Thank you, and as you know, I support you2601and I think you are going to do a great job. Thank you, Mr.2602Chairman.2603    Chairman Wicker. Thank you, Senator Schmitt. Thank you, Mr.2604Driscoll. We appreciate your answers to the questions today and2605we appreciate your willingness to serve, and we will now close2606the hearing.2607    For the information of our Members, questions for the2608record will be due to the Committee within two business days of2609the conclusion of this hearing. With that, if there are no2610objection, we are adjourned.2611    [Whereupon, at 11:47 a.m., the Committee adjourned.]26122613                                ------26142615    [Prepared questions submitted to Mr. Daniel P. Driscoll by2616Chairman Wicker prior to the hearing with answers supplied2617follow:]26182619                        Questions and Responses2620          duties and responsibilities as secretary of the army2621    Question. What is your understanding of the duties and functions of2622the Secretary of the Army?2623    Answer. The Secretary of the Army is the senior official and head2624of the Department of the Army, with authority and responsibility for2625conducting all affairs of the Department of the Army, subject to the2626authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense (102627U.S.C. Sec. 7013). The Secretary of the Army is solely responsible for2628the functions of Acquisition, Audit, Comptroller, Information2629Management, Inspector General, Legislative Affairs, Public Affairs and2630Research and Development (10 U.S.C. Sec. 7014).2631    The Secretary of the Army is also responsible for the supervision2632and control of Army intelligence activities as well as any other2633activities as may be prescribed by law, the President, or the Secretary2634of Defense.2635    Question. What background and experience do you possess that render2636you highly qualified to perform these duties and responsibilities?2637    Answer. I was honored to first experience the Department of the2638Army through the lens of a young Armor officer, deploying to Iraq from26392009-2010, which was an ideal way to understand the needs and2640perspectives of the Army's soldiers, the sacrifices required of them2641and their families, and the institutional culture that makes our Army2642the finest in the world. After being honorably discharged from the2643Army, I attended Yale Law School on the Post-9/11 GI Bill and graduated2644in 2014. I then began a career in finance working at an investment bank2645and then co-founded a venture studio where we partnered to launch and2646grow small and medium businesses in my home State of North Carolina. I2647began working as a Chief Operations Officer at a venture capital fund2648and worked as a Chief Strategy Officer at a healthcare business. My2649experience working with innovators in the private sector has given me a2650crucial lens to apply to the current challenges facing the Army.2651    If confirmed, I would serve as the soldier's Secretary of the Army,2652as opposed to that the bureaucrats. I would spend every day focused on2653our soldiers and their families knowing the immense sacrifices they and2654their families make to uphold the freedoms we hold dear. If confirmed,2655my duty would be to ensure our soldiers have the world's finest2656training, equipment, and leadership to accomplish any mission, and to2657make the Army the most lethal force possible.2658    Question. In particular, what management and leadership experience2659do you possess that you would apply to your service as Secretary of the2660Army, if confirmed?2661    Answer. My background as an Army Armor officer was invaluable in2662preparing me to lead the Army. From leading soldiers in garrison at2663Fort Drum, NY to the training fields of Yuma, Arizona to the2664battlefield in Baghdad, Iraq, I have learned that every decision2665requires putting the soldier first. I know from first-hand experience2666the challenges soldiers face every day. My time serving as a cavalry2667scout with the 10th Mountain Division is the most formative leadership2668experience that I have had. If confirmed, I will always remember that2669it is the soldiers on the ground that will feel the consequences of2670their leaders' decisions. I intend to be the soldiers' Secretary of the2671Army.2672    Since leaving the Army, I have led teams in private sector roles2673across several industries. In each role, it was critical to have a team2674of experts who could bring their own experiences and leadership styles2675to the roles and, if confirmed, I would build a similar team of experts2676for the Army.2677    If confirmed, I look forward to leading from the front, working2678closely with Army senior leaders and staff to lead an Army focused on2679mission effectiveness that takes care of its people, soldiers,2680civilians, and their families.2681    Question. To the extent that the functions of the Army overlap with2682those of other DOD entities, what would be your approach, if confirmed,2683to consolidating and reducing unnecessary duplication?2684    Answer. If confirmed, I will eagerly coordinate with the Department2685in identifying and eliminating unnecessary duplication. I will2686prioritize ensuring that the right element is in the lead on each task2687rather than focusing on territoriality. Our resources are finite, and2688the tasks and the responsibilities of the Department and the Army are2689large, so there is no room for waste.2690    Question. If confirmed, what duties and responsibilities would you2691assign to the Under Secretary of the Army?2692    Answer. The Under Secretary of the Army performs such duties and2693exercises such powers as prescribed by the Secretary of the Army, and2694Army General Order No. 2024-01 specifies that the Under Secretary is2695the Secretary's senior civilian assistant and principal adviser on2696matters related to the management and operation of the Army.2697Accordingly, the Under Secretary is entrusted with the task of2698communicating and advocating for Army policies, plans, and programs to2699external audiences, including Congress, the American people, and2700foreign governments. The Under Secretary is also designated as the2701position of Chief Management Officer of the Army, serving as the2702Secretary's principal adviser on the effective and efficient2703organization of the Army's business operations and initiatives for the2704business transformation of the Army. If confirmed, I would continue to2705assign the Under Secretary of the Army those duties and2706responsibilities and would rely on them as a key member of the team.2707    Question. If confirmed, over which members and organizations of the2708Army would you direct the Chief of Staff of the Army to exercise2709supervision and what would be the scope of such supervision? What other2710duties would you assign to the Chief of Staff of the Army?2711    Answer. The Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA) is the senior military2712advisor to the Secretary of the Army and the senior Army military2713officer. The CSA presides over the Army Staff, communicates Army Staff2714plans and recommendations to the Secretary of the Army, and advises the2715Secretary of the Army on those plans and recommendations. In addition2716to the advisor role, the CSA is responsible for ensuring the effective2717and efficient functioning of Army organizations and commands in2718executing their statutory missions and assisting the Secretary of the2719Army in performing acquisition-related functions. The CSA also performs2720the duties prescribed for him as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff2721(10 U.S.C. Sec.  151). Additionally, multiple units report directly to2722the CSA, including the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, the U.S.2723Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Army Military District of2724Washington, and the U.S. Army War College.2725    If confirmed, I would assign the above responsibilities and2726supervisory roles to the CSA.2727    Question. If confirmed, what innovative ideas would you consider2728providing to the Secretary of Defense regarding the organization and2729operations of the Department of the Army?2730    Answer. If confirmed, I would consider providing recommendations to2731the Secretary of Defense concerning accelerating promotions for2732exceptionally meritorious individuals and broadening opportunities for2733non-traditional career pathways to ensure the Army attracts and retains2734the best talent. I would base any such recommendations on a thorough2735review of the Army's current policies and procedures.2736                         conflicts of interest2737    Question. Federal ethics laws, like 10 U.S.C. Sec. 208, prohibit2738government employees from participating in matters where they, or2739certain family members or organizations with which they have certain2740relationships, have a financial interest.2741    Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to disclose any2742potential conflicts of interest, including investments, business ties,2743family relationships, or other connections that could be perceived as2744influencing your decisionmaking?2745    Answer. Yes, I agree.2746    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, that2747if a conflict of interest arises, you will recuse yourself from2748participating in any relevant decisions regarding that specific matter?2749    Answer. Yes, I agree.2750    Question. Do you commit, without qualification, if confirmed, to2751decisionmaking on the merits and exclusively in the public interest,2752without regard to private gain or personal benefit?2753    Answer. Yes, I do.2754                    civilian control of the military2755    Question. In its report, Providing for the Common Defense, the2756National Defense Strategy Commission cautioned, ``there is an imbalance2757in civil-military relations on critical issues of strategy development2758and implementation. Civilian voices appear muted on issues at the2759center of U.S. defense and national security policy.''2760    If confirmed, specifically what would you do to ensure that your2761tenure as Secretary of the Army epitomizes the fundamental requirement2762for civilian control of the Armed Forces embedded in the U.S.2763Constitution and other laws?2764    Answer. I am fully committed to the requirements in the U.S.2765Constitution and other laws enshrining civilian control of America's2766Armed Forces. If confirmed, I would bring that commitment to my role as2767Secretary of the Army, fulfilling my legal obligations to control and2768oversee all affairs of the Army.2769                                 budget2770    Question. If confirmed, by what standards would you measure the2771adequacy of funding for the Army?2772    Answer. If confirmed, I will measure the adequacy of funding for2773the Army by the Army's ability to meet the requirements laid out in the2774NDS and the priorities of the Secretary of Defense. As a critical part2775of the Joint Force, the Army must be capable of defeating military2776aggression that threatens U.S. vital interests.2777    Question. How will you ensure the Army is appropriately resourced2778to simultaneously modernize, grow readiness, and take care of its2779people?2780    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Secretary of Defense to2781ensure that the Army has sufficient resources to address each of its2782priorities and will ensure that any resource constraints are2783communicated clearly and early to Congress.2784    Question. Section 222a of title 10, U.S. Code, provides that not2785later than 10 days after the President's submission of the defense2786budget to Congress, each Service Chief must submit to the congressional2787defense committees a report that lists, in order of priority, the2788unfunded priorities of his or her armed force.2789    If confirmed, do you agree to support the Chief of Staff of the2790Army in providing his/her unfunded priorities list to Congress in a2791timely manner?2792    Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I will support the Army Chief of Staff2793in meeting the statutory requirement by providing an Unfunded2794Requirements (UFR) list to Congress within 10 days of the submission of2795the President's defense budget to Congress.2796                    major challenges and priorities2797    Question. What would you see as your highest priorities for the2798near-term and long-term future of the Army?2799    Answer. If confirmed, I will initially focus on advancing the2800Army's current priorities: Warfighting, Delivering Combat-Ready2801Formations, Continuous Transformation and Strengthening the Profession.2802I will also carefully review and validate those priorities and consider2803any necessary changes.2804    Question. What do you consider to be the most significant2805challenges you would face, if confirmed as Secretary of the Army?2806    Answer. If confirmed, I expect that one of my most significant2807challenges would be ensuring the Army recruits qualified candidates in2808sufficient numbers. As the Army's end-strength and veteran population2809declines, fewer young people are closely connected to a soldier or2810veteran, meaning becoming a soldier may seem foreign to them.2811    A second significant challenge I would anticipate is continuing the2812substantial task of modernizing the force to maintain overmatch against2813near-peer adversaries.2814    Question. What plans do you have for addressing each of these2815challenges, if confirmed?2816    Answer. If confirmed, I will strive to ensure that the Army2817presents a compelling message concerning the benefit of service both to2818our Nation and to those that serve, and that the message is presented2819across every region and eligible demographic. Young people want to2820understand the value proposition of what is presented to them, and it2821would be my job to ensure that the Army offers them a strong value.2822    To continue the modernization of the Army while maintaining a high2823level of readiness, I would communicate frequently and transparently2824with all stakeholders, including the Office of the Secretary of2825Defense, the Assistant Secretary of the Army Acquisition, Logistics and2826Technology, and Army Futures Command, ensuring that operational demands2827do not overwhelm the Army's ability to prepare for the future fight. I2828will also prioritize ensuring that Army modernization programs remain2829on time and on budget.2830                       national defense strategy2831    Question. The 2022 NDS outlines that the United States faces a2832rising China, an aggressive Russia, and the continued threat from rogue2833regimes and global terrorism. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the NDS2834Commission testified in July 2024 that China, Russia, Iran, and North2835Korea have formed an ``axis of aggressors'', supporting each other's2836military aggression and illegal wars.2837    What is your assessment of the military threat posed by the2838People's Republic of China?2839    Answer. The 2018 and 2022 National Defense Strategies each2840identified China as the Department of Defense's pacing threat, and I2841share that assessment. Xi Jinping has openly expressed his intention to2842annex Taiwan to mainland China, told his armed forces to be prepared to2843use force to achieve such an outcome by 2027, and invested heavily in2844military capabilities required for such a campaign. If he were to2845succeed in achieving that goal, that would profoundly negatively impact2846future U.S. trade, military alliances, and influence around the world.2847    Question. What is your assessment of the military threat posed by2848Russia?2849    Answer. The 2018 and 2022 National Defense Strategies each found2850that Russia presents a significant conventional, gray zone, and2851strategic threat to the United States and Europe and acts as a2852destabilizing force in several other regions globally. Even constrained2853by the international sanction's regime in place since 2014, Russia has2854successfully fielded and maintained capable military forces, delivered2855novel strategic capabilities, and increased production of key platforms2856and materiel.2857    Outside the constraints of the New START Treaty, Russia has2858substantially built up its tactical nuclear arsenal, threatening its2859neighbors in Europe and Asia. Russia's ability to operate extra-2860regionally using mercenaries and proxies has been strained but is not2861insignificant.2862    Question. What is your assessment of the military threat posed by2863collusion among Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea?2864    Answer. Recent actions taken by China, Russia, Iran, and North2865Korea in Ukraine and elsewhere suggest a cooperative approach to2866undermine U.S. influence and its alliances around the world. Near peer2867competitors may view rogue states as distractions that they can use to2868draw the attention and resources of the United States and its allies2869away from their own military buildup or coercive activities.2870    Technology transfer and materiel sales have allowed these countries2871to circumvent or alleviate the costs imposed upon them by sanctions.2872And there is the potential that military conflict spurred by any one of2873these actors could be used as an opportunity for another actor to2874engage in aggression if they believe U.S. forces are tied down. It is a2875foundational principle of strategy that one's adversaries should be2876divided.2877    Question. Are there significant opportunities that, in your view,2878the Army has been unable to leverage, or has leveraged only in part,2879since the NDS was published in 2022? If so, how would you correct this2880situation, if confirmed?2881    Answer. With the 2022 National Defense Strategy identifying China2882as the Department of Defense's pacing threat and finding that Russia2883presents a significant conventional, gray zone, and strategic threat to2884the United States, I would approach my evaluation of any additional2885needed capabilities, if confirmed, with this in mind. Following this2886evaluation, I would make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense on2887any potential additional resources or authorities the Department of the2888Army might need.2889    Question. What do you perceive to be the Army's role in competing2890with and countering China?2891    Answer. The Army remains an essential force for asserting American2892power in the Indo-Pacific. The vast majority of Chiefs of Defense in2893the Indo-Pacific have an army background, and many of them have2894attended professional military education courses in the USA. The Army2895regularly participates in exercises across the region, continually2896strengthening our bonds with Indo-Pacific allies and partners.2897    The Army's communications, logistics, security, air defense, cyber,2898and sensing and strike capabilities will be extremely important in any2899Pacific conflict. Moreover, the ground combat capabilities that the2900Army maintains may be important as well. We all have a vision of what2901warfare in the Indo-Pacific looks like, but our pre-conceived notions2902of future war are rarely accurate.2903    Question. Do you believe the Army must maintain the ability to2904conduct large-scale ground combat operations, to deter major-power2905competitors such as Russia?2906    Answer. Yes, the Army must always have the ability to conduct2907large-scale ground combat operations, and all operations across the2908continuum of conflict.2909    Question. Is the Army adequately sized, structured, and resourced2910to implement the current strategy and the associated operational plans?2911Please explain your answer.2912    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Army, Joint Staff, and2913OSD to evaluate the Army's current strategy and determine if the force2914is sized, structured, and resourced to satisfy operational plans.2915    Question. What are your primary lessons learned from observing2916operations in Ukraine and the Middle East that the Army must consider2917in its modernization efforts?2918    Answer. Small-unmanned aerial systems, counter-unmanned aerial2919system technologies, and the revitalization of electronic warfare are2920reshaping modern battlefields. Access to air power at scale is changing2921tactics, techniques, and procedures. The Army must adopt this2922technology, and the techniques developed in the Russo-Ukraine conflict2923quickly.2924    Question. Does the Army have the requisite analytic capabilities2925and tools to support you, if confirmed, in evaluating the Army's force2926structure and sizing strategies to ensure that it can and will generate2927forces that are manned, trained, and equipped to execute current plans2928and strategies? Please explain your answer.2929    Answer. If confirmed, I will evaluate our current processes and2930capabilities for shaping army structure and size and modify them2931accordingly to ensure that the Army can generate forces to execute our2932current plans and strategies.2933    Question. If confirmed, how will you address any gaps or shortfalls2934in the Army's ability to meet the demands placed on it by the2935operational plans that implement the current strategy?2936    Answer. I will work with the Army Staff to identify potential2937mitigations to any revealed gaps or shortfalls in the Army's ability to2938enact operational plans, while we account for long-term deficiencies2939that these mitigations create.2940    Question. If confirmed, what changes or adjustments would you make2941in the Army's implementation of the current strategy?2942    Answer. If confirmed, one of my first acts as Secretary of the Army2943will be to conduct a complete review of the Army's current strategy and2944revise it accordingly.2945    Question. How would you characterize your familiarity with the2946civilian leaders of the Armies of other nations and multi-national and2947international land power-focused consultative forums? If confirmed, on2948which leaders and forums would you focus your engagement with a view to2949advancing the interests of the Army?2950    Answer. Relationships with foreign military leaders are essential2951to maintain interoperability with our allies and partners. The timing2952and frequency of my engagements with foreign leaders and at land-power2953forums will be driven by priorities identified in our national military2954strategy.2955    The Army is the lead Service for overseeing the development of the2956components that compromise the Integrated Air and Missile Defense of2957Guam system. However, rather than embrace this effort so critical to2958U.S. operations in a contingency in the Western Pacific, the Army has2959assumed a much lesser role than that required by a Joint Program2960Executive Office who should manage the timing and integration of the2961multi-service air and missile defense weapons systems, contributing to2962continued delays in the overall effort.2963    Question. If confirmed as Secretary, what steps will you take to2964ensure the Army better executes its responsibilities for the defense of2965Guam and expedites the fielding of air and missile defense capabilities2966on the island?2967    Answer. If confirmed, I will evaluate current Army resource2968contributions against the integrated air and missile defense plan and2969work with my counterparts in the other services to ensure we work2970together to provide for the defense of Guam.2971                              end strength2972    Question. Is the Army's current end strength sufficient to meet2973national security objectives and execute the associated operational2974plans? If not, what end strength do you believe is necessary? Please2975explain your answer.2976    Answer. I think that the decline in Army end strength in recent2977years is due to recruiting challenges rather than a conclusion that the2978Army required fewer soldiers to meet its national security objectives.2979This has occurred during an era of increasing security challenges.2980Therefore, it is likely that the Army's current end strength is2981insufficient to accomplish its mission. I will need additional data,2982including wargame outputs, analysis, and opinions from senior leaders,2983before I can verify that conclusion or make recommendations on the2984total Army end strength that is required.2985    If confirmed, I will assess end strength levels in concert with the2986OSD staff, the Joint Staff and the Army Staff against appropriate2987defense planning scenarios. Any growth in the Army's end strength2988should have the full support of Congress. I would only ask for that2989support after reviewing service plans for force structure,2990modernization, training, and logistical requirements in line with an2991updated National Defense Strategy.2992                          recruiting/retention2993    Question. The 2024 National Defense Strategy Commission stated that2994``The DOD workforce and the all-volunteer force provide an unmatched2995advantage. However, recruiting failures have shrunk the force and raise2996serious questions about the all-volunteer force in peacetime, let alone2997in major combat.'' In addition, DOD studies indicate that only about 232998percent of today's youth population is eligible for military service,2999and only a fraction of those who meet military accession standards are3000interested in serving.3001    If confirmed, how would you ensure the Army maintains sufficiently3002high recruitment and retention standards?3003    Answer. Maintaining appropriate standards is a critical component3004of Army readiness. If confirmed, I will review the Army's current3005recruitment and retention standards and solicit input from all levels3006of the Army to ensure that the right standards are in place. I will3007also empower Army leaders to hold recruits and soldiers to those3008standards, ensuring that the Army does not enlist soldiers unprepared3009to succeed and does not reenlist soldiers who have not maintained3010standards.3011    Question. If required to choose between maintaining high3012recruitment and retention standards and achieving authorized end3013strength levels, which would be more important, in your view?3014    Answer. Standards are important. If confirmed, I would not support3015lowering recruitment or retention standards to meet end strength goals.3016Unprepared or unqualified soldiers hinder the mission, and accessing or3017retaining the wrong people is not an effective method of achieving3018metrics.3019    Question. What impact do current medical and other qualifications3020for enlistment in the Army have on the number of individuals eligible3021for military service? If confirmed, what changes to such3022qualifications, if any, would you recommend to increase the number of3023individuals eligible for service without degrading the quality of3024recruits?3025    Answer. The low percentage of American eligible and interested in3026serving in the Army is greatly concerning. If confirmed, I will review3027the Army's current enlistment qualifications to ensure they are the3028right standards and not unnecessarily eliminating qualified individuals3029from consideration. If we are enforcing standards irrelevant to an3030individual's ability to serve effectively, I would recommend changing3031those standards.3032    Question. Rather than relying solely on ever-higher compensation3033for a shrinking pool of volunteers, what creative steps would you take,3034if confirmed, to expand the pool of eligible recruits and improve Army3035recruiting?3036    Answer. If confirmed, I will consider all non-monetary options of3037expanding the pool of eligible recruits and improving Army recruiting,3038including alternative career routes, sabbaticals, desired duty station3039assignment, increased direct commissions for certain specialties, and3040others. I will also review the Army recruiting strategy to ensure it3041effectively conveys a strong value proposition to young people across3042the Nation.3043    Question. What do you consider to be key to the Army's future3044success in retaining the best qualified personnel for continued service3045in positions of greater responsibility and leadership in the Army?3046    Answer. The best qualified soldiers are likely to have strong3047alternative employment options, including monetarily, so the Army must3048compete in other areas to retain them. I believe that soldiers are3049inclined to remain in the Army when they and their families have been3050treated well, when they have been given chances to develop and succeed,3051and when they feel like they are using their abilities to make3052meaningful contributions to high-performing teams. Providing our3053soldiers with strong quality of life, maximizing dwell time and3054predictability of assignments, providing them with new challenges, and3055ensuring capable and responsive chains of command will best position3056the Army to compete for talent.3057    Question. What steps, if any, should be taken to ensure that3058current operational requirements and tempo do not adversely impact the3059overall recruiting, retention, readiness, and morale of soldiers?3060    Answer. Every time that the Army sends a unit on a training3061exercise, overseas rotation, or deployment, it must assess the holistic3062impact on the readiness of that unit and other units. Operational3063requirements must be balanced against the long-term health and3064readiness of the force.3065    Question. In your view, do current recruiting standards--3066particularly DOD-wide criteria for tier-one recruits--accurately3067predict recruit attrition and/or future success in the Army?3068    Answer. If confirmed, I will review the data concerning the level3069to which current recruiting standards accurately predict recruitment3070attrition and/or future success in the Army. If I determine that the3071current standards are not an accurate predictor, I will advocate for3072appropriate changes.3073    Question. Do you believe that current military entrance testing3074methods unnecessarily restrict the pool of eligible recruits, for3075example, by penalizing prospective recruits for whom English is not3076their native language?3077    Answer. If confirmed, I will review current military entrance3078testing methods. I will conduct that review before determining whether3079current entrance testing methods unnecessarily restrict the pool of3080eligible recruits. If I conclude that any current entrance testing3081methods are unfair, I will advocate appropriate changes.3082                           reserve components3083    Question. In a historic shift since 9/11, Reserve components of the3084Army continue to serve more routinely as a part-time workforce for the3085Department of the Army in support of ongoing training and operational3086requirements. This requires continuous review of how the Army funds,3087develops, equips and compensates members of the Army Reserve and Army3088National Guard.3089    In your view, what is the appropriate relationship between the3090Active Army and the Army Reserve and Army National Guard?3091    Answer. The Active Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard are3092all critical components of the Total Force. The roles that each3093component plays in an operation are dictated by circumstances,3094capabilities, and the timing of events. The Reserve components provide3095the Active Force with supplemental and unique capabilities and can3096provide relief to stressed formations in the Active component. However,3097the Army must always be cautious about overstressing Reserve components3098units in turn.3099    Question. What is your vision for the roles and missions of the3100Army Reserve components? If confirmed, what new objectives would you3101seek to achieve with respect to the Army Reserve components'3102organization, force structure, end strength, and readiness?3103    Answer. Reserve components provide depth and expertise and3104skillsets that are often unavailable in the Active Army. If confirmed,3105I will evaluate how the Army employs, schedules, alerts, and mobilizes3106the Reserve components to support operations across the globe.3107    Additionally, I will review the balance of capabilities between3108Reserve components and the Active Army during the annual Total Army3109Analysis Process.3110    Question. Are you concerned that continued reliance on Army Reserve3111components to execute operational missions--both at home and around the3112globe--is adversely affecting the ability to meet their recruiting and3113retention missions? Why or why not?3114    Answer. Excessive operational tempo can harm recruiting and3115retention. I would need to view additional data before I can assess if3116or how the current operational tempo of the Reserve components is3117affecting their recruitment or retention.3118    As both an operational Reserve and a part-time workforce, members3119of the Army Reserve components are subject to many requirements by both3120the Active Force and the Reserves. In many cases, reservists are3121required to do more work than they have time for, given the part-time3122nature of their service, Army limits on compensation, and competing3123personal and professional priorities.3124    Question. In this world of limited resources, what are the most3125important activities for members of the Army Reserve component to3126engage in?3127    Answer. The primary task of all Army Reserve units and individuals3128is to maintain readiness. Army Reserve units should strive to gain and3129maintain proficiency in their mission essential tasks and individuals3130should strive to be proficient in their assigned duties and mission-3131occupational specialty.3132    Question. In what areas should the Army take acceptable risks in3133the training and readiness of Reserve Forces?3134    Answer. The Army should evaluate the quantity of mandatory training3135not required by law that Reserve component forces are required to3136complete annually.3137    Question. In your view, does the Army offer adequate career3138management to members of the Reserve components?3139    Answer. The Army offers career development models to Reserve3140component soldiers. However, they receive less formal guidance than3141many of their Active Duty peers. At present, Reserve and Active career3142models are very similar. If confirmed, I will ask the Chief of the Army3143Reserve and the Chief of the Army National Guard to evaluate if we3144should make changes to Reserve component career models and professional3145military education requirements.3146    Question. In your view, are any legislative reforms necessary to3147facilitate easier transitions for members of all components between3148Active and Reserve status?3149    Answer. If confirmed, I would support making transitions between3150Active and Reserve status in the Army more seamless. I will need to3151study the issue more to determine if legislative reforms are necessary3152to ease transitions between components.3153                         non-deployable issues3154    Question. Do you agree that soldiers who are non-deployable for3155more than 12 consecutive months should be subject either to separation3156from the Army or referral into the Disability Evaluation System?3157    Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that soldiers who are non-3158deployable for more than 12 consecutive months will receive an3159individualized review that weighs whether their continued service is in3160the Nation's best interest. If not, they should be considered for3161separation from service or referral into the Disability Evaluation3162System as appropriate.3163    Question. In your view, under what circumstances might the3164retention of a soldier who has been non-deployable for more than 123165months be ``in the best interest of the Army''?3166    Answer. The determination of whether retaining a soldier who has3167been non-deployable for more than 12 months is in the best interest of3168the Army is an individualized review that should consider factors3169including the likelihood of the soldier swiftly returning to deployable3170status and the soldier's unique skills and qualifications.3171                         army talent management3172    Question. In your judgment, how effective is the Army at3173identifying, promoting, and rewarding top performers?3174    Answer. I believe that the Army generally does a good job3175identifying and promoting top talent in our enlisted and junior officer3176ranks, particularly during tactical assignments. However, the current3177promotion system does not necessarily select senior officers for their3178institutional knowledge or strategic acumen, which are increasingly3179desirable as officers progress.3180    I believe that the Army struggles to reward talent and retain3181talent, in part, because of the inflexible nature of its time-based3182compensation and promotion system. Exemplary leaders can only expect to3183be promoted one to 2 years more quickly than a peer of average3184performance. That's a very different dynamic than the private sector.3185    Question. Similarly, how effective is the Army at identifying and3186removing underperforming or counterproductive servicemembers?3187    Answer. I believe that the Army's current evaluation system is3188generally effective at identifying unperforming or counterproductive3189soldiers. The Army's ability to remove or exclude underperforming3190servicemembers is significantly constrained by the health and size of3191an officer's or non-commissioned officer's career field and rank. When3192the Army has a surplus of soldiers of a specific rank, promotion rates3193are lower. When recruiting and retention are challenging, promotion3194rates are higher. For example, in 2005, during the surge in Iraq, 973195percent of eligible Army Captains were promoted to Major. Historically,3196that percentage was closer to 80 percent.3197    Question. In your view, what should be done to improve Army talent3198management, both in the Active and Reserve components?3199    Answer. The Army should work with the Department of Defense and3200Congress to continue to refine elements of the Defense Officer3201Personnel Management Act to make promotion schedules more flexible. It3202should also make better use of its direct commissioning programs to3203introduce different perspectives into the force.3204    I also believe that the Army should ease the process for soldiers3205to transfer between Reserve and Active service. Permitting soldiers to3206more easily transition between Active Duty and Reserve components will3207improve access to talent across the breadth of the total force and3208introduce flexibility in military service in a manner that improves3209retention.3210    As the Army fights for talent, it must continue to improve its3211efforts to place the right person in the right place to maximize the3212contributions of each soldier to the mission of restoring lethality and3213deterrence to the Army and our country.3214                           suicide prevention3215    Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take to prevent3216suicides in the Active Army, the Army Reserve, and the Army National3217Guard, and in the families of soldiers across all components?3218    Answer. Even one suicide among the force is too many. If confirmed,3219I will make suicide prevention a high priority, striving to ensure that3220all soldiers and their families have access to the resources necessary3221to foster their physical, mental and spiritual well-being, and that3222their leaders encourage them to take advantage of those resources.3223     sexual harassment and assault prevention and response programs3224    Question. Do you believe the policies, programs, resources, and3225training that DOD and the Military Services have put in place to3226prevent and respond to sexual assault, and to protect service members3227who report sexual assault from retaliation, are working? If not, what3228else must be done?3229    Answer. There is no place in the Military for sexual assault or3230sexual harassment. Sexual assault is a crime within and outside of the3231Army. It destroys unit cohesion and readiness and deters both men and3232women from serving. Congress, the Department of Defense, and the Army3233have taken a series of helpful actions to reduce the incidence of3234sexual assault in the military, but more must be done.3235    If confirmed, I will continue to refine policies and programs3236implemented over the last 4 years to reduce the incidence of sexual3237assault and improve support to victims. I anticipate ensuring high-3238level focus on this issue; including appointing a high-level position3239dedicated to ensuring a focus on ending sexual assault in the military.3240Every soldier deserves the opportunity to serve their nation without3241fear of harassment or assault. If the worst happens, the process of3242justice must be fair and swift, perpetrators must be brought to3243justice, and victims must have access to the services they need and are3244ensured the ability to continue their service without sanction or3245setback to themselves or their careers.3246    Question. If confirmed, what would you do to increase focus on the3247prevention of sexual assaults?3248    Answer. If confirmed, I will review the Army's existing efforts to3249prevent sexual assault. I will personally express the importance of3250focusing on that prevention and instruct Army leaders at all levels to3251do the same with their soldiers.3252    Question. What is your view of the necessity of affording a victim3253both restricted and unrestricted options to report sexual harassment?3254    Answer. Offering restricted and unrestricted reporting options to3255victims of sexual harassment increases the likelihood that victims will3256feel comfortable and safe enough to report that harassment. Reporting3257sexual harassment is a necessary step to effectively address that3258wrongful conduct. If confirmed, I would support offering both types of3259reporting options.3260           domestic violence and child abuse in army families3261    Question. What is your understanding of the extent of domestic3262violence and child abuse in the Army, and, if confirmed, what actions3263would you take to address these issues?3264    Answer. Any domestic violence and child abuse in the Army is3265unacceptable. If confirmed, I will review the current rates of both3266domestic violence and child abuse in the Army, ensure that the Army3267holds perpetrators accountable and assists victims, and that victims3268are familiar with and have access to a range of reporting options and3269resources. I will also ensure that Army leaders at all levels3270prioritize that effort.3271        services provided to service members and their families3272    Question. If confirmed, how would you support increased employment3273opportunities for military spouses and other family members?3274    Answer. Army families make many sacrifices, and they deserve the3275Nation's support. Army spouses' careers are frequently disrupted by3276their spouse's training exercises, reassignments, and deployments. If3277confirmed, I will review existing Army programs and policies in place3278to support employment opportunities for spouses and other family3279members and work with the Secretary of Defense, Congress, and State and3280local governments to ensure that Army programs and policies continue to3281grow meaningful employment opportunities for Army family members.3282    If confirmed, what specifically would you do to establish3283accountability in the Army for sustaining the high-quality housing that3284soldier and their families deserve?3285    Answer. Army families and servicemembers deserve high-quality3286housing. If confirmed, I will evaluate the current performance of3287housing providers and empower garrison commanders to hold these3288providers accountable.3289    Question. If confirmed, what specifically would you do to establish3290accountability in Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI)3291``contractors,'' particularly given that, in most cases, they have3292public-private partnership agreements with the Army that extend for as3293long as 50 years?3294    Answer. I will work with the Army Installation Management Command3295to evaluate the performance of each MHPI contractor, and to determine3296what authorities the Department can leverage to improve performance. If3297necessary, I will request additional authorities from Congress.3298                             army readiness3299    Question. How would you assess the current readiness of the Army--3300across the domains of materiel and equipment, personnel, and training--3301to execute the National Defense Strategy and Combatant Commanders'3302associated operational plans?3303    Answer. The U.S. Army continues to be the most professional land3304force in the world. However, I worry about the ability of the country's3305industrial base to provide sufficient military stocks to fully support3306our warfighters.3307    Additionally, our technological edge is shrinking. The Army needs3308to accelerate its modernization and better prepare our forces for the3309advances in drone and autonomous warfare the world has witnessed in3310Ukraine.3311    Question. In your view, what are the priority missions for which3312current and future Army forces should be trained and ready in the3313context of day-to-day activities, as well as for contingencies?3314    Answer. Prioritization for training and readiness will be driven by3315the National Defense Strategy and National Military Strategy. If3316confirmed, I will work with the Army Staff to align our training and3317readiness against defense planning scenarios identified by the3318Department.3319    Question. If confirmed, how would you oversee compliance by the3320Army with readiness goals and timelines?3321    Answer. If confirmed, I would work with my staff to evaluate and3322revise the existing governance structure within the Army to ensure that3323the organization establishes metrics and regularly reviews progress3324toward our readiness goals.3325    Question. If confirmed, how would you prioritize maintaining3326readiness in the near term, with modernizing the Army to ensure future3327readiness?3328    Answer. Prior to supporting a deployment or rotation, I will3329require the Army Staff to holistically assess the impact of that3330deployment on the readiness of the impacted unit or stock, future3331readiness, and impact on the career field of soldiers impacted by that3332deployment. In the case of transferring arms or military stocks to3333another country, I will require the Army Staff to provide information3334on the capacity of our industrial base to replace the item, and the3335time and money required.3336                               munitions3337    Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to ensure the3338Army has sufficient inventories of munitions to meet combatant3339commanders' needs?3340    Answer. Maintaining a sufficient inventory of critical munitions is3341essential to keeping the Army ready for conflict, supporting allies and3342partners, and deterring adversaries from hostile action. If confirmed,3343I will direct the Army Staff to work with OSD Policy, the Joint staff,3344and OSD A&S, to verify munitions requirements, and suggest mitigations3345to overcome shortfalls in the short-, medium-, and long-term.3346    Question. Is the ammunition industrial base, including the Army's3347organic ammunition plants, capable of supporting current and future3348munitions requirements, in your view?3349    Answer. While I have not received briefings from the Army on its3350organic industrial base modernization plan, I suspect that there will3351be more to do to meet current and future munitions requirements. If3352confirmed, implementing and revising this modernization plan will be a3353top priority for my office and the ASA (ATL).3354    Question. If confirmed, what actions would you take to reduce3355single points of failure and foreign material supplier dependencies in3356the ammunition industrial base?3357    Answer. The Army needs to be able to quickly scale production of3358critical munitions while protecting its supply base. It is increasingly3359important to reduce single points of failure and foreign dependencies3360in our ammunition industrial base. If confirmed, I will work to make3361sure that plans to reduce foreign dependencies and single points of3362failure are included in OIB modernization plans.3363    Question. Based on your experience, what are some of the lessons3364from the past 4 years of increasing 155mm artillery shell production3365that we should ensure get institutionalized in the Army to improve3366future industrial mobilization efforts (for munitions or other areas)?3367    Answer. The U.S. Military must question many of the assumptions it3368made during the ``peace dividend'' era about the need for flexibility3369in defense production. From what I have observed, the Army has learned3370that it needs to regularly invest in its organic industrial base,3371nurture component suppliers domestically, and understand the time3372required to procure long-lead items necessary to scale manufacturing.3373    Question. Based on your experience, how should the Army be3374factoring in the needs of foreign partners and allies into over3375munitions forecasting in order to improve the long-term production3376stability of the industrial base?3377    Answer. Forecasting future needs for the U.S. military is extremely3378challenging, and adding in foreign partners and allies adds another3379layer of friction. I am skeptical that the Department can successfully3380forecast these requirements in a dynamic, geopolitical environment.3381Accordingly, it must make acquisition strategies and industrial base3382investments in equipment and munitions that allow for expansion and3383contraction in demand based on a range of demand that can be expected3384from allies and partners. The Department needs modular production3385facilities, and a cold and warm capacity that can be turned on and off3386to meet need.3387    Question. The Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA required the Department of3388Defense to establish a pilot program to incorporate the explosive CL-203389into existing munitions. Is the Army considering executing any3390activities under this pilot in order to improve the explosive yield or3391operational envelope of any of its munitions?3392    Answer. I have not had the opportunity to receive a brief on this3393pilot program but will request one if confirmed.3394    Question. Regardless of whether the Army is doing anything under3395this pilot program, how is the Army considering incorporation of new3396energetic materials, like CL-20, or new manufacturing processes for3397energetics, like biomanufacturing, into existing munitions to increase3398explosive effects or operational envelope of its weapons?3399    Answer. If confirmed, I will investigate Army exploration of new3400energetic materials and manufacturing processes. I have not had the3401appropriate briefs to respond adequately to this question.3402                           special operations3403    Question. What is your assessment of the role and importance of3404Army Special Operations Forces in supporting the Joint Force and the3405objectives of the National Defense Strategy?3406    Answer. Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) play a critical role3407in supporting the Joint Force and accomplishing the objectives of the3408National Defense Strategy. The Joint Force has heavily relied on ARSOF3409for many years, particularly in the role of building partner capacity,3410and I anticipate that trend to continue in the future.3411                           operational energy3412    Question. If confirmed, how would you lead the Army in harnessing3413innovations in operational energy and linking them with emerging joint3414operational concepts in order to reduce contested logistics3415vulnerabilities for warfighters?3416    Answer. Reducing the footprint of the Joint Force in expeditionary3417operations is vital to increasing the survivability of forward-deployed3418forces and reducing strain on sustainers. If confirmed, I plan to3419continue to support investments in technologies that reduce energy3420waste and provide accessible energy to the warfighter.3421    Question. In what specific areas, if any, do you believe the Army3422needs to improve the incorporation of energy considerations and3423alternative energy resources into the strategic planning processes?3424    Answer. Not just the Army, but the Joint Force needs to consider3425energy consumption and utilization in all operational plans, supplied3426by a variety of sources, to include alternative sources not used today.3427Unlike conflicts of the past thirty years, adversaries have an3428increased capability to interdict our lines of supply. Units must3429prepare to self-sustain during interruptions in shipments of fuel.3430    Question. How can Army acquisition systems better address3431requirements related to the use of energy in military platforms to3432decrease risks to warfighters? In your view, how can energy3433supportability that reduces contested logistics vulnerabilities become3434a key performance parameter in the requirements process?3435    Answer. To better address energy demands in system requirements,3436the Army should consider both its capacity to transport and receive3437energy in expeditionary environments, and overall energy requirements3438of units by echelon. These can then form a baseline to develop3439individual energy-based requirements for the development of different3440weapons and equipment sets.3441    Question. If confirmed, how would you prioritize energy resilience,3442including acquiring and deploying sustainable and renewable energy3443assets, to support mission critical functions, and address known3444vulnerabilities?3445    Answer. Energy resilience is installation resilience. Army3446installations, both CONUS and OCONUS must be increasingly prepared to3447provide for their energy needs without outside support. If confirmed, I3448will require the ASA (IE&E) to evaluate our current plans to increase3449installation energy resilience and continue the Army's progress in3450making our installations more resilient.3451    Question. Given that the Army has been charged with Contested3452Logistics for the Joint Force, how do you believe operational energy3453can and should be used to support this effort?3454    Answer. Developing new concepts for generating energy in a deployed3455and contested environment will greatly enable the Joint Force to reduce3456the quantity of tankers required to sustain it and increase the3457survivability of expeditionary formations.3458                              environment3459    Question. If confirmed, how would you further efforts to address3460PFAS contamination at Army installations?3461    Answer. If confirmed, I will fully support the Army's efforts to3462address PFAS contamination at Army installations and will review the3463sufficiency of those efforts. The health of our soldiers and their3464families, Army civilians, and the communities surrounding our3465installations must remain an Army priority.3466          readiness and resource impacts from extreme weather3467    Question. How would you assess the readiness and resource impacts3468on the Army from recent extreme weather events?3469    Answer. If confirmed, I will review the readiness and resource3470impacts on the Army from recent extreme weather events, prioritize3471resources needed to address those impacts, and seek to mitigate the3472risks of future such events.3473    Question. Based on these readiness and resource impacts, do you3474believe it necessary to use more resilient designs in Army3475infrastructure? How can the Army better use existing authorities on3476extreme weather mitigation granted by Congress in the last few NDAAs?3477    Answer. Army infrastructure design should contemplate the full3478range of potential weather events to ensure resiliency. If confirmed, I3479will review the Army's existing use of authorities on extreme weather3480mitigation and explore the benefits of greater use of those3481authorities.3482                                 audit3483    Question. If confirmed, what specific actions will you take or3484direct to enable the Army to achieve a clean financial audit in the3485most expedited fashion?3486    Answer. I understand that the Army has continued to make progress3487on achieving a clean financial audit, but that there is more to do. I3488have been informed that the Army is investing in tools and revising3489processes, but I do not know the implementation status of these3490efforts. If confirmed, I commit to using my authority as the Secretary3491of the Army to continue to push toward achieving a clean audit,3492reforming business processes, and implementing technological systems to3493ensure the Army's fiscal health and transparency.3494    Question. What are the benefits to Army missions and effectiveness3495of achieving and maintaining a clean audit?3496    Answer. In my opinion, a clean audit will provide the awareness3497necessary to ensure that every dollar appropriated to the U.S. Army3498goes to its best use. We can only make the greatest strides in reducing3499waste and improving allocation of funds without full financial3500transparency and accountability.3501    Question. How will you hold Army leaders and organizations3502responsible and accountable for making the necessary investments and3503changes to correct findings and material weaknesses identified in the3504audit process?3505    Answer. A successful audit will showcase options to make Army3506funding, equipping, and sustainment practices more efficient and3507productive. If confirmed, I will hold Army Leaders accountable for3508making progress toward a clean audit. I will expect results from the3509ASA (FM&C) and Senior Army Leaders. I will require them to create3510metrics for progress toward financial accountability and hold those3511responsible who fail to meet them.3512    Question. Based on your experience, how do you see improved data3513from Army financial management IT systems that support audit help Army3514decisionmaking and readiness?3515    Answer. In general, improvements in financial management IT systems3516offer opportunities to reduce manual inputs and clerical errors,3517automate accounting of equipment and funding expenditures, and ease3518burdens that deter individuals across the Army from correctly following3519accounting procedures.3520    Question. As the Army continues down the path to a clean audit,3521there are still lessons that can be gleaned beyond the end goal of a3522clean audit opinion. Based on your experience, how do you anticipate3523operationalizing any intermediate lessons from audit into the Army's3524overall management reform objectives?3525    Answer. If confirmed, I will evaluate the Army's current process3526for disseminating lessons learned and circulating them through the3527force. If these processes and procedures are insufficient, I will task3528the ASA (F&MC) and other Army Leaders to revise them to ensure we are3529operationalizing lessons learned as we unveil them.3530                  army-related defense industrial base3531    Question. What is your assessment of the systems and processes for3532identifying, evaluating, and managing risk in the Army's organic,3533commercial, and defense industrial base, including the munitions3534industrial base?3535    Answer. While I suspect these systems and processes have matured3536because of U.S. support to Ukraine since 2022, I have not received a3537brief on their maturation. If confirmed, I will receive the appropriate3538briefs to make an assessment.3539    Question. What do you see as the levers to motivate the defense3540industrial base, to include munitions manufacturers, to make additional3541capital investment (for facilities and tooling), as well as research3542and development investments to increase the capacity of the defense3543industrial base?3544    Answer. First, we need to create a long-term ``demand signal'' that3545justifies capital expenditures in production lines. Part of this demand3546signal must come from allies and partners and we must streamline3547foreign military sales processes to facilitate this outcome. Second,3548the Department of the Army should work with industry to incentivize the3549design of modular factories, capable of rapid prototyping and short-run3550production without large losses in efficiency. Advances in automation,3551artificial intelligence, and mechatronics have made this increasingly3552possible, and the Department of the Army should lead in its3553development.3554    Question. How should Army acquisition leaders consider impacts on3555the industrial base when addressing requirements for recapitalization3556or modernization of major defense weapons systems and munitions, and3557life cycle costs of such systems?3558    Answer. Acquisition leaders must consider both immediate and3559potential demand for major weapon systems and munitions as they3560formulate acquisition plans. An ability to scale capacity, or at least3561calculations concerning cost and time to scale that capacity should3562accompany acquisition strategies.3563    Question. How would you seek to ensure the Army engages with the3564broadest industrial base possible, including traditional contractors,3565nontraditional contractors, and small businesses?3566    Answer. If confirmed, I would work with the Army's acquisition3567workforce and leaders to remove as many barriers as possible to doing3568business with the U.S. Army. The U.S. Army needs to be a better3569customer. Many of the actions that the U.S. Government took in the35701980's to ensure fair competition have now become barriers to entry.3571    Question. If confirmed, what changes, if any, would you pursue in3572systems and processes to ensure that risk in the Army-relevant sectors3573of the defense industrial base is adequately managed to enable the3574development, production, and sustainment of technically superior,3575reliable, and affordable weapons systems and munitions?3576    Answer. I will need to review existing processes before I can make3577informed changes to the way the Army manages its portion of the defense3578industrial base. If confirmed, the status and management of the defense3579industrial base will be one of the first issues that I engage on.3580                        equipping/modernization3581    Question. What is your assessment of the Army's past modernization3582record and current efforts?3583    Answer. I am aware that the Army has had difficulties in the past3584modernizing in a timely and efficient way, and getting that process is3585key for the Army's future success. Rapid technological development by3586our adversaries highlights the need for the Army to innovate quickly3587based on lessons learned from current battlefields.3588    The establishment of Army Futures Command has helped streamline and3589focus the Army's modernization efforts. If confirmed, I will work3590closely with the Under Secretary, the Assistant Secretaries, and other3591stakeholders to ensure that the Army stays on time and on budget in3592executing its current modernization priorities.3593    Question. Based on your experience, how would you structure the3594Army to conduct better tradeoff analysis so that programmatic3595investments are not stove-piped and can be assessed against the impact3596of various alternatives?3597    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Army leadership team to3598evaluate current and projected investments across the department to3599better understand these priorities. The review process will allow me an3600opportunity to evaluate all priority programs and identify any3601adjustments that need to be made to increase their effectiveness.3602    Question. What is your assessment of the sufficiency of the Army3603acquisition workforce across both civilian and military personnel, both3604in the number and the level of experience of those personnel? What do3605you see as the pros and cons of civilian versus military acquisition3606professionals?3607    Answer. The army acquisition workforce consists of over 30,0003608professionals of various professional specialties charged with ensuring3609the delivery of critical warfighting capabilities to our service3610members in uniform. This workforce consists of a blend of civilians,3611officers, and non-commissioned officers which provides it with a unique3612blend of critical institutional knowledge with the career civilian3613cadre and the soldier specific knowledge to deliver the best3614capabilities to our formations. If confirmed, I will evaluate the3615effectiveness and size of our acquisition workforce to ensure we are3616properly postured to deliver world-class capabilities to our soldiers.3617    Question. How has Army Futures Command (AFC) contributed to3618improving Army modernization programs over previous Army efforts? What3619role do you expect the Command to play going forward? In your view, how3620has the establishment of AFC modified Army Secretariat roles in Army3621modernization efforts?3622    Answer. Army Futures Command (AFC) plays a key role in Army3623modernization. I am aware that prior to AFC's establishment, program3624proponents developed requirements not always fully aligned with the3625Army's modernization needs. Today, AFC's process includes inputs from a3626variety of stakeholders, including soldiers, to ensure the Army will3627get the capability it needs.3628    Going forward, I expect AFC to continue to lead in implementing the3629Army's modernization strategy and defining the future operating3630environment. AFC's role will be key in ensuring that the Army is3631equipped to fight and win on future battlefields.3632    Question. If modernization is fundamental to future readiness, how3633you would frame future readiness requirements, if confirmed? What key3634capabilities must the Army possess for multi-domain operations?3635    Answer. The Army must modernize to ensure its future readiness, and3636building toward a multi-domain operations-ready force by 2035 is an3637important part of Army modernization efforts. At the same time, the3638Army must maintain a State of readiness sufficiently to meet current3639and emerging missions. If confirmed, I will work closely with AFC, the3640Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition,3641Logistics and Technology, and other stakeholders to clearly define the3642Army's future readiness requirements and work closely with Congress to3643ensure the Army invests in support of those priorities.3644    If confirmed, I will review the Army's current plan for conducting3645Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), including relevant capabilities3646currently available and those in development, as well as those of our3647near peer competitors, to determine what, if any, additional3648capabilities are required.3649    Question. Do you believe the Army's modernization priorities should3650be modified? If so, and if confirmed, how would you propose to modify3651them?3652    Answer. If confirmed, I will assess the Army's current3653modernization priorities of long-range precision fires, next generation3654combat vehicles, future vertical lift, the network, air and missile3655defense, and soldier lethality, to confirm that they are in line the3656National Defense Strategy and the priorities established by the3657President and the Secretary of Defense. If I determine that they must3658be modified, I will work closely with all stakeholders and Congress to3659do so.3660    Question. Do you see utility in the Army conducting more joint3661program development? In what systems or categories of systems do you3662perceive the most potential and benefit in joint development?3663    Answer. If confirmed, I would support joint program development3664wherever doing so would save time or money, increase effectiveness or3665interoperability, or accomplish a combination of those factors.3666                              acquisition3667    Question. Civilian oversight of the acquisition system has been a3668cornerstone of the post-World War II acquisition system.3669    What are your personal views on the principle of civilian control3670of the defense acquisition system?3671    Answer. I believe that civilian control of defense acquisition is3672required by U.S. Code, but that does not preclude military leaders from3673playing a very substantial role in the process.3674    Congress has expanded and refined the acquisition-related functions3675of the Chief of Staff of the Army and the other Service Chiefs.3676    Question. If confirmed, how would you synchronize your acquisition3677responsibilities with those of the Chief of Staff of the Army and the3678Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and3679Technology?3680    Answer. If confirmed, I will clearly lay out responsibilities for3681acquisition in a revised general order for the Headquarters, Department3682of the Army.3683    Question. If confirmed, what role would you assign to the Chief of3684Staff of Army for improving the prioritization of requirements and3685program funding?3686    Answer. The Chief of Staff of the Army serves as the senior3687military advisor to the Secretary of the Army. His or her advice will3688play a crucial role in shaping Army requirements and programmatic3689objectives as the overseer of the Army Staff.3690    Question. Congress has authorized a range of authorities, including3691the Middle Tier of Acquisition, rapid acquisition authority, and the3692software acquisition pathway, to tailor the acquisition process to3693enable the rapid delivery of new capabilities.3694    In your view, what benefit has the Department of the Army derived3695from its utilization of Middle Tier of Acquisition?3696    Answer. Middle Tier Acquisition authority offers a pathway for the3697Army to rapidly prototype or rapidly field capabilities in under 53698years. Use of this pathway can save the Department time and money as it3699develops and fields new technology, particularly when requirements are3700not fully mature.3701    The Army has used this authority to accelerate programs like the3702XM30 combat vehicle, the Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense Increment 33703(M-SHORAD Inc 3), and Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 23704(IFPC Inc 2) among others.3705    Question. In your view, what benefit has the Department of the Army3706derived from its utilization of the rapid acquisition authority?3707    Answer. Rapid acquisition authority provides the Department of Army3708a pathway to quickly meet operational needs through material solutions.3709The Army used this authority to rapidly acquire coyote interceptors for3710counter-unmanned aerial systems missions and protect U.S. forces3711overseas.3712    Question. How will you ensure that rapid acquisition pathways are3713not inundated with bureaucratic processes?3714    Answer. If confirmed, I will instruct the ASA (ALT) to create an3715incentive structure that rewards outcomes and calculated risk-taking,3716not compliance with procedures. Success is the creation of a3717capability, not completion of a checklist.3718    Question. How will you seek to balance the need to rapidly acquire3719and field innovative systems while ensuring acquisition programs stay3720on budget and schedule?3721    Answer. If confirmed, I will hold program offices accountable for3722their failures to stay on budget and on schedule. Second, I will3723require requirements developers and acquisition officials to more3724carefully evaluate when the Army can purchase a fully developed,3725commercial or non-commercial and satisfy requirements with minimal3726acquisition risk, and when we must mature technology and develop an3727organic capability. Purchasing a fully developed system lowers3728development costs and delivery time. Some capabilities must be bespoke,3729but the Army can save time and money by buying as many non-commercial3730and commercial products as possible that meet warfighter needs.3731    Question. This Committee has been a strong supporter of Army3732Futures Command and its focus on future readiness for competition with3733near-peers.3734    What is your view on Army Futures Command use of directed3735requirements?3736    Answer. Army Futures Command has played a critical role in shaping3737the current Army modernization. Without AFC, and its cross-functional3738team approach, the Army would be much further behind in its six3739modernization priorities.3740    Directed requirements provide the Army with an expedited means to3741acquire operationally critical capabilities. They are necessary to3742allow the Army to adapt to the stunning changes in warfare that we are3743witnessing in Russo-Ukraine, and the leaps in capability showcased by3744America's competitors.3745    Question. What is your view on the Cross-Functional Teams and how3746they are coordinating Army Futures Command and the Assistant Secretary3747of the Army for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics?3748    Answer. Cross-functional teams provide acquisition programs with3749diverse talent sets that help the teams avoid pitfalls and siloed3750perspectives. From what I have been told, coordination between ASA3751(ALT) and AFC is going well.3752                              requirements3753    Question. The Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act3754required the Joint Staff to take a clean-sheet approach to the3755requirements process and the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense3756Authorization Act required the Secretary of Defense to establish an3757advisory panel on reforming the requirements process.3758    What recommendations would you make to the requirements process to3759make it more adaptive to changes in threats and technologies?3760    Answer. The current process of constructing requirements has many3761faults. It takes too long to develop requirements, requirements are3762often developed without sufficient interaction with warfighters or3763acquisition professionals, and in many cases, requirements are overly3764difficult to achieve for industry or from a technological maturation3765perspective.3766    Any revision to the requirements process needs to make it faster,3767more iterative, and less rigid. In many situations, requirements take3768so long to build, that they fall behind the current State of technology3769before they reach production. In others, requirements are so exacting3770that industry can only meet them at great costs, which are then passed3771onto the Army.3772    Any new requirements process must provide requirements developers,3773warfighters, and acquisition officials near constant opportunities for3774interaction, and be more agile in nature.3775    Question. What role do you see for the Joint Staff versus the3776military services in the requirements process?3777    Answer. The Joint Staff oversees the development of requirements3778that span the military services. Services oversee the development of3779requirements that fall within their Title 10 responsibilities.3780                          test and evaluation3781    Question. Are you satisfied with Army test and evaluation3782capabilities? In which areas, if any, do you believe the Army should be3783developing new test and evaluation capabilities?3784    Answer. I need additional information on current Army test and3785evaluation capabilities before I can assess them. If confirmed, I will3786gather the necessary perspectives and information to assess Army Test3787and Evaluation Command.3788    Question. Do you believe that current Army test and evaluation3789facilities, personnel and technical test apparatuses are up to par for3790what is needed for the modernization challenges of the Army now and in3791the near future?3792    Answer. I require additional information before I can answer this3793question.3794    Question. Do you believe the Army should exploit non-developmental3795or commercial off-the-shelf solutions to meet Army requirements? Would3796this put capabilities into the hands of soldier more quickly, in your3797view?3798    Answer. Yes. Wherever possible, and as required by Federal3799Acquisition Regulations, the Army should purchase non-development and3800COTS solutions to meet requirements. Some capabilities require the Army3801to undertake independent development, but many of the Army's most3802pressing needs: small-unmanned aerial systems, counter-unmanned aerial3803systems, electronic warfare systems, and communications gear have3804already been developed.3805    Question. What do you see as the operational test and evaluation3806needs for such non-developmental or commercial items to ensure they can3807still meet the technical requirements and human factors needs of3808environments often more complex and demanding than commercial settings?3809    Answer. It depends on the operational need. Some commercial3810products and non-development items should move immediately into the3811field without testing or with minimal testing because the Army3812currently has no existing capability. In other situations, the Army can3813thoroughly test non-developmental and commercial items because the3814operational need is less dire.3815    Question. How should Army test and evaluation capabilities support3816software and other efforts that require rapid iteration between3817developments?3818    Answer. If confirmed, I will evaluate the Army's ability to test3819and evaluate software and other efforts that require rapid iteration.3820    Question. The Army is responsible for the maintenance and operation3821of the garrison supporting U.S. assets on the Kwajalein Atoll,3822including the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site--a3823capability essential to the modernization of the Nation's nuclear3824deterrent and many other weapon systems. However, the Army has not3825adequately budgeted for these facilities resulting in the poor3826maintenance of the garrison which supports a critical test range3827utilized on a daily basis by the Department.3828    If confirmed, what steps will you take as Secretary to revitalize3829this facility and improve the welfare of those stationed there?3830    Answer. If confirmed, I will review the current Army budgeting and3831plans for revitalization of the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense3832Test Site and will prioritize improving the welfare of all soldiers3833stationed on Kwajalein Atoll.3834                               innovation3835    Question. If confirmed, what steps would you take to support the3836Army's in-house innovation enterprise at its labs and engineering3837centers?3838    Answer. In-house innovation by Army labs and engineering centers3839can bring great capabilities and cutting-edge technology to the force,3840but support for any innovation center or lab must be conditional on the3841outputs of that organization. If confirmed, I commit to reinforcing3842success across the Army's innovation enterprise, and reforming aspects3843of that enterprise that need modification to meet the Army's needs.3844    Question. If confirmed, how would you make use of the Small3845Business Innovation Research program to fund cutting edge research,3846diversify the Army's industrial base, and transition capabilities to3847Program Executive Offices?3848    Answer. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program3849allows the Army to offer opportunities to non-traditional contractors3850to work with the Department; while simultaneously helping it access3851developing technologies. One of the criticisms of SBIRs is the poor3852record of transitioning promising pilots and prototypes developed under3853a SBIR into a full program of record or capability. If confirmed, I3854will work with a consortium of small businesses and our acquisition3855community to identify ways that we can improve SBIR outcomes.3856    Question. If confirmed, how would you ensure that Army labs and3857test ranges have sufficient military construction and equipment funding3858to maintain world class research and testing infrastructure to maintain3859our military technology advantage, which is making significant3860investments in this type of infrastructure?3861    Answer. I have not been briefed on current military construction3862and equipment funding deficits for our labs and test ranges. If3863confirmed, I will work with the ASA (IE&E) to confirm that the Army is3864allocating sufficient capital to these investments.3865    Question. If confirmed, how would you assess whether the Army has3866sufficient investment in science and technology programs, especially3867those that are creating new capabilities and possibilities for new3868concepts of operations beyond current requirements?3869    Answer. If confirmed, I will work through Army Futures Command to3870ensure that the Army not only has enough investment in science and3871technology programs, but that these investments are going to the most3872impactful capabilities. Technology enables tactics. One of the surest3873ways to develop a warfighting advantage is to harness new technology3874and adopt tactics that suit it in a coherent manner faster than an3875adversary.3876    Question. Based on your experience, are there enduring technology3877areas that might not be considered emerging (for example, energetic3878materials, or corrosion control) that Army should remain focused on as3879categories outside of the modernization priorities? How should the Army3880make investment decisions to balance the needs between these emerging3881and enduring technology areas?3882    Answer. The Army should continuously reexamine its prioritization3883of technology areas to invest its resources in the areas with the3884largest payoff for the organization. If confirmed, I will continually3885evaluate these choices as part of the POM and look to organizations3886like AFC to make sure that we are balancing our investments between3887``today'' and ``tomorrow.''3888    Question. If confirmed, how would you facilitate and accelerate the3889transition across the so-called Valley of Death from development to3890production and from the lab into the soldier's hands.3891    Answer. The Army cannot afford to invest capital in the research3892and development of capabilities, only to repeatedly abandon them3893because they lack a champion. As a service, the Army should attempt to3894reduce the number of programs that fall into the ``valley of death,''3895by linking warfighters, acquisition officials, requirements developers,3896and researchers with a program in its infancy. Research and development3897projects should discontinue because they lack maturity or usefulness,3898not because of programmatics or a poor hand-off between champions of3899different phases of development.3900    Question. In your view, where does the Army struggle most with3901technology transition and why?3902    Answer. I think this issue is worthy of further study before3903response. I will require additional briefs about the causes of failure3904and rates of failure of various programs before answering.3905    Question. What is your view of programs such as the Army Technology3906Maturation Initiative (TMI)? Do ``6.4'' efforts such as TMI serve3907important objectives related to transition?3908    Answer. Programs like the Army Technology Maturation Initiative3909provide opportunities to continue developing technologies that are3910close, but not quite ripe for transition into an acquisition program.3911If confirmed, I would evaluate the outcomes that the TMI has achieved3912and determine how the program should be modified or reinforced going3913forward.3914                                 cyber3915    Question. In September 2023, DOD released its 2023 Cyber Strategy.3916The strategy charges DOD to persistently engage malicious cyber actors3917and other malign threats to U.S. interests in cyberspace.3918    In your view, how well postured is the Army to meet the goals3919outlined in the 2023 DOD Cyber Strategy? What actions do you think need3920to be taken in the Army to address any gaps with the 2023 DOD Cyber3921Strategy?3922    Answer. The Army's role in defending the Nation from cyberspace3923attacks continues to evolve. If confirmed, I will review the Army's3924current cyber posture and ability to meet the goals outlined in the39252023 DOD Cyber Strategy as well as the Army's coordination efforts with3926the Department of Defense and Federal, State and local law enforcement3927agencies to address cyber threats.3928    Question. If confirmed, what would you do to improve military and3929civilian cybersecurity career paths?3930    Answer. The Army needs cyber warriors. If confirmed, I will review3931the current career pathways and professional development opportunities3932for our cyber warriors, both in and out of uniform, and seek to ensure3933that we are giving them the right training and growth opportunities to3934address current and future cyber threats.3935    Question. In what ways could Army cyber forces be better leveraged3936to address tactical cyber effects at a theater warfighting level? Are3937there things that Army could do to ensure that cyber is better3938integrated at a tactical level with other kinetic and non-kinetic3939capabilities?3940    Answer. I expect cyber integration at every level of warfighting to3941continue to increase going forward, and the Army must address that3942need. If confirmed, I will assess the Army's current use of cyber3943effects at every level of warfighting and work to ensure that we3944provide the right capabilities to our soldiers.3945    Question. Section 1657 of the fiscal year 2020 NDAA directed each3946Military Department to appoint an independent Principal Cyber Advisor3947(PCA) to act as the principal advisor to the Secretary concerned on all3948cyber matters affecting that Department.3949    What do you see as the role of this position? If confirmed, how3950would you personally plan to utilize the Army PCA within your3951leadership structure?3952    Answer. Cyber considerations are critically important to the Army.3953If confirmed, I would gladly rely on the Principal Cyber Advisor (PCA)3954to inform me and other Army senior leaders of all cyber matters3955affecting the Army and rely heavily on their judgment. The PCA should3956be in a lead role in conducting periodic reviews of the Army cyber3957posture and analyzing the risks and benefits of cyber-related3958decisions.3959    Question. If confirmed as Secretary of the Army, how would you best3960utilize the PCA to improve cybersecurity and otherwise ensure that the3961Army maintains decisive advantage in the Cyber domain?3962    Answer. If confirmed, I will use the PCA as the focal point for all3963synchronization and coordination of cybersecurity matters and the3964Army's liaison to the DOD and the interagency on such matters.3965                          technical workforce3966    Question. A significant challenge facing the Army today is a3967shortage of highly skilled data scientists, computer programmers,3968cyber, and other scientific, technical and engineering talent,3969especially those needed to work at Army institutions outside of the3970defense laboratories and technical centers (which currently benefit3971from specific workforce authorities available to Army labs).3972    If confirmed, what actions would you take to increase the3973recruiting and retention of scientists, engineers, software coders, and3974in other technical positions across the Army's enterprise?3975    Answer. Recruiting, developing and retaining talented personnel in3976the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields is critical3977to the success of the Army. If confirmed, I will review the Army's3978current efforts in that area, reprioritize as needed, and work with3979Congress for any legislative support that may be needed to ensure the3980Army has a deep reservoir of STEM talent.3981    Question. If confirmed, what specifically would you do to provide3982Army organizations with the civilian workforce management tools they3983need to shape their science, technology, data, cyber, and engineering3984workforces, especially for those organizations that need this kind of3985technical expertise but are not inherently scientific or research3986organizations?3987    Answer. If confirmed, I will be fully committed to ensuring that3988Army organizations have the right civilian workforce management tools3989to leverage their technology, data, cyber, and engineering personnel. I3990will solicit input from those organizations directly concerning their3991needs and allocate resources appropriately to support their missions.3992    army intelligence, counterintelligence, and sensitive activities3993    Question. If confirmed, what role would you establish for yourself3994in the decisions on and oversight of Army intelligence,3995counterintelligence, and sensitive activities?3996    Answer. I am aware that the current Army policy places the3997Secretary of the Army as the head of oversight of the Army3998intelligence, counterintelligence, and sensitive activities, and, if3999confirmed, I intend to maintain that policy.4000                            army cemeteries4001    Question. What is your understanding of the role of the Secretary4002of the Army in the management and oversight of Arlington National4003Cemetery (ANC)?4004    Answer. The Secretary of the Army oversees Arlington National4005Cemetery through the Office of Army cemeteries.4006    Question. What factors would you consider in granting or denying a4007request for exception to established ANC interment or inurnment4008policies?4009    Answer. As Secretary, I would examine applicable law, Federal4010regulations, and past precedent before evaluating a request for an4011exception to policy.4012    Question. What progress has the Army made in executing plans and4013programs for the expansion of ANC?4014    Answer. I have not been briefed on Arlington Cemetery's Southern4015Expansion Project. If confirmed, I will request a briefing on ANC, to4016include current capacity challenges and the expansion.4017    Question. If confirmed, how will you ensure that the progress the4018Army has made in re-establishing an enduring caisson capability at4019Arlington National Cemetery and in support of State funeral4020requirements, to include ongoing consultation from world-class4021equestrian experts, persists?4022    Answer. I understand that the Army has had difficulty maintaining4023the health of horses in the caisson platoon within the Old Guard. If4024confirmed, I will assess the reforms that the Military District of4025Washington and the Old Guard have made over the past 2 years and4026determine if additional measures are required.4027                  u.s. army corps of engineers (usace)4028    Question. What do you perceive to be the appropriate role for the4029Secretary of the Army in the management and oversight of USACE?4030    Answer. I believe the Secretary of the Army has the responsibility4031to fully oversee both the military and Civil Works programs of the4032USACE. On the military side of the USACE the Secretary under his or her4033authority to man, train and equip the Army has the responsibility to4034ensure that all facilities constructed by the USACE are built to the4035highest standards and the lowest cost to the taxpayer. As the statutory4036authority for all Civil Works projects the Secretary has the4037responsibility to ensure that these projects are constructed in4038accordance with the project authorization enhances the public interest4039and is constructed in the most cost-efficient manner.4040    Question. Based on your experience, how can the Army better4041leverage the unique public works authorities of USACE?4042    Answer. In my view the Army can leverage the extraordinary4043experience and expertise of the USACE's public works program to enhance4044national goals such as border security, assist in disaster relief and4045enhance the overall safety and quality of life of all Americans while4046providing valuable experience to the Army's Engineer Corps that will4047help us win on the battlefield as well.4048               district of columbia national guard (dcng)4049    Question. What is your understanding of the role and authority of4050the Secretary of the Army with respect to the DCNG?4051    Answer. I understand that the President, by executive order,4052authorized and directed the Secretary of Defense to supervise,4053administer, and control the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG)4054while it is in a militia status. The Secretary of Defense directed the4055Secretary of the Army to perform the supervision, administration, and4056control of the DCNG.4057    Question. What is the role of the Secretary of the Army with4058respect to National Guard from other States in a Title 32 status who4059are called in to augment the DCNG?4060    Answer. The Secretary of the Army is responsible for supervising,4061administering and controlling the DCNG while it is in a militia status.4062With respect to State National Guard members augmenting the DCNG, I4063understand that they take directions from the Federal entity that4064requested their support, and not from the Secretary of the Army. While4065the President or the Secretary of Defense may request that a Governor4066order National Guard personnel member to perform training or other4067duties, there is no role for the Secretary of the Army unless the4068Secretary of Defense delegates the authority to coordinate tasks. Pre-4069established Memorandums of Agreement or Understanding between the4070States and the District of Columbia guide how personnel and units may4071augment the DCNG. If the Guardsmen perform duties within their home4072State for their State, they remain under the command and control of4073their respective Governors.4074    Question. In your view, should the role of the Secretary of the4075Army with respect to the DCNG be changed? If so, what changes would you4076advocate, if confirmed?4077    Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Secretary of Defense,4078the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau,4079and other stakeholders to review existing authorities to determine what4080changes, if any, should be made to the role of the Secretary of the4081Army with respect to the DCNG.4082                      the army civilian workforce4083    Question. In your judgment, what is the biggest challenge facing4084the Army in effectively and efficiently managing its civilian4085workforce?4086    Answer. Effectively and efficiently managing a civilian workforce4087is inherently challenging. If confirmed, I will review the Army's4088current civilian workforce best practices, including recruiting hiring,4089training, promotion, and compensation, to ensure that the Army4090attracts, develops and retains skilled civilian professionals across4091the workforce.4092    Question. Would there be value, in your view, to establishing a4093unified DOD civilian workforce, as opposed to separate civilian4094workforces segregated by DOD component? Please explain your answer.4095    Answer. If confirmed, I will review the advantages and4096disadvantages of establishing a unified DOD civilian workforce, and4097work in concert with the Secretary of Defense, my counterparts, and4098other stakeholders to determine the feasibility and desirability of4099pursuing such a course of action. congressional Oversight4100    In order to exercise legislative and oversight responsibilities, it4101is important that this Committee, its subcommittees, and other4102appropriate committees of Congress receive timely testimony, briefings,4103reports, records--including documents and electronic communications,4104and other information from the executive branch.4105    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on4106request, to appear and testify before this Committee, its4107subcommittees, and other appropriate committees of Congress? Please4108answer with a simple yes or no.4109    Answer. Yes.4110    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to4111provide this Committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees4112of Congress, and their respective staffs such witnesses and briefers,4113briefings, reports, records--including documents and electronic4114communications, and other information, as may be requested of you, and4115to do so in a timely manner? Please answer with a simple yes or no.4116    Answer. Yes.4117    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to4118consult with this Committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate4119committees of Congress, and their respective staffs, regarding your4120basis for any delay or denial in providing testimony, briefings,4121reports, records--including documents and electronic communications,4122and other information requested of you? Please answer with a simple yes4123or no.4124    Answer. Yes.4125    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to4126keep this Committee, its subcommittees, other appropriate committees of4127Congress, and their respective staffs apprised of new information that4128materially impacts the accuracy of testimony, briefings, reports,4129records--including documents and electronic communications, and other4130information you or your organization previously provided? Please answer4131with a simple yes or no.4132    Answer. Yes.4133    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, and on4134request, to provide this Committee and its subcommittees with records4135and other information within their oversight jurisdiction, even absent4136a formal Committee request? Please answer with a simple yes or no.4137    Answer. Yes.4138    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to4139respond timely to letters to, and/or inquiries and other requests of4140you or your organization from individual Senators who are members of4141this Committee? Please answer with a simple yes or no.4142    Answer. Yes.4143    Question. Do you agree, without qualification, if confirmed, to4144ensure that you and other members of your organization protect from4145retaliation any military member, Federal employee, or contractor4146employee who testifies before, or communicates with this Committee, its4147subcommittees, and any other appropriate committee of Congress? Please4148answer with a simple yes or no.4149    Answer. Yes.4150                                 ______41514152    [Questions for the record with answers supplied follow:]41534154             Questions Submitted by Senator Roger F. Wicker4155                         army aviation training4156    1. Senator Wicker. Mr. Driscoll, what is your view of the Army's4157current aviation training system?4158    Mr. Driscoll. I believe the Army is focused on training and4159producing a safe, skilled, competent aviator from Flight School, who is4160able to quickly integrate into the operational force and apply basic4161learned flight skills to the warfighting formations. I also believe4162there may be more cost-effective platforms to train on while4163simultaneously producing a more highly trained aviator and that is4164something I would like to take a deeper dive into.41654166    2. Senator Wicker. Mr. Driscoll, do you believe that the Army4167should invest further in virtual training to augment existing training?4168    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, I firmly believe virtual training is one4169essential component of a modern and effective training program. This is4170particularly important as the Army executes aviation training within4171environments that will replicate large-scale combat operations.41724173    3. Senator Wicker. Mr. Driscoll, if confirmed, do you commit to4174providing an update on the Army's aviation training plan?4175    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, one of my priorities will be to assess the4176current state of aviation training followed by an updated aviation4177training plan.4178                               __________4179               Questions Submitted by Senator Tom Cotton4180                          army force structure4181    4. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, during your confirmation hearing4182you told Senator Sullivan that cutting 12 brigade combat teams (BCTs)4183would not implement President Trump's policy of peace through strength4184nor would it deter Xi and Putin. Can you elaborate on why cutting 124185BCTs would be harmful to U.S. national security?4186    Mr. Driscoll. Cutting BCTs would signal weakness to our adversaries4187and a diminished capacity to deny the territorial desires of Xi and4188Putin. The essence of BCTs is to seize and hold key terrain as a4189central and decisive part of COCOMs' termination objectives. The4190presence of the Army's combat credible forces and demonstrating our4191ability to deliver and sustain them globally, has the inherent4192deterrent effects we need in competition and in support of the4193President's national security policy.4194    Maintaining the lethal and robust capabilities and capacity of4195ground maneuver forces is central to deterring Xi and Putin's4196territorial, hegemonic ambitions against our friends and allies across4197the world. As critical components of our joint force, ground maneuver4198formations complement the inherent capabilities of our naval, air, and4199space forces and together present an interlocking set of dilemmas to4200our adversaries. BCTs also complement and multiply the Army's4201additional contributions to the JF which includes air defense and other4202types of protection, long range fires, and deep sensing capabilities,4203our allies' ground forces, forming the core of combined, multinational4204formations.42054206    5. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, this hare-brained idea of cutting420712 Army BCTs comes from a 2023 report published by The Marathon4208Initiative. The report is authored by a current department official,4209Austin Dahmer, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Strategy and Force4210Development. Specifically, the Marathon Initiative report recommends4211deactivating four Stryker BCTs (2 Active component and 2 National Guard4212component), 6 infantry BCTs (1 Active component and 5 National Guard4213component), and 2 National Guard aviation brigades. If confirmed, would4214you commit to opposing this proposal and advocating to maintain funding4215for these BCTs and aviation brigades?4216    Mr. Driscoll. Maintaining a depth of lethal capability across the4217Total Force is central to deterring, and if necessary, defeating our4218adversaries. Strategies that rely solely on a `quick win' through4219exquisite precision are inherently fragile; retaining the Army's4220capacity and capability signals a national resolve that cannot be4221waited out by our adversaries. Maintaining and modernizing the Army4222against the pacing threat of the PRC creates operational level options4223and depth for the joint force commander as well as strategic ones for4224national leadership; cutting the Army precludes those options. This4225does not mean that our Army will not adapt its force structure to4226evolving threats, technology, and operational concepts; there is4227ongoing, rigorous analysis being done by Army Futures Command and4228others across the force that are building the evidence on how we must,4229as a component of the joint force, transform to meet the challenges of4230the future. Importantly, this does not mean that we gut the Army;4231rather, if confirmed I will seek to maintain the funding associated4232with these BCTs and aviation brigades, across the Total Force, while4233modernizing and adapting them to the threats and demands that lay4234ahead.42354236    6. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, will you further commit to4237opposing equally ill-advised ideas to gut the Army force structure?4238    Mr. Driscoll. Yes; the varied demands on the Army will require a4239force that is organized, trained, and equipped to be lethal, flexible,4240and integrated with the joint force to present our adversaries with a4241coherent set of dilemmas to deter and if necessary, defeat our4242adversaries. History has shown that the Army is called upon for the4243full range of military operations; gutting force structure will signal4244weakness to our adversaries, constrain the options for our state and4245national responses to emergencies in the Homeland, and limit the4246flexibility of our joint force. Additionally, gutting the Army force4247structure would degrade key combat capabilities at echelon. The lack of4248depth would add pressure to our rotational missions which enable4249credible deterrence across the globe and further complicate our ability4250to maintain strategic readiness across the Joint Force.42514252    7. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, should the Army maintain a strong4253force presence in United States European Command (EUCOM), and if so,4254why is this important? If not, why not?4255    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will support the President's and4256Secretary of Defense's policies and prioritize Army resources and4257personnel in line with those policies. Current Operational Plans for4258Europe require a baseline of in-place forces to support follow-on force4259flow into theater during a time of war/conflict. These in-place forces4260also provide the President and Secretary of Defense options to respond4261during a time of crisis/conflict in Europe.42624263    8. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, Russia and China have committed to4264a ``no limits'' partnership and are increasingly cooperating on4265military exercises and training. As it contemplates an invasion of4266Taiwan, China is also watching how the United States responds to4267aggression and maintains its commitments to allies in Europe. Given4268this connection between United States interests in Europe and those in4269the Pacific, why would it be dangerous for the United States to abandon4270its current force structure in Europe?4271    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will support the President and the4272Secretary of Defense's operational plans for Europe and prioritize Army4273resource and polices in line with those plans.42744275    9. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, if confirmed, would you be4276comfortable accepting major cuts to the Army based on the assumption4277that the United States will not need ground forces in a future war in4278the Pacific? Why or why not?4279    Mr. Driscoll. The Army and ground forces will be needed in a future4280war in the Pacific, in particular protection, fires, sustainment, long4281range sensing and other capabilities the JF must have to achieve OBJSs.4282Achieving positional advantage increases options and decision space for4283Joint commanders and the National Command Authority.42844285    10. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, advocates for cutting Army4286capabilities tend to minimize the critical roles the Army would play in4287a Taiwan-conflict scenario. These include air defense, long range fires4288from the Philippines, base defense, security assistance and training4289for allies and partners, attack aviation, and advice and assistance to4290the Taiwanese military. Can you explain your vision for the role of the4291Army in a Taiwan-conflict scenario?4292    Mr. Driscoll. As part of the Combined/Joint force, Army forces4293provide positional advantage. The Army attacks, defends, seizes,4294destroys enemy forces, holds, and stabilizes key terrain to provide4295endurance in important locations to allow the JF to achieve its OBJs.4296As your question conveys, Army forces will provide key capabilities4297including air defense and other types of protection, long range fires,4298and deep sensing to the Joint Force. Security Force Assistance Brigades4299train, advise, and assist our allies and partners to improve their4300warfighting readiness and integrate with the Joint Force. Army forces4301are critical to intra-theater resupply operations to sustain the Joint4302Force during a conflict and decisive kinetic and non-kinetic effects.4303                                 israel4304    11. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, President Trump has committed to4305support our ally Israel's fight against the same terrorists that hold4306Americans hostage and kill American soldiers. If confirmed, would you4307commit to executing President Trump's vision and advocate for the Army4308continuing to partner with Israel to advance our common interests?4309    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, if confirmed, I would commit to working to4310ensure that my staff faithfully implement the policies outlined by4311President Trump including his support for a strong US-Israel4312relationship.43134314    12. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, if confirmed, would you ensure4315that none of your staff try to undermine President Trump's support for4316a strong United States-Israel relationship by slowing weapons4317deliveries or blocking training programs?4318    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, if confirmed, I would commit to working to4319prevent my staff from undermining President Trump's support for a4320strong United States-Israel relationship.4321                        army combat fitness test4322    13. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, do you agree that physical4323fitness standards for Army combat military occupation specialties4324should be gender-neutral?4325    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, I agree that physical fitness standards for Army4326Close Combat Force military occupation specialties should be gender-4327neutral.43284329    14. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, do you agree that these gender-4330neutral standards should also be higher for combat than non-combat4331military occupation specialties?4332    Mr. Driscoll. I agree that physical fitness standards for Army4333Close Combat Force military occupation specialties should be higher4334than for non-Close Combat Force military occupation specialties.43354336    15. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, if confirmed, do you commit to4337implement promptly such gender-neutral and higher standards for combat4338military occupational specialties?4339    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, if confirmed, I agree to follow the guidance of4340the Secretary of Defense regarding the implementation of physical4341fitness standards for Army Close Combat Force military occupational4342specialties.4343                 integrated virtual augmentation system4344    16. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, the Army's Integrated Virtual4345Augmentation System (IVAS) has cost the Army millions of dollars thus4346far but has failed to perform. It is bulky, can still make soldiers4347nauseous, and may slow them down or disrupt their normal vision of the4348battlefield. In last year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA),4349I sponsored a provision to cut about $200 million in procurement funds4350for IVAS. If confirmed, do you plan to maintain these cuts to this4351failed program? If not, please explain.4352    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I look forward to reviewing the current4353status and future development of the IVAS program.4354                                arsenals4355    17. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, while the Army has begun to4356modernize its organic industrial base, it is still not fully using its4357arsenals and ammunition plants. Arsenals, including the one in Pine4358Bluff, Arkansas, are struggling for modernization funds and additional4359work. If confirmed, how do you plan to utilize existing Army arsenals4360and ammunition plants to expand desperately needed production capacity?4361    Mr. Driscoll. Increasing the production capacity at Army Ammunition4362Plants is a top Army priority. If confirmed, I look forward to4363reviewing the Army's 2025 Army Ammunition Plant Modernization, which4364I'm told will be submitted to Congress by the end of March. In that4365plan the Army will address how it will balance investments across the4366multiple Army Ammunition Plants to maximize production capabilities of4367all munitions.4368                               recruiting4369    18. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, the Army suffered through record4370low recruiting numbers under former Secretary of the Army Christine4371Wormuth. The Army only met its recruiting goal for fiscal year 20244372because it lowered its goal by 10,000 recruits to 55,000 recruits,4373which was the Army's lowest goal in at least 20 years. Do you think4374former Secretary Wormuth's focus on climate change and combating racism4375and extremism (which were two of her six stated Army objectives) were4376helpful or hurtful to the Army's recruiting effort?4377    Mr. Driscoll. I believe that anything not focused on soldier4378lethality is hurtful to the Army's recruiting mission.43794380    19. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, if confirmed, would you commit to4381prioritizing the Army's lethality over politicized objectives like4382climate change and combating extremism?4383    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, I would commit to prioritizing the Army's focus4384on lethality in its training.4385                                caisson4386    20. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, former Secretary Wormuth paused4387caisson platoon funerals at Arlington National Cemetery for nearly 24388years, leaving dozens of families to bury their loved ones without the4389earned honor of the caisson. Last year, this Committee voted4390unanimously for the Army to resume funerals with the horses it has4391available. If confirmed, do you commit to resuming caisson funerals4392immediately at Arlington National Cemetery, at least on a limited4393basis?4394    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will ensure that the Army meets the4395requirements outlined in Section 1088 of the Fiscal Year 2025 National4396Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to safely return caisson operations at4397Arlington National Cemetery (ANC). The Army recognizes the significance4398of caisson funerals in honoring our Nation's fallen and is dedicated to4399reintegrating this capability safely and sustainably. I will work to4400coordinate the return of caisson operations, ensuring clear4401communication with families regarding caisson availability.44024403    21. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, horses have pulled wagons since4404the dawn of time, yet the Army under Secretary Wormuth needlessly threw4405up all kinds of bureaucratic obstacles to caisson funerals at Arlington4406National Cemetery, in particular by delaying the purchase of more4407horses needed to conduct the maximum number of funerals per week and4408new land for those horses. If confirmed, do you commit to making these4409purchases an immediate priority?4410    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will ensure that the Army establishes4411a sustainable and effective program to support caisson operations at4412Arlington National Cemetery. The Army has taken deliberate steps to4413procure well-trained and fit horses capable of performing this critical4414mission, as exemplified by the successful execution of President4415Carter's State funeral. The quality of horses remains paramount. I will4416make their acquisition an immediate priority to ensure we have the4417necessary equine capability to sustain this tradition with the dignity4418and excellence it demands. If confirmed, I will remain engaged in4419overseeing these efforts and will keep Congress informed of our4420progress.4421                        next-generation howitzer4422    22. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, the Army is on its fourth attempt4423for a new self-propelled howitzer. A 2023 Army study determined the4424Next-Generation Howitzer (NGH) should focus on more autonomous4425artillery systems with greater range and improved mobility. In addition4426to these requirements, the request for information to industry focused4427on high maturity systems that minimize or eliminate development times.4428Do you believe this procurement strategy of purchasing established4429systems has merit?4430    Mr. Driscoll. The Army recently completed market research through4431multiple Self-Propelled Howitzer Performance Demonstrations and4432determined that mature and available Self-Propelled Howitzers exist in4433the marketplace with the ability to deliver by 2030. Each of the4434demonstrated systems provided increased lethality and range over4435existing U.S. Army capabilities.44364437    23. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, should this procurement method be4438applied to other immediate Army needs?4439    Mr. Driscoll. The Self-Propelled Howitzer Performance4440Demonstrations that the Army conducted with industry will help inform4441requirements, assess vendors, understand capabilities in the4442marketplace, and support a competitive system assessment in the fiscal4443year 2026. If confirmed, I will encourage the Army to partner with4444industry in this manner when it makes sense, in order to bring critical4445capabilities to the warfighter faster.4446                   commercial off-the-shelf solutions4447    24. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, how do you plan to encourage the4448use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions to meet immediate Army4449needs, while maintaining flexibility for future upgrades?4450    Mr. Driscoll. The use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions4451can significantly reduce development timelines and lower life-cycle4452costs. I will encourage a preference for COTS solutions when available4453and continue to encourage the Department to expand use of a Modular4454Open Systems Approach (MOSA). The use of MOSA when developing systems4455enables maximum flexibility and fosters stronger competition for4456considering future system upgrades. MOSA supports continued competition4457when upgrading systems and subsystems and can prevent ``vendor lock''.4458It also better allows incremental improvement and innovation to occur4459throughout a system's life cycle.4460                   changing incentives for big primes4461    25. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, how can you change the incentives4462for big primes to be more willing to partner with non-traditional4463defense companies who are working on the most advanced emerging4464technology?4465    Mr. Driscoll. It is my understanding that the Army is undertaking4466several initiatives to incentivize prime companies and integrators to4467accelerate adoption of innovation into our programs by partnering with4468small businesses and nontraditional companies. If confirmed, I will4469encourage and maximize the use of these incentives, where appropriate,4470and will work with our industry partners to ensure the Army is4471leveraging the most productive incentives for primes to partner with4472innovative small and non-traditional companies.4473              artificial intelligence and machine learning4474    26. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, if confirmed, how would you4475strengthen the Army's competitive advantage in the field of Artificial4476Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning with respect to title 504477authorities and strategic sensing and targeting capabilities?4478    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I would pursue a multi-faceted4479approach, focusing on enhancing warfighting capabilities and increasing4480lethality as the foundation to and focus for our efforts. This means4481developing and deploying advanced sensors that leverage AI and ML to4482detect and track targets in real-time, enabling more accurate and4483effective targeting, implementing AI and ML-enabled target recognition4484to reduce the risk of misidentification and enhance targeting accuracy,4485and moving us from descriptive analytics to predictive analytics.4486    I believe that this approach will strengthen the Army's competitive4487advantage in AI and ML and will enable us to maintain our position as a4488leader in the development and deployment of these critical4489technologies. I am committed to working tirelessly to ensure that the4490Army remains at the forefront of AI and ML innovation, and I look4491forward to the opportunity to lead this effort.44924493    27. Senator Cotton. Mr. Driscoll, if confirmed, how would you plan4494to ensure that leading edge AI capabilities continue to be prioritized4495in the Army's Multi-Domain Intelligence (MDI) program and others like4496Project Linchpin?4497    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will continue to prioritize4498integrating leading edge artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities into4499our programs and formations to address complex problems and prepare for4500current and future operating environments. For example, the Army's Next4501Generation Command and Control effort is leveraging AI and machine4502learning (ML)--in an open and modular, multi-vendor approach--to4503rapidly organize and manage operational data in support of commanders'4504decisions.4505    In the Army's Multi-Domain Intelligence (MDI) program, Army4506Intelligence Data Platform (AIDP) sets the Army's intelligence data4507foundation and modernizes the analytic tools and services to assess4508intelligence data using a built-in AI/ML capability. The Army is4509working on applications of Generative AI within the AIDP to enhance4510operations, intelligence analysis, PED, administrative activities, and4511cybersecurity. The Army will publish an AI Strategy and implementation4512orders to establish AI Governance prioritizing and monitoring4513operationalization of AI capabilities that will provide the greatest4514impact on our warfighting capabilities.4515                               __________4516             Questions Submitted by Senator Michael Rounds4517                     diagnostic testing technology4518    28. Senator Rounds. Mr. Driscoll, almost 3 years ago the Department4519of Defense estimated that the inability to detect and isolate4520electronic faults resulted in over 383,000 non-mission capable days4521each year and over $5.5 billion in non-value-added sustainment costs.4522In response to this readiness and sustainment challenge, the Office of4523the Secretary of Defense (OSD) proposed funding for the purchase of a4524readily available, effective, and proven technology to address this4525issue. The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) fully supports this4526technology, and the fiscal year 2024 defense appropriation included4527$35.2 million for it. My concern is that under the previous4528administration, the Army has, instead of acquiring this readily4529available, proven, and extremely cost-effective technology despite its4530powerful support from OSD and SASC, decided to continue to only study4531the issue. If confirmed, would you commit to following up with me on4532this technology?4533    Mr. Driscoll. Yes. If confirmed, I am committed to communicating4534with the Committee regarding the adoption and application of technology4535to improve the Army's electronic fault detection capability.4536                               __________4537              Questions Submitted by Senator Joni K. Ernst4538                  counterintelligence army authorities4539    29. Senator Ernst. Mr. Driscoll, I led an effort in the National4540Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to expand the Army's4541counterintelligence authorities, which has proven effective in4542combating foreign and domestic terrorism. Can I get your commitment to4543ensuring that the necessary signatures and approvals are put in place4544to address and close those critical gaps as quickly as possible?4545    Mr. Driscoll. I appreciate your efforts in expanding Army's4546counterintelligence authorities. It is my understanding that the4547National Defense Authorization Act authorizes certain civilian special4548agents of U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command to execute and serve4549warrants and make arrests for investigating national security crimes.4550These authorities enable Army Counterintelligence agents to more4551effectively counter, neutralize, and exploit foreign intelligence,4552international terrorism, and counterintelligence related insider4553threats to the Army, Department of Defense, and the Nation.4554    I also understand that these authorities can only be exercised in4555accordance with guidelines prescribed by the Secretary of the Army and4556approved by the Secretary of Defense and the Attorney General. If4557confirmed, I commit to ensuring the necessary approvals are in place as4558quickly as possible for lawfully exercising these counterintelligence4559authorities.4560                         critical capabilities4561    30. Senator Ernst. Mr. Driscoll, to take and hold land, the Army4562relies on multiple capabilities. What capabilities do you see as vital4563for the Army to achieve the objective of taking and holding land in4564future conflicts?4565    Mr. Driscoll. The Army will continue to provide lethality to the4566Joint Force through combat credible formations that seize and control4567land. To achieve this, Army Soldiers remain the most important4568capability, organized into fighting squads, platoons, companies, and4569battalions. Our close combat combined arms teams are essential to seize4570and secure key terrain as part of Joint Forceable Entry capabilities.4571The Army provides the Joint Force protected and survivable long-range4572fires; air, ground, and maritime capable Human-Machine Integrated4573Formations; long range and persistent sensing capability; Formation4574Based Layered Defense of critical capabilities (ships, aircraft,4575sustainment, ground-based fires, etc.); and command and control through4576Next Generation Command and Control (C2).45774578    31. Senator Ernst. Mr. Driscoll, do you believe the Army will4579continue to have to provide that important capability in future wars?4580    Mr. Driscoll. Yes--so long as people continue to live on land, the4581ability to take and hold land remains decisive.4582                             army vehicles4583    32. Senator Ernst. Mr. Driscoll, do you view vehicle and mobile4584firing platforms such as Abrams tanks and Strykers to be a critical4585capability in taking or holding land?4586    Mr. Driscoll. Armored forces will remain relevant in any future4587fight, including in the Pacific. They provide mobility, protection, and4588firepower essential for seizing and holding terrain, especially in4589urban environments. Armored forces are able to operate in contested4590environments because the Army uses combined arms tactics and layered4591protection capabilities like adaptive vehicle protection systems,4592counter-UAS, electronic warfare, air and missile defense.4593                               __________4594              Questions Submitted by Senator Dan Sullivan4595                   suicide in 11th airborne division4596    33. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, for several years now, the 11th4597Airborne Division based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska and4598Ft. Wainwright, Alaska has dealt with a large number of servicemember4599suicides. The number of suicides in the 11th Airborne (or its4600predecessor units) averaged between 6 and 8 suicides a year between46012019 and 2022 with a large spike in 2021 to 17 suicides (some of the4602highest rates in the Army). Although suicide numbers have somewhat4603improved thanks to efforts by the 11th Airborne Division and Congress,4604the need for continuous emphasis on suicide prevention, particularly in4605Alaska, is important. A U.S. Army Public Health Center Behavioral and4606Social Health Outcomes Program report from 2019 entitled Assessment of4607Behavioral and Social Health Outcomes at Fort Wainwright, AK (March--4608Sept 2019) found that (among other things) improving aging domicile4609infrastructure like barracks, providing for indoor community centers,4610improving behavior health staffing, and focus on holistic soldier4611health could help decrease suicides. While we've implemented many of4612the above changes since 2019, more can be done to stamp out the scourge4613of suicide at these bases. Will you commit to reviewing the findings of4614the technical report referenced above and ensure that 11th Airborne4615gets the resources that it needs to combat the scourge of suicide with4616the goal of reducing such incidents to zero annually?4617    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will direct the Army to review the4618technical report referenced above and work to ensure that the 11th4619Airborne Division has the necessary resources to combat the scourge of4620suicide.46214622    34. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, former commander of 11th4623Airborne Division, Lieutenant General Brian Eifler, USA, stated that4624making Alaska a volunteer-heavy unit would hopefully help improve the4625quality of life for soldiers who move there. As of last year, this4626program does seem to show positive results. Will you commit to4627reviewing the volunteer program for PCS [permanent change of station]4628moves to Alaska and continuing to build on that success?4629    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will direct the Army to review the4630volunteer program for PCS moves to Alaska and advocate for any4631expansion of that program where necessary.4632          unleashing alaska's extraordinary resource potential4633    35. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, during his term, President4634Biden passed 70 executive orders that restricted Alaska's ability to4635extract its own natural resources despite an acute need for them on4636both commercial and national security grounds. These executive orders4637have slowed down or completely hindered resource extraction and4638critical infrastructure projects important not just to the State but to4639the Nation as a whole. On the first day of his presidency, January 20,46402025, President Trump signed an executive order entitled Unleashing4641Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential. The order in part reads as4642follows:4643    ``Section 3 Specific Agency Actions4644    a. The heads of all executive departments and agencies, including4645but not limited to the Secretary of the Interior; the Secretary of4646Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and4647Atmosphere; and the Secretary of the Army acting through the Assistant4648Secretary of the Army for Public Works, shall exercise all lawful4649authority and discretion available to them and take all necessary steps4650to:4651    (i) rescind, revoke, revise, amend, defer, or grant exemptions from4652any and all regulations, orders, guidance documents, policies, and any4653other similar agency actions that are inconsistent with the policy set4654forth in section 2 of this order, including but not limited to agency4655actions promulgated, issued, or adopted between January 20, 2021, and4656January 20, 2025; and4657    (ii) prioritize the development of Alaska's LNG [liquefied natural4658gas] potential, including the permitting of all necessary pipeline and4659export infrastructure related to the Alaska LNG Project, giving due4660consideration to the economic and national security benefits associated4661with such development . . .4662    Section 3(d) in addition to the actions outlined in subsection (a)4663of this section, the Secretary of the Army, acting through the4664Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, shall render all4665assistance requested by the Governor of Alaska to facilitate the4666clearing and maintenance of transportation infrastructure, consistent4667with applicable law. All such requests for assistance shall be4668transmitted to the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Interior, and4669Assistant to the President for Economic Policy for approval prior to4670initiation.4671    Section 3(e) the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works,4672under the direction of the Secretary of the Army, shall immediately4673review, revise, or rescind any agency action that may in any way4674hinder, slow or otherwise delay any critical project in the State of4675Alaska.''4676    Will you commit fully to the intent of the President's executive4677order referenced above where the Department of the Army and the U.S4678Army Corps of Engineers will play a vital role?4679    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, if confirmed, I will ensure that the Department4680of the Army supports development of all energy sources and complies4681with the President's Executive Order to enable regulatory reform4682actions in compliance with current law.4683                expedited military construction on bases4684    36. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, the pace of military4685construction in Alaska is often slow, weighed down by burdensome4686environmental regulations and the harsh Arctic environment which allows4687for a short building season. Can I get your commitment to review4688regulations (including environmental regulations) that govern military4689construction and identify where Congress or DOD could speed up the4690building process for military construction by cutting red tape or4691passing legislation?4692    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, if confirmed, I will strongly support reviewing4693and streamlining regulations that govern military construction to4694ensure that our Nation's defense capabilities are not hindered by4695unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. The unique challenges posed by4696Alaska's harsh Arctic environment and short building season demand a4697more efficient and adaptable approach to military construction. I would4698commit to identify areas where regulations, including environmental4699regulations, can be revised, or updated to strike a better balance4700between protecting the environment and facilitating the timely4701completion of critical military construction projects. This may involve4702exploring opportunities to simplify permitting processes, reducing4703paperwork burdens, and implementing more flexible and responsive4704regulatory and statutory frameworks. If confirmed, I will work with4705Congress, the Department of Defense, and others to help pass4706legislation or implement regulatory reforms that will help speed up the4707military construction process.4708                            missile defense4709    37. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, Billy Mitchell, the Father of4710the U.S. Air Force once said, ``I believe . . . whoever controls Alaska4711controls the world. I think it is the most strategic place in the4712world.'' No other State but Alaska is strategically located to provide4713such a high level of Homeland defense. At Fort Greely, the 49th Missile4714Defense Battalion provide our Nation's first line of defense, tasked to4715defend against the threat of an intercontinental ballistic missile4716attack and command 40 of the Nation's 44 ballistic missile interceptors4717and receive data from the nearby Long Range Discrimination Radar. Fort4718Greely will soon house the new Next Generation Interceptor (NGI)4719missiles, but the program for this system has stalled due to high cost4720overruns and manufacturing delays. The NGI will be an essential part of4721our national ballistic missile system. Will you commit to reviewing the4722NGI program, if confirmed, and keep Congress informed of what resources4723are required to field the missile on time?4724    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will ensure that the Army continues4725close coordination with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to keep4726Congress informed of the resources required to field the Next4727Generation Interceptor (NGI).47284729    38. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, Alaska is strategic not only4730for its geographic location but also because of its concentration of4731over 100 fifth generation fighters (the highest concentration in the4732world) as well as it being home to the 11th Airborne Division, the4733Nation's preeminent Arctic combat unit. If a war occurred in the U.S.4734Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) area of responsibility (AOR), forces4735in Alaska would almost certainly be part of that fight and therefore4736would also be potentially targeted in their home bases. Do you believe4737that President Trump's ``Iron Dome for America'' should include Alaska4738as a critical site to be defended from missile attack given the facts4739stated above?4740    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will direct the Army to contribute to4741the Secretary of Defense's efforts pursuant to the President's Iron4742Dome for America executive order, including a focus on the role that4743the 11th Airborne Division serves in those plans.47444745    39. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, the Army controls a number of4746capabilities that are or will be used for multi-layered missile defense4747including the ``Iron Dome for America.'' Two such capabilities are the4748Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) system and the Patriot4749system, both of which have proven highly effective in combat within the4750last year. Currently the Army has only seven THAAD batteries worldwide4751with a demonstrated need for more, while the Patriot system continues4752to be the subject of continued upgrades. Will you commit to reviewing4753both programs and reporting back to Congress what is needed to expedite4754fielding of these systems and their munitions?4755    Mr. Driscoll. As the President highlighted in the recently released4756Executive Order, The Iron Dome for America, ``The threat of attack by4757ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles, and other advanced aerial4758attacks, remains the most catastrophic threat facing the United4759States.'' I take this threat very seriously and if confirmed, I will4760review both the THAAD and Patriot programs and report back to Congress4761on ways to expedite fielding of these systems and their munitions.4762 strategic opportunities in alaska for multi-domain task force basing4763                         and additional troops4764    40. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, Billy Mitchell, the Father of4765the U.S. Air Force once said, ``I believe . . . whoever controls Alaska4766controls the world. I think it is the most strategic place in the4767world.'' Alaska's geostrategic positioning has only strengthened in4768recent years as the Arctic has become more navigable and thus important4769for adversaries like Russia and China to control. The U.S. Army's4770Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) concept lends itself well to Alaska's4771geostrategic position. The Army's 3d MDTF took advantage of Alaska's4772premiere training areas in both 2023 and 2024 as it took part in4773Northern Edge 23 as well as in a snap airlift deployment to Shemya4774Island to counter Russian and Chinese Forces taking part in OKEAN 244775last September. In the Army's January 2021 strategy document, Regaining4776Arctic Dominance: The U.S. Army in the Arctic, the Army's senior4777leaders including Secretary Ryan McCarthy and General James McConville,4778USA, committed to defending Arctic interests and stated that they would4779``field a Multi-Domain Task Force-enabled division.'' The Biden4780administration did stage training events in Alaska for MDTF, but so4781far, the Army has not followed up on its strategy document committing4782to basing a MDTF in 11th Airborne Headquarters. A MDTF in Alaska would4783bring joint fires, cyber, space, and intelligence operations to the4784Arctic and future basing opportunities in the Aleutian Islands combined4785with U.S. Army airlift assets could extend the reach of several of4786these capabilities to deter adversary aggression in the region. Do you4787believe that a MDTF is still needed in Alaska as your predecessors did4788and will you commit to reviewing the January 2021 strategy document and4789explaining what resources are needed to fulfill this requirement?4790    Mr. Driscoll. I will commit to reviewing the strategy documents4791specifically related to the Arctic and ensuring we have resources4792aligned to requirements.4793           american military presence on the korean peninsula4794    41. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, during your hearing, you4795mentioned your family's military service on the Korean Peninsula. As4796you know, the American military's presence on the Korean Peninsula has4797helped keep the peace there since 1953. For many years, the clearest4798sign of that commitment is a bottom line presence of 28,500 American4799troops as well as a robust schedule of combined United States-Republic4800of Korea (ROK) exercises that ensures we are ready to ``fight tonight''4801to maintain the peace. In demonstration of South Korea's own commitment4802to the alliance, it paid 90 percent of the $11 billion cost of building4803a new base for U.S. Forces at Camp Humphries. Do you recognize the4804value of the United States-Korean alliance and the U.S. Army's4805continuing presence on the Korean peninsula to our allies in Seoul?4806    Mr. Driscoll. The recent provocative actions of Kim Jong-Un and his4807regime demonstrate the threat we face every day. I see the value of the4808United States-Korean Alliance. Alliances such as this are something our4809enemies do not have, and it is our source of strength.48104811    42. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un have4812both long sought to dislodge the United States military from the Korean4813Peninsula. Do you believe that removing large numbers of United States4814Army personnel from the Korean Peninsula is a good idea from the4815standpoint of strategic deterrence?4816    Mr. Driscoll. We continue to adjust our force posture and4817capabilities on the Korean Peninsula to enhance our ability and4818readiness to respond to provocation. The Army is prioritizing strategic4819deterrence while continuing to modernize the force. Ongoing and future4820Army modernization efforts have increased lethality and capability of4821units with minor adjustments to personnel strengths on the peninsula.4822            defense industrial base and defense acquisition4823    43. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, a few months ago, members of4824the Senate Armed Services Committee received a briefing on counter-4825unmanned aircraft systems (cUAS). Although more needs to be done to4826field these systems quickly, I was impressed by the Army's approach to4827budget agility because it echoes some of the findings of last year's4828Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) Reform4829Commission Report that called for budget consolidation and flexible4830spending within capabilities portfolios. Will you commit to continuing4831to push the results of this attempted line item consolidation to4832Congress so we can work solutions during NDAA season across programs4833and portfolios?4834    Mr. Driscoll. I believe that the recommendations provided in the4835PPBE Reform Commission Report could help get new capabilities into the4836hands of Soldiers faster. If confirmed, I will further the Army's4837efforts to accomplish budget line consolidation.48384839    44. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, over the last 2 years, DOD and4840the Army have worked hard to increase production of 155mm artillery4841shells to support the requirements of our own forces and supporting the4842war effort in Ukraine. While production numbers for 155mm artillery are4843up, there are concerns about critical munitions production shortfalls4844in other areas like the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). Further,4845multiple think tanks like the Center for Strategic and International4846Studies believe that we will run out of certain critical munitions if4847we do not ramp up industrial base production now. Will you commit to4848doing a full review of Army critical munition supply chains from4849critical minerals all the way to production and report back to Congress4850what is needed to shore up those supply chains?4851    Mr. Driscoll. I share your concerns about potential vulnerabilities4852within the Army critical munition supply chain, and, if confirmed, I4853look forward to learning more about ongoing analysis and mitigation4854strategies in this area. I also commit to conducting a review of the4855Army's critical munition supply chains and report back on what could4856strengthen our resilience.48574858    45. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, how do you plan to work with4859DOD leadership to assess ways to speed up the acquisition process?4860    Mr. Driscoll. The Department must fully embrace the acquisition,4861requirements and resourcing reforms provided by Congress in recent4862years to help accelerate acquisition outcomes. Current efforts by the4863Army's lead fielding organization, Assistant Secretary of the Army4864(Acquisition, Logistics, and Training), Army Futures Command, the4865Defense Innovation Community of Entities as well as partnerships with4866the Defense Innovation Unit are identifying opportunities to accelerate4867technology delivery. Additionally, the Army has identified4868opportunities to accelerate acquisition through improvements to the4869Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process and4870continued streamlining of acquisition statutes. I will further4871encourage the Department to maximize the use of flexible acquisition4872authorities to streamline processes and enable more rapid acquisition4873outcomes.48744875    46. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, what do you think we should be4876doing differently?4877    Mr. Driscoll. The Department can improve communication with4878industry, lower barriers to entry, and be a better customer in order to4879do business with a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional4880firms. Engaging with a broader pool of firms will increase competition,4881attract new and innovative ideas, and potentially lower costs for the4882Department. One of my goals will be to expand the defense industrial4883base by attracting new partners.48844885    47. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, will you commit to reviewing4886the Army's ``cost plus'' model versus ``firm fixed price'' model for4887software acquisitions and ensure that we are adopting the best4888commercial practices so we aren't missing out on better technology at a4889potentially cheaper price?4890    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, I am committed to reviewing the Army's use of4891the cost-plus and firm-fixed-price models for software acquisitions to4892ensure we are adopting best commercial practices. The Army should4893evaluate which approach provides the best value, innovation, and cost4894efficiency while maintaining agility and security in software4895procurement. If confirmed, my goal is to ensure the Army is leveraging4896the most advanced, cost-effective technologies without unnecessary4897financial risk.48984899    48. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, I noticed the Army is readying4900an expensive Army Data Platform (ADP 2.0) procurement that appears4901redundant to the Army Vantage program at a potentially higher cost.4902Will you commit to informing this Committee during our posture hearings4903in the spring what you are doing to reduce redundancy in programs like4904this one?4905    Mr. Driscoll. I commit to reducing redundancy and providing the4906best capability for our Soldiers. The Army needs to be flexible and4907agile in our ability to meet the Nation's needs, maintain a competitive4908environment, and spend every taxpayer dollar wisely. If confirmed, I4909will inform this Committee on this issue.4910             recruiting and building warrior ethos culture4911    49. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, outside of incentivizing4912recruiters and growing basic-training prep programs, how else does the4913U.S. Army plan to address its recruiting challenges?4914    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will continue to support the Army's4915significant changes in how it trains and supports Recruiters with4916facilities, technology and process innovation. As I understand, Army4917has multiple innovative experiments underway focused on reengineering4918the business process and is adopting a new AI-assisted, industry4919leading software system to support Recruiters.49204921    50. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, what are you going to do to4922counterbalance this expected drop of eligible recruits in 2026?4923    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, my first step to counterbalancing the4924effects of a drop in eligible recruits in the near future is to4925continue the momentum in enlistment production that has steadily4926increased over the last 2 years. I will continue to support the efforts4927to market and recruit from older, more educated markets while still4928allowing opportunities for those that benefit from additional math,4929reading and physical training in our Future Soldier Prep Course, which4930is currently showing a 93 percent graduation rate. Finally, the4931continued investment on improved recruiter training and incentives,4932such as merit based and productivity promotions, the use of supporting4933technologies, and innovative approaches to changing our business4934processes will prove effective.49354936    51. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, Secretary of Defense Peter4937Hegseth, has made it his mission to place special emphasis on the4938warrior ethos and building lethality in the fighting force during his4939tenure. What changes do you think the Army could make now to better4940inculcate the warrior ethos and lethality in new recruits, junior4941enlisted, and junior officers?4942    Mr. Driscoll. It is my understanding the US Army Training and4943Doctrine Command already plays a critical role in fostering the warrior4944ethos and enhancing lethality across all levels of the force. If4945confirmed, I look forward to working with TRADOC and diving deeper into4946their efforts to conduct comprehensive evaluations of the Army Training4947Enterprise and identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency and4948effectiveness.4949             maintaining high standards of physical fitness4950    52. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, your predecessor promised the4951Senate Armed Services Committee that she was going to institute a4952gender-neutral standard across the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT): she4953was not successful. Will you commit to revisiting this issue and, at a4954minimum, determining a gender-neutral standard for infantry and armor4955units and their battalion-level and below attachments?4956    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I agree to revisiting the issue of a4957gender-neutral ACFT standard and to following the guidance of the4958Secretary of Defense regarding the implementation of physical fitness4959standards for combat military occupational specialties.4960                           mapping in alaska4961    53. Senator Sullivan. Mr. Driscoll, late in the last Congress, our4962Chairman, Senator Wicker, released ``Restoring Freedom's Forge:4963American Innovation Unleashed.'' The report and accompanying4964legislation outline critical reforms that DOD and Congress must enact4965to position defense budgeting and acquisition for the 21st century.4966    Senator Wicker reported a recurring problem with conflicts of4967interest. The report reads in part:4968    Sometimes, DOD labs simultaneously support program office4969acquisitions and offer products that compete with industry. When4970Government standards and reference architectures are overly prescribed,4971they can become a back door to sole-sourced solutions created by4972government-supported labs, universities, and federally funded research4973and development centers. The regulator becomes the supplier. Lab4974personnel generate program requirements, provide technical assistance4975to the program and contracting team, and serve as members of source4976selection evaluation boards. Rather than buying and configuring an off-4977the-shelf product that has millions or even billions of dollars4978invested, DOD labs will convince the program offices to redevelop the4979solution.4980    I share the Chairman's concern regarding conflicts of interest. For4981example, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has a nationwide4982coastal mapping program run out of one of the Corps districts in the4983Lower 48. I'm concerned the district may be using commercially4984available LIDAR [Light Detection and Ranging] for coastal mapping tasks4985awarded outside the normal competitive process which can create4986disincentives for industry to invest in state-of-the-art mapping4987technology.4988    I am concerned that the Corps is not fully engaged with the Alaska4989Mapping Executive Committee (AMEC), which coordinates mapping in Alaska4990among the State and Federal stakeholders. Despite congressional4991instructions to coordinate the Corps' mapping with AMEC, is often slow4992in sharing updated shoreline mapping with the organization.4993    If you are confirmed, will you commit to reviewing the Alaska4994Coastal Mapping Program's working relationship with USACE including4995internal sole-source contracts and the Corps' participation in the4996Alaska Geospatial Council?4997    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, if confirmed, I will review the contracting4998processes by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Coastal Mapping4999Program, and relationship with mapping entities in Alaska. It is my5000understanding that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers currently utilizes5001competitive contracted services for LIDAR and coastal mapping and5002already participates in several Alaskan working groups.5003                               __________5004              Questions Submitted by Senator Kevin Cramer5005                  western water cooperative committee5006    54. Senator Cramer. Mr. Driscoll, thank you for your5007``unequivocal'' commitment to establish the Western Water Cooperative5008Committee during the hearing today. As I outlined during your5009nomination hearing, the Water Resources Development Act WRDA of 20225010required the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to set up this5011Committee within 90 days of enactment. Yet more than 2 years later, we5012are still waiting for the Committee to launch despite it being5013authorized and fully funded by Congress. I'm aware the Committee's5014charter sits before the Department of Defense (DOD), and is expected to5015be approved within 30 days before moving back to the Army. Once the5016charter is approved and sent back to the Army, can I also get your5017commitment to see this through to completion?5018    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, if confirmed, I commit to continuing to work5019proactively with the Department of Defense to gain approval of the5020Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) charter for the Western Water5021Cooperative Committee. I appreciate that the Congress provided both5022authority and funding for this effort and will continue to seek to5023convene this Committee as soon as practicable.50245025    55. Senator Cramer. Mr. Driscoll, too often the Army Corps is5026overlooked by the Army and progress is then slow or unaccountable. As5027you work to establish the Western Water Cooperative Committee, will you5028commit to keeping my office informed on progress and provide5029information needed to get it to completion?5030    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, if confirmed, I will commit to continuing to5031work through the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works to5032focus on the Western Water Cooperative Committee and will endeavor to5033ensure you and your staff receive regular updates as the Committee is5034established.5035                               __________5036                Questions Submitted by Senator Ted Budd5037                      defense acquisition process5038    56. Senator Budd. Mr. Driscoll, you have robust experience working5039with innovators in the private sector. What do you view as the priority5040in addressing innovation and acquisition challenges impacting the Army?5041    Mr. Driscoll. In my view, we need to ensure the Science and5042Technology, Acquisition, Resourcing and Requirements communities are5043fully aligned so that innovative new technologies are able to5044transition into fielded capabilities. We also need to ensure we are5045fully tapping into private sector innovation beyond just the5046traditional defense industry. If confirmed, I will look at ways to5047fully leverage existing programs, such as the xTech competitions and5048Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), partnerships with the5049Defense Innovation Unit, and flexible acquisition models such as5050Commercial Solutions Openings (CSO) via Other Transactions (OT)5051authorityto accomplish this.5052                    counter-unmanned aerial systems5053    57. Senator Budd. Mr. Driscoll, last year, the Army released a5054white paper titled ``Army Force Structure Transformation'' which5055outlines an array of new capabilities and structural changes needed to5056deploy defenses from unmanned aerial systems and other air threats. How5057do you view the Army's role in protecting the joint force from unmanned5058systems, and how would you rate its preparedness to do so today?5059    Mr. Driscoll. All Services have a role to play in countering the5060unmanned aerial systems threat. My understanding is that the Army has5061and continues to invest heavily in Counter-small UAS (C-sUAS)5062equipment, training, force structure, and tactics, techniques, and5063procedures. Additionally, the Army is currently fielding C-sUAS5064equipment sets to Divisions and multiple other formations.5065    Mr. Driscoll. The Army has made progress in the C-sUAS mission area5066and continues to pace the threat. With that said, I believe this threat5067is persistent and evolving with advances in hardware and software that5068have enhanced speed and range while making drones more autonomous, more5069easily proliferated, and deadlier. We must partner with the other5070Services, Combatant Commands, the interagency community, industry, and5071academia to continue to outpace the small UAS threat.5072                  joint deployment warfighting complex5073    58. Senator Budd. Mr. Driscoll, the XVIII Airborne Corps is working5074to consolidate their headquarters into a new and modern facility called5075the Joint Deployment Warfighting Complex (JDWC). This consolidation is5076a top priority from an operational and readiness perspective. If5077confirmed, do you commit to keeping this Committee updated on this5078project?5079    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed as Secretary, I will review the5080prioritization of this project and ensure the Army keeps the Committee5081updated on its status.5082                        artificial intelligence5083    59. Senator Budd. Mr. Driscoll, if confirmed, how would you plan to5084ensure that leading edge AI capabilities continue to be prioritized in5085Army intelligence programs, such as Project Maven?5086    Mr. Driscoll. First, I would work closely with the Army's5087intelligence community to identify and prioritize AI-enabled5088initiatives that can provide the greatest impact on our warfighting5089capabilities. This would include investing in advanced machine learning5090algorithms, automated target recognition, natural language processing,5091and computer vision, among other technologies.5092    Second, I would foster strong partnerships with industry, academia,5093and other government agencies to leverage their expertise and stay5094abreast of the latest advancements in AI research and development. This5095would include collaborating with leading tech companies, universities,5096and research institutions to identify and adapt emerging AI5097technologies for military applications.5098    Third, I would ensure that the Army's AI development and deployment5099efforts are guided by a clear and comprehensive strategy that aligns5100with our national security objectives. This would involve working5101closely with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff,5102and other stakeholders to develop and implement a unified AI strategy5103that prioritizes Army intelligence programs, avoids duplication of5104effort, and maximizes the effectiveness of cutting-edge AI.5105    Fourth, I would prioritize investment in AI talent and workforce5106development, recognizing that our ability to leverage AI effectively5107depends on having a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. This would5108include providing training and education programs for our soldiers and5109civilians, as well as recruiting and retaining top AI talent from5110industry and academia.5111    Finally, I would ensure that the Army's AI development and5112deployment efforts are characterized by a culture of innovation,5113experimentation, and continuous learning. This would involve5114encouraging a mindset of experimentation and calculated risk-taking, as5115well as providing the necessary resources and authorities to support5116rapid prototyping and fielding of new AI capabilities.5117                               __________5118                Questions Submitted by Senator Jack Reed5119   department of the army criminal investigation division, criminal5120    investigation laboratory, and forensics exploitation department5121    60. Senator Reed. Mr. Driscoll, the U.S. Department of the Army5122Criminal Investigation Division (DACID), Criminal Investigation5123Laboratory (USACIL), and Forensics Exploitation Department (FXD)5124provide forensic analysis support to the Department of Defense for5125investigations and prosecution of military sexual assault and for5126investigations, prosecution, and targeting of foreign enemies and5127terrorists operating overseas and here in America. These labs partner5128with the Department of Justice, Interpol, and other law enforcement5129agencies and allow military forces around the world to fully target and5130prosecute threats to the United States and keep our military forces5131safe. The FXD provides critical weapon system analysis and profiling to5132identify and interrupt the supply chain of weapons system components,5133trace the signatures of threat systems across borders, and inform force5134protection equipment and tactics, techniques and procedures that5135increase our lethality as a military force.5136    For the first time in 2023 military sexual assault and sexual5137harassment declined. This was the result of increased congressional5138budget investment and a focus on policy within the Department by the5139Secretary of Defense. If there is one place that America's sons and5140daughters should be safe from sexual assault and harassment it should5141be among the men and women in the U.S. Military. Currently the USACIL5142only received a portion of its requested funding for operations in5143fiscal year 2026.5144    What does this mean for the continued prosecution of sexual assault5145within the DOD?5146    Mr. Driscoll. I want to commit the resources, the time, the energy,5147and the focus to eliminate sexual assault and sexual harassment from5148the United States Army. If confirmed, I commit to reviewing the5149investments for the USACIL and the other components, given their5150important role in the justice process.51515152    61. Senator Reed. Mr. Driscoll, the Joint Staff and the Army5153validated formal and enduring requirements for DACID FXD 12 years ago.5154The Army, through numerous formal documents, and intensive study and5155labor, analyzing years of operational success, has addressed and5156validated the requirement for DACID: the Forensic Exploitation5157Laboratories (FXL) Capability Production Document (CPD) addresses the5158capability gaps identified in the Forensics Support Across the Range of5159Military Operations (ROMO) Initial Capabilities Development (ICD)5160Functional Solutions Analysis (FSA) dated 31 January 2010; the Cost5161Analysis Requirements Description (CARD) # 15011 approved 11 Feb 13;5162the Government Accountability Office (GAO) 13-447 Defense Forensics5163``Additional Planning and Oversight Needed to establish an Enduring5164Expeditionary Forensic Capability'' dated June 2013; the Training and5165Doctrine Command (TRADOC) tasking order (TASKORD) IN131352 Capabilities5166Development for Rapid Transition (CDRT) 15 dated 17 July 2013 and5167supports a Milestone C decision.5168    Currently, the Army continues to fund the majority of the DACID FXD5169capability through an ad hoc, year to year, funding approach overseen5170by a rapid response office within the Army that was created to fund5171emerging requirements for the Army. Funding decisions in this office do5172not require approval or prioritization by the Deputy Chief of Staff of5173the Army, G-3/5/7, the Provost Marshal General, or the Director of CID.5174DACID FXD has continuously operated expeditionary labs for almost 185175years, and today they operate and support counter-unmanned aircraft5176systems, maritime interdictions, other threat weapons system5177acquisition and analysis, and Homeland security. The Army will finally5178consider formal approval of the FXD requirement in the POM [Program5179Objectives Memorandum] 28.5180    When will the Army's FXD Capability Development Document, that5181began Army TRADOC staffing in 2016, be approved by the Army?5182    Mr. Driscoll. I do not have a definitive answer as to when the5183FXD's CDD will be finalized, but I will look into this action and its5184relative prioritization with all other competing requirements. I will5185ensure CID is effectively managing FXD's resource requirements to5186ensure the success of FXD's critical mission.51875188    62. Senator Reed. Mr. Driscoll, how will the Army ensure USACIL and5189DACID FXD get their full funding requirement in POM 28 (fiscal years51902028-2032)?5191    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I intend to review the Army's entire5192Program, to include USACIL and DACID FXD. Based on the needs of the5193Army, I will seek to balance limited resources across the most critical5194requirements.51955196    63. Senator Reed. Mr. Driscoll, how will the Army ensure DACID FXD5197funding is bridged until POM 28?5198    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I intend to review these efforts within5199the context of the overall Program and make resourcing decisions in the5200best interests of the Army beginning in Fiscal Year 2025.5201                               __________5202             Questions Submitted by Senator Mazie K. Hirono5203                          allies and partners5204    64. Senator Hirono. Mr. Driscoll, our strong network of allies and5205partners in the Indo-Pacific is one of our greatest advantages and a5206key part of our National Defense Strategy. Maintaining these important5207relationships requires adequate Service-level budgeting for joint and5208multilateral exercises and training, which bolsters military readiness5209and deterrence. Given the constrained fiscal environment, how do you5210plan to prioritize Army campaign funding for multilateral exercises and5211training in the Indo-Pacific?5212    Mr. Driscoll. Exercises and training are a critical aspect of5213building interoperability with and improving the capabilities of Allies5214and partners. Army Senior Leaders through USARPAC prioritizes exercises5215through Operation Pathways by integrating new capabilities and5216formations, which exercise in key locations to deter and be more5217responsive if required. Allies and partners continue to demonstrate5218great interest in U.S. joint and multinational exercises due to the5219high value of training offered. Many allies and partners cover the5220costs of their own participation in these exercises, in accordance with5221law and guidance provided by the Department. Their participation and5222enduring contribution to campaigning maximizes the impact of U.S.5223training dollars.5224                              recruitment5225    65. Senator Hirono. Mr. Driscoll, the Army is experiencing the most5226challenging recruiting landscape in a generation, consistently missing5227recruiting targets until just last year. We now have a Secretary of5228Defense who has made disparaging comments about women in combat and5229across the military. How many soldiers are female?5230    Mr. Driscoll. As of 31 December 2024, the Army Active component has523171,828 female soldiers, which represents approximately 16 percent of5232the Army Active component.52335234    66. Senator Hirono. Mr. Driscoll, how many women in the Army serve5235in combat roles?5236    Mr. Driscoll. As of 31 December 2024, there are 3,785 women serving5237in combat roles.52385239    67. Senator Hirono. Mr. Driscoll, if these soldiers are isolated5240and disrespected by the senior civilian in charge of DOD, what impact5241do you think this will have on retention and recruitment, especially5242for the Army?5243    Mr. Driscoll. The Army continues to focus its recruiting and5244retention efforts on ``Quality over Quantity,'' recruiting and5245retaining qualified individuals based on merit to serve. If confirmed,5246I will ensure that the Army continues to recruit and retain high5247quality personnel. These Soldiers will be tactically and technically5248trained, ready to fight and win our Nation's wars.52495250    68. Senator Hirono. Mr. Driscoll, how do you plan to ensure the5251Army adequately meets its recruiting goals?5252    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, my plan to ensure the Army adequately5253meets its recruiting goals is to look at lessons learned, continue5254initiatives that are effective, and support the Army's Recruiting5255Enterprise Transformation. I plan to provide Recruiters the best5256marketing and technology support available, reengineering business5257processes to improve effectiveness, and constantly reviewing5258performance in every aspect, discarding dated and restrictive policies,5259expanding programs that are working, and continuing to seek the best5260talent in the right markets.52615262    69. Senator Hirono. Mr. Driscoll, in 2023, 6.8 percent of Active5263Duty women and 1.3 percent of Active Duty men indicated experiencing5264unwanted sexual contact. In the same year, 523 servicemembers died by5265suicide, an increase from the previous year (493). What steps will you5266take to improve quality of life and resources for soldiers to address5267the continued problems of sexual violence and suicide?5268    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will fully support and provide5269oversight for implementation of the approved recommendations from the5270DOD Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military and5271the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee5272findings.5273                 modernization-sustainment and training5274    70. Senator Hirono. Mr. Driscoll, in 2024, the GAO reported that5275the Army is rapidly fielding new types of weapon systems and equipment5276to deploying units even before fully completing the doctrine, training,5277personnel, and facilities requirements that are needed to best operate5278and sustain the equipment. Recognizing there is value to putting new5279weapon systems in soldiers' hands as early as possible, what steps will5280you take as Secretary of the Army to ensure that necessary training,5281sustainment, and other planning elements are also rapidly developed and5282implemented?5283    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will review which programs are worth5284investing in. Scaling them to the entire Army using Deliberate5285Transformation is necessary to capture DOTMLPFP fully burdened cost and5286ensure we deliver sustainable solutions. The ability to provide and5287incorporate iterative soldier feedback enables the Army to spend money5288where it makes the biggest difference to increasing lethality and5289warfighting.5290                      rapid acquisition processes5291    71. Senator Hirono. Mr. Driscoll, the Army has faced criticism for5292being slow to deliver new capabilities to soldiers. What reforms would5293you implement to streamline acquisition processes and deliver critical5294capabilities faster, particularly for the Indo-Pacific area of5295responsibility?5296    Mr. Driscoll. The Army must continue to avoid a ``one-size-fits-5297all'' approach to acquisition. If confirmed, I will encourage the Army5298to tailor acquisition approaches based on the capability being acquired5299by using novel acquisition authorities provided by Congress. Flexible5300acquisition pathways, such as the use of Other Transaction authority,5301enable rapid development and deployment of new capabilities and allow5302iterative upgrades to improve new capabilities.53035304    72. Senator Hirono. Mr. Driscoll, the private sector often outpaces5305Government research and development processes in developing and5306fielding cutting-edge technologies. How will you ensure that the Army5307prioritizes partnerships with private companies, particularly small5308businesses and non-traditional companies, to rapidly integrate existing5309commercial technologies into the Army?5310    Mr. Driscoll. The Army recognizes the private sector's ability to5311rapidly innovate and is committed to strengthening partnerships with5312small businesses and non-traditional defense companies to accelerate5313the integration of cutting-edge commercial technologies. If confirmed,5314I will focus on eliminating barriers, leveraging agile procurement5315strategies, and fostering collaborative innovation to maintain5316technological overmatch.5317                          protecting civilians5318    73. Senator Hirono. Mr. Driscoll, the U.S. Army has indicated that5319it plans to eliminate the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence--the5320DOD office that protects civilians in war zones and mitigate civilian5321harm. This office grew out of an initiative begun by former Secretary5322of Defense James Mattis, who ordered a study into how U.S. airstrikes5323had killed Iraqi civilians. If the U.S. Army plans to take steps to5324eliminate this congressionally mandated office, how will the U.S. Army5325be held accountable and adequately trained for reducing civilian harm5326in conflict?5327    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received a briefing on the Civilian5328Protection Center of Excellence. I strongly support all efforts to5329mitigate civilian harm, including through the U.S. Department of5330Defense Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) effort. If5331confirmed, I will request a briefing and work with the Senate Armed5332Services Committee to ensure Soldiers are adequately trained for5333reducing civilian harm in conflict.5334                     scaling emerging technologies5335    74. Senator Hirono. Mr. Driscoll, the Pentagon often struggles to5336transition promising prototypes into large-scale programs. What5337barriers do you see preventing the rapid fielding of ground autonomous5338systems for the Army, and how would you address them to ensure we can5339operate at scale?5340    Mr. Driscoll. Large scale fielding of autonomous ground systems5341operating alongside Soldiers presents a complex challenge. It is my5342understanding that existing ground autonomous systems are currently not5343mature enough to operate along with Soldier formations without5344requiring significant oversight by Soldiers. If confirmed, I will5345advocate for both further maturation of the systems themselves, along5346with continued Soldier experimentation, to validate the effectiveness5347and safety of the systems.5348                               __________5349            Questions Submitted by Senator Elizabeth Warren5350                                 ethics5351    75. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, please provide a list of all your5352clients at In Witness Advisory LLC.5353    Mr. Driscoll. I have provided all relevant information in5354compliance with the Office of Government Ethics financial disclosure5355and SASC Questionnaire processes.53565357    76. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if confirmed, will you commit to5358recuse yourself for 4 years from all particular matters that have a5359direct and predictable effect on your former clients at In Witness5360Advisory LLC?5361    Mr. Driscoll. My Ethics Agreement and existing laws and policies5362will require me, if confirmed and appointed, to recuse myself for a5363period of 1 year from participating personally and substantially in any5364particular matter involving specific parties in which I know that a5365former client is a party or represents a party, unless I am first5366authorized to participate by the appropriate ethics official. I will5367ensure that I have a robust screening process in place to help5368implement these recusals.53695370    77. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, please provide a list of any5371clients and any companies purchased by or advised by Flex Capital5372Management LLC.5373    Mr. Driscoll. I have provided all relevant information in5374compliance with the Office of Government Ethics financial disclosure5375and SASC Questionnaire processes.53765377    78. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if confirmed, will you commit to5378recuse yourself for 4 years from all particular matters that have a5379direct and predictable effect on the clients of and companies purchased5380or advised by Flex Capital Management?5381    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will comply with existing laws and5382regulations.53835384    79. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you are confirmed, will you5385commit to not seeking any employment with or compensation from a5386defense contractor, including through serving on a board, as a5387consultant, or as a lobbyist, for 4 years after leaving DOD?5388    Mr. Driscoll. I will abide by the extensive post-government5389employment ethics rules required by Federal law and policy. These5390provisions set forth comprehensive restrictions relating to acceptance5391of compensation from defense contractors, as well as communicating back5392to the Federal Government on behalf of any future employers and5393clients. I believe that these existing rules are appropriate and5394sufficient to protect the public interest. If confirmed, I will carry5395out the responsibilities of my office honorably, and I will seek any5396post-government employment in full compliance with the applicable5397ethics rules.53985399    80. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you are confirmed, will you5400commit to not engaging in any lobbying activities, including ``behind-5401the-scenes'' lobbying, focused on DOD or any of its components for 45402years after leaving DOD?5403    Mr. Driscoll. I will abide by the extensive post-government5404employment ethics rules required by Federal law and policy. These5405provisions set forth comprehensive restrictions relating to acceptance5406of compensation from defense contractors, as well as communicating back5407to the Federal Government on behalf of any future employers and5408clients. I believe that these existing rules are appropriate and5409sufficient to protect the public interest. If confirmed, I will carry5410out the responsibilities of my office honorably, and I will seek any5411post-government employment in full compliance with the applicable5412ethics rules.54135414    81. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, during your nomination process,5415did anyone on the Trump campaign, transition team, or other closely5416related entity approach you about your loyalty to President Trump?5417    Mr. Driscoll. No.54185419    82. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you were approached about your5420loyalty to President Trump, did you sign a loyalty pledge or other5421similar oath? If so, please provide a copy of the text of that pledge5422or oath.5423    Mr. Driscoll. No.54245425    83. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you were approached about your5426loyalty to President Trump, did you make any verbal representations of5427loyalty? If so, please describe this representation.5428    Mr. Driscoll. I was never approached.54295430    84. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, in November 2024, the New York5431Times and other news outlets reported that Boris Epshteyn, a top5432adviser to President Trump, allegedly requested payment from5433prospective political appointees to promote their candidacies for top5434positions within the Administration. Did you discuss the possibility of5435joining the Administration with Mr. Epshteyn at any time?5436    Mr. Driscoll. No.54375438    85. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you did discuss the5439possibility of joining the Administration with Mr. Epshteyn, did Mr.5440Epshteyn seek payment from you for promoting your candidacy for a5441position within the Administration?5442    Mr. Driscoll. No.54435444    86. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, at any time, did lawyers for5445President Trump or members of President Trump's team approach you5446regarding Mr. Epshteyn and the allegations cited above? If so, please5447explain the information that they provided you, including copies of5448documents, what was discussed during any calls, and any other5449information pertaining to this interaction.5450    Mr. Driscoll. No.5451                congressional oversight and transparency5452    87. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, what is your understanding of the5453role of the Department of Defense Inspector General and the Army5454Inspector General?5455    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received a briefing on the role of the DOD5456Inspector General and the Army Inspector General. If confirmed, I will5457request a briefing.54585459    88. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, will you ensure your staff5460complies with any Inspector General deadlines established for requested5461communications, providing witnesses, providing documents, and that5462those witnesses will be protected from reprisal for their testimony?5463    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I am committed to meeting all legal5464requirements from the Inspector General.54655466    89. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you are not able to comply5467with any Inspector General requests and deadlines, will you notify the5468Republican and Democratic members of the Committee regarding the basis5469for any good faith delay or denial?5470    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I am committed to meeting all legal5471requirements from the Inspector General and provide any legally5472required notice to Members of the Committee.54735474    90. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you are confirmed as Secretary5475of the Army, will you commit to refusing to follow illegal orders from5476any individual, including the President?5477    Mr. Driscoll. I reject the premise of the question that the5478President would issue an illegal order. I would only follow legal5479orders.54805481    91. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, will you commit to testify before5482Congress if you are called upon by Congress to provide a deposition or5483if you are issued a subpoena?5484    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, I am committed to meeting all legal requirements5485from Congress.54865487    92. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, will you commit to providing5488information or documents to Congress if you are requested to do so or5489issued a subpoena?5490    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, I am committed to meeting all legal requirements5491from Congress.54925493    93. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, will you commit to following5494current DOD precedent for responding to information requests,5495briefings, and other inquiries from Congress, including the Senate and5496House Armed Services Committees and their minority members?5497    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, I am committed to meeting all legal requirements5498from the Senate and House Armed Services Committees.54995500    94. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if confirmed, will you commit to5501posting your official calendar monthly?5502    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I am committed to meeting all legal5503disclosure requirements.55045505    95. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you think the Army has an5506over-classification problem and if so, can you commit to providing this5507Committee an estimate of the number or percentage of Army documents5508that are overclassified?5509    Mr. Driscoll. I have not yet received a briefing. If confirmed, I5510will review the Army's current classification system.55115512    96. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, to the best of your knowledge,5513are Army components identifying records for proactive posting in5514compliance with the Freedom of Information Act? And if not, how would5515you ensure that they do so to comply with public records law?5516    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received any briefing on the Army's5517current Freedom of Information Act compliance. If confirmed, I will5518review.55195520    97. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if confirmed, do you think the5521Army should pursue strategic technology to support automated5522declassification?5523    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will review the Army's current5524declassification technology system.5525                              project 20255526    98. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, have you discussed Project 20255527with any officials associated with the Trump campaign, the Trump5528transition team, or other members of the Trump administration? If so,5529please explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with whom5530you discussed it.5531    Mr. Driscoll. No.55325533    99. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, have you discussed Project 20255534with any officials associated with the Heritage Foundation? If so,5535please explain what you discussed, when you discussed it, and with whom5536you discussed it.5537    Mr. Driscoll. No.5538                           foreign influence5539    100. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, have you received any payment5540from a foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government5541within the past 5 years?5542    Mr. Driscoll. No.55435544    101. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, have you communicated with any5545foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government within5546the past 5 years?5547    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, all such communications have been disclosed in5548conjunction with my clearance background check and Senate briefing.55495550    102. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, please disclose any5551communications or payments you have had with representatives of any5552foreign government or entity controlled by a foreign government within5553the past 5 years and describe the nature of the communication.5554    Mr. Driscoll. I have received no such payments. All such5555communications have been disclosed in conjunction with my clearance5556background check and Senate briefing.5557                     sexual assault and harassment5558    103. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, the most recent DOD statistics5559found that about 29,000 Active Duty troops--which accounts for 6.85560percent of female servicemembers and 1.3 percent of male5561servicemembers--experienced unwanted sexual contact in 2023. A Brown5562University study estimates that the actual rates are two to four times5563higher. How do you plan to address and reduce sexual assault and sexual5564harassment in the Army?5565    Mr. Driscoll. Sexual assault and sexual harassment have no place in5566the Army. If confirmed, I will receive a briefing on the current state5567of sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Army and support ongoing5568efforts to eliminate these problems.55695570    104. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, how do you plan to support and5571protect Army servicemembers, civilians, grantees, and contractors who5572come forward with reports of sexual assault and sexual harassment?5573    Mr. Driscoll. Sexual assault and sexual harassment have no place in5574the Army. If confirmed, I will receive a briefing on the current state5575of sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Army and support ongoing5576efforts to eliminate these problems.5577                               agreements5578    105. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, have you, in any professional or5579personal capacity, signed or agreed to sign a non-disclosure agreement,5580confidentiality agreement, confidential disclosure agreement,5581proprietary information agreement, non-disparagement agreement, and/or5582secrecy agreement and for what reasons did you do so?5583    Mr. Driscoll. As is standard practice for many businesses, I have5584signed agreements related to my previous employers of record. All such5585employment have been disclosed in conjunction with my clearance5586background check.55875588    106. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, have you, in any professional or5589personal capacity, agreed to pay, paid, or receive payment or services5590in conjunction with any of the aforementioned instances?5591    Mr. Driscoll. As is standard practice for many businesses, I have5592signed agreements related to my previous employers of record and5593received compensation from those employers.55945595    107. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you have in any professional5596or personal capacity, agreed to pay, paid, or receive payment or5597services in conjunction with any of the aforementioned instances,5598please provide a breakdown of the amount(s) agreed to pay, paid, or5599received and an explanation of services rendered and include a timeline5600of when any of these agreements, payments, or services rendered5601occurred.5602    Mr. Driscoll. As is standard practice for many businesses, I have5603signed agreements related to my previous employers of record and5604received compensation from those employers.5605               retaliation and protecting whistleblowers5606    108. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you believe that5607servicemembers, civilians, grantees, and contractors should be5608protected from any form of retaliation for coming forward about an5609illegal order, sexual assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or5610any other concern that they wish to raise?5611    Mr. Driscoll. I believe that all whistleblower laws should be5612followed.56135614    109. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, have you ever retaliated against5615any individual for coming forward about an illegal order, sexual5616assault or harassment, negligence, misconduct, or any other concern5617that they wish to raise?5618    Mr. Driscoll. No.56195620    110. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you are confirmed as5621Secretary of the Army, will you commit to protecting whistleblowers and5622how will you do so?5623    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will follow all laws related to5624whistleblowers.5625                 domestic deployments of u.s. military5626    111. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, in which circumstances do you5627believe that the Insurrection Act should be used?5628    Mr. Driscoll. The Insurrection Act is a lawful authority of the5629President of the United States given to him by the Congress. Its lawful5630uses are spelled out in statute.56315632    112. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you believe that the5633Insurrection Act should be used only as a ``last resort?''5634    Mr. Driscoll. Invocation of the Insurrection Act is a lawful5635prerogative of the President of the United States and not that of the5636Secretary of Army. The authority to use the Act is spelled out in U.S.5637Code.56385639    113. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you believe that military5640forces should be deployed to respond to civil unrest only in situations5641where State and local authorities are overwhelmed?5642    Mr. Driscoll. Military forces, be they National Guard or5643occasionally Active Duty Forces, have in our country historically been5644employed to respond to civil unrest when the capacity and capabilities5645of civil authorities have been stretched to the limit and there is a5646complete or near complete breakdown of law and order.56475648    114. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you believe that the parties5649best positioned to determine whether State and local authorities are5650overwhelmed are those authorities? If not, why not?5651    Mr. Driscoll. That State and local authorities are overwhelmed will5652often be clear to the general public merely by the scale of violence5653and/or disorder. Further, State or local authorities may not be in a5654position to convey that they are overwhelmed.56555656    115. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if confirmed, would you support5657using the military for immigration enforcement, including for mass5658deportations, despite the military's lack of relevant training and the5659harm it would almost certainly do to military readiness?5660    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will support and execute all lawful5661direction and guidance from the President of the United States and the5662Secretary of Defense.5663                        impoundment control act5664    116. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, on January 27, 2025, President5665Trump's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo calling for5666all Federal financial assistance programs (excluding ``assistance5667provided directly to individuals'') to be suspended. Do you agree with5668OMB's decision to issue this memo?5669    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will support and execute all lawful5670direction and guidance from the President of the United States and the5671Secretary of Defense.56725673    117. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you believe that the5674Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the Army has the legal5675authority to block the disbursement of funds appropriated by Congress?5676    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received any briefing on the disbursement5677of funds appropriated by Congress. If confirmed, I will request a5678briefing on the Army's requirements to follow all applicable laws.56795680    118. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, what is your understanding of5681the Impoundment Control Act?5682    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received any briefing on the Impoundment5683Control Act. If confirmed, I will request a briefing on the Army's5684requirements to follow all applicable laws.56855686    119. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you commit to following the5687Impoundment Control Act?5688    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will follow all laws.56895690    120. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you commit notifying the5691Senate and House Armed Services Committees, including the majority and5692minority, if you are asked not to follow the Impoundment Control Act or5693not to expend the money that Congress appropriates or authorizes?5694    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will follow all applicable laws.56955696    121. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, the Constitution's Spending5697Clause (Art. I, Sec.  8, cl. 1) and Appropriations Clause (Art. I,5698Sec.  9, cl. 7) give Congress, not the Executive, power of the purse.5699The Supreme Court has unanimously upheld this power. Do you believe5700that impoundments are constitutional?5701    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will support and execute all lawful5702direction and guidance from the President of the United States and the5703Secretary of Defense.57045705    122. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, the funding levels in5706appropriations bills passed into law are not targets or ceilings;5707instead, they are amounts the executive branch must spend, unless5708stated otherwise. Congress could--if it wanted the President to have5709discretion--write those amounts as ceilings. Do you agree?5710    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will support and execute all lawful5711direction and guidance from the President of the United States and the5712Secretary of Defense.57135714    123. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, what is your understanding of5715the requirements for DOD to obligate funding that Congress authorizes5716and appropriates, in accordance with the time period that Congress5717deems it to do so?5718    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received any briefing on the requirements5719and timelines for the Army to obligate funding that Congress authorizes5720and appropriates. If confirmed, I will request a briefing on the Army's5721requirements and ensure the Army follows all applicable laws.57225723    124. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you commit to expending the5724money that Congress appropriates and authorizes?5725    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will follow all applicable laws.57265727    125. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you commit to following and5728implementing the annual National Defense Authorization Act passed into5729law?5730    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will follow all applicable laws.5731                             civilian harm5732    126. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you agree that one difference5733between the United States and its potential adversaries is the greater5734value that the U.S. Government puts on protecting human life and5735liberty at home and abroad?5736    Mr. Driscoll. I'm supportive of the U.S. DOD CHMR effort.57375738    127. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, what is your understanding of5739title 10 U.S.C. 184, which established the Civilian Protection Center5740of Excellence?5741    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received a briefing on the Civilian5742Protection Center of Excellence. If confirmed, I will request a5743briefing.57445745    128. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, the U.S. military has spent many5746years working to improve its ability to prevent and mitigate civilian5747harm without sacrificing lethality--including through the development5748of the DOD Instruction on Civilian Harm under the first Trump5749administration, which I commend. These efforts received bipartisan5750support from Congress and grew out of a recognition from the U.S.5751military itself that, after over 2 decades of U.S. wars, warfighters5752needed better tools and trustworthy systems to prevent civilian harm,5753uphold U.S. values, and prevent the moral injury and psychological5754trauma that too often comes with deadly mistakes. The Army has played a5755critical role in these efforts by serving as the joint proponent for5756civilian harm mitigation and response (CHMR) and housing the Civilian5757Protection Center of Excellence (CPCOE), which provides direct support5758to operational combatant commands on civilian harm issues. The CPCOE5759has also been enshrined in U.S. law via the James M. Inhofe National5760Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. If confirmed as5761Secretary of the Army, will you commit to continued Army leadership on5762civilian harm issues, including housing and resourcing the CPCOE?5763    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I commit to following all relevant laws5764and DOD issuances relating to civilian harm mitigation and response.57655766    129. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, what do you understand to be5767your roles and responsibilities regarding civilian harm mitigation and5768response?5769    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received a briefing on the Secretary of5770the Army's specific roles and responsibilities regarding civilian harm5771mitigation. If confirmed, I will request a briefing.57725773    130. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, what do you understand to be the5774importance of mitigating civilian harm in military operations?5775    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I am committed to meeting all legal and5776regulatory requirements with respect to reporting on Department of5777Defense efforts to mitigate civilian harm.57785779    131. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you are confirmed, will you5780commit to supporting and protecting the Civilian Protection Center of5781Excellence?5782    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I commit to following all relevant laws5783relating to the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence.57845785    132. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, according to press reports the5786Army is drafting proposals to defund and potentially disestablish the5787Civilian Protection Center of Excellence, what do you understand to be5788the Army's authority to do so?5789    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received any briefing relating to the5790Civilian Protection Center of Excellence. If confirmed, I will request5791a briefing and will follow all relevant funding laws and DOD issuances5792relating to civilian harm mitigation and response.57935794    133. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if one of the options is to move5795the office to another Service, how will you oversee the transition?5796    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received any briefing relating to the5797Civilian Protection Center of Excellence. If confirmed, I will request5798a briefing and will follow all relevant laws and DOD issuances relating5799to civilian harm mitigation and response.58005801    134. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if the Civilian Protection5802Center of Excellence is moved out of the Army, how will you oversee the5803Army's compliance with title 10 U.S.C. 184 and the Civilian Harm5804Mitigation Response and Action Plan (CHMR-AP)?5805    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received any briefing relating to the5806Civilian Protection Center of Excellence. If confirmed, I will request5807a briefing and will follow all relevant compliance laws and DOD5808issuances relating to civilian harm mitigation and response.58095810    135. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you are confirmed as5811Secretary of the Army, how will you prevent and mitigate civilian harm?5812    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will request a briefing on the DOD5813CHMR program, including the role of the Army in that program, and will5814advocate for a culture that strives to improve its civilian harm5815mitigation and response processes.58165817    136. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you are confirmed as5818Secretary of the Army, will you commit to supporting and implementing5819the CHMR-AP?5820    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will follow all relevant laws and DOD5821issuances relating to civilian harm mitigation and response.58225823    137. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you believe that our troops5824are at higher risk for retribution as the number of civilian deaths5825from U.S. military operations or U.S.-led military operations5826increases?5827    Mr. Driscoll. Yes.5828                           blast overpressure5829    138. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you are confirmed as5830Secretary of the Army, will you commit to protecting servicemembers5831from blast overpressure and increase their options for seeking care5832after being exposed?5833    Mr. Driscoll. It is our sacred duty to care for our soldiers5834suffering from service-related injuries. If confirmed, I will request a5835briefing on the current options for care for Soldiers suffering from5836blast overpressure and continue ongoing efforts that support mitigating5837blast overpressure while maintaining the operational and training5838standards of the Army.58395840    139. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you are confirmed as5841Secretary of the Army, what steps will you take to protect5842servicemembers from blast overpressure and increase their options for5843seeking care after being exposed?5844    Mr. Driscoll. It is our sacred duty to care for our soldiers5845suffering from service-related injuries. If confirmed, I will request a5846briefing on the current options for care for Soldiers suffering from5847blast overpressure and, where necessary, work with this Committee to5848advocate for increased mitigation and care options where appropriate.58495850    140. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, how do you plan to work with the5851Department of Veterans Affairs to make sure that servicemembers,5852veterans, and their families are aware of the risks of blast5853overpressure and traumatic brain injury?5854    Mr. Driscoll. It is our sacred duty to care for our soldiers5855suffering from service-related injuries. If confirmed, I will work with5856the Department of Veterans Affairs, where necessary, to care for5857Soldiers suffering from blast overpressure.58585859    141. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you support establishing logs5860for soldiers on blast overpressure exposure and traumatic brain injury?5861    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will request a briefing on the5862current system for monitoring blast overpressure exposure and traumatic5863brain injury and ongoing efforts to further improve tracking such5864exposure.58655866    142. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you support requiring5867neurocognitive assessments of soldiers annually, before they begin5868training to establish a baseline, and before they leave the military to5869determine when their change in cognitive health over time?5870    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will request a briefing on the5871current system for neurocognitive assessment for soldiers.58725873    143. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you are confirmed as5874Secretary of the Army, how will you address the links between blast5875overpressure exposure and increased risks of suicide?5876    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will request a briefing on any5877current links between blast overpressure exposure and increased risks5878of suicide. The Army should work, from the top down, to prevent all5879suicides.58805881    144. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, it appears that U.S. Army Green5882Beret Master Sergeant Matthew Livelsberger, who died by suicide in a5883cybertruck explosion on January 1, 2025, may have had a history of5884traumatic brain injury. What do you understand to be the consequences5885and long-term effects of blast overpressure exposure and brain injury5886on servicemembers?5887    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will request a briefing on any5888current links between blast overpressure exposure and increased risks5889of suicide. The Army should work, from the top down, to prevent all5890suicides.58915892    145. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you support addressing the5893risks of blast overpressure to servicemembers through the swift5894implementation of sections 721 through section 725 of the Fiscal Year58952025 NDAA?5896    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will request a briefing on the5897current state of implementation of sections 721 through section 725 of5898the Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA and follow all applicable laws.58995900    146. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, which occupational specialties5901do you understand to be at the highest risk for blast overpressure5902exposure in the Army?5903    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will request a briefing on the5904current understanding of which occupational specialties have the5905highest risk for blast overpressure exposure.5906                            right-to-repair5907    147. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you believe giving the Army5908access to the technical data rights needed to repair its own equipment5909could advance the Army's readiness?5910    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, I believe that it could help advance the Army's5911readiness. If confirmed, I will request a brief on the current state of5912the Army's right-to-repair.59135914    148. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you believe giving the Army5915access to the technical data rights needed to repair its own equipment5916could help reduce the Army's repair and sustainment costs?5917    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, I believe that it could help reduce the Army's5918repair and sustainment costs. If confirmed, I will request a brief on5919the current state of the Army's right-to-repair to better understand5920the scale of impact on repair and sustainment costs.59215922    149. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, how will you ensure soldiers who5923are stationed abroad can timely and cost-effectively repair equipment5924that is damaged, especially in a contested logistics environment?5925    Mr. Driscoll. Technological innovations may exist that can improve5926equipment repairs. If confirmed, I will request a brief on the current5927state of the Army's repair systems with a focus on repairs in a5928contested logistics environment.59295930    150. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you are confirmed as5931Secretary of the Army, will you commit to including right-to-repair/5932technical data rights clauses in acquisition contracts that the Army5933enters into?5934    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will request a brief on the current5935state of the Army's right-to-repair and advocate for contracting5936language that can strengthen the Army.59375938    151. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you are confirmed as5939Secretary of the Army, will you commit to ensuring contractors deliver5940technical data rights to the Army when their contract requires or5941allows it?5942    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will request a brief on the current5943state of the Army's technical data rights and advocate for data rights5944that can strengthen the Army.59455946    152. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you are confirmed as5947Secretary of the Army, will you commit to understanding the cost of not5948having the right-to-repair/technical data rights for the Army's5949equipment through an assessment, the results of which you would make5950public for review by Congress and the Department of Government5951Efficiency?5952    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will request a brief on the current5953state of the Army's right-to-repair/technical data rights and publicly5954advocate for areas that can significantly strengthen the Army.5955                      naming of confederate bases5956    153. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, the Fiscal Year 2021 NDAA5957established a commission to rename Federal bases and other military5958property named after Confederate figures. The Naming Commission5959recommended new names for military installations and other property5960named after Confederate soldiers. The Commission received bipartisan5961support and worked with local communities to make these5962recommendations, which the Department of Defense accepted. Section 17495963of the Fiscal Year 2020 NDAA also prohibits the Department of Defense5964from naming a new asset or renaming an old asset in reference to the5965Confederacy. Do you support keeping the names of military property5966designated by the Naming Commission?5967    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will request a brief on the Naming5968Commissions findings to better understand its recommendations.5969                            army contracting5970    154. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, reporting on January 27, 2025,5971indicated that Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth was ``halting all new5972Army contract awards as well as solicitations for new programs'' and5973that this pause ``could last as little as 10 days but could potentially5974continue for months.'' The Army has since claimed that there is an5975ongoing review but ``contracting activities continue to move forward.''5976Do you support a pause in new Army contract awards and solicitations5977for new programs?5978    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received any briefings on the Army's5979current contracting positions. If confirmed, I will receive a briefing5980to better understand the current state of the contract awards and5981solicitations for new programs.59825983    155. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you support a pause, how long5984of a pause do you support and under what conditions?5985    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received any briefings on Army5986contracting. If confirmed, I will receive a briefing to better5987understand the current state of the contract awards and solicitations5988for new programs.59895990    156. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you support a pause, what do5991you estimate to be the cost of such a halt in contracting?5992    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received any briefings on Army5993contracting. If confirmed, I will receive a briefing to better5994understand the current state of the contract awards and solicitations5995and any possible cost implications.59965997    157. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, what do you understand to be the5998ramifications of a pause in new Army contract awards and solicitations5999for new programs, including both on the programmatic side and industry6000side?6001    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received any briefings on Army6002contracting. If confirmed, I will receive a briefing to better6003understand the current state of the contract awards and solicitations6004and any possible ramifications.60056006    158. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, what do you understand to be the6007cost, including a dollar amount; effect on reputation; and time lost6008that would result from a pause in new Army contract awards and6009solicitations for new programs?6010    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received any briefings on Army6011contracting. If confirmed, I will receive a briefing to better6012understand the current state of the contract awards and solicitations6013and any possible cost implications.60146015    159. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, what do you understand to be the6016effect of a pause on new Army contracts awards and solicitations for6017new programs on the ability of the Army to expend the money that has6018been authorized and appropriated by Congress in a timely manner?6019    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received any briefings on Army6020contracting. If confirmed, I will receive a briefing to better6021understand which funds have been authorized and appropriated by6022Congress.60236024    160. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, in the past, the Army has called6025for a ``Night Court'' process to consider retention, elimination, or6026modification of weapons systems programs. Do you support this process6027and how should the Army work to identify and prevent potential overlap6028and duplication in its programs?6029    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received any briefings on Army6030contracting, but I am very supportive of identifying and preventing6031unnecessary overlap and duplication in Army programs. If confirmed, I6032will receive a briefing to better understand the current state of the6033contract awards and solicitations for new programs.6034             junior reserve officer training corps reforms6035    161. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, there are several reforms in the6036Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA to better protect Junior Reserve Officer Training6037Corps (JROTC) students from sexual misconduct by instructors and forced6038enrollment after extensive reporting about these issues. Do you support6039the swift and full implementation of sections 552, 555, and 556 of the6040Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA?6041    Mr. Driscoll. All forms of sexual assault and sexual harassment6042should be purged from the JROTC. I have not received any briefings on6043sexual misconduct in JROTC, but if confirmed, I will receive a briefing6044and work to reinforce a culture of zero tolerance.60456046    162. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, what is your understanding of6047the responsibility of the Army and Department of Defense to coordinate6048with the Department of Education on reports of sexual misconduct by6049JROTC instructors?6050    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received any briefings on the reporting6051requirements of sexual misconduct in JROTC, but if confirmed, I will6052receive a briefing and follow all applicable reporting laws.60536054    163. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, what is your understanding of6055the responsibility of the Army and Department of Defense to hold6056schools accountable if they do not report an allegation of JROTC6057instructor misconduct to the Military Service point of contract within60581 business day?6059    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received any briefings on the reporting6060requirements of sexual misconduct in JROTC, but if confirmed, I will6061receive a briefing and strive to ensure all schools follow applicable6062reporting laws.60636064    164. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, if you are confirmed, what is6065your plan to ensure that JROTC Army students, parents, and others feel6066they can come forward to the Army to report an allegation?6067    Mr. Driscoll. All forms of sexual assault and sexual harassment6068should be purged from the Army and JROTC and students, parents, and6069others should feel that they can come forward with any allegations. I6070have not received any briefings on sexual misconduct in JROTC, but if6071confirmed, I will receive a briefing and review the current reporting6072model.60736074    165. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you support climate surveys6075of JROTC Army students to better understand concerns about and6076incidences of sexual assault and harassment in the JROTC programs?6077    Mr. Driscoll. All forms of sexual assault and sexual harassment6078should be purged from the Army and JROTC. I have not received any6079briefings on sexual misconduct in JROTC, but if confirmed, I will6080receive a briefing and work with this Committee to collect data that6081can help reduce the risk of sexual assault and harassment in the JROTC6082programs.6083           military health system genesis recruitment delays6084    166. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, what is your understanding of6085the impact of Military Health System (MHS) Genesis on increasing6086recruitment delays by flagging long-healed or manageable injuries of6087recruits and requiring them to get a waiver to serve?6088    Mr. Driscoll. Any barrier that is unnecessarily harming recruiting6089should be reviewed and, where possible, removed. If confirmed, I will6090receive a briefing on the MHS Genesis and its impact on recruiting.60916092    167. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, there are several reforms in the6093Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA intended to address the recruitment delays caused6094by MHS Genesis. Do you support the full and swift implementation of6095section 738 and section 740?6096    Mr. Driscoll. Any applicable law that helps to remove recruiting6097barriers should be implemented as quickly as practicable. If confirmed,6098I will receive a briefing on sections 738 and section 740 of the Fiscal6099Year 2025 NDAA.6100                                housing6101    168. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, how will you address the6102affordability and supply issues within the military housing market?6103    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I intend to review the current state of6104military housing and oversight mechanisms for both on-and off-base6105housing, and work with this Committee to take care of our Soldiers who6106reside housing in and around Army installations.61076108    169. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you believe it is acceptable6109for servicemembers and their families to live in hazardous housing6110conditions?6111    Mr. Driscoll. No.61126113    170. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do hazardous housing conditions6114like dangerous mold, lead-based paint, and rodent and insect6115infestations violate DOD's existing housing agreements with private6116companies?6117    Mr. Driscoll. While I have not received any briefings on the6118current state of Army housing, I will work with this Committee to take6119care of our Soldiers who reside in Army housing. The situation6120described is unacceptable.61216122    171. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, as Secretary of the Army, how6123would you guarantee the habitability of servicemember's housing?6124    Mr. Driscoll. It is our sacred duty to care for our soldiers and6125their families. I have not received any briefings on the Army housing,6126but I will work with this Committee to take care of our Soldiers who6127reside in Army housing.61286129    172. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, how would you address the6130quality concerns in the military housing inventory?6131    Mr. Driscoll. Our soldiers and their families deserve the best6132quality housing the Army can provide them. If confirmed, I intend to6133review the current state of Army housing and oversight mechanisms, and6134work with this Committee to take care of our military personnel who6135reside in military housing.61366137    173. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, how should the Department of the6138Army strengthen its oversight of the private military housing market?6139    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I intend to review the current state of6140military housing and oversight mechanisms, and work with this Committee6141to take care of our soldiers who reside in Army housing.61426143    174. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, how would you guarantee the6144implementation and enforcement of the Military Housing Privatization6145Initiative (MHPI) Tenant Bill of Rights?6146    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received any briefings on the MHPI Tenant6147Bill of Rights. If confirmed, I will receive a briefing on it and work6148through the Army's oversight processes and with this Committee to6149protect our soldiers and their families.61506151    175. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, how would you ensure MHPI6152accountability given the recent invocation of the Federal enclave6153doctrine to strip military families of their day in court?6154    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received any briefings on the MHPI6155accountability impacts from the invocation of Federal enclave doctrine.6156If confirmed, I will receive a briefing on it and work with this6157Committee to protect our soldiers and their families.61586159    176. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, will you agree to provide a6160comprehensive overview of which military housing projects are subject6161to the Federal enclave doctrine?6162    Mr. Driscoll. I have not received any briefings on which current6163Army housing projects are subject to the Federal enclave doctrine and6164work with this Committee to protect our soldiers and their families.61656166    177. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, how would you ensure that6167landlords do not take advantage of Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)6168rates, including through the use of software like RealPage or collusive6169rent-setting?6170    Mr. Driscoll. Soldiers should not be taken advantage of by their6171landlords. I have not received any briefings on how software may impact6172rent-setting. If confirmed, I will request a briefing and work with6173this Committee to protect our soldiers and their families.61746175    178. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you commit to ensuring no one6176is retaliated against for submitting complaints to the DOD Housing6177Feedback System (DHFS)?6178    I commit to ensuring all retaliation laws are followed.61796180    179. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, do you think families should be6181forced to sign nondisclosure agreements in order to get housing6182deficiencies addressed?6183    Mr. Driscoll. It is our sacred duty to care for our soldiers'6184families. I commit to working with this Committee to protect them. I6185have not received any briefings on forced non-disclosure agreements in6186the Army housing process. If confirmed, I will request a briefing on it6187and advocate for our soldiers' families.61886189    180. Senator Warren. Mr. Driscoll, will you seek to bar MHPI6190landlords from requiring that families sign nondisclosure agreements in6191order to get housing deficiencies addressed?6192    Mr. Driscoll. It is our sacred duty to care for our soldiers'6193families. I commit to working with this Committee to protect them. I6194have not received any briefings on non-disclosure agreement6195requirements from MHPI landlords. If confirmed, I will request a6196briefing on it and advocate for our soldiers' families.6197                               __________6198               Questions Submitted by Senator Jacky Rosen6199                      cyber workforce development6200    181. Senator Rosen. Mr. Driscoll, the Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA6201included my bipartisan legislation authorizing the Army to create a6202Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve to provide U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM)6203with qualified civilian personnel for surge capacity to ensure the U.S.6204Government has the cyber talent needed to respond to malicious activity6205and secure DOD's information and its systems. Understanding you are not6206yet confirmed, what do you know of the status of the implementation6207plan for the civilian cyber reserve?6208    Mr. Driscoll. To generate combat power in cyberspace, the Army has6209a responsibility to build the best bench of superior cyber personnel6210across both the uniformed and civilian workforce. If confirmed, I look6211forward to learning more about this assessment and I commit to6212providing an informed status update.62136214    182. Senator Rosen. Mr. Driscoll, if confirmed, can I have your6215commitment to see this through?6216    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I commit to continuing the Army's work6217to explore a Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve, and to providing the6218Congress briefings on these efforts, as required by law.6219                               __________6220               Questions Submitted by Senator Mark Kelly6221                  innovation and modernization efforts6222    183. Senator Kelly. Mr. Driscoll, Army modernization, across every6223domain, is a top priority. Given the increasingly complex and6224competitive global environment, the Army's ability to innovate is6225critical for ensuring the United States stays ahead of adversaries. How6226do you plan to address the challenges in developing and fielding new6227technologies?6228    Mr. Driscoll. The Army needs to ensure a focus on integration, not6229just innovation, to enable technology insertion across the6230modernization enterprise including tight alignment across the full6231lifecycle of an effort. We also must also expand integration of private6232sector innovation beyond just the traditional defense primes and foster6233teaming arrangements. If confirmed, I will review existing policies and6234practices to explore how to better leverage existing tools or develop6235new ones to ensure the Army is a lethal force and maintains it6236competitive edge over adversaries.62376238    184. Senator Kelly. Mr. Driscoll, what are your thoughts on6239incentivizing major defense contractors to collaborate more with small6240and non-traditional defense companies?6241    Mr. Driscoll. Encouraging major defense contractors to collaborate6242with small and non-traditional defense companies is essential for6243fostering innovation, competition, and supply chain resilience. By6244leveraging the agility of small businesses alongside the scale of prime6245contractors, we can accelerate technology adoption, reduce costs, and6246enhance warfighter capabilities more effectively.62476248    185. Senator Kelly. Mr. Driscoll, Russia has recently fielded6249electronic warfare systems during the war in Ukraine. Do you believe6250current Army systems and infrastructure is sufficient to perform6251against our adversaries in a contested environment where we are6252encountering electronic warfare?6253    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I look forward to working closely6254within the department to review Army systems and infrastructure to6255ensure it is sufficient to perform against our adversaries in a6256contested environment.6257                          indo-pacific region6258    186. Senator Kelly. Mr. Driscoll, the Indo-Pacific region entails a6259huge array of challenges, everything from vast distances to the6260continental United States industrial and military base, to6261disaggregated islands that require a novel campaign approach not seen6262in contemporary conflicts. There are some within the Department of6263Defense that feel the conventional Army is solely a logistics apparatus6264to support the Joint Force in U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). If6265confirmed, what steps will you take to ensure the Army maintains6266relevancy across all warfighting functions in INDOPACOM?6267    Mr. Driscoll. In the Indo-Pacific, the Army provides critical6268formations and capabilities to the joint force across all warfighting6269functions. If confirmed I will ensure the Army continues to work6270closely with the joint force--commanders in theater, the Joint Staff,6271as well as our sister services--to ensure that our capabilities,6272formations, posture, training, and capacity reflect what is needed6273across all warfighting functions in the Indo-Pacific region.62746275    187. Senator Kelly. Mr. Driscoll, while we can acknowledge Ukraine6276is a vastly different operating environment then INDOPACOM, there are6277distinct lessons learned that we can tease out. How do you plan on6278directing the Department to take lessons learned from Ukraine and6279operationalize them in the more complex terrain that is the Indo-6280Pacific?6281    Mr. Driscoll. It is my understanding the U.S. Army Training and6282Doctrine Command collects and disseminates clear and focused lessons6283learned from current conflicts--including the war in Ukraine. The Army,6284with feedback from Army Commands, already uses the lessons learned to6285determine the requirements to adopt changes that would affect how the6286U.S. Army trains, equips, and organizes in preparation for combat6287operations to include the Indo-Pacific. The lessons and observations6288drawn from the war in Ukraine have certainly informed their approach to6289doctrine development, Initial Military Training, unit training, and6290system procurement. These lessons are theater agnostic and must6291continue to be integrated into doctrine, organizations, training6292strategies, exercises, leader development and education programs.6293               recruitment goals and improving retention6294    188.Senator Kelly. Mr. Driscoll, the Department of the Army's6295fiscal year 2024 recruitment goal was 55,000 recruits. Under you6296predecessor, Secretary Wormuth's leadership, the Army recruited 55,3006297new recruits, meeting that goal. What steps will you take, if6298confirmed, to continue and improve upon the Army's recent efforts to6299boost recruitment?6300    Mr. Driscoll. The goal for fiscal year 2025 is 61,000 recruits,6301with an additional 10,000 entry pool to enter fiscal year 2026, and the6302Army is already ahead of pace to achieve this goal. If confirmed, I6303plan to expand our efforts by leveraging industry-leading technology6304and AI initiatives, while grounding our strategy in robust training for6305our recruiters. I will also assess the positioning of our recruiting6306force on the ground to ensure we are making the most effective use of6307our facilities. I also plan to leverage JROTC programs.63086309    189. Senator Kelly. Mr. Driscoll, retention is equally important,6310you yourself, are a third-generation soldier and by your testimony,6311plan on encouraging your children to serve. What specific strategies6312will you implement to ensure that newly recruited soldiers stay in6313service for the long term, and how do you plan to improve overall6314retention rates across the Army?6315    Mr. Driscoll. Yes, if confirmed I will prioritize ensuring soldiers6316feel supported, valued, and motivated to stay in service. The Army will6317continue to provide world-class training and equip our warriors with6318leading-edge technology to enhance readiness and performance for any6319global challenge our country faces. Key strategies for retention will6320include personalized career development plans, clear pathways for6321advancement, and competitive pay and benefits. In addition to retention6322bonuses, we will continue to offer non-monetary incentives like6323stabilization and station of choice to show soldiers they are valued.6324    I will also focus on career flexibility, allowing soldiers to6325explore different roles, which increases satisfaction and engagement.6326We must retain the right skills to stay competitive in the global6327landscape, especially for warfighting. This means ongoing investment in6328professional development to equip soldiers with the skills needed for6329modern warfare. Finally, we will strengthen transition programs to6330ensure soldiers are well-prepared for post-service careers, enhancing6331retention and long-term commitment to the Army.6332                             warrior board6333    190. Senator Kelly. Mr. Driscoll, President Trump has proposed a6334plan to remove generals and career civil servants in the Department of6335Defense if the proposed ``warrior board,'' tasked with reviewing these6336individuals, determines they are disloyal to the Administration. How do6337you think the purging of highly experienced military officers will6338impact the Department of the Army's ability to meet its operational6339goals?6340    Mr. Driscoll. The Administration and I share the view that the Army6341should be a merit-based organization that promotes only the most6342qualified and highest-performing men and women to senior leadership6343positions. If confirmed, I intend to pursue that aim.63446345    191. Senator Kelly. Mr. Driscoll, are you concerned that subjecting6346military leaders and civil servants to this review might pull their6347attention away from their operational goals by encouraging them to6348focus more on political appeasement than on fulfilling their6349professional duties?6350    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will continue the administration's6351efforts to build and maintain an Army where professional advancement is6352based on merit, performance, and credentials. The Army has a long and6353proud tradition of non-partisanship, and if confirmed, I will6354strengthen that tradition. It is my intent for evaluations to be based6355on the successful accomplishment of professional duties and other6356performance-based metrics, thus ensuring only the most talented advance6357and work to increase the operational capacity and lethality of the6358Army.6359                             army aviation6360    192. Senator Kelly. Mr. Driscoll, with the Army's cancellation of6361the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft, would you agree that we6362still require that capability, and thus need to continue the6363procurement of reliable manned attack aviation, such as the AH-646364Apache?6365    Mr. Driscoll. If confirmed, I will review the aviation portfolio in6366detail to better understand the Army's requirements to support the6367National Defense Strategy.63686369    193. Senator Kelly. Mr. Driscoll, as part of the Aviation Branch's6370rebalance last February, the cancellation of Future Attack6371Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) allowed the shift of funding to procure6372both more UH-60Ms and CH-47 Block IIs. However, the cancellation of the6373Advanced Chinook Rotor Blade by Secretary Wormuth in September 20216374left a gap in the Block II Chinook's envisioned performance that could6375be realized with a more powerful upgraded engine. What is the Army's6376plan to move forward with Chinook Engine Enhancement program that6377Congress helped fund in fiscal year 2022, fiscal year 2023 and fiscal6378year 2024 and realize the full capability of this airframe with the6379integration of a more powerful engine that contributes to improved6380operational capabilities and cost savings?6381    Mr. Driscoll. It is my understanding that the Army is executing the6382additional funding provided by Congress for the Chinook Engine6383Enhancement program by conducting engine enhancement studies with those6384resources. The current engine in the Chinook meets threshold6385requirements for the Chinook Block II.63866387    194. Senator Kelly. Mr. Driscoll, how will you work to improve the6388Army's contracting processes to ensure timely delivery of capabilities6389to United States and allied warfighters? For example, the Germans6390finalized a procurement for 60 CH-47 Chinook helicopters from the6391United States nearly 2 years ago (July 2023) and the Army still has not6392initiated a contract with the manufacturer (Boeing) to build them. At a6393time when we need to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base to6394respond to global threats, the Army must become more agile and6395adaptable.6396    Mr. Driscoll. The Army has made improvements to the Army's6397contracting processes to ensure timely delivery of capabilities to U.S.6398and allied warfighters. Our allies and foreign partnerships are crucial6399to enhancing our industrial base and the Army plans to continue to6400explore ways to improve the contracting processes both domestically and6401internationally.6402                                 ______64036404    [The nomination reference of Mr. Daniel P. Driscoll6405follows:]6406[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]6407                                 ______64086409    [The biographical sketch of Mr. Daniel P. Driscoll, which6410was transmitted to the Committee at the time the nomination was6411referred, follows:]6412               Biographical Sketch of Daniel P. Driscoll6413    Raised in Boone, North Carolina, Dan spent much of his childhood in6414a log cabin in the Appalachian Mountains. Dan attended Appalachian6415Christian School and Watauga High School.6416    While a freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill, and with America in the middle6417of the War on Terror, Dan forwent the typical college experience to6418commission as an Armor officer in the U.S. Army. Dan graduated With6419Highest Distinction in 3 years. While most of his classmates were6420enjoying Carolina basketball games, Dan was graduating from basic6421training and officer candidate school and preparing to deploy for war.6422    After completing U.S. Army Ranger School, Dan was stationed at Fort6423Drum, NY, with the 10th Mountain Light Infantry Division where he6424served as a Cavalry Scout platoon leader. In 2009, Dan was deployed6425with his unit to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.6426    After returning from combat, Dan enrolled at Yale Law School on the6427post-9/11 GI Bill. During his time at law school, Dan worked at Yale's6428Veterans Legal Services Clinic, providing free legal counsel to6429veterans. While at Yale, Dan received the Joseph A. Chubb Faculty Prize6430for excellence in legal draftsmanship and the Elliott Goldstein6431Scholarship for excellence in the field of corporate law.6432    Since graduating, Dan has worked in investment banking, private6433equity, and as the Chief Operating Officer at $200M venture capital6434fund. He most recently has been serving as Senior Advisor to Vice6435President-Elect JD Vance. He is a member of the North Carolina State6436Bar, Rotary Club, VFW Post 1134 and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of6437America (IAVA).6438    Dan is married to his high school sweetheart, Dr. Cassie Driscoll,6439a plastic surgeon. They have two kids, Daniel Jr. and Lila and are6440members of Reynolda Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem, NC.6441                                 ______64426443    [The Committee on Armed Services requires all individuals6444nominated from civilian life by the President to positions6445requiring the advice and consent of the Senate to complete a6446form that details the biographical, financial, and other6447information of the nominee. The form executed by Mr. Daniel P.6448Driscoll in connection with his nomination follows:]6449[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]6450                                 ______64516452    [The nominee responded to Parts B-F of the Committee6453questionnaire. The text of the questionnaire is set forth in6454the Appendix to this volume. The nominee's answers to Parts B-F6455are contained in the Committee's executive files.]64566457                                ------64586459   [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]64606461                                ------64626463    [The nomination of Mr. Daniel P. Driscoll was reported to6464the Senate by Chairman Wicker on February 11, 2025, with the6465recommendation that the nomination be confirmed. The nomination6466was confirmed by the Senate on February 25, 2025.]64676468                                 [all]