1 00:00:00,300 --> 00:00:02,700 remotely in this hearing in accordance 2 00:00:02,700 --> 00:00:05,650 with House rules . So I will do that in 3 00:00:05,650 --> 00:00:07,761 a couple of the programming notes and 4 00:00:07,761 --> 00:00:09,761 we'll get started . I would like to 5 00:00:09,761 --> 00:00:11,983 welcome members who are joining today's 6 00:00:11,983 --> 00:00:13,983 markup remotely . Those members are 7 00:00:13,983 --> 00:00:16,094 reminded , reminded that they must be 8 00:00:16,094 --> 00:00:18,206 visible on screen within the software 9 00:00:18,206 --> 00:00:20,317 platform for the purposes of identity 10 00:00:20,317 --> 00:00:20,170 verification when joining the 11 00:00:20,170 --> 00:00:21,837 proceeding , establishing and 12 00:00:21,837 --> 00:00:24,059 maintaining a quorum , participating in 13 00:00:24,059 --> 00:00:26,226 the proceeding and voting . What we're 14 00:00:26,226 --> 00:00:28,003 not gonna be voting but members 15 00:00:28,003 --> 00:00:30,226 participating . What ? We must continue 16 00:00:30,226 --> 00:00:29,960 to use the software platform video 17 00:00:29,960 --> 00:00:31,571 function while attending the 18 00:00:31,571 --> 00:00:33,516 proceedings unless they experience 19 00:00:33,516 --> 00:00:35,682 connectivity issues or other technical 20 00:00:35,682 --> 00:00:37,627 problems that are under the member 21 00:00:37,627 --> 00:00:39,849 unable to fully participate on camera . 22 00:00:39,849 --> 00:00:39,730 If a member who is participating 23 00:00:39,730 --> 00:00:41,500 remotely experiences technical 24 00:00:41,500 --> 00:00:43,667 difficulties , please contact us , and 25 00:00:43,667 --> 00:00:45,850 we will help you . When recognized 26 00:00:45,860 --> 00:00:47,971 video of remotely attending members , 27 00:00:47,971 --> 00:00:50,138 participation will be broadcast in the 28 00:00:50,138 --> 00:00:52,193 room and via the television Internet 29 00:00:52,193 --> 00:00:54,360 feeds . Members participating remotely 30 00:00:54,360 --> 00:00:56,582 are asked to mute their microphone when 31 00:00:56,582 --> 00:00:58,471 they're not speaking members just 32 00:00:58,471 --> 00:01:00,416 betting what we will be recognized 33 00:01:00,416 --> 00:01:02,582 normally for asking questions . But if 34 00:01:02,582 --> 00:01:02,170 they want to speak in another time , 35 00:01:02,170 --> 00:01:04,281 they must seek recognition verbally . 36 00:01:04,281 --> 00:01:06,448 In all cases , members are reminded to 37 00:01:06,448 --> 00:01:08,337 a Knute their microphone prior to 38 00:01:08,337 --> 00:01:10,559 speaking , Members should be aware that 39 00:01:10,559 --> 00:01:12,559 there is a slight lag a few seconds 40 00:01:12,559 --> 00:01:14,781 between the time you start speaking and 41 00:01:14,781 --> 00:01:16,781 the camera shots switching to you . 42 00:01:16,781 --> 00:01:18,948 Members who are participating remotely 43 00:01:18,948 --> 00:01:18,750 are reminded to keep the software 44 00:01:18,750 --> 00:01:20,694 platform video function on for the 45 00:01:20,694 --> 00:01:22,861 entirety of the time they attend . The 46 00:01:22,861 --> 00:01:24,972 proceeding does . Members may leave , 47 00:01:24,972 --> 00:01:26,861 and we joined the proceeding . If 48 00:01:26,861 --> 00:01:26,640 members depart for a short period for 49 00:01:26,640 --> 00:01:28,807 reasons other than joining a different 50 00:01:28,807 --> 00:01:30,751 proceeding , that should leave the 51 00:01:30,751 --> 00:01:32,918 video function on . If members will be 52 00:01:32,918 --> 00:01:35,251 absent for a significant period of part , 53 00:01:35,251 --> 00:01:37,307 joined a different proceeding , they 54 00:01:37,307 --> 00:01:37,250 should exit the software platform 55 00:01:37,250 --> 00:01:39,361 entirely and then rejoined it if they 56 00:01:39,361 --> 00:01:41,528 return . Members are also advised that 57 00:01:41,528 --> 00:01:43,417 I have designated committee staff 58 00:01:43,417 --> 00:01:45,194 member to , if necessary , mute 59 00:01:45,194 --> 00:01:47,194 unrecognized members microphones to 60 00:01:47,194 --> 00:01:49,250 cancel any burden . Background noise 61 00:01:49,250 --> 00:01:51,417 members may use the software platforms 62 00:01:51,417 --> 00:01:53,583 chat feature to communicate with staff 63 00:01:53,583 --> 00:01:53,480 regarding technical and logistical 64 00:01:53,480 --> 00:01:55,480 support issues . Only Finally , 65 00:01:55,480 --> 00:01:57,591 remotely participating members should 66 00:01:57,591 --> 00:01:59,647 see a five minute countdown clock on 67 00:01:59,647 --> 00:02:01,869 the software platforms display . But if 68 00:02:01,869 --> 00:02:04,036 necessary , I will remind members when 69 00:02:04,036 --> 00:02:05,869 their time is up , um , the only 70 00:02:05,869 --> 00:02:07,813 additional notes I would make that 71 00:02:07,813 --> 00:02:10,420 Apparently , if your microphone in here 72 00:02:10,430 --> 00:02:12,541 is left on when you're not speaking , 73 00:02:12,541 --> 00:02:14,597 it can generate some feedback within 74 00:02:14,597 --> 00:02:16,430 the platform . So if you are not 75 00:02:16,430 --> 00:02:18,660 speaking , turned the microphone off so 76 00:02:18,660 --> 00:02:21,060 that we can avoid that feedback . So 77 00:02:21,100 --> 00:02:23,211 I'm gonna make an opening statement . 78 00:02:23,211 --> 00:02:25,100 So Thornberry is going to make an 79 00:02:25,100 --> 00:02:27,322 opening statement . We have a hard stop 80 00:02:27,322 --> 00:02:29,544 in this hearing at three o'clock . Um , 81 00:02:29,544 --> 00:02:31,600 I'm not going to ask any questions . 82 00:02:31,600 --> 00:02:31,520 I'll go right to the first member on 83 00:02:31,520 --> 00:02:33,742 our side of the aisle who is in order . 84 00:02:33,742 --> 00:02:35,909 I'll just let let my opening statement 85 00:02:35,909 --> 00:02:38,076 stand . So the purpose of this hearing 86 00:02:38,076 --> 00:02:40,240 is to look at the events surrounding 87 00:02:40,240 --> 00:02:42,560 the Department of Defense's response to 88 00:02:42,560 --> 00:02:44,504 the protests that arose out of the 89 00:02:44,504 --> 00:02:46,338 murder of George George Floyd in 90 00:02:46,338 --> 00:02:49,890 Minneapolis and sort of twofold what I 91 00:02:49,890 --> 00:02:52,112 would like to accomplish one . We would 92 00:02:52,112 --> 00:02:54,446 like to better understand what happened . 93 00:02:54,446 --> 00:02:56,668 How was the D . O . D . Involved ? What 94 00:02:56,668 --> 00:02:58,723 were the steps between the D . O . D 95 00:02:58,723 --> 00:03:00,834 and the White House and the decisions 96 00:03:00,834 --> 00:03:02,890 that were made at the various points 97 00:03:02,890 --> 00:03:04,557 about D . O . D . Involvement 98 00:03:04,557 --> 00:03:06,668 specifically in dealing with domestic 99 00:03:06,668 --> 00:03:08,779 unrest ? To begin with , there is the 100 00:03:08,779 --> 00:03:10,860 basic question of guard units , and 101 00:03:10,860 --> 00:03:12,916 this is pretty straightforward . And 102 00:03:12,916 --> 00:03:15,082 we've used Guard units for a number of 103 00:03:15,082 --> 00:03:16,804 different reasons to deal with 104 00:03:16,804 --> 00:03:18,638 emergencies in states across the 105 00:03:18,638 --> 00:03:20,749 country . Department of Defense works 106 00:03:20,749 --> 00:03:22,749 with the governor of every state to 107 00:03:22,749 --> 00:03:24,860 determine that . But getting a little 108 00:03:24,860 --> 00:03:26,971 clarity as to how that process worked 109 00:03:26,971 --> 00:03:28,804 in this case would be enormously 110 00:03:28,804 --> 00:03:30,638 helpful . Then there is the more 111 00:03:30,638 --> 00:03:32,471 complicated question of how this 112 00:03:32,471 --> 00:03:34,582 applies to Washington , D . C . As we 113 00:03:34,582 --> 00:03:36,804 all know , they don't have a governor . 114 00:03:36,804 --> 00:03:38,916 The Department of Defense has greater 115 00:03:38,916 --> 00:03:38,830 authority over the guard in the 116 00:03:38,830 --> 00:03:41,500 District of Columbia than they do in 117 00:03:41,500 --> 00:03:43,950 states . How did that play out ? How 118 00:03:43,950 --> 00:03:46,820 was the coordination handled between 119 00:03:46,820 --> 00:03:48,931 the mayor of D . C . The police force 120 00:03:48,931 --> 00:03:51,098 in D . C . And then also adding to the 121 00:03:51,098 --> 00:03:53,470 confusion the Department of Justice has 122 00:03:53,470 --> 00:03:55,526 various security personnel that they 123 00:03:55,526 --> 00:03:57,720 employed within Washington , D . C . 124 00:03:57,850 --> 00:03:59,906 There was considerable concern about 125 00:03:59,906 --> 00:04:02,320 how all of that played out . What was 126 00:04:02,320 --> 00:04:04,730 the level of coordination ? Why were 127 00:04:04,730 --> 00:04:06,370 there helicopters , military 128 00:04:06,370 --> 00:04:08,390 helicopters buzzing over the top of 129 00:04:08,390 --> 00:04:10,223 protesters in the middle of that 130 00:04:10,223 --> 00:04:12,446 protest ? Who made that decision ? What 131 00:04:12,446 --> 00:04:14,612 was the level of coordination and then 132 00:04:14,612 --> 00:04:17,090 connected all this as we get beyond the 133 00:04:17,090 --> 00:04:18,990 normal use of the guard is the 134 00:04:18,990 --> 00:04:21,510 Insurrection Act . Is the ability of 135 00:04:21,510 --> 00:04:24,570 the president to activate active duty 136 00:04:24,580 --> 00:04:27,710 military personnel over the objections 137 00:04:27,710 --> 00:04:29,877 of governors and use them to deal with 138 00:04:29,877 --> 00:04:32,099 civil unrest ? How is that considered ? 139 00:04:32,130 --> 00:04:34,186 In this context ? There seemed to be 140 00:04:34,186 --> 00:04:36,408 conflicting statements out of the White 141 00:04:36,408 --> 00:04:38,352 House and out of the Department of 142 00:04:38,352 --> 00:04:40,686 Defense about how that was being viewed . 143 00:04:40,686 --> 00:04:42,908 Would like to know what came to pass in 144 00:04:42,908 --> 00:04:45,019 that regard and in particular the one 145 00:04:45,019 --> 00:04:47,130 group of active duty troops that were 146 00:04:47,130 --> 00:04:49,074 called up . They were never , as I 147 00:04:49,074 --> 00:04:51,241 understand it deployed , but they were 148 00:04:51,241 --> 00:04:53,186 put on standby across the river in 149 00:04:53,186 --> 00:04:54,852 Virginia for potential use in 150 00:04:54,852 --> 00:04:57,074 Washington , D . C . What , what played 151 00:04:57,074 --> 00:04:59,720 out in that decision as well . But then , 152 00:04:59,720 --> 00:05:01,942 more broadly than just what happened in 153 00:05:01,942 --> 00:05:04,210 this instant , this is something that 154 00:05:04,210 --> 00:05:06,377 is going to involve our country in the 155 00:05:06,377 --> 00:05:08,599 future . Without a doubt , we will have 156 00:05:08,599 --> 00:05:10,543 different presidents and different 157 00:05:10,543 --> 00:05:12,599 secretaries of defense and different 158 00:05:12,599 --> 00:05:12,330 chairman's , and the Joint Chiefs of 159 00:05:12,330 --> 00:05:14,497 Staff will be having to make decisions 160 00:05:14,497 --> 00:05:17,090 like this . So what is the departments 161 00:05:17,090 --> 00:05:19,240 of you on the role that they should 162 00:05:19,240 --> 00:05:22,100 play in dealing with civil unrest ? 163 00:05:22,630 --> 00:05:24,852 What role . Should the guard play , How 164 00:05:24,852 --> 00:05:27,074 should they coordinate with governors ? 165 00:05:27,074 --> 00:05:29,130 Win ? Do they think the Insurrection 166 00:05:29,130 --> 00:05:31,130 Act is appropriate to be used ? How 167 00:05:31,130 --> 00:05:33,352 does all of that play out and then more 168 00:05:33,352 --> 00:05:35,519 specifically on ? That is the question 169 00:05:35,519 --> 00:05:37,741 of how , regardless of whether it's the 170 00:05:37,741 --> 00:05:39,963 D , o . D or the state or whoever , how 171 00:05:39,963 --> 00:05:42,074 do you deal with civil unrest ? I was 172 00:05:42,074 --> 00:05:44,297 struck by the fact that there seemed to 173 00:05:44,297 --> 00:05:46,519 be a lack of coordination and a lack of 174 00:05:46,519 --> 00:05:48,352 thought in that response and not 175 00:05:48,352 --> 00:05:50,574 talking about d o d . I'm talking about 176 00:05:50,574 --> 00:05:52,741 across the country as people saw these 177 00:05:52,741 --> 00:05:55,190 protests rise up in some cases turned 178 00:05:55,190 --> 00:05:57,980 violent . What was the plan for dealing 179 00:05:57,990 --> 00:06:00,101 with that ? There's actually a lot of 180 00:06:00,101 --> 00:06:02,268 very well documented history about how 181 00:06:02,268 --> 00:06:05,650 to deal with domestic unrest ranging it 182 00:06:05,660 --> 00:06:08,380 everywhere from civil war to protest 183 00:06:08,380 --> 00:06:10,820 movements on , and we have studied this 184 00:06:10,820 --> 00:06:13,100 extensively . I read quite a bit about 185 00:06:13,100 --> 00:06:16,150 it , and what is our plan ? You had a 186 00:06:16,150 --> 00:06:18,206 lot of the president's rhetoric that 187 00:06:18,206 --> 00:06:20,094 sort of sounded like , you know , 188 00:06:20,094 --> 00:06:22,150 basically we will crush you , so you 189 00:06:22,150 --> 00:06:25,100 better stop doing this to a more 190 00:06:25,100 --> 00:06:26,989 nuanced approach to how do you de 191 00:06:26,989 --> 00:06:28,910 escalate ? How do you protect the 192 00:06:28,910 --> 00:06:30,854 legitimate right of people in this 193 00:06:30,854 --> 00:06:33,140 country to protest while at the same 194 00:06:33,140 --> 00:06:36,480 time stopping crime stopping protest 195 00:06:36,480 --> 00:06:38,480 movements from becoming violent . I 196 00:06:38,480 --> 00:06:40,424 think it's something that requires 197 00:06:40,424 --> 00:06:42,536 thought and all leaders in a place to 198 00:06:42,536 --> 00:06:44,702 make those decisions need to be better 199 00:06:44,702 --> 00:06:46,758 educated on how that comes to pass . 200 00:06:46,758 --> 00:06:48,758 And then the last two things that I 201 00:06:48,758 --> 00:06:50,940 would like to touch on is one . The 202 00:06:50,950 --> 00:06:53,320 disturbing lack of coordination between 203 00:06:53,320 --> 00:06:55,320 what the White House was saying and 204 00:06:55,320 --> 00:06:57,431 what D o . D . Was saying and in some 205 00:06:57,431 --> 00:06:59,790 cases , doing the president started a 206 00:06:59,790 --> 00:07:02,012 lot of this with his announcement . Not 207 00:07:02,012 --> 00:07:04,290 forgive . May I forget the exact words ? 208 00:07:04,290 --> 00:07:06,457 But the general , just if it was , you 209 00:07:06,457 --> 00:07:08,401 know , we will bring order to this 210 00:07:08,401 --> 00:07:10,623 country , and if the governors don't do 211 00:07:10,623 --> 00:07:12,679 it , then I will use the active duty 212 00:07:12,679 --> 00:07:14,568 military to do it for them . That 213 00:07:14,568 --> 00:07:16,679 statement did not seem to be followed 214 00:07:16,679 --> 00:07:19,350 up by any actual actions to do it . But 215 00:07:19,350 --> 00:07:21,461 why would he say that if that was the 216 00:07:21,461 --> 00:07:23,683 case on what sort of conversations went 217 00:07:23,683 --> 00:07:25,739 on between the Department of Defense 218 00:07:25,739 --> 00:07:27,739 and the president and others in the 219 00:07:27,739 --> 00:07:29,628 White House about the best way to 220 00:07:29,628 --> 00:07:31,794 respond that to that on . That gets to 221 00:07:31,794 --> 00:07:33,906 an interesting part of this on bats . 222 00:07:33,906 --> 00:07:35,683 The difficult position that any 223 00:07:35,683 --> 00:07:37,906 secretary of defense in any chairman of 224 00:07:37,906 --> 00:07:40,017 joint chief of staff is in . Um , you 225 00:07:40,017 --> 00:07:42,239 work for the president ? He's bander in 226 00:07:42,239 --> 00:07:44,350 chief . That's the way the flow chart 227 00:07:44,350 --> 00:07:46,760 goes on . His decisions are final . Um , 228 00:07:46,760 --> 00:07:49,130 and you have to follow those now . It 229 00:07:49,130 --> 00:07:51,520 is absolutely impossible than any per 230 00:07:51,520 --> 00:07:53,631 person . And either of your positions 231 00:07:53,631 --> 00:07:55,520 would agree 100% of the time with 232 00:07:55,520 --> 00:07:57,720 everything the president said . How do 233 00:07:57,720 --> 00:07:59,887 you handle those disparate mince ? How 234 00:07:59,887 --> 00:08:01,998 do you work through that ? You know , 235 00:08:01,998 --> 00:08:04,220 admittedly , that you can't come out in 236 00:08:04,220 --> 00:08:06,220 public on DSI A . Yeah , I think my 237 00:08:06,220 --> 00:08:07,998 boss is an idiot . I completely 238 00:08:07,998 --> 00:08:10,164 disagree with his decision , and it is 239 00:08:10,164 --> 00:08:09,600 something that happens in this 240 00:08:09,600 --> 00:08:11,711 committee all the time . I've been on 241 00:08:11,711 --> 00:08:13,989 this committee through four presidents , 242 00:08:13,989 --> 00:08:15,878 to Republicans to Democrats , and 243 00:08:15,878 --> 00:08:18,044 whenever that is the case , invariably 244 00:08:18,044 --> 00:08:20,100 the party up here that is not in the 245 00:08:20,100 --> 00:08:22,211 White House tries to get everybody at 246 00:08:22,211 --> 00:08:24,156 the Department of Defense to admit 247 00:08:24,156 --> 00:08:26,378 that's some decision by the president . 248 00:08:26,378 --> 00:08:28,100 They don't agree with it under 249 00:08:28,100 --> 00:08:30,322 President Obama happened all the time . 250 00:08:30,322 --> 00:08:32,433 We had d o d personnel up here . Some 251 00:08:32,433 --> 00:08:34,378 decision was made as Come on , you 252 00:08:34,378 --> 00:08:33,530 really don't think that's the right 253 00:08:33,540 --> 00:08:36,090 thing to do ? I do understand that in 254 00:08:36,090 --> 00:08:38,146 my time . Anyway , I've never seen a 255 00:08:38,146 --> 00:08:40,479 single solitary witness confess and say , 256 00:08:40,479 --> 00:08:42,701 Oh , yeah , I thought that was stupid . 257 00:08:42,701 --> 00:08:44,812 That's not the way it works . And I'm 258 00:08:44,812 --> 00:08:46,979 not looking for that . I'm looking for 259 00:08:46,979 --> 00:08:46,460 an understanding as to how the White 260 00:08:46,460 --> 00:08:48,640 House and D o . D convey better 261 00:08:48,640 --> 00:08:50,870 coordinate . We had a disturbing 262 00:08:50,870 --> 00:08:53,330 pattern not just on the domestic unrest 263 00:08:53,330 --> 00:08:55,510 issues , but on a number of issues off 264 00:08:55,510 --> 00:08:57,690 the White House , seemingly out of the 265 00:08:57,690 --> 00:09:00,460 blue , making bold policy statements 266 00:09:00,460 --> 00:09:02,690 that a fact D . O D . Decisions that do 267 00:09:02,690 --> 00:09:04,301 not appear to have been well 268 00:09:04,301 --> 00:09:06,440 coordinated are certainly not well 269 00:09:06,450 --> 00:09:08,672 delivered . The decision to pull out of 270 00:09:08,672 --> 00:09:11,460 Syria Thebe decision to remove troops 271 00:09:11,460 --> 00:09:14,670 from Germany . The decision Teoh Bay on 272 00:09:14,680 --> 00:09:17,080 transgender people from serving in the 273 00:09:17,080 --> 00:09:19,360 military . That one was particularly 274 00:09:19,360 --> 00:09:21,550 galling because it came within days 275 00:09:21,550 --> 00:09:24,250 after every service chief had testified 276 00:09:24,250 --> 00:09:26,250 that there was no problem with them 277 00:09:26,250 --> 00:09:28,510 serving in a tweet goes out and d o . D 278 00:09:28,510 --> 00:09:32,030 has to respond . That sends a mixed 279 00:09:32,030 --> 00:09:34,141 message to the country about what our 280 00:09:34,141 --> 00:09:35,697 defence policy it's and I'm 281 00:09:35,697 --> 00:09:37,910 particularly happened on Syria when 282 00:09:37,910 --> 00:09:40,021 that announcement was made , and then 283 00:09:40,021 --> 00:09:42,132 we had to figure out how to make that 284 00:09:42,132 --> 00:09:44,243 work . So we are curious within those 285 00:09:44,243 --> 00:09:46,410 limitations . How is that coordination 286 00:09:46,410 --> 00:09:48,466 happen ? Lastly , there is concerned 287 00:09:48,466 --> 00:09:48,390 about the politicisation of the 288 00:09:48,390 --> 00:09:50,720 military . And again , this is not 289 00:09:50,730 --> 00:09:52,740 unique . T anyone . President , 290 00:09:53,130 --> 00:09:55,186 President , commander in chief has a 291 00:09:55,186 --> 00:09:57,297 duty to guide the military and at the 292 00:09:57,297 --> 00:09:59,519 same time has political interests . But 293 00:09:59,519 --> 00:10:01,574 how do we make sure those two things 294 00:10:01,574 --> 00:10:04,130 get separate ? Stay separate . Sorry . 295 00:10:04,130 --> 00:10:06,019 And the biggest concern of that , 296 00:10:06,019 --> 00:10:08,970 obviously , was the incident at ST 297 00:10:08,970 --> 00:10:11,026 John's Church when the president and 298 00:10:11,026 --> 00:10:12,970 the secretary of Defense and a few 299 00:10:12,970 --> 00:10:15,081 others , you know , took a picture in 300 00:10:15,081 --> 00:10:17,081 front of the church on . But it was 301 00:10:17,081 --> 00:10:19,248 quickly turned around into a political 302 00:10:19,248 --> 00:10:21,414 ad . Um , you know , it is , I think , 303 00:10:21,414 --> 00:10:23,470 incredibly important that we respect 304 00:10:23,470 --> 00:10:25,526 the institutions of our government , 305 00:10:25,526 --> 00:10:29,150 irrespective of who is in charge . We 306 00:10:29,150 --> 00:10:31,206 are a nation of laws , the nation of 307 00:10:31,206 --> 00:10:33,372 institutions , not a nation of any one 308 00:10:33,372 --> 00:10:35,570 individual . Long after this president 309 00:10:35,570 --> 00:10:37,681 is out of office long after all of us 310 00:10:37,681 --> 00:10:39,681 are gone from our current positions 311 00:10:39,681 --> 00:10:41,570 there will be new people in those 312 00:10:41,570 --> 00:10:43,792 positions on those institutions need to 313 00:10:43,792 --> 00:10:46,014 survive on their own , not to serve any 314 00:10:46,014 --> 00:10:47,848 one particular persons political 315 00:10:47,848 --> 00:10:49,848 interests . And I am very concerned 316 00:10:50,040 --> 00:10:51,818 about the Department of Defense 317 00:10:51,818 --> 00:10:53,873 becoming unduly politicized . I will 318 00:10:53,873 --> 00:10:56,096 say for the record that I think both of 319 00:10:56,096 --> 00:10:58,340 these gentlemen have done by enlarge an 320 00:10:58,340 --> 00:11:00,530 excellent job of not doing that , even 321 00:11:00,530 --> 00:11:02,863 in what is a very difficult environment . 322 00:11:02,863 --> 00:11:05,086 We have seen politicization happened in 323 00:11:05,086 --> 00:11:07,308 the Department of Justice and the Intel 324 00:11:07,308 --> 00:11:09,141 community to I personally feel a 325 00:11:09,141 --> 00:11:11,308 shocking degree . I have not seen that 326 00:11:11,308 --> 00:11:13,252 at the Department of Defense and I 327 00:11:13,252 --> 00:11:15,474 respect that . I just want to make sure 328 00:11:15,474 --> 00:11:17,697 that it doesn't happen because you make 329 00:11:17,697 --> 00:11:19,919 bad decisions in that environment . The 330 00:11:19,919 --> 00:11:22,086 decision is based on the loyalty toe , 331 00:11:22,086 --> 00:11:24,141 one individual instead of loyalty to 332 00:11:24,141 --> 00:11:26,086 the country , loyalty to the law , 333 00:11:26,086 --> 00:11:28,197 loyalty to what is in all of our best 334 00:11:28,197 --> 00:11:30,252 interests , it makes a difficult job 335 00:11:30,252 --> 00:11:32,474 even more difficult . So I look forward 336 00:11:32,474 --> 00:11:34,308 to the witnesses , answers these 337 00:11:34,308 --> 00:11:36,252 questions and explanations of what 338 00:11:36,252 --> 00:11:38,363 happened and whether anything I think 339 00:11:38,363 --> 00:11:38,110 it is incredibly appropriate that the 340 00:11:38,110 --> 00:11:40,450 public sees this in one straightforward 341 00:11:40,690 --> 00:11:42,746 situation with two people who are in 342 00:11:42,746 --> 00:11:44,634 the middle of this Comptel . What 343 00:11:44,634 --> 00:11:46,634 happened ? What the thinking was so 344 00:11:46,634 --> 00:11:48,857 that we can have greater confidence and 345 00:11:48,857 --> 00:11:50,968 those institutions that we so greatly 346 00:11:50,968 --> 00:11:52,912 need to make sure that we remain a 347 00:11:52,912 --> 00:11:54,880 stable and peaceful nation . And 348 00:11:54,880 --> 00:11:56,547 without , I would yield to Mr 349 00:11:56,547 --> 00:11:58,491 Thornberry for his opening state . 350 00:12:00,390 --> 00:12:02,446 Thank you , Mr Chairman , And let me 351 00:12:02,446 --> 00:12:04,668 join in welcoming the secretary and the 352 00:12:04,668 --> 00:12:06,810 chairman to be with us . And we 353 00:12:06,810 --> 00:12:09,150 appreciate your flexibility in these 354 00:12:09,150 --> 00:12:11,320 rather unusual circumstances and 355 00:12:11,320 --> 00:12:15,110 locations and , um all 356 00:12:15,110 --> 00:12:18,950 that is required within in the 357 00:12:19,440 --> 00:12:23,440 current situation . It I've in 358 00:12:23,440 --> 00:12:25,551 addition to this many of the specific 359 00:12:25,551 --> 00:12:27,718 questions that the chairman laid out , 360 00:12:27,940 --> 00:12:29,829 I think one of the most important 361 00:12:29,829 --> 00:12:32,590 things that you all can help us do , 362 00:12:32,730 --> 00:12:34,730 which the chairman also mentioned a 363 00:12:34,730 --> 00:12:37,630 couple of times his help us look at 364 00:12:37,630 --> 00:12:41,290 these issues in context both 365 00:12:41,300 --> 00:12:45,180 a historical context and a 366 00:12:45,180 --> 00:12:47,510 context of everything that the military 367 00:12:47,510 --> 00:12:49,399 is being asked to do these days . 368 00:12:49,840 --> 00:12:53,490 Because I am struck by the fact that 369 00:12:53,500 --> 00:12:57,250 even when you look at d o d support to 370 00:12:57,250 --> 00:12:59,790 civilian law enforcement , obviously 371 00:12:59,800 --> 00:13:03,700 way , think of the protests and 372 00:13:03,710 --> 00:13:06,150 what happened here in Washington . But 373 00:13:07,540 --> 00:13:09,484 elements of the military have been 374 00:13:09,484 --> 00:13:12,900 doing a lot of law enforcement missions 375 00:13:13,010 --> 00:13:16,190 related for Kobe four months 376 00:13:16,600 --> 00:13:18,600 again . It's primarily the National 377 00:13:18,600 --> 00:13:20,656 Guard that has has been doing that . 378 00:13:20,990 --> 00:13:24,460 But it seems to me since the beginning 379 00:13:24,460 --> 00:13:26,460 of the year , the military has been 380 00:13:26,460 --> 00:13:29,770 asked to take on a number of 381 00:13:29,780 --> 00:13:32,010 additional missions 382 00:13:33,820 --> 00:13:36,350 unexpectedly that require 383 00:13:37,560 --> 00:13:39,400 different kinds of training and 384 00:13:39,400 --> 00:13:43,180 preparation . But at the same time , 385 00:13:43,410 --> 00:13:45,577 you still have to pay attention to the 386 00:13:45,577 --> 00:13:47,521 Russians , the Chinese , the North 387 00:13:47,521 --> 00:13:47,480 Koreans , the Iranians and the 388 00:13:47,480 --> 00:13:49,591 terrorists who were trying to kill us 389 00:13:49,591 --> 00:13:51,770 every day . And and so it's it's in 390 00:13:51,770 --> 00:13:54,810 that larger context . I think that I am 391 00:13:54,810 --> 00:13:57,840 particularly interested in your 392 00:13:57,840 --> 00:14:00,400 assessment on how are people are doing 393 00:14:00,550 --> 00:14:02,980 and also how are our budgets are doing ? 394 00:14:03,340 --> 00:14:05,830 Because even when it's the guard in 395 00:14:05,830 --> 00:14:08,052 many of these situations that are being 396 00:14:08,052 --> 00:14:10,550 asked to do civilian law enforcement , 397 00:14:10,550 --> 00:14:12,550 D . O . D . Is footing the bill for 398 00:14:12,550 --> 00:14:15,990 that . So again , my point is , in 399 00:14:15,990 --> 00:14:19,260 addition to a number of of particular 400 00:14:19,260 --> 00:14:22,010 questions , the larger context how the 401 00:14:22,010 --> 00:14:23,954 military is doing with these added 402 00:14:23,954 --> 00:14:26,510 responsibilities is important . Last 403 00:14:26,510 --> 00:14:28,566 thing I just want to say is agreeing 404 00:14:28,566 --> 00:14:31,600 with the chairman . The temptation here 405 00:14:31,780 --> 00:14:35,150 is to focus on a particular incident , 406 00:14:35,160 --> 00:14:37,770 a particular president and particular 407 00:14:37,770 --> 00:14:40,910 political differences . I think what is 408 00:14:40,910 --> 00:14:44,000 most helpful for us as a ZA chairman 409 00:14:44,000 --> 00:14:45,778 said , presidents come and go , 410 00:14:45,778 --> 00:14:47,778 Everybody in our jobs coming , Go ! 411 00:14:47,860 --> 00:14:51,680 We're talking in part about a act that 412 00:14:51,680 --> 00:14:55,610 was passed in 18 07 and hasn't been 413 00:14:55,620 --> 00:14:58,620 changed very much since then . So the 414 00:14:58,620 --> 00:15:02,220 historical , um uh , 415 00:15:02,260 --> 00:15:06,190 uh context is also 416 00:15:06,190 --> 00:15:08,690 seems to me important with the 417 00:15:08,690 --> 00:15:11,990 institutions . You know , I keep 418 00:15:12,620 --> 00:15:14,930 always in the forefront of my mind the 419 00:15:14,940 --> 00:15:17,260 Gallup polls that are done every year . 420 00:15:17,270 --> 00:15:19,326 What institutions do you respect the 421 00:15:19,326 --> 00:15:21,548 most ? The military's at the top of the 422 00:15:21,548 --> 00:15:23,880 list on . That's a key national 423 00:15:23,880 --> 00:15:27,780 strength of of this of this 424 00:15:27,780 --> 00:15:31,200 country . And and whatever we do , we 425 00:15:31,200 --> 00:15:33,180 want to make sure that the men and 426 00:15:33,180 --> 00:15:35,291 women who serve the military continue 427 00:15:35,291 --> 00:15:38,610 tohave that exalted position of respect 428 00:15:39,030 --> 00:15:42,080 throughout the country as presidents 429 00:15:42,080 --> 00:15:44,740 come and go and as issues and incidents 430 00:15:44,740 --> 00:15:48,260 come and go . And to me , that is a key 431 00:15:48,260 --> 00:15:50,720 responsibility of this Congress like 432 00:15:50,720 --> 00:15:52,553 the chairman . I'm not gonna ask 433 00:15:52,553 --> 00:15:54,664 specific questions . I'll go directly 434 00:15:54,664 --> 00:15:56,831 to the folks on our side , But again , 435 00:15:56,831 --> 00:15:58,942 thank you both for being here . Thank 436 00:15:58,942 --> 00:15:59,998 you , Mr Secretary 437 00:16:03,130 --> 00:16:04,797 Chairman Smith ranking member 438 00:16:04,797 --> 00:16:07,019 Thornberry and distinguished members of 439 00:16:07,019 --> 00:16:09,074 the House Armed Services Committee . 440 00:16:09,074 --> 00:16:11,074 Thank you for the opportunity to be 441 00:16:11,074 --> 00:16:12,963 before you today . Throughout our 442 00:16:12,963 --> 00:16:15,019 history , the United States military 443 00:16:15,019 --> 00:16:16,741 has demonstrated an unwavering 444 00:16:16,741 --> 00:16:18,797 commitment to uphold our oath to the 445 00:16:18,797 --> 00:16:21,800 Constitution and to support our civil 446 00:16:21,800 --> 00:16:24,090 authorities . Over the past several 447 00:16:24,090 --> 00:16:26,300 months , more than 60,000 service 448 00:16:26,300 --> 00:16:28,411 members have unfailingly answered our 449 00:16:28,411 --> 00:16:30,530 nation's call , working on the front 450 00:16:30,530 --> 00:16:32,860 lines in the fight against the cove in 451 00:16:32,860 --> 00:16:36,400 19 pandemic saving lives and stemming 452 00:16:36,400 --> 00:16:38,730 the spread of the virus . At the same 453 00:16:38,730 --> 00:16:41,290 time , we are hard at work as part of 454 00:16:41,300 --> 00:16:43,780 Operation Warp Speed to accelerate the 455 00:16:43,780 --> 00:16:45,447 development , manufacture and 456 00:16:45,447 --> 00:16:47,400 distribution of therapeutics and 457 00:16:47,400 --> 00:16:49,750 vaccines at scale . By the end of the 458 00:16:49,750 --> 00:16:52,090 year and over the next few months , we 459 00:16:52,090 --> 00:16:54,146 will like will be called upon by the 460 00:16:54,146 --> 00:16:56,368 state's once again to support hurricane 461 00:16:56,480 --> 00:16:59,290 and wildfire relief efforts . No matter 462 00:16:59,290 --> 00:17:01,401 the challenges or circumstances , our 463 00:17:01,401 --> 00:17:03,568 service members stand ready to serve . 464 00:17:03,580 --> 00:17:05,469 And I , incredibly proud of their 465 00:17:05,469 --> 00:17:07,691 dedication and commitment to our fellow 466 00:17:07,691 --> 00:17:10,270 Americans in late May are ongoing 467 00:17:10,270 --> 00:17:12,492 support . The Civil Authorities mission 468 00:17:12,492 --> 00:17:14,710 expanded in the wake of the horrible 469 00:17:14,980 --> 00:17:17,780 killing of George Floyd and an officer 470 00:17:17,790 --> 00:17:20,160 being charged with his murder , a 471 00:17:20,160 --> 00:17:23,100 tragedy we have seen repeated too often 472 00:17:23,370 --> 00:17:26,060 in our nation . Following his tragic 473 00:17:26,070 --> 00:17:27,848 death , thousands of our fellow 474 00:17:27,848 --> 00:17:30,070 citizens sought to exercise their First 475 00:17:30,070 --> 00:17:32,320 Amendment rights to free speech and 476 00:17:32,320 --> 00:17:34,800 peaceful assembly . While most of these 477 00:17:34,800 --> 00:17:37,260 protests were law abiding , it is clear 478 00:17:37,260 --> 00:17:39,149 that some individuals exploited a 479 00:17:39,149 --> 00:17:41,320 situation to sow chaos and commit acts 480 00:17:41,320 --> 00:17:43,470 of violence , destruction and theft . 481 00:17:44,550 --> 00:17:46,772 That is why the high the civil unrest . 482 00:17:46,772 --> 00:17:48,860 More than 43,000 National Guard 483 00:17:48,860 --> 00:17:51,000 personnel we're called upon by 484 00:17:51,000 --> 00:17:53,250 governors across the country to uphold 485 00:17:53,250 --> 00:17:55,306 the rule of law , safeguard life and 486 00:17:55,306 --> 00:17:57,990 property , and protect the rights of 487 00:17:57,990 --> 00:18:00,660 Americans , all Americans to protest 488 00:18:00,660 --> 00:18:03,830 safely and peacefully . As a former 489 00:18:03,830 --> 00:18:05,774 soldier and member of the National 490 00:18:05,774 --> 00:18:07,774 Guard , I'm a firm believer that in 491 00:18:07,774 --> 00:18:10,010 these situations , the guard is best 492 00:18:10,010 --> 00:18:12,300 suited to provide domestic support to 493 00:18:12,300 --> 00:18:14,790 civil authorities in support of law 494 00:18:14,790 --> 00:18:17,670 enforcement . Using active duty forces 495 00:18:17,680 --> 00:18:19,902 in a direct law enforcement role should 496 00:18:19,902 --> 00:18:22,110 remain a last resort and only in the 497 00:18:22,110 --> 00:18:25,320 most urgent and dire of situations . I 498 00:18:25,320 --> 00:18:28,070 want to make very clear that no active 499 00:18:28,070 --> 00:18:31,200 duty military units engaged protesters 500 00:18:31,210 --> 00:18:34,390 or otherwise took part direct part in 501 00:18:34,390 --> 00:18:36,440 civilian law enforcement or federal 502 00:18:36,440 --> 00:18:38,607 protection missions in the district of 503 00:18:38,607 --> 00:18:40,440 Columbia or anywhere else in the 504 00:18:40,440 --> 00:18:44,060 country . And with regard to the role 505 00:18:44,060 --> 00:18:46,227 the National Guard played in Lafayette 506 00:18:46,227 --> 00:18:48,330 Park on June 1 , I also want to make 507 00:18:48,330 --> 00:18:50,650 clear the following that the guard did 508 00:18:50,650 --> 00:18:53,160 not advance on the crowd , that the 509 00:18:53,160 --> 00:18:55,216 guard did not shoot rubber bullets , 510 00:18:55,510 --> 00:18:57,677 that the guard did not employ chemical 511 00:18:57,677 --> 00:19:00,610 agents of any type . Rather , the guard 512 00:19:00,610 --> 00:19:03,250 remained in a static role as backup tow 513 00:19:03,250 --> 00:19:06,460 law enforcement if needed . A detailed 514 00:19:06,460 --> 00:19:08,516 account of the Audi's involvement in 515 00:19:08,516 --> 00:19:10,516 the civil unrest beginning May 29th 516 00:19:10,516 --> 00:19:12,380 2020 is included in my written 517 00:19:12,380 --> 00:19:14,360 testimony submitted for the record 518 00:19:15,450 --> 00:19:17,672 following the events that transpired in 519 00:19:17,672 --> 00:19:19,783 the District of Columbia , I directed 520 00:19:19,783 --> 00:19:22,006 the secretary of the Army to complete a 521 00:19:22,006 --> 00:19:24,630 full after action review by the end of 522 00:19:24,630 --> 00:19:27,510 July . I also directed investigations 523 00:19:27,520 --> 00:19:29,353 into two separate incidents that 524 00:19:29,353 --> 00:19:31,520 occurred that week . And Mr Chairman , 525 00:19:31,520 --> 00:19:33,464 with your permission , I'd like to 526 00:19:33,464 --> 00:19:35,576 enter into the record my directive to 527 00:19:35,576 --> 00:19:37,742 the secretary , the Army , with regard 528 00:19:37,742 --> 00:19:37,260 to the conduct of his after action 529 00:19:37,260 --> 00:19:39,482 review , without objection so ordered . 530 00:19:40,170 --> 00:19:42,114 As the American people continue to 531 00:19:42,114 --> 00:19:44,337 express their outrage at the killing of 532 00:19:44,337 --> 00:19:46,670 Mr Floyd and long for meaningful change , 533 00:19:46,670 --> 00:19:48,726 we once again face the painful truth 534 00:19:48,726 --> 00:19:51,830 that racism Israel in America . We also 535 00:19:51,830 --> 00:19:54,052 know that the department defense is not 536 00:19:54,052 --> 00:19:55,886 immune to the forces of bias and 537 00:19:55,886 --> 00:19:58,230 prejudice , whether seen or unseen , 538 00:19:58,470 --> 00:20:00,730 deliberate or unintentional . These 539 00:20:00,740 --> 00:20:02,796 issues have no place in our military 540 00:20:02,796 --> 00:20:04,730 because they degrade the morale , 541 00:20:04,860 --> 00:20:06,971 cohesion and readiness of our force . 542 00:20:08,040 --> 00:20:10,040 While our military is often lead on 543 00:20:10,040 --> 00:20:12,262 addressing these issues , the events of 544 00:20:12,262 --> 00:20:14,429 recent weeks are a stark reminder that 545 00:20:14,429 --> 00:20:16,429 much more work remains to be done . 546 00:20:16,600 --> 00:20:19,060 Therefore , on June 17th announced 547 00:20:19,070 --> 00:20:20,980 three new initiatives aimed at 548 00:20:20,980 --> 00:20:23,530 advancing equal opportunity , diversity 549 00:20:23,530 --> 00:20:26,410 and inclusion across our force . First , 550 00:20:26,420 --> 00:20:28,531 I directed our civilian and uniformed 551 00:20:28,531 --> 00:20:30,698 leadership in the Pentagon to bring me 552 00:20:30,698 --> 00:20:32,864 concrete ideas by the end of June that 553 00:20:32,864 --> 00:20:34,920 we could implement quickly , such as 554 00:20:34,920 --> 00:20:37,142 removing photos from selection boards . 555 00:20:37,142 --> 00:20:39,030 Second , I establish an internal 556 00:20:39,040 --> 00:20:41,151 department Defense board on Diversity 557 00:20:41,151 --> 00:20:42,873 Inclusion , which will provide 558 00:20:42,873 --> 00:20:45,040 recommendations by the end of the year 559 00:20:45,040 --> 00:20:47,096 on how we can increase diversity and 560 00:20:47,096 --> 00:20:48,929 ensure equal opportunity for all 561 00:20:48,929 --> 00:20:51,260 service members . Finally , I began the 562 00:20:51,260 --> 00:20:53,149 process of establishing a Defense 563 00:20:53,149 --> 00:20:55,480 Advisory Committee on diversity and 564 00:20:55,480 --> 00:20:57,536 inclusion in the armed services that 565 00:20:57,536 --> 00:20:59,950 will be a permanent structure composed 566 00:20:59,950 --> 00:21:02,117 of an independent and diverse group of 567 00:21:02,117 --> 00:21:04,172 Americans committed to building upon 568 00:21:04,172 --> 00:21:06,339 the work of the defense board over the 569 00:21:06,339 --> 00:21:08,394 long term . These are just the first 570 00:21:08,394 --> 00:21:10,561 steps towards shifting our culture and 571 00:21:10,561 --> 00:21:12,506 creating lasting change across our 572 00:21:12,506 --> 00:21:14,710 enterprise . In doing so , we will 573 00:21:14,710 --> 00:21:16,654 build a better force , one that is 574 00:21:16,654 --> 00:21:18,266 diverse , inclusive and more 575 00:21:18,266 --> 00:21:20,377 representative of the American people 576 00:21:20,377 --> 00:21:23,020 we serve and we protect . And while we 577 00:21:23,020 --> 00:21:25,242 may come from different backgrounds and 578 00:21:25,242 --> 00:21:27,409 parts of the country , we all make the 579 00:21:27,409 --> 00:21:29,520 same commitment to support and defend 580 00:21:29,520 --> 00:21:31,742 the Constitution of the United States . 581 00:21:31,742 --> 00:21:33,853 We all strive to uphold that oath and 582 00:21:33,853 --> 00:21:35,798 serve in a political manner at all 583 00:21:35,798 --> 00:21:38,120 times . By doing so , we earned the 584 00:21:38,120 --> 00:21:40,176 trust and confidence of the American 585 00:21:40,176 --> 00:21:42,860 people . Meanwhile , while much has 586 00:21:42,860 --> 00:21:44,804 been focused on our support to our 587 00:21:44,804 --> 00:21:47,027 fellow Americans at home , thousands of 588 00:21:47,027 --> 00:21:48,916 military personnel remain engaged 589 00:21:48,916 --> 00:21:51,100 abroad in harm's way to ensure that we 590 00:21:51,100 --> 00:21:53,433 can enjoy the blessings of this country . 591 00:21:53,433 --> 00:21:55,544 We take very seriously any threats to 592 00:21:55,544 --> 00:21:57,711 our forces , whether in Afghanistan or 593 00:21:57,711 --> 00:21:59,656 anywhere else across the globe . I 594 00:21:59,656 --> 00:22:01,600 wonder adversaries to know that we 595 00:22:01,600 --> 00:22:03,656 always do our utmost to ensure their 596 00:22:03,656 --> 00:22:05,878 safety and security in closing . I want 597 00:22:05,878 --> 00:22:08,044 to assure the American people that the 598 00:22:08,044 --> 00:22:10,156 Department of Defense takes seriously 599 00:22:10,156 --> 00:22:12,360 our oath to defend the Constitution , 600 00:22:13,330 --> 00:22:15,274 with many having paid the ultimate 601 00:22:15,274 --> 00:22:17,441 sacrifice to protect the sacred rights 602 00:22:17,441 --> 00:22:19,663 and freedoms . This document guarantees 603 00:22:19,663 --> 00:22:21,960 all of us . We will continue to protect 604 00:22:21,960 --> 00:22:24,016 and defend our homeland , our people 605 00:22:24,016 --> 00:22:26,238 and our way of life as we work to build 606 00:22:26,238 --> 00:22:28,293 a better force , one that represents 607 00:22:28,293 --> 00:22:30,571 the rich diversity of our great nation . 608 00:22:30,571 --> 00:22:32,660 Thank you , Chairman Milling 609 00:22:34,330 --> 00:22:36,552 Jared Smith , ranking member Thornberry 610 00:22:36,552 --> 00:22:38,830 distinguished members of the committee . 611 00:22:38,830 --> 00:22:38,670 Thank you for the opportunity to appear 612 00:22:38,670 --> 00:22:40,892 before you today with Secretary Aspar . 613 00:22:41,050 --> 00:22:43,240 It's indeed an honor to represent the 614 00:22:43,240 --> 00:22:45,351 soldiers , sailors , airmen , Marines 615 00:22:45,351 --> 00:22:47,518 and Coast Guardsmen station around the 616 00:22:47,518 --> 00:22:49,851 world , protecting our freedoms . Today , 617 00:22:49,851 --> 00:22:52,018 as you know , we're operating globally 618 00:22:52,018 --> 00:22:54,320 and here at home , the past few months 619 00:22:54,320 --> 00:22:56,320 have been exceptionally challenging 620 00:22:56,320 --> 00:22:59,330 times for America . The Cove in 19 621 00:22:59,340 --> 00:23:01,880 Pandemic is stressed our health system , 622 00:23:01,880 --> 00:23:03,936 our economy and the social fabric of 623 00:23:03,936 --> 00:23:07,710 our communities . In addition , George 624 00:23:07,710 --> 00:23:11,610 Floyd's death amplified the pain , the 625 00:23:11,620 --> 00:23:15,480 frustration , the fear that so 626 00:23:15,480 --> 00:23:18,250 many of our fellow Americans live with 627 00:23:18,840 --> 00:23:22,770 day in and day out . I have many 628 00:23:22,770 --> 00:23:26,130 policemen in my family , and I am 629 00:23:26,130 --> 00:23:29,230 personally outraged by George Floyd , 630 00:23:29,240 --> 00:23:32,970 brutal and senseless killing the 631 00:23:32,970 --> 00:23:35,400 protests that have ensued not only 632 00:23:35,400 --> 00:23:38,920 speak to this injustice , but also to 633 00:23:38,920 --> 00:23:41,460 centuries of injustice towards black 634 00:23:41,460 --> 00:23:45,400 Americans . We , as a nation and as a 635 00:23:45,400 --> 00:23:47,400 military are still struggling with 636 00:23:47,400 --> 00:23:50,060 racism , and we have much work to do . 637 00:23:51,340 --> 00:23:53,780 We wear the cloth of our nation , 638 00:23:54,550 --> 00:23:57,380 understand that cohesion is a force 639 00:23:57,380 --> 00:24:00,940 multiplier , divisiveness leads to 640 00:24:00,940 --> 00:24:03,850 defeat , is one of our 641 00:24:04,840 --> 00:24:08,600 famous president said . I was divided 642 00:24:09,750 --> 00:24:13,090 does not stand our troops 643 00:24:14,070 --> 00:24:16,181 a part of a cohesive teams consisting 644 00:24:16,181 --> 00:24:18,014 of people of different races and 645 00:24:18,014 --> 00:24:19,959 genders , and religious and sexual 646 00:24:19,959 --> 00:24:21,570 orientations . Working too , 647 00:24:21,570 --> 00:24:23,792 accomplished their mission in peace and 648 00:24:23,792 --> 00:24:26,410 war all over the globe . Equality and 649 00:24:26,410 --> 00:24:28,354 opportunity or matters of military 650 00:24:28,354 --> 00:24:31,390 readiness , not just political 651 00:24:31,390 --> 00:24:34,980 correctness . There is no place in our 652 00:24:34,980 --> 00:24:38,060 armed forces from manifestations or 653 00:24:38,060 --> 00:24:40,670 symbols of racism , bias or 654 00:24:40,670 --> 00:24:43,490 discrimination . We , the military , 655 00:24:43,490 --> 00:24:45,657 have a long history of inclusiveness , 656 00:24:45,657 --> 00:24:48,300 teamwork and merit that is the keystone 657 00:24:48,300 --> 00:24:50,578 to American military success . In fact , 658 00:24:50,940 --> 00:24:54,470 this month 71 years ago , 1948 Harry 659 00:24:54,470 --> 00:24:56,581 Truman integrated the armed forces of 660 00:24:56,581 --> 00:24:58,760 the United States 17 years before the 661 00:24:58,760 --> 00:25:02,360 1965 Civil Rights Act . But we're not 662 00:25:02,370 --> 00:25:04,600 perfect , and we must thoughtfully 663 00:25:04,600 --> 00:25:06,711 examine our institution and insurer . 664 00:25:06,990 --> 00:25:09,101 It is a place where all Americans see 665 00:25:09,101 --> 00:25:11,212 themselves represented and have equal 666 00:25:11,212 --> 00:25:13,379 opportunity to succeed , especially in 667 00:25:13,379 --> 00:25:15,710 leadership positions . And every member 668 00:25:15,710 --> 00:25:17,932 of our joint force , including myself , 669 00:25:18,330 --> 00:25:20,552 has sworn an oath to support and defend 670 00:25:20,860 --> 00:25:23,680 the United States Constitution . This 671 00:25:23,690 --> 00:25:26,370 oath underpins my duties as the 672 00:25:26,370 --> 00:25:28,592 chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , 673 00:25:28,830 --> 00:25:31,400 and I am deeply committed , fulfilling 674 00:25:31,400 --> 00:25:34,490 both the letter and the spirit , my 675 00:25:34,490 --> 00:25:36,823 oath regardless of consequences to self . 676 00:25:37,640 --> 00:25:40,480 We United States military hold dear , 677 00:25:40,480 --> 00:25:43,000 the constitution and the principle of 678 00:25:43,000 --> 00:25:44,944 in a political military that is so 679 00:25:44,944 --> 00:25:47,000 deeply rooted in the very essence of 680 00:25:47,000 --> 00:25:50,050 our republic . My role is the chairman 681 00:25:50,440 --> 00:25:52,662 is to be the principal military adviser 682 00:25:52,662 --> 00:25:54,884 to the president of the United States , 683 00:25:54,884 --> 00:25:57,107 the secretary of Defense , the National 684 00:25:57,107 --> 00:25:58,940 Security Council on the Homeland 685 00:25:58,940 --> 00:26:00,940 Security Council and throughout the 686 00:26:00,940 --> 00:26:02,996 recent period of civil unrest in our 687 00:26:02,996 --> 00:26:04,662 nation , I exercise this role 688 00:26:04,662 --> 00:26:07,310 exclusively . At no time was I ever in 689 00:26:07,310 --> 00:26:09,550 command of any forces . All of my 690 00:26:09,550 --> 00:26:11,606 actions have been consistent with my 691 00:26:11,606 --> 00:26:13,772 statutory authorities , an adviser who 692 00:26:13,772 --> 00:26:15,661 is explicitly not in the chain of 693 00:26:15,661 --> 00:26:19,400 command . We should also be 694 00:26:19,400 --> 00:26:22,900 proud , proud that the vast majority 695 00:26:22,900 --> 00:26:25,067 the protests we saw around the country 696 00:26:25,330 --> 00:26:28,130 were peaceful and peaceful . Protest 697 00:26:28,140 --> 00:26:30,550 means that American freedom is working . 698 00:26:31,540 --> 00:26:33,373 Some protests , however , turned 699 00:26:33,373 --> 00:26:35,780 violent . In Minneapolis , significant 700 00:26:35,780 --> 00:26:38,113 violence began on the evening of 26 May . 701 00:26:38,440 --> 00:26:40,384 We're alluding commercial property 702 00:26:40,384 --> 00:26:42,551 damage and arson quickly overwhelm the 703 00:26:42,551 --> 00:26:44,718 1,000,000 Minneapolis firefighters and 704 00:26:44,718 --> 00:26:47,210 police officers . On 28 May Governor 705 00:26:47,220 --> 00:26:49,890 Tim Walz declared a state of emergency 706 00:26:49,890 --> 00:26:52,001 and activated the Minnesota Garden to 707 00:26:52,001 --> 00:26:53,946 his authority and deployed them to 708 00:26:53,946 --> 00:26:56,112 Minneapolis to support state and local 709 00:26:56,112 --> 00:26:58,057 law enforcement . The secretary of 710 00:26:58,057 --> 00:27:00,168 defense and I spoke by telephone with 711 00:27:00,168 --> 00:27:02,279 the governor to better understand the 712 00:27:02,279 --> 00:27:04,501 situation in Minneapolis and see if you 713 00:27:04,501 --> 00:27:04,400 required any additional assistance . 714 00:27:05,070 --> 00:27:07,014 This conversation helped inform my 715 00:27:07,014 --> 00:27:09,650 military advice . Over the night of 29 716 00:27:09,650 --> 00:27:11,706 May , the number of violent protests 717 00:27:11,706 --> 00:27:13,720 increased nationally , the 13 major 718 00:27:13,720 --> 00:27:16,530 cities escalating to 34 just two days 719 00:27:16,530 --> 00:27:20,020 later . But the morning of 1 June 29 720 00:27:20,020 --> 00:27:22,242 states and the District of Columbia had 721 00:27:22,242 --> 00:27:24,464 activated the National Guard's totaling 722 00:27:24,464 --> 00:27:26,860 more than 17,000 National Guards , men 723 00:27:26,860 --> 00:27:29,280 and women in Washington , D . C . Our 724 00:27:29,280 --> 00:27:31,690 nation's capital , face three nights of 725 00:27:31,690 --> 00:27:33,579 escalating violence . Starting on 726 00:27:33,579 --> 00:27:36,270 Friday , May 29th the White House 727 00:27:36,270 --> 00:27:38,103 increased security posture . The 728 00:27:38,103 --> 00:27:40,048 federal government vacated certain 729 00:27:40,048 --> 00:27:42,214 buildings . Our nation's monuments and 730 00:27:42,214 --> 00:27:44,214 government buildings were defaced . 731 00:27:44,214 --> 00:27:46,214 Businesses in D . C were looted and 732 00:27:46,214 --> 00:27:48,326 some were set ablaze . With more than 733 00:27:48,326 --> 00:27:50,326 420 arrests and 150 law enforcement 734 00:27:50,326 --> 00:27:52,270 officers and half a dozen National 735 00:27:52,270 --> 00:27:54,437 Guardsmen injured . It was reported to 736 00:27:54,437 --> 00:27:54,250 me that it was the worst three days of 737 00:27:54,250 --> 00:27:56,250 violence in Washington , D . C . In 738 00:27:56,250 --> 00:27:59,790 over 30 years , there were troops and 739 00:27:59,790 --> 00:28:02,970 police from 22 different organizations , 740 00:28:02,980 --> 00:28:04,980 not including those from the active 741 00:28:04,980 --> 00:28:07,036 duty in the vicinity of the military 742 00:28:07,036 --> 00:28:09,036 district of Washington . There were 743 00:28:09,036 --> 00:28:11,091 three major department Department of 744 00:28:11,091 --> 00:28:10,780 Justice Department , Interior 745 00:28:10,780 --> 00:28:12,947 Department of Defense . All involved , 746 00:28:13,080 --> 00:28:15,302 they were National Guard troops from 11 747 00:28:15,302 --> 00:28:17,191 different states and the chain of 748 00:28:17,191 --> 00:28:19,524 command for those National Guard troops . 749 00:28:19,524 --> 00:28:21,358 Friend from the president to the 750 00:28:21,358 --> 00:28:20,850 secretary , defense to the secretary , 751 00:28:20,850 --> 00:28:23,017 the Army to Major General Walker . And 752 00:28:23,017 --> 00:28:25,510 it never changed since the protests 753 00:28:25,520 --> 00:28:27,742 began . I sought information to help me 754 00:28:27,742 --> 00:28:29,853 assess the ability of federal , state 755 00:28:29,853 --> 00:28:31,631 and local authorities to handle 756 00:28:31,631 --> 00:28:33,742 situations under the responsibility . 757 00:28:33,742 --> 00:28:35,964 And I met and spoke with National Guard 758 00:28:35,964 --> 00:28:38,020 leadership and troops , often army , 759 00:28:38,020 --> 00:28:37,880 India , the Leadership Department of 760 00:28:37,880 --> 00:28:39,658 Justice and others , along with 761 00:28:39,658 --> 00:28:41,980 governors and D C officials . I 762 00:28:41,980 --> 00:28:44,490 continually assessing advised that it 763 00:28:44,490 --> 00:28:47,310 was not necessary to employ active duty 764 00:28:47,310 --> 00:28:49,477 troops in response to the civil unrest 765 00:28:49,640 --> 00:28:51,840 occurring in our nation . It was my 766 00:28:51,840 --> 00:28:55,410 view then and remains so now that local , 767 00:28:55,420 --> 00:28:58,100 state and federal police backed up by 768 00:28:58,100 --> 00:28:59,989 the National Guard under governor 769 00:28:59,989 --> 00:29:03,570 control , could and continually can 770 00:29:03,770 --> 00:29:05,548 effectively handle the security 771 00:29:05,548 --> 00:29:07,670 situation . In every case across the 772 00:29:07,670 --> 00:29:10,630 country . However , I recommended to 773 00:29:10,630 --> 00:29:12,850 the secretary defense and he ordered 774 00:29:13,240 --> 00:29:15,640 about 1700 active duty troops to an 775 00:29:15,640 --> 00:29:17,862 increased alert posture in the vicinity 776 00:29:17,862 --> 00:29:19,862 of Washington , D . C . But none of 777 00:29:19,862 --> 00:29:22,084 them were ever used and there was never 778 00:29:22,084 --> 00:29:23,918 an active duty troop used in any 779 00:29:23,918 --> 00:29:26,196 location anywhere in the United States . 780 00:29:26,196 --> 00:29:28,307 Additionally , our repeatedly advised 781 00:29:28,307 --> 00:29:30,307 secretary defense and he repeatedly 782 00:29:30,307 --> 00:29:32,362 ordered de escalation measures to be 783 00:29:32,362 --> 00:29:34,529 taken , including removing weapons and 784 00:29:34,529 --> 00:29:34,210 helmets and consistent with force 785 00:29:34,210 --> 00:29:36,010 protection measures . Thes de 786 00:29:36,010 --> 00:29:37,788 escalation measures were widely 787 00:29:37,788 --> 00:29:40,010 implemented from 2 to 3 June , and by 4 788 00:29:40,010 --> 00:29:42,121 June , active duty and National Guard 789 00:29:42,121 --> 00:29:43,954 units began redeploying from the 790 00:29:43,954 --> 00:29:46,010 vicinity of Washington See Back Home 791 00:29:46,010 --> 00:29:48,232 Station and more detailed account is in 792 00:29:48,232 --> 00:29:50,300 the written record . I'm incredibly 793 00:29:50,300 --> 00:29:52,467 proud of the professionalism exhibited 794 00:29:52,467 --> 00:29:54,578 by the citizen soldier to make up our 795 00:29:54,578 --> 00:29:56,856 national guard . Since their formation , 796 00:29:56,856 --> 00:29:59,022 they have operated in support of local 797 00:29:59,022 --> 00:30:00,967 and state governments , throughout 798 00:30:00,967 --> 00:30:02,911 history Responding to hurricanes , 799 00:30:02,911 --> 00:30:05,078 forest fires , Health crisis sees Cove 800 00:30:05,078 --> 00:30:07,078 in 19 the pandemic in many forms of 801 00:30:07,078 --> 00:30:09,244 civil unrest throughout the years . By 802 00:30:09,244 --> 00:30:11,467 my research , I can't at least 19 times 803 00:30:11,920 --> 00:30:14,087 that National Guard a militia . Troops 804 00:30:14,087 --> 00:30:15,642 were used and supported the 805 00:30:15,642 --> 00:30:17,753 Insurrection Act . And it's important 806 00:30:17,753 --> 00:30:17,390 to note the Insurrection Act was not 807 00:30:17,400 --> 00:30:20,080 invoked in the last several weeks . 808 00:30:21,410 --> 00:30:23,580 The United States military comes from 809 00:30:23,580 --> 00:30:26,400 the people of our nation . We remain 810 00:30:26,410 --> 00:30:28,900 dedicated to the Constitution . We will 811 00:30:28,900 --> 00:30:31,350 never turn our back on that document . 812 00:30:31,920 --> 00:30:34,142 We swore an oath of allegiance , of the 813 00:30:34,142 --> 00:30:37,090 cost of our lives to an idea embedded 814 00:30:37,090 --> 00:30:39,390 within that document . And we will 815 00:30:39,390 --> 00:30:42,280 always protect it . Thank you very much . 816 00:30:42,290 --> 00:30:44,457 And I look forward to your questions . 817 00:30:45,240 --> 00:30:47,018 Thank you . Members will now be 818 00:30:47,018 --> 00:30:49,184 recognized in the order that they were 819 00:30:49,184 --> 00:30:51,129 here when the gavel dropped into . 820 00:30:51,129 --> 00:30:53,350 There is a five minute limit and sorry 821 00:30:54,030 --> 00:30:56,370 we will have . We won't have enough 822 00:30:56,370 --> 00:30:58,481 time to get there , remember ? So I'm 823 00:30:58,481 --> 00:31:00,537 gonna be ruthless on the five minute 824 00:31:00,537 --> 00:31:02,703 clock on one of the hardest problems . 825 00:31:02,703 --> 00:31:04,926 There is a lot of times witnesses or in 826 00:31:04,926 --> 00:31:04,350 the middle of an answer in that five 827 00:31:04,350 --> 00:31:06,572 minutes goes up , I'm not attempting to 828 00:31:06,572 --> 00:31:08,739 be rude or attempting to cut you off . 829 00:31:08,739 --> 00:31:10,906 I will try to give you the opportunity 830 00:31:10,906 --> 00:31:10,830 to complete your thought . But as 831 00:31:10,830 --> 00:31:13,052 members ask questions and witnesses the 832 00:31:13,052 --> 00:31:14,941 answer understand ? When the five 833 00:31:14,941 --> 00:31:14,740 minutes is up , we're gonna do our 834 00:31:14,740 --> 00:31:16,907 level best to as quickly as possible . 835 00:31:16,907 --> 00:31:19,184 Move onto the next member on with that . 836 00:31:19,184 --> 00:31:21,184 First on our side is representative 837 00:31:21,184 --> 00:31:23,470 Davis , who is participating remotely . 838 00:31:23,560 --> 00:31:25,920 Um Robson Davis , you are recognized 839 00:31:25,920 --> 00:31:28,690 for five minutes . Thank you very much , 840 00:31:28,690 --> 00:31:31,440 Mr Chairman . And thank you to 841 00:31:31,640 --> 00:31:34,070 Secretary Esperance and General Milley . 842 00:31:34,080 --> 00:31:36,450 We appreciate your joining us for this . 843 00:31:37,260 --> 00:31:40,450 I wanted Teoh start with you . Mr 844 00:31:40,450 --> 00:31:42,450 Secretary . You mentioned the after 845 00:31:42,450 --> 00:31:45,210 action Review on July 30th . Is that on 846 00:31:45,220 --> 00:31:48,780 force for the end of the month ? 847 00:31:48,790 --> 00:31:51,840 And will we be scheduling a briefing on 848 00:31:51,840 --> 00:31:52,840 that ? 849 00:31:56,640 --> 00:31:58,862 Cumbersome much , right . I heard parts 850 00:31:58,862 --> 00:32:01,029 of your question didn't come through , 851 00:32:01,029 --> 00:32:03,640 but I think you asked Is the is the 852 00:32:03,640 --> 00:32:05,751 after action review on track and will 853 00:32:05,751 --> 00:32:07,973 you be briefed on it ? If that was your 854 00:32:07,973 --> 00:32:10,080 question , I spoke Teoh . Secretary 855 00:32:10,080 --> 00:32:12,360 McCarthy Just yesterday is , as you may 856 00:32:12,360 --> 00:32:14,527 know , he played a very prominent role 857 00:32:14,527 --> 00:32:16,638 in all this . I know . He briefed the 858 00:32:16,638 --> 00:32:18,693 committee a few weeks ago along with 859 00:32:18,693 --> 00:32:20,693 General Walker , but he is handling 860 00:32:20,693 --> 00:32:22,416 that piece of the review . His 861 00:32:22,416 --> 00:32:24,471 assessment currently is that it's on 862 00:32:24,471 --> 00:32:26,750 track . I'm though , however more 863 00:32:26,750 --> 00:32:28,972 concerned about getting it right , then 864 00:32:28,972 --> 00:32:30,917 getting it done quick . But my aim 865 00:32:30,917 --> 00:32:33,028 would be after that to , ah , to make 866 00:32:33,028 --> 00:32:34,800 that available to you . Also , 867 00:32:34,800 --> 00:32:36,633 something that I put forth in my 868 00:32:36,633 --> 00:32:39,710 directive to him was to be prepared to 869 00:32:39,710 --> 00:32:42,010 take his findings and recommendations 870 00:32:42,010 --> 00:32:44,290 and a have a similar conversation , a 871 00:32:44,290 --> 00:32:47,400 similar type of review process with law 872 00:32:47,400 --> 00:32:49,733 enforcement that was on the ground in D . 873 00:32:49,733 --> 00:32:51,622 C . Because I think that's a very 874 00:32:51,622 --> 00:32:53,950 important second step in that process . 875 00:32:53,950 --> 00:32:56,117 To have that discussion so that we can 876 00:32:56,117 --> 00:32:58,283 have the lessons learned work them out 877 00:32:58,283 --> 00:33:01,030 between us in law enforcement for the 878 00:33:01,060 --> 00:33:04,190 uh if this happens again . Thank you , 879 00:33:04,190 --> 00:33:05,968 Mr Secretary . I know we're all 880 00:33:05,968 --> 00:33:09,610 concerned about being prepared , and I 881 00:33:09,620 --> 00:33:13,300 I wanted Teoh especially focus on , um , 882 00:33:13,360 --> 00:33:16,120 the first of June because that was a 883 00:33:16,120 --> 00:33:18,370 time that there was concern that there 884 00:33:18,370 --> 00:33:21,510 was a great deal of violence that day 885 00:33:21,520 --> 00:33:23,631 and the understanding I think of most 886 00:33:23,631 --> 00:33:25,853 people that were on the ground in terms 887 00:33:25,853 --> 00:33:27,742 of including the reporting of The 888 00:33:27,742 --> 00:33:29,798 Washington Post and others . Is that 889 00:33:29,820 --> 00:33:32,230 that particular day ? Actually , it was 890 00:33:32,240 --> 00:33:36,010 peaceful and may have been a few 891 00:33:36,010 --> 00:33:38,010 incidents . I don't know , I wasn't 892 00:33:38,010 --> 00:33:40,121 there . But I understand from all the 893 00:33:40,121 --> 00:33:42,460 reporting that that was the case and 894 00:33:42,480 --> 00:33:46,350 that , um , that they in fact , 895 00:33:46,350 --> 00:33:48,517 that part Police . Aziz , you , as you 896 00:33:48,517 --> 00:33:51,000 mentioned , was there . You talked . Uh , 897 00:33:51,010 --> 00:33:53,121 General Milley talked about the guard 898 00:33:53,121 --> 00:33:56,190 being there is back up . But , um , we 899 00:33:56,190 --> 00:33:58,760 saw Attorney General Bill Bar actually 900 00:33:58,760 --> 00:34:01,230 talking about the fact that it was that 901 00:34:01,230 --> 00:34:04,500 it was violent and that they needed to 902 00:34:04,500 --> 00:34:07,260 move forward because , ah , the 903 00:34:09,010 --> 00:34:11,010 they were They were very worried of 904 00:34:11,010 --> 00:34:13,066 things coming out of control . And I 905 00:34:13,066 --> 00:34:15,066 just wondered if you from where you 906 00:34:15,066 --> 00:34:17,066 said today , do you think that that 907 00:34:17,066 --> 00:34:19,288 assessment that in fact , it was filing 908 00:34:19,288 --> 00:34:21,399 on that day and that there was a need 909 00:34:21,430 --> 00:34:23,810 to even have the guard is back up ? Is 910 00:34:23,850 --> 00:34:26,070 is that true ? Do you think that in 911 00:34:26,070 --> 00:34:28,140 further reflection that that isn't 912 00:34:28,140 --> 00:34:29,973 quite well what people thought ? 913 00:34:32,990 --> 00:34:34,990 Congressman , I think when you look 914 00:34:34,990 --> 00:34:37,323 back at the days leading up to June 1st , 915 00:34:37,460 --> 00:34:40,320 you see a tremendous amount of ah , 916 00:34:40,330 --> 00:34:42,890 violence that had been building up over 917 00:34:42,890 --> 00:34:45,112 a period of days . If I have my numbers 918 00:34:45,112 --> 00:34:47,390 right that over a period of three days , 919 00:34:47,390 --> 00:34:49,612 I think eventually , Regrettably , over 920 00:34:49,612 --> 00:34:51,779 50 park police officers were injured . 921 00:34:52,240 --> 00:34:55,000 Over 60 Secret Service agents were 922 00:34:55,000 --> 00:34:57,750 injured . We had six National Guardsmen 923 00:34:57,750 --> 00:35:00,110 hurt to include one who was hit in the 924 00:35:00,110 --> 00:35:02,110 head with a brick and suffered a 925 00:35:02,110 --> 00:35:05,120 concussion . You had parts of D . C to 926 00:35:05,120 --> 00:35:08,100 include the church set on fire and 927 00:35:08,100 --> 00:35:10,990 other acts of vandalism across the area . 928 00:35:10,990 --> 00:35:12,879 So there was , ah , great deal of 929 00:35:12,879 --> 00:35:16,680 consternation by law enforcement with 930 00:35:16,680 --> 00:35:18,700 regard to what might happen that 931 00:35:18,710 --> 00:35:21,190 evening of June 1st , I think that's 932 00:35:21,190 --> 00:35:23,620 why there was the push to get 933 00:35:23,630 --> 00:35:26,060 additional law enforcement in as soon 934 00:35:26,060 --> 00:35:29,680 as possible , backed up by National 935 00:35:29,680 --> 00:35:33,030 Guard that you had enough presence to 936 00:35:33,040 --> 00:35:35,960 calm the situation down , regained some 937 00:35:35,960 --> 00:35:37,738 degree of control and allow for 938 00:35:37,738 --> 00:35:40,640 Americans to peacefully protest their 939 00:35:40,640 --> 00:35:42,640 government to express their outrage 940 00:35:42,640 --> 00:35:44,870 over the brutal murder of George Boyd 941 00:35:44,870 --> 00:35:46,870 and to allow those things to happen 942 00:35:46,900 --> 00:35:50,640 free of violence from those individuals 943 00:35:50,640 --> 00:35:52,751 of folks out there who were trying to 944 00:35:52,751 --> 00:35:54,520 cause mischief . So that's my 945 00:35:54,520 --> 00:35:56,520 assessment at the chairman may have 946 00:35:56,520 --> 00:35:59,620 something there . Well , I think I was 947 00:35:59,620 --> 00:36:01,842 just going to say , Secretary , I think 948 00:36:01,842 --> 00:36:04,009 that that this certainly is an area to 949 00:36:04,009 --> 00:36:07,320 take a very hard look at and to be sure 950 00:36:08,280 --> 00:36:10,502 that it's clear among the departments , 951 00:36:10,502 --> 00:36:12,224 because even what we ask those 952 00:36:12,224 --> 00:36:15,370 questions . When we had army leadership 953 00:36:15,370 --> 00:36:18,180 here , they actually were not clear 954 00:36:18,180 --> 00:36:20,170 about what was going on . They had 955 00:36:20,170 --> 00:36:22,630 situational awareness , but they didn't 956 00:36:22,630 --> 00:36:24,463 know who ordered the clearing of 957 00:36:24,463 --> 00:36:26,130 protesters who authorized the 958 00:36:26,130 --> 00:36:29,190 helicopters . Teoh . I'm sorry , 959 00:36:29,470 --> 00:36:32,810 General . Ladies . Susan , your time's 960 00:36:32,810 --> 00:36:36,220 expired . Uh , Mr Turner is recognized 961 00:36:36,220 --> 00:36:38,331 for five minutes . Davis . Chairman , 962 00:36:38,340 --> 00:36:40,280 Um , first off , I want to thank 963 00:36:40,290 --> 00:36:43,280 Secretary Esper and Millie for your 964 00:36:43,280 --> 00:36:45,470 leadership . You give great confidence 965 00:36:45,470 --> 00:36:47,581 to everyone in this committee on both 966 00:36:47,581 --> 00:36:49,803 sides of the aisle . I won't appreciate 967 00:36:49,803 --> 00:36:51,859 your strong words , both of you , on 968 00:36:51,860 --> 00:36:53,860 the killing of George Floyd . 969 00:36:55,590 --> 00:36:59,470 Um , the fact that your 970 00:36:59,470 --> 00:37:01,510 whole focus is protecting people's 971 00:37:01,510 --> 00:37:03,640 First Amendment rights is incredibly 972 00:37:03,640 --> 00:37:05,696 important and should be foundational 973 00:37:05,696 --> 00:37:07,710 important to to this discussion . I 974 00:37:07,710 --> 00:37:10,050 appreciate your recognition of the 975 00:37:10,050 --> 00:37:12,800 outrage that everyone felt , and I 976 00:37:12,800 --> 00:37:14,967 appreciate your condemnation of racism 977 00:37:15,100 --> 00:37:17,100 and the fact that were dealing with 978 00:37:17,100 --> 00:37:20,500 this is a nation across all areas and 979 00:37:20,500 --> 00:37:22,722 you're being called in a very difficult 980 00:37:22,722 --> 00:37:24,722 time , Mr . Kerry . Appreciate your 981 00:37:24,900 --> 00:37:27,122 statements on diversity and inclusion . 982 00:37:27,122 --> 00:37:29,122 This committee took several actions 983 00:37:29,122 --> 00:37:31,344 with the National Defense Authorization 984 00:37:31,344 --> 00:37:31,000 Act that I think will be helpful . And 985 00:37:31,000 --> 00:37:33,000 we look forward to your comments on 986 00:37:33,000 --> 00:37:35,056 this . You made a statement . I have 987 00:37:35,056 --> 00:37:37,333 three questions . We have limited time . 988 00:37:37,333 --> 00:37:39,556 I have three questions . One , You said 989 00:37:39,556 --> 00:37:41,778 that the Guard is best to support these 990 00:37:41,778 --> 00:37:43,889 efforts . Is it because of their dual 991 00:37:43,889 --> 00:37:45,944 nature of the fact that they're both 992 00:37:45,944 --> 00:37:45,640 private citizens and serve in the 993 00:37:45,640 --> 00:37:49,460 military ? I think First of all , 994 00:37:49,460 --> 00:37:51,293 Congressman , thank you for your 995 00:37:51,293 --> 00:37:53,780 comments . First of all , I think that 996 00:37:53,790 --> 00:37:55,790 one they are citizen soldiers , and 997 00:37:55,790 --> 00:37:58,020 that matters because they often come 998 00:37:58,020 --> 00:38:00,076 from those communities in which they 999 00:38:00,076 --> 00:38:02,076 may be serving . They're protecting 1000 00:38:02,076 --> 00:38:04,242 their fellow , uh , fellow Americans . 1001 00:38:04,242 --> 00:38:06,464 They understand what's happening in the 1002 00:38:06,464 --> 00:38:08,576 neighborhoods in the community , so I 1003 00:38:08,576 --> 00:38:08,050 think that's important . Number two , 1004 00:38:08,380 --> 00:38:10,700 they're trained in many cases to do 1005 00:38:10,710 --> 00:38:12,877 civil disturbance , and number three , 1006 00:38:12,877 --> 00:38:14,988 they're equipped to do this . So it's 1007 00:38:14,988 --> 00:38:16,821 part of what we call the mission 1008 00:38:16,821 --> 00:38:19,043 Essential task . List their metal tasks 1009 00:38:19,043 --> 00:38:21,154 in most cases to perform these duties 1010 00:38:21,154 --> 00:38:23,043 and again , having been a citizen 1011 00:38:23,043 --> 00:38:25,043 soldier myself , I appreciate their 1012 00:38:25,043 --> 00:38:27,210 capacity at this , which is but better 1013 00:38:27,210 --> 00:38:29,377 in many cases , in the active duty . I 1014 00:38:29,377 --> 00:38:31,543 have a question for you that I believe 1015 00:38:31,543 --> 00:38:33,766 it has the narrowness of which is gonna 1016 00:38:33,766 --> 00:38:35,877 be helpful for all of us . So I would 1017 00:38:35,877 --> 00:38:37,877 appreciate if you let me finish the 1018 00:38:37,877 --> 00:38:39,988 entire question to us , we can get to 1019 00:38:39,988 --> 00:38:39,400 the narrowness part , but I think we'll 1020 00:38:39,400 --> 00:38:41,680 give you comfort . I understand the 1021 00:38:41,680 --> 00:38:43,513 rules with respect to classified 1022 00:38:43,513 --> 00:38:45,624 material . And I also understand that 1023 00:38:45,624 --> 00:38:47,680 things that haven't happened are not 1024 00:38:47,680 --> 00:38:50,470 classified . Mrs . Secretary , during 1025 00:38:50,470 --> 00:38:52,637 your time as secretary , have you ever 1026 00:38:52,637 --> 00:38:55,450 received an intelligence briefing where 1027 00:38:55,450 --> 00:38:57,800 it stated that Russia had offered 1028 00:38:57,810 --> 00:39:00,470 bounties for the killing of American 1029 00:39:00,570 --> 00:39:03,410 soldiers ? And if you had , wouldn't 1030 00:39:03,410 --> 00:39:05,577 you think that was important enough to 1031 00:39:05,577 --> 00:39:07,910 bring to the attention of the President ? 1032 00:39:07,910 --> 00:39:10,021 And I'm focusing here on the nearness 1033 00:39:10,021 --> 00:39:12,132 of the word bounties , and I want you 1034 00:39:12,132 --> 00:39:14,188 to know also that the people in this 1035 00:39:14,188 --> 00:39:14,100 room know the answer to the question . 1036 00:39:14,180 --> 00:39:16,069 We're not able to give the answer 1037 00:39:16,160 --> 00:39:18,216 because of the rules . But you are . 1038 00:39:18,550 --> 00:39:20,772 And I think with the narrowness of this 1039 00:39:20,772 --> 00:39:22,939 question , we would greatly appreciate 1040 00:39:22,939 --> 00:39:25,161 your answering it . Have you received a 1041 00:39:25,161 --> 00:39:28,000 Intel briefing that stated that include 1042 00:39:28,000 --> 00:39:30,560 the word bounty with respect of 1043 00:39:30,560 --> 00:39:33,870 Russians on and the killing of American 1044 00:39:34,020 --> 00:39:37,330 and women in uniform . Congressman , to 1045 00:39:37,330 --> 00:39:39,386 the best of my recollection , I have 1046 00:39:39,386 --> 00:39:41,497 not received a briefing that included 1047 00:39:41,497 --> 00:39:43,608 the word bounty , Mr . Terry , Really 1048 00:39:43,608 --> 00:39:45,497 percent you statement in the next 1049 00:39:45,497 --> 00:39:47,497 question then is , And if you had , 1050 00:39:47,620 --> 00:39:49,820 wouldn't that have risen to the level 1051 00:39:49,820 --> 00:39:51,931 of importance enough for you to bring 1052 00:39:51,931 --> 00:39:54,098 it to the president's attention ? That 1053 00:39:54,098 --> 00:39:56,153 would be an action item , wouldn't I 1054 00:39:56,153 --> 00:39:58,264 mean , it would be so outrageous that 1055 00:39:58,264 --> 00:40:00,320 you would bring that up the chain of 1056 00:40:00,320 --> 00:40:02,598 command if if it was a credible report , 1057 00:40:02,598 --> 00:40:04,264 that's important , credible , 1058 00:40:04,264 --> 00:40:07,340 corroborated report that had that used 1059 00:40:07,340 --> 00:40:10,470 those words , Certainly it would have 1060 00:40:10,470 --> 00:40:12,470 been brought to my attention by the 1061 00:40:12,470 --> 00:40:14,692 chain of command by the chairman of the 1062 00:40:14,692 --> 00:40:17,240 Joint Chiefs and others for action . It 1063 00:40:17,240 --> 00:40:19,296 would have been , Ah , we would have 1064 00:40:19,296 --> 00:40:20,907 taken upon that action in an 1065 00:40:20,907 --> 00:40:23,073 interagency effort to make sure we got 1066 00:40:23,073 --> 00:40:25,296 we addressed it . But look at all times 1067 00:40:25,296 --> 00:40:27,184 we take the force protection very 1068 00:40:27,184 --> 00:40:29,240 seriously and take all those actions 1069 00:40:29,240 --> 00:40:31,184 regardless of the credibility of a 1070 00:40:31,184 --> 00:40:33,184 report , we take all that seriously 1071 00:40:33,184 --> 00:40:35,407 understand turning back to this issue , 1072 00:40:35,407 --> 00:40:38,820 Miss Secretary um , the mayor of D C 1073 00:40:39,210 --> 00:40:41,940 has a police chief governors have 1074 00:40:41,950 --> 00:40:43,783 access to other resource is with 1075 00:40:43,783 --> 00:40:45,617 respect to the guard . Could you 1076 00:40:45,617 --> 00:40:47,672 compare and contrast those with us ? 1077 00:40:47,672 --> 00:40:47,300 It's important people understand what 1078 00:40:47,300 --> 00:40:49,467 people talk about the mayor of D . C . 1079 00:40:49,467 --> 00:40:51,689 Being consulted versus a governor being 1080 00:40:51,689 --> 00:40:53,800 consulted what their structures are . 1081 00:40:55,880 --> 00:40:57,991 So , first of all , I want to commend 1082 00:40:57,991 --> 00:40:59,824 the police chief of Metro Police 1083 00:40:59,824 --> 00:41:01,991 Department . He worked very well , was 1084 00:41:01,991 --> 00:41:04,047 very helpful to the secretary of the 1085 00:41:04,047 --> 00:41:06,269 Army during those difficult days . So I 1086 00:41:06,269 --> 00:41:07,991 want to commend him . But as I 1087 00:41:07,991 --> 00:41:10,140 understand it , hey , is the police 1088 00:41:10,140 --> 00:41:13,920 force for Washington D . C . Washington 1089 00:41:13,920 --> 00:41:15,976 D . C . Does not have a state police 1090 00:41:15,976 --> 00:41:18,198 force , like many other states , have . 1091 00:41:18,198 --> 00:41:20,309 That could be that they can call upon 1092 00:41:20,309 --> 00:41:22,587 it . They will . And of course , the D . 1093 00:41:22,587 --> 00:41:24,809 C Guard does not report to the mayor of 1094 00:41:24,809 --> 00:41:26,864 the D . C . Guard . The commander is 1095 00:41:26,864 --> 00:41:29,031 the commander in chief . The president 1096 00:41:29,031 --> 00:41:31,364 who Condell a gate that authority to me . 1097 00:41:31,364 --> 00:41:31,250 And then I can further delegate it down . 1098 00:41:31,250 --> 00:41:34,070 So the capabilities of the D . C to 1099 00:41:34,070 --> 00:41:37,550 handle civil unrest is limited is best 1100 00:41:37,560 --> 00:41:39,504 I know it to just the Metro Police 1101 00:41:39,504 --> 00:41:41,616 Department . I think I was chairman . 1102 00:41:42,170 --> 00:41:44,610 Thank you , Mr Larson is recognized for 1103 00:41:44,610 --> 00:41:45,610 five minutes . 1104 00:41:49,210 --> 00:41:52,910 Thank you , Mr Trim . Um , I appreciate 1105 00:41:52,910 --> 00:41:56,010 the opportunity . You ask a few 1106 00:41:56,010 --> 00:41:59,770 questions . Um , first off , Secretary 1107 00:41:59,770 --> 00:42:03,290 Esper and this has to do is the after 1108 00:42:03,300 --> 00:42:05,800 action report in the coordination 1109 00:42:05,800 --> 00:42:09,260 question , the D c . 1110 00:42:09,440 --> 00:42:13,070 National Guard leadership in 1111 00:42:13,070 --> 00:42:15,720 response to the D C . Protest the D c . 1112 00:42:15,720 --> 00:42:17,920 NASA probably trip . That's the only 1113 00:42:17,920 --> 00:42:20,180 agency that runs through a chain of 1114 00:42:20,180 --> 00:42:22,420 command up to you . Is that correct ? 1115 00:42:25,670 --> 00:42:27,837 The yes . The chain of the D C . Chain 1116 00:42:27,837 --> 00:42:29,781 of command National Guard chain of 1117 00:42:29,781 --> 00:42:31,670 command roams from the commanding 1118 00:42:31,670 --> 00:42:33,670 general Major General Walker to the 1119 00:42:33,670 --> 00:42:35,892 Secretary of the Army to me and then to 1120 00:42:35,892 --> 00:42:37,948 the president of the United States . 1121 00:42:38,070 --> 00:42:40,390 And that was the only agency 1122 00:42:42,220 --> 00:42:44,164 unit involved that ran through the 1123 00:42:44,164 --> 00:42:46,331 challenge and of the department . It's 1124 00:42:46,331 --> 00:42:48,610 all right . I'm sorry . Can you repeat 1125 00:42:48,610 --> 00:42:50,832 that ? I didn't pick up the second word 1126 00:42:50,832 --> 00:42:54,220 that you said That's the only 1127 00:42:55,850 --> 00:42:59,730 that's the only agency that ran 1128 00:42:59,740 --> 00:43:01,629 up through the D . O . D chain of 1129 00:43:01,629 --> 00:43:03,680 command . In response , that D C 1130 00:43:03,680 --> 00:43:05,180 protests . Is that right ? 1131 00:43:07,600 --> 00:43:10,160 Yes , that would be outside of act , 1132 00:43:10,160 --> 00:43:12,271 any active duty . That's correct with 1133 00:43:12,271 --> 00:43:14,490 regard to Title 32 . Otherwise all 1134 00:43:14,490 --> 00:43:17,880 other National Guard forces , either in 1135 00:43:17,880 --> 00:43:20,310 their home states or that eventually 1136 00:43:20,310 --> 00:43:22,580 deployed . Washington D . C . Remained 1137 00:43:22,580 --> 00:43:24,413 under the command of the state's 1138 00:43:24,413 --> 00:43:28,300 governor's , and general Walker was 1139 00:43:28,310 --> 00:43:31,220 active control on the ground . Yeah , 1140 00:43:32,040 --> 00:43:34,490 So there's video of non uniformed 1141 00:43:34,500 --> 00:43:37,180 federal government folks who were 1142 00:43:37,180 --> 00:43:40,860 deployed to washing DC , presumably 1143 00:43:40,860 --> 00:43:43,240 from the Bureau of Prisons and 1144 00:43:43,240 --> 00:43:45,296 presumably , front at the request of 1145 00:43:45,296 --> 00:43:47,810 the attorney General . You mentioned 1146 00:43:47,820 --> 00:43:50,300 that you do an after action report and 1147 00:43:50,300 --> 00:43:52,360 that after action report will apply 1148 00:43:52,370 --> 00:43:56,120 only at this point to the Department of 1149 00:43:56,120 --> 00:43:58,398 Defense and the D . C . National Guard . 1150 00:43:58,398 --> 00:44:00,398 Is that where it stands right now ? 1151 00:44:02,690 --> 00:44:04,857 Ah , yes , Congressman , with the note 1152 00:44:04,857 --> 00:44:07,079 I sent to the secretary of the Army was 1153 00:44:07,079 --> 00:44:09,134 to look at the at the National Guard 1154 00:44:09,134 --> 00:44:11,246 writ large . It directed him to focus 1155 00:44:11,246 --> 00:44:14,280 also on the events in D . C . And then , 1156 00:44:14,280 --> 00:44:16,680 of course , ah related issues that 1157 00:44:16,680 --> 00:44:18,791 arose like the use of helicopters and 1158 00:44:18,791 --> 00:44:21,360 his He's to look a training , equipping 1159 00:44:21,660 --> 00:44:23,716 organization . All those issues that 1160 00:44:23,716 --> 00:44:25,938 might be , ah , his findings that might 1161 00:44:25,938 --> 00:44:28,049 include refining some lessons learned 1162 00:44:28,049 --> 00:44:32,040 for future , for future employment of 1163 00:44:32,040 --> 00:44:34,950 the National Lord . Thank you . Do you 1164 00:44:34,950 --> 00:44:38,060 know at this time whether or not the 1165 00:44:38,280 --> 00:44:40,820 head of the D . C . National Guard . I 1166 00:44:40,990 --> 00:44:44,850 was aware of the deployment of these 1167 00:44:44,860 --> 00:44:48,760 non uniformed , presumably federal 1168 00:44:48,760 --> 00:44:52,230 law enforcement folks that 1169 00:44:52,400 --> 00:44:54,456 created a perimeter around the White 1170 00:44:54,456 --> 00:44:57,150 House of the gun . Jude Third , Was 1171 00:44:57,150 --> 00:44:59,090 that coordinated ? You Have you 1172 00:44:59,090 --> 00:45:01,520 concluded that was coordinated yet with 1173 00:45:01,520 --> 00:45:03,520 the with the D c . National Guard ? 1174 00:45:05,780 --> 00:45:07,460 Well , again , I'm not sure I 1175 00:45:07,470 --> 00:45:09,359 understand your question . Let me 1176 00:45:09,359 --> 00:45:11,303 answer this way . The chairman . I 1177 00:45:11,303 --> 00:45:13,637 spoke to Major General Walker yesterday . 1178 00:45:13,637 --> 00:45:15,692 He had a he had understanding of who 1179 00:45:15,692 --> 00:45:17,803 was on the ground in Lafayette Park . 1180 00:45:17,803 --> 00:45:20,081 He was there . He knew that that the D . 1181 00:45:20,081 --> 00:45:22,192 C National Guard were in a supporting 1182 00:45:22,192 --> 00:45:25,060 role to the park police . I can t stop 1183 00:45:25,070 --> 00:45:27,014 there . I'm just happy that you're 1184 00:45:27,014 --> 00:45:29,126 talking about Lafayette Park . That's 1185 00:45:29,126 --> 00:45:30,903 fine . But there were other law 1186 00:45:30,903 --> 00:45:32,570 enforcement deployed who were 1187 00:45:32,570 --> 00:45:34,920 apparently nine local non d . C . There 1188 00:45:34,920 --> 00:45:36,809 were federal law enforcement also 1189 00:45:36,809 --> 00:45:40,510 deployed to take actions within D . C 1190 00:45:40,510 --> 00:45:42,621 within the boundaries of the District 1191 00:45:42,621 --> 00:45:44,677 of Columbia . But I'm asking it that 1192 00:45:44,677 --> 00:45:46,732 those if you know yet whether or not 1193 00:45:46,732 --> 00:45:48,954 those actions were coordinated with the 1194 00:45:48,954 --> 00:45:52,360 d c National Guard or or or not I 1195 00:45:52,450 --> 00:45:54,740 my understanding is because I was with 1196 00:45:54,750 --> 00:45:57,040 Secretary of the Army . McCarthy , the 1197 00:45:57,040 --> 00:45:59,430 chairman . We were down at the FBI 1198 00:45:59,440 --> 00:46:01,329 Joint Operations Center on Monday 1199 00:46:01,329 --> 00:46:04,020 evening with representatives from a 1200 00:46:04,020 --> 00:46:06,187 number of agencies . I can't list them 1201 00:46:06,187 --> 00:46:08,780 all . Federal is you describe them , so 1202 00:46:08,780 --> 00:46:11,002 I know it was fairly well coordinated . 1203 00:46:11,002 --> 00:46:12,947 Secretary More Carthy did a , um , 1204 00:46:12,947 --> 00:46:15,113 outstanding job with regard to working 1205 00:46:15,113 --> 00:46:16,947 that out on the spot . And Major 1206 00:46:16,947 --> 00:46:19,058 General Walker was by his side . Most 1207 00:46:19,058 --> 00:46:21,002 of the time . I turned to chairman 1208 00:46:21,002 --> 00:46:23,113 Billy . See if he has anything to add 1209 00:46:23,113 --> 00:46:26,140 on that I've got about 30 seconds . So , 1210 00:46:26,150 --> 00:46:29,230 Congressman , I would I can't confirm 1211 00:46:29,230 --> 00:46:32,710 or deny that all of those federal law 1212 00:46:32,710 --> 00:46:34,932 enforcement agencies were tied into the 1213 00:46:34,932 --> 00:46:37,780 d . C . National Guard personally for 1214 00:46:37,780 --> 00:46:39,836 Walker . I have to go talk to Walker 1215 00:46:39,836 --> 00:46:41,891 specifically about that . But all of 1216 00:46:41,891 --> 00:46:43,947 the federal agencies came underneath 1217 00:46:43,947 --> 00:46:46,113 the Department of Justice . Except for 1218 00:46:46,113 --> 00:46:47,836 the park police were under the 1219 00:46:47,836 --> 00:46:49,724 department interior and the Metro 1220 00:46:49,724 --> 00:46:51,836 police remain under the command total 1221 00:46:51,836 --> 00:46:53,947 Mayor . So I think that helps clarify 1222 00:46:53,947 --> 00:46:56,180 or not , but a little bit . Thank you . 1223 00:46:56,180 --> 00:46:58,250 Thank you . Know that does help . 1224 00:46:58,250 --> 00:47:00,417 That's a major crush in that we have . 1225 00:47:00,417 --> 00:47:02,710 Mr . Rogers is recognized refinements . 1226 00:47:02,990 --> 00:47:05,330 Thank you . Mr Chairman . and secretary . 1227 00:47:05,330 --> 00:47:07,497 Mr Chairman . Thank you both for being 1228 00:47:07,497 --> 00:47:09,330 here and for your service to our 1229 00:47:09,330 --> 00:47:11,330 country . Miss Secretary , In early 1230 00:47:11,330 --> 00:47:13,750 June , you requested members of the 1231 00:47:13,750 --> 00:47:16,960 National Guard under Section 502 f of 1232 00:47:16,990 --> 00:47:20,210 title 32 . You made some reference it 1233 00:47:20,210 --> 00:47:22,266 is , but can you give us a more full 1234 00:47:22,266 --> 00:47:24,432 picture ? What ? Commanding no control 1235 00:47:24,432 --> 00:47:26,543 structure under that authority is and 1236 00:47:26,543 --> 00:47:28,710 kind of give us an organizational most 1237 00:47:28,710 --> 00:47:31,043 structure . Are you speaking , I assume , 1238 00:47:31,043 --> 00:47:33,099 within Washington's and Washington's 1239 00:47:33,099 --> 00:47:35,210 guess I'm sorry . So you're right on 1240 00:47:35,210 --> 00:47:38,350 the on the afternoon of 1 June , 1241 00:47:38,460 --> 00:47:41,600 the we knew we would have available 1242 00:47:41,970 --> 00:47:44,137 throughout that evening up to 1200 a . 1243 00:47:44,137 --> 00:47:46,380 D . C . National Guard , as we just 1244 00:47:46,380 --> 00:47:48,602 described . They work for Major General 1245 00:47:48,602 --> 00:47:50,824 Walker , who was reporting to Secretary 1246 00:47:50,824 --> 00:47:50,740 of the Army McCarthy , who was 1247 00:47:50,740 --> 00:47:53,970 reporting to me . We estimated that we 1248 00:47:53,970 --> 00:47:56,720 needed 3800 additional National Guard 1249 00:47:57,040 --> 00:48:01,030 to support the efforts in D . C . So 1250 00:48:01,040 --> 00:48:03,151 what we did was through a combination 1251 00:48:03,151 --> 00:48:04,984 of myself in General , Angle had 1252 00:48:04,984 --> 00:48:07,180 reached out to a number of states to 1253 00:48:07,180 --> 00:48:09,291 seek the permission from the governor 1254 00:48:09,291 --> 00:48:12,120 to deploy their elements of their guard 1255 00:48:12,130 --> 00:48:14,330 to D . C . To support the law 1256 00:48:14,330 --> 00:48:16,930 enforcement effort 11 states . If my 1257 00:48:16,930 --> 00:48:19,310 numbers correct it provided that and 1258 00:48:19,310 --> 00:48:21,421 they got us to a little bit over 5000 1259 00:48:21,650 --> 00:48:23,650 on the ground . It took a period of 1260 00:48:23,650 --> 00:48:25,817 days to do that . But that gave us the 1261 00:48:25,817 --> 00:48:27,872 numbers we needed at all times . The 1262 00:48:27,872 --> 00:48:30,050 outside the guard units coming in from 1263 00:48:30,060 --> 00:48:32,130 outside of D C non D . C . National 1264 00:48:32,130 --> 00:48:34,800 Guard were under 502 f authorities 1265 00:48:34,800 --> 00:48:36,522 provided funded by the federal 1266 00:48:36,522 --> 00:48:38,689 government . Their role was to protect 1267 00:48:38,689 --> 00:48:40,522 federal functions , property and 1268 00:48:40,522 --> 00:48:42,522 personnel . And at all times , they 1269 00:48:42,522 --> 00:48:44,522 remained under the control of their 1270 00:48:44,522 --> 00:48:47,250 governors . One of shift a little bit . 1271 00:48:48,410 --> 00:48:50,743 Mr . Chairman , in your opening remarks , 1272 00:48:50,743 --> 00:48:52,743 you made reference to the fact that 1273 00:48:52,743 --> 00:48:54,577 60,000 service members have been 1274 00:48:54,630 --> 00:48:57,220 employed dealing with a variety of 1275 00:48:57,220 --> 00:49:00,660 issues , mostly Kobe but some other law 1276 00:49:00,660 --> 00:49:02,438 enforcement . But it was mostly 1277 00:49:02,438 --> 00:49:05,370 National guard , Uh , and this is kind 1278 00:49:05,370 --> 00:49:08,040 of a follow up to to Mr Thornberrys 1279 00:49:08,110 --> 00:49:11,090 questions , uh , how are they holding 1280 00:49:11,090 --> 00:49:13,146 up with all this variety of missions 1281 00:49:13,146 --> 00:49:15,210 that's been posted ? And 47,000 of 1282 00:49:15,210 --> 00:49:17,321 those are Our National Guardsmen have 1283 00:49:17,321 --> 00:49:19,266 been working in Kobe . What is the 1284 00:49:19,266 --> 00:49:21,488 state of the National Guard right now ? 1285 00:49:21,488 --> 00:49:23,766 Given the way they're being spread out . 1286 00:49:23,766 --> 00:49:25,988 And then , as a follow up to that , the 1287 00:49:25,988 --> 00:49:27,988 economic impact to your budgets and 1288 00:49:28,060 --> 00:49:30,116 what we're gonna need to back , feel 1289 00:49:30,870 --> 00:49:32,981 the numbers you got the numbers about 1290 00:49:32,981 --> 00:49:35,092 right for the National Guard , Nash . 1291 00:49:35,350 --> 00:49:39,030 Globally , about 100 20,000 are 1292 00:49:39,250 --> 00:49:42,620 on duty on active duty About 45,000 . I 1293 00:49:42,620 --> 00:49:44,731 think if I remember this right for my 1294 00:49:44,731 --> 00:49:46,820 briefing with Joe Lango , Um , about 1295 00:49:46,820 --> 00:49:48,931 45,000 are dedicated to Cove it about 1296 00:49:49,200 --> 00:49:51,311 at the peak , not right this minute . 1297 00:49:51,311 --> 00:49:53,478 But at the peak , there were around 40 1298 00:49:53,478 --> 00:49:56,330 to 43,000 on the civil unrest under 1299 00:49:56,330 --> 00:49:58,340 Governor Control on . Then there's 1300 00:49:58,340 --> 00:50:01,440 about 30,000 doing title 10 missions 1301 00:50:01,450 --> 00:50:04,060 around the world or in the United 1302 00:50:04,060 --> 00:50:06,950 States . So about 100 20 total , which 1303 00:50:06,950 --> 00:50:09,117 is significant . That's a big chunk of 1304 00:50:09,117 --> 00:50:11,510 the of the US National Guard , both 1305 00:50:11,510 --> 00:50:14,750 army and air . The reports to me , our 1306 00:50:15,080 --> 00:50:17,830 morale is good . They feel good about 1307 00:50:17,830 --> 00:50:20,052 their contribution on . They joined the 1308 00:50:20,052 --> 00:50:21,774 Guard to make sure they make a 1309 00:50:21,774 --> 00:50:23,941 contribution of the nation . So , um , 1310 00:50:23,941 --> 00:50:25,830 I'm not particularly aware of any 1311 00:50:25,830 --> 00:50:27,941 particular issues , but they're going 1312 00:50:27,941 --> 00:50:29,719 pretty fast with high optempo , 1313 00:50:29,719 --> 00:50:31,830 probably faster than they have in the 1314 00:50:31,830 --> 00:50:31,250 past , except during the surge periods 1315 00:50:31,250 --> 00:50:33,306 of Iraq and Afghanistan . What about 1316 00:50:33,306 --> 00:50:35,472 the economic impact to your budgets of 1317 00:50:35,472 --> 00:50:37,528 having these individuals deployed in 1318 00:50:37,528 --> 00:50:39,361 these various missions that were 1319 00:50:39,361 --> 00:50:42,680 unplanned ? There is an economic impact . 1320 00:50:42,680 --> 00:50:44,736 I don't know that it's ah , it's not 1321 00:50:44,736 --> 00:50:46,791 gonna I don't think it's gonna break 1322 00:50:46,791 --> 00:50:48,902 the d o d back on the economic impact 1323 00:50:48,902 --> 00:50:51,013 because of the numbers . But there is 1324 00:50:51,013 --> 00:50:53,124 an impact . Absolutely . So you don't 1325 00:50:53,124 --> 00:50:56,450 expect to be asking the Congress for 1326 00:50:56,460 --> 00:50:58,610 additional money to replace that are 1327 00:50:58,610 --> 00:51:00,870 backfilled that money in a supplemental 1328 00:51:00,880 --> 00:51:02,936 later this year ? Only that into the 1329 00:51:02,936 --> 00:51:05,820 sector , we've been keeping careful 1330 00:51:05,820 --> 00:51:08,042 counting of the dollars , Comptroller . 1331 00:51:08,042 --> 00:51:10,153 That's obviously something we need to 1332 00:51:10,153 --> 00:51:10,060 come back to you on to make sure we 1333 00:51:10,060 --> 00:51:12,171 understand what those numbers are and 1334 00:51:12,171 --> 00:51:14,282 how material they are to the budget . 1335 00:51:14,282 --> 00:51:16,282 And finally , Mr Secretary , do you 1336 00:51:16,282 --> 00:51:18,504 believe that the Insurrection Act needs 1337 00:51:18,504 --> 00:51:20,560 any legislative modification by this 1338 00:51:20,560 --> 00:51:23,980 Congress ? Well , the the 1339 00:51:23,990 --> 00:51:26,500 Insurrection Act is an extraordinary 1340 00:51:26,500 --> 00:51:29,400 piece of legislation as we know is is 1341 00:51:29,400 --> 00:51:31,511 endured well over the past couple 100 1342 00:51:31,511 --> 00:51:33,233 years , and it is he under the 1343 00:51:33,233 --> 00:51:35,400 exclusive authority of the president , 1344 00:51:35,400 --> 00:51:37,511 So it would not be appropriate for me 1345 00:51:37,511 --> 00:51:40,060 to opine in terms of material changes 1346 00:51:40,060 --> 00:51:42,116 to the act . I would reserve that to 1347 00:51:42,116 --> 00:51:45,680 the to the president . My my view is 1348 00:51:45,680 --> 00:51:47,736 there's nothing that's happened that 1349 00:51:47,736 --> 00:51:49,847 strikes me is compelling to change it 1350 00:51:49,847 --> 00:51:51,958 at this point in time . Great . Thank 1351 00:51:51,958 --> 00:51:54,180 you both for being here . You're back , 1352 00:51:54,180 --> 00:51:55,958 Mr Thank you . Mr . Courtney is 1353 00:51:55,958 --> 00:51:57,569 recognized for five months . 1354 00:51:59,710 --> 00:52:01,800 Thank you , Adam . And thank you to 1355 00:52:01,800 --> 00:52:03,910 witnesses for being here today . 1356 00:52:03,920 --> 00:52:06,630 Particularly wanted . Recognize both of 1357 00:52:06,630 --> 00:52:09,200 you made very strong comments and 1358 00:52:09,630 --> 00:52:11,720 expressing . You know , you're 1359 00:52:12,320 --> 00:52:14,098 upholding your oath in terms of 1360 00:52:14,100 --> 00:52:16,044 supporting the First Amendment and 1361 00:52:16,044 --> 00:52:18,267 people's right toe protest peacefully . 1362 00:52:18,510 --> 00:52:20,621 Of course , another part of the First 1363 00:52:20,621 --> 00:52:22,900 Amendment is freedom of the press and 1364 00:52:22,900 --> 00:52:24,900 freedom of the press did not have a 1365 00:52:24,900 --> 00:52:26,789 very good day . I'm June 1st on a 1366 00:52:26,789 --> 00:52:28,733 couple days ago . Over the natural 1367 00:52:28,733 --> 00:52:30,844 resource is committee . Ah , reporter 1368 00:52:30,844 --> 00:52:34,210 from Australia . Amelia Brace , who is 1369 00:52:34,210 --> 00:52:36,690 a TV news reporter , was at Lafayette 1370 00:52:36,920 --> 00:52:39,040 Park with our cameraman Tim Myers . 1371 00:52:39,040 --> 00:52:41,590 When the U . S . Park police to two of 1372 00:52:41,590 --> 00:52:45,350 the officers just completely assaulted 1373 00:52:45,350 --> 00:52:47,620 them on live television . She was 1374 00:52:47,620 --> 00:52:50,230 actually broadcasting into the morning 1375 00:52:50,230 --> 00:52:52,286 show in Australia . It's kind of the 1376 00:52:52,286 --> 00:52:55,780 equivalent of the today show . And , um 1377 00:52:57,160 --> 00:52:59,271 and I don't know if it's still coming 1378 00:52:59,271 --> 00:53:01,327 through here . But in any case , her 1379 00:53:01,327 --> 00:53:03,720 testimony described again the right 1380 00:53:04,750 --> 00:53:07,110 shield of the park police being rammed 1381 00:53:07,110 --> 00:53:09,280 into the chest and stomach of the 1382 00:53:09,290 --> 00:53:11,346 Kamerman . And on camera , you could 1383 00:53:11,346 --> 00:53:13,512 see her getting hit with a truncheon . 1384 00:53:13,512 --> 00:53:15,568 She was shot with rubber bullets and 1385 00:53:15,568 --> 00:53:17,568 both of them were hospitalized . So 1386 00:53:17,568 --> 00:53:19,623 again , I just wanted maybe give you 1387 00:53:19,623 --> 00:53:21,734 both an opportunity to just go on the 1388 00:53:21,734 --> 00:53:24,100 record to say that No , we obviously is 1389 00:53:24,100 --> 00:53:25,933 part of ah recognizing the First 1390 00:53:25,933 --> 00:53:28,220 Amendment . Recognize that , um , the 1391 00:53:28,220 --> 00:53:29,998 media has a role to play that's 1392 00:53:29,998 --> 00:53:32,331 protected by the Constitution . In fact , 1393 00:53:32,850 --> 00:53:36,490 order that the mayor issued exempted 1394 00:53:36,500 --> 00:53:38,940 the media from the curfew that was in 1395 00:53:38,940 --> 00:53:41,540 place on fuel first . And I just wanted 1396 00:53:41,550 --> 00:53:43,717 again would ask both of you to comment 1397 00:53:43,717 --> 00:53:45,828 on that because , frankly , that this 1398 00:53:45,828 --> 00:53:48,050 was on live television in Australia was 1399 00:53:48,050 --> 00:53:50,106 probably one of our closest allies . 1400 00:53:52,840 --> 00:53:55,173 Congressman Argo Kirsten , you're right . 1401 00:53:55,173 --> 00:53:57,396 Months try is one of our most important 1402 00:53:57,396 --> 00:53:59,618 allies . I spent the other night as the 1403 00:53:59,618 --> 00:54:01,396 chairman knows speaking with my 1404 00:54:01,396 --> 00:54:03,507 counterpart in Australia , let me say 1405 00:54:03,507 --> 00:54:05,618 this . We've said it numerous times . 1406 00:54:05,618 --> 00:54:07,673 I've sworn oath to uphold and defend 1407 00:54:07,673 --> 00:54:09,840 the Constitution . United States . And 1408 00:54:09,840 --> 00:54:12,007 I do that not not just because I swore 1409 00:54:12,007 --> 00:54:14,118 No , because I believe deeply in that 1410 00:54:14,118 --> 00:54:16,340 document and all that it guarantees our 1411 00:54:16,340 --> 00:54:18,229 rights and democracy . And you've 1412 00:54:18,229 --> 00:54:20,396 talked about the First Amendment , the 1413 00:54:20,396 --> 00:54:22,507 First Amendment that includes the Big 1414 00:54:22,507 --> 00:54:24,729 Five and one of which is the freedom of 1415 00:54:24,729 --> 00:54:26,729 press . And I think a free and open 1416 00:54:26,729 --> 00:54:26,650 press is critical to the functioning , 1417 00:54:26,660 --> 00:54:28,993 the efficient function of our democracy . 1418 00:54:29,240 --> 00:54:31,462 And so I think that's something that we 1419 00:54:31,462 --> 00:54:33,462 need we cherish . That's one of the 1420 00:54:33,462 --> 00:54:35,462 reasons why you know , the National 1421 00:54:35,462 --> 00:54:37,684 Guard , when it gets used in defense of 1422 00:54:37,684 --> 00:54:39,796 support of civil authorities , is out 1423 00:54:39,796 --> 00:54:42,018 there is to give Americans the right to 1424 00:54:42,018 --> 00:54:44,073 peacefully assemble to express their 1425 00:54:44,073 --> 00:54:46,073 views and for the press to cover it 1426 00:54:46,073 --> 00:54:47,851 hope hopefully as accurately as 1427 00:54:47,851 --> 00:54:50,050 possible s so that the American people 1428 00:54:50,060 --> 00:54:52,250 can have an understanding of what's 1429 00:54:52,250 --> 00:54:55,350 happening in the country . And 1430 00:54:55,350 --> 00:54:58,000 Congressman , um , I'm not familiar 1431 00:54:58,000 --> 00:54:59,889 with the particular incident that 1432 00:54:59,889 --> 00:55:02,000 you're referring to . Um , but I'm 1433 00:55:02,000 --> 00:55:04,260 deeply committed to a free press . Like 1434 00:55:04,260 --> 00:55:06,538 I said , I'll die for the Constitution . 1435 00:55:06,538 --> 00:55:08,649 It's an idea . Part of that is a free 1436 00:55:08,649 --> 00:55:11,450 media in a free media , um is 1437 00:55:11,550 --> 00:55:14,930 fundamentally essential to free people 1438 00:55:15,320 --> 00:55:17,600 on its fundamental to our democracy , 1439 00:55:17,600 --> 00:55:20,670 so absolutely committed to that . Well , 1440 00:55:20,670 --> 00:55:22,781 thank you both again . This was front 1441 00:55:22,781 --> 00:55:24,948 page news in Australia and and I would 1442 00:55:24,948 --> 00:55:27,360 just say that it was the park police . 1443 00:55:27,360 --> 00:55:29,527 It was not National Guard men who were 1444 00:55:29,527 --> 00:55:31,680 involved in that violence that took 1445 00:55:31,680 --> 00:55:33,791 place there . But the fact is is , as 1446 00:55:33,791 --> 00:55:35,902 the secretary's testimony indicates , 1447 00:55:35,902 --> 00:55:38,450 the D . C National Guard was acting in 1448 00:55:38,450 --> 00:55:40,561 support of local police authorities , 1449 00:55:40,561 --> 00:55:42,894 including the park police . And I think , 1450 00:55:42,894 --> 00:55:44,950 frankly , whatever after actor after 1451 00:55:44,950 --> 00:55:47,410 action report goes out , the fact that 1452 00:55:47,410 --> 00:55:50,410 media are present in situations where 1453 00:55:50,420 --> 00:55:53,220 they have a legal duty that Mr right , 1454 00:55:53,230 --> 00:55:55,640 but a duty to be there , which was 1455 00:55:55,640 --> 00:55:57,807 recognized by the District of Columbia 1456 00:55:57,807 --> 00:55:59,751 that really there's got to be some 1457 00:55:59,751 --> 00:56:01,640 training to make sure that people 1458 00:56:01,640 --> 00:56:03,696 recognize that it's off limits , toe 1459 00:56:03,696 --> 00:56:06,100 the beat them in any way that's 1460 00:56:06,100 --> 00:56:08,211 inappropriate , which is exactly what 1461 00:56:08,211 --> 00:56:10,211 happened . I would encourage you to 1462 00:56:10,211 --> 00:56:12,267 watch the testimony which took place 1463 00:56:12,267 --> 00:56:14,267 from his brace . It's it's actually 1464 00:56:14,267 --> 00:56:16,489 quite shocking , and frankly , the fact 1465 00:56:16,489 --> 00:56:18,600 that it happened to an ally of ours , 1466 00:56:18,600 --> 00:56:20,711 it will make you heart sec . Watch it 1467 00:56:20,711 --> 00:56:24,080 without a yield back . Thank you , Mr 1468 00:56:24,080 --> 00:56:26,358 Conaway is recognized for five minutes . 1469 00:56:27,100 --> 00:56:29,267 That was your You're my top . The next 1470 00:56:29,267 --> 00:56:33,050 Republican on the list . Mr . Lamborn ? 1471 00:56:38,280 --> 00:56:40,113 Mr . Lamborn , are you with us , 1472 00:56:42,930 --> 00:56:46,870 Mr Phonic ? Thank you , Mr 1473 00:56:46,870 --> 00:56:49,037 Chairman . And thank you , gentlemen , 1474 00:56:49,037 --> 00:56:52,250 for your service . I wanted to focus on 1475 00:56:52,250 --> 00:56:54,417 an issue of importance to constituents 1476 00:56:54,417 --> 00:56:56,639 in my district . I've had the privilege 1477 00:56:56,639 --> 00:56:58,583 of hosting both of you , Secretary 1478 00:56:58,583 --> 00:57:00,639 Esper . In your capacity when you're 1479 00:57:00,639 --> 00:57:02,472 Secretary of the Army as well as 1480 00:57:02,472 --> 00:57:04,583 General Milley . I've spent time with 1481 00:57:04,583 --> 00:57:06,750 you at Fort Drum and given some of the 1482 00:57:06,750 --> 00:57:08,472 recent press reports regarding 1483 00:57:08,472 --> 00:57:10,694 Afghanistan . As you know , I represent 1484 00:57:10,694 --> 00:57:12,694 military families and 10th Mountain 1485 00:57:12,694 --> 00:57:14,694 Division soldiers who are currently 1486 00:57:14,694 --> 00:57:16,861 deployed in Afghanistan . And I wanted 1487 00:57:16,861 --> 00:57:19,028 to get your comments General Milley on 1488 00:57:19,028 --> 00:57:21,083 your commitment and the department's 1489 00:57:21,083 --> 00:57:23,194 commitment to force protection at all 1490 00:57:23,194 --> 00:57:24,861 costs . That is one of my top 1491 00:57:24,861 --> 00:57:26,940 priorities , whether it's rebuilding 1492 00:57:26,940 --> 00:57:28,829 military readiness , investing in 1493 00:57:28,829 --> 00:57:30,940 training , investing in equipment and 1494 00:57:30,940 --> 00:57:33,162 having the most exquisite , exceptional 1495 00:57:33,162 --> 00:57:35,440 intelligence that's verified out there . 1496 00:57:35,440 --> 00:57:37,662 But I think it's important for families 1497 00:57:37,662 --> 00:57:39,496 to know the lengths to which the 1498 00:57:39,496 --> 00:57:41,607 department goes to ensure that we are 1499 00:57:41,607 --> 00:57:43,840 protecting the safety and well being of 1500 00:57:43,840 --> 00:57:45,840 our service members deployed . I'll 1501 00:57:45,840 --> 00:57:47,951 start with you , General Milley , you 1502 00:57:47,951 --> 00:57:50,400 have 1000% commitment . I've got three 1503 00:57:50,400 --> 00:57:52,622 tours in Afghanistan and multiple tours 1504 00:57:52,622 --> 00:57:54,789 in a lot of other places . And I bet a 1505 00:57:54,789 --> 00:57:56,789 lot of people in Arlington National 1506 00:57:56,789 --> 00:57:58,900 Cemetery So I am committed to the end 1507 00:57:58,900 --> 00:58:00,956 degree to protect our force . And we 1508 00:58:00,956 --> 00:58:02,900 will ensure that they have all the 1509 00:58:02,900 --> 00:58:05,178 right equipment training , Uh , alerts , 1510 00:58:05,178 --> 00:58:07,700 warnings , intel , etcetera . I know 1511 00:58:07,700 --> 00:58:09,811 what you're referring to specifically 1512 00:58:09,811 --> 00:58:11,978 with the Russians on , and I will tell 1513 00:58:11,978 --> 00:58:14,144 you that we were at the highest levels 1514 00:58:14,144 --> 00:58:16,200 of force protection units and people 1515 00:58:16,200 --> 00:58:18,311 are and were informed and will remain 1516 00:58:18,311 --> 00:58:18,310 informed that we're gonna get to the 1517 00:58:18,310 --> 00:58:20,421 bottom of all that . But I can assure 1518 00:58:20,421 --> 00:58:22,588 the families that the force protection 1519 00:58:22,588 --> 00:58:24,754 of our force , uh , only for May . But 1520 00:58:24,754 --> 00:58:24,530 for every commander all the way down 1521 00:58:24,530 --> 00:58:26,641 the line , that's that's a number one 1522 00:58:26,641 --> 00:58:28,363 priority for every one of us . 1523 00:58:28,363 --> 00:58:30,308 Absolutely . Thank you . Secretary 1524 00:58:30,308 --> 00:58:33,060 Esper . 1000% agree as well . I say it 1525 00:58:33,060 --> 00:58:35,227 again . It's a former soldier myself , 1526 00:58:35,227 --> 00:58:37,560 with with one combat tour under my belt . 1527 00:58:37,560 --> 00:58:39,782 This is something we talk with . I talk 1528 00:58:39,782 --> 00:58:42,060 about with the commanders all the time . 1529 00:58:42,060 --> 00:58:44,282 General Miller and General Mackenzie on 1530 00:58:44,282 --> 00:58:46,449 multiple occasions we make adjustments 1531 00:58:46,449 --> 00:58:46,360 all the time across the theater and 1532 00:58:46,360 --> 00:58:48,471 other theaters . But force protection 1533 00:58:48,471 --> 00:58:50,360 is number one to take care of our 1534 00:58:50,360 --> 00:58:52,582 soldiers , sailors , airmen , Marines . 1535 00:58:52,582 --> 00:58:54,749 They are our most vital resource , our 1536 00:58:54,749 --> 00:58:56,749 most trusted asset . And we will do 1537 00:58:56,749 --> 00:58:58,749 everything and anything it takes to 1538 00:58:58,749 --> 00:59:00,860 protect them . My next question . And 1539 00:59:00,860 --> 00:59:02,971 just so you know , I sit on the House 1540 00:59:02,971 --> 00:59:04,916 Intelligence Committee . So I have 1541 00:59:04,916 --> 00:59:06,693 received classified briefings . 1542 00:59:06,693 --> 00:59:08,804 Understanding were in an unclassified 1543 00:59:08,804 --> 00:59:11,027 setting . Right now . I also think it's 1544 00:59:11,027 --> 00:59:13,027 important to talk about how we know 1545 00:59:13,027 --> 00:59:15,800 going years back , that Russia has 1546 00:59:15,810 --> 00:59:18,430 meddled in Afghanistan as well as other 1547 00:59:18,430 --> 00:59:20,840 countries have also involved themselves 1548 00:59:20,840 --> 00:59:23,730 in Afghanistan , counter to our 1549 00:59:23,740 --> 00:59:25,960 commitments and our strategic goals in 1550 00:59:25,960 --> 00:59:27,904 the region . Whether that's Iran , 1551 00:59:27,904 --> 00:59:29,904 whether that's China using economic 1552 00:59:29,904 --> 00:59:32,127 tools . So I wanted to get your comment 1553 00:59:32,127 --> 00:59:34,293 on that because I think it's important 1554 00:59:34,293 --> 00:59:36,550 to consider that , ah , long term 1555 00:59:36,720 --> 00:59:39,380 impact rather than just this one 1556 00:59:40,160 --> 00:59:42,382 illegal leak that's been covered in the 1557 00:59:42,382 --> 00:59:45,400 media on a specific of the Russians . 1558 00:59:45,410 --> 00:59:47,466 Yes , we've known for years that the 1559 00:59:47,466 --> 00:59:49,577 Russians have been involved for their 1560 00:59:49,577 --> 00:59:51,688 own national security interests in in 1561 00:59:51,688 --> 00:59:53,854 Afghanistan , and the Russians are not 1562 00:59:53,854 --> 00:59:55,854 our friends in their involvement is 1563 00:59:55,854 --> 00:59:55,530 worrisome , and we monitored closely 1564 00:59:55,530 --> 00:59:57,530 and we take appropriate actions the 1565 00:59:57,530 --> 00:59:59,586 Chinese air involve . The Pakistanis 1566 00:59:59,586 --> 01:00:01,697 involved the Iranians . There's a lot 1567 01:00:01,697 --> 01:00:01,650 of countries involved in Afghanistan on , 1568 01:00:01,650 --> 01:00:03,720 and many of them have Melfi's 1569 01:00:03,720 --> 01:00:05,887 aforethought against the U . S and U . 1570 01:00:05,887 --> 01:00:08,053 S forces . Except we're aware of a lot 1571 01:00:08,053 --> 01:00:09,998 of that . Not perhaps every single 1572 01:00:09,998 --> 01:00:12,109 thing , but we have a lot of it . And 1573 01:00:12,109 --> 01:00:14,109 we take the appropriate measures on 1574 01:00:14,109 --> 01:00:13,550 with respect to the issue and was 1575 01:00:13,550 --> 01:00:15,606 previously asked by one of the other 1576 01:00:15,606 --> 01:00:18,080 congressman , We are aware of the 1577 01:00:18,270 --> 01:00:20,326 variety of intelligence that you are 1578 01:00:20,326 --> 01:00:23,320 briefed on this morning , and we are 1579 01:00:23,320 --> 01:00:25,980 pursuing that victory s for any 1580 01:00:25,980 --> 01:00:29,970 comments on that . My trip I 1581 01:00:29,970 --> 01:00:32,137 share the same views is the chairman . 1582 01:00:32,137 --> 01:00:34,137 The Russians have been involved and 1583 01:00:34,137 --> 01:00:36,192 many , many other countries and many 1584 01:00:36,192 --> 01:00:38,248 other players , non state players in 1585 01:00:38,248 --> 01:00:40,303 Afghanistan for a long time . And we 1586 01:00:40,303 --> 01:00:42,470 take all that into account . And I can 1587 01:00:42,470 --> 01:00:42,300 tell you on other occasions we have 1588 01:00:42,300 --> 01:00:44,522 adapted force posture . We have adapted 1589 01:00:44,522 --> 01:00:47,660 authorities equipment . Um ah , you 1590 01:00:47,660 --> 01:00:49,660 name it Rules of engagement to make 1591 01:00:49,660 --> 01:00:51,382 sure that our forces will well 1592 01:00:51,382 --> 01:00:53,549 protected and able to accomplish their 1593 01:00:53,549 --> 01:00:55,771 mission . And then my last question Can 1594 01:00:55,771 --> 01:00:58,430 you discuss the damage that illegal 1595 01:00:58,430 --> 01:01:02,410 leaks have on , um , on our ability to 1596 01:01:02,410 --> 01:01:04,470 collect intelligence on our force 1597 01:01:04,470 --> 01:01:06,637 protection measures . Because I'm very 1598 01:01:06,637 --> 01:01:08,910 concerned the damage that illegal leaks 1599 01:01:08,920 --> 01:01:10,976 have in general when it comes to our 1600 01:01:10,976 --> 01:01:13,031 national security . Conscious of the 1601 01:01:13,031 --> 01:01:15,309 clock , the illegal leaks are terrible . 1602 01:01:15,680 --> 01:01:17,513 And they're happening across the 1603 01:01:17,513 --> 01:01:19,402 government , particularly Defense 1604 01:01:19,402 --> 01:01:21,513 Department . I'm pushing forward on a 1605 01:01:21,513 --> 01:01:23,569 new effort to remind people of opsec 1606 01:01:23,569 --> 01:01:25,513 whether it's ah , whether it's pre 1607 01:01:25,513 --> 01:01:27,736 decisional , unclassified items or even 1608 01:01:27,736 --> 01:01:29,513 classified items . It hurts our 1609 01:01:29,513 --> 01:01:31,680 national security . It jeopardized our 1610 01:01:31,680 --> 01:01:33,902 troops . And it is just damaging to our 1611 01:01:33,902 --> 01:01:36,013 government and our relationships with 1612 01:01:36,013 --> 01:01:38,124 our allies and partners . Thank you . 1613 01:01:38,124 --> 01:01:40,291 Yell back . Thank you . Mr . Garamendi 1614 01:01:40,291 --> 01:01:42,124 is recognized for five minutes . 1615 01:01:46,450 --> 01:01:49,550 Mr . Here many . Are you with us ? Make 1616 01:01:49,550 --> 01:01:51,272 sure you're on mute yourself . 1617 01:01:53,610 --> 01:01:55,721 I don't see him , actually . So we'll 1618 01:01:55,721 --> 01:01:58,054 move on to Mr Nor Cross . Mr . Norcross , 1619 01:01:58,054 --> 01:02:00,510 are you with us ? Yes , I am . Thank 1620 01:02:00,510 --> 01:02:03,150 you , Chairman . Spot Secretary Esper 1621 01:02:03,810 --> 01:02:06,080 Euro Bream remarks you mentioned at the 1622 01:02:06,080 --> 01:02:09,330 National Bar that not play an active 1623 01:02:09,340 --> 01:02:11,930 role or advancing the crowd that not 1624 01:02:11,930 --> 01:02:13,930 used rubber bullets , fire phrasing 1625 01:02:13,930 --> 01:02:16,810 that and used the term static role . 1626 01:02:17,550 --> 01:02:19,910 I'd like to focus on that and the 1627 01:02:19,910 --> 01:02:22,230 events do first involving the Army 1628 01:02:22,230 --> 01:02:24,860 National Guard helicopter . How would 1629 01:02:24,860 --> 01:02:27,510 you refer to that as a static world ? 1630 01:02:28,140 --> 01:02:30,510 And I have all of work . 1631 01:02:33,890 --> 01:02:37,020 Congressman , I was referring to the 1632 01:02:37,020 --> 01:02:40,210 static role with regard to the actions 1633 01:02:40,220 --> 01:02:42,670 of the National Guard in Lafayette Park 1634 01:02:43,080 --> 01:02:46,130 on June 1st . The helicopter 1635 01:02:46,650 --> 01:02:48,960 issues in question that you're rising 1636 01:02:48,970 --> 01:02:51,081 happened later that evening . I think 1637 01:02:51,081 --> 01:02:53,303 maybe around 11 PM or so I don't recall 1638 01:02:53,303 --> 01:02:55,192 the Times . So obviously that was 1639 01:02:55,192 --> 01:02:57,470 different . That was not a static role . 1640 01:02:57,470 --> 01:03:01,470 I was talking about the the the forces 1641 01:03:01,470 --> 01:03:04,810 on the ground in Lafayette Park . Thank 1642 01:03:04,810 --> 01:03:07,230 you for clarifying that . When 1643 01:03:07,230 --> 01:03:10,950 Secretary of the party was with 1644 01:03:10,950 --> 01:03:14,230 us earlier this month , he mentioned 1645 01:03:14,230 --> 01:03:17,180 that the report when the investigation 1646 01:03:17,180 --> 01:03:20,260 was going to be very soon we understand 1647 01:03:20,340 --> 01:03:22,507 it might be Trish . Now , when is that 1648 01:03:22,507 --> 01:03:24,840 could be released to us into the public . 1649 01:03:25,470 --> 01:03:27,692 So , Congressman , I spoke to Secretary 1650 01:03:27,692 --> 01:03:29,692 McCarthy about this is you know , I 1651 01:03:29,692 --> 01:03:31,859 launched this investigation within two 1652 01:03:31,859 --> 01:03:34,081 hours of finding out about it . I think 1653 01:03:34,081 --> 01:03:36,610 on June 2nd memory serves me . The 1654 01:03:36,610 --> 01:03:38,970 investigation was conducted . It is 1655 01:03:38,970 --> 01:03:42,250 completed . It is being reviewed by 1656 01:03:42,260 --> 01:03:44,910 Secretary McCarthy . I think . Ah , 1657 01:03:45,050 --> 01:03:47,272 deal . If I'm looking at the chairman . 1658 01:03:47,272 --> 01:03:49,950 Billy D O D G may take a look at it , 1659 01:03:50,250 --> 01:03:52,920 but it should be available next week to 1660 01:03:52,920 --> 01:03:55,200 the committee . Uh , that's my the 1661 01:03:55,200 --> 01:03:57,367 latest report I got from the Secretary 1662 01:03:57,367 --> 01:03:59,644 of the Army Chairman D Is that correct ? 1663 01:03:59,644 --> 01:04:02,380 That's correct . The i g d i g s to do 1664 01:04:02,380 --> 01:04:04,550 their review . Eso I would expect it 1665 01:04:05,020 --> 01:04:07,020 pretty shortly . Like within days , 1666 01:04:07,020 --> 01:04:09,450 perhaps early next week . Thank you , 1667 01:04:09,450 --> 01:04:11,710 Wayne . Ideal balance my time to Mikey 1668 01:04:11,710 --> 01:04:15,580 shop Jersey . Yeah , that 1669 01:04:15,590 --> 01:04:18,850 that gets awkward . Uhm , Paul is the 1670 01:04:18,850 --> 01:04:21,640 clock for a second ? Um , 1671 01:04:22,280 --> 01:04:26,260 Mikey , Um , do you wish to take 1672 01:04:26,260 --> 01:04:28,580 the time ? If you do , you get a come 1673 01:04:28,580 --> 01:04:29,090 forward 1674 01:04:35,670 --> 01:04:37,910 fake . Pardon ? No , he's here . 1675 01:04:40,290 --> 01:04:42,234 Michelle , You recognize ? For the 1676 01:04:42,234 --> 01:04:44,346 remainder of the time Few minutes and 1677 01:04:44,346 --> 01:04:45,734 40 seconds . Thank you . 1678 01:04:54,890 --> 01:04:57,290 Secretary esperan General Milley . Um , 1679 01:04:57,290 --> 01:04:59,550 I echo the champions concerned about 1680 01:04:59,560 --> 01:05:01,782 politicizing our military and given the 1681 01:05:01,782 --> 01:05:04,280 attempts at politicizing our military 1682 01:05:04,280 --> 01:05:06,280 in the unorthodox way the President 1683 01:05:06,280 --> 01:05:08,224 attempted to control troops in our 1684 01:05:08,224 --> 01:05:10,280 nation's capital . I want to discuss 1685 01:05:10,280 --> 01:05:12,224 some of the legal underpinnings of 1686 01:05:12,224 --> 01:05:14,391 civilian control because I have such a 1687 01:05:14,391 --> 01:05:16,558 short period of time . I'm looking for 1688 01:05:16,558 --> 01:05:16,120 a yes or no if you don't No , The 1689 01:05:16,120 --> 01:05:18,176 answer . Please . Just let me know . 1690 01:05:18,176 --> 01:05:20,287 You'll take it for action . Secretary 1691 01:05:20,287 --> 01:05:22,176 Esperan General Milley , you both 1692 01:05:22,176 --> 01:05:24,342 testified that you have taken oaths to 1693 01:05:24,342 --> 01:05:26,564 the Constitution of the United States . 1694 01:05:26,564 --> 01:05:29,790 Is that correct ? Yes . And that oath 1695 01:05:29,790 --> 01:05:32,220 includes a note to support and defend 1696 01:05:32,220 --> 01:05:34,331 the Constitution of the United States 1697 01:05:34,331 --> 01:05:36,220 against all enemies , foreign and 1698 01:05:36,220 --> 01:05:38,164 domestic , and bear true faith and 1699 01:05:38,164 --> 01:05:41,280 allegiance to the same . Correct ? Yes . 1700 01:05:41,690 --> 01:05:43,912 And are you both aware that Article two 1701 01:05:43,912 --> 01:05:45,912 of the Constitution states that the 1702 01:05:45,912 --> 01:05:47,968 executive power shall be vested in a 1703 01:05:47,968 --> 01:05:50,079 president ? In other words , one or a 1704 01:05:50,079 --> 01:05:52,860 single president ? Yes , Yes . 1705 01:05:53,930 --> 01:05:56,152 And are you both aware that Article two 1706 01:05:56,152 --> 01:05:58,374 of our Constitution makes the president 1707 01:05:58,374 --> 01:06:00,541 the Commander in chief of the army and 1708 01:06:00,541 --> 01:06:03,500 Navy of the United States ? Yes . 1709 01:06:04,680 --> 01:06:06,860 Yes . And Secretary s . Were you aware 1710 01:06:06,860 --> 01:06:08,804 that the president's power to move 1711 01:06:08,804 --> 01:06:10,693 office cabinet officials from key 1712 01:06:10,693 --> 01:06:12,916 national security positions , including 1713 01:06:12,916 --> 01:06:14,582 the Secretary of Defense , is 1714 01:06:14,582 --> 01:06:17,500 undisputed ? I'm sorry . Can you repeat 1715 01:06:17,500 --> 01:06:20,430 that ? Certainly . Are you aware that 1716 01:06:20,440 --> 01:06:22,970 the president's power to remove from 1717 01:06:22,970 --> 01:06:24,800 office key Cabinet officials , 1718 01:06:24,810 --> 01:06:26,588 especially in national security 1719 01:06:26,588 --> 01:06:28,643 positions including the Secretary of 1720 01:06:28,643 --> 01:06:32,340 Defense , is undisputed ? Yes . And 1721 01:06:32,340 --> 01:06:34,562 General Milley , are you aware that the 1722 01:06:34,562 --> 01:06:36,507 uniform Code of Military Justice , 1723 01:06:36,507 --> 01:06:38,729 which applies to all uniformed officers 1724 01:06:38,729 --> 01:06:40,784 criminalizes mutiny and sedition and 1725 01:06:40,784 --> 01:06:42,451 soliciting or advising on the 1726 01:06:42,451 --> 01:06:44,396 commission of mutiny or sedition ? 1727 01:06:44,396 --> 01:06:46,673 Absolutely . Yes . And Secretary Esper , 1728 01:06:46,673 --> 01:06:48,284 you aware of the fundamental 1729 01:06:48,284 --> 01:06:50,173 proposition that the Secretary of 1730 01:06:50,173 --> 01:06:52,284 Defense is selected by the legitimate 1731 01:06:52,284 --> 01:06:54,740 president ? Yes , and confirmed by the 1732 01:06:54,740 --> 01:06:56,760 Senate and that the legitimate 1733 01:06:56,770 --> 01:06:58,826 legitimate commander in chief is the 1734 01:06:58,826 --> 01:07:01,048 one who oversees the chain of command . 1735 01:07:01,048 --> 01:07:04,420 Correct ? Yes , yes . 1736 01:07:05,380 --> 01:07:07,380 So finally , the Insurrection Act 1737 01:07:07,710 --> 01:07:09,654 states that whenever the president 1738 01:07:09,654 --> 01:07:11,821 considers that unlawful obstructions , 1739 01:07:11,821 --> 01:07:13,543 combinations or assemblages or 1740 01:07:13,543 --> 01:07:15,710 rebellion against the authority of the 1741 01:07:15,710 --> 01:07:17,932 United States makes it impracticable to 1742 01:07:17,932 --> 01:07:20,043 enforce the laws of the United States 1743 01:07:20,043 --> 01:07:22,210 in any state by the ordinary course of 1744 01:07:22,210 --> 01:07:24,432 judicial proceedings , he may call into 1745 01:07:24,432 --> 01:07:26,599 federal service such of the militia of 1746 01:07:26,599 --> 01:07:28,599 any state and use such of the armed 1747 01:07:28,599 --> 01:07:30,599 forces as he considers necessary to 1748 01:07:30,599 --> 01:07:32,488 enforce those laws or to suppress 1749 01:07:32,488 --> 01:07:34,043 rebellion . Yes , yes . And 1750 01:07:34,043 --> 01:07:36,210 unfortunately , the gentle lady is out 1751 01:07:36,210 --> 01:07:39,530 of time . Uh , Mr Desjarlais , I do not 1752 01:07:39,530 --> 01:07:42,290 see you on the screen . You're next . 1753 01:07:43,970 --> 01:07:47,020 Okay . We'll go on to Mr Gates . Mr . 1754 01:07:47,020 --> 01:07:48,964 Gates , you're recognized for five 1755 01:07:48,964 --> 01:07:51,242 minutes . If you are , in fact with us , 1756 01:07:56,230 --> 01:07:58,230 Mr Bacon you usually pretty good at 1757 01:07:58,230 --> 01:07:59,410 this . Um 1758 01:08:02,170 --> 01:08:04,340 thank you , Mr Chairman . I appreciate 1759 01:08:04,710 --> 01:08:06,877 both of your parents that are chairman 1760 01:08:06,877 --> 01:08:09,830 for your leadership and helpless 1761 01:08:09,830 --> 01:08:12,910 respect for you all . I want todo Just 1762 01:08:12,910 --> 01:08:15,021 ask if you can say it . The read this 1763 01:08:15,130 --> 01:08:18,720 report on the bounties originate from 1764 01:08:18,720 --> 01:08:20,990 an intelligence agency within the 1765 01:08:20,990 --> 01:08:23,046 military like the d I A . Or is this 1766 01:08:23,150 --> 01:08:24,650 from outside of military ? 1767 01:08:27,700 --> 01:08:29,922 I'm sorry , Congressman . I didn't hear 1768 01:08:29,922 --> 01:08:32,210 the question . Did you ask the , uh , 1769 01:08:32,640 --> 01:08:34,584 the intelligence report that talks 1770 01:08:34,584 --> 01:08:36,251 about the Russian bounties in 1771 01:08:36,251 --> 01:08:38,084 Afghanistan ? Did that come from 1772 01:08:38,084 --> 01:08:40,418 outside of the duty , like CIA or Ennis ? 1773 01:08:40,418 --> 01:08:42,640 There was this , Like Dion . Years come 1774 01:08:42,640 --> 01:08:44,918 from a military intelligence able sing . 1775 01:08:45,890 --> 01:08:48,100 It was not produced by a D o D 1776 01:08:48,100 --> 01:08:52,060 intelligence agency . Okay , I thank 1777 01:08:52,060 --> 01:08:54,640 you for that . I just I go back to what , 1778 01:08:54,650 --> 01:08:56,920 Mr Phonics ? These leaks , I think , 1779 01:08:56,930 --> 01:08:59,208 undermine our intelligence communities . 1780 01:08:59,420 --> 01:09:01,531 And it just undermines the confidence 1781 01:09:01,531 --> 01:09:03,753 of the citizens either to the president 1782 01:09:03,753 --> 01:09:05,920 in this case , or depend what say that 1783 01:09:05,920 --> 01:09:08,250 you're out or where you stand to our 1784 01:09:08,310 --> 01:09:10,477 intelligence , organic organisations ? 1785 01:09:10,477 --> 01:09:13,840 I'm solved . And how active are you in 1786 01:09:13,840 --> 01:09:16,630 pursuing somewhere type links within d 1787 01:09:16,630 --> 01:09:19,060 o d . Because I think it's imperative 1788 01:09:19,060 --> 01:09:21,171 that we supporting people accountable 1789 01:09:21,171 --> 01:09:23,282 to the maximum stuff , you know , the 1790 01:09:23,282 --> 01:09:25,393 law allows . So , having just curious 1791 01:09:25,393 --> 01:09:27,504 for your insights on us , thank you , 1792 01:09:27,760 --> 01:09:29,940 Congressman , we are aggressively 1793 01:09:29,950 --> 01:09:31,839 pursuing leaks within the Defense 1794 01:09:31,839 --> 01:09:33,760 Department . We had some I would 1795 01:09:33,770 --> 01:09:36,880 categorize bad leaks last fall . So 1796 01:09:36,880 --> 01:09:39,102 when I when we turned the corner of the 1797 01:09:39,102 --> 01:09:41,340 new Year , I made emphasized on Day one 1798 01:09:41,340 --> 01:09:43,920 of the New Year of 2020 that OPSEC was 1799 01:09:43,920 --> 01:09:46,420 going to be a A key thing for us to 1800 01:09:46,420 --> 01:09:48,870 focus on , Leaks continued . I have 1801 01:09:48,880 --> 01:09:51,102 launched an investigation that is under 1802 01:09:51,102 --> 01:09:53,158 way to go after leaks , whether it's 1803 01:09:53,420 --> 01:09:55,790 classified information or unclassified 1804 01:09:55,790 --> 01:09:58,630 information that is sensitive and also , 1805 01:09:58,630 --> 01:10:00,560 you know , unloved , unauthorized 1806 01:10:00,560 --> 01:10:02,727 discussions with the media . All those 1807 01:10:02,727 --> 01:10:04,838 things , Ah , again hurt our national 1808 01:10:04,838 --> 01:10:06,949 nations security . They undermine our 1809 01:10:06,949 --> 01:10:09,171 troops , their safety . They affect our 1810 01:10:09,171 --> 01:10:11,282 relations with other countries . They 1811 01:10:11,282 --> 01:10:13,338 undermine our national policy . It's 1812 01:10:13,338 --> 01:10:15,338 bad , and it's happening all of the 1813 01:10:15,338 --> 01:10:17,630 government executive branch legislative 1814 01:10:17,630 --> 01:10:19,408 branch to some degree . So it's 1815 01:10:19,408 --> 01:10:21,519 something we need to get control of . 1816 01:10:21,519 --> 01:10:23,797 This is not new to this administration . 1817 01:10:23,797 --> 01:10:25,908 Previous administrations , Republican 1818 01:10:25,908 --> 01:10:28,019 and Democratic Light have had to deal 1819 01:10:28,019 --> 01:10:30,241 with this . It's just it's bad and it's 1820 01:10:30,241 --> 01:10:32,297 it's unlawful and it needs to stop . 1821 01:10:32,360 --> 01:10:34,471 Thank you , Mr Secretary . Appreciate 1822 01:10:34,471 --> 01:10:36,660 your comments There . I will select 1823 01:10:36,660 --> 01:10:38,820 your comments a couple days ago . I 1824 01:10:38,820 --> 01:10:41,042 appreciate your transparency . I should 1825 01:10:41,042 --> 01:10:43,264 say on the report itself , he said that 1826 01:10:43,264 --> 01:10:45,487 it was not corroborated that you didn't 1827 01:10:45,487 --> 01:10:47,653 have the level of confidence . Perhaps 1828 01:10:47,653 --> 01:10:49,487 that the president would get the 1829 01:10:49,487 --> 01:10:51,709 briefing . Is that still your opinion ? 1830 01:10:52,150 --> 01:10:55,330 It is the opinion of a number of 1831 01:10:55,340 --> 01:10:58,280 intelligence entities , agencies that 1832 01:10:58,750 --> 01:11:00,694 could not corroborate the report . 1833 01:11:02,710 --> 01:11:04,821 They think you're a switch . Subjects 1834 01:11:04,821 --> 01:11:07,043 or topics . Sanya . Briefly . Could you 1835 01:11:07,043 --> 01:11:09,099 just go through it ? Maybe this more 1836 01:11:09,099 --> 01:11:10,877 for the chairman . What kind of 1837 01:11:10,877 --> 01:11:12,988 training the guard gets when it comes 1838 01:11:12,988 --> 01:11:15,210 to supporting law enforcement ? Is that 1839 01:11:15,210 --> 01:11:17,432 universal to all the guard members ? Or 1840 01:11:17,432 --> 01:11:19,654 is it to certain specialties ? How does 1841 01:11:19,654 --> 01:11:21,932 that work ? Thank you . Great question . 1842 01:11:21,932 --> 01:11:24,154 The National Guard is Secretary said up 1843 01:11:24,154 --> 01:11:26,321 front that no , really , we're talking 1844 01:11:26,321 --> 01:11:28,850 about Air Force police and the Army . 1845 01:11:28,860 --> 01:11:31,180 National Guard eyes part of their 1846 01:11:31,180 --> 01:11:33,291 Mission Essential task list . Most of 1847 01:11:33,291 --> 01:11:36,040 the ground units will be trained 1848 01:11:36,070 --> 01:11:38,580 explicitly in civil disturbance and 1849 01:11:38,580 --> 01:11:40,680 support of law enforcement . Those 1850 01:11:40,680 --> 01:11:42,860 would be infantry units and but 1851 01:11:42,870 --> 01:11:45,148 primarily military police and in the D . 1852 01:11:45,148 --> 01:11:47,170 C . guard explicitly has trained in 1853 01:11:47,170 --> 01:11:49,226 that . In addition to that , you get 1854 01:11:49,226 --> 01:11:51,114 refresher training throughout the 1855 01:11:51,114 --> 01:11:53,059 throughout the year and throughout 1856 01:11:53,059 --> 01:11:55,114 their weekend drills , etcetera . So 1857 01:11:55,114 --> 01:11:57,114 they are trained . Not every single 1858 01:11:57,114 --> 01:11:59,226 guardsmen out every single unit , but 1859 01:11:59,226 --> 01:11:58,560 the ground force units that are most 1860 01:11:58,560 --> 01:12:00,782 likely to work in the civil disturbance 1861 01:12:00,782 --> 01:12:02,893 area or in support of law enforcement 1862 01:12:02,893 --> 01:12:05,390 are trained . Okay . Thank you , 1863 01:12:05,390 --> 01:12:08,110 Chairman . Mr . Closed , but just to 1864 01:12:08,110 --> 01:12:10,166 comment . I appreciate the team work 1865 01:12:10,166 --> 01:12:12,170 that the guard gave the d . C 1866 01:12:12,170 --> 01:12:14,226 authorities and also in the other 30 1867 01:12:14,226 --> 01:12:16,226 some odd cities that they were ah , 1868 01:12:16,226 --> 01:12:18,448 part of . And what I'm hearing from our 1869 01:12:18,448 --> 01:12:22,390 local constituents is the how appalled 1870 01:12:22,390 --> 01:12:24,700 they are that no , that church was 1871 01:12:24,700 --> 01:12:27,490 burned in a fire bombed and the Apple 1872 01:12:27,490 --> 01:12:29,970 CEO was torched . Many of the memorials 1873 01:12:29,970 --> 01:12:33,510 were defaced , and it was action was 1874 01:12:33,510 --> 01:12:35,990 needed to be taken up and restoring law 1875 01:12:35,990 --> 01:12:38,310 and order . So I just appreciate what 1876 01:12:38,310 --> 01:12:40,088 the guarded the support our law 1877 01:12:40,088 --> 01:12:42,143 enforcement with that Mr Chairman at 1878 01:12:42,143 --> 01:12:44,199 your back . Thank you . Mr . Gago is 1879 01:12:44,199 --> 01:12:46,088 recognized for five . Thank you . 1880 01:12:46,110 --> 01:12:48,332 Secretary Esper or Jury 1,000,000 . Can 1881 01:12:48,332 --> 01:12:50,388 you explain to us the actual command 1882 01:12:50,388 --> 01:12:52,790 structure ? That how it was set up ? 1883 01:12:52,960 --> 01:12:54,960 You know we have the National Guard 1884 01:12:54,960 --> 01:12:57,840 working with local police as well as 1885 01:12:57,840 --> 01:13:01,130 part police . So how did that happened ? 1886 01:13:01,130 --> 01:13:03,290 Where were how was the communications 1887 01:13:03,290 --> 01:13:07,090 between all parties involved on who was 1888 01:13:07,090 --> 01:13:09,950 actually in actual command ? Control of 1889 01:13:10,130 --> 01:13:12,352 the that area of Lafayette Square would 1890 01:13:12,352 --> 01:13:14,550 say . It's a very good question , 1891 01:13:14,550 --> 01:13:16,494 Congressman . It's a very it's not 1892 01:13:16,494 --> 01:13:18,328 clear . You understand chains of 1893 01:13:18,328 --> 01:13:21,150 command your service . So it defies 1894 01:13:21,150 --> 01:13:23,430 that in many ways . So let's all just 1895 01:13:23,430 --> 01:13:26,080 speak to National Guard under title 32 1896 01:13:26,110 --> 01:13:28,221 for D . C . I re explain President to 1897 01:13:28,221 --> 01:13:30,221 meet with Secretary the Army to the 1898 01:13:30,221 --> 01:13:33,140 head of Major General Walker in support 1899 01:13:33,150 --> 01:13:35,317 of law enforcement and law enforcement 1900 01:13:35,317 --> 01:13:38,060 was both the department , justice 1901 01:13:38,070 --> 01:13:40,310 agencies , entities and Department of 1902 01:13:40,310 --> 01:13:42,421 Interior , specifically park police . 1903 01:13:42,850 --> 01:13:44,572 That relationship is more of a 1904 01:13:44,572 --> 01:13:46,628 cooperative one . It's not something 1905 01:13:46,628 --> 01:13:48,683 that you and I and others who served 1906 01:13:48,683 --> 01:13:50,517 would understand his op , con or 1907 01:13:50,517 --> 01:13:52,406 tactical control . It's more of a 1908 01:13:52,406 --> 01:13:54,572 cooperative relationship where the law 1909 01:13:54,572 --> 01:13:56,794 enforcement would say , Look , we would 1910 01:13:56,794 --> 01:13:56,100 you would help us if you were here , 1911 01:13:56,100 --> 01:13:58,156 here and here , and then we would We 1912 01:13:58,156 --> 01:14:00,267 would agree or not agree to do that , 1913 01:14:00,267 --> 01:14:02,267 but it was a very good relationship 1914 01:14:02,267 --> 01:14:02,190 that made that work out . And then , of 1915 01:14:02,190 --> 01:14:04,246 course , any guard units coming into 1916 01:14:04,246 --> 01:14:06,500 the city remained under the control of 1917 01:14:06,500 --> 01:14:08,930 the governors , but also reported to 1918 01:14:08,930 --> 01:14:10,874 General Walker but more again on a 1919 01:14:10,874 --> 01:14:13,340 cooperative called cooperative con than 1920 01:14:13,340 --> 01:14:15,451 a traditional military relationship . 1921 01:14:15,451 --> 01:14:17,800 So that being , said the diplomat , the 1922 01:14:17,800 --> 01:14:20,210 National Guard in front of Lafayette 1923 01:14:20,210 --> 01:14:22,280 Square , the day of the incident on 1924 01:14:22,280 --> 01:14:24,250 June 1st , there was an agreement 1925 01:14:24,400 --> 01:14:27,030 between Germany could interest . At 1926 01:14:27,030 --> 01:14:29,030 some point , there was a discussion 1927 01:14:29,030 --> 01:14:31,030 that the National Guard should stay 1928 01:14:31,030 --> 01:14:34,190 here in a static position on and on 1929 01:14:34,190 --> 01:14:36,468 this day . So there was a conversation . 1930 01:14:36,468 --> 01:14:39,080 Who was that conversation between ? I'm 1931 01:14:39,080 --> 01:14:41,800 not sure specifically who ? But I think 1932 01:14:41,800 --> 01:14:43,967 it was probably Secretary McCarthy and 1933 01:14:44,270 --> 01:14:47,090 General Walker A and the Department of 1934 01:14:47,100 --> 01:14:49,322 Justice . Perhaps Attorney General Barr 1935 01:14:49,322 --> 01:14:51,930 or representatives , or the 1936 01:14:51,930 --> 01:14:53,763 representatives of Department of 1937 01:14:53,763 --> 01:14:55,874 Interior in the park Police , Perhaps 1938 01:14:55,874 --> 01:14:58,041 part police Captain . I'm not sure the 1939 01:14:58,041 --> 01:14:58,040 specific individuals I can find that 1940 01:14:58,040 --> 01:14:59,818 out , though . And get back . I 1941 01:14:59,818 --> 01:15:02,350 appreciate it on . Then how ? What was 1942 01:15:02,350 --> 01:15:04,461 the method of communication ? Because 1943 01:15:04,461 --> 01:15:06,760 we're dealing cross agencies . Uh , 1944 01:15:06,770 --> 01:15:08,881 we're really talking over cell phones 1945 01:15:08,881 --> 01:15:10,992 to each other , you know ? How did we 1946 01:15:10,992 --> 01:15:13,103 actually communicate across all these 1947 01:15:13,103 --> 01:15:15,214 agencies , especially considering the 1948 01:15:15,214 --> 01:15:17,103 tense situation that everyone was 1949 01:15:17,103 --> 01:15:19,048 dealing with . Good . Well , I was 1950 01:15:19,048 --> 01:15:21,820 gonna say there's a command post . Set 1951 01:15:21,820 --> 01:15:24,060 up a combined command post with all the 1952 01:15:24,060 --> 01:15:26,280 different agencies . 11 . You know , 1953 01:15:26,280 --> 01:15:28,391 you have the Metro Police represented 1954 01:15:28,391 --> 01:15:30,613 there . The park police with Department 1955 01:15:30,613 --> 01:15:32,836 of Interior , Secret Service , FBI , de 1956 01:15:32,836 --> 01:15:34,780 a , T F . Capitol Police Bureau of 1957 01:15:34,780 --> 01:15:36,669 Prisons , U S marshals in various 1958 01:15:36,669 --> 01:15:38,613 counties from around only thing or 1959 01:15:38,613 --> 01:15:37,920 various police force from around 1960 01:15:37,920 --> 01:15:40,031 Arlington County cost the D C guard . 1961 01:15:40,031 --> 01:15:42,142 They're all located in the building . 1962 01:15:42,530 --> 01:15:44,890 So they did the larger coordination 1963 01:15:44,890 --> 01:15:47,980 there on then on the very various 1964 01:15:47,980 --> 01:15:49,813 monuments , for example , that's 1965 01:15:49,813 --> 01:15:51,869 Department of Interior . That's park 1966 01:15:51,869 --> 01:15:53,647 police with the D C guards your 1967 01:15:53,647 --> 01:15:55,610 specific to last year they were 1968 01:15:55,620 --> 01:15:57,731 communicate cellphone , cellphone and 1969 01:15:57,731 --> 01:16:00,720 or they would be co located face on . 1970 01:16:00,720 --> 01:16:02,887 One guy would have the radio for his , 1971 01:16:02,887 --> 01:16:05,680 particularly the National Guards were 1972 01:16:05,680 --> 01:16:07,236 largely when , when we were 1973 01:16:07,236 --> 01:16:09,347 communicating National Guard that was 1974 01:16:09,347 --> 01:16:11,070 done over radio . I think it's 1975 01:16:11,070 --> 01:16:13,860 combination combination . We could be 1976 01:16:13,860 --> 01:16:15,916 also figure that out to what was the 1977 01:16:15,916 --> 01:16:17,971 method communication and lastly , if 1978 01:16:17,971 --> 01:16:19,638 their ground communications , 1979 01:16:20,190 --> 01:16:22,190 especially there and there wasn't a 1980 01:16:22,190 --> 01:16:24,246 communication over radio through the 1981 01:16:24,246 --> 01:16:26,660 National guard the guard that the 1982 01:16:26,660 --> 01:16:28,716 national used . I'm assuming that we 1983 01:16:28,716 --> 01:16:30,882 have a transcript of the conversations 1984 01:16:30,882 --> 01:16:33,104 that were happening , Um , that I'm not 1985 01:16:33,104 --> 01:16:35,210 so sure . Could you check on that ? 1986 01:16:35,210 --> 01:16:37,880 Also , if it's a military communication 1987 01:16:38,090 --> 01:16:40,146 yet , I doubt there's a transcript . 1988 01:16:40,146 --> 01:16:42,368 Just if it's a radio , I may be wrong , 1989 01:16:42,368 --> 01:16:44,423 but I doubt it . Generally , Can you 1990 01:16:44,423 --> 01:16:46,590 check to see if there's any recordings 1991 01:16:46,590 --> 01:16:48,812 specific to the date of June 1st or any 1992 01:16:48,812 --> 01:16:51,460 other , uh , or any other recordings 1993 01:16:51,510 --> 01:16:53,788 that police ? Did he happen to do that ? 1994 01:16:53,788 --> 01:16:56,420 I'm not so sure about way confined out . 1995 01:16:56,490 --> 01:16:58,657 Get thank you . Are you back in time ? 1996 01:17:01,100 --> 01:17:02,989 Thank you , Nurse . I do have one 1997 01:17:02,989 --> 01:17:05,100 follow up question . Do either of you 1998 01:17:05,100 --> 01:17:07,560 know who specifically gave the order to 1999 01:17:07,570 --> 01:17:09,870 clear the protesters out of Lafayette 2000 01:17:09,870 --> 01:17:12,970 Square ahead of the president's visit 2001 01:17:12,980 --> 01:17:15,570 to the church on June 1st ? You said 2002 01:17:15,570 --> 01:17:18,160 the guard was in support . Who gave the 2003 01:17:18,160 --> 01:17:21,180 order on toe ? Who ? My yes , to clear 2004 01:17:21,190 --> 01:17:23,190 the protesters out of that square . 2005 01:17:24,530 --> 01:17:26,752 We've had that discussion a few times . 2006 01:17:26,752 --> 01:17:28,919 We had it the other day with Secretary 2007 01:17:28,919 --> 01:17:31,141 McCarthy and Major General Walker , and 2008 01:17:31,141 --> 01:17:33,252 it's still unclear to me who gave the 2009 01:17:33,252 --> 01:17:35,252 direction to clear the park at that 2010 01:17:35,252 --> 01:17:37,474 moment in time . See , I find that hard 2011 01:17:37,474 --> 01:17:39,641 to believe . I'm sorry , but it's like 2012 01:17:39,710 --> 01:17:41,654 the pretty big decision . A lot of 2013 01:17:41,654 --> 01:17:43,766 people there , everyone's there , and 2014 01:17:43,766 --> 01:17:45,988 it just sort of happened . No , I'm not 2015 01:17:45,988 --> 01:17:48,210 saying I'm just saying , I don't know . 2016 01:17:48,210 --> 01:17:50,154 I have never enquired . I've never 2017 01:17:50,154 --> 01:17:52,210 pursued it with anybody because we , 2018 01:17:52,210 --> 01:17:51,470 you know , you get caught up on other 2019 01:17:51,470 --> 01:17:53,470 things more relevant to How did you 2020 01:17:53,470 --> 01:17:55,900 know to have the guard hold back ? 2021 01:17:55,930 --> 01:17:57,763 Because I think there's a lot of 2022 01:17:57,763 --> 01:17:59,708 testimony . Says the guard did not 2023 01:17:59,708 --> 01:18:01,819 participate in the clearing . Where ? 2024 01:18:01,819 --> 01:18:03,597 Why not participate ? I think , 2025 01:18:03,597 --> 01:18:05,486 Congressman , that's the We could 2026 01:18:05,486 --> 01:18:07,486 actually get something from General 2027 01:18:07,486 --> 01:18:09,486 Walker . Uh , I want to say I don't 2028 01:18:09,486 --> 01:18:11,708 want to quote him . I don't want to get 2029 01:18:11,708 --> 01:18:11,290 it wrong , but I want to say that he 2030 01:18:11,290 --> 01:18:13,530 was on the ground with the park police 2031 01:18:13,920 --> 01:18:16,840 and what they had asked him to do was 2032 01:18:16,840 --> 01:18:20,290 to stay static , not move . And that 2033 01:18:20,290 --> 01:18:22,510 was what he was operating from . I 2034 01:18:22,510 --> 01:18:24,677 don't know , um , when they decided to 2035 01:18:24,677 --> 01:18:27,010 move forward , but he was on the ground . 2036 01:18:27,010 --> 01:18:29,630 I know . He told me that yesterday or 2037 01:18:29,630 --> 01:18:31,850 the day before and was clear on that 2038 01:18:31,860 --> 01:18:34,027 piece . But beyond that , I may we get 2039 01:18:34,027 --> 01:18:36,193 something from him to share with you . 2040 01:18:36,193 --> 01:18:38,260 Chair and military , I think I don't 2041 01:18:38,260 --> 01:18:40,316 know with certainty , but I'm pretty 2042 01:18:40,316 --> 01:18:42,482 sure that there was a planning session 2043 01:18:42,482 --> 01:18:44,538 down the FBI building and legal late 2044 01:18:44,538 --> 01:18:46,371 morning around noon ish or early 2045 01:18:46,371 --> 01:18:48,482 afternoon where they divided up . Who 2046 01:18:48,482 --> 01:18:50,593 was going to do what to whom made you 2047 01:18:50,593 --> 01:18:52,760 don't walkers their second McCarthyite 2048 01:18:52,760 --> 01:18:54,982 in this from others there . And I think 2049 01:18:54,982 --> 01:18:54,280 that's where the agreement was as to 2050 01:18:54,280 --> 01:18:56,830 where they would be as to who gave the 2051 01:18:56,830 --> 01:18:58,997 order . I don't know . I know Attorney 2052 01:18:58,997 --> 01:19:00,886 General Barr spoke to that , uh , 2053 01:19:00,886 --> 01:19:03,630 publicly on I know that it's been 2054 01:19:03,630 --> 01:19:05,797 mentioned Part police captain . Except 2055 01:19:05,797 --> 01:19:08,074 her . I do not have personal knowledge . 2056 01:19:08,074 --> 01:19:10,019 Is who gave that actual quarter to 2057 01:19:10,019 --> 01:19:11,963 clear the Thank you , Mr Whitman , 2058 01:19:11,963 --> 01:19:11,960 You're recognized for five minutes . 2059 01:19:13,770 --> 01:19:16,840 Sorry to surprise you there . What ? 2060 01:19:17,620 --> 01:19:19,787 Thank you , Mr Chairman . Like , thank 2061 01:19:19,787 --> 01:19:22,120 our witnesses for joining us today . Um , 2062 01:19:22,220 --> 01:19:24,387 General Milley , I'd like to go into a 2063 01:19:24,387 --> 01:19:26,498 little little more depth . You answer 2064 01:19:26,498 --> 01:19:28,553 the question about the training that 2065 01:19:28,553 --> 01:19:30,276 our National Guardsmen have in 2066 01:19:30,276 --> 01:19:33,400 responding to situations like we've 2067 01:19:33,400 --> 01:19:35,750 seen here recently is we know most 2068 01:19:35,750 --> 01:19:38,080 Americans Associate National Guard with 2069 01:19:38,090 --> 01:19:40,790 response to natural disasters and that 2070 01:19:40,790 --> 01:19:42,734 sort of role . They're not used to 2071 01:19:42,734 --> 01:19:44,957 seeing guardsmen in the role that we've 2072 01:19:44,957 --> 01:19:46,957 seen them recently . You talk about 2073 01:19:46,957 --> 01:19:48,846 some units being trained for that 2074 01:19:48,846 --> 01:19:50,570 direct contact . But are there 2075 01:19:50,570 --> 01:19:53,150 instances where AH Guard Unit may be 2076 01:19:53,150 --> 01:19:55,094 called up ? That doesn't have that 2077 01:19:55,094 --> 01:19:58,380 particular training ? Or do they do 2078 01:19:58,380 --> 01:20:00,550 they get the training across the full 2079 01:20:00,550 --> 01:20:02,328 scope of what they may face ? I 2080 01:20:02,328 --> 01:20:05,110 understand how , how to how to organize , 2081 01:20:05,110 --> 01:20:07,850 how to tactically address the situation . 2082 01:20:08,390 --> 01:20:10,668 But there are other things to you know , 2083 01:20:10,668 --> 01:20:12,779 the element of controlling emotions , 2084 01:20:12,779 --> 01:20:14,890 all those sorts of things which are , 2085 01:20:14,890 --> 01:20:17,057 you know , that I call it the depth of 2086 01:20:17,057 --> 01:20:16,730 training . It's not just just the 2087 01:20:16,740 --> 01:20:18,962 immediate tactical , but it's the depth 2088 01:20:18,962 --> 01:20:21,018 of training to understand . Hey , if 2089 01:20:21,018 --> 01:20:22,962 you get in this situation , we see 2090 01:20:22,962 --> 01:20:22,880 police go through that training all the 2091 01:20:22,880 --> 01:20:24,713 time to be able to deal with the 2092 01:20:24,713 --> 01:20:26,880 adrenaline . The motions of the of the 2093 01:20:26,880 --> 01:20:29,047 situation give us a little idea little 2094 01:20:29,047 --> 01:20:31,047 more in depth that you talked about 2095 01:20:31,047 --> 01:20:33,213 that your first National Guard unit of 2096 01:20:33,213 --> 01:20:35,047 choice for civil unrest . Millet 2097 01:20:35,047 --> 01:20:37,213 guesstimate is police . And remember , 2098 01:20:37,213 --> 01:20:39,380 a lot of these guardsmen are also cops 2099 01:20:39,380 --> 01:20:41,491 and their surveillance so but they'll 2100 01:20:41,491 --> 01:20:43,436 gets very specific training on the 2101 01:20:43,436 --> 01:20:45,850 rules on the use of force . They're not 2102 01:20:45,860 --> 01:20:48,082 cops at the moment in time , so they're 2103 01:20:48,082 --> 01:20:50,249 not going to conduct arrest . But they 2104 01:20:50,249 --> 01:20:52,304 can do temporary detention . They're 2105 01:20:52,304 --> 01:20:54,138 tasked with things like rules of 2106 01:20:54,138 --> 01:20:56,360 conduct , crowd control , de escalation 2107 01:20:56,360 --> 01:20:58,527 procedures , how to make parents don't 2108 01:20:58,527 --> 01:21:00,749 react a verbal , don't react . A verbal 2109 01:21:00,980 --> 01:21:04,130 provocations , etcetera . So this is a 2110 01:21:04,220 --> 01:21:06,164 wide variety of training . They go 2111 01:21:06,164 --> 01:21:08,331 through a lot of its vignette training 2112 01:21:08,331 --> 01:21:10,220 in scenario training and STX type 2113 01:21:10,220 --> 01:21:12,164 training . They do that during the 2114 01:21:12,164 --> 01:21:14,276 course of the year . And then in this 2115 01:21:14,276 --> 01:21:16,220 particular case , they got a quick 2116 01:21:16,220 --> 01:21:18,276 refresher training as well , right ? 2117 01:21:18,276 --> 01:21:18,260 And they're trained on their equipment 2118 01:21:18,270 --> 01:21:20,280 and so on . So forth . In this 2119 01:21:20,280 --> 01:21:22,280 particular case , you're looking at 2120 01:21:22,280 --> 01:21:24,169 batons and shields and then their 2121 01:21:24,169 --> 01:21:26,113 personal protective gear . None of 2122 01:21:26,113 --> 01:21:28,169 imagining weapons downtown . Uh , or 2123 01:21:28,169 --> 01:21:30,002 right there , Lafayette's so But 2124 01:21:30,002 --> 01:21:32,350 they're trained in all of that stuff on 2125 01:21:32,350 --> 01:21:35,350 day are the forced the military force 2126 01:21:35,780 --> 01:21:37,724 that we would first call for civil 2127 01:21:37,724 --> 01:21:39,836 unrest of the National Guard Military 2128 01:21:39,836 --> 01:21:41,836 police . And then you go from there 2129 01:21:41,836 --> 01:21:44,058 with other types of units . Okay , Very 2130 01:21:44,058 --> 01:21:46,280 good . Secretary Expert want to ask you 2131 01:21:46,280 --> 01:21:48,447 a little bit about the 10 33 program . 2132 01:21:48,447 --> 01:21:50,669 It obviously through time . Time gets a 2133 01:21:50,669 --> 01:21:50,330 lot of attention with the equipment 2134 01:21:50,330 --> 01:21:53,120 that is formerly used by the military 2135 01:21:53,120 --> 01:21:55,342 that would be available to civilian law 2136 01:21:55,342 --> 01:21:57,509 enforcement . And the question is , is 2137 01:21:57,509 --> 01:21:59,564 you know , does that militarized the 2138 01:21:59,564 --> 01:22:03,140 the police force ? The question is 2139 01:22:03,140 --> 01:22:06,800 always surround the central point of do 2140 01:22:06,800 --> 01:22:08,911 civilian police forces need that ? In 2141 01:22:08,911 --> 01:22:10,790 what connection is there to the 2142 01:22:10,790 --> 01:22:12,679 military being requested for that 2143 01:22:12,679 --> 01:22:14,846 equipment in the termination they make 2144 01:22:14,846 --> 01:22:16,568 as to whether or not it's it's 2145 01:22:16,568 --> 01:22:18,623 applicability for that to be sent to 2146 01:22:18,623 --> 01:22:20,846 civilian police force ? Can you give us 2147 01:22:20,846 --> 01:22:20,800 a little more laid down about what 2148 01:22:20,800 --> 01:22:23,070 happens with 10 33 program ? And does 2149 01:22:23,070 --> 01:22:25,126 it just include the big equipment we 2150 01:22:25,126 --> 01:22:27,403 hear about ? Or is it things like , ah , 2151 01:22:27,403 --> 01:22:29,403 protective equipment like vests and 2152 01:22:29,403 --> 01:22:31,980 those sorts of piece of equipment your 2153 01:22:31,980 --> 01:22:33,924 congressman is ? You know , it's a 2154 01:22:33,924 --> 01:22:35,924 congressional program , right ? And 2155 01:22:35,924 --> 01:22:38,147 it's not something I've studied in much 2156 01:22:38,147 --> 01:22:40,091 detail , and I don't think I could 2157 01:22:40,091 --> 01:22:42,313 speak to what law enforcement deems has 2158 01:22:42,313 --> 01:22:44,536 its requirements . It is something that 2159 01:22:44,536 --> 01:22:46,591 I spoke with General angle about the 2160 01:22:46,591 --> 01:22:48,702 other day , and it's something that I 2161 01:22:48,702 --> 01:22:50,813 hope will be that may come up is part 2162 01:22:50,813 --> 01:22:50,760 of the after action review to get their 2163 01:22:50,760 --> 01:22:52,982 assessment , if not internal , but with 2164 01:22:52,982 --> 01:22:55,093 law enforcement . But there is a wide 2165 01:22:55,093 --> 01:22:57,204 range of items that are covered under 2166 01:22:57,204 --> 01:22:59,427 that program . I can't pass judgment on 2167 01:22:59,427 --> 01:23:01,371 some of the things I would say . I 2168 01:23:01,371 --> 01:23:03,593 think we could all generally agree that 2169 01:23:03,593 --> 01:23:05,704 if we have body armor , that would be 2170 01:23:05,704 --> 01:23:05,580 helpful to the police to protect them . 2171 01:23:05,590 --> 01:23:07,757 But beyond that , I'd like to wait and 2172 01:23:07,757 --> 01:23:09,812 see how our review comes out . Or if 2173 01:23:09,812 --> 01:23:11,812 you have specific questions I could 2174 01:23:11,812 --> 01:23:13,757 take back and and maybe see if the 2175 01:23:13,757 --> 01:23:13,660 guard wants to take a look at or 2176 01:23:13,660 --> 01:23:15,960 somebody like that generally any . I 2177 01:23:15,960 --> 01:23:18,340 wouldn't I would say that 2178 01:23:19,960 --> 01:23:22,182 like in the case of D . C , with all of 2179 01:23:22,182 --> 01:23:24,349 those different forces uniforms , just 2180 01:23:24,349 --> 01:23:26,349 simple uniforms as opposed to other 2181 01:23:26,349 --> 01:23:28,571 types of equipment that became an issue 2182 01:23:28,571 --> 01:23:28,360 and has brought up a little early with 2183 01:23:28,360 --> 01:23:30,350 Bureau of Prisons are guys wearing 2184 01:23:31,210 --> 01:23:33,770 camouflage uniforms , etcetera , some 2185 01:23:33,770 --> 01:23:35,714 of these police or blue uniforms , 2186 01:23:35,714 --> 01:23:37,881 other and camouflage , other and solid 2187 01:23:37,881 --> 01:23:40,048 green , except that became in terms of 2188 01:23:40,048 --> 01:23:42,048 the lessons learned , that would be 2189 01:23:42,048 --> 01:23:44,270 something I put it in their asses faras 2190 01:23:44,270 --> 01:23:46,326 distinguishing character because you 2191 01:23:46,326 --> 01:23:48,381 want a clear definition between that 2192 01:23:48,381 --> 01:23:50,492 which is military . And that which is 2193 01:23:50,492 --> 01:23:52,603 police . Yes , in my and consistently 2194 01:23:52,690 --> 01:23:55,170 you want police , local police , 2195 01:23:56,280 --> 01:23:58,690 state police , federal police dealing 2196 01:23:58,690 --> 01:24:01,200 with law enforcement stuff and , if 2197 01:24:01,200 --> 01:24:03,033 necessary , National Guard under 2198 01:24:03,320 --> 01:24:05,542 Governor Control . But you want a clear 2199 01:24:05,542 --> 01:24:08,690 distinction that which is police visual 2200 01:24:08,810 --> 01:24:10,754 visual distinction , that which is 2201 01:24:10,754 --> 01:24:12,754 police and that which is military , 2202 01:24:12,754 --> 01:24:14,866 because when you start introduced the 2203 01:24:14,866 --> 01:24:16,977 military , you're talking a different 2204 01:24:16,977 --> 01:24:19,199 level of effort . There . Outside , the 2205 01:24:19,199 --> 01:24:21,421 general's time has expired . Mr . Esper 2206 01:24:21,421 --> 01:24:21,190 is waving at me . And what do you have ? 2207 01:24:21,200 --> 01:24:23,311 Quick , They're just real quick , one 2208 01:24:23,311 --> 01:24:25,422 of things that we discussed the other 2209 01:24:25,422 --> 01:24:27,644 day that needs that I want addresses in 2210 01:24:27,644 --> 01:24:29,867 terms of equipment . At one point , the 2211 01:24:29,867 --> 01:24:29,450 National Guard , for example , cross 2212 01:24:29,450 --> 01:24:31,620 leveled . It's it's riot shields and 2213 01:24:31,620 --> 01:24:33,731 lent them to the law enforcement . So 2214 01:24:33,731 --> 01:24:35,731 if you saw police out there using a 2215 01:24:35,731 --> 01:24:37,731 military police shield , it's Cosby 2216 01:24:37,731 --> 01:24:39,731 cross leveled , and that's a lesson 2217 01:24:39,731 --> 01:24:41,731 learned . If you're gonna do that , 2218 01:24:41,731 --> 01:24:41,270 then we gotta figure out a way to mask 2219 01:24:41,270 --> 01:24:43,437 the name Military Police . So we don't 2220 01:24:43,437 --> 01:24:45,659 confuse who is actually doing the crowd 2221 01:24:45,659 --> 01:24:47,548 control . Thank you . Mr Maltin's 2222 01:24:47,548 --> 01:24:50,700 recognized for five months this German . 2223 01:24:51,270 --> 01:24:53,250 I learned very early in my marine 2224 01:24:53,250 --> 01:24:55,306 training that there are two types of 2225 01:24:55,306 --> 01:24:58,830 courage , physical and moral . Usually 2226 01:24:58,830 --> 01:25:00,997 the toughest challenges that I face in 2227 01:25:00,997 --> 01:25:04,400 Iraq required . Moral courage . And Mr 2228 01:25:04,400 --> 01:25:06,567 Chairman , your apology for the events 2229 01:25:06,567 --> 01:25:08,733 of June 1st at ST John's Church was an 2230 01:25:08,733 --> 01:25:10,980 act not just a contrition and rightly 2231 01:25:10,980 --> 01:25:13,930 so , but also an act of moral courage . 2232 01:25:13,940 --> 01:25:16,790 I want to commend you for that . It's 2233 01:25:16,790 --> 01:25:18,234 certainly unusual in this 2234 01:25:18,234 --> 01:25:20,490 administration , Mr Chairman . You 2235 01:25:20,490 --> 01:25:22,800 clearly recognize the value of unity 2236 01:25:23,290 --> 01:25:25,290 not just in our military but in our 2237 01:25:25,290 --> 01:25:27,290 country . Do you believe that other 2238 01:25:27,290 --> 01:25:29,290 countries are various adversaries 2239 01:25:29,290 --> 01:25:32,220 around the world are interested in 2240 01:25:32,250 --> 01:25:34,220 taking advantage of divisions and 2241 01:25:34,230 --> 01:25:37,790 unrest in our country ? I not only 2242 01:25:37,800 --> 01:25:40,010 believe that they would . I know they 2243 01:25:40,010 --> 01:25:42,850 are this chairman . Are you willing to 2244 01:25:42,860 --> 01:25:45,910 elaborate on that in any detail ? Um , 2245 01:25:46,380 --> 01:25:48,213 it would be best to do that in a 2246 01:25:48,213 --> 01:25:50,213 classified session . Very well , no 2247 01:25:50,213 --> 01:25:52,320 doubt in my mind , born adversarial 2248 01:25:52,320 --> 01:25:54,487 countries are trying to take advantage 2249 01:25:54,487 --> 01:25:56,653 of civil unrest in the United States . 2250 01:25:56,653 --> 01:25:58,653 Well , I think it should go without 2251 01:25:58,653 --> 01:26:00,820 saying that in fulfilling your primary 2252 01:26:00,820 --> 01:26:02,931 job description to provide forthright 2253 01:26:02,931 --> 01:26:06,080 military advice to the president a 2254 01:26:06,080 --> 01:26:09,860 strongly advise you to 2255 01:26:09,860 --> 01:26:11,940 advise him to work , to sew up these 2256 01:26:11,940 --> 01:26:14,390 divisions rather than exacerbate them , 2257 01:26:14,870 --> 01:26:17,050 as he likes to dio , as secretary 2258 01:26:17,050 --> 01:26:19,470 Mattis and others have described in 2259 01:26:19,470 --> 01:26:23,000 intimate detail . Miss Secretary 2260 01:26:23,000 --> 01:26:26,990 Turning to you I don't think you get to 2261 01:26:26,990 --> 01:26:29,540 pick and choose which leaks you like , 2262 01:26:30,280 --> 01:26:32,620 which weeks aren't damaging versus what 2263 01:26:32,630 --> 01:26:35,030 is an opsec problem . This White House 2264 01:26:35,030 --> 01:26:37,380 routinely uses leaks to their advantage , 2265 01:26:37,610 --> 01:26:39,721 but suddenly it's a problem for their 2266 01:26:39,721 --> 01:26:42,010 apologists . Now you and I have both 2267 01:26:42,010 --> 01:26:44,430 commanded troops in combat , been 2268 01:26:44,430 --> 01:26:46,708 responsible for their force protection . 2269 01:26:47,550 --> 01:26:49,690 So I can assure you that I also don't 2270 01:26:49,690 --> 01:26:51,690 care about the mere semantics of an 2271 01:26:51,690 --> 01:26:53,857 intelligence report and whether or not 2272 01:26:53,857 --> 01:26:56,134 a particular word was used or not used , 2273 01:26:56,330 --> 01:26:58,640 that proves nothing . What matters is a 2274 01:26:58,640 --> 01:27:02,550 substance , and I have never seen in 2275 01:27:02,550 --> 01:27:05,410 my time in combat when we didn't take 2276 01:27:05,420 --> 01:27:07,476 any threat to our troops seriously , 2277 01:27:08,080 --> 01:27:10,080 regardless of the confidence in the 2278 01:27:10,080 --> 01:27:12,240 intelligence report , which is never 2279 01:27:12,250 --> 01:27:15,240 100% whether it was leaked or not , 2280 01:27:15,880 --> 01:27:19,290 we take action . So a very simple 2281 01:27:19,290 --> 01:27:23,210 question . When were you made aware 2282 01:27:23,410 --> 01:27:25,700 of Russian material support of the 2283 01:27:25,700 --> 01:27:28,420 Taliban ? We all know have been killing 2284 01:27:28,420 --> 01:27:30,364 American troops in Afghanistan for 2285 01:27:30,364 --> 01:27:32,730 years . And what action did you take , 2286 01:27:35,330 --> 01:27:37,441 Congressman ? Let me say on the first 2287 01:27:37,441 --> 01:27:39,497 part of your of your statement , you 2288 01:27:39,497 --> 01:27:41,719 talked about the credibility of threats 2289 01:27:41,719 --> 01:27:43,719 and all that is you've heard us say 2290 01:27:43,719 --> 01:27:45,719 that the reports we're not have not 2291 01:27:45,719 --> 01:27:47,886 been corroborated . Nonetheless , that 2292 01:27:47,886 --> 01:27:49,830 made my understanding is that some 2293 01:27:49,830 --> 01:27:51,774 intelligence agencies believe that 2294 01:27:51,774 --> 01:27:54,108 there's not a general consensus on that . 2295 01:27:54,108 --> 01:27:56,052 The all the bottom line is all the 2296 01:27:56,052 --> 01:27:58,274 defense intelligence agencies have been 2297 01:27:58,274 --> 01:28:00,730 unable to corroborate that report . Do 2298 01:28:00,730 --> 01:28:02,841 you want a point ? You may let me say 2299 01:28:02,841 --> 01:28:04,841 this . You may have seen my written 2300 01:28:04,841 --> 01:28:07,174 statement that was put out on my behalf . 2301 01:28:07,174 --> 01:28:09,508 What I said was , regardless , we we do , 2302 01:28:09,508 --> 01:28:11,563 I do . He does . The commanders take 2303 01:28:11,563 --> 01:28:14,130 all reports seriously , regardless of 2304 01:28:14,130 --> 01:28:16,463 the degree of credibility or confidence . 2305 01:28:16,463 --> 01:28:18,686 And I think that's the point . You were 2306 01:28:18,686 --> 01:28:18,660 trying to make it . Absolutely . I want 2307 01:28:18,660 --> 01:28:21,140 to reassure you of that s o I . We have 2308 01:28:21,140 --> 01:28:23,362 been in discussions with the commanders 2309 01:28:23,362 --> 01:28:25,584 about this . Uh , I know General Miller 2310 01:28:25,584 --> 01:28:27,584 and General Mackenzie going back as 2311 01:28:27,584 --> 01:28:30,750 early as January . We're looking into 2312 01:28:30,750 --> 01:28:32,750 this , pulling the threads , taking 2313 01:28:32,750 --> 01:28:34,861 appropriate force protection measures 2314 01:28:34,861 --> 01:28:37,260 our troops are already at the highest 2315 01:28:37,270 --> 01:28:39,420 force protection level . But 2316 01:28:39,420 --> 01:28:41,587 nonetheless , it's something that when 2317 01:28:41,587 --> 01:28:43,809 I talked to them , I talked to them all 2318 01:28:43,809 --> 01:28:45,976 the time . About how do we can't we do 2319 01:28:45,976 --> 01:28:45,650 better ? How can we doom ? Or so Mr 2320 01:28:45,650 --> 01:28:47,650 Secretary , you mentioned January , 2321 01:28:47,670 --> 01:28:50,880 right ? What action did you take to 2322 01:28:50,880 --> 01:28:53,770 counter Russia ? Not to improve force 2323 01:28:53,770 --> 01:28:55,960 protection of our troops , but to 2324 01:28:55,960 --> 01:28:57,849 directly counter this threat from 2325 01:28:57,849 --> 01:28:59,904 Russia s . So I didn't see the first 2326 01:28:59,904 --> 01:29:01,960 report until February , when it came 2327 01:29:01,960 --> 01:29:05,790 out in a in a intelligence piece of 2328 01:29:05,790 --> 01:29:08,000 paper . McKenna . I think General 2329 01:29:08,000 --> 01:29:09,944 Mackenzie and General Miller , the 2330 01:29:09,944 --> 01:29:12,167 chairman , will help me here . I've got 2331 01:29:12,167 --> 01:29:14,222 some initial reporting on the ground 2332 01:29:14,222 --> 01:29:16,167 that they began pursuing . Neither 2333 01:29:16,167 --> 01:29:18,222 thought the reports were credible as 2334 01:29:18,222 --> 01:29:20,444 they dug into them . And in the time we 2335 01:29:20,444 --> 01:29:22,500 have seen General Miller was General 2336 01:29:22,500 --> 01:29:24,500 Milley might be able to kind of add 2337 01:29:24,500 --> 01:29:26,444 some more color to that . Yeah , I 2338 01:29:26,444 --> 01:29:28,500 don't I don't wanna go too deep into 2339 01:29:28,500 --> 01:29:30,278 the actual intel , but I've got 2340 01:29:30,278 --> 01:29:32,490 multiple tours in Afghanistan . As you 2341 01:29:32,490 --> 01:29:34,710 know , Congressman and I'm I've been 2342 01:29:34,710 --> 01:29:38,210 aware of Russian meddling for years . I 2343 01:29:38,210 --> 01:29:40,321 understand . But my best 2013 or what 2344 01:29:40,321 --> 01:29:42,830 action did you take well , specifically 2345 01:29:43,160 --> 01:29:45,390 a tactical and operational military 2346 01:29:45,390 --> 01:29:47,850 action . There is no military action 2347 01:29:47,860 --> 01:29:49,860 that that intelligence specifically 2348 01:29:49,860 --> 01:29:52,027 wanted , like conductor Radiograph and 2349 01:29:52,027 --> 01:29:54,540 a volunteer . Did you apologize ? Say , 2350 01:29:54,540 --> 01:29:56,596 But the Germans , time has expired . 2351 01:29:56,596 --> 01:29:58,651 And that's not a question I think is 2352 01:29:58,651 --> 01:30:00,873 gonna be answered in the next couple of 2353 01:30:00,873 --> 01:30:00,560 seconds . So Well , have to take that . 2354 01:30:00,570 --> 01:30:02,737 For the record , I get back , get your 2355 01:30:02,737 --> 01:30:04,737 answer . I'll give you explicit and 2356 01:30:04,737 --> 01:30:07,010 thank Mr uh , Mr Gates . Thank you , Mr 2357 01:30:07,010 --> 01:30:09,177 Chairman . General Milley , I'll allow 2358 01:30:09,177 --> 01:30:11,343 you to respond toe Congressman Moulton 2359 01:30:11,343 --> 01:30:13,677 specifically as it relates to the depth , 2360 01:30:13,677 --> 01:30:16,030 duration and extent of the Russian 2361 01:30:16,030 --> 01:30:17,641 malign influence campaign in 2362 01:30:17,641 --> 01:30:19,752 Afghanistan and perhaps the extent to 2363 01:30:19,752 --> 01:30:21,808 which that well predates the current 2364 01:30:21,808 --> 01:30:24,890 administration . Well , first I want , 2365 01:30:24,890 --> 01:30:27,130 Oh , be clear . It's not just Russia 2366 01:30:27,660 --> 01:30:29,827 that there's many other countries that 2367 01:30:29,827 --> 01:30:32,730 are influencing various actors in 2368 01:30:32,740 --> 01:30:35,820 Afghanistan and they are influencing 2369 01:30:35,820 --> 01:30:38,030 them with training , money , weapons , 2370 01:30:38,510 --> 01:30:41,320 propaganda and international support 2371 01:30:41,330 --> 01:30:43,497 and a lot of other things on . And I'm 2372 01:30:43,497 --> 01:30:45,608 not going to source a mother's how we 2373 01:30:45,608 --> 01:30:47,497 know that . But we know that with 2374 01:30:47,497 --> 01:30:49,497 respect to Russia , Russia's one of 2375 01:30:49,497 --> 01:30:48,940 those countries that's been doing that 2376 01:30:48,940 --> 01:30:50,996 for years , and they're doing it for 2377 01:30:50,996 --> 01:30:53,218 their own reasons , the military action 2378 01:30:53,218 --> 01:30:55,329 for us , and they're doing it through 2379 01:30:55,329 --> 01:30:57,218 the Taliban and Haqqani and other 2380 01:30:57,218 --> 01:30:59,384 groups . So the military action for us 2381 01:30:59,384 --> 01:31:01,670 is the issue . First and foremost is 2382 01:31:01,670 --> 01:31:03,837 force protection . Regardless of who's 2383 01:31:03,837 --> 01:31:05,781 providing weapons or who providing 2384 01:31:05,781 --> 01:31:07,940 money . Our force protection measures 2385 01:31:07,940 --> 01:31:10,051 are at the highest levels , and we're 2386 01:31:10,051 --> 01:31:12,218 going to stay at the highest levels as 2387 01:31:12,218 --> 01:31:14,384 long as we have troops out there s O . 2388 01:31:14,384 --> 01:31:14,020 But just that I could focus the 2389 01:31:14,020 --> 01:31:16,076 question . But I want to go toe what 2390 01:31:16,076 --> 01:31:18,131 we're doing for action . So with the 2391 01:31:18,131 --> 01:31:19,964 tactical and operational level , 2392 01:31:19,964 --> 01:31:22,076 there's no particular military action 2393 01:31:22,076 --> 01:31:24,242 that we're not doing that we should be 2394 01:31:24,242 --> 01:31:26,560 doing . The issue is higher than that . 2395 01:31:26,690 --> 01:31:28,801 The issue is at the strategic level . 2396 01:31:28,830 --> 01:31:30,941 What should or could we be doing ? At 2397 01:31:30,941 --> 01:31:33,163 the strategic level is their diplomatic 2398 01:31:33,163 --> 01:31:35,274 and informational and economic Of the 2399 01:31:35,274 --> 01:31:37,330 sanctions of the D marshes are their 2400 01:31:37,330 --> 01:31:39,441 phone calls of their pressure , those 2401 01:31:39,441 --> 01:31:41,497 sorts of things . And I can tell you 2402 01:31:41,497 --> 01:31:43,441 that some of that is done . Are we 2403 01:31:43,441 --> 01:31:45,552 doing as much as we could or should ? 2404 01:31:45,552 --> 01:31:45,480 Perhaps not , not only to the Russians 2405 01:31:45,480 --> 01:31:47,480 but the others , but a lot of it is 2406 01:31:47,480 --> 01:31:49,480 being done . Some of its quiet , so 2407 01:31:49,480 --> 01:31:51,500 it's not so quiet . But don't think 2408 01:31:51,500 --> 01:31:53,611 that we're not doing anything because 2409 01:31:53,611 --> 01:31:55,800 that's not true . Now I want to get to 2410 01:31:55,800 --> 01:31:57,411 specifically to the bounty , 2411 01:31:57,411 --> 01:32:00,220 specifically to the bounties . That is 2412 01:32:00,220 --> 01:32:01,840 a unique , discreet piece of 2413 01:32:01,840 --> 01:32:04,007 information that is not corroborated . 2414 01:32:04,007 --> 01:32:06,173 You've all been briefed on it . I have 2415 01:32:06,173 --> 01:32:08,229 to , and I am . I am the secretary , 2416 01:32:08,229 --> 01:32:10,451 and many others are taking it serious . 2417 01:32:10,451 --> 01:32:12,562 We're gonna get to the bottom of it . 2418 01:32:12,562 --> 01:32:12,210 We're gonna find out if in fact it's 2419 01:32:12,210 --> 01:32:14,432 true . And if it is true , we will take 2420 01:32:14,432 --> 01:32:16,654 action . And I'm glad you mentioned the 2421 01:32:16,654 --> 01:32:19,550 other countries . September 5th 2010 . 2422 01:32:19,550 --> 01:32:22,320 This is from the Times of London . Iran 2423 01:32:22,320 --> 01:32:24,520 pays the Taliban to kill U . S . 2424 01:32:24,520 --> 01:32:27,540 Soldiers , then also following up on 2425 01:32:27,540 --> 01:32:30,000 that There's a December 2nd 2015 report 2426 01:32:30,000 --> 01:32:32,130 from Fox News Report . Iran paying 2427 01:32:32,130 --> 01:32:34,440 Taliban to kill U . S troops . Mr . 2428 01:32:34,440 --> 01:32:36,662 Chairman , I seek unanimous consent and 2429 01:32:36,662 --> 01:32:38,884 these in the record without objection , 2430 01:32:38,884 --> 01:32:42,450 said word . And General Milley , is it 2431 01:32:42,460 --> 01:32:45,110 is it safe to say given these reports , 2432 01:32:45,110 --> 01:32:46,999 along with the testimony you just 2433 01:32:46,999 --> 01:32:48,832 provided that the environment in 2434 01:32:48,832 --> 01:32:50,888 Afghanistan , the very nature of the 2435 01:32:50,888 --> 01:32:52,721 place and the very nature of the 2436 01:32:52,721 --> 01:32:55,310 entities involved means that our 2437 01:32:55,310 --> 01:32:58,360 presence there does create these risks 2438 01:32:58,360 --> 01:33:00,660 where our foreign adversaries create 2439 01:33:00,800 --> 01:33:03,310 incentives and resource is and 2440 01:33:03,310 --> 01:33:05,510 opportunities for our service members 2441 01:33:05,510 --> 01:33:07,732 toe be harmed . Any time you commit U . 2442 01:33:07,732 --> 01:33:09,843 S military forces anywhere on earth , 2443 01:33:09,843 --> 01:33:11,788 there's gonna be risk . We went to 2444 01:33:11,788 --> 01:33:13,899 Afghanistan for a single purpose . To 2445 01:33:13,899 --> 01:33:16,010 prevent Afghanistan from ever being a 2446 01:33:16,010 --> 01:33:15,370 platform to attack the United States of 2447 01:33:15,370 --> 01:33:17,592 America with terrorists on . We've been 2448 01:33:17,592 --> 01:33:19,703 there ever since . To do that , we're 2449 01:33:19,703 --> 01:33:21,870 drawing down forces in accordance with 2450 01:33:21,870 --> 01:33:24,037 the agreement that was signed with the 2451 01:33:24,037 --> 01:33:26,037 Taliban last February . That hasn't 2452 01:33:26,037 --> 01:33:27,981 been significant Taliban or Hakani 2453 01:33:27,981 --> 01:33:27,880 attacks on U . S . Forces since that 2454 01:33:27,880 --> 01:33:29,713 agreement was signed and for the 2455 01:33:29,713 --> 01:33:31,658 direction of president says we are 2456 01:33:31,658 --> 01:33:33,547 drawing down forces as you'll see 2457 01:33:33,547 --> 01:33:33,320 unfold , and you'll be briefed on that 2458 01:33:33,320 --> 01:33:36,000 in full coming into the fall . But 2459 01:33:36,000 --> 01:33:38,111 there's always risk cars , and I know 2460 01:33:38,111 --> 01:33:40,111 you know that there's always risk . 2461 01:33:40,111 --> 01:33:42,333 There's nothing risk free here . It's a 2462 01:33:42,333 --> 01:33:44,556 risk I know you both appreciate . Given 2463 01:33:44,556 --> 01:33:44,350 your service to the country , it's a 2464 01:33:44,350 --> 01:33:46,017 risk . I know . The president 2465 01:33:46,017 --> 01:33:48,310 appreciates I I've had the occasion to 2466 01:33:48,310 --> 01:33:50,477 join him at Dover when my constituents 2467 01:33:50,477 --> 01:33:52,588 have come back for dignified transfer 2468 01:33:52,588 --> 01:33:54,990 and that risk being so ever president 2469 01:33:55,350 --> 01:33:57,840 president seems to accentuate the 2470 01:33:57,840 --> 01:34:00,250 importance of your mission to draw down 2471 01:34:00,250 --> 01:34:03,730 troops , to create some semblance of 2472 01:34:03,740 --> 01:34:05,962 normalcy in Afghanistan , to the extent 2473 01:34:05,962 --> 01:34:08,073 to which that's even possible . And I 2474 01:34:08,073 --> 01:34:10,330 believe that it is an unrealistic goal 2475 01:34:10,570 --> 01:34:12,514 to say that we have to chase every 2476 01:34:12,514 --> 01:34:15,330 terrorist into every cave forever and 2477 01:34:15,330 --> 01:34:17,497 stay there forever in order to protect 2478 01:34:17,497 --> 01:34:19,386 the homeland . I think that we've 2479 01:34:19,386 --> 01:34:21,730 proven that we can be more resilient at 2480 01:34:21,730 --> 01:34:24,620 home without being mawr extended abroad , 2481 01:34:24,780 --> 01:34:27,470 and that after 1920 years in 2482 01:34:27,470 --> 01:34:29,470 Afghanistan , our nation is growing 2483 01:34:29,470 --> 01:34:31,692 very weary of this , were growing weary 2484 01:34:31,840 --> 01:34:33,729 of the dignified transfers , were 2485 01:34:33,729 --> 01:34:37,320 growing weary of the cost in terms of 2486 01:34:37,320 --> 01:34:39,920 blood and treasure . And we grow weary 2487 01:34:39,920 --> 01:34:41,790 of these circumstances where our 2488 01:34:41,790 --> 01:34:44,530 adversaries not just Russia but Iran 2489 01:34:44,650 --> 01:34:46,650 and others that are in the region , 2490 01:34:46,940 --> 01:34:50,160 utilize our continued presence , the 2491 01:34:50,160 --> 01:34:53,510 utilize our our might . I say you're 2492 01:34:53,520 --> 01:34:56,780 unfocused extension of this conflict to 2493 01:34:56,780 --> 01:34:58,891 try to harm Americans . So I wish you 2494 01:34:58,891 --> 01:35:01,058 godspeed in the mission that you're on 2495 01:35:01,058 --> 01:35:03,224 to draw down this forces . And I thank 2496 01:35:03,224 --> 01:35:05,169 you for giving us the briefing and 2497 01:35:05,169 --> 01:35:07,224 certainly for enlightening us to the 2498 01:35:07,224 --> 01:35:09,336 fact that this was not some sermons . 2499 01:35:09,336 --> 01:35:11,391 Time has expired . Thank you . Mr Mr 2500 01:35:11,391 --> 01:35:13,724 Carvajal is recognized for five minutes . 2501 01:35:14,020 --> 01:35:16,930 Thank you , Mr Chairman , Chairman 2502 01:35:16,940 --> 01:35:19,720 Billy and Secretary Expert . Thank you 2503 01:35:19,730 --> 01:35:21,730 for joining us today to cover these 2504 01:35:21,730 --> 01:35:25,120 very important issues to my questions . 2505 01:35:25,120 --> 01:35:27,064 I want to take a moment to mention 2506 01:35:27,520 --> 01:35:30,460 specialist Vanessa Gill and Gillian , 2507 01:35:30,710 --> 01:35:33,650 who disappeared from Fort Hood in it , 2508 01:35:33,660 --> 01:35:35,827 after combining in her family that she 2509 01:35:35,827 --> 01:35:37,993 had been sexually harassed by Sergeant 2510 01:35:38,140 --> 01:35:40,710 her remains with magic out of days ago . 2511 01:35:41,300 --> 01:35:43,633 I'm sure you're both aware of her story . 2512 01:35:45,000 --> 01:35:47,222 I expect that you will do everything in 2513 01:35:47,222 --> 01:35:49,330 your power to ensure that a full an 2514 01:35:49,330 --> 01:35:51,497 independent investigation is completed 2515 01:35:51,790 --> 01:35:53,623 and continue to work to make our 2516 01:35:53,623 --> 01:35:56,540 military welcoming and sick for our 2517 01:35:56,550 --> 01:36:00,140 female service members . As for 2518 01:36:00,150 --> 01:36:03,040 today's topics , but you notice your 2519 01:36:03,650 --> 01:36:06,090 testimonies , our country is going 2520 01:36:06,090 --> 01:36:08,034 through a period of anger and self 2521 01:36:08,034 --> 01:36:10,340 reflection regarding how our society 2522 01:36:10,350 --> 01:36:12,750 treats and includes certain members of 2523 01:36:12,750 --> 01:36:15,070 our nation . While I appreciate your 2524 01:36:15,070 --> 01:36:17,070 words , actions speak louder . 2525 01:36:17,730 --> 01:36:20,790 Secretary s for concrete steps . Have 2526 01:36:20,790 --> 01:36:22,734 you already taken ? And what other 2527 01:36:22,734 --> 01:36:26,440 immediate actions in the coming 2528 01:36:26,440 --> 01:36:28,940 months to ensure that diversity is 2529 01:36:28,940 --> 01:36:32,150 substantially value and it at all 2530 01:36:32,150 --> 01:36:35,080 levels of our military it's that that's 2531 01:36:35,080 --> 01:36:38,720 the officer makes Congressman Thank you . 2532 01:36:38,720 --> 01:36:40,960 And first of all of you mentioned 2533 01:36:40,960 --> 01:36:42,849 special ski . And what a terrible 2534 01:36:42,849 --> 01:36:45,570 tragedy . Murder . It's just horrible , 2535 01:36:45,840 --> 01:36:47,784 tragic story , and I still for the 2536 01:36:47,784 --> 01:36:49,673 family , and they have my deepest 2537 01:36:49,673 --> 01:36:51,896 sympathies and condolences and way will 2538 01:36:51,896 --> 01:36:53,451 conduct a full and thorough 2539 01:36:53,451 --> 01:36:55,618 investigation and get to the bottom of 2540 01:36:55,618 --> 01:36:57,451 all that happened and hold those 2541 01:36:57,451 --> 01:36:59,930 accountable as appropriate . Uh , with 2542 01:36:59,930 --> 01:37:03,390 that , your question is , ah is spot on . 2543 01:37:03,390 --> 01:37:05,612 But we recognize that race is a problem 2544 01:37:05,612 --> 01:37:07,612 in the military across the nation . 2545 01:37:07,612 --> 01:37:09,723 Discrimination , prejudice , bias . I 2546 01:37:09,730 --> 01:37:12,590 talked about my quick , quick action 2547 01:37:12,590 --> 01:37:14,710 items . I have a list . I'll probably 2548 01:37:15,020 --> 01:37:16,964 put that out next week in terms of 2549 01:37:16,964 --> 01:37:19,131 immediate things . With that , we will 2550 01:37:19,131 --> 01:37:21,298 do to start getting rid of ah , hidden 2551 01:37:21,298 --> 01:37:23,520 bias in the military , such as removing 2552 01:37:23,520 --> 01:37:25,742 photographs from promotion boards . But 2553 01:37:25,742 --> 01:37:27,798 I've also had the privilege over the 2554 01:37:27,798 --> 01:37:29,742 last three weeks toe hold over 1/2 2555 01:37:29,742 --> 01:37:32,020 dozen listening sessions with soldiers , 2556 01:37:32,020 --> 01:37:34,076 sailors , airman of all ranks across 2557 01:37:34,076 --> 01:37:35,853 the country and simply listen , 2558 01:37:35,853 --> 01:37:37,853 beginning the conversation alone is 2559 01:37:37,853 --> 01:37:40,076 something we've never really done , and 2560 01:37:40,076 --> 01:37:42,298 the chance to sit down with these young 2561 01:37:42,298 --> 01:37:42,070 men and women . I probably spent a 2562 01:37:42,070 --> 01:37:44,348 total of 10 hours or so just listening , 2563 01:37:44,530 --> 01:37:46,450 having the having discussion , 2564 01:37:46,630 --> 01:37:48,797 understand that we don't even have the 2565 01:37:48,797 --> 01:37:50,408 right terms and language and 2566 01:37:50,408 --> 01:37:52,463 understandings of the definitions to 2567 01:37:52,463 --> 01:37:54,630 have such a tough conversation , and I 2568 01:37:54,630 --> 01:37:56,741 sat through many of them , so that'll 2569 01:37:56,741 --> 01:37:56,740 be that'll be part of what we're gonna 2570 01:37:57,070 --> 01:37:59,050 begin . But I think in terms of 2571 01:37:59,050 --> 01:38:00,939 standing up the defense board and 2572 01:38:00,939 --> 01:38:02,717 ultimately the Defense Advisory 2573 01:38:02,717 --> 01:38:04,717 Committee that is mirrored on Dacca 2574 01:38:04,717 --> 01:38:06,828 wits , I want to believe in some ways 2575 01:38:06,828 --> 01:38:08,939 it's an historic step of a major step 2576 01:38:08,939 --> 01:38:10,606 forward to really get at this 2577 01:38:10,606 --> 01:38:12,661 underlying issue that is hung around 2578 01:38:12,661 --> 01:38:14,883 the neck of our country for for ah well 2579 01:38:14,883 --> 01:38:17,230 over 200 years and to address the 2580 01:38:17,230 --> 01:38:19,174 fundamental problems of racism and 2581 01:38:19,174 --> 01:38:21,286 discrimination , prejudice and bias , 2582 01:38:21,286 --> 01:38:23,119 both conscious and unconscious . 2583 01:38:23,119 --> 01:38:25,341 Because at the end of day 60 0 D . It's 2584 01:38:25,341 --> 01:38:27,500 about having a competive unified , 2585 01:38:27,880 --> 01:38:30,960 ready force , and we rely heavily on 2586 01:38:30,960 --> 01:38:33,182 persons from all backgrounds , creeds , 2587 01:38:33,182 --> 01:38:35,310 races , ethnicities , genders , 2588 01:38:35,320 --> 01:38:37,730 etcetera to make us the greatest 2589 01:38:37,740 --> 01:38:40,720 fighting force in the world . Thank you , 2590 01:38:40,720 --> 01:38:42,776 Sectarian . But when I asked another 2591 01:38:42,776 --> 01:38:44,942 question , general 1,000,000 Secretary 2592 01:38:44,942 --> 01:38:47,110 expert , I would like to also take a 2593 01:38:47,110 --> 01:38:51,090 moment to command you regarding the 2594 01:38:51,090 --> 01:38:54,780 statements you May , uh , at Lafayette 2595 01:38:54,780 --> 01:38:57,260 Square . Being there in Phil Fatigues , 2596 01:38:57,800 --> 01:39:00,690 you state that it was a mistake and you 2597 01:39:00,690 --> 01:39:02,970 learn from it . I believe over the last 2598 01:39:02,970 --> 01:39:05,137 month there are many moments we cannot 2599 01:39:05,137 --> 01:39:07,303 learn from . Regret is one thing , But 2600 01:39:07,303 --> 01:39:09,710 what would you do ? Different in a 2601 01:39:09,710 --> 01:39:12,880 similar situation ? And while I 2602 01:39:12,880 --> 01:39:14,936 understand we are winning reports on 2603 01:39:14,936 --> 01:39:17,020 specific instances such as the low 2604 01:39:17,020 --> 01:39:19,720 flying National Guard helicopters and 2605 01:39:19,730 --> 01:39:22,140 reconnaissance planes , Well , absence 2606 01:39:22,140 --> 01:39:24,570 has the department learned about its 2607 01:39:24,570 --> 01:39:27,030 response ? And how would you ? How are 2608 01:39:27,030 --> 01:39:29,252 you both working to make improvements ? 2609 01:39:31,420 --> 01:39:33,642 You know , Congressman , one of the you 2610 01:39:33,642 --> 01:39:35,809 go back to the June 1st the evening of 2611 01:39:35,809 --> 01:39:38,510 June 1st it became apparent to me late 2612 01:39:38,510 --> 01:39:40,454 that evening , I think chairman of 2613 01:39:40,454 --> 01:39:42,566 Millie and I had spent a couple hours 2614 01:39:42,566 --> 01:39:44,732 walking around D . C . Speaking to the 2615 01:39:44,732 --> 01:39:46,510 soldiers were the World War Two 2616 01:39:46,510 --> 01:39:48,677 memorial , the Jefferson Memorial . It 2617 01:39:48,677 --> 01:39:50,677 ah , you know , beefing became very 2618 01:39:50,677 --> 01:39:52,788 clear that we needed to speak on this 2619 01:39:52,788 --> 01:39:55,010 topic . And if you recall and I think I 2620 01:39:55,010 --> 01:39:57,232 entered into the record , Mr Chairman , 2621 01:39:57,232 --> 01:39:59,343 already , I put I put a statement out 2622 01:39:59,343 --> 01:40:01,399 to the force within 18 hours or so . 2623 01:40:01,399 --> 01:40:03,510 That said very clearly . Ah , that we 2624 01:40:03,510 --> 01:40:05,510 have a nose to the Constitution and 2625 01:40:05,510 --> 01:40:07,566 that is our sworn off to protect and 2626 01:40:07,566 --> 01:40:09,732 defend the American people and to give 2627 01:40:09,732 --> 01:40:11,677 the American people the freedom to 2628 01:40:11,677 --> 01:40:13,621 peaceably assemble and offer their 2629 01:40:13,621 --> 01:40:15,732 there's their speech and that we , at 2630 01:40:15,732 --> 01:40:17,954 all times must do our best to remain in 2631 01:40:17,954 --> 01:40:19,899 a political institution . That , I 2632 01:40:19,899 --> 01:40:21,954 believe , is why we have the highest 2633 01:40:21,954 --> 01:40:24,121 regard respect in the country and have 2634 01:40:24,121 --> 01:40:26,232 maintained about 20 years . Miss , Mr 2635 01:40:26,232 --> 01:40:28,288 Carl , your time is I apologize , Mr 2636 01:40:28,288 --> 01:40:30,621 Carver . All your your time has expires , 2637 01:40:30,621 --> 01:40:32,732 Miss Hartzell , you're recognized for 2638 01:40:32,732 --> 01:40:34,954 five minutes . Thank you very much , Mr 2639 01:40:34,954 --> 01:40:36,899 Chairman . Thank you , gentlemen . 2640 01:40:36,899 --> 01:40:38,954 First of all , I want to commend you 2641 01:40:38,954 --> 01:40:41,066 for the amazing professional job that 2642 01:40:41,066 --> 01:40:43,010 you all have done , especially the 2643 01:40:43,010 --> 01:40:44,899 National Guardsmen in very , very 2644 01:40:44,899 --> 01:40:47,370 difficult situations . Mr . Secretary , 2645 01:40:47,370 --> 01:40:50,320 you just mentioned through the the oath 2646 01:40:50,330 --> 01:40:52,920 to defend our First Amendment rights 2647 01:40:52,920 --> 01:40:55,087 and just to review that Congress shall 2648 01:40:55,087 --> 01:40:57,309 make no law respecting an establishment 2649 01:40:57,309 --> 01:40:59,309 of religion or prohibiting the free 2650 01:40:59,309 --> 01:41:01,531 exercise that there of or abridging the 2651 01:41:01,531 --> 01:41:03,753 freedom of speech or of the press or of 2652 01:41:03,753 --> 01:41:06,370 the right of the people peaceably to 2653 01:41:06,370 --> 01:41:08,700 assemble and to petition the government 2654 01:41:08,710 --> 01:41:10,980 for a redress of grievance . what I 2655 01:41:10,980 --> 01:41:12,869 have seen . What this country has 2656 01:41:12,869 --> 01:41:14,869 witnessed in the last few weeks , I 2657 01:41:14,869 --> 01:41:17,091 would argue , has not been peaceable in 2658 01:41:17,091 --> 01:41:19,424 many times . And the National Guardsmen , 2659 01:41:19,424 --> 01:41:21,369 these brave men and women who have 2660 01:41:21,369 --> 01:41:23,313 volunteered and left their home to 2661 01:41:23,313 --> 01:41:25,536 protect their country . They have faced 2662 01:41:25,536 --> 01:41:27,750 with only batons and shields . They've 2663 01:41:27,750 --> 01:41:30,540 been yelled at called names that are 2664 01:41:30,550 --> 01:41:32,690 unbelievable . They've had bricks 2665 01:41:32,690 --> 01:41:34,857 thrown at them . They've been shoved , 2666 01:41:34,857 --> 01:41:37,079 They've had frozen water bottles thrown 2667 01:41:37,079 --> 01:41:39,023 at him . I've seen on TV fireworks 2668 01:41:39,023 --> 01:41:40,968 being shot at them , and they have 2669 01:41:40,968 --> 01:41:43,134 stood there . They have professionally 2670 01:41:43,134 --> 01:41:45,470 taken it . They have defended our 2671 01:41:45,470 --> 01:41:48,430 monuments and our treasures , and I 2672 01:41:48,430 --> 01:41:50,740 just want to commend them at the same 2673 01:41:50,740 --> 01:41:54,330 time . I want to denounce these actions 2674 01:41:54,340 --> 01:41:56,380 of some Americans , and this is 2675 01:41:56,380 --> 01:41:58,610 violence . This is not peaceably 2676 01:41:58,750 --> 01:42:01,060 assembling , and it should be treated 2677 01:42:01,070 --> 01:42:03,760 as such as such . And we've had 2678 01:42:03,760 --> 01:42:05,930 questions about training . And Mr 2679 01:42:05,930 --> 01:42:07,930 Secretary , I know you were just at 2680 01:42:07,930 --> 01:42:10,097 Fort Leonard Wood a couple weeks ago , 2681 01:42:10,097 --> 01:42:12,152 and our community was so thrilled to 2682 01:42:12,152 --> 01:42:14,152 host you . And I know that you have 2683 01:42:14,152 --> 01:42:16,263 seen their missions there , including 2684 01:42:16,263 --> 01:42:18,152 being home of the army's military 2685 01:42:18,152 --> 01:42:20,208 police school , and hopefully you've 2686 01:42:20,208 --> 01:42:22,374 seen that we have room to expand , and 2687 01:42:22,374 --> 01:42:24,319 we've heard a little bit about the 2688 01:42:24,319 --> 01:42:26,430 training . I'm wondering if you think 2689 01:42:26,430 --> 01:42:30,040 it would be helpful to have centralized 2690 01:42:30,040 --> 01:42:33,180 training to ensure consistency 2691 01:42:33,340 --> 01:42:36,230 across all of the armed forces in 2692 01:42:36,240 --> 01:42:39,130 military police action , civil unrest , 2693 01:42:39,780 --> 01:42:42,870 behaviors . And it's a good , good 2694 01:42:42,870 --> 01:42:45,092 question . Congresswoman , I would like 2695 01:42:45,092 --> 01:42:47,203 to take that back , certainly for the 2696 01:42:47,203 --> 01:42:49,426 National Guard and how they train . You 2697 01:42:49,426 --> 01:42:51,259 know , it is very important that 2698 01:42:51,259 --> 01:42:53,259 particular for the guard that has . 2699 01:42:53,259 --> 01:42:53,180 This is a mission essential task to 2700 01:42:53,180 --> 01:42:55,513 make sure that we have a solid baseline . 2701 01:42:55,513 --> 01:42:57,569 But I like I like to be deliberate , 2702 01:42:57,569 --> 01:42:59,791 thoughtful on these things and get back 2703 01:42:59,791 --> 01:43:01,680 to you . Thank you , you dad . It 2704 01:43:01,680 --> 01:43:03,736 typically , Congresswoman , it's not 2705 01:43:03,736 --> 01:43:03,610 possible to be centralized training , 2706 01:43:03,610 --> 01:43:06,540 given the scale of the military in 2707 01:43:06,540 --> 01:43:08,429 terms of the numbers . So what is 2708 01:43:08,429 --> 01:43:10,651 typically done is training is centrally 2709 01:43:10,651 --> 01:43:12,484 planned . The task conditions of 2710 01:43:12,484 --> 01:43:14,373 standards , training and doctrine 2711 01:43:14,373 --> 01:43:16,429 commands of each of the services lay 2712 01:43:16,429 --> 01:43:18,596 out all the requirements on , and then 2713 01:43:18,596 --> 01:43:20,818 it is distributed for execution by unit 2714 01:43:20,818 --> 01:43:23,040 commanders . That's for the forces that 2715 01:43:23,040 --> 01:43:22,850 are in the operational force . All of 2716 01:43:22,850 --> 01:43:24,628 the units and all the different 2717 01:43:24,628 --> 01:43:26,850 services go through the training school 2718 01:43:26,850 --> 01:43:29,090 house . Eso having one central location 2719 01:43:29,090 --> 01:43:31,410 for all things civil disturbance that 2720 01:43:31,410 --> 01:43:33,780 could be okay for doctrine for task 2721 01:43:33,780 --> 01:43:36,530 conditions . Standards toe Lay that out . 2722 01:43:36,540 --> 01:43:38,318 And that is typically with what 2723 01:43:38,318 --> 01:43:40,484 everyone does . But then the execution 2724 01:43:40,484 --> 01:43:42,707 of the actual training that needs to be 2725 01:43:42,707 --> 01:43:44,762 more decentralized and distributed . 2726 01:43:44,762 --> 01:43:46,596 All right . Thank you . Uh , the 2727 01:43:46,596 --> 01:43:48,762 Insurrection Act has been mentioned as 2728 01:43:48,762 --> 01:43:50,707 well , and you were asked a lot of 2729 01:43:50,707 --> 01:43:50,660 questions where you're supposed to ask 2730 01:43:50,670 --> 01:43:53,110 yes or no . So I'll carry on that for 2731 01:43:53,110 --> 01:43:56,190 just one more question . Do you realize 2732 01:43:56,190 --> 01:43:58,412 that the Insurrection Act was not acted 2733 01:43:58,412 --> 01:44:00,579 on in this recent in the recent days ? 2734 01:44:01,540 --> 01:44:05,220 Yes . Yes . OK , now that we have that 2735 01:44:05,230 --> 01:44:08,730 clear , could there be scenarios in the 2736 01:44:08,730 --> 01:44:12,550 future for a president where perhaps 2737 01:44:12,560 --> 01:44:16,540 a insurrection act might be , um , 2738 01:44:16,870 --> 01:44:19,910 you utilized and and could be helpful . 2739 01:44:20,840 --> 01:44:23,007 Congressman , let me answer this way . 2740 01:44:23,007 --> 01:44:25,118 Rather speculating . And off . Let me 2741 01:44:25,118 --> 01:44:27,340 let me offer history . The Insurrection 2742 01:44:27,340 --> 01:44:29,300 Act was used in 1957 by President 2743 01:44:29,310 --> 01:44:33,050 Eisenhower Teoh federalize the guard in 2744 01:44:33,060 --> 01:44:35,680 Arkansas and to also called the 100 or 2745 01:44:35,680 --> 01:44:38,120 401st Airborne Division in order to 2746 01:44:38,120 --> 01:44:40,398 protect nine African American students . 2747 01:44:40,398 --> 01:44:42,398 Notice the little Rock nine so that 2748 01:44:42,398 --> 01:44:44,564 they can go to school . It's called up 2749 01:44:44,564 --> 01:44:46,342 in 1962 by President Kennedy to 2750 01:44:46,342 --> 01:44:48,453 federalize Mississippi National Guard 2751 01:44:48,453 --> 01:44:50,787 to secure the University of Mississippi , 2752 01:44:50,787 --> 01:44:50,720 Oxford in Lord and Short . James 2753 01:44:50,720 --> 01:44:52,664 MEREDITH , an African American Air 2754 01:44:52,664 --> 01:44:54,720 Force veteran , could go to school . 2755 01:44:54,720 --> 01:44:56,887 The military police remained there for 2756 01:44:56,887 --> 01:44:59,070 over a year . 1965 . President Johnson 2757 01:44:59,070 --> 01:45:01,237 deployed active duty forces to protect 2758 01:45:01,237 --> 01:45:03,470 peaceful protest marchers in Alabama to 2759 01:45:03,470 --> 01:45:05,414 ensure that they could put protest 2760 01:45:05,414 --> 01:45:07,740 peacefully . Opposing believes 2761 01:45:07,740 --> 01:45:09,890 segregation and affirming their First 2762 01:45:09,900 --> 01:45:11,956 Amendment rights . So if you look in 2763 01:45:11,956 --> 01:45:13,733 history , you can see where the 2764 01:45:13,733 --> 01:45:15,789 Insurrection Act was used to advance 2765 01:45:15,789 --> 01:45:18,011 civil rights and in a very positive way 2766 01:45:18,011 --> 01:45:20,233 that our history accounts fairly well . 2767 01:45:20,730 --> 01:45:23,320 Thank you . Are you bet . Thank you . 2768 01:45:23,320 --> 01:45:25,520 Mr . Brown is recognized for five 2769 01:45:25,520 --> 01:45:27,880 minutes . Thank you , Mr Chairman . I 2770 01:45:27,880 --> 01:45:30,570 have two questions . I will ask them 2771 01:45:30,580 --> 01:45:32,747 quickly and I hope that you can answer 2772 01:45:32,747 --> 01:45:34,691 that briefly . The first for you , 2773 01:45:34,691 --> 01:45:36,747 General Milley . I know that you are 2774 01:45:36,747 --> 01:45:38,636 excluding of history , history of 2775 01:45:38,636 --> 01:45:40,580 warriors and warfare of the United 2776 01:45:40,580 --> 01:45:42,691 States and our armed forces . And you 2777 01:45:42,691 --> 01:45:44,802 used that knowledge and understanding 2778 01:45:44,802 --> 01:45:46,969 of our history to guide your decisions 2779 01:45:46,969 --> 01:45:49,247 and thinking . You not only understand , 2780 01:45:49,247 --> 01:45:51,413 but you embody the values that we live 2781 01:45:51,413 --> 01:45:53,469 by and that we die by soldiers . Can 2782 01:45:53,469 --> 01:45:55,358 you comment on the naming of Army 2783 01:45:55,358 --> 01:45:57,136 installations after Confederate 2784 01:45:57,136 --> 01:45:59,136 soldiers doesn't reflect the values 2785 01:45:59,136 --> 01:46:01,191 that we instill soldiers ? Are these 2786 01:46:01,191 --> 01:46:03,302 Confederate officers held up its role 2787 01:46:03,350 --> 01:46:06,340 in the military ? Does it help or hurt 2788 01:46:06,350 --> 01:46:08,517 the morale or unit cohesion of service 2789 01:46:08,517 --> 01:46:10,461 members , particularly that of the 2790 01:46:10,461 --> 01:46:12,461 black and Brown Service members who 2791 01:46:12,461 --> 01:46:14,990 live and serve on these installations 2792 01:46:15,160 --> 01:46:18,770 today ? Carson , 2793 01:46:19,020 --> 01:46:22,290 Um , we've had a lot of discussions in 2794 01:46:22,290 --> 01:46:24,457 the department , defense and the Joint 2795 01:46:24,457 --> 01:46:26,568 Chiefs and amongst the senior leaders 2796 01:46:26,568 --> 01:46:29,080 on that very topic . I'll give you 2797 01:46:30,520 --> 01:46:32,631 a couple of things to think about . I 2798 01:46:32,631 --> 01:46:36,320 personally , I think that the original 2799 01:46:36,320 --> 01:46:38,320 decisions to name those bases after 2800 01:46:38,320 --> 01:46:40,042 Confederate generals of the 10 2801 01:46:40,042 --> 01:46:42,042 basically talking about in the Army 2802 01:46:42,042 --> 01:46:44,209 Those were political decisions back in 2803 01:46:44,209 --> 01:46:46,630 the 19 tens and twenties and thirties 2804 01:46:46,630 --> 01:46:48,686 and World War Two time for 100 years 2805 01:46:48,686 --> 01:46:50,660 ago . Uh , and they're gonna be 2806 01:46:50,660 --> 01:46:53,010 political decisions today . The 2807 01:46:53,020 --> 01:46:55,730 military equity here is divisiveness . 2808 01:46:56,690 --> 01:47:00,210 And as you mentioned , cohesion , 43% 2809 01:47:00,510 --> 01:47:02,910 of the United States military are 2810 01:47:02,910 --> 01:47:06,640 minorities . And , uh , in the army , 2811 01:47:06,640 --> 01:47:08,584 for example , these are army bases 2812 01:47:08,584 --> 01:47:11,390 you're talking about were up 20 plus 2813 01:47:11,390 --> 01:47:13,860 percent African American , and in some 2814 01:47:13,860 --> 01:47:17,120 units you'll see 30% . And for those 2815 01:47:17,120 --> 01:47:20,460 young soldiers that go onto a base , ah , 2816 01:47:20,470 --> 01:47:22,850 Fort Hood or Fort Bragg or wherever 2817 01:47:22,850 --> 01:47:25,270 named after Confederate General , they 2818 01:47:25,270 --> 01:47:28,370 could be reminded that that General 2819 01:47:28,370 --> 01:47:30,490 fought for an institution of slavery 2820 01:47:30,490 --> 01:47:33,030 that may have enslaved one of their one 2821 01:47:33,030 --> 01:47:34,974 of their ancestors . I had a staff 2822 01:47:34,974 --> 01:47:37,086 sergeant when I was young officer who 2823 01:47:37,086 --> 01:47:39,363 actually told me that at Fort Bragg On , 2824 01:47:39,363 --> 01:47:41,530 he said . He went to work every day on 2825 01:47:41,530 --> 01:47:43,586 a base , that representative guy who 2826 01:47:43,586 --> 01:47:45,530 enslaved his grandparents . So the 2827 01:47:45,530 --> 01:47:47,530 symbols of it's not just that , you 2828 01:47:47,530 --> 01:47:46,930 know , we have to improve the substance 2829 01:47:46,930 --> 01:47:49,097 of promotions except in the military . 2830 01:47:49,097 --> 01:47:51,263 But we've also got to take a hard look 2831 01:47:51,263 --> 01:47:53,486 at the symbology , the symbols , things 2832 01:47:53,486 --> 01:47:55,652 like Confederate flags and statues and 2833 01:47:55,652 --> 01:47:55,360 bases and all that going to stop the 2834 01:47:55,360 --> 01:47:57,360 Confederate , the Confederacy , the 2835 01:47:57,360 --> 01:48:01,120 American Civil War . I was five , and 2836 01:48:01,130 --> 01:48:03,297 it was an act of rebellion . It was an 2837 01:48:03,297 --> 01:48:05,800 act of treason at the time against the 2838 01:48:05,800 --> 01:48:07,800 Union against the Stars and Stripes 2839 01:48:07,800 --> 01:48:09,967 against the U . S . Constitution , and 2840 01:48:09,967 --> 01:48:11,967 those officers turned their back on 2841 01:48:11,967 --> 01:48:14,580 their own . Now some have a different 2842 01:48:14,580 --> 01:48:16,524 view of that . Some of that . Some 2843 01:48:16,524 --> 01:48:18,747 think it's heritage . Others think it's 2844 01:48:18,747 --> 01:48:21,960 hate what way we should do . It matters 2845 01:48:21,970 --> 01:48:24,137 as much as that . We should do it . So 2846 01:48:24,137 --> 01:48:28,120 we need to have , uh I've recommended 2847 01:48:28,120 --> 01:48:30,960 a commission of folks to take a hard 2848 01:48:30,960 --> 01:48:33,016 look at the base is the statues that 2849 01:48:33,016 --> 01:48:35,550 names all of this stuff to see if we 2850 01:48:35,550 --> 01:48:38,340 can have rational Billy . I appreciate 2851 01:48:38,340 --> 01:48:40,810 I do want to get to a secretary . Asper . 2852 01:48:40,810 --> 01:48:43,220 I got it . I want to take a moment to 2853 01:48:43,220 --> 01:48:45,387 thank you , Secretary , for clarifying 2854 01:48:45,387 --> 01:48:47,498 your position on the use of force and 2855 01:48:47,498 --> 01:48:49,442 deployment of our military against 2856 01:48:49,442 --> 01:48:50,942 civilians . Exercise their 2857 01:48:50,942 --> 01:48:52,998 constitutional rights to assemble to 2858 01:48:52,998 --> 01:48:55,164 petition our government and peacefully 2859 01:48:55,164 --> 01:48:57,053 protest . Mr . Secretary , As you 2860 01:48:57,053 --> 01:48:59,276 stated in your June 17th statement , we 2861 01:48:59,276 --> 01:49:01,220 strive to create an environment of 2862 01:49:01,220 --> 01:49:03,553 diversity and inclusion in the military . 2863 01:49:03,553 --> 01:49:05,664 You specifically stated removing bias 2864 01:49:05,664 --> 01:49:07,609 and prejudice in all its forms and 2865 01:49:07,609 --> 01:49:09,776 ensuring equal opportunity and respect 2866 01:49:09,776 --> 01:49:11,776 for all will make a stronger , more 2867 01:49:11,776 --> 01:49:14,109 capable and more ready as a joint force . 2868 01:49:14,109 --> 01:49:16,331 Last month , both the U . S . For three 2869 01:49:16,331 --> 01:49:18,498 core and U . S Navy announced plans to 2870 01:49:18,498 --> 01:49:20,331 ban the cat Confederate flag and 2871 01:49:20,331 --> 01:49:22,276 associated Kim injury on bases and 2872 01:49:22,276 --> 01:49:24,387 installations around the world . This 2873 01:49:24,387 --> 01:49:26,276 symbol honors those who fought at 2874 01:49:26,276 --> 01:49:28,220 General Milley makes into maintain 2875 01:49:28,220 --> 01:49:30,387 oppression and slavery . Furthermore , 2876 01:49:30,387 --> 01:49:32,498 the Confederate flag Jews , albeit by 2877 01:49:32,498 --> 01:49:34,820 everyone used by white supremacists and 2878 01:49:34,830 --> 01:49:37,052 other organizations chicken to spread , 2879 01:49:37,052 --> 01:49:39,540 hate and racism . In the end , racism 2880 01:49:39,550 --> 01:49:42,130 in the day a include a provision to 2881 01:49:42,130 --> 01:49:44,210 banish display on all department 2882 01:49:44,210 --> 01:49:46,432 property . But I believe that immediate 2883 01:49:46,432 --> 01:49:48,432 action should be taken because your 2884 01:49:48,432 --> 01:49:50,760 plan regarding a department wide ban of 2885 01:49:50,760 --> 01:49:54,610 this symbol Thanks , 2886 01:49:54,610 --> 01:49:56,832 Congressman First Ball would be again , 2887 01:49:56,832 --> 01:49:59,054 You know , echo what you said about the 2888 01:49:59,054 --> 01:50:01,277 National Guard . I'm reminded this is a 2889 01:50:01,277 --> 01:50:03,499 use of force card . It was handout that 2890 01:50:03,499 --> 01:50:05,554 D C guard and here promptly and bold 2891 01:50:05,554 --> 01:50:07,666 says , Remember to preserve the peace 2892 01:50:07,666 --> 01:50:09,332 and allow fellow Americans to 2893 01:50:09,332 --> 01:50:11,499 peacefully assemble and exercise their 2894 01:50:11,499 --> 01:50:13,554 First Amendment rights . That's what 2895 01:50:13,554 --> 01:50:15,777 our guard was trained on when they were 2896 01:50:15,777 --> 01:50:17,777 when they were operating in D . C . 2897 01:50:17,777 --> 01:50:19,999 Look , we I have a process under way by 2898 01:50:19,999 --> 01:50:22,221 which look at a number of issues , both 2899 01:50:22,221 --> 01:50:25,030 substantive and symbolic . Uh , it'll 2900 01:50:25,030 --> 01:50:27,141 be a combination of Defense Board and 2901 01:50:27,141 --> 01:50:29,141 the advisory committee . We want to 2902 01:50:29,141 --> 01:50:31,730 take a look at the at all those things . 2903 01:50:31,740 --> 01:50:34,540 There is a process under way by which 2904 01:50:34,540 --> 01:50:37,350 we ah , firm . And I'm sorry , Mr J , 2905 01:50:37,350 --> 01:50:39,294 if you could wrap up quickly , the 2906 01:50:39,294 --> 01:50:41,350 generals time has expired , which we 2907 01:50:41,350 --> 01:50:43,540 affirm . What what ? Types of flags 2908 01:50:43,540 --> 01:50:46,950 were authorized on US military bases . 2909 01:50:46,960 --> 01:50:48,960 I want to make sure that we have an 2910 01:50:48,960 --> 01:50:51,016 approach that is enduring that could 2911 01:50:51,016 --> 01:50:53,071 withstand legal challenge . But that 2912 01:50:53,071 --> 01:50:55,016 unites us and , most importantly , 2913 01:50:55,016 --> 01:50:57,071 helps build cohesion and readiness . 2914 01:50:57,071 --> 01:50:59,238 And again , that process is underway . 2915 01:50:59,238 --> 01:51:01,460 And I think that Yes , sir . Just Mr Mr 2916 01:51:01,460 --> 01:51:04,200 Waltz . Mr . Waltz , you're recognized 2917 01:51:04,200 --> 01:51:06,970 for finance . Thank you , Mr Chairman . 2918 01:51:07,640 --> 01:51:11,070 At Mr Secretary . Uh , no 1,000,000 2919 01:51:11,490 --> 01:51:15,210 men are being . I only 2920 01:51:15,210 --> 01:51:16,220 want people . 2921 01:51:20,540 --> 01:51:22,890 I'm sorry , Mr Waltz . You are . You 2922 01:51:22,890 --> 01:51:25,370 are deep in the water here . We cannot 2923 01:51:25,370 --> 01:51:27,426 understand you . Can you give it one 2924 01:51:27,426 --> 01:51:29,703 more quick try or we may have to Tavon . 2925 01:51:30,560 --> 01:51:32,810 Okay . How are we doing now ? Much 2926 01:51:32,810 --> 01:51:35,430 better . Go . I just want to commend 2927 01:51:35,430 --> 01:51:37,430 the guard of my understandings . We 2928 01:51:37,430 --> 01:51:39,486 have over 70,000 units . Roughly six 2929 01:51:39,486 --> 01:51:41,486 division currently deployed for the 2930 01:51:41,486 --> 01:51:44,220 homeland and overseas . 2931 01:51:45,430 --> 01:51:47,510 That's where Kobe . That's for civil 2932 01:51:47,510 --> 01:51:49,510 unrest . That for on going overseas 2933 01:51:49,510 --> 01:51:51,677 missions , we haven't even gotten into 2934 01:51:51,677 --> 01:51:53,899 hurricane season and border while IRS , 2935 01:51:53,899 --> 01:51:55,732 others Mr Secretary , The guards 2936 01:51:55,732 --> 01:51:57,954 defense strategy points demographic and 2937 01:51:57,954 --> 01:52:00,540 economic trends that that are critical 2938 01:52:01,210 --> 01:52:03,321 for where we have the force structure 2939 01:52:03,321 --> 01:52:05,321 around the country and says that it 2940 01:52:05,321 --> 01:52:07,266 must be prepared to reap resistant 2941 01:52:07,266 --> 01:52:09,488 guard force structure in light of those 2942 01:52:09,488 --> 01:52:11,710 shifting trends , particularly shifting 2943 01:52:11,710 --> 01:52:13,654 population , which , as we know it 2944 01:52:13,654 --> 01:52:15,821 could barely drastically over the last 2945 01:52:15,821 --> 01:52:17,720 several decades . Yet the force 2946 01:52:17,720 --> 01:52:20,070 structure has a hasn't followed . In 2947 01:52:20,070 --> 01:52:22,450 fact , in Florida folder right now 2948 01:52:22,460 --> 01:52:25,040 ranks 53 out of 54 states and 2949 01:52:25,050 --> 01:52:27,260 territories in terms of the size of a 2950 01:52:27,270 --> 01:52:30,320 bar of its population . Yeah , I think 2951 01:52:30,330 --> 01:52:32,163 we don't know . With every every 2952 01:52:32,163 --> 01:52:34,163 hurricane bearing down every season 2953 01:52:34,163 --> 01:52:38,000 while another use you come back to 2954 01:52:38,010 --> 01:52:41,940 the No , I 2955 01:52:42,600 --> 01:52:46,240 mean well , let go . We're hearing in 2956 01:52:46,680 --> 01:52:48,800 appearance . I'm sorry , mister . 2957 01:52:48,800 --> 01:52:50,800 What's again ? Well , we've got the 2958 01:52:50,800 --> 01:52:53,022 walls , but we can't understand you . I 2959 01:52:53,022 --> 01:52:55,133 think the first part of your question 2960 01:52:55,133 --> 01:52:57,300 was reasonably clear . Mr . Esper , if 2961 01:52:57,300 --> 01:52:59,467 you wanted to take a stab at the guard 2962 01:52:59,467 --> 01:53:01,578 situation in Florida , answer that If 2963 01:53:01,578 --> 01:53:04,350 you can take a shot . Thank you , Mr 2964 01:53:04,350 --> 01:53:06,461 Chairman and Mr Waltz . Thank you . I 2965 01:53:06,461 --> 01:53:08,350 think from what I caught , I I'll 2966 01:53:08,350 --> 01:53:10,406 follow up with you offline . I think 2967 01:53:10,406 --> 01:53:12,520 you were talking about disposition or 2968 01:53:12,520 --> 01:53:14,680 maybe the composition of Guard forces 2969 01:53:14,680 --> 01:53:16,736 in Florida and how it's changed over 2970 01:53:16,736 --> 01:53:18,958 time . We're not with demographics , so 2971 01:53:18,958 --> 01:53:20,902 maybe I'll just follow up with you 2972 01:53:20,902 --> 01:53:23,124 offline . And I think you asked that we 2973 01:53:23,124 --> 01:53:25,402 have a conversation with General Angle . 2974 01:53:25,402 --> 01:53:27,540 That's what I took from that . Yeah . 2975 01:53:27,550 --> 01:53:29,772 Mr . Chairman , if if if , if you could 2976 01:53:29,772 --> 01:53:31,883 hear me , just a slight tweet there , 2977 01:53:32,130 --> 01:53:34,450 it's It's nationwide . It's how the 2978 01:53:34,450 --> 01:53:36,800 guard is shifting . Left population 2979 01:53:36,810 --> 01:53:39,110 flows on perfectly . We're looking for 2980 01:53:39,110 --> 01:53:41,630 capital . No quarter populations of 2981 01:53:41,640 --> 01:53:43,940 double since 19 eighties that its 2982 01:53:43,940 --> 01:53:47,100 border names back with that one . 2983 01:53:50,050 --> 01:53:54,040 Uh , yeah , you're you're breaking up . 2984 01:53:54,040 --> 01:53:56,207 I apologize . We're gonna have to move 2985 01:53:56,207 --> 01:53:58,207 on with . We've got a living amount 2986 01:53:58,207 --> 01:54:00,484 time . We'll get that back back to him , 2987 01:54:00,484 --> 01:54:02,540 but we cannot hear you properly . So 2988 01:54:02,540 --> 01:54:04,540 we're gonna move on to Mr Keating . 2989 01:54:04,540 --> 01:54:06,484 He's recognized for five minutes . 2990 01:54:06,484 --> 01:54:08,596 Thank you , Mr Chairman . Secretary . 2991 01:54:08,810 --> 01:54:10,550 Chairman . Thank you for your 2992 01:54:10,560 --> 01:54:12,782 straightforward way . You're addressing 2993 01:54:12,782 --> 01:54:14,838 Lafayette Square issue and civil Law 2994 01:54:14,838 --> 01:54:17,004 Enforcement . Appreciate that . I want 2995 01:54:17,004 --> 01:54:18,970 to circle back before we're done 2996 01:54:18,980 --> 01:54:21,490 because I know how a video clip on work 2997 01:54:21,780 --> 01:54:23,840 Secretary Esper you were asked , I 2998 01:54:23,880 --> 01:54:26,940 believe by Mr Turner about bounties , 2999 01:54:26,940 --> 01:54:29,162 and I won't be clear . The question was 3000 01:54:29,162 --> 01:54:31,730 asked , was the word bounties used in 3001 01:54:31,740 --> 01:54:33,796 reports that you might have reviewed 3002 01:54:33,796 --> 01:54:36,870 regarding attacks on our troops ? So 3003 01:54:36,880 --> 01:54:40,850 let me be clear . You can acknowledge 3004 01:54:40,850 --> 01:54:42,683 sensory knowledge . There was no 3005 01:54:42,683 --> 01:54:44,683 bounties that , indeed , there were 3006 01:54:44,683 --> 01:54:46,740 reports that mentioned payments . Is 3007 01:54:46,740 --> 01:54:50,320 that correct ? Congressman ? That's 3008 01:54:50,320 --> 01:54:52,153 correct . I was responded to the 3009 01:54:52,153 --> 01:54:54,376 specific question of Do I recall use of 3010 01:54:54,376 --> 01:54:56,542 the word bounties ? And I think what I 3011 01:54:56,542 --> 01:54:58,653 said is I do not read up what we call 3012 01:54:58,653 --> 01:55:01,450 the use of that word correctly . But I 3013 01:55:01,460 --> 01:55:04,060 didn't want a sound bite at the end of 3014 01:55:04,060 --> 01:55:06,227 this hearing coming out that said that 3015 01:55:06,227 --> 01:55:08,449 you said that you never saw a report on 3016 01:55:08,449 --> 01:55:10,990 Bumpy so that I always I always try to 3017 01:55:10,990 --> 01:55:14,330 avoid politics . Congressman . In any 3018 01:55:14,330 --> 01:55:16,386 case , I didn't want you to be drawn 3019 01:55:16,386 --> 01:55:18,560 into it unnecessarily . How's that in 3020 01:55:18,560 --> 01:55:22,160 anything ? Director Haskell Haskell 3021 01:55:22,880 --> 01:55:24,991 C . I . A director hospital , just in 3022 01:55:24,991 --> 01:55:26,713 the last few days has said how 3023 01:55:26,713 --> 01:55:29,310 important it is for force protection , 3024 01:55:29,740 --> 01:55:31,851 that the dissemination of information 3025 01:55:32,540 --> 01:55:35,010 occurs and shared to all national 3026 01:55:35,010 --> 01:55:38,170 security community members . Obviously 3027 01:55:38,290 --> 01:55:41,120 to you , all of you and an on going 3028 01:55:41,120 --> 01:55:43,800 effort to secure our troops . So she 3029 01:55:43,800 --> 01:55:45,850 also was underscored . Clearly that 3030 01:55:45,860 --> 01:55:48,330 immediate versus delayed dissemination 3031 01:55:48,440 --> 01:55:52,020 of that information boards is 3032 01:55:52,020 --> 01:55:55,500 critical . Are you satisfied that 3033 01:55:55,510 --> 01:55:58,140 you're getting immediate transfer of 3034 01:55:58,140 --> 01:56:00,840 this intelligence from our other 3035 01:56:00,840 --> 01:56:04,120 agencies ? So if it's believed to act 3036 01:56:04,120 --> 01:56:06,750 on that and you state that for the 3037 01:56:06,750 --> 01:56:08,920 record that you don't perceive any 3038 01:56:08,930 --> 01:56:11,160 delays that this is really live time 3039 01:56:11,250 --> 01:56:14,720 seven issue to you , Congressman , I 3040 01:56:14,720 --> 01:56:16,720 get a lot of reports every day , an 3041 01:56:16,720 --> 01:56:18,887 inch thick of material . I try and get 3042 01:56:18,887 --> 01:56:21,164 through and read through . I know , uh , 3043 01:56:21,164 --> 01:56:23,331 the hill . This committee gets reports 3044 01:56:23,331 --> 01:56:25,442 as well . You and I think you saw the 3045 01:56:25,442 --> 01:56:27,664 same reports that I saw on this topic . 3046 01:56:27,664 --> 01:56:29,776 It's it's hard for me to gauge , uh , 3047 01:56:29,776 --> 01:56:31,831 Tommy nous because I don't know when 3048 01:56:31,831 --> 01:56:33,998 they start or when they get it . But , 3049 01:56:33,998 --> 01:56:36,053 you know , clear there's a a process 3050 01:56:36,053 --> 01:56:38,109 part of this analysis part that that 3051 01:56:38,109 --> 01:56:40,331 once they get information converting it 3052 01:56:40,331 --> 01:56:40,200 in prostate converting and intelligence 3053 01:56:40,200 --> 01:56:42,422 all that happened , I just don't have a 3054 01:56:42,422 --> 01:56:46,310 sense of the time . I can follow up 3055 01:56:46,310 --> 01:56:48,477 with her on that offline . Please do , 3056 01:56:48,477 --> 01:56:50,532 because it's it's essential that you 3057 01:56:50,532 --> 01:56:52,643 get that information . I also want to 3058 01:56:52,643 --> 01:56:54,866 know independently , you know , Some of 3059 01:56:54,866 --> 01:56:58,240 these unsourced reports do a lot for 3060 01:56:58,240 --> 01:57:00,830 family members . I come from a family . 3061 01:57:00,840 --> 01:57:04,050 We lost a family member in action and 3062 01:57:04,930 --> 01:57:08,240 particularly reports around 2019 . 3063 01:57:08,890 --> 01:57:10,723 The casualties that were there , 3064 01:57:10,760 --> 01:57:12,816 soldiers we lost . Could you tell us 3065 01:57:12,970 --> 01:57:15,670 independently ? You looking into those 3066 01:57:15,670 --> 01:57:17,726 as well ? Given the intelligence you 3067 01:57:17,726 --> 01:57:21,080 have particularly 3 April 2019 suicide 3068 01:57:21,090 --> 01:57:24,700 bombing outside of Bagram airbase that 3069 01:57:24,710 --> 01:57:26,821 killed three of our U . S . Marines . 3070 01:57:26,821 --> 01:57:28,488 Are you looking at least this 3071 01:57:28,488 --> 01:57:30,099 independently ? Based on the 3072 01:57:30,099 --> 01:57:32,120 intelligence you have , congressman 3073 01:57:32,120 --> 01:57:34,120 number ? First of all , I share the 3074 01:57:34,120 --> 01:57:36,287 concern and a condolences . Still , to 3075 01:57:36,287 --> 01:57:38,398 the family of those Marines I believe 3076 01:57:38,398 --> 01:57:40,453 who were lost . Let me say this much 3077 01:57:40,453 --> 01:57:42,676 and I'll ask Chairman 1,000,000 to jump 3078 01:57:42,676 --> 01:57:44,842 in here . General Mackenzie is looking 3079 01:57:44,842 --> 01:57:47,460 back over over time . I think he stated 3080 01:57:47,460 --> 01:57:49,404 publicly as well as he doesn't see 3081 01:57:49,404 --> 01:57:51,293 cause algae with that one . And I 3082 01:57:51,293 --> 01:57:53,390 believe that I got a separate report 3083 01:57:53,390 --> 01:57:55,446 from one of my intelligence agencies 3084 01:57:55,446 --> 01:57:57,001 saying they cannot find any 3085 01:57:57,001 --> 01:57:59,220 corroborating evidence with regard to 3086 01:57:59,220 --> 01:58:01,220 that alleged program with regard to 3087 01:58:01,220 --> 01:58:03,276 that attack on those three Marines . 3088 01:58:03,276 --> 01:58:06,120 But Chairman guardsmen it as of today . 3089 01:58:06,130 --> 01:58:08,130 Right now , we don't have cause and 3090 01:58:08,130 --> 01:58:10,360 effect linkages to a Russian bounty 3091 01:58:10,360 --> 01:58:13,430 program causing US military 3092 01:58:13,820 --> 01:58:15,910 casualties . However , we are still 3093 01:58:15,910 --> 01:58:18,077 looking . We're not done . We're gonna 3094 01:58:18,077 --> 01:58:20,354 run this thing to ground . Yeah , well , 3095 01:58:20,354 --> 01:58:21,854 thank you . And it just is 3096 01:58:21,854 --> 01:58:24,110 clarification from intelligence point 3097 01:58:24,110 --> 01:58:25,832 without being wonky . I mean , 3098 01:58:25,832 --> 01:58:28,054 cooperation usually is in a term that's 3099 01:58:28,054 --> 01:58:30,390 used , but it's usually remote , you 3100 01:58:30,390 --> 01:58:33,490 know ? Improbable . Even odds . 3101 01:58:33,520 --> 01:58:35,742 Probable , Highly probable . Those kind 3102 01:58:35,742 --> 01:58:37,520 of or certain those the kind of 3103 01:58:37,520 --> 01:58:39,353 intelligence terms that are done 3104 01:58:39,500 --> 01:58:42,060 linking things together out you back . 3105 01:58:42,070 --> 01:58:44,126 I'm actually giving back sometimes . 3106 01:58:44,820 --> 01:58:47,300 Thank you , Mr Villain . Recognized 3107 01:58:47,300 --> 01:58:48,300 refinements . 3108 01:58:52,020 --> 01:58:54,750 Thank you , Mr Chairman . Six . 3109 01:58:54,750 --> 01:58:57,520 Secretary Esper and Chairman Millie . 3110 01:58:57,880 --> 01:59:00,102 I've got two questions in whatever time 3111 01:59:00,102 --> 01:59:02,102 is left . I'd like to yield to miss 3112 01:59:02,102 --> 01:59:04,269 locked so that she could get ready for 3113 01:59:04,269 --> 01:59:06,436 that . But my first question refers to 3114 01:59:06,436 --> 01:59:09,320 Vanessa GM that Mr Carvajal brought up 3115 01:59:09,320 --> 01:59:13,270 in . What I'd like to do is I'm sure 3116 01:59:13,270 --> 01:59:15,548 you're both as disturbed as we all are , 3117 01:59:16,230 --> 01:59:18,690 by the events leading to 3118 01:59:20,020 --> 01:59:22,187 and what I'd like to do is give you an 3119 01:59:22,187 --> 01:59:25,400 opportunity . Sure . Family members in 3120 01:59:25,400 --> 01:59:27,970 my district and would like to give you 3121 01:59:27,970 --> 01:59:31,670 the opportunity to tell that 3122 01:59:31,680 --> 01:59:34,700 family what we're going to do to make 3123 01:59:34,700 --> 01:59:36,811 sure that those sorts of things don't 3124 01:59:36,811 --> 01:59:37,811 happen again , 3125 01:59:41,320 --> 01:59:43,730 Congressman , let me first go first and 3126 01:59:43,730 --> 01:59:45,890 speak to you , but more importantly , 3127 01:59:45,890 --> 01:59:48,270 the family and just express our sincere 3128 01:59:48,270 --> 01:59:50,670 condolences regarding what happened to 3129 01:59:50,670 --> 01:59:53,360 specialist Guiana . It's tragic . It's 3130 01:59:53,360 --> 01:59:55,690 horrible . I watched this over the 3131 01:59:55,690 --> 01:59:57,912 preceding couple months in terms of how 3132 01:59:57,912 --> 01:59:59,801 it unfolded . I can't imagine the 3133 01:59:59,801 --> 02:00:02,023 despair of the parents not knowing what 3134 02:00:02,023 --> 02:00:04,260 they're the fate of their daughter . 3135 02:00:04,270 --> 02:00:07,560 And it's just a terrible incident . I 3136 02:00:07,560 --> 02:00:09,782 spoke yesterday or the day before . The 3137 02:00:09,782 --> 02:00:12,330 secretary McCarthy , they're on top of 3138 02:00:12,330 --> 02:00:14,670 that is you know , they have ah couple 3139 02:00:14,670 --> 02:00:17,010 suspects . Ah , I think have been 3140 02:00:17,010 --> 02:00:19,730 arrested on their depict digging deeply 3141 02:00:19,730 --> 02:00:21,730 into the investigation . I think we 3142 02:00:21,730 --> 02:00:23,870 need Teoh continue to pursue that and 3143 02:00:23,870 --> 02:00:26,050 take a hard look at that . And then , 3144 02:00:26,060 --> 02:00:28,227 you know , we could got to continue to 3145 02:00:28,227 --> 02:00:30,393 work at the what is believed to be the 3146 02:00:30,393 --> 02:00:32,616 underlying issue , the underlying issue 3147 02:00:32,616 --> 02:00:35,050 and that was she was sexually harassed , 3148 02:00:35,050 --> 02:00:37,590 if not assaulted by the soldier in 3149 02:00:37,590 --> 02:00:39,860 question . That is something that it 3150 02:00:39,860 --> 02:00:42,990 continues to be a stain on 3151 02:00:43,000 --> 02:00:45,970 on the profession . We've made a lot of 3152 02:00:45,970 --> 02:00:48,240 progress over 10 years , but nowhere 3153 02:00:48,240 --> 02:00:50,462 near we need to be . We need to get the 3154 02:00:50,462 --> 02:00:52,740 zero tolerance of sexual harassment and 3155 02:00:52,740 --> 02:00:54,796 sexual assault . And we need to make 3156 02:00:54,796 --> 02:00:56,962 sure that everybody in our ranks knows 3157 02:00:56,962 --> 02:00:58,962 where they can go to for help where 3158 02:00:58,962 --> 02:01:01,110 they can find help . And we got to 3159 02:01:01,110 --> 02:01:03,332 continue to emphasize that we've got to 3160 02:01:03,332 --> 02:01:05,332 continue toe , empower the chain of 3161 02:01:05,332 --> 02:01:07,443 command to make sure we do everything 3162 02:01:07,443 --> 02:01:09,443 possible to make sure that we never 3163 02:01:09,443 --> 02:01:11,221 have another incident like what 3164 02:01:11,221 --> 02:01:13,530 happened to special ski hand on DSO . 3165 02:01:13,530 --> 02:01:16,170 That is my commitment . And , uh , I 3166 02:01:16,170 --> 02:01:18,337 know it's the chairman's commitment as 3167 02:01:18,337 --> 02:01:20,448 well . Chairman . Yeah , I would echo 3168 02:01:20,448 --> 02:01:22,614 everything the secretary said . I a za 3169 02:01:22,614 --> 02:01:26,530 father , um , of a daughter that 3170 02:01:27,880 --> 02:01:30,102 that's just a nightmare . I mean , it's 3171 02:01:30,102 --> 02:01:32,500 a my heart bleeds for that family , and 3172 02:01:32,500 --> 02:01:35,310 I can't even begin to imagine what 3173 02:01:35,310 --> 02:01:38,260 they're going through . Uh , but I want 3174 02:01:38,270 --> 02:01:40,270 them to know that we're going to do 3175 02:01:40,270 --> 02:01:42,326 everything in our power to make sure 3176 02:01:42,326 --> 02:01:44,630 that that doesn't happen again . Um , I 3177 02:01:44,630 --> 02:01:46,630 don't know all the details . A full 3178 02:01:46,630 --> 02:01:48,352 investigation will come out by 3179 02:01:48,352 --> 02:01:50,186 Secretary McCarthy , I suspect , 3180 02:01:50,186 --> 02:01:52,241 although I don't know that they were 3181 02:01:52,241 --> 02:01:54,850 probably some mis signals . And one of 3182 02:01:54,850 --> 02:01:57,450 the key lessons that we've learned , uh , 3183 02:01:57,690 --> 02:02:00,630 in other situations is when we do get 3184 02:02:00,640 --> 02:02:04,000 early warning , it's to take action on 3185 02:02:04,000 --> 02:02:06,520 take action swiftly and appropriately s . 3186 02:02:06,520 --> 02:02:08,820 So I think that will . My guess is that 3187 02:02:08,820 --> 02:02:11,260 will probably come out in this pain on 3188 02:02:11,260 --> 02:02:13,427 that will be one of the things we need 3189 02:02:13,427 --> 02:02:15,427 to implement for the future to make 3190 02:02:15,427 --> 02:02:17,538 sure it doesn't happen again . Well , 3191 02:02:17,538 --> 02:02:19,538 thanks to both of you , my question 3192 02:02:19,690 --> 02:02:21,801 Eyes for you , Secretary expert . And 3193 02:02:21,801 --> 02:02:24,100 you recently extended the deployment of 3194 02:02:24,230 --> 02:02:27,530 4000 troops , uh , to the southern 3195 02:02:27,530 --> 02:02:30,420 border on what I'm wondering isn't just 3196 02:02:30,420 --> 02:02:33,460 today in the Rio Grande Valley , the 3197 02:02:33,470 --> 02:02:36,250 hospitals were forced to set up tense 3198 02:02:36,940 --> 02:02:39,700 to serve as I see you , units . And I'm 3199 02:02:39,700 --> 02:02:41,922 wondering if there is any consideration 3200 02:02:41,922 --> 02:02:45,910 being given to using those troops 3201 02:02:45,910 --> 02:02:48,840 to help support local efforts to 3202 02:02:48,840 --> 02:02:51,240 confront the Corona virus pandemic . 3203 02:02:53,320 --> 02:02:55,376 Congressman , I answer your question 3204 02:02:55,376 --> 02:02:57,653 two ways 1st 1st of all , you're right . 3205 02:02:57,653 --> 02:02:59,876 We did extend reduced it , but extended 3206 02:02:59,930 --> 02:03:02,263 the deployment were there is , you know , 3207 02:03:02,263 --> 02:03:04,041 and supported the Department of 3208 02:03:04,041 --> 02:03:06,263 Homeland Security . And as they give us 3209 02:03:06,263 --> 02:03:08,208 mission statements , we try and be 3210 02:03:08,208 --> 02:03:10,374 responsive and supportive of what they 3211 02:03:10,374 --> 02:03:12,097 do in this case , if they need 3212 02:03:12,097 --> 02:03:14,152 additional medical support , that is 3213 02:03:14,152 --> 02:03:16,374 clearly something that we could provide 3214 02:03:16,374 --> 02:03:18,263 if needed . I think beyond that , 3215 02:03:18,263 --> 02:03:20,430 unless I misunderstood your question , 3216 02:03:20,430 --> 02:03:22,580 we certainly are now reacting to 3217 02:03:22,590 --> 02:03:24,701 incoming requests from FEMA . I spoke 3218 02:03:24,701 --> 02:03:27,370 to Director Gaynor the other night with 3219 02:03:27,370 --> 02:03:29,880 regard to covitz spikes in Texas 3220 02:03:29,880 --> 02:03:31,936 throughout Texas . As you may or may 3221 02:03:31,936 --> 02:03:34,047 not know , we have already deployed a 3222 02:03:34,047 --> 02:03:36,213 team of medical personnel to assist in 3223 02:03:36,213 --> 02:03:38,720 Texas , and we are on the alert and 3224 02:03:38,720 --> 02:03:40,942 looking for outbreaks in other states . 3225 02:03:40,942 --> 02:03:42,664 Such a zoo Arizona , Florida , 3226 02:03:42,880 --> 02:03:44,991 California . To make sure that we are 3227 02:03:44,991 --> 02:03:47,047 responsive to the American people in 3228 02:03:47,047 --> 02:03:49,158 terms of dealing with any outbreaks . 3229 02:03:49,158 --> 02:03:51,213 It may happen around the country and 3230 02:03:51,213 --> 02:03:53,547 the Germans . Time has has expired . Um , 3231 02:03:53,547 --> 02:03:56,820 Miss Kim is recognized . Thank you so 3232 02:03:56,820 --> 02:03:59,042 much for coming out here and talking to 3233 02:03:59,042 --> 02:04:01,630 us today . As you referred earlier . 3234 02:04:01,640 --> 02:04:04,460 Many of us , uh , members were briefed 3235 02:04:04,460 --> 02:04:06,571 here in this room earlier today about 3236 02:04:06,790 --> 02:04:09,000 about the intelligence and about what 3237 02:04:09,000 --> 02:04:11,840 we know about possible Russian payments 3238 02:04:12,030 --> 02:04:14,440 to the Taliban or militants to kill 3239 02:04:14,440 --> 02:04:16,990 American soldiers and service members 3240 02:04:16,990 --> 02:04:19,880 in Afghanistan . Uh , I have to tell 3241 02:04:19,880 --> 02:04:22,240 you , leaving aside the discussions 3242 02:04:22,240 --> 02:04:24,350 about whether or not there is 3243 02:04:24,350 --> 02:04:27,050 sufficient evidence regarding possible 3244 02:04:27,050 --> 02:04:29,272 bounties or payments , whatever we want 3245 02:04:29,272 --> 02:04:31,272 to call it . I have to say that the 3246 02:04:31,280 --> 02:04:33,280 intelligence and what we know about 3247 02:04:33,280 --> 02:04:35,280 Russian efforts in Afghanistan were 3248 02:04:35,280 --> 02:04:37,610 large . Targeting our personnel is 3249 02:04:37,610 --> 02:04:39,666 deeply concerning to me . In General 3250 02:04:39,666 --> 02:04:41,666 Milley , you made reference to this 3251 02:04:41,666 --> 02:04:41,550 saying that this is something that 3252 02:04:41,550 --> 02:04:43,772 we've known for point sometime in quite 3253 02:04:43,772 --> 02:04:45,828 a number of years . I just wanted to 3254 02:04:45,828 --> 02:04:47,939 ask this question . I couldn't help a 3255 02:04:47,939 --> 02:04:50,106 wallet in this room getting this brief 3256 02:04:50,106 --> 02:04:52,161 and think about a previous time that 3257 02:04:52,161 --> 02:04:54,439 we've been in this exact room together , 3258 02:04:54,439 --> 02:04:56,494 a two beginning of this year talking 3259 02:04:56,494 --> 02:04:58,272 about Iran . And at that time , 3260 02:04:58,272 --> 02:05:00,494 Secretary Esper and others were talking 3261 02:05:00,494 --> 02:05:02,494 about how there was a threat to our 3262 02:05:02,494 --> 02:05:04,717 personnel with regards to our personnel 3263 02:05:04,717 --> 02:05:07,140 in Iraq in the region due to Iranians 3264 02:05:07,320 --> 02:05:10,380 and a running back militias . So I want 3265 02:05:10,380 --> 02:05:12,380 to just hear from you both of these 3266 02:05:12,380 --> 02:05:14,590 incidences of what we know what we do 3267 02:05:14,590 --> 02:05:16,550 know about Russia's involvement in 3268 02:05:16,550 --> 02:05:18,439 Afghanistan . Both of them evolve 3269 02:05:18,439 --> 02:05:20,494 another ancient arming and directing 3270 02:05:20,494 --> 02:05:22,970 militants to kill American service 3271 02:05:22,970 --> 02:05:24,914 members or target American service 3272 02:05:24,914 --> 02:05:27,460 members abroad . Yet I see two very 3273 02:05:27,460 --> 02:05:30,700 different reactions to this coming from 3274 02:05:30,760 --> 02:05:33,260 from you from the administration . So I 3275 02:05:33,260 --> 02:05:35,371 wanted to ask for your explanation of 3276 02:05:35,371 --> 02:05:37,482 what is the difference in the posture 3277 02:05:37,482 --> 02:05:39,704 there between what our conversations in 3278 02:05:39,704 --> 02:05:41,760 January as what we're having today ? 3279 02:05:42,360 --> 02:05:44,471 Secretary expert . So Congressman , I 3280 02:05:44,471 --> 02:05:46,193 think they're very to two very 3281 02:05:46,193 --> 02:05:48,304 different situations . So with regard 3282 02:05:48,304 --> 02:05:50,620 Iran , you had a case of the head of 3283 02:05:50,620 --> 02:05:53,340 the IRGC , which is designated by 3284 02:05:53,340 --> 02:05:55,396 United States as a foreign terrorist 3285 02:05:55,396 --> 02:05:57,284 organization . He was the foreign 3286 02:05:57,284 --> 02:05:59,118 terrorist leader of that foreign 3287 02:05:59,118 --> 02:06:01,118 terrorist organization . He had the 3288 02:06:01,118 --> 02:06:03,062 blood of 100 hundreds of Americans 3289 02:06:03,062 --> 02:06:05,062 going back many , many years on his 3290 02:06:05,062 --> 02:06:07,229 hands . He had orchestrated the rocket 3291 02:06:07,229 --> 02:06:09,780 attacks that had preceded that had 3292 02:06:09,790 --> 02:06:12,310 occurred in that December . And we had 3293 02:06:12,630 --> 02:06:15,410 clear , credible , credible information . 3294 02:06:15,740 --> 02:06:18,220 He was planning additional tax on 3295 02:06:18,220 --> 02:06:21,050 American personnel in the region . So 3296 02:06:21,060 --> 02:06:23,300 very different circumstance between 3297 02:06:23,300 --> 02:06:25,900 what we saw . The evidence . We had our 3298 02:06:25,900 --> 02:06:28,490 understanding of the threat in in in , 3299 02:06:28,490 --> 02:06:32,080 ah , in , uh , Iraq , that was being on 3300 02:06:32,080 --> 02:06:33,858 that battlefield that was being 3301 02:06:33,858 --> 02:06:36,680 orchestrated by Solo Mahaney . And it 3302 02:06:36,680 --> 02:06:38,402 was the clear consensus of the 3303 02:06:38,402 --> 02:06:41,600 president's national security team that 3304 02:06:41,610 --> 02:06:43,832 that he was a legitimate target again , 3305 02:06:43,832 --> 02:06:45,943 very different from information we're 3306 02:06:45,943 --> 02:06:48,320 picking up with regard . Teoh Rush , 3307 02:06:48,320 --> 02:06:50,487 etcetera . But Chairman , I don't know 3308 02:06:50,487 --> 02:06:52,653 if you want to add anything . I want a 3309 02:06:52,653 --> 02:06:54,764 key on something , said Congressman . 3310 02:06:55,080 --> 02:06:56,980 We've been aware for some time of 3311 02:06:56,980 --> 02:06:58,591 Russian involvement or rainy 3312 02:06:58,591 --> 02:07:00,591 involvement or Pakistani or Chinese 3313 02:07:00,591 --> 02:07:02,710 involvement in other countries . But 3314 02:07:02,710 --> 02:07:04,599 there's a big distinction between 3315 02:07:04,599 --> 02:07:07,930 arming and directing . We know about 3316 02:07:07,930 --> 02:07:10,097 arms . We know about weapons . We know 3317 02:07:10,097 --> 02:07:12,208 about support and things like that we 3318 02:07:12,208 --> 02:07:14,130 don't have . In the case of the 3319 02:07:14,130 --> 02:07:16,430 Russians , we do not have concrete 3320 02:07:16,440 --> 02:07:20,230 corroborating evidence intelligence to 3321 02:07:20,230 --> 02:07:22,720 show directing . That's big difference . 3322 02:07:23,610 --> 02:07:26,630 And if we did , it would be different 3323 02:07:26,630 --> 02:07:28,980 response to so . But that's what I'm 3324 02:07:28,980 --> 02:07:31,202 saying . We're not done looking . We're 3325 02:07:31,202 --> 02:07:33,313 gonna dig into this . We're gonna get 3326 02:07:33,313 --> 02:07:35,647 to the bottom of it . This bounty thing , 3327 02:07:35,647 --> 02:07:38,690 uh , if in fact this Bonny's I am I'm 3328 02:07:38,690 --> 02:07:40,912 an outrage general , just like everyone 3329 02:07:40,912 --> 02:07:43,130 of us in uniform is . If , in fact , 3330 02:07:43,170 --> 02:07:45,530 there's bounties directed by the 3331 02:07:45,540 --> 02:07:47,596 government of Russia or any of their 3332 02:07:47,596 --> 02:07:49,873 institutions to kill American soldiers , 3333 02:07:50,360 --> 02:07:52,582 that's a big deal . That's a really big 3334 02:07:52,582 --> 02:07:54,527 deal . We don't have that level of 3335 02:07:54,527 --> 02:07:56,860 fidelity yet . We're still looking well , 3336 02:07:56,860 --> 02:07:58,638 will continue to go through the 3337 02:07:58,638 --> 02:08:00,749 intelligence with you , regardless of 3338 02:08:00,749 --> 02:08:02,971 whether the payments were made . I felt 3339 02:08:02,971 --> 02:08:05,138 that there was significant information 3340 02:08:05,138 --> 02:08:07,138 there about directing , but again , 3341 02:08:07,138 --> 02:08:09,304 we'll continue that conversation going 3342 02:08:09,304 --> 02:08:08,340 forward . Congressman . Just Chris , 3343 02:08:08,340 --> 02:08:10,673 were you able to get the briefing today ? 3344 02:08:10,673 --> 02:08:12,729 Ideas . OK , that's right . Just one 3345 02:08:12,729 --> 02:08:14,784 last question . When we talked about 3346 02:08:14,784 --> 02:08:17,007 the National Guard being utilized , you 3347 02:08:17,007 --> 02:08:19,118 were talking General Milley about the 3348 02:08:19,118 --> 02:08:21,340 training that they often get . Yet when 3349 02:08:21,340 --> 02:08:23,229 we looked at it , out of the 5100 3350 02:08:23,229 --> 02:08:25,229 guards , guards , men and women who 3351 02:08:25,229 --> 02:08:28,780 were here in D . C last month , only 3352 02:08:29,080 --> 02:08:31,860 100 54 from the D . C . National Guard 3353 02:08:31,860 --> 02:08:34,110 with military police 26 security forces 3354 02:08:34,120 --> 02:08:35,953 from other states , only 83 were 3355 02:08:35,953 --> 02:08:38,120 military police and four were security 3356 02:08:38,120 --> 02:08:40,450 forces . That's 5% out of the 5100 3357 02:08:40,800 --> 02:08:43,820 Secretary s for when you send out your 3358 02:08:43,980 --> 02:08:45,869 notice of emergency planning your 3359 02:08:45,869 --> 02:08:48,036 focused on active duty military police 3360 02:08:48,036 --> 02:08:50,036 units . Why was that knocked on the 3361 02:08:50,036 --> 02:08:51,813 same for our guards in terms of 3362 02:08:51,813 --> 02:08:54,091 prioritizing military police personnel . 3363 02:08:54,510 --> 02:08:57,590 And this will have to conclude , um I 3364 02:08:57,590 --> 02:08:59,950 understand Secretary has has to go . 3365 02:08:59,960 --> 02:09:03,140 We're over time . So up to you . How 3366 02:09:03,140 --> 02:09:05,251 long you wish to answer that question 3367 02:09:05,251 --> 02:09:07,251 and then we're We will be done . Go 3368 02:09:07,251 --> 02:09:09,440 ahead . I probably chairman may be 3369 02:09:09,440 --> 02:09:11,496 better situated , but you know every 3370 02:09:11,496 --> 02:09:13,384 soldier undergoes a certain level 3371 02:09:13,384 --> 02:09:15,607 training , and of course we would not . 3372 02:09:15,607 --> 02:09:17,773 I asked him to perform mission if they 3373 02:09:17,773 --> 02:09:17,470 weren't briefed on the rules of 3374 02:09:17,470 --> 02:09:19,303 engagement and had a basic level 3375 02:09:19,303 --> 02:09:21,414 training . But your point is , a fair 3376 02:09:21,414 --> 02:09:23,414 one is . We try and prioritise as a 3377 02:09:23,414 --> 02:09:25,470 chairman note earlier . The best for 3378 02:09:25,470 --> 02:09:27,414 these situations would be military 3379 02:09:27,414 --> 02:09:29,581 police units . But you also have to go 3380 02:09:29,581 --> 02:09:31,581 with what you have available at the 3381 02:09:31,581 --> 02:09:33,803 time to do that . And that's why I'm so 3382 02:09:33,803 --> 02:09:33,560 proud of our guardsmen , who were many 3383 02:09:33,560 --> 02:09:35,727 cases performing missions that weren't 3384 02:09:35,727 --> 02:09:37,893 core missions but where a core mission 3385 02:09:37,893 --> 02:09:40,230 as a soldier or airman , Thank you . I 3386 02:09:40,230 --> 02:09:42,397 will say . There were a lot of members 3387 02:09:42,397 --> 02:09:44,730 who do not have an opt in your question . 3388 02:09:44,730 --> 02:09:46,952 I understand the secretary does have to 3389 02:09:46,952 --> 02:09:48,674 go . We would like to have the 3390 02:09:48,674 --> 02:09:50,730 opportunity to Smith those questions 3391 02:09:50,730 --> 02:09:50,550 for the record and get answers as 3392 02:09:50,550 --> 02:09:53,360 quickly as possible . Um , and with 3393 02:09:53,360 --> 02:09:54,430 that , we are jarred