Legislature(2003 - 2004)
03/11/2003 01:10 PM House ASC
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
JOINT ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE
March 11, 2003
1:10 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative John Harris, Co-Chair
Representative Nancy Dahlstrom, Vice Chair
Representative Bob Lynn
Senator Gary Wilken, Co-Chair
Senator Fred Dyson
Senator Gretchen Guess
Senator Ben Stevens (alternate)
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Carl Morgan
Representative Reggie Joule
Representative Pete Kott (alternate)
Senator Gary Stevens
Senator Gene Therriault
PUBLIC MEMBERS PRESENT
General George Cannelos
Lieutenant General Tom Case
Master Chief Frank Love
Colonel Dean Owen
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
^MILITARY LEGISLATIVE ADDRESS: LIEUTENANT GENERAL CARROL H.
"HOWIE" CHANDLER, USAF COMMANDER, ALASKAN COMMAND; BRIGADIER
GENERAL CRAIG CAMPBELL, ADJUTANT GENERAL, ALASKA NATIONAL GUARD
PREVIOUS ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
LIEUTENANT GENERAL "HOWIE" CHANDLER, Commander
Alaskan Command
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR LOREN LEMAN
BRIGADIER GENERAL CRAIG E. CAMPBELL, Adjutant
General/Commissioner
Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs
JANICE NEILSON, Director
Governmental and Legislative Affairs
U.S. Army Pacific
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 03-1, SIDE A
Number 0001
CO-CHAIR GARY WILKEN called the Joint Armed Services Committee
meeting to order at 1:10 p.m. Representatives Harris,
Dahlstrom, and Lynn and Senators Wilken, Dyson, and Guess were
present at the call to order. Representative Ben Stevens
arrived as the meeting was in progress. Public members present
were General George Cannelos, Lieutenant General Tom Case,
Master Chief Frank Love, and Colonel Dean Owen. Also in
attendance was Lieutenant Governor Loren Leman.
CO-CHAIR WILKEN polled the teleconference sites and was informed
that Bill Brophy, Billie Blanchard, Dave Dean, Roger Schnell,
and Lance Herrington were on-line. The aforementioned are all
members of the Joint Armed Services Committee Civilian Advisory
Board. He also noted the presence of Janice Neilson.
Number 3.40
REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM moved that the committee approve the
November 1, 2002, minutes. There being no objection, it was so
ordered.
MILITARY LEGISLATIVE ADDRESS
CO-CHAIR WILKEN pointed out that the Joint Armed Services
Committee, the "brain child" of former Senator Tim Kelly, was
formed about four years ago. Co-Chair Wilken noted the presence
of Barbara Mee, Staff to the Joint Armed Services Committee.
CO-CHAIR WILKEN welcomed Lieutenant General "Howie" Chandler,
Commander of the Alaskan Command, Alaskan North American
Aerospace Defense Command Region and the 11th Air Force, all of
which are headquartered at Elmendorf Air Force Base. Co-Chair
Wilken reviewed Lieutenant General Chandler's background and
highlighted that as commander of Alaskan Command, he is the
single military point of contact for more than 21,000 active
duty, Guard, and Reserve members from all services in Alaska.
Lieutenant General Chandler conducts joint training and deploys
a joint task force when directed by the commander of U.S.
Pacific Command. Co-Chair Wilken related that Lieutenant
General Chandler, after graduating from the U.S. Air Force
Academy, entered the Air Force in 1974. Lieutenant General
Chandler has commanded two fighter wings and a support group.
Lieutenant General Chandler is a command pilot with more than
3,600 flying hours in the T-38, F-15, and F-16. Lieutenant
General Chandler joined Alaskan Command in September 2002 as the
top ranking military person in Alaska.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL "HOWIE" CHANDLER, Commander, Alaskan Command,
began by noting that it is an honor to be present and
representing the some 21,000 military personnel, active duty
Guard, Reserve, and civilian U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
employees in Alaska. Lieutenant General Chandler emphasized
that everyone can be proud of the young people in the armed
forces.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER turned to his slide presentation
entitled "Transforming Alaska's Military," which was included in
the committee packet. He began by noting that the military
structure in Alaska is unique. He pointed out that his position
has authorities from four different headquarters; the newest
being the U.S. Northern Command. Lieutenant General Chandler
mentioned that he works with Major General John Brown, Rear
Admiral John Underwood, and Adjutant General Craig Campbell, who
are great counterparts with whom he feels very comfortable.
9.02
LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER explained that most of Alaskan
Command missions are directed by the U.S. Pacific Command
(PACOM). The over-arching responsibility of PACOM is to enhance
security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region. With regard
to supporting relevant combined training activities, Lieutenant
General Chandler informed the committee that the Indian military
trained in Alaska with the U.S. Army and Air Force just last
September. There is to be a cooperative training exercise in
June, which will include representatives of the Japanese self-
defense force. Lieutenant General Chandler turned to the 11th
Air Force, which is directed by the Pacific Air Force (PACAF).
The over-arching responsibility of the 11th Air Force is to
organize, train, and equip forces for combat operations
worldwide, although the emphasis is on the Pacific Rim. Under
this command hat, Alaska's Air Force facilities and resources
are managed, including the most important asset of people and
their families.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER moved to the North American
Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), which has been in existence
for over 50 years, during which time it has maintained the air
sovereignty of North America from external threats. Since the
terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, NORAD also responds to
internal threats in Alaska, if required. Lieutenant General
Chandler stated that the newest parent organization in DOD's
effort to consolidate the nation's homeland defense efforts
under a single unified command is U.S. Northern Command
(USNORTHCOM). The impact of the creation of USNORTHCOM in
Alaska and its military forces should be transparent. He
emphasized that there has been no change in the number of forces
or the infrastructure. Like USNORTHCOM, Alaskan Command is one-
stop shopping in Alaska for military support for homeland
defense operations. Lieutenant General Chandler also emphasized
that a key component of Alaska's homeland defense effort is
interagency relationships. He predicted that we will succeed or
fail in the war on terrorism based on solid relationships
between various federal, state, and local governments. "It's
imperative to continue to work to develop plans and exercise our
actions together," he said. Lastly, Lieutenant General Chandler
said that the development of USNORTHCOM doesn't provide the
military with any new authority to conduct unilateral
operations. The same framework of the Posse Comitatus Act and
other laws must be followed.
12.17
LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER turned to several ongoing
initiatives. First, he addressed missile defense. Lieutenant
General Chandler remarked that although the military is engaged
in operations throughout the world, it hasn't lost sight of the
new and challenging environment in which they work and live. As
President George W. Bush stated, "Missile defense is an
essential element of our broader efforts to transform our
defenses and deterrence polices and capabilities to meet the new
threats we face." On December 17, 2002, the president directed
the missile defense agency to have initial operational
capability in place by September 30, 2004, in order to defend
against intercontinental ballistic missiles. Lieutenant General
Chandler informed the committee that ground based interceptor
missiles at Fort Greely will increase from five to sixteen and
the program will be changed from research and development (R&D)
to a concurrent R&D and operational program. Furthermore, the
X-band radar was moved from a land-based to a sea-based
platform. The X-band radar will provide considerable
flexibility to support both testing and defensive operations
with the same surveillance asset. Therefore, the radar will be
operated from locations at sea and home ported for crew relief
and maintenance of systems. Several locations are under
consideration for the home port, such as Valdez and Adak.
Kodiak will be involved with missile defense through the
extended test bed, but the extent of Kodiak's involvement must
await the completion of the environmental impact statement (EIS)
and the reevaluation of all missile defense projects for
available funding.
14.20
LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER continued with the C-17, which are
newer and a more reliable aircraft that provide greater payload
and can more easily support locations on the Aleutian Island
chain and the Pacific theater. Furthermore, the C-17 will allow
the quick and rapid deployment of Alaskan forces. Lieutenant
General Chandler pointed out that two units will be impacted.
The associate unit, comprised of reserve personnel, will fly the
same aircraft as the active duty personnel. Therefore,
efficient use of the aircraft will occur while keeping the
aircraft flying. He noted that manpower will be impacted,
although the exact numbers are not known yet. Lieutenant
General Chandler directed attention to the slide reviewing the
construction projects associated with the arrival of the C-17.
Total construction costs through fiscal year 2006 will amount to
approximately $125 million.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER explained that as part of the Army's
transformation into a lighter and leaner force, six Stryker
Brigade Combat Teams (SBCTs) are being created. The team will
greatly enhance the mobility of soldiers. The Stryker is an
eight-wheel vehicle, which can be deployed by a C-130 along with
soldiers and additional equipment. The teams will be ready for
combat when deployed in theater. Furthermore, the teams will be
supported by state of the art technology providing superior
situational awareness. Basically, the Army is going digital.
The third of the six SBCTs is "standing up" in Alaska at Fort
Wainwright; the SBCT will be ready for combat by May 2005.
Meanwhile, the Army in Alaska will be in transition and the
focus will be to keep the transformation on schedule. Another
unit undergoing transformation is the revised 501st Air Borne
Task Force assigned to Fort Richardson. Once certified, the
aforementioned task force will serve independently to support
PACOM requirements. Overall, this transformation will increase
the Army's personnel in Alaska by a little over 2,400 people and
their families. In order to accomplish this there will be a
major range construction requirement to include training
facilities and firing ranges. Furthermore, supporting the
additional personnel will require additional military
construction in Fairbanks and Anchorage.
17.42
LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER continued with the Alaska Land
Mobile Radio, which has the goal of providing a secure,
interoperable communications system that can be shared by all
state, local, and federal agencies during emergencies. One of
the more exciting phases of this system is the concept
demonstration that is scheduled for this week at Northern Edge
in Valdez. After the demonstration, Phase 1 will begin. Phase
1 will build the system around the Fairbanks area. The goal is
to complete Phase 1 by the end of the fiscal year. He
highlighted that the goal is to have the entire statewide system
build-out complete in fiscal year 2006. He also highlighted
that this is a cooperative effort between the state and DOD.
Since everyone is working under a common implementation plan,
everyone will be interoperable. Lieutenant General Chandler
directed attention to a map that specifies the area of
continuous coverage, which extends along the major highways
between Anchorage and Fairbanks and down the Kenai Peninsula.
The red circles on the map indicate areas where there will be
coverage with remote radio repeaters in order to provide local
support in that immediate area. He informed the committee that
about 90 percent of the population and major communities and
road systems will be covered by the Alaska Land Mobile Radio
System. He noted that the system includes two or three sets of
deployable systems capable of responding to situations outside
the normal coverage areas.
19.26
LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER turned to Northern Edge 2003, which
is underway now. Although it's a scaled-back version of
previous exercises, the scenarios being tested will provide
valuable training to the participants. Joint training in Alaska
has contributed to the readiness of forces in the state since
the 1970s. The emerging role of homeland defense provides
another opportunity to transform the Northern Edge exercise.
Conceptually, the proposal is to have Northern Edge exercises
run on an odd-even year cycle. This plan would maintain Alaskan
Command's role in PACOM missions and formally ties Northern Edge
to existing war plans in the even years. During odd years,
Northern Edge would align with Northern Command to provide a
training environment to validate real world concepts and
training practices. Furthermore, there would be an opportunity
to coordinate numerous homeland security, homeland defense, and
military assistance to civil authority related activities
currently being conducted and planned by various agencies in
Alaska. [Northern Edge] also builds on existing strong federal,
state, and local ties. This new concept is currently being
studied at PACOM and Northern Command.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER moved on to the management of
training, airspace, and ranges. He said that retaining the
ability to use the ranges and airspace in Alaska is critical to
the future utility of the forces in Alaska. The wide open
spaces in Alaska allow crucial large scale training and
exercises to be conducted. "Nowhere in the Lower 48, can
comparable training opportunities be found. In fact, our Alaska
ranges constitute what I would call a national treasure," he
said. He related is belief that the importance of the Pacific
Alaskan Range Complex (PARC) will continue to grow. For that
reason, there is continued investment in range improvements,
while also managing the dual use capability of the airspace.
For example, the proposed Mount Fairplay radar is a recent
improvement that will provide coverage in the northern corridor
to Fairbanks, a benefit to military and civilian users.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER turned to the National Guard and
Reserve and said that DoD has come to rely on the National Guard
and Reserve to do work on a day-to-day basis. Just as NORTHCOM
is the center for military support to homeland security around
the nation, the Alaska National Guard is the governor's center
for homeland defense in the state. Lieutenant General Chandler
said that in recent months he has seen an increased coordination
between the Alaska National Guard and active duty military. "We
must continue to work with each other to bring all our different
skills to the fight," he charged. He noted that beyond the
security response missions, the Alaska National Guard is taking
on other unique missions. For instance, transition to Air
National Guard personnel is underway at Clear Air Force Station
in Anderson. The Air National Guard personnel at Clear Air
Force Station will be responsible for operating the radar
conducting missile warning and space control for the nation.
The Alaskan NORAD region operations center has almost completed
the aforementioned transition to Air National Guard personnel.
He noted that when more security personnel were needed at Kulis
Air National Guard Base, the Army National Guard members filled
that need. "Once completed, operational aspects of the missile
defense in Alaska will be tasked to the Army National Guard," he
mentioned. Therefore, "total force" is a reality and a success
in Alaska.
22.59
LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER concluded by noting that although
Alaska's military has a full plate, it is able to respond across
the spectrum of missions throughout the state, including support
to designated lead federal agencies in homeland defense
operations. Lieutenant General Chandler emphasized, "Our
success or failure in this war on terrorism depends on solid
relationships, which I'm happy to report are good throughout the
state, among our federal, state, and local agencies." He
reiterated that Alaska is positioned to play a large role in
military transformation.
CO-CHAIR WILKEN requested that any questions be held until after
Brigadier General Campbell's presentation. Co-Chair Wilken then
recognized Lieutenant Governor Loren Leman who had joined the
committee.
24.19
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR LOREN LEMAN noted that he enjoyed serving on
the Joint Armed Services Committee and was present today to
support the military. He informed Lieutenant General Chandler
and Brigadier General Campbell that the administration
appreciates the work of the military, including the National
Guard and Reserves. He expressed the need to ensure that the
relationship between the Alaskan community and the military
remains strong. Lieutenant Governor Leman explained that one of
his responsibilities as lieutenant governor is the Division of
Elections, and in that vein he mentioned the need to ensure that
military personnel are able to participate in elections.
CO-CHAIR WILKEN introduced Brigadier General Craig Campbell, who
is the Adjutant General for the State of Alaska and the
Commander of the Alaska National Guard and the Commission of the
Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs. Co-Chair Wilken
related:
He [Brigadier General Craig Campbell] is responsible
to provide Army and Air National Guard military
forces, a State Defense Force, and a Navy Militia that
are fully prepared to protect Alaska from any threat,
disaster, or emergency. He is also responsible to
ensure that Alaska's National Guard forces are ready
to deploy worldwide and accomplish military missions
in support of the national defense strategy.
In 1974 Brigadier General Campbell received his Bachelor of
Science from the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Brigadier
General Campbell came to Alaska in 1991 as the Commander of the
168th Resource Management Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base.
In January 2003 Governor Murkowski selected Brigadier General
Campbell as the Adjutant General for the State of Alaska.
26.57
BRIGADIER GENERAL CRAIG E. CAMPBELL, Adjutant
General/Commissioner, Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs
(DMVA), returned to the last slide referenced by Lieutenant
General Chandler, which referred to the total force in Alaska.
He emphasized that Lieutenant General Chandler represents the
active duty components while he represents the National Guard,
homeland security, and civilian and emergency services. The
aforementioned team provides Alaska the safety and security from
all internal and external threats. Adjutant General Campbell
thanked Lieutenant General Chandler for being present today and
noted the great dynamics Lieutenant General Chandler brings to
the state with regard to how the active duty component can work
with the state.
ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL noted that although DMVA has
reorganized, the mission to all components remains the same: to
provide relevant, ready, and quality forces and services for
Alaskans and the nation. The largest transformation is
occurring with Homeland Security & Emergency Services. He
explained that the reorganization has brought the elements of
Homeland Security and Emergency Services together as one team,
which follows Governor Murkowski's team approach. The
reorganization brought together Homeland Security & Emergency
Services under an assistant commissioner to utilize the benefits
of both. The aforementioned is providing results such as multi-
agency coordination. For example, prior to January the federal
government had an Anti-Terrorism Task Force as well as a Joint
Terrorism Task Force and the State of Alaska was a member of
both. The State of Alaska also had its own Homeland Security
Task Force, which included members that were also members of the
two federal task forces. The proposal was to merge the Homeland
Security Task Force of Alaska into the federal Anti-Terrorism
Task Force and that it be co-chaired as one task force dealing
with the anti-terrorism issues that deal with Alaska. Adjutant
General Campbell predicted that soon there will be an agreement
to consolidate the two entities.
30.47
ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL turned to the State Emergency
Coordination Center, which has been in existence for many years.
In the last year, the coordination center was increased to a
full-time operation, which increased the departmental costs.
Adjutant General Campbell said that upon review it was realized
that the Alaska State Troopers have their public safety dispatch
center in the room next door to the State Emergency Coordination
Center. After talking with the Department of Public Safety, it
was realized that there is synergy with having one responder.
Therefore, steps are being taken to return the State Emergency
Coordination Center to an on-call facility while maintaining the
necessary services.
ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL said he wanted to discuss the 103
Civil Support Team, the Alaska State Defense Force, and the
Counter Drug Support Program as a group. He explained that
homeland security requires resources to respond to an emergency.
Within the Army National Guard, there is a joint operation of
the civil support team, which is both Air National Guard and
Army National Guard, and that team can respond to a chemical,
biological, or radiation problem anywhere in the State of Alaska
or the U.S. The aforementioned is a homeland security issue.
Adjutant General Campbell turned to the Counter Drug Support
Program and highlighted that drugs and the money from drugs
funnel into terrorism. Therefore, the Counter Drug Support
agency supports other agencies at the state and national level
to reduce illegal drug use in Alaska. The third component is
the Alaska State Defense Force, volunteers within the Army
National Guard. He explained that the idea is to take all three
of the aforementioned components recruited, trained, supplied,
and paid for by the Army National Guard. However, these
personnel would be delegated to Homeland Security & Emergency
Services so when there is an issue requiring response, all three
of the components would be available to Homeland Security &
Emergency Services to be mobilized and provide the necessary
protection of the state. Adjutant General Campbell remarked
that the aforementioned illustrates that utilizing partnerships
and resources available while not duplicating processes done by
the state is the way in which to solve problems in the future.
34.21
ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL continued with the current operations
of the Alaska Army National Guard, which he characterized as
dynamic and ongoing. As mentioned earlier, Army National Guard
individuals, security police, and military police have already
been assigned to Kulis Air National Guard Base in order to
provide for site security. Adjutant General Campbell explained
that the Air National Guard has security police officers,
however they have been mobilized and sent around the world to
support the Air Force and the Army in their missions.
Therefore, in response to the deployment of active duty forces,
Army personnel are providing site security at Kulis Air National
Guard Base. The aforementioned works very well.
ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL highlighted the 207 Infantry Group
annual training. He characterized the Scouts and the infantry
groups around the state as a dynamic group. He noted that there
are 72 armories around the state. There is active coordination
so that the Army National Guard provides a lot of state security
forces while being available for deployment as a unit.
Therefore, the groups are brought together for training.
Adjutant General Campbell informed the committee that a
memorandum of understanding between Alaska and the New England
states is being developed. He pointed out that New England has
the same type of Scout operations as Alaska in that during the
Cold War both patrolled the coastline and the border for any
possible infiltration of enemy activities. However, the Cold
War is over and the department is looking for a new use of the
Scout organization. Therefore, the department has coordinated
with the New England states to combine the Scouts of the New
England states with the Alaska Scouts. "All six of the states
believe that it's best to have one Scout unit defining a new
mission that's vital to the military and to all our states that
can be utilized as needed anywhere, anytime," he related.
ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL reviewed the aircraft that the Alaska
Army National Guard has. He noted that the aviators are taking
part in the Northern Edge Exercise. He emphasized that these
aviators respond to a lot of contingencies throughout Alaska.
Due to the way the Air National Guard is going, the Army
National Guard is training and preparing to do the rescue
missions in Alaska should the Air National Guard deploy.
Therefore, it's becoming a versatile unit. Adjutant General
Campbell said that the department is totally committed to the
total force concept and the soldiers are prepared to be
deployed, if necessary. For example, Lieutenant Colonel Steve
Williams of the Army National Guard is currently deployed in
Afghanistan and General Rich Blunt, an Alaska National Guardsman
is in Korea. Adjutant General Campbell informed the committee,
"The bottom line ... of current operations is that we have a lot
of soldiers that could amount to up to 450 eventually doing
service somewhere around the globe, should they be activated."
ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL turned to the Alaska Air National
Guard and informed the committee that the 176 Wing and the 168
Air Refueling Wing are integral parts of the total force
concept. For example, the 168 Air Refueling Wing at Eielson Air
Force Base has a tanker on 24-hour alert to support the NORAD
mission and NORTHCOM. Furthermore, the 168 Air Refueling Wing
provides the air refueling for the North Pacific. For the
entire Pacific theater there are only three squadrons, wings,
that provide tanker service across the Pacific air forces. He
noted that the Air National Guard provides two-thirds of the
tanker refueling for PACAF and one of the units is located in
Alaska. The 176 Wing is currently under partial activation.
Should this squadron leave, the Army is prepared to come forward
and perform some of the rescue services in the state. The 144
Airless Squadron is prepared for possible deployment.
Therefore, the Air National Guard is just as busy as the Army
National Guard. For example, the governor's selection for the
Assistant Adjutant Air Commander is still in the Middle East.
41.17
ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL moved on to the future of homeland
security and said that the department is working hard to build a
homeland security program that meets the needs of Alaska. This
program is beginning by obtaining security clearance for
critical individuals such as the governor and the lieutenant
governor. Furthermore, the department is working hard to
disseminate information properly so that when the security level
is raised everyone is aware of it and knows what to do. The
aforementioned requires increased community outreach.
Therefore, the state emergency operations plan will be revised
and critical assets will be identified as well as a response
plan to protect those critical assets. Moreover, the department
is going to try to establish a joint operations center for
Alaska in order to respond to needs from the first responder
level to the federal level.
ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL directed attention to the Aerospace
Defense organization and said, "My vision of the transformation
of the National Guard is to bring the two organizations together
so that services that provide in one area can actually transfer
to another." He reiterated earlier testimony regarding the
regional air operations center transfer to the Alaska Air
National Guard and noted that the Tanker Alert at Eielson Air
National Guard while the 206 Combat Communications squadron is
located at Kulis, which is the Air National Guard. Adjutant
General opined that the aforementioned makes up part of the
component for air defense in the nation. He highlighted the
presence of space defense and mentioned that Clear Air Force
Station, missile defense, and the expansion of site security
mission. He related his vision that the aforementioned issues
become transparent with regard to whether they are green or
blue. For instance, an individual that joins the Alaska
National Guard may begin as military police at Fort Greely, but
may have the opportunity throughout his/her career to have full
diversity in the Alaska National Guard.
ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL closed by highlighting the importance
of veterans of which Alaska has over 70,000. He noted his pride
with Governor Murkowski's full funding of the veterans'
services. Adjutant General Campbell announced that the
department wants to continue to be active with the veterans,
providing the necessary support, participating in organizational
efforts to ensure that Alaska's veterans have what they deserve.
CO-CHAIR WILKEN noted the presence of former Representative
Eldon Mulder.
ELDON MULDER, former Representative, Alaska State Legislature,
said that the Joint Armed Services Committee was one of his
favorite committees. He commented that these are very
interesting times and closed by wishing the committee the best.
CO-CHAIR WILKEN opened the meeting to questions.
48.58
REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM requested comments regarding the growth
of the U.S. Coast Guard in Alaska.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER highlighted that Admiral Jim
Underwood has had a lot of interaction with the commandant of
the U.S. Coast Guard. He noted that there has been a lot of
discussion with regard to the port expansion in Anchorage and
the potential to have a U.S. Coast Guard presence.
TAPE 03-1, SIDE B
REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM noted that there has been much interest
in having a Junior ROTC [Reserve Officers' Training Corps]
program with the U.S. Coast Guard.
ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL acknowledged that the issue has come
up more than once. He informed the committee that he has
written a letter to Admiral Underwood requesting that Admiral
Underwood and his staff meet with him and his staff. He
envisioned a charter in which the issues that overlap between
the state and the U.S. Coast Guard are reviewed in order to
determine where programs might be enhanced. Therefore, Adjutant
General Campbell said that the department's offer is to help,
through state resources, augment Admiral Underwood's forces.
The Alaska National Guard, along with the U.S. Coast Guard,
should participate in Junior ROTC, port security, and expansion
of services. The Alaska National Guard, along with the U.S.
Coast Guard, should be a player in the aforementioned.
44.50
SENATOR DYSON asked if the counter drug support is logistic
support.
ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL replied yes. There are a cadre of
Army and Air National Guard individuals who do counter drug
support as civilians. Other agencies define what is needed.
The counter drug support services support existing programs in
agencies such as the Alaska State Troopers. Other than
education, the department doesn't have a drug program. In
further response to Senator Dyson, Adjutant General Campbell
confirmed that the Posse Comitatus Act prevents the military
from doing anything more than a support role.
SENATOR DYSON inquired as to the tanker alert function.
ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL explained that when the U.S. Air Force
transferred the KC-135 air refueling mission to the National
Guard, "we" agreed to keep one of the tankers on 24-hour, 7-day
alert to support the fighters at Elmendorf Air Force Base or
anywhere else. If radar detects an unidentified target coming
to Alaska and the fighters launch to identify the target, the
tanker is available for launch in order to refuel those fighters
so that they don't run out of gas.
42.15
COLONEL DEAN OWEN, Public Member, turned to the Base Realignment
And Closure (BRAC) 2005 issues. He recalled that the U.S.
Secretary of Defense has said that one of the major objectives
is to examine opportunities for more joint activities.
Therefore, he asked if the Joint Armed Services Committee can do
anything to be of assistance in this matter.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER commented that the U.S. Secretary of
Defense has taken a different approach to the BRAC process than
has been the case in the past. He specified that the approach
has been to review the threat for as far out as possible and
size the infrastructure and force to meet the national security
requirements. Often BRAC is viewed as a way in which to
eliminate excess infrastructure. Although the aforementioned is
one aspect of BRAC, additionally there is the desire to promote
solid stewardship of the dollars given to run the DOD. At the
same time, there is an opportunity to reshape the military.
Furthermore, there is an opportunity to pursue joint ventures
between the services. At the same time, there is the hope to
realize significant savings during the transformation so that
money that would've otherwise went to unneeded infrastructure
goes to pay for the things necessary to transform the military,
including the quality of personnel and support for their
families. The bottom line with BRAC is to optimize military
readiness. Lieutenant General Chandler said that those in
Alaska are positioned very well. For example, Alaskan Command
already has joint mobility processing centers at Elmendorf Air
Force Base and Eielson Air Force Base. Alaska has done a lot to
meet the joint criteria being discussed; Alaska has also done a
lot with the ranges where the land and air forces can train.
Availability to get back and forth to the ranges and the use of
low level flying infrastructure to allow training at low
altitude should be maintained, he said. Furthermore, the
viability of the bases should be maintained.
CO-CHAIR WILKEN reminded the committee that about a year ago
this committee, along with help from Barbara Mee and volunteers,
put together two brochures highlighting the benefit of the
military to the state. There is also a multi-media presentation
that highlights the military in Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN returned to the notion of a ROTC program
through the U.S. Coast Guard and informed the committee that his
office has sent a letter to U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski for her
input. He then inquired as to how the Civil Air Patrol (CAP)
fits into the mix.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER pointed out that the CAP is overseen
by a portion of the air staff in Washington, D.C. He said that
he would have to get back to Representative Lynn regarding the
details of this matter. However, he acknowledged that the CAP
is a great group of volunteers who work on their own time and,
in some cases, at their own expense. He noted that Alaska is a
bit different because pilots must know what they are doing when
flying aircraft in Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN related his thought that the CAP could be
useful in the counter terrorism effort to help to patrol the
pipeline. He recalled some past discussion of the CAP working
with the counter drug services.
ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL noted that he has yet to meet with the
CAP. Currently, the CAP provides search and rescue services.
The idea of utilizing the CAP for homeland security is
intriguing. He pointed out that the Alaska Defense Force is
also a volunteer organization that is available to utilize for
homeland security. He related his understanding that the CAP is
interested.
34.42
CO-CHAIR HARRIS turned to the F-22 in Alaska and inquired as to
what can be done to facilitate and entice more naval training
and involvement in the state.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER pointed out that the site selection
for the second operational location for F-22 deployment hasn't
been made. Alaska is attractive when one reviews the bases, the
ranges, the capability to deploy forces anywhere in the Pacific
and Europe, and the geography of the area. At some point, a
site survey team will review Elmendorf Air Force Base.
Lieutenant General Chandler said that the state has already done
the necessary framework to be chosen as the site for the F-22
deployment. With regard to Naval training, Alaska's efforts
primarily revolve around Northern Edge and the ability to meet
the commander of PACOM's requirements for force protection in
the Korean Peninsula scenario. In the past the training for the
aforementioned has been through Northern Edge. Lieutenant
General Campbell said that he continued to see growth in that
exercise, particularly if the odd-even year construct is
adopted. In further response, Lieutenant General Chandler
specified the need for continued review of the Elmendorf Air
Force Base to ensure preservation of the viability of the base
in order to ensure the ability to fly into and out of the bases.
CO-CHAIR HARRIS requested that issues involving local
municipalities, the railroad, or other things that may create a
restriction to the military's use of bases be relayed to
committee members. He expressed the desire to help facilitate a
resolution in those cases.
29.48
REPRESENTATIVE DAHLSTROM related her understanding that Northern
Edge isn't the only large scale training operation held in
Alaska. She asked if Lieutenant General Chandler could comment
on any other training operations held in Alaska. She asked if
he saw things that Alaska could do to facilitate those exercises
and make them more of a success.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER answered that the Cope Thunder
exercise is the other large exercise in the state. He noted
that the first two were canceled this year due to real world
activities of the participants. This training also includes the
allies of the U.S., which is important and should continue to be
fostered. In June, there will be a number of foreign visitors
at Eielson and Elmendorf Air Force Bases. He said this exercise
will be very important for the government of Japan and the
Japanese Air Self Defense Force. This will be the first time
that Japanese F-15s deploy outside of Japan. Lieutenant General
Chandler requested the committee's support and the community's
support as the foreign visitors arrive because coalition warfare
and cooperation with partners have, in large part, allowed the
kind of development that has occurred around the Pacific Rim.
CO-CHAIR WILKEN recalled that in 1995 Lieutenant General Case
held Lieutenant General Chandler's position when this all began.
Co-Chair Wilken thanked both Lieutenant General Chandler and
Adjutant General Campbell for being present and for their
service. He echoed Co-Chair Harris' comment that the committee
stands ready to help where needed.
26.47
JANICE NEILSON, Director, Governmental and Legislative Affairs,
U.S. Army Pacific, thanked the committee and the governor's
office for the tremendous support that has been given to the
military in Alaska and throughout the Pacific. "It's reassuring
to our military force that both of these governmental bodies
work together in the support," she related.
MS. NEILSON recalled the last Joint Armed Services Committee
meeting during which there was a discussion regarding the
committee participating in the national convention of the
Association of the United States Army (AUSA). She said that the
booth the committee had at the Air Force Association convention
was a step in the right direction. She offered to work with
AUSA in order to have the Advantage Alaska booth at the AUSA
convention. She expressed the desire to have Lieutenant General
Campbell address the committee later this year and perhaps even
hold the meeting at Fort Wainwright. She noted that there may
be an opportunity to actually see the Stryker brigade during a
meeting at Fort Wainwright. She pointed out that there are 10
different models of Stryker.
CO-CHAIR HARRIS related his understanding that U.S. Senator Ted
Stevens and the U.S. senator from Hawaii will be in Alaska
touring Alaska's facilities. Co-Chair Harris highlighted that
Alaska is fortunate in that all three congressional members for
Alaska are supporters of the military. He noted his
appreciation of the support from Hawaii's congressional
delegation.
MS. NEILSON commented that Alaska is unique with regard to the
collective support of its two senators. She related her
understanding that the joint meeting between U.S. Senator Ted
Stevens and the U.S. senator from Hawaii has been rescheduled
due to world events.
21.41
GENERAL GEORGE CANNELOS, Public Member, thanked Ms. Neilson for
her support with regard to AUSA's meeting next fall. He related
his belief that the committee's involvement with the Air Force
Association Conference was one of the more successful endeavors
of the committee. He remarked that it was disconcerting to
discover the number of policymakers who don't know the Alaska
story. Therefore, he urged the committee to accept Ms.
Neilson's offer to meet in early October.
20.32
TOM MORGAN, Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA), inquired as to when
Navy vessels could be expected at the port of Anchorage.
LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER said that he wasn't sure that the
vessel deployed for Northern Edge will make a port call in
Anchorage. He offered to determine the status of that and
inform Mr. Morgan.
BILL BROPHY informed the committee that a military appreciation
banquet will take place in the Interior on March 29, 2003, with
distinguished speaker General Jones, Marine Corps.
19.05
LIEUTENANT GENERAL CASE thanked the committee for being able to
serve on the committee. On behalf of the committee, he
emphasized that the statewide support of Alaska's military is
unmatched and is tremendously important. He recalled Lieutenant
General Chandler's earlier comment that Alaska's range complex
is a national treasure and said that he believes that's going to
grow stronger in the future. Furthermore, Alaska's range
complex will help cement the state's future as a military asset.
GENERAL CANNELOS returned to the issue of encroachment and
informed the committee that municipality's are working closely
with the military on the Port of Anchorage and the Knik Arm
crossing. The port is important because it sees 80 percent or
more of all the goods that arrive in Alaska. If the port is
done correctly, it can help the Stryker concept and enhance the
military's role. The Knik Arm crossing, although a long-term
project, would have encroachments on the base and thus it needs
to be done correctly.
16.34
MASTER CHIEF FRANK LOVE related that Admiral Underwood sends his
regards to the committee and thanks it for all its work. He
reminded the committee that March 1, 2003, the Coast Guard will
transfer from the Department of Transportation to the Department
of Homeland Security. He noted that Admiral Underwood has
assured him that the transition will be seamless in Alaska. He
passed along that Admiral Underwood said he would welcome the
opportunity to visit with the committee at a future meeting in
order to bring the committee up to speed with regard to the U.S.
Coast Guard.
CO-CHAIR WILKEN thanked all the committee staff and the U.S. Air
Force staff as well.
14.36
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the Joint
Armed Services Committee meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
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