ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE  JOINT ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE  February 25, 2004 9:08 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Representative John Harris, Co-Chair Representative Nancy Dahlstrom, Vice Chair Representative Bob Lynn Representative Carl Morgan Representative Reggie Joule Representative Cheryll Heinze (alternate) Senator Gary Wilken, Co-Chair Senator Fred Dyson Senator Gary Stevens Senator Gretchen Guess Senator Ben Stevens (alternate) PUBLIC MEMBERS PRESENT Lieutenant General Tom Case Master Chief Frank Love Colonel Dean Owen MEMBERS ABSENT  Senator Gene Therriault OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT  Representative John Coghill Representative Nick Stepovich Senator Lyman Hoffman COMMITTEE CALENDAR ALASKAN COMMAND'S ANNUAL ADDRESS BY LIEUTENANT GENERAL CARROL H. "HOWIE" CHANDLER PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION No previous action to record WITNESS REGISTER LIEUTENANT GENERAL "HOWIE" CHANDLER, Commander Alaskan Command 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 04-1, SIDE A  Number 0001 CO-CHAIR GARY WILKEN called the Joint Armed Services Committee meeting to order at 9:08 a.m. Representatives Harris, Dahlstrom, Lynn, Morgan, Joule, and Heinze and Senators Wilken, Dyson, Gary Stevens, Guess, and Ben Stevens were present at the call to order. Public members in attendance were Lieutenant General Tom Case, Master Chief Frank Love, and Colonel Dean Owen. Representatives Stepovich and Coghill and Senator Hoffman were also in attendance. ALASKAN COMMAND'S ANNUAL ADDRESS CO-CHAIR WILKEN welcomed everyone to the meeting, the purpose of which is to receive an update on the military in Alaska. Co- Chair Wilken introduced Janice Nielson, Director, Governmental and Legislative Affairs, U.S. Army; Captain David Ryan, Chief of Staff for the Coast Guard District 17; Major Brenda Campbell, Public Affairs Office, Alaska Command (ALCOM); Captain Ted Geasely (ph), Aide to Lieutenant General Chandler; Command Chief Master Sergeant Chris Dobbins, the 11th Air Force; Master Sergeant Robert Carte, 210th Rescue Squadron, Alaska International Guard; Boatswains Mate First Class Michael Love, Cutter Liberty; and Sergeant Matthew Neville, U.S. Army Alaska Soldier of the Year. CO-CHAIR WILKEN then introduced Lieutenant General "Howie" Chandler, who is the senior military officer in Alaska and who is responsible for the integration of all military activities in the Alaska theater of operations. Lieutenant General Chandler is the commander of the Alaskan Command, which is the sub- unified command under the Pacific Command. Lieutenant General Chandler integrates the activities of more than 21,000 active- duty Guard and Reserve members from all services of Alaska. Co- Chair Wilken highlighted that Lieutenant General Chandler commands the 11th Air Force and oversees the training and readiness of two tactical fighter wings and Air Force installations located throughout the state. Furthermore, as the commander of the Northern American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Lieutenant General Chandler directs all air operations in Alaska to ensure defense against all hostile airborne threats. Moreover, Lieutenant General Chandler is the Commander of the Joint Task Force of Alaska, and is responsible for all the planning and execution of all homeland defense operations within the theater, including security and civil support actions. Lieutenant General Chandler is in his second year and has many honors and a lengthy resume. LIEUTENANT GENERAL "HOWIE" CHANDLER, Commander, Alaskan Command, thanked the committee its support over the past year and for asking him to come before the committee again. Lieutenant General Chandler emphasized that the committee can be very proud of the men and women who are serving in the State of Alaska today. For example, Sergeant Carte is a rescue specialist who has flown 30 combat missions and saved the lives of six people this last year in support of Operation Northern Watch, Southern Watch, and Enduring Freedom. Lieutenant General Chandler informed the committee that Sergeant Neville has been a member of the U.S. Army since 1999 and plays the saxophone in the 9th Army Band. Furthermore, Sergeant Neville is the U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK) and U.S. Army Pacific 9 Commission Officer of the Year for 2003. He then turned attention to Boatswains Mate First Class Michael Love who has executed 56 search and rescue missions while serving aboard the icebreaker Polar Star, and is now serving aboard the Cutter Liberty. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER turned to his presentation for which the slides are included in the committee packet. He began by reviewing the military structure. He highlighted that the newest addition to the military structure is US NORTHCOM [U.S. Northern Command], which has extended into Alaska through the Joint Task Force - Alaska (JTF-Alaska) of which the ALCOM commander is the commander. The geographic boundaries of the theater of operations correspond to the State of Alaska, and furthermore there are different authorities vested in his position, based on the four different headquarters. He explained that the responsibilities change depending upon the mission and who is tasking the forces in the state. Missions are conducted with ground, aerospace, and naval components. Number 10.50 LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER related that most of the ALCOM missions are directed by the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), headquartered in Hawaii. The slide entitled "PACOM Roles" highlights ALCOM's overarching responsibilities in the theater. He pointed out that other missions are performed in order to enhance security and stability throughout the Pacific reason. As this meeting is occurring, members of the Third Wing are participating in exercises in both Thailand and India. The aforementioned will be beneficial in the upcoming cooperative Cope Thunder, which will be flown on the ranges in Alaska this summer. The cooperative Cope Thunder is the premier air-combat exercise in the Pacific and continues to grow and support the Pacific Rim military relationship. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER turned to U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), which is also headquartered in Hawaii and delineates the authority of the 11th Air Force, which is responsible for all Air Force forces in Alaska. Its overarching responsibilities are to organize, train, and equip forces for combat operations worldwide while emphasizing the Pacific-Asian theater. Under the 11th Air Force command, Alaska's Air Force facilities and resources in Alaska are managed as well as taking care of the families [of the Air Force]. He highlighted that PACAF is shifting gears such that it will return to the Aerospace Expeditionary Force (AEF) schedule following operations in Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. As part of the normal AEF schedule, approximately 450 airmen from Eielson Air Force Base, 290 from Elmendorf Air Force Base will deploy next month in support of operations around the world. An additional 1,000 airmen from Elmendorf Air Force Base will be postured to prepare to deploy should there be the need. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER, in response to Senator Dyson's earlier question, moved on to the slide entitled "NORAD Roles". The NORAD headquarters are in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He highlighted that NORAD has been in existence for almost 50 years, and has successfully maintained the air sovereignty of the U.S. and Canada from external threats. Since [the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001] NORAD became responsible for monitoring internal air threats that could potentially be in the state. He informed the committee that [NORAD] has an E-3 surveillance aircraft as well as F-15 fighters on alert 24 hours seven days a week. Furthermore, remote radar sites continue to provide external and internal coverage around the state. Forward-operating locations at Galena and King Salmon are still maintained to respond to Russian military aircraft. Lieutenant General Chandler related that F-15 aircraft intercepted a flight of two Russian bombers that approached Alaskan air space last August. The aforementioned is the first Russian intercept in over 10 years and it highlights the training of those performing the mission as well as the vigilance that NORAD continues to maintain. SENATOR DYSON asked if the Canadian Air Force has a sector of responsibility for North American air security. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER replied yes, adding that Canada will deploy to some of the forwarding operations in Canada as well. Furthermore, there are arrangements for cross-border operations in the bilateral agreement in which Alaska and Canada operate. In further response to Senator Dyson, Lieutenant General Chandler specified that NORAD doesn't include surface ships, those are under NORTHCOM. However, he informed the committee that there is a group of people reviewing the Canadian participation in NORTHCOM and how such would be melded together. He suggested that a more efficient command structure would probably make sense. This study is part of a study being conducted by NORAD in the bilateral arrangement with the Canadians. He noted that there may be a time when it's no longer the North American Air Defense Command, but simply the North American Defense Command. Lieutenant General Chandler told the committee that there are ongoing discussions regarding how to best organize to defend the North American continent. SENATOR DYSON added that the Canadian government is actively discussing reevaluating the role of its coast guard and giving it a law enforcement and national defense role similar to that of the U.S. Coast Guard. REPRESENTATIVE STEPOVICH related his understanding that [Alaska] is way ahead of the Canadians with regard to what [Alaska] puts into NORAD. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER informed the committee that when he worked in the Pentagon he was part of the Permanent Joint Board of Defense, which was established after World War II in this bilateral arrangement between the U.S. and Canada. The Canadians have been extremely good partners. Although the Canadian military is smaller than that of the U.S., the Canadians more than contribute their fair share with regard to providing forward operating locations across the northern tier and the continuation of the long-range radar sites across the northern tier of Canada. REPRESENTATIVE STEPOVICH said that he was under the impression that the Canadians depended upon [Alaska] for a lot their overall defense. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER stated that he wouldn't say that. In fact in the NORAD headquarters there are 30 Canadian officers that participate. Therefore, he didn't believe that it would be exactly correct to say that [Alaska] is directly responsible for the defense of Canada. Furthermore, the extensive capabilities of the Canadians make them an equal partner as far as NORAD is concerned. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER, in response to Representative Stepovich, explained that during different times of the year Russian aircraft train over the northern Arctic areas. Sometimes those aircraft venture near Alaskan airspace, and North American Air Defense Command ensures that those aircraft don't enter Alaska's airspace unescorted. Lieutenant General Chandler specified that there isn't a fear that Russians would invade Alaska, but there is an air sovereignty responsibility in Alaska that is taken seriously. Number 17.43 REPRESENTATIVE HEINZE asked if the Russian bombers [venture into Alaska's airspace] every year when they get their fuel supply. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER replied no, and reiterated that this incident of the Russian bombers entering Alaska's airspace was the first time in over 10 years. He mentioned that it's something that will continue to be watched. He emphasized that he was pleased with the system that continues to do the job expected of it for over 50 years. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER returned to his slide presentation with a slide entitled, "USNORTHCOM Roles" and pointed out that U.S. Northern Command is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He explained that USNORTHCOM is [Alaska's] parent organization for homeland defense and military assistance to civil authorities. The Department of Defense (DoD) has been providing homeland defense and military support to civilian authorities for many years. In the past the aforementioned efforts were accomplished somewhat independently by several different commands. However, since [the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001] the DoD has changed in order to place all homeland defense efforts under a single, unified command. That unified command, Northern Command, has reached full operational capability as of October 2003, and therefore there is a one-stop shop for all of the DoD and homeland security contributions to the nation. The impact on the creation of the Northern Command on military forces in Alaska has been transparent as there has been no change in the number of forces or the infrastructure. However, if Alaskan forces are needed, Northern Command can task Alaskan forces directly under JTF-Alaska rather than through many separate parent commands. Therefore, [JTF-Alaska] is the one-stop shop in Alaska for military support to civil authorities and homeland defense type operations. Just this past year, General Ralph E. Eberhardt, Commander, Northern Command, visited Juneau and Anchorage and is returning next month in order to solidify NORTHCOM roles and interagency relationships. Lieutenant General Chandler opined that interagency relationships are key in the success or failure in homeland defense efforts. "We will succeed or fail based on our solid relationships between the various federal, state, and local agencies," he stated. He emphasized the need to continue to work together to develop plans and exercise actions together. A great example of the aforementioned is the relationship building that has occurred in Juneau with Unified Defense 2004, which is wrapping up this week. Lieutenant General Chandler emphasized that the development of Northern Command doesn't provide the military with any new authority nor is any necessary to conduct unilateral operations. Northern Command remains in the framework of the Posse Comitatus Act. Number 20.46 LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER turned to Unified Defense 2004. Unified Defense 2004 involved a series of simulated terrorist attacks, including maritime and port security events as well as aerospace defense activities in Alaska. Therefore, the Northern Command mission and NORAD mission were brought together to exercise. Unified Defense is part of a larger exercise scenario with participants in Texas, Colorado, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. This exercise scenario is designed to allow local, state, and federal agencies to work together to improve the ability to support homeland defense as well as local disasters. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER moved on to maritime operations. While the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has become more visible since [the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001], the homeland security mission of the USCG isn't new. He highlighted that USCG District 17 monitors over 33,000 miles of coastline throughout the state. In the past 18 months, District 17 has undertaken additional homeland security action, including what is listed on the slide entitled "Maritime Operations." The USCG's expertise in maritime operations and its position as a member of the new Department of Homeland Security makes it an integral part of the anti-terrorism task force and homeland defense team. Furthermore, USCG is crucial to the protection of Valdez and responded as the lead federal agency on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security during the increased security level in Valdez this past holiday season. Lieutenant General Chandler pointed out that Admiral Jim Underwood was the primary federal official (PFO) in charge of the increased security in Valdez as well as during the Unified Defense exercise. SENATOR DYSON informed the committee that Admiral Underwood now has a maritime rapid response team for District 17. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER indicated that the MSST [Maritime Safety and Security Teams] is the 13th and will be the one that will standup in Anchorage. He explained that it would bring about 100 personnel, of which 70 would be active duty personnel and about 30 reservists. Furthermore, there are small boat and dog team capabilities that have not been readily accessible in Alaska. Number 23.39 LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER returned to his presentation and drew attention to the slide entitled "USARAK Transformation." He informed the committee that the third of six U.S. Army Stryker Brigades is standing up in Alaska as the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. The Stryker Brigade helps transform the U.S. Army into a lighter, leaner, and more rapidly deployable force. The 172nd Stryker Brigade will be ready for combat deployments by May 2005. In the meantime, the U.S. Army in Alaska will be in transition and brigade teams will train on their new equipment and vehicles. He said he anticipated approximately 300 Stryker vehicles to arrive in Alaska early in the spring of 2004. Furthermore, the redesignated task force to the 501st Airborne assigned to Fort Richardson is another unit that will be in transformation. The redesignated task force will have initial combat capability as that of the Stryker and the task force is currently deployed and supporting operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. CO-CHAIR HARRIS recalled last year when there were issues in Anchorage and Fort Greely with regard to the Stryker brigade and the areas that may or may not have been available for use. He asked if the aforementioned has been resolved. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER answered, "I don't think we're completely out of the woods on either one of those issues." He pointed out that John Brown (ph) has worked very hard with his installation commanders at both locations. The drop zone issue is being reviewed. He noted that [another] complete environmental assessment is going to be performed. Lieutenant General Chandler informed the committee that at some point, there would be a drop zone some place in the north because it's imperative to the U.S. Army's training. With regard to fence issues at Fort Richardson, a great amount of public comment was taken by the installation commander. He emphasized the need for folks to keep in mind that the U.S. Army had always wanted to segregate that land. However, that isn't to say that it wouldn't be available for special use events because there is access capability, as long as the safety of the public can be ensured. There are many other issues with regard to the fence, such as the control of the land. At some point, barriers will need to be placed around the property at Fort Richardson for the safety of the general public and the ability of the soldiers to properly train. Lieutenant General Chandler specified that the U.S. Army will work openly with the public to continue to resolve the issues. CO-CHAIR HARRIS offered to do whatever the [legislature] can do to minimize any difficulties with the public. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER noted his appreciation, adding that the military wants to be good neighbors both inside and outside of all installations in Alaska. REPRESENTATIVE LYNN commented that it's essential to preserve the integrity of the mission of Fort Richardson. CO-CHAIR WILKEN highlighted that one of the problems with the [Fairbanks] school district has been that many military folks moved in the summer and the Stryker folks didn't fill those seats in the school. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER explained that the soldiers should be arriving to "marry up with the equipment" whether the soldier obtains his or her training locally or elsewhere. He pointed out that typically the services attempt to rotate in order to place families and have children start school in the summer. Number 28.06 SENATOR DYSON related his understanding that with the Stryker Brigade there would also be some seaborne rapid transit platforms to be able to move the Strykers. He inquired as to the status of the aforementioned. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER answered that the U.S. Army continues to review ways in which to rapidly transport people via sealift. He highlighted that the Stryker has the capability of being deployed in a number of ways. The U.S. Army will continue to work on the issue. In further response to Senator Dyson, Lieutenant General Chandler acknowledged that there was supposed to be a visit from a seaborne rapid transit platform, and he anticipated that such a visit would occur at some point. He said that at some point, the soldiers will have to practice moving the Stryker vehicles to the port and loading them onto the ships, and other things that would be required during deployment in a real world situation. Lieutenant General Chandler said that typically the vessels he has seen have been 30-40 knot [rapid response] vessels, although he expressed the need to confirm that. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER informed the committee that this USARAK transformation will increase the number of Army personnel in Alaska by approximately 2,400. To make this transformation possible, the range construction issues and the range facility issues will continue to be addressed. Number 29.53 LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER continued with the slide entitled "Missile Defense." Obviously, ballistic missiles are of great concern to national security and Alaska is on the leading edge of defending the nation against this threat. Missile activities are in high gear at Fort Greely where interceptor silos supporting buildings have been completed and missile defense systems are being installed. He noted that Governor Murkowski attended the ribbon cutting standup of the Alaska Missile Defense Battalion, Alaska National Guard, at Fort Greely in January. Lieutenant General Chandler related that the COBRA DANE Radar is complete in terms of modifications. Furthermore, the command and control systems are being installed in new facilities at Eareckson Air Station. He informed the committee that several missile defense-related test launches are scheduled for Kodiak. Although one was scheduled for March, it's been pushed back to an unknown date. However, there should be a launch out of Kodiak by this summer. Lieutenant General Chandler said that missile defense will provide the nation with an initial defensive capability before the end of the year. By the end of 2005 this capability will be enhanced with 10 additional interceptors at Fort Greely and the Sea-Based X-Band Radar from its homeport at Adak. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER turned to the C-17 in Alaska. He pointed out that some of the benefits to bringing the C-17 to Alaska include a greater payload and newer and more reliable equipment that can more easily support locations in the Aleutian Chain and throughout the Pacific theater. Furthermore, the C-17 provides a great ability to deploy forces from Alaska. Both active duty and reserve personnel will fly the C-17s. He noted that the U.S. Air Force has had great success with a mix of active duty and reserve personnel. Currently, training opportunities are being studied in Alaska and are working with the U.S. Army with regard to a potential assault landing strip at Allen Army Airfield as that airfield is improved for missile defense. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER moved on to the management of airspace training and ranges. Retaining the ability to use ranges on the ground and in the air in Alaska is critical to the future utility of the forces and the bases in the state. The wide-open spaces in Alaska allow crucial large-scale training to be conducted, and nowhere in the Lower 48 can comparable training opportunities be found. Lieutenant General Chandler opined that Alaska's ranges constitute a national treasure. Furthermore, he believes that the importance of the Pacific Alaska Range Complex or Park will only continue to grow, and therefore [the military] continues to invest in range improvements. In fact, there is a plan that would commit $178 million in range improvements through 2010 to the Pacific Range Complex. He pointed out that work with the Alaska Railroad is also occurring to extend the line near the range which would allow joint exercises with U.S. Army personnel on the ground as well as aircraft overhead. He noted the potential for forces from the Lower 48 being transported via rail from the port to the ranges to the North, and therefore allow joint exercises. Lieutenant General Chandler stated that this is an example of how the Alaska Command commander could help coordinate training opportunities in the state. He thanked the legislature and the citizens of Alaska for constant support for training requirements. Furthermore, the cooperation between Alaska civilians and the military has been a great success. He pointed out that with the legislature's and Alaskan civilians' support, there are plans to place radar on hill 3265, which would provide greater radar coverage for the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) and civilian traffic, improved aircraft deconfliction, as well as coverage over the missile field at Fort Greeley. The aforementioned is another example of how the Alaska Command commander can coordinate military activities in the state to maximize those capabilities. Number 34.22 REPRESENTATIVE STEPOVICH inquired as to how the military is handling hunters' cabins. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER explained that the land is withdrawn for use by the military from the Bureau of Land Management. The military then becomes responsible for the use, care, and environmental stewardship of that land. The concern is one of safety. For example, if someone is on the range at an inappropriate time, there is the chance of hurting someone. The U.S. Army has been successful with removing some of the [hunters' cabins] from the range in order to ensure the safety of the civilian populous. In further response to Representative Stepovich, Lieutenant General Chandler indicated that folks [with hunters' cabins] should've been notified, but specified that the U.S. Army and the range management folks at ALCOM would be the best place to start. CO-CHAIR WILKEN recalled the figure of $170 million in the range complex through 2010. He asked if the aforementioned figure referred to electronics as well as hard assets. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER explained that the focus is to lay a backbone of fiber, a backbone of power in order to be able to take advantage of some of the newer emerging technologies. In fact, there is review of skipping a generation of technology on the range in order to take advantage of new technology. This new technology, in some cases, provides more realism and is more environmentally friendly. He mentioned that there has been very good help from the congressional delegation with regard to the ranges. Lieutenant General Chandler informed the committee that the next level [of technology and training] will combine live flying and simulation. Therefore, there are huge opportunities with regard to training on the Pacific Range. As new weapon systems are brought on, it's sometimes difficult to explain that the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army has gotten smaller while the training range requirements continue to grow. The aforementioned is related to the capabilities of the weapon systems. Number 38.10 REPRESENTATIVE HEINZE asked if there is any plan for fiber optic communication between Greely and Kodiak. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER replied no, but offered to double- check that. CO-CHAIR HARRIS related his understanding that the best defense against the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process is the amount of land and air space available for training in Alaska. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER opined that in training, no matter which branch of the military, there are three things that matter. First, the base needs to have all of the necessary capabilities from which to operate. Therefore, the base would be free of encroachment and allow flying day or night. Second, there needs to be the ability to transition between a range complex. Third, the range complex should allow realistic training. The above three things provide the ability to develop combat capability, which would be important to a military facility. CO-CHAIR HARRIS surmised that if Alaska has to defend the continuance of bases in Alaska, Alaska should emphasize [the amount of land and air space available for training]. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER agreed. He informed the committee that the BRAC process is at a point in which military commanders can provide information with regard to the mission needs. He reiterated that the military would continue to be open and work with the community as has been the case in the past. CO-CHAIR HARRIS commented that the legislature will have to continue to BRAC proof Alaska's bases if possible. Number 41.21 SENATOR DYSON recalled that during World War II and the Cold War many military stationed in Alaska probably didn't have the type of stewardship that Alaskans do. He informed the committee that he has picked up thousands of pieces of unexploded munitions and drums of dangerous chemicals at Fort Wainwright. However, he acknowledged the huge efforts to cleanup over the last 45 years. Therefore, he sensed that the military is now doing a far better job of tracking materials and ensuring that things are cleaned up. He asked if that perception would be correct. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER replied yes, adding his belief that folks are a lot smarter. He remarked that he knows of no other organization that works any harder with regard to environmental stewardship or cleaning up. Number 44.03 LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER continued with his presentation by turning to the slide entitled "Alaska Land Mobile Radio" (ALMR). He explained that the goal of the ALMR is to secure inoperable communications that can be shared by all federal, state, and local agencies during daily operations and emergencies. The plan will grow to cover 90 percent of the state's populations and will entail deployed systems that will increase coverage to remote areas not in the main system. Last year, 14 sites were built up and two master controllers around Fairbanks, Anchorage, Juneau, and Valdez. This year the project is expanding to include 37 sites at key locations across the state. There has been a unprecedented partnership and cooperation between the military and the state in this area. The inoperability has been successfully demonstrated in exercises under real world scenarios. The land mobile radio was first used during Northern Edge 2003 for a homeland security exercise in Valdez and then in a real situation in Valdez during the holiday season threat to the Port of Valdez. The land mobile radio was also used in Juneau during Unified Defense. He reiterated that the system will continue to grow and emphasized that it's not an inexpensive system. In fact, the DoD rough order of magnitude cost for infrastructure is approximately $51 million. The overall system will cost in the vicinity of $90 million. The DoD has obligated about half of the $51 million to the build out of the system. If the pace is kept, in fiscal year 2006-2007, assuming state and federal funding continues, the system should be completed. REPRESENTATIVE HEINZE inquired as to whether Lieutenant General Chandler was referring to Alaska DoD, Homeland Security, or a mixture. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER explained that the ALMR melds together a number of systems that have never been able to talk to each other. It allows some of the agencies to move into newer equipment. Furthermore, it allows [the military] to move out of the frequency spectrum that needs to be vacated. Moreover, it allows secure ... [tape changes side] TAPE 04-1, SIDE B  LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER continued, "... communications between any agency that wants to buy the subscriber equipment to get onto this backbone that's being built by the federal and state governments." Therefore, everyone can take advantage of the [land mobile radio]. CO-CHAIR WILKEN pointed out that Brigadier General Craig Campbell has worked hard on the ALMR. Number 46.10 BRIGADIER GENERAL CRAIG E. CAMPBELL, Adjutant General/Commissioner, Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs (DMVA), agreed that the ALMR is a large and expensive system that will provide total interoperability across the state. He pointed out that ALMR is being managed by the state through the Department of Administration, and there is a full-time project manager who works with all the agencies to ensure successful implementation of ALMR. He highlighted that the interoperability at the local level is being reviewed, and such would require [the local level] to provide some complimentary resources with ALMR. Therefore, he predicted that between the federal and state resources, one will be pleased with emergency communications in the short and long term. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER continued with his presentation and turned attention to the slide entitled, "NORTHERN EDGE." He reminded the committee that in the past the Northern Edge exercise has exercised the major theater war plan annually. However, with the standup of the Northern Command and the necessity for that command to exercise, PACOM and NORCOM leaderships agreed to the concept of exercising a major theater war plan in even years and provide a venue in odd years to exercise homeland security. Lieutenant General Chandler explained that in even years ALCOM's role in PACOM's mission will be maintained and will formally tie Northern Edge to existing war plans. This year Northern Edge will be held June 7-16th and a Navy carrier strike group with approximately nine ships and organic air wing will deploy to Alaska. Over 9,000 personnel and approximately 170 aircraft from the Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Army are scheduled to participate. He noted that air operations will be conducted over the Gulf of Alaska and the Interior ranges. Through the Alaska Civil Military Aviation Council, there will be advance coordination with the civilian aviation communication and state and local leadership. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER explained that in odd years Northern Edge would align with the Northern Command and provide a training environment to validate real world training concepts and practices. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to coordinate numerous homeland security, homeland defense, and military assistance to civil authority type activities currently being planned in many different agencies throughout the state. In response to Co-Chair Wilken, Lieutenant General Chandler specified that the carrier Stenos (ph) will come. Lieutenant General Chandler said that he was pleased with the participation in Northern Edge this year, which he partly attributed to the alternating year concept. Number 42.28 LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER continued with the slide entitled "Arctic SAREX" in which he participated this past fall in Russia. This exercise provided an invaluable opportunity to build relationships, exchange search and rescue information over the past 11 years between Canada, Russia, and the United States. This year the U.S. will host the exercise at Eielson Air Force Base. Lieutenant General Chandler characterized this as a great opportunity to coordinate and conduct an international exercise. The total force of the 210th Rescue Squadron will be utilized. REPRESENTATIVE STEPOVICH inquired as to the number of people coming in from Russia and Canada for this exercise. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER estimated that 200 people, maximum, although he noted his reluctance to specify a number because the intermediate and final planning conferences haven't been done. REPRESENTATIVE STEPOVICH asked if those military personnel would go into town in Fairbanks. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER said that he anticipated some social events that would allow such. He then returned to his presentation and the slide entitled "Community Coordination." He informed the committee that ALCOM is working closely with local communities on several issues, such as the Knik Arm Bridge. Furthermore, over a year's worth of work has been put into executing a lease to allow the Port of Anchorage access to a strip of military land that would allow the port's planned expansion. Both military and port officials are striving to ensure that future development around Elmendorf Air Force Base doesn't comprise flight safety operations, quality of life, or threaten future viability of the land around the port. At this point, Lieutenant General Chandler said he is pleased with both projects, although the initial plans are awaited. He then informed the committee that transferring on-base schools from the Department of Education and Early Development to local school districts has been ongoing since 1985. The military has tracked the progress of demolishing, replacing, or turning over 23 schools on 7 installations to local municipalities. This past year has been extremely successful and only three schools remain to be transferred. Those three schools are expected to be transferred before the end of the year. Lieutenant General Chandler pointed out that the railroad re-alignment near the northern ranges will allow enhanced joint training on the ranges. A proposed rail extension and bridge across the Tanana River will improve range access and enhance the ability to use the Pacific Alaska Range Complex, both on the ground and in the air. Number 39.11 CO-CHAIR HARRIS asked whether the proposed gas line out the Alaska Highway and the proposed railroad parallel to that would benefit the military in Alaska. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER replied that the Army is excited about it because it allows access to training ranges that have been difficult to get to in the past. Furthermore, it opens the way to bring in units from the Lower 48 up to the Alaska ranges to train. Once forces are on the ground, it allows the overlay of the air battle and thus superb joint training can occur. Additionally, there may be the opportunity to take threat simulators and move them around the range via rail cars. Therefore, Lieutenant General Chandler said that [the military] is only limited by its imagination. REPRESENTATIVE STEPOVICH commented that it really clogs the highway when military training occurs. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER agreed. He then turned to the slide entitled "Civil Air Patrol," which is a summary of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) activity in Alaska over this past year. As the slide specifies, the CAP participated in 203 search missions around the state, saved 32 lives, and provided 29 assists. Lieutenant General Chandler moved on to the "Base Realignment and Closure" slide. Although the final decisions won't be made until the fall of 2005, the DoD is already gathering data and information from across the services. At a minimum, BRAC 2005 must eliminate excess physical capacity, which diverts scarce resources from defense capability. One of the underlying responsibilities of the military is to be good stewards of precious tax dollars, he said. He specified that the BRAC 2005 process will transform the military by rationalizing infrastructure with the defense strategy. "The bottom line being: optimizing our military readiness," he said. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER moved on to the slide entitled "Alaska National Guard." He emphasized that the military relies heavily on the Guard and the Reserve. The Alaska National Guard has completed its transition to the Air National Guard, and have hired the new Air National Guard commander. Air National Guard personnel are being transitioned to operate the radar at Clear Station. Once completed, operational and security aspects of the missile defense system in Alaska will be transferred to the Alaska Army National Guard. Lieutenant General Chandler highlighted the fact that he and Brigadier General Campbell work together every day. Number 35.50 SENATOR DYSON turned to the changing role of the Air Force, and opined that the capacity for mid-air refueling must be a large component of the Air Force. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER agreed, adding that the air- refueling wing at Eielson Air Force Base amounts to one-third of the refueling assets in the Pacific theater. He agreed with Senator Dyson that it's a worldwide asset that has been deployed around the world. SENATOR DYSON related his assumption that all the fuel used [by the refueling wing] is produced in Alaska. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER indicated that the fuel comes from the Northstar Petroleum unit. He agreed with Senator Dyson that [the refueling wing] is a major resource, but he added that it emphasizes that the ALCOM commands nothing and is rather a coordinator. It's very important to coordinate military activities in the state with things such as petroleum production and how it's protected. SENATOR DYSON inquired as to how much aviation fuel is used in a year. ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL replied that he didn't know, but confirmed that the heavy load [fuel] does come from the North Pole refinery. The aviation fuel is stored at Eielson Air Force Base and is part of [the base's] total fuel load. He offered to get back to Senator Dyson with regard to the specific amount. Number 33.20 SENATOR DYSON related his belief that there is virtually no place in the U.S. where military personnel feel as welcome as they do in Alaska. He asked if the aforementioned is true. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER replied yes, adding that it's borne out in the retention and extension figures and the number of military personnel who retire in this state. In fact, one out of five Alaskans has some direct connection to the military. Lieutenant General Chandler said that he and Adjutant General Campbell are fortunate to be in an environment such as Alaska. SENATOR GARY STEVENS characterized the cooperation between the military services as an enormously important issue. He recalled that some historians say that unnecessary deaths occurred in Alaska during World War II because of inter-service rivalry. He asked if that will happen again in wartime. LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER commented that there were some good lessons learned from World War II and ALCOM stood up to try to solve some of the problems. Lieutenant General Chandler informed the committee that the U.S. Secretary of Defense places a high value in joint [efforts] and although benefits were reaped in the first Desert Storm, they weren't reaped to the extent experienced in Iraqi Freedom. He suggested that Iraqi Freedom was the first true joint operation in which joint fires were brought to bear without some of the issues that have arisen in the past. On a personal note, Lieutenant General Chandler related that he and John Brown were national war college classmates and there probably isn't any problem between the Army and the Air Force in Alaska that can't be solved. However, he acknowledged that there will always be friction because there are always resource allocation problems between the services. How the aforementioned is handled at the general officer level permeates throughout the organization, he said. CO-CHAIR WILKEN, returning to the question of fuel, informed the committee that there is an 8-inch pipeline that runs from the North Pole refinery 10 miles to Eielson Air Force Base. Number 28.59 LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHANDLER turned to the last slide, entitled "Summary." He explained that all of these transformational items are important, but it doesn't accomplish anything without the young men and women who operate them. Lieutenant General Chandler said that he hoped the committee understands how important Alaska will be as the military continues to transform. REPRESENTATIVE STEPOVICH turned attention to Clear Air Force Station and inquired as to what [more military] will mean in regard to civilian jobs. ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL confirmed that there will be more jobs. The contractor will continue to work at [Clear Air Force Station] after the activation and much of the maintenance and support work for Fort Greely will be civilian contractors. He specified that the military presence should be very small and the roles the military will play are security for the field and launch operators. ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL provided the committee with a booklet entitled, "Joint Armed Services Committee Annual Update Presentation." He began by reminding the committee that he has met with everyone individually. Adjutant General Campbell echoed Lieutenant General Chandler's comments that the joint force is working extremely well. He assured the committee that friction between the various branches of military doesn't exist in Alaska. ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL informed the committee that this past year the director of the National Guard Bureau mandated that states go to a joint operation, a National Guard. To accomplish a joint operation, there will be a standup of full headquarters for the joint forces, which will include the commander being the Air Guard, the chief of staff coming from the Army Guard, and all components would be blue and green without relevancy to the color of the uniform. The aforementioned is being expanded to the active duty forces, and therefore it becomes irrelevant whether an Air or Army Guard is [provided] because the skill necessary is provided. For example, just two weeks ago the active-duty Army requested support from the National Guard for convoy work in Iraqi. The result was that the Air National Guard provided the drivers and the support people for the Army convoys in Iraqi. Adjutant General Campbell reviewed the bullets on the "Alaska National Guard" page, and emphasized that everything is on the web site. ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL turned to the Army National Guard. He highlighted that 33 soldiers from the Army National Guard have been serving at Kulis Air National Guard Base as force protection for the Air National Guard. The aforementioned has been extended for another year and is another example of jointness. Additionally, 67 soldiers from the Army National Guard Aviation in Alaska are now in Kosovo and will be providing the helicopter, airless support for the peacekeeping operation in Kosovo. He highlighted that the Kosovo, Bosnia, and Sinai Peninsula operations performed by the U.S. are all being done by the National Guard. The aforementioned illustrates that the National Guard is prepared to do what the active duty component requires. He mentioned that the [Alaska National Guard] has assumed the mission at Fort Greely, which includes 47 military police and 15 launch operators. The aforementioned will expand to about 100 at the end of this year. Fort Greely is the only location in America that will provide the mid-course intercontinental ballistic missiles. ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL recalled that one of the problems he saw when he arrived in Alaska was that in many cases the Army National Guard may not be relevant to the active duty forces. He emphasized that in terms of funding and integration, a [National Guard] component must be relevant to an active duty component in order to receive support. Therefore, aligning with the Korea war plan would provide some of that relevancy to the Army. In Juneau, construction of the Juneau Armory has begun. Furthermore, plans have been developed and land has been secured for the new Bethel Armory. There is money in the capital budget request that would allow federal matching funds to build the Bethel Armory starting in 2006. Number 20.46 ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL highlighted that a Junior ROTC program was started in Nome and such a program is actively being sought to begin in Kotzebue this year. If the Kotzebue program works, then Barrow will be the next site. He related that he would like to have the four major regional areas in western and northern Alaska represented with Junior ROTC. He informed the committee that 291 soldiers were enlisted last year and soldiers were activated for force protection in Juneau and Valdez. Adjutant General Campbell reminded the committee that at the end of 2003 there was credible information regarding potential threats to Alaska, specifically in the Valdez area. He characterized what he saw during the end of last year as outstanding cooperation between federal, state, and local agencies in meeting the needs of the Port of Valdez and the capital city should anything occur. Number 19.24 ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL moved on to the Air National Guard and highlighted that it always stands ready to serve Alaska and the nation. With regard to the tankers at Eielson Air Force Base, he emphasized that virtually everything they do supports the federal mission of the U.S. There isn't much refueling for state resources, which is unique because in most states tanker resources provide refueling for other National Guard that fly fighters. Alaska doesn't have any National Guard units that fly fighters and there isn't a strategic airlift Reserve component. Therefore, when the tankers perform fueling it's done for the active duty. Alaska's refueling unit provides the highest level of support to active duty of any refueling unit in the country. ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL turned to the 210th Rescue Squadron out of Kulis Air National Guard Base. He characterized the 210th Rescue Squadron as the premier combat search and rescue unit in the world. In fact, over 200 airmen of the 210th Rescue Squadron were deployed to Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. These airmen experienced hostile fire, but this very dangerous mission was done without any casualties. Alaska benefits from the 210th Rescue Squadron in its capacity as the premier rescue unit in this state. Number 16.56 ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL moved on to the Alaska State Defense Force, which is part of the Alaska National Guard. He explained that the soldiers in the Alaska State Defense Force are used when the Alaska National Guard is engaged in other missions. The Alaska State Defense Force is a volunteer force that isn't paid unless activated. At the end of last year, approximately 80 Alaska State Defense Force volunteers were activated to serve in Valdez and Juneau. ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL continued with the 2005 objectives for the Alaska National Guard. He highlighted the bullet that specifies that in 2005 the Air National Guard Transformation Plan will be initiated, and recalled U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's message that the active duty and reserve components are to do better, do more, and not grow the force. Therefore, having a fixed number of people with greater responsibilities is a tremendous challenge and relates that the military can't do things the way it has in the past. The aforementioned has resulted in everyone in the active duty and the reserve component reviewing, restructuring, and transforming. He pointed out that the Air National Guard will lose aircraft nationally, although the hope is not to lose any in Alaska. However, the people will be kept. If the aircraft has to be lost to meet the goal, the question becomes how to apply the people in a valuable mission to the active duty that also provides value to the state. Therefore, the Regional Air Operations Center and Clear Air Force Station coming to the Alaska National Guard is very valuable because these aren't deployable resources. Since these aren't deployable resources, the Alaska National Guard coming in frees active duty personnel to be deployed and placed in other career fields of the Air Force to fight the war overseas. He mentioned that he is looking at transforming the Air National Guard to meet the U.S. Secretary of Defense's requirements while preserving what's valuable to Alaska. In fact, recruitment and retention will be increased as will the integration at the national level. Furthermore, more service will be provided in the state partnership program with Mongolia. He explained that Mongolia is a developing nation that desperately wants to align with the U.S. The State Department and the DoD have a program that allow National Guard units to align with countries to provide the introduction into a country "below the radar screen." Therefore, a relationship valuable to the U.S. will be established. In fact, Mongolians are coming to visit and see what is done in search and rescue. Adjutant General Campbell requested the [legislature's] support of the aforementioned because it's good for Alaska and the nation. ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL moved on to the 2005 Objectives of the Army National Guard and pointed out that it's in the process of activating and stepping up the (indisc.) mission of Fort Greely, which he predicted will be very successful. With the joint forces, a new Aerospace Defense Organization has been established. The aforementioned organization is unique to the National Guard in America. Fort Greely and Clear Air Force Station have been placed under the new Aerospace Defense Organization. He mentioned that family support is very important to the Army National Guard and work is being done to ensure that the families don't feel isolated when family members are sent overseas. In fact, Adjutant General Campbell pointed out that he met with each of the families of the airmen that left to go overseas as the drivers in Iraqi. He stressed that it's [the Alaska National Guard's] responsibility to serve the families of service people overseas. ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL continued with the 2005 Objectives of the Army National Guard and mentioned the potential of outsourcing rural armory facility maintenance. He then turned attention to the integration of the New England Scouts with the Alaska Scouts. The Scout mission in Alaska is very valuable to Alaska and is relevant to the Army. However, as the Army is transforming, it can no longer afford to have people who only serve as Scouts. In fact, Adjutant General Campbell has been told that those soldiers that are only Scouts will probably lack relevancy to the U.S. Therefore, building in a few other skill sets necessary for infantry soldiers creates a valuable asset to America. The aforementioned has lead to looking to transforming Alaska Scouts by marrying them with New England Scouts to form one Scout battalion with additional infantry requirements. He stressed that making the Scouts relevant is important to ensure that the funding remains. There are 74 armories around the state and if [the Alaska Scouts] become irrelevant with the Army National Guard, the funding will go elsewhere and soldiers and armories will be lost. Number 10.24 ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL informed the committee that there will be some inspections at Kulis Air National Guard Base and Eielson Air Force Base. The aforementioned is important because it demonstrates the capability to perform, and therefore allows the continued ability to petition for money. He then returned to the joint aspect and pointed out that a Joint Security Police facility is being built at Eielson Air Force Base. The aforementioned is a focus of Lieutenant General Chandler, who has made it clear that any construction at military bases must be done together. The building at Eielson Air Force Base is an outstanding facility with the most modern and state of the art technology available in one location. Such a facility is efficient and saves taxpayer money, and helps the airmen from the Guard and the active duty work together, learn about each other, and build camaraderie. ADJUTANT GENERAL CAMPBELL turned to the Alaska State Defense Force, which he said he plans to integrate more into operational plans so that they will be trained, ready, and available when needed. Last summer, an operations plan with the Alaska Railroad (ARR) was completed and the ARR trainer trained the Alaska State Defense Force in regard to what it expected for force protection of the railroad. With that, Adjutant General Campbell reiterated that the Alaska National Guard and the active duty component in Alaska is one team in Alaska. Adjutant General Campbell concluded as follows: We are your militia, started in 1649, back there in New England to provide the needs for the state, the villages, and the towns, and we remain that today. I work for the governor, the National Guard as a governor's resource. We're here to serve you, but we are fully trained, fully ready to serve our federal side if every activated, without that your National Guard would not have relevancy to America and we need to be relevant to America. Number 8.04 JANICE NEILSON, Director, Governmental and Legislative Affairs, U.S. Army Pacific, thanked the committee for its invitation to be present today. On behalf of Lieutenant General James Campbell, she related his best and thanks to the committee and Alaska for its support of the Army and all other forces. She noted that Alaska's congressional delegation has worked very hard to ensure that [the U.S. Army Pacific] is adequately funded, which is the case. However, there are many unknown factors that impact funding. With regard to the anticipated visit of the high-speed vessels, Ms. Neilson pointed out that those were sent to support the global war on terrorism, which represents an example of an unknown factor. Ms. Neilson informed the committee that it will probably hear more in the future with regard to the Army's Force Stabilization Initiative. This initiative works toward rotating units collectively together. In other words, units would come to the state together, train together, and be deployed together and then rotate out of the state together. The aforementioned will impact the troops in Alaska in 2006 when about 3,000 soldiers will depart from the Fairbanks area while about the same amount will come into the area. Number 4.06 CO-CHAIR WILKEN reminded the committee that in 2004 the seats of Jake Lestenkoff and Master Chief Frank Love will be available for [reinstatement or a new member]. Jake Lestenkof's seat is nominated by the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) and Master Chief Frank Love's seat is nominated by the U.S. Coast Guard. In 2005, General George Cannelos' seat, nominated by the Mayor of Anchorage, and Charles Wallace's seat, nominated by Military Associates of the Army, Air Force, and Navy, will be available for reinstatement or a nomination. CO-CHAIR WILKEN informed the committee that it's staff, Barbara Mee, is retiring. He noted his thanks for her and announced that he, the committee, and the state will miss her. Co-Chair Wilken announced that Lieutenant General Chandler will be rotating out mid-summer and thanked him for his work for Alaska, the nation, and the world. Co-Chair Wilken mentioned that Admiral Jim Underwood couldn't be present today, but Captain Ryan was present for him. He requested that Captain Ryan relay his thanks to Admiral Underwood as he moves to the Pentagon. CO-CHAIR WILKEN provided the committee with a letter discussing the BRAC closures and the new process. TAPE 04-2, SIDE A  ADJOURNMENT  There being no further business before the committee, the Joint Armed Services Committee meeting was adjourned at 10:44 a.m.