John D. Caine on Protecting Military Spectrum Access and B-21 Bomber Needs

Protecting Military Electromagnetic Spectrum Access

• 💡 Senator Rounds questioned General John D. Caine, nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, regarding the critical importance of the electromagnetic spectrum for national defense.
• ⚠️ The 3.1 to 3.45 GHz band is specifically highlighted as crucial for military use, with 100% agreement from uniformed officers that losing control would negatively impact warfighting capabilities.
• 🎯 Caine acknowledged awareness of this frequency spectrum's basic properties and the potential impact of its loss, noting that it's a valuable commodity with competing interests.
• 🚀 The nominee also confirmed familiarity with the concept of the "golden dome" missile protection system and its potential reliance on specific radar systems within this spectrum.

Role of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs

• ⚖️ Senator Rounds emphasized the nominee's role in providing the best professional military advice to powerful individuals, regardless of policy.
• ✅ General Caine affirmed that providing this advice is the most important and essential part of the job.
• 🗣️ He committed to always "speak truth to power" if confirmed.

B-21 Raider Bomber Fleet Size

• ✈️ The B-21 Raider is recognized as a highly capable platform for operating in contested environments against near-peer adversaries.
• 📈 While the Air Force has committed to 100 B-21s, many believe a number closer to 200 bombers may be required for both conventional and nuclear deterrence.
• 🧐 Caine stated that before committing to a specific number, he would consult with other joint chiefs, combatant commanders, and review war plans to ensure operational needs are met.
• 🚀 He assured that he would not hesitate to recommend more B-21s if studies warranted it for operational plans.