Ted Budd Questions JCS Nominee on DoD-Intelligence Synchronization and Special Operations Forces

Special Operations Forces and China Strategy

• 🎯 Special Operations Forces (SOF) are crucial for competing in China's Gray Zone tactics, operating between peace and war.
• ⚡ SOF provide an exponential return by building partnerships, training allies, and executing sensitive missions to illuminate threats.
• 💡 The nominee agrees with Admiral Paparo's views on SOF in the Pacific and would consult on necessary investments if confirmed.

Synchronization Between DoD and Intelligence Community

• 🤝 Synchronization between the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Intelligence Community starts with deep relationships and trust.
• 🔗 The goal is to link the best of the Title 10 (DoD) and Title 50 (Intelligence) communities to achieve near "Title 60" outcomes.
• 🌐 Continued efforts will focus on strengthening relationships beyond the CIA to include the State Department and other interagency elements.

Defense Budget and Strategy Alignment

• 📊 Unfunded priorities lists are essential tools for communicating needs to Congress, but they are not the sole method for aligning the defense budget and strategy.
• 📝 The nominee, without access to the current National Defense Strategy, believes continued efforts in the Pacific are crucial.

Maintaining Fourth-Generation Fighter Fleet

• ✈️ The F-16 fleet, predominantly tasked with homeland defense, must not be divested to the point of losing coverage.
• ⚠️ It is unwise to reduce inventories of fourth-generation fighters like the F-16 and F-15E before taking delivery of replacements, to avoid leaving gaps.
• 🔄 A mix of fourth, fifth, and sixth-generation aircraft will be necessary for a considerable period until sixth-generation capabilities are fully realized.