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Advance Questions for General John P. Jumper Nominee for the Position of Chief of Staff of the United States Air

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Advance Questions for General John P. Jumper
Nominee for the Position of Chief of Staff of the United States Air
Force


Defense Reforms

More than a decade has passed since the enactment of the Goldwater-Nichols
Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 and the Special Operations
reforms.

Do you support full implementation of these defense reforms?

Yes.

What is your view of the extent to which these defense reforms have been
implemented?

My experience has shown that these reforms have been institutionalized and made
part of the daily operations, oversight, and management of the Department of Defense in
general and the U.S. Air Force in particular. I am aware that the sweeping changes
produced by Goldwater-Nichols require continued diligence to ensure full compliance
with the intent of the legislation.

What do you consider to be the most important aspects of these defense
reforms?

Goldwater-Nichols has been remarkably successful in getting the Services to work
together as a Joint Team. For a decade and a half now, weve been a much more
effective instrument of National Security policy due, in part to the clearly defined position
and authority of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and combatant commanders.

The goals of the Congress in enacting these defense reforms, as reflected in
section 3 of the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act, can
be summarized as strengthening civilian control; improving military advice; placing
clear responsibility on the combatant commanders for the accomplishment of their
missions; ensuring the authority of the combatant commanders is commensurate
with their responsibility; increasing attention to the formulation of strategy and to
contingency planning; providing for more efficient use of defense resources; and
enhancing the effectiveness of military operations and improving the management
and administration of the Department of Defense.

Do you agree with these goals?

Yes.


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Recently, there have been articles which indicate an interest within the
Department of Defense in modifying Goldwater-Nichols in light of the changing
environment and possible revisions to the national strategy.

Do you anticipate that legislative proposals to amend Goldwater-Nichols may
be appropriate? If so, what areas do you believe it might be appropriate to address
in these proposals?

Almost 15 years of experience under Goldwater-Nichols has meant significant
changes in the way the Defense Department operates. I am certain that legislative
changes could provide further improvements. However, I would prefer reserving
judgment on this until after I have studied any specific proposals and acquired some
experience as a member of the JCS. At that time, I would be pleased to share my
thoughts with the Committee as appropriate.


Duties

What is your understanding of the duties and functions of the Air Force
Chief of Staff?

The Chief of Staff of the Air Force organizes, trains, and equips Americas Air
Force to best provide the Secretary of Defense and the combatant Commanders in Chief
the forces they need to accomplish our national security objectives.

What background and experience do you possess that you believe qualifies
you to perform these duties?

It has been my distinct honor to serve on active duty in the United States Air
Force for more than 35 years. During this time, I have been privileged to serve at every
level of command, culminating with my current duties at Air Combat Command,
overseeing all combat airpower based in the Continental United States. My experience
in the Pentagon as Deputy Chief of Staff for Air and Space Operations, and my earlier
tours as Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense and as a Deputy Director
for Pol-Mil Affairs on the Joint Staff provided me with a firm foundation in military
operations at the tactical, strategic, and operational levels. My tour of duty as
Commander, US Air Forces in Europe, during the Kosovo conflict was particularly
crucial in crystallizing my views on the effective employment of airpower in a Joint and
Allied effort. My background provides extremely good preparation for the critical duties
of Air Force Chief of Staff.

Do you believe that there are actions you need to take to enhance your ability
to perform the duties of the Air Force Chief of Staff?

A complete understanding of current Air Force and Defense Department issues is
essential to my ability to discharge these important duties. Since my nomination, I have

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taken action to enhance my knowledge of such issues, and I pledge to diligently continue
to study the broad national security issues that will require my attention if I am
confirmed.

Assuming you are confirmed, what duties and functions do you expect that
the Secretary of the Air Force would prescribe for you?

I believe Secretary Roche will expect me to continue the efforts and initiatives of
Gen Ryan in enhancing the readiness and resources of the Air Force, and to focus on the
re-capitalization needed for our aging aircraft fleet. I also believe Secretary Roche will
expect me to engage in the Quadrennial Defense Review discussions that will shape our
strategy and force structure for the next decade. I pledge to work these issues alongside
my colleagues in the other services.

In carrying out your duties, how will you work with the following:

The Secretary of Defense.

I will work closely with the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to provide
the best possible military advice for the Secretary of Defense. As Chief of Staff, I will
diligently work to ensure the readiness of air forces to accomplish the aerospace side of
the Secretarys Defense Planning Guidance.

The Secretary of the Air Force.

Americans are rightfully proud to have the worlds preeminent aerospace force. I
will work very closely with the Secretary of the Air Force to ensure we meet our Air
Force Vision: Global Vigilance, Reach, and Power.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

I will assist the Chairman in formulating military advice as a member of the JCS.
I will diligently advise the CJCS on the capabilities of the Air Force and its preparation
to support military operations by combatant commands. I will advise the President, NSC,
and Secretary of Defense on matters within my expertise as required.

The Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

I will assist the Vice Chairman to execute duties prescribed in statute and
otherwise as directed by the Chairman or Secretary of Defense. I will advise the Vice
Chairman of the capabilities and future requirements of the Air Force. I will also assist
the Vice Chairman when he or she performs the duties of the Chairman because of a
vacancy in the Office of the Chairman or in the absence or disability of the CJCS.

The Chiefs of the other services.


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I will cooperate and work closely with the Chiefs of our other services to help
them carry out their responsibilities as members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I will seek to
encourage synchronization of service capabilities to better produce the effects desired by
our CINCs.

The Air Force Vice Chief of Staff.

Like most commanders, I view my Vice as the person who has the insight and
confidence to tell me when Im wrong. Ill rely on my Vice for candid, resourceful
counsel on the multitude of complex issues we face. Ill also expect my Vice to
complement my efforts in communicating key Air Force issues.

The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Space Command.

I intend to support the efforts of CINCUSSPACECOM, to ensure Americas
interests are both protected and advanced in space. Space offers tremendous potential
for our country and I will work very closely with my colleagues in US Space Command as
we implement the recommendations of the Space Commission.

The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Transportation Command.

I view TRANSCOM as absolutely indispensable to our Air Force, from the way it
moves a young airmans family between duty stations, to its ability to project our forces
into harms way with the sustainment necessary to protect our people and win the fight.
Ill work with the CINC to improve our ability to do these things.

The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Strategic Command.

I will keep the Commander-in-Chief U.S. Strategic Command advised of the
readiness of the air forces to support Strategic Command operations.

The Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Special Operations Comma nd.

Clearly an area of critical importance, Ill ensure that the Air Force is providing
the CINC with the right equipment and fully trained people to execute these demanding
missions. As with the other officials named above, a forthright dialogue is