When it was announced on December 5, 2014, that former Deputy Secretary of Defense Ash Carter was going to replace Chuck Hagel as President Obama’s fourth Secretary of Defense (SecDef), America immediately had many questions. Chief among them: “What does this mean for U.S. defense policy?”
Carter is sure to be appointed, having broad bipartisan support from many on the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), including the Committee’s Chairman, Senator John McCain (R–AZ). But before he takes charge of the Pentagon, dozens of pressing questions must be asked.
The Department of Defense (DOD) is at a crossroads and facing significant institutional challenges such as acquisition reform and right-sizing the civilian defense workforce. Resolving these issues is critical to the long-term health of the DOD and as SecDef, Carter will be responsible for laying the foundation to resolve these long-standing issues.
In the short-term, however, it is crucial that Carter is questioned about American strategy on a number of ongoing issues. Two of the most pressing include the U.S’s strategy against ISIS and a reconsideration of force withdrawal from Afghanistan. Because these are kinetic operations involving U.S. forces, it is imperative that these issues be raised.
Question 1: Would embedding U.S. Special Forces—particularly forward air controllers and troops with enhanced intelligence, surveillance and recognizance capability—with Iraqi, Kurdish, and Syrian forces improve chances for victory against ISIS?
Significance: With recent reports suggesting that efforts against ISIS are having limited effect (particularly in Syria), the Administration should ramp up offensive action against the terrorist organization. An independent, terror-free Iraq is an American interest—as having a stable ally in this tumultuous region would be a great boon. As the recent Paris attack suggests, Islamic extremists need to be kept on the defensive—meaning that we must take the fight to them.
Question 2: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani recently called on the U.S. to reconsider its time line regarding the withdrawal of troops. Considering all that has been sacrificed in Afghanistan over the past 13 years, will the Administration reconsider the scheduled troop withdrawal?
Significance: Having witnessed violence that spread like wildfire throughout Iraq following the abrupt withdrawal of U.S. troops—in essence creating a power vacuum—and considering the concerns recently voiced by the top commander on the ground, senior leaders would be wise to rethink their exit strategy and adjust their time line accordingly.
Carter’s responses to these questions and the countless others that will be asked during his highly anticipated nomination hearing in February will shed light on what we can expect during his tenure atop the DOD. While his performance on the job will determine his legacy, the hearing will provide the American public with insight into whether Carter will find greater success than his predecessor. For America’s sake, we hope for tremendous success.
For more on what Carter faces, join us at Heritage’s upcoming event, Department in Transition: Challenges and Opportunities Facing SecDef Nominee Ashton Carter.
