WEBVTT 00:00.394 --> 00:04.227 - Thank you all for being here, appreciate it. 00:04.766 --> 00:06.016 Good afternoon. 00:07.684 --> 00:11.767 And before my time as secretary comes to a close, 00:13.175 --> 00:16.175 I wanted to come here and brief you, 00:16.402 --> 00:19.315 and do so, as always, with the chairman 00:19.315 --> 00:21.482 at this time of transition 00:21.592 --> 00:23.834 about what the Department of Defense 00:23.834 --> 00:26.541 is doing to stand ready to confront 00:26.541 --> 00:30.708 the nation's security challenges anywhere in the world, 00:30.881 --> 00:33.214 as we always do and must do. 00:33.372 --> 00:36.767 Today, we had a meeting at the Senior Leadership Council, 00:36.767 --> 00:38.980 and I therefore met with the department's 00:38.980 --> 00:42.427 most senior civilian and uniformed leaders 00:42.427 --> 00:44.037 from every combatant command 00:44.037 --> 00:46.645 and every one of the armed services, 00:46.645 --> 00:50.611 and from some of our partners to discuss how we're ensuring 00:50.611 --> 00:53.056 continued preparedness and vigilance 00:53.056 --> 00:55.262 in the weeks and the months ahead. 00:55.262 --> 00:58.234 We also discussed how we're continuing to confront 00:58.234 --> 01:02.401 our five major, unique, rapidly evolving challenges 01:03.360 --> 01:05.443 we face around the world. 01:05.994 --> 01:07.469 General Scaparrotti, to begin with, 01:07.469 --> 01:09.417 discussed the steps we're continuing to take 01:09.417 --> 01:12.805 to counter the prospect of Russian aggression and coercion, 01:12.805 --> 01:15.542 particularly in Europe, where we're standing strong 01:15.542 --> 01:17.210 with our NATO allies. 01:17.210 --> 01:20.145 And Scaps specifically updated us on the arrival 01:20.145 --> 01:23.117 in the past few days of the ships carrying the tanks 01:23.117 --> 01:24.447 and fighting vehicles 01:24.447 --> 01:28.197 of our rotational armored brigade combat team 01:28.723 --> 01:32.063 and his plans to quickly move the entire brigade 01:32.063 --> 01:34.646 eastward in the next few weeks. 01:35.088 --> 01:39.255 Plans that we've been set in motion some months ago. 01:42.527 --> 01:45.108 Admiral Harris and the PACOM team 01:45.108 --> 01:48.104 reviewed how we're continuing to manage historic change 01:48.104 --> 01:49.771 in the Asia Pacific, 01:50.100 --> 01:53.758 the single most consequential region for America's future, 01:53.758 --> 01:57.351 even as we strengthen our deterrent and defense forces 01:57.351 --> 01:59.094 in the face of North Korea's continued 01:59.094 --> 02:01.844 nuclear and missile provocations. 02:03.470 --> 02:05.548 General Votel gave an update on what we're doing 02:05.548 --> 02:09.678 to check Iranian aggression and malign influence in the Gulf 02:09.678 --> 02:13.649 and help defend our friends and allies in the Middle East. 02:13.649 --> 02:15.604 And of course he briefed on how we're accelerating 02:15.604 --> 02:18.854 the certain defeat of the ISIL cancer's 02:19.407 --> 02:21.990 parent tumor in Iraq and Syria. 02:22.124 --> 02:24.867 And there, our coalition and local partners 02:24.867 --> 02:28.414 are continuing to achieve significant results. 02:28.414 --> 02:31.400 In these last few days, the Iraqi's security forces 02:31.400 --> 02:34.650 have reached the Tigris river in Mosul, 02:34.986 --> 02:36.342 and our Syrian coalition partners 02:36.342 --> 02:38.759 are converging down on Raqqa. 02:39.500 --> 02:41.496 All the while, coalition forces continue 02:41.496 --> 02:43.663 to hunt down ISIL leaders. 02:45.563 --> 02:48.290 And then General Robinson discussed NORAD NORTHCOM's 02:48.290 --> 02:51.385 continued cooperation with our domestic intelligence 02:51.385 --> 02:52.936 and law enforcement partners 02:52.936 --> 02:56.603 to help protect our homeland and our people. 02:56.875 --> 02:59.290 The many other senior leaders here today contributed 02:59.290 --> 03:03.290 to this morning's productive, robust discussion. 03:03.392 --> 03:05.195 The meeting was another reminder that, 03:05.195 --> 03:07.421 while the world doesn't rest 03:07.421 --> 03:09.706 for the transition here in Washington, 03:09.706 --> 03:12.556 neither does the Department of Defense. 03:12.556 --> 03:14.210 American people here at home 03:14.210 --> 03:17.763 and our friends around the world can have confidence 03:17.763 --> 03:20.079 that our adversaries should take heed 03:20.079 --> 03:22.458 that the US Military is full speed ahead 03:22.458 --> 03:25.041 in the coming weeks and months. 03:26.997 --> 03:28.631 The Senior Leadership Council's also 03:28.631 --> 03:32.234 a reminder of why I feel confident in DOD's ability 03:32.234 --> 03:34.234 to meet these challenges 03:34.317 --> 03:37.454 and those the future will present, as well. 03:37.454 --> 03:38.806 Around the conference room earlier today, 03:38.806 --> 03:42.973 there were some of the finest men and women has to offer. 03:43.925 --> 03:46.606 Like all those Americans serving around the world right now, 03:46.606 --> 03:49.831 each of our leaders is dedicated to defending this country 03:49.831 --> 03:53.414 and making a better world for our children. 03:54.044 --> 03:56.565 Our military, the finest fighting force 03:56.565 --> 04:00.106 the world has ever known, has so many strengths. 04:00.106 --> 04:03.428 Technological, material, operational experience, and more. 04:03.428 --> 04:05.540 But another is its leaders. 04:05.540 --> 04:07.922 America's military deserves only the finest leaders, 04:07.922 --> 04:10.494 and we've got them, whether in the Joint Chiefs, 04:10.494 --> 04:13.402 our Combatant Commands, or in the service. 04:13.402 --> 04:15.935 Each of them I know will continue to make an important 04:15.935 --> 04:20.102 and lasting contribution to the future of our military. 04:20.683 --> 04:23.490 So will the Marine to my left, General Joe Dunford. 04:23.490 --> 04:25.344 I said it yesterday, I'll say it again today. 04:25.344 --> 04:27.031 Recommending Joe Dunford to be 04:27.031 --> 04:28.645 Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 04:28.645 --> 04:32.812 was the best decision I made as Secretary of Defense. 04:33.320 --> 04:34.655 Joe, you've been a great partner, 04:34.655 --> 04:36.795 helping me lead the department. 04:36.795 --> 04:40.173 Our joint force in advising and supporting the president, 04:40.173 --> 04:43.327 in accelerating the counter-ISIL campaign, 04:43.327 --> 04:46.059 reforming our department to better confront trans-regional 04:46.059 --> 04:50.226 and trans-functional challenges, and much, much more. 04:50.523 --> 04:52.153 And I have every confidence you'll continue 04:52.153 --> 04:54.256 to defend our country and protect our values 04:54.256 --> 04:57.339 with excellence in the years to come. 04:58.715 --> 05:01.882 And of course the Pentagon press corps 05:02.516 --> 05:05.099 represents one of those values, 05:05.566 --> 05:09.536 and also upholds one of those values that we defend. 05:09.536 --> 05:11.115 Free and vibrant press is essential 05:11.115 --> 05:13.094 to our democracy and the protection of it. 05:13.094 --> 05:16.344 I've known many of you for a long time, 05:16.623 --> 05:20.236 and I want you to know how much I appreciate 05:20.236 --> 05:23.633 your consistent efforts to tell the world 05:23.633 --> 05:27.800 about our men and women in uniform, our dedicated civilians, 05:29.413 --> 05:32.362 and what they're doing every day to defend our country 05:32.362 --> 05:33.227 and make a better world. 05:33.227 --> 05:35.427 I respect your commitment to getting the job done, 05:35.427 --> 05:37.050 getting the story right, 05:37.050 --> 05:39.677 getting it to your audience as quickly as possible, 05:39.677 --> 05:43.844 even when we don't give you all the filing time you'd like. 05:44.254 --> 05:48.087 Leda, if you're listening, apologies for that. 05:48.316 --> 05:52.389 But I wish you good luck and godspeed in the years ahead. 05:52.389 --> 05:56.222 Thanks for your hard work and your dedication. 05:56.757 --> 05:58.525 With that, I know the chairman has a few words, 05:58.525 --> 05:59.898 and then we'll take your questions. 05:59.898 --> 06:01.093 - Okay, thanks Mr. Secretary. 06:01.093 --> 06:02.770 Okay, first of all, to Bob Burns. 06:02.770 --> 06:05.882 Bob, I get the chance on behalf of the secretary and I 06:05.882 --> 06:08.005 to wish you a happy birthday. 06:08.005 --> 06:10.838 (reporters laugh) 06:11.000 --> 06:12.333 - 38 long years. 06:12.337 --> 06:13.170 - That's right. 06:13.170 --> 06:15.588 And I understand that's about 80% of the reason 06:15.588 --> 06:17.839 why we're here this afternoon, so thank you very much. 06:17.839 --> 06:20.192 (Ash and reporters laugh) 06:20.192 --> 06:21.361 Mr. Secretary, you were kind. 06:21.361 --> 06:23.965 We had a farewell, I think most of you know, 06:23.965 --> 06:26.298 yesterday for the secretary, 06:26.355 --> 06:29.725 but it was really not just for his two years as secretary. 06:29.725 --> 06:33.493 Yes, this caps really almost four decades of service 06:33.493 --> 06:36.199 to the department in just about every capacity. 06:36.199 --> 06:37.149 And Mr. Secretary, 06:37.149 --> 06:39.969 this is our last public appearance together, 06:39.969 --> 06:42.100 so I wanna thank you on behalf of the force 06:42.100 --> 06:45.302 for your leadership first and foremost. 06:45.302 --> 06:46.859 I mean, as many things we could talk about, 06:46.859 --> 06:49.093 the ISIL campaign, putting the department 06:49.093 --> 06:51.044 on a path to capable development that will 06:51.044 --> 06:54.277 make us maintain a competitive advantage in the future, 06:54.277 --> 06:57.568 how hard you've worked to maintain deep partnerships 06:57.568 --> 07:01.151 and improve our alliances around the world. 07:01.476 --> 07:03.266 But at the end of the day, it's been the compassion 07:03.266 --> 07:04.099 and the care that you've had 07:04.099 --> 07:05.531 for our men and women in uniform, 07:05.531 --> 07:07.981 and the fact that you've been all about winning 07:07.981 --> 07:09.827 that I think we'll remember most. 07:09.827 --> 07:12.806 So I just wanted, in our last time together, 07:12.806 --> 07:15.335 just say thanks very much for your leadership, sir, 07:15.335 --> 07:16.732 your partnerships, and for giving me 07:16.732 --> 07:19.103 an opportunity to make a difference with you. 07:19.103 --> 07:20.233 - Thanks, Joe. 07:20.233 --> 07:21.990 - And with that, I think we'll be prepared 07:21.990 --> 07:23.271 to take questions. 07:23.271 --> 07:25.551 - Birthday boy, yeah, first question. 07:25.551 --> 07:27.623 - Secretary, a question for both of you 07:27.623 --> 07:30.417 about one of the topics you refer to I think as 07:30.417 --> 07:32.887 the big five problems that the DOD faces. 07:32.887 --> 07:33.887 North Korea. 07:34.419 --> 07:38.502 If and when North Korea does test launch an ICBM, 07:39.506 --> 07:43.673 would the US or should the US attempt to shoot it down, 07:44.741 --> 07:46.949 not because it poses a physical threat necessarily, 07:46.949 --> 07:50.593 but in order to deny North Korea the technical advancement 07:50.593 --> 07:52.804 it needs to move forward its ultimate goal 07:52.804 --> 07:56.721 of being able to hold the US territory at risk? 07:58.015 --> 08:02.182 - If the missile is threatening, it will be intercepted. 08:04.617 --> 08:08.593 If it's not threatening, we won't necessarily do so, 08:08.593 --> 08:11.902 and because it may be more to our advantage 08:11.902 --> 08:15.495 to first of all save our interceptor inventory, 08:15.495 --> 08:19.662 and second, to gather intelligence from the flight 08:21.540 --> 08:25.373 rather than do that when it's not threatening. 08:26.727 --> 08:27.949 And Joe, same thing. 08:27.949 --> 08:31.282 - No, Bob, that's where I'd be, as well. 08:32.835 --> 08:34.168 - Okay, Barbara. 08:34.306 --> 08:36.185 - General Dunford, I'd like to start with you 08:36.185 --> 08:37.628 and then Mr. Secretary. 08:37.628 --> 08:39.561 Sir, you once testified before Congress 08:39.561 --> 08:42.158 that you saw Russia as a, in your words, 08:42.158 --> 08:43.878 as a possible existential threat 08:43.878 --> 08:47.110 and that their behavior was alarming, in your words. 08:47.110 --> 08:50.527 So I wanna ask you today, what alarms you 08:51.212 --> 08:54.462 as the chairman about Russian behavior? 08:55.869 --> 08:58.882 What advice do both of you have for the American people 08:58.882 --> 09:02.799 about whether they should trust Vladimir Putin? 09:04.161 --> 09:06.472 Those two questions, and then I would like to follow up 09:06.472 --> 09:09.737 by also asking you what you both think the chances are 09:09.737 --> 09:13.065 of capturing or killing Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi 09:13.065 --> 09:15.483 before the Obama Administration leaves office? 09:15.483 --> 09:18.650 - Okay, so you want me to start first? 09:19.410 --> 09:22.015 Okay, well, first of all let me start 09:22.015 --> 09:24.241 doing Russia then Baghdadi. 09:24.241 --> 09:27.991 With respect to Russia, I've been very clear. 09:30.992 --> 09:34.659 We have our serious differences with Russia. 09:35.415 --> 09:36.784 It's not a question of alarm, 09:36.784 --> 09:39.497 it's a matter of strategic judgment. 09:39.497 --> 09:41.664 We've had serious concerns 09:43.529 --> 09:46.362 about their activities in Ukraine. 09:48.056 --> 09:52.223 I've said clearly I think their activities in Syria 09:53.893 --> 09:57.393 have been backwards and counterproductive. 09:57.931 --> 10:01.931 And, at the same time, we've worked productively 10:02.052 --> 10:05.469 with Russian with respect to North Korea, 10:05.502 --> 10:07.252 with respect to Iran. 10:08.053 --> 10:11.053 And therefore our approach to Russia 10:12.092 --> 10:15.425 is one that is both strong and balanced. 10:16.998 --> 10:20.906 Strong in the sense that we're making investments 10:20.906 --> 10:24.393 specifically with an eye to being able to continue 10:24.393 --> 10:26.560 to check and deter Russia, 10:27.214 --> 10:31.381 and also making investments in our alliance in NATO 10:32.306 --> 10:35.581 so that they can stand strong against Russian aggression. 10:35.581 --> 10:36.414 - Do you know-- 10:36.414 --> 10:38.298 - Let me just finish and I'll get to you. 10:38.298 --> 10:41.381 Balanced in the sense that we should, 10:41.575 --> 10:43.333 with Russia and everybody else, 10:43.333 --> 10:45.245 continue to look for opportunities 10:45.245 --> 10:47.523 where we can make our interests align. 10:47.523 --> 10:51.033 They have not been abundant in recent years, 10:51.033 --> 10:53.616 but I remember a time, Barbara, 10:53.789 --> 10:56.336 and I've worked quite closely with Russia, 10:56.336 --> 10:59.890 but I've done it at a time when it would serve US interests 10:59.890 --> 11:01.598 because I could make our interests 11:01.598 --> 11:04.015 and Russia's interests align. 11:08.310 --> 11:11.427 And so here as in strategy and foreign policy, 11:11.427 --> 11:14.510 generally it's not a matter of trust, 11:15.629 --> 11:17.488 it's a matter of US interests 11:17.488 --> 11:19.889 and the pursuit of US interests. 11:19.889 --> 11:22.675 With respect to Baghdadi, I'll only say this. 11:22.675 --> 11:24.566 I think if I were Baghdadi 11:24.566 --> 11:26.194 or any other ISIL leader, 11:26.194 --> 11:29.777 I would be quite concerned about my safety. 11:30.044 --> 11:32.159 - Mr. Chairman, if I could just ask you again, 11:32.159 --> 11:34.550 following on your previous remarks to Congress, 11:34.550 --> 11:37.221 what alarms you today about Russia? 11:37.221 --> 11:39.407 - Yeah, Barbara, I think you can appreciate 11:39.407 --> 11:41.422 from a military perspective I focus more 11:41.422 --> 11:43.294 on the capabilities and I do their intent, 11:43.294 --> 11:44.876 and I try to project their intent, 11:44.876 --> 11:46.120 and so when I made that statement 11:46.120 --> 11:48.165 I looked at the modernization of the nuclear enterprise 11:48.165 --> 11:49.540 and their public statements 11:49.540 --> 11:51.023 about the use of nuclear weapons. 11:51.023 --> 11:52.914 I looked at their cyber-activities 11:52.914 --> 11:54.887 and their development of cyber capabilities, 11:54.887 --> 11:58.411 I looked at what they were doing for space, in any space, 11:58.411 --> 12:00.179 their maritime capability. 12:00.179 --> 12:03.186 And then, what I also looked at was what I describe 12:03.186 --> 12:05.563 as adversarial competition that, 12:05.563 --> 12:07.544 as a military dimension short of conflict, 12:07.544 --> 12:10.175 that's where they've used political influence, 12:10.175 --> 12:13.834 economic origin, unconventional operations, military posture 12:13.834 --> 12:16.144 to actually undermine our alliance structure 12:16.144 --> 12:18.538 in our partnerships in Europe. 12:18.538 --> 12:20.920 So that probably to me is one of the big concerns. 12:20.920 --> 12:21.924 The secretary mentioned Ukraine. 12:21.924 --> 12:24.056 We saw similar activity in Georgia, 12:24.056 --> 12:26.154 we saw similar activity in Crimea, 12:26.154 --> 12:29.701 we see similar activity in the Baltic states. 12:29.701 --> 12:30.534 - Missy. 12:31.045 --> 12:32.864 - Hi. Missy Ryan from The Washington Post. 12:32.864 --> 12:34.309 I have two questions. 12:34.309 --> 12:36.262 One for you, Secretary Carter. 12:36.262 --> 12:39.519 Lawmakers including Senator McCain have called 12:39.519 --> 12:42.123 the Russian hacking activity an act of war, 12:42.123 --> 12:45.216 suggesting that it requires a more aggressive response. 12:45.216 --> 12:46.969 Do you agree with that assessment, 12:46.969 --> 12:48.247 and do you think that the US response 12:48.247 --> 12:51.914 to the hacking activity has been inadequate? 12:52.756 --> 12:54.620 And General Dunford, I'd like to ask you 12:54.620 --> 12:58.538 about the civilian casualties issue in Iraq and Syria, 12:58.538 --> 13:00.253 and the new administration has suggested 13:00.253 --> 13:02.751 that it might intensify the bombing campaign. 13:02.751 --> 13:05.114 And I know you don't want to comment on future policy, 13:05.114 --> 13:07.154 but given that military officials have said 13:07.154 --> 13:11.321 that after the acceleration of the air campaign last year 13:11.509 --> 13:13.613 that they were hitting everything they could 13:13.613 --> 13:16.177 that wouldn't incur civilian casualties, 13:16.177 --> 13:20.344 is your judgment that can the air campaign be intensified 13:20.815 --> 13:23.398 without killing more civilians? 13:25.251 --> 13:29.418 - Well, with respect to the Russian hacking issue, 13:31.607 --> 13:34.985 I don't have anything to add to what the FBI 13:34.985 --> 13:37.832 and the intelligence community have said in their report. 13:37.832 --> 13:41.999 They obviously did a meticulous job of analyzing the data. 13:44.019 --> 13:47.852 They reported their conclusions quite clearly. 13:48.086 --> 13:52.169 I think they just as clearly call for a response. 13:53.335 --> 13:57.502 And here, that response can be across a broad range, 13:59.700 --> 14:03.117 it doesn't have to be a similar response, 14:03.373 --> 14:05.456 that is a cyber response. 14:06.538 --> 14:09.038 Some responses have been made. 14:10.795 --> 14:14.962 I think you should regard that as a start and not the end, 14:17.532 --> 14:21.699 or, as I've said before, a floor and not a ceiling. 14:22.872 --> 14:24.374 - [Missy] Again, you don't want to comment on whether 14:24.374 --> 14:26.148 it is an act of war or not? 14:26.148 --> 14:27.317 - Well, I think whatever you call it, 14:27.317 --> 14:29.234 it's an aggressive act. 14:30.522 --> 14:31.560 - Missy, I'm having a hard time 14:31.560 --> 14:33.344 answering your question directly, because to me, 14:33.344 --> 14:35.243 the pace of our bombing is driven 14:35.243 --> 14:38.987 by the pace of operations of our partners underground, 14:38.987 --> 14:41.305 so we're providing air support that's consistent 14:41.305 --> 14:43.989 with the progress of Iraqi security forces, 14:43.989 --> 14:46.903 and in the case of Iraq, I think last year about this time 14:46.903 --> 14:48.187 you can remember we had a conversation 14:48.187 --> 14:51.615 about why isn't the air campaign have high tempo? 14:51.615 --> 14:53.983 And we said the Iraqi security forces 14:53.983 --> 14:56.707 aren't conducting operations at a high tempo, 14:56.707 --> 14:59.436 and that's gonna drive greater air support. 14:59.436 --> 15:01.859 That's what happened to Ramadi about this time last year, 15:01.859 --> 15:03.516 that's what's happening right now 15:03.516 --> 15:05.457 in Mosul and the surrounds. 15:05.457 --> 15:07.338 And the same thing is true in Syria. 15:07.338 --> 15:11.505 The tempo of our air campaign in Syria is directly linked 15:11.564 --> 15:14.243 to the pace of our operations in Syrian democratic forces 15:14.243 --> 15:15.307 that we're supporting. 15:15.307 --> 15:17.692 The issue of civilian casualties. 15:17.692 --> 15:19.174 I mean, someone puts that in there as though 15:19.174 --> 15:21.084 that's the driver of the air campaign, 15:21.084 --> 15:23.237 I guess what I tell you is no, that's not been the driver 15:23.237 --> 15:24.282 of our air campaign. 15:24.282 --> 15:26.335 The driver of the air campaign has been our ground partners 15:26.335 --> 15:27.918 and will remain so. 15:28.111 --> 15:29.564 - [Missy] So potentially you could intensify, 15:29.564 --> 15:31.093 you could potentially accelerate or increase-- 15:31.093 --> 15:33.240 - The air campaign will accelerate as the operations 15:33.240 --> 15:35.490 of our partners accelerate. 15:35.670 --> 15:36.503 - Phil. 15:37.309 --> 15:39.985 - Mr. Secretary, your counterpart in Russia 15:39.985 --> 15:43.660 Defense Minister Shoygu came out with some remarks today 15:43.660 --> 15:46.414 saying the United States did not only achieve 15:46.414 --> 15:48.008 a zero result in Syria, 15:48.008 --> 15:50.418 I think he said the words, his words were 15:50.418 --> 15:51.997 it's had a negative result in Syria. 15:51.997 --> 15:55.948 I'm just wondering, looking ahead to another administration 15:55.948 --> 16:00.115 which wants to partner with Russia, potentially in Syria, 16:00.250 --> 16:02.988 how do you see that relationship? 16:02.988 --> 16:05.863 What are the possibilities for improvement? 16:05.863 --> 16:07.550 And to the chairman, if possible, 16:07.550 --> 16:11.467 you warned Congress last year about the dangers 16:11.580 --> 16:13.776 of sharing intelligence with Russia. 16:13.776 --> 16:16.111 How has your thinking evolved in these many months, 16:16.111 --> 16:18.739 especially as US and Russian forces have come 16:18.739 --> 16:21.339 into greater proximity just to do the evolution 16:21.339 --> 16:22.206 of the campaign? 16:22.206 --> 16:25.956 - Sure. Well I'm realistic about our concerns 16:27.089 --> 16:30.156 about Russian behavior, not just in Syria, 16:30.156 --> 16:33.739 but I've also spoken about Europe, as well. 16:34.517 --> 16:37.662 I've also said that it stands to reason 16:37.662 --> 16:40.394 and long been American practice with respect 16:40.394 --> 16:42.811 to Russia and other countries 16:42.813 --> 16:46.396 that we would cooperate and align ourselves 16:47.742 --> 16:51.575 with other countries when and if their conduct 16:52.653 --> 16:56.820 and their interests made that in our national interest. 17:00.166 --> 17:02.561 There haven't been a lot of opportunities 17:02.561 --> 17:04.894 in the last number of years. 17:06.803 --> 17:09.480 Again, I told you I remember a time when it was different, 17:09.480 --> 17:13.563 and of course we'd all like to see a time return. 17:13.877 --> 17:17.098 But that would require behavior on the Russian part 17:17.098 --> 17:19.807 that was more congruent with our interests. 17:19.807 --> 17:21.683 You certainly haven't seen that in Syria. 17:21.683 --> 17:24.712 I said that you certainly have seen that in Europe. 17:24.712 --> 17:26.200 - Phil, I actually have a very similar answer. 17:26.200 --> 17:28.978 Last year, when I spoke about intel sharing, 17:28.978 --> 17:32.672 it was based in my assessment of a misalignment 17:32.672 --> 17:35.284 of our objectives and our priorities in Syria. 17:35.284 --> 17:38.447 And so, unless that would change, then I wouldn't see 17:38.447 --> 17:42.614 a change in my recommendation in terms of intel sharing. 17:44.248 --> 17:45.331 - Okay. Hans. 17:45.723 --> 17:48.722 - Yeah, can we expect any more Guantanamo transfers 17:48.722 --> 17:50.972 in the next nine days, now. 17:51.125 --> 17:53.222 And then a second part, you both have just, 17:53.222 --> 17:55.728 speaking about the role in Turkey and Russia. 17:55.728 --> 17:59.504 Do the Turks, and Mr. Secretary, you spoke about this a lot 17:59.504 --> 18:01.701 on that trip on the importance of constant communication 18:01.701 --> 18:03.281 with your Turkish counterparts. 18:03.281 --> 18:05.688 Did the Turks inform you that they would be working 18:05.688 --> 18:08.021 with the Russians on al-Bab? 18:10.066 --> 18:12.124 - Well, with respect to the second note, 18:12.124 --> 18:16.041 and I'll let the chairman clarify that as well, 18:16.115 --> 18:18.448 we don't see that occurring. 18:18.736 --> 18:20.676 - [Hans] So you subscribe to where 18:20.676 --> 18:23.479 there are over flights in al-Bab by Russian-- 18:23.479 --> 18:27.646 - They have de-conflicted their operations like we do, 18:29.280 --> 18:32.197 but more than that we haven't seen. 18:33.591 --> 18:35.582 And with respect to the first part 18:35.582 --> 18:36.893 of your question I'm forgetting. 18:36.893 --> 18:38.201 - Guantanamo transfers. 18:38.201 --> 18:42.368 - No, I don't expect to see any more requests come to me 18:43.757 --> 18:47.924 to consider the prospect of transferring detainees 18:49.553 --> 18:52.303 because there is a period of time 18:54.129 --> 18:55.804 of congressional notification, 18:55.804 --> 18:59.971 so it'll be to my successor to make future decisions. 19:00.066 --> 19:03.908 - Yeah, just to confirm, we have not seen any indication 19:03.908 --> 19:06.478 of Russian, Turkish coordination. 19:06.478 --> 19:08.252 We have seen Russian strikes take place 19:08.252 --> 19:09.601 in and around al-Bab. 19:09.601 --> 19:11.025 There's no evidence that those were coordinated 19:11.025 --> 19:12.260 with the Turks. 19:12.260 --> 19:14.365 As you may know, I speak quite frequently 19:14.365 --> 19:16.698 with my Turkish counterpart. 19:17.257 --> 19:19.655 He's very open and transparent about the communication 19:19.655 --> 19:22.051 that he's had with our counterpart, Gerasimov, 19:22.051 --> 19:24.788 but he's also said that the Turks at this time 19:24.788 --> 19:26.619 are not cooperating or coordinating, 19:26.619 --> 19:30.786 conducting operations in conjunction with the Russians. 19:31.290 --> 19:32.863 - Have they asked the Russians to stop, then, 19:32.863 --> 19:34.837 I mean, if this is their area? 19:34.837 --> 19:36.304 - I can't comment on that. 19:36.304 --> 19:39.018 I really don't know that they've asked them to stop, 19:39.018 --> 19:40.643 and I'm not aware that those strikes 19:40.643 --> 19:43.805 have been anywhere near proximity to Turkish forces 19:43.805 --> 19:45.482 or put them at risk, either. 19:45.482 --> 19:46.565 - [Ash] Tara. 19:46.778 --> 19:47.796 - Thank you, Mr. Secretary. 19:47.796 --> 19:50.495 Over the last two years as US forces 19:50.495 --> 19:52.828 have died in Iraq and Syria, 19:53.071 --> 19:54.955 this press corps is repeatedly asked about, 19:54.955 --> 19:56.872 were in they in combat? 19:57.531 --> 19:59.686 And you've said they're in combat situations 19:59.686 --> 20:01.769 but not in a combat role, 20:02.570 --> 20:06.018 and I just wanted to know, as you are departing the office, 20:06.018 --> 20:07.704 as you're thinking on that change, 20:07.704 --> 20:10.349 as US forces get closer to these key fights in Raqqa-- 20:10.349 --> 20:11.758 - Oh, 'cause my thinking wasn't what you said. 20:11.758 --> 20:13.514 I said I remember when Josh Wheeler 20:13.514 --> 20:16.663 was tragically killed in a heroic action, 20:16.663 --> 20:18.691 and somebody asked me whether there was combat, 20:18.691 --> 20:20.900 and I said, "Of course it was combat." 20:20.900 --> 20:21.733 - [Tara] Right. 20:21.733 --> 20:23.605 - Unequivocal in that regard. 20:23.605 --> 20:27.605 And you bet Americans are in combat and at risk. 20:28.241 --> 20:31.324 Not just, I think you mentioned Iraq, 20:33.198 --> 20:36.844 but I mean there's Afghanistan and so forth, 20:36.844 --> 20:39.715 and it's the most serious responsibility I have 20:39.715 --> 20:41.715 as Secretary of Defense. 20:46.240 --> 20:48.589 This isn't a matter of semantics. 20:48.589 --> 20:50.892 - So are those trainers and advisors in a combat role? 20:50.892 --> 20:54.892 And then General Dunford, you've said when asked 20:55.747 --> 20:58.941 that women have been proving themselves in combat for years, 20:58.941 --> 21:02.108 and the argument over women in combat, 21:02.728 --> 21:04.561 again, it's semantics. 21:05.353 --> 21:09.520 Should we expect then that, in the new administration, 21:10.495 --> 21:14.284 all roles would remain open for women in combat? 21:14.284 --> 21:15.964 - I, oh sorry, go ahead. 21:15.964 --> 21:17.747 - Yeah I can't talk to the next administration. 21:17.747 --> 21:20.163 I mean, right now, I know what the policy is 21:20.163 --> 21:22.393 and we've been implementing the policy. 21:22.393 --> 21:24.566 I certainly can't comment on anything 21:24.566 --> 21:27.152 that might happen in the future. 21:27.152 --> 21:30.949 - And to get to the first part of your question, 21:30.949 --> 21:31.866 the role of 21:35.906 --> 21:39.906 our forces, whether in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, 21:41.546 --> 21:45.213 our strategic approach in all of those areas 21:46.966 --> 21:49.383 is to work with and to enable 21:50.578 --> 21:52.954 capable and motivated local forces. 21:52.954 --> 21:54.371 That's important. 21:54.597 --> 21:57.497 But it certainly puts our people in harm's way. 21:57.497 --> 22:00.580 And with respect to women in service, 22:01.627 --> 22:05.794 what matters for the future of the all-volunteer force 22:09.128 --> 22:12.878 is that we emphasize attracting and retaining 22:19.083 --> 22:23.250 the most qualified people who can meet our standards. 22:23.998 --> 22:26.613 That is the criteria, not other criteria. 22:26.613 --> 22:28.120 That is the criteria, 22:28.120 --> 22:32.287 and it will ensure excellence in the all-volunteer military. 22:36.024 --> 22:37.097 Let's just see. 22:37.097 --> 22:38.930 Tony. Tony, sorry I... 22:40.500 --> 22:42.558 - How close is the United States and the coalition 22:42.558 --> 22:44.058 to defeating ISIL? 22:47.212 --> 22:50.778 In 2014, Dempsey and I think Hagel said it could take 22:50.778 --> 22:52.445 three to four years. 22:52.521 --> 22:55.555 Just how close is the military defeat of ISIL at this point, 22:55.555 --> 22:59.013 and do you both see a potential need to retain 22:59.013 --> 23:01.263 a US residual force in Iraq 23:02.341 --> 23:05.174 after ISIL is militarily defeated? 23:05.498 --> 23:09.081 - Well, this is a war, so one doesn't know. 23:12.012 --> 23:15.012 I'm confident that it will conclude. 23:15.314 --> 23:17.342 We want to conclude it as soon as possible. 23:17.342 --> 23:20.643 I'm not prepared to put a date on it and haven't been. 23:20.643 --> 23:22.869 We know what all the steps are, 23:22.869 --> 23:27.036 we know the steps that we have laid out in the plan, 23:32.867 --> 23:36.367 and we take each of those as rapidly as we 23:36.558 --> 23:39.475 and our partners are able to do it. 23:39.774 --> 23:41.018 And what was the second part, Tony, again? 23:41.018 --> 23:41.851 Sorry. 23:41.904 --> 23:45.068 - Do you both, do you see the need for a residual force 23:45.068 --> 23:48.568 in Iraq after ISIL is militarily defeated? 23:49.137 --> 23:51.614 - Well, that'll be up to the government of Iraq 23:51.614 --> 23:53.094 first of all, and Prime Minister Abadi, 23:53.094 --> 23:54.677 I want to say that. 23:55.244 --> 23:58.918 But that is something that I've discussed before, 23:58.918 --> 24:01.505 and that we've discussed with the government of Iraq. 24:01.505 --> 24:05.672 It'll take some time to consolidate Iraqi security, 24:06.862 --> 24:09.140 even after the fall of Mosul, which will occur, 24:09.140 --> 24:12.057 like the defeat of ISIL will occur. 24:12.222 --> 24:16.389 But there will be other cities and towns lesser in Iraq 24:18.569 --> 24:22.470 where the government's control will need to be secured 24:22.470 --> 24:26.637 and reconstruction stabilization will need to begin. 24:27.083 --> 24:31.250 And there will be an ISIL tendency to go underground 24:31.992 --> 24:34.825 and to go to more isolated regions 24:35.264 --> 24:38.933 and continue to try to mount counter-terrorist operations, 24:38.933 --> 24:42.183 and that'll require a sustained effort. 24:42.830 --> 24:44.304 And I think the United States 24:44.304 --> 24:45.814 and the International Coalition, 24:45.814 --> 24:47.448 everybody's realistic about that. 24:47.448 --> 24:49.295 When I was in London with all the defense ministers 24:49.295 --> 24:52.962 of the coalition partners about a month ago, 24:54.108 --> 24:55.472 we discussed this, 24:55.472 --> 24:58.889 and there wasn't any question in the room 24:59.628 --> 25:02.961 that ISIL would have a life after Mosul, 25:05.076 --> 25:07.339 and that we would all need to continue to be 25:07.339 --> 25:10.586 in the business of protecting our people. 25:10.586 --> 25:11.620 You wanna add anything to that? 25:11.620 --> 25:12.685 - Tony, the only thing I'd say, 25:12.685 --> 25:13.714 and I don't mean to be evasive, 25:13.714 --> 25:15.609 but that's obviously a question I'm gonna have 25:15.609 --> 25:17.646 to make a recommendation to the future administration 25:17.646 --> 25:20.042 in terms of our longterm presence in Iraq, 25:20.042 --> 25:22.221 and I think the secretary said something very important 25:22.221 --> 25:24.148 that it also has be done in conjunction 25:24.148 --> 25:25.252 with the Iraqi government. 25:25.252 --> 25:28.021 So for me to speak about that publicly right now 25:28.021 --> 25:29.938 would be inappropriate. 25:30.752 --> 25:31.669 - Jennifer. 25:32.637 --> 25:33.637 - Thank you. 25:33.905 --> 25:35.581 Mr. Secretary, what would be the impact 25:35.581 --> 25:38.557 on the changes you've made to women in combat 25:38.557 --> 25:40.926 if the next administration were to roll back 25:40.926 --> 25:42.212 some of those changes, 25:42.212 --> 25:44.514 close some of those positions to women? 25:44.514 --> 25:47.427 What message would it send to the all-volunteer force? 25:47.427 --> 25:49.758 And for both of you, when were you made aware 25:49.758 --> 25:52.462 that the Russians were hacking into the US election, 25:52.462 --> 25:55.270 and should the US have responded sooner? 25:55.270 --> 25:57.991 - Well, with respect to the first part, 25:57.991 --> 25:59.609 I'll just repeat what I said, 25:59.609 --> 26:03.776 which is it is important, it is essential to the excellence 26:04.466 --> 26:07.966 of our military that we put first foremost 26:10.239 --> 26:14.322 the ability of an individual to do the job better 26:16.221 --> 26:18.786 than anybody else, to be qualified, 26:18.786 --> 26:20.371 and to meet the standards. 26:20.371 --> 26:22.537 That's why we're the best in the world, 26:22.537 --> 26:24.705 and that's what we need to do to stay the best in the world, 26:24.705 --> 26:28.455 and there's not substitute for that standard. 26:29.091 --> 26:30.341 And, I'm sorry. 26:33.152 --> 26:35.227 - When were you made aware that the Russians 26:35.227 --> 26:36.289 were hacking in the US election, 26:36.289 --> 26:38.102 and should the US have responded sooner? 26:38.102 --> 26:40.935 - Oh, well I think that it's clear 26:42.418 --> 26:44.115 that there were indications of this 26:44.115 --> 26:45.841 kind of Russian activity, 26:45.841 --> 26:47.441 not just in the United States 26:47.441 --> 26:50.418 but in other countries going back quite some while. 26:50.418 --> 26:52.475 But the evidence accumulated that resulted 26:52.475 --> 26:55.405 in the intelligence community making its judgment, 26:55.405 --> 26:57.094 which you've now seen, 26:57.094 --> 27:01.261 only after they were comfortable that they had the evidence 27:01.616 --> 27:03.289 and had made the judgments, 27:03.289 --> 27:06.121 and that was a decision they made, not that we made. 27:06.121 --> 27:08.538 But I respect their analysis. 27:09.144 --> 27:10.698 - We were shared with this, Jennifer, 27:10.698 --> 27:12.981 we were shared with this definitively in October. 27:12.981 --> 27:15.521 So, as the secretary said, we had seen some reports, 27:15.521 --> 27:17.005 and then some discussion. 27:17.005 --> 27:19.030 I think you all saw many of those even in the open source. 27:19.030 --> 27:23.197 But I think a definitive conclusion was drawn in October. 27:24.349 --> 27:26.577 - [Peter] Sir, you've got time for one more. 27:26.577 --> 27:27.410 - Lalit. 27:27.903 --> 27:29.051 - Thank you, Secretary. 27:29.051 --> 27:30.601 You have been the person involved 27:30.601 --> 27:33.851 with the US-India defense relationship. 27:34.505 --> 27:37.255 During this period, defense trade 27:37.802 --> 27:39.508 has increased to 15 billion. 27:39.508 --> 27:40.968 Now we have the largest motives 27:40.968 --> 27:43.183 to try and decide this together. 27:43.183 --> 27:45.337 You and Mr. Parrikar have been meeting frequently. 27:45.337 --> 27:47.786 Never in the past has that happened. 27:47.786 --> 27:50.396 What should be the future of, what should the next step 27:50.396 --> 27:52.403 for India and US defense relationship? 27:52.403 --> 27:54.675 - Well, I think we're all on the right path, 27:54.675 --> 27:57.090 it's just a matter of taking those steps, 27:57.090 --> 28:01.257 and they involve deepening our cooperation lots of ways, 28:02.337 --> 28:03.859 I mean, there's exercises 28:03.859 --> 28:07.359 and other kinds of operational activities. 28:08.991 --> 28:11.316 There is something that I think 28:11.316 --> 28:15.252 that Prime Minister Modi and Defense Minister Parrikar 28:15.252 --> 28:19.419 have been equally intent upon as President Obama and myself, 28:23.709 --> 28:27.792 which is the development of defense relationships 28:30.400 --> 28:32.344 for new technology which involve 28:32.344 --> 28:35.177 technology sharing, co-production, 28:35.344 --> 28:38.381 and so far I think we have a great number of projects. 28:38.381 --> 28:40.647 And I was in New Delhi not long ago 28:40.647 --> 28:43.398 and discussing all these, and they're many of them, 28:43.398 --> 28:45.231 too many to enumerate, 28:45.269 --> 28:48.661 all of them on course, they all have they're own schedules 28:48.661 --> 28:51.773 and sort of technical timelines to them. 28:51.773 --> 28:54.883 But this is a relationship which, I've said many times, 28:54.883 --> 28:56.913 is destined for the future 28:56.913 --> 29:00.454 because of the nature of our two societies, 29:00.454 --> 29:02.537 the values that we share, 29:04.382 --> 29:07.965 the human relationship between our peoples. 29:08.841 --> 29:11.134 Peter, we can do one more if you want. 29:11.134 --> 29:12.783 I've gotta do our holiday party which, 29:12.783 --> 29:15.121 I don't know, are you all invited to the holiday party? 29:15.121 --> 29:17.342 It's gonna be a nice holiday party. 29:17.342 --> 29:19.092 I'll put it on Peter. 29:19.284 --> 29:20.117 Peter! 29:21.136 --> 29:23.464 He's having a separate policy. 29:23.464 --> 29:25.451 - Sir, we have one more. 29:25.451 --> 29:27.377 We'll go to Gordon Lubold in the back. 29:27.377 --> 29:28.210 - Oh Gordon. 29:28.210 --> 29:29.377 Hello, Gordon. 29:29.512 --> 29:30.735 - Mr. Secretary, Mr. Chairman. 29:30.735 --> 29:33.985 I have a question on US, Russia, Syria, 29:34.033 --> 29:36.399 kind of following up on Phil's question. 29:36.399 --> 29:39.994 As you know, obviously this MOU between the two countries 29:39.994 --> 29:41.753 over de-confliction and what. 29:41.753 --> 29:45.920 There's also a proposal to elevate the level of dialogue 29:46.504 --> 29:50.671 and exchange between US and Russian military over Syria, 29:52.415 --> 29:55.665 short of coordination or intel sharing. 29:55.724 --> 29:59.057 I'm wondering, to the extent you're tracking this, 29:59.057 --> 30:01.050 Mr. Secretary, what's your assessment of it? 30:01.050 --> 30:02.817 What are the upsides and downsides of it? 30:02.817 --> 30:05.314 And also you, Mr. Chairman, if you would. 30:05.314 --> 30:06.517 - [Ash] Go ahead, Joe. 30:06.517 --> 30:09.605 - Gordon, you've obviously got some people 30:09.605 --> 30:11.618 that have shared something with you. 30:11.618 --> 30:13.692 I wouldn't describe that as a proposal. 30:13.692 --> 30:16.535 We haven't talked about that outside the building. 30:16.535 --> 30:19.589 We're constantly looking at the Syria campaign, 30:19.589 --> 30:22.258 constantly looking at what's happening on the ground, 30:22.258 --> 30:25.762 first and foremost with the desire to make sure 30:25.762 --> 30:27.849 we have the proper framework to protect our people. 30:27.849 --> 30:29.322 That's number one. 30:29.322 --> 30:31.585 Number two, to make sure we have the proper framework 30:31.585 --> 30:33.661 within which we can accomplish our objective. 30:33.661 --> 30:36.143 So what you described is not very mature, 30:36.143 --> 30:37.959 it's been some conversations we've had. 30:37.959 --> 30:40.646 I have not even gone to the secretary 30:40.646 --> 30:42.891 and asked him to make a decision on that, 30:42.891 --> 30:45.055 so this is something that, again, 30:45.055 --> 30:48.101 I would put that in the context of many, many other ideas 30:48.101 --> 30:49.993 that we've bounced around. 30:49.993 --> 30:53.302 Again, with how do we make sure the campaign progresses 30:53.302 --> 30:56.768 with our people on the ground safe, our aviators safe, 30:56.768 --> 30:59.028 and making sure we can accomplish our objectives. 30:59.028 --> 31:01.341 That's where I'd put that right now. 31:01.341 --> 31:02.591 - Okay, listen. 31:03.287 --> 31:06.370 Again, this is my last time with you, 31:06.409 --> 31:09.564 but once again, just the deepest respect for what you do 31:09.564 --> 31:13.064 and very great appreciation and admiration 31:13.388 --> 31:15.418 for your reporting over this time. 31:15.418 --> 31:16.669 Many of you I've known a long time, 31:16.669 --> 31:19.563 and I hope I continue to know you for a long time. 31:19.563 --> 31:21.692 Keep up the good work, and thank you. 31:21.692 --> 31:25.859 And once again, we couldn't be luckier or better served 31:28.786 --> 31:30.453 than in Joe Dunford. 31:31.158 --> 31:32.860 And he will be at this table in the future, 31:32.860 --> 31:37.027 and it's a good thing for the country that he will be. 31:38.091 --> 31:39.451 - [Reporter] Mr. Secretary, happy New Year. 31:39.451 --> 31:40.285 - Thank you. 31:40.285 --> 31:42.059 Happy New Year to all of you, also.