WEBVTT 00:03.213 --> 00:06.070 - It is a pleasure and an honor to be here 00:06.070 --> 00:09.381 to speak with you, so to answer your question, 00:09.381 --> 00:12.520 I don't think there's a particular country, 00:12.520 --> 00:17.245 I think that all the partners that we work with 00:17.245 --> 00:22.245 in this region are equally supportive, equally engaged 00:23.200 --> 00:27.790 and I think it really is just a matter of working through 00:27.790 --> 00:30.710 the schedules that we have to participate 00:30.710 --> 00:32.110 in the various activities. 00:32.110 --> 00:35.090 So I have been very impressed to be partnered 00:35.090 --> 00:38.933 with all the forces here in this region. 00:40.900 --> 00:43.740 - [Interviewer] So all of the countries which are 00:43.740 --> 00:46.379 allied in this area are the same level 00:46.379 --> 00:48.629 of collaborators or actors? 00:52.350 --> 00:54.070 - Yes, I would say so. 00:54.070 --> 00:59.070 Again, we conduct exercises, activities, training activities 01:03.260 --> 01:05.540 with all the partners in the region, 01:05.540 --> 01:09.887 and they are all equal participants I would say. 01:11.289 --> 01:14.167 - [Interviewer] Okay, (muffled speaking) the most common 01:14.167 --> 01:18.750 challenge the U.S. and its allies in this region face? 01:20.804 --> 01:24.460 - Well, as far as challenges go, there of course 01:24.460 --> 01:28.930 will be issues of language, we speak different languages, 01:28.930 --> 01:31.430 and so getting to know those kind of things. 01:31.430 --> 01:33.695 In some instances we have slightly different 01:33.695 --> 01:37.110 organizational structures, 01:37.110 --> 01:39.920 but I would say the greatest challenge that we face 01:39.920 --> 01:42.730 is continuity. 01:42.730 --> 01:45.590 Task Force Spartan, during this period of time, 01:45.590 --> 01:49.272 is the 34th Infantry Division, the Red Bulls, 01:49.272 --> 01:52.470 will only be here for nine months. 01:52.470 --> 01:56.101 And so during a period of time when we work together, 01:56.101 --> 02:00.330 it takes us a little time to get comfortable 02:00.330 --> 02:03.323 with the situation, roles and responsibilities. 02:05.120 --> 02:08.460 Then suddenly you find yourself about ready 02:08.460 --> 02:11.360 to transition with another organization. 02:11.360 --> 02:14.710 So I would say that the biggest challenge we face, 02:14.710 --> 02:16.840 and I think it comes from both 02:16.840 --> 02:18.860 the United States military as well as our partners 02:18.860 --> 02:21.709 is that the transition that takes place 02:21.709 --> 02:25.161 and the continuity that's needed to comfortably 02:25.161 --> 02:27.633 work together as partners. 02:29.600 --> 02:31.390 - [Interviewer] Okay, what about the Iranian threat? 02:31.390 --> 02:35.216 How can the U.S. and its allies stay (muffled speaking) 02:35.216 --> 02:36.466 in this region? 02:38.340 --> 02:41.721 - Well, as I think I've said before, it really is 02:41.721 --> 02:46.700 the partnership and so having a cohesive partnership 02:46.700 --> 02:49.672 in the region with our partners conducting 02:49.672 --> 02:54.672 exercises, activities, seminars, I think is really 02:54.860 --> 02:57.353 the best way that the task force Spartan 02:57.353 --> 03:02.353 can help mitigate issues, align activities in the region. 03:03.230 --> 03:07.151 And so the regular nature of the exercises that we conduct, 03:07.151 --> 03:12.151 the cooperation that exists between the regional partners, 03:12.440 --> 03:16.815 I think is really the best way that we can 03:16.815 --> 03:20.049 achieve levels of success in dealing with 03:20.049 --> 03:22.263 challenges in the region. 03:24.380 --> 03:29.013 - [Interviewer] Yeah, (muffled speaking) from time to time 03:29.013 --> 03:33.260 how to face the Iranian threat or any other threat in this 03:33.260 --> 03:36.160 region (muffled speaking) from time to time, let's stick 03:36.160 --> 03:38.310 with (muffled speaking) about the Iranian threats. 03:38.310 --> 03:39.377 Is it (muffled speaking)? 03:43.216 --> 03:45.516 - I'm sorry, could you say that again, please? 03:47.180 --> 03:50.340 - [Interviewer] Okay, from time to time the topics change 03:50.340 --> 03:53.149 or the (muffled speaking) world is changed. 03:53.149 --> 03:57.300 Is it valid in this specific time of Iranian threats 03:57.300 --> 04:00.858 how to deal with it in this specific time, 04:00.858 --> 04:04.630 it is time to change the plan to deal 04:04.630 --> 04:08.740 with the topic like Iran and deal with it with 04:08.740 --> 04:11.633 more maybe alert or something like that? 04:14.260 --> 04:15.350 - Certainly, understand. 04:15.350 --> 04:20.350 I think that right now it is critical to continue 04:22.020 --> 04:24.867 to maintain that enduring commitment that we have 04:24.867 --> 04:26.610 to our partners. 04:26.610 --> 04:29.760 And I think that through those things that I discussed, 04:29.760 --> 04:32.797 whether it's an exercise, for example, 04:32.797 --> 04:37.079 Bright Star, which we've been conducting since 1980, 04:37.079 --> 04:41.530 or Desert Leopard which we are involved with right now, 04:41.530 --> 04:44.272 I think it's the maintenance and the continuation 04:44.272 --> 04:49.020 of these activities and exercises that goes to 04:49.020 --> 04:52.420 maintaining our enduring commitment. 04:52.420 --> 04:53.920 And I think is really the best way 04:53.920 --> 04:56.833 to deal with challenges we face in the region right now. 04:58.720 --> 05:00.828 - [Interviewer] Okay, then what is the commitment? 05:00.828 --> 05:02.963 What are the commitments that you have committed 05:02.963 --> 05:05.463 to the partners in the region? 05:08.650 --> 05:09.760 - Certainly. 05:09.760 --> 05:11.801 Those commitments for Task Force Spartan 05:11.801 --> 05:16.801 is continuing to engage in those exercises, 05:17.010 --> 05:20.270 to continue to maintain the level 05:20.270 --> 05:23.450 of partnered activities, 05:23.450 --> 05:25.731 the seminars that we conduct for example, 05:25.731 --> 05:28.860 our military is conducting numerous, 05:28.860 --> 05:32.292 what we call legal subject matter expert events, 05:32.292 --> 05:36.762 we also do tactical activities, 05:36.762 --> 05:41.336 engagements through senior leaders 05:41.336 --> 05:44.720 and so it is through these things, 05:44.720 --> 05:47.290 and making sure we continue them 05:47.290 --> 05:49.963 that I really think success will be found. 05:52.370 --> 05:56.087 - [Interviewer] Okay, what about the strategic goals 05:56.087 --> 06:01.087 you as the chief from this alliance. Tell this one at least. 06:03.180 --> 06:06.630 - Certainly, the strategic goals as relates 06:06.630 --> 06:09.480 to Task Force Spartan and as far as the region 06:09.480 --> 06:10.960 in our organizational headquarters, 06:10.960 --> 06:14.600 really does focus on regional stability. 06:14.600 --> 06:17.080 I think that is one of most important things 06:17.080 --> 06:20.147 that can come out of all the things that we do. 06:20.147 --> 06:24.083 The time that is spent, the resources that are committed, 06:26.458 --> 06:28.875 - [Interviewer] More explain. 06:31.673 --> 06:36.063 - Certainly, so again as a strategic goal, 06:36.930 --> 06:41.300 maintaining a cohesive relationship, 06:41.300 --> 06:44.210 making sure we have a solid relationship 06:44.210 --> 06:47.225 with our partners and making sure that there is 06:47.225 --> 06:51.210 a stability so that the regional partners 06:51.210 --> 06:53.320 know that they can count on each other 06:53.320 --> 06:56.850 wherever there is a threat from any type 06:56.850 --> 06:58.363 of outside influences. 07:00.720 --> 07:03.622 - [Interviewer] Okay, it sounds like (muffled speaking) 07:03.622 --> 07:05.248 take part in the alliance, 07:05.248 --> 07:09.903 (muffled speaking) the U.S. military and the partners, 07:09.903 --> 07:14.070 as well to face security challenge in this area. 07:16.260 --> 07:17.481 - Certainly. 07:17.481 --> 07:21.591 In response to any type of threat, the ability to 07:21.591 --> 07:26.400 work together as a cohesive team as partners, 07:26.400 --> 07:29.770 I think really is the most significant thing, 07:29.770 --> 07:33.967 and the constant activities related to exercises, 07:33.967 --> 07:37.620 the ability to be interoperable, to be able to 07:37.620 --> 07:41.350 work together when there are different languages, 07:41.350 --> 07:43.150 different types of equipment, 07:43.150 --> 07:45.470 different organizational structures 07:45.470 --> 07:50.307 So exercises such a Desert Leopard, Bright Star, 07:50.307 --> 07:54.690 allow the ability to work together to work out 07:54.690 --> 07:56.770 the challenges that can exist. 07:56.770 --> 08:00.780 And so when there is some type of a fracture 08:00.780 --> 08:03.220 or when there is some type of a situation 08:03.220 --> 08:05.910 that there is already a comfort level with 08:05.910 --> 08:09.920 these organizations, the military organizations 08:09.920 --> 08:12.815 working together and so as to not have to 08:12.815 --> 08:17.430 experience it when the crisis is actually occurring. 08:17.430 --> 08:21.580 And so what you'd see, especially the National Guard, 08:21.580 --> 08:24.577 the 34th Infantry Division, being a National Guard entity, 08:24.577 --> 08:27.533 frequently finds itself participating 08:27.533 --> 08:32.231 with both different types of military organizations 08:32.231 --> 08:35.830 from within the region but also when we're back home, 08:35.830 --> 08:38.260 is, for example, dealing with our civil partners. 08:38.260 --> 08:41.530 And so being able to exercise through the challenges 08:41.530 --> 08:44.467 that we face ahead of time, allows us to be 08:44.467 --> 08:49.453 much more prepared when a crisis or something occurs. 08:51.580 --> 08:54.323 - [Interviewer] Okay, right now in this area it's 08:54.323 --> 08:56.993 (muffled speaking) or something like that, 08:56.993 --> 09:01.481 (muffled speaking) it are U.S in this area, 09:01.481 --> 09:05.231 forces in this area aim to do? Or seek to do? 09:08.933 --> 09:13.824 - They seek to foster their relationships with the 09:13.824 --> 09:18.824 various military (garbled audio) maintain a good, 09:19.050 --> 09:22.280 - [Interviewer] Would you start again this answer please? 09:22.280 --> 09:24.060 The line wasn't stable. 09:24.060 --> 09:24.903 - Of course. 09:25.769 --> 09:27.936 - [Interviewer] Thank you. 09:29.880 --> 09:31.640 - Of course, maintaining our relationships 09:33.090 --> 09:35.898 and that exercise activity, the engagements 09:35.898 --> 09:40.100 the ability to work together adds to a level 09:40.100 --> 09:43.429 of stability, of cohesiveness, of comfort, 09:43.429 --> 09:47.620 and so maintaining those relationships 09:47.620 --> 09:49.666 with our military partners, 09:49.666 --> 09:52.790 understanding how we do things, 09:52.790 --> 09:55.930 I think is really the most important aspect 09:55.930 --> 09:57.827 that we can bring to the region 09:57.827 --> 10:02.203 especially with all the activity taking place right now. 10:04.270 --> 10:06.490 - [Interviewer] Okay, this is the most important thing 10:06.490 --> 10:07.887 right now, I guess. 10:09.510 --> 10:14.510 - Yes, it is enduring commitment, regional stability 10:14.840 --> 10:17.877 and just strong partnerships are the critical things 10:17.877 --> 10:20.943 as far as Task Force Spartan is concerned. 10:23.460 --> 10:25.614 - [Interviewer] Thank you, thank you (muffled voice) 10:25.614 --> 10:28.463 It's a pleasure to meet you again. 10:29.700 --> 10:30.960 - It's been a pleasure and an honor 10:30.960 --> 10:32.360 and thank you for your time. 10:33.710 --> 10:38.710 - [Interviewer] Thank you, thanks a lot. 10:38.993 --> 10:41.071 Bye bye. 10:41.071 --> 10:41.904 - Bye bye.