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HASCCommunications:52539
H.R.4909–TheNationalDefenseAuthorizationAct
ForFiscalYear2017TheNationalDefenseAuthorizationAct(NDAA)forFiscalYear2017istheprimarywayCongressmeetsitsmostimportantconstitutionalobligationto“provideforthecommondefense.”ItadvancesthevitalfundingandauthoritiesthatAmerica’sMilitaryrequires.Unprecedentedthreats,uncertainty,andtechnologicalchange,combinedwithahigh-operationaltempoanddecliningresources,havesharplyerodedthereadinessofourmilitary.Throughthislegislation,ChairmanMacThornberry(R-TX)andtheCommitteebegintorestoreStrengthandAgilitytoAmerica’sArmedForces.TheHouseArmedServicesCommitteemetWednesday,April27,andpassedH.R.4909favorablyontotheHousewithabipartisanvoteof60-2.ResourcesThedisparitybetweendecliningresourcesandproliferatingthreatshasforcedmilitarycommanderstomakedifficultdecisionsformanyyearsthathaveweakenedtheforce.Oftentheyinvolveddeferringmaintenance,reducingtraining,anddelayingprocurementofreplacementsystemsorplatformsinordertoprovidethosedeployedwithurgently-neededcapabilities.Implementingbudgetcutsbyslashingtrainingandequipmentforforcespreparingtodeployisadangerousandultimatelyirresponsiblestrategy.ThesharpriseinmajorArmyandMarineCorpsaviationaccidentsisbutoneindicationthatthisapproachishavingadevastatingimpactontheforce.Lastyear,CongressandthePresidentrecognizedthatinvestmentincoreDepartmentofDefense(DOD)functionswouldbeessentialtoreversethistrendandrestorestrengthtothemilitary.ThepartiestotheBipartisanBudgetAgreementallrecognizedthatbasefundingforNationalDefensewouldneedtobesetat$574billioninFY17.Additionally,OCOfundingwouldberequiredtomeetongoingcontingencyoperationsworldwide.Consistentwiththatagreement,theNDAAmaintainsadherencetotheHouseBudgetCommitteeapprovedbudgetresolutionof$574billionforNationalDefensebaserequirementsbyauthorizing$543.4billioninbasefundingforrequirementswithintheCommittee’sjurisdiction.Additionally,thelegislationprovides$23.1billioninOverseasContingencyOperations(OCO)accountsfor
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baserequirements,whichis$18billionmorethanwasprovidedinthePresident’sBudgetRequest,inordertobegintorestorereadinessintheforce.ThebillfurtherprovidesOCOfundingofnearly$35.7billion,whichwillcovercontingencyoperationsuntilApril2017.TheChairman’sexpectationisthatanewPresidentwillassessthenationalsecuritylandscapeandsubmitasupplementalbudgetrequest–asistraditionalinthefirstyearofanewadministration.ThetotalfundingauthorizedfordefenseintheHousebillisthesameasthelevelproposedbyPresidentObama’sbudget.
RestoringReadinessCommitteeoversightisillustratingtheextentandfatalconsequencesofthereadinesscrisisfacingourmilitary.IntheMarinesCorps,“ClassAMishaps,”accidentsthatresultinfatalitiesorthelossofaircraft,are84%abovetheir10-yearaverage,andhaveincreased50%sincesequestrationtookholdtwoyearsago.Armystatisticsreflectsimilartrends.Toaddressthiscrisis,theNDAAmakeskeyinvestmentsnotprovidedforinthePresident’sBudgetRequest.Whilereadinessshortfallswilltakemanyyearstocorrect,theseinitiativeswillbegintoclosethegap.
TroopsandtheirFamilies:TheNDAAhaltsandbeginstoreversethedrawdownofmilitaryendstrength,preservingtheactivedutyArmyat480,000andadding3,000Marinesand4,000AirmeninFY17.Forthreeyearsinarow,thePresident
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hasdeniedservicemembersthepayraisetowhichtheyarelegallyentitled.Thebillfullyfundsthe2.1%payraiseourtroopsareentitledtounderlawwhileblockingthePresident’sabilitytoreducetrooppay.Itfullyfundsover$2.5billioninunfundedtrainingandmaintenancetoincludemaximizingflighttraininghoursforSoldiersandMarines,whichareneedsidentifiedascriticalbythemilitaryservices,butunfundedinthePresident’sBudgetRequest.Equipment:Platformsdeployedwellbeyondtheirintendedusefullife,inadequatesuppliesofhigh-demandassets,outdatedtechnology,andequipmentthatistooexpensivetomaintainallexacerbatethereadinesscrisis.TheNDAAmakeskeyinvestmentstoacceleratethetransitiontonew,moreeffective,andmorereliableplatforms,andprovidesadditionalhigh-demandassetstoreducethestressontheforce.TheseincludeinvestmentsinmissiledefensethatthePresidenthasbeenunwillingtopursue,eventhoughrecentaggressiveactionsfromRussia,Iran,andNorthKoreareinforcetheurgentnatureofthisthreat.TheNDAAalsorestoresaCarrierAirWing,11additionalF-35sand14F-18stoaddressacriticalstrikefightershortage.InadditionaltothreeC-130Js,fourC-40s,andtwoV-22aircraft;and36UH-60BlackhawksandfiveApaches,theNDAAinvests$592milliontoaddresswarreserveshortfallsincriticalmunitions.Eachoftheseinvestmentswasidentifiedasacriticalrequirementbythemilitaryservices;noneofthemwerefullyfundedinthePresident’sBudgetRequest.Maintenance:Deliveryofnewequipmentisessential,butCongressmustmakevitalmaintenanceinvestmentsnotincludedinthePresident’sbudgettoensurethatnext-to-deployunitsaremissioncapable.Inadditiontofundingmaintenanceaccounts,theNDAAgrantsdirecthireauthoritytodepotsinordertoalleviatetheircriticalmanpowershortages.ThelegislationincreasesNavyShipandAircraftdepotmaintenanceandafloatreadinessby$530millionandAirForcedepotmaintenanceby$430million,whilealsoincluding$160millionforNavyCruisermodernizationand$67millionforMarineCorpslogistics.Eachoftheseinvestmentswasidentifiedasacriticalrequirementbythemilitaryservices;noneofthemwerefullyfundedinthePresident’sBudgetRequest.FacilitiesTheNDAAsupports90%ofrequirementsforfacilitiessustainmentand88%ofrequirementsforfacilitiesrestorationandmodernization.Thisisanincreaseof19%abovethePresident’sbudgetineachcategory.Facilitymaintenanceandsustainmentistheareawherethemilitaryhasassumedgreatriskasitcompensatesforsharplyreducedresources.Thisfundingwillbeusedtorestoreandmaintainrealproperty,rangingfrombarrackstohangars,andrunwaystohospitals.Eachoftheseinvestmentswas
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identifiedasacriticalrequirementbythemilitaryservices;noneofthemwerefullyfundedinthePresident’sBudgetRequest.
TheChairmanstronglybelievesthatourservicemenandwomenshouldnotbesentoutonmissionsforwhichtheyarenotfullypreparedandsupported.Cutsinpersonnel,training,maintenance,andprocurementareleadingtothatresult.WhilehegenerallysupportstheOCOactivitiesproposedbythePresident,ChairmanThornberrybelievesthatanevenhigherpriorityistoensurethatthetroopsarepreparedforthosemissionsandothertaskstheymaybecalledupontoundertake.Wherepossible,theNDAAcutsexcessiveorwastefulexpendituresandrededicatesthoseresourcestourgentneeds.Evenwithavigorousre-prioritizationofprograms,theCommitteewasunabletomakeupessentialshortagesinthePresident’sbudgetandsimultaneouslyprovideafullyearofcontingencyfunding.Thelegislationisdesignedtorestorestrengthtotheforcethroughreadinessinvestmentsandagilitythroughmuchneededreforms,whileprovidingamoresolidfoundationforthenextPresidenttoaddressactualnationalsecurityneeds.ThefollowingtablesillustratesomeofthekeydifferencesintheNDAAfromtheAdministration’srequest:
COMPARISON OF PRESIDENT’S REQUEST TO FY17 NDAA PROPOSAL
President’s Budget Request
Service/COCOM Identified Shortfall
Chairman’s Mark Provides
Army End Strength 460,000 Active(450,000 by FY18)333,500 Guard195,00 Reserve
20,000 Active
15,000 Guard10,000 Reserve
480,000 Active
350,000 Guard205,000 Reserve
Marine Corps End Strength 182,000 Active 3,000 Active 185,000 Active
Air Force End Strength 317,000 Active 4,000 Active 321,000 Active
Military Pay Raise Requested 1.6%, 0.5% below ECI
* Committee action following 3 years of reduced pay raises
Funds 2.1%, matching ECI as required by law
U.S. Force Levels in Afghanistan
Drawdown from 9,800 to 5,500 by January 2017
OEF Commander testimony regarding limitations at 5,500
Maintains support for a minimum of 9,800 in theater
Navy Ship and Aircraft Depot Maintenance and Afloat Readiness
$12.035 Billion $530 Million $12.565 billion
Facilities Sustainment Funds 75% of requirements Compounding sustainment shortfalls, taking years to restore
Supports 90% of requirements for facilities sustainment
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COMPARISON OF PRESIDENT’S REQUEST TO FY17 NDAA PROPOSAL
President’s Budget Request
Service/COCOM Identified Shortfall
Chairman’s Mark Provides
Facilities Restoration & Modernization
Funds 69% of requirements Compounding readiness & modernization shortfalls, taking years to restore
Supports 88% of requirements for facilities throughout DOD
Navy Cruiser Moderinzation
No Funds Requested $430 Million $430 Million
Air Force Depot Maintenance
$10.420 Billion $160 Million $10.580 Billion
USMC Logistics $1.622 Billion $43 Million $1.665 Billion
F-35s 43 F-35A aircraft16 F-35B aircraft4 F-35C aircraft
5 F-35A aircraft2 F-35B aircraft 4 F-35C aircraft
48 F-35A aircraft18 F-35B aircraft8 F-35C aircraft
F/A 18's 2 F/A-18 E/F aircraft 14 F/A-18 E/F aircraft 16 F/A-18 E/F aircraft
Aviation Restructire Initiative (ARI)
Cut 24 UH-60 BlackhawksCut 9 AH-64 ApachesNo LUH requested
36 UH-60s; 5 AH-64s; 10 AH-64 Adv Proc; 17 LUHs
Restores 24 UH-60 Blackhawks, and adds 12 moreRestores 5 ApachesSupport 17 LUH aircraft
C-130J 3 C-130J Aircraft 8 C-130J aircraft 6 C-130J aircraft
V-22 16 MV-22 aircraft 2 MV-22 aircraft 18 MV-22 Aircraft
DDG-51 Requested 2 1 DDG-51 destroyers Funds 3
LX(R) No funds requested * Committee action. Current shipbuilding plan does not meet USMC requirements.
Initiates the procurement of 1 Next Generation Amphibious Ship
Littoral Combat Ships Cut one Littoral Combat Ship (2 requested)
* Committee action. Current shipbuilding plan does not meet USN Force Structure Assessment.
Restores 1 for a total of 3 ships
Ship to Shore Connector 2 SSC craft 3 SSC craft 5 Ship to Shore Connectors
Javelin 309 requested 591 Javelin Missiles 900 Javelin missiles
Guided MLRS Rocket 1,068 requested 1,158 GLMRS rockets 2,226 GMLRS rockets
Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS)
183 requested 17 ATACMs 200 ATACMS; mitigates critical shortfall in Army War Reserve requirements
Hydra guided rockets 100 requested 500 guided Hydra rockets 600 guided Hydra rockets; mitigates critical shortfall in Army War Reserve requirements
AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles
152 requested 75 Sidewinder missiles 227 Sidewinder missiles; restores procurement levels
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AGILITYRestoringessentialfundingalonecannotensurethatAmerica’sMilitaryisposturedtomeetthethreatsweface.Rigorousoversightandthoughtfulreformsarealsorequiredtoensurethattroopshavethetoolstheyneedandthesupporttheydeserve.HealthCareReformNodutyismoresacredtotheDepartmentofDefenseorCongressthanprotectingthehealthofourtroopsandtheirfamilies.ChairmanThornberryisgratefulforthethoughtfulworkofChairmanJoeHeck(R-NV)andtherestoftheMilitaryPersonnelSubcommitteeindesigningmeaningfulreformstotheMilitaryHealthSystem.TheHouseArmedServicesCommitteehashistoricallyresistedDODProposalsonTRICAREreformsbecausetheyincreasedtheoutofpocketexpensesforservicemembers,theirfamilies,andretirees,withoutimprovingaccessorqualityofcare.ReformsproposedbyChairmenThornberryandHeckimproveaccesstoqualitycareforwarfighters,retirees,andtheirfamilies,whileenhancingmedicalreadinessandensuringthatthegenerousbenefitourtroopsdeserveandhaveearnedissustainableforgenerationstocome.Thesereforms:
• SimplifyTRICAREOptionsbyprovidingtwocomprehensiveoptionsdesignedtobettermeetthehealthcareneedsofservicemembers,theirfamiliesandretirees:amanagedcareoption[TricarePrime]andano-referralnetworkoption[TricarePreferred].
• ExpandAccesstoCarebyeliminatingreferralsforurgentcareandensuring
urgentcareaccessformilitaryfamiliesthrough11:00PM;extendingcareatMilitaryTreatmentFacilities(MTF)primarycareclinicsbeyondnormalbusinesshours;expandingpublic-privatepartnershipstoincreaseandcomplementMTFservicesprovidedtobeneficiaries;andenablingretireestopurchasedurablemedicalequipmentattheDODcost.
• ImproveBeneficiariesExperienceatMilitaryTreatmentFacilitiesby
standardizingappointmentschedulingandfirst-callresolutionwhencontactingclinics,increasingthenumberofavailableappointments,andmaximizingtheuseoftelehealthandsecuremessaging.
• EnsureQualityHealthCarebyadoptingtheCentersforMedicareand
MedicaidServicescorequalitymetricssothatbeneficiariescanreviewandcompareperformanceacrossorganizations,andincorporatingvalue-basedpurchasingstrategiesinTRICAREcontracts.
• StrengthenstheReadinessofMilitaryHealthcareProfessionalsby
establishingnewtraumacentersatmilitarymedicalcentersinareaswithunmetpatientdemand;establishingadditionalpartnershipstoenable
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militarytraumaspecialistsandsupportstafftoworkinciviliantraumacentersforsustainedperiodsoftraining;increasingopportunitiesandcomplexityofcarebyconcentratingmilitaryproviderresourcesatMTFsinlocationswithalargemilitaryandretireepopulation;andexpandingtheresponsibilityoftheDefenseHealthAgencyforhospitaladministration,thusallowingthemilitaryservicestofocusonmedicalreadiness.
• KeepFaithwiththeCurrentForcebymakingthebenefitsustainablewhile
expandingaccesstobettercare,theNDAAimplementschangestocost-sharing,deductibles,andotherfeesforthefutureforce.ThebillpermitsanenrollmentfeeforretireesselectingthenewPPOoptionin2020-ifDODcandemonstrateandindependentlyvalidateimprovementstoaccessandcare.
AcquisitionReformBuildingonlastyear’sinitialsetofimprovementstotheacquisitionsystem,theFY17NDAAmakesfoundationalreformsintendedtohelpgetbettertechnologyintothehandsofthewarfighterfasterandmoreefficiently.Itdoessobyrequiringweaponsystemstobedesignedwithopenarchitecturesthatcaneasilybeupgradedastechnologyandthreatsevolve.Italsoprovidesflexiblefundingtoexperimentwithnewtechnology,whilesimplifyingtheprocessandexpandingtheavenuesofcompetitionforsuppliersofallsizes.Buildingonthelessonsfromsuccessfulmilitaryinnovationofthepast,thesecriticalreformswillpromoteexperimentationandprototyping,notonlytofieldcapability,buttolearnanddevelopnewoperationalconcepts.Tohelpsimplifyandimproveprogrammanagement,theNDAAwillfurtherdefinetheresponsibilitiesforacquisitionbetweenDODandtheServices.ItwouldgivetheSecretarymoretoolstomanageandapprovecost,schedule,andtechnologicalriskformajoracquisitionprograms.ItwouldalsosetupfrontconditionsforcostandscheduleandthenholdtheServicesaccountable.Reducingredundantbureaucracyisapriorityforreform.Forthisreason,thebillgrantsMilestoneDecisionAuthorityforJointProgramstoMilitaryServicesafterOctober1,2019.ThischangealsoprovidesCongresstimetoensuretheMilitaryServiceswillbeheldaccountableandthatappropriatetransparencyandenforcementmechanismsareinplace.ChairmanThornberrybelievesthatassuringtransparencyintheacquisitionprocesswillhelpensurethesystemfunctionsmoreefficientlyandeffectively.Thelegislationestablishesan“AcquisitionScorecard”thatpullsexclusivelyfromexistingreportsanddocumentsanddoesnotimposenewworkonDOD,althoughCongresscanrequestmoredetailsifneededCriticalIntellectualProperty:EncouragingbothsmallbusinessesandlargecompaniestodobusinesswithDODiscriticaltoencouraginginnovation.Ownershipofintellectualpropertyhasbecomeadifficult,contentiousissuefortheDepartmentanditsindustrialbase.Tohelpbuild
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confidenceinthesystem,thebillwouldrequirethatallcomponentsconformtowell-definedinterfacesinordertoplugintotheoverallsystem.Privately-fundedcomponents“insidetheblackbox”wouldremaintheintellectualpropertyofthedeveloper,whilejointly-fundedcapabilitywouldbesubjecttonegotiationbetweenthegovernmentandthedeveloper.Goldwater-NicholsReformsIn1986,CongressinstitutedaseriesofsweepingreformstoDODthatsoughttoimprovejointoperationsanddelineatetheresponsibilitiesofthemilitarydepartments,unifiedcommands,andtheJointStaff.Byallaccounts,thesereformswereasuccessandremainamodelforbipartisancongressionaloversightandreformofnationalsecuritystructures.ThreedecadesaftertheGoldwater-NicholsActpassed,thethreatstooursecurityhavebecomemoretrans-regional,multi-domain,andmulti-functional,whichcompelsCongresstobuildonthislegislation.TheNDAAincreasesaccountability,oversight,integration,andstrategicthinking,whilepreservingciviliancontrolofthemilitaryandtheroleoftheChairmanoftheJointChiefsofStaffastheprincipal,independentmilitaryadvisortothePresidentandSecretaryofDefense.
ChairmanoftheJointChiefsofStaff:TheNDAAexpandstheadvisoryroleoftheChairmanoftheJointChiefsofStaff(CJCS)toprovideindependentadviceonongoingoperationsandontheallocationandtransferofforcesacrossregionstobridgeserviceandCOCOMboundaries;itextendstheCJCStermfromtwotofouryearsinamannerthatbridgesadministrationstoincreaseindependenceandprovidegreatercontinuityofleadership;anditrequiresarevampedindependentNationalMilitaryStrategy(NMS)identifyingways,ends,andmeanstosupporttheSecretary'sstrategyandthePresident'snationalsecurityobjectivesandtosynchronizeindividualCOCOMplans.Morebroadly,thelegislationexpandsthedefinitionofjobsthatqualifyforjointdutycreditanddecreasesjointtourlengthsfromthreeyearstoaminimumoftwoyearsbecauseoperationcurrencyhasitsownvalueinimprovingjointness.CombatantCommands:TheNDAAelevatesUS.CyberCommand(CYBERCOM)toaunifiedcommandanddirectsGAOtostudytheCYBERCOMCommander’sdual-hatresponsibilityastheDirectoroftheNationalSecurityAgency.Additionally,thebillfurtherde-layersandreducestop-heavycommandheadquartersbyreducingtherankofserviceandfunctionalcomponentcommandersfromFourStarstoThreeStars.OfficeoftheSecretaryofDefense:ThelegislationwillstreamlinestrategicplanningwithintheDepartmentandsetthestageforstrategydevelopmentbyleveragingtheviewsofoutsideexpertsandCongress.ItwilleliminatetheineffectiveQuadrennial
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DefenseReview,whichhasgrownintoanautonomousbehemoth,andreplaceitwithanewframeworkforSecretary-ledstrategicguidance.ThebillwouldestablishtheDefenseStrategyCommissionasanindependentpanelofbipartisannationalsecurityexpertsappointedbyCongresstomakerecommendationsforthenation’sdefensestrategyattheoutsetofanadministration.TheSecretarywouldthenberequiredtoissuetop-downDefenseStrategicGuidance(DSG)everyfouryearsthatsetsforcestructureandresourcepriorities.Thisguidanceisimplementedthroughclassifiedannualprogramandbudgetguidance(“GuidanceontheDevelopmentofForces(GDF)”)andbiennialoperationalplanningguidance(“GuidanceonContingencyPlanning(GCP)”)thatCongresswouldnowreceivetosupportitsoversight.
ForeignMilitarySales(FMS)Thehyper-bureaucratizedprocessforsellingmilitaryequipmenttoforeignmilitariesoftenfrustratestheUnitedStates’abilitytodevelopthecapabilitiesofpartnersandalliesaroundtheworldwhoarefightingalongsideU.S.forces.ChairmanThornberryviewsthisareaasripeforfundamentalreform,inpartnershipwiththeHouseForeignAffairsCommittee;thus,theOversightandInvestigationsSubcommittee,ledbyRep.VickyHartzler,hasinitiatedaseriesofbriefingsandhearingstoexaminetheissueindetail.AttherecommendationofChairmanHartzler,theNDAAdirectstheGAOtoreviewDOD’sroleintheFMSprocess.SelectiveServiceChairmanThornberryrecognizesthatitistimeforarenewednationalconversationabouttheSelectiveService.TheChairmanbelievesthatthisconversationmustbeprecededbyanassessmentofwhattaskstheDepartmentofDefensewouldberequiredtoperforminadirenationalemergencyifamassmobilizationwasorderedabsenttheSelectiveService.IntheNDAA,ChairmanThornberryrequiressuchanassessment.ChairmanThornberrywillbuildonthisassessmentwithamendmentsontheHouseFloor.ThirdOffsetStrategyChairmanThornberrysupportstheDepartment’sThirdOffsetStrategydevelopmenteffortandbelievesthatitisausefulvehicleforfocusingtheDepartmentonhowtodeterandcounterRussiaandChina.Whilemuchofthisfocushasbeenontechnology,theChairmanalsobelievesthatfurtherattentionmustbegiventostrategicthinkingaboutdeterrence,includingtherelationshipbetweenconventionalandnucleardeterrence.Further,whilegreaterinnovationisanecessaryelementofsuchastrategy,theChairmanexpectsDODtosimultaneouslyaddressthebarrierstoentryforprivatesectorpartnershipsandtransferofinnovativetechnologiestothemilitary.
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Next-GenerationPatriotRadarSystemThefutureoftheArmy’sairandmissiledefensearchitectureiscriticaltothecountry’ssecurity.TheArmystrategywoulddelayfieldinganewradar,despitehigh-technologyreadinesslevels,until2028;thismeansourwarfighterswillbedeployedwitha58-yearoldradarbeforetheygetamodernizedcapability.TheNDAAwillwithholdfundingtotheArmyuntilitdevelopsanewacquisitionstrategyforthereplacementofthePatriotRadarSystem.ThecurrentArmystrategyisacasestudyinhowabrokenacquisitionsystemresultsinunacceptabledelaysinprovidingthewarfighterthetechnologytheyneed,pacedaheadofadversarythreats.
STRENGTHAsstatedabove,theNDAAmakescriticalinvestmentsinareascutbythePresident’sBudget–cutsthathavedegradedourmilitarystrength.Ineverycase,theServices’statementsandunfundedrequirementsorCommitteeoversighthasvalidatedtheseinvestments.Theseinclude:IncreasingTheSizeoftheForceTheChairmanremainsveryconcernedaboutthesizeoftheforce.Platformsandequipmentcanonlybesuccessfullytakenintobattleiftheyareoperatedandmaintainedbyanadequatenumberofpeople.ThebillrecognizesendstrengthnumbershortfallsandraisesthenumberofSoldiers,Airmen,andMarinestothefollowing:Army-480,000;MarineCorps-185,000;AirForces-321,000;AirNationalGuard-350,000;andArmyReserve-205,000.Theseadditionalpeopleareasteptowardsstrengtheningourforceandpreventingtheburn-outofourexperiencedmenandwomenonthejobtoday.StrikeFighterShortfallStrikefighteraircraftareoneofourmostlethaloptionstosuppressthreatsaroundtheglobe.Strikeaircraftareatthetipofthespearofanattackandlaterprovidesupporttotroopsontheground.TheNDAAauthorizes11additionalF-35JointStrikeFighters(JSF)and14additionalF/A-18Hornets.Inadditiontoaircraft,theMarkcallsforanassessmentofwhatitwouldtaketorestarttheF-22Raptorproductionline.AccordingtonumerouswitnessesthroughouttheCommittee’soversight,theAirForcestandstoseeashortfallin5thgenerationfighteraircraftpriortotheJSFcomingintoservice,reinforcingtheChairman’sconcernthateffortstobridgethegapareinadequate.ISRIntelligence,Surveillance,andReconnaissance(ISR)isacriticalcapabilityofourmilitarythatallowsthemtoeffectivelyandsafelyaccomplishtheirmission.During
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thisyear’soversight,theCommitteeheardnumeroustimeshowcommandersdonotgetenoughISR.TheNDAAmakesprogressonaddressingthisshortfall.ThelegislationrequestsoptionsforthepotentialaccelerationofthenewJSTARSplatform’sdevelopmentandfielding.ItalsoauthorizesseveralISRplatformsbemodernizedorpurchased,includingArmyGreyEagles,MQ-9Reapers,andaNavyTritonMQ-4.EachoftheseUAVplatformsprovidestheirrespectiveservicewithadditionalISRassets,whichareinhighdemand.CyberSecurityTheNDAAfullyfunds$6.7billion,a$900millionincrease,forcyberoperations.ItprioritizesthereadinessoftheCyberMissionForces,includingthe133teamsacrosstheServices,cybertools,andcapabilities.Thebillalsoprovidesspecialprocurementauthoritytofacilitaterecoveryfromacyberattack,aswellasincreasesresiliencyforDODnetworks,weaponssystems,andcapabilities.Additionally,thelegislationsupportsthefundingandenhancedoversightofthedevelopmentofanewsecurityclearanceInformationTechnologyarchitecturetoreplacelegacycompromisednetworksintheOfficeofPersonnelManagement,andalsoincludesprovisionsdesignedtoenhanceInformationAssuranceandtomitigateagainstInsiderThreats.BombersThebomberfleetsareessentialtothemilitary’sabilitytoprojectglobalpowerbyholdingtargetsatriskwithconventionalornuclearweapons.TheNDAAsupportsthenewB-21stealthbomberprogramintendedtorecapitalizetheagingB-1andB-52fleetsbyfullyauthorizingtheresearch,development,testandevaluationofthiscriticalweaponsystem.A-10TheNDAAincludesaprovisionthatwouldprohibitA-10aircraftfrombeingretiredorplacedinstorageinfiscalyear2017.ThatprovisionwouldalsorequiretheAirForcetomaintainaminimumof171A-10aircraftdesignatedasprimarymissionaircraftinventory,andprohibittheSecretaryoftheAirForcefrommakinganysignificantreductionstomanninglevelswithrespecttoanyA-10aircraftsquadronordivisionuntiltheDirectorofOperationalTestandEvaluation,andtheSecretaryoftheAirForce,submitreportstothecongressionaldefensecommitteesontheresultsandfindingsoftheinitialoperationaltestandevaluationoftheF-35aircraftprogram,aswellasthecomparisontestandevaluationthatexaminesthecapabilitiesoftheF-35AandA-10C.AirliftandAirRefuelingTankersAirliftisacriticalpartofthemilitary’sabilitytoconductoperationsaroundtheworld.TheNDAAincludestheNavyandMarineCorps’requestfortwoadditionalC-40Aaircraft,eachfromtheirrespectiveunfundedrequirementslists.Italso
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authorizesthemodernizationof172legacyC-130HtacticalairliftersoperatedprimarilybytheAirNationalGuardandAirForceReserve.Inaddition,thelegislationauthorizesthreeadditionalC-130JaircraftfromtheAirForce’sunfundedrequirementslist.Thebillalsosupportstheprocurementof15KC-46APegasustankerstobeginrecapitalizingtheagingEisenhower-eraKC-135andReagan-eraKC-10fleets.ForceProjection&StrategicPresenceTheNDAAprioritizesforceprojectionoftheU.S.Militaryanditsabilitytomaintainastrategicpresencewhereandwhenitisnecessary.ItcallsforcontinuedsupportoftheNavy’s11aircraftcarriersandrecommendsadjustmentstothecarrierconstructionprogramtoensurethatremainsthecaseintothe2040s.Thebillalsofundsthreedestroyers-oneabovethePresident’sbudget,whichwillcomeintoserviceatacriticaltimefortheNavyasmissionscontinuetobecomemoredemandingandU.S.presenceisrequiredinmorecornersoftheglobe.TheNDAAseekstomeetMarineCorpsrequirementsbyaddingoneamphibiousship(LPD-29orLX(R)).Itpreservesthe10thcarrierairwing—thenecessaryaircomponentofanycarrierinitsmissiontoprojectitspoweroverthehorizon.ThePresident’sbudgetplannedtoeliminatetheairwing.TheNDAAauthorizescruiserphasedmodernization,rejectingthePresident’splantolayupmorecruisers.TheVirginiaclasssubmarineremainsacriticalpartofourNavy’sstrategicpresencethroughouttheworldandthelegislationrequeststwoVirginiaclasssubmarines.AssuredAccesstoSpaceAssuredaccesstospaceisanationalsecuritypriority.TheCommitteesharestheconcernofmanymembersthatrelianceonRussian-designedrocketenginesisnolongeracceptable.TheNDAA,asrecommendedbyChairmanRogersoftheSubcommitteeonStrategicForces,deniestheAirForce’srequesttopursuethedevelopment,attaxpayerexpense,ofnewcommerciallaunchsystems.ItinsteadfocusesonthedevelopmentofanewAmericanenginetoreplacetheRussianRD-180by2019toprotectassuredaccesstospaceandtoendrelianceonRussianengines.ThebillalsoholdstheAirForceaccountableforitsawardsofrocketpropulsioncontractsthatviolatedtheFY15andFY16NDAAs.NuclearForcesThelegislationauthorizesthefirstyearofshipconstructionfortheOhio-classreplacement,aprogramthatisscheduledtocarry70%ofournation’sstrategicweapons.ItprovidesadditionalfundingfortheNationalNuclearSecurityAdministration’s(NNSA)nuclearweaponsactivities,includingcriticalprogramstomodernizethenuclearweaponsstockpile.TheNDAAtakesactiontoaddressthe$3.7billionbacklogofdeferredmaintenanceatNNSAthatisthreateningworkersafetyandmissionperformance.TheChairmansetsclearprioritiesforNNSA’scorenuclearweaponsproductionprograms,whileprohibitingfundingfortheAdministration’splanstoacceleratetheretirementofnuclearweapons.Thebill
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providesenhancedauthorityfortheDepartmentofEnergytomitigatethreatsfromunmannedaircraftatitsmostsensitivenuclearfacilities.ItalsoconsolidatesandstrengthenstheAirForce’sorganizationalstructurestoensurethenation’snuclearcommandandcontrolandmissilewarningsystemsremainrobust.SyriaTheNDAAsupportsthePresident’srequesttotrainandequipappropriately-vetted,moderateSyrianforces,butrequiresfundsbedisbursedthroughthereprogrammingprocesstomaximizecongressionaloversight.TheSecretaryofDefensemustalsocertifythatthereareenoughU.S.forcesdeployedintheregiontosupportthestrategyforSyriaandaplantoretakeandholdtheISISstrongholdofRaqqa.DefenseSecurityCooperationTheDepartmentofDefensecontinuestoplacegreateremphasisonsecuritycooperation,toincludebuildingpartnercapacity.TheChairmansupportstheseeffortstotrainandsupportforeignsecurityforcesthatassistincounterterrorismeffortsacrosstheglobe.ToaddressconcernsthatSecurityCooperationeffortsarehamperedbyaconfusingpatchworkofexistingauthorities,theNDAAtakesthefirst,crucialstepofstreamliningandconsolidatingauthoritiesscatteredthroughoutvarioussectionsofcurrentlaw.Thebillcreatesasingle,comprehensivechapterinTitle10ofU.S.Codeentitled,“SecurityCooperation,”whichcombinescertainauthorities,whileatthesametimecodifyingothersandplacingthemintothisnewchapter.InadditiontohelpingDODbettermanageandnavigateexistingauthorities,theNDAAtakesstepstoconsolidatereportingrequirementsandeliminateduplicativerequirementstoenhanceprogrameffectivenessandtransparency.Thelegislationcontinuestosupportmultiplecounter-terrorismefforts.TheNDAAauthorizes$750millionfortheCounterterrorismPartnershipsFund(CTPF)toprovideassistancetoforeignsecurityforces.GTMOTheNDAAcarriestheannualrestrictionsagainsttransferringdetaineesfromthedetentionfacilityatGuantanamoBaytotheUnitedStatesandbuildingormodifyingfacilitiesintheUnitedStatesforhousingdetainees.ThebillalsoprohibitsDODfromusinganyfundstotransfertheU.S.NavalBaseatGuantanamoBaybacktoCuba.
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CounterterrorismTheNDAAextendscriticalDODauthoritiesutilizedbySpecialOperationsForces(SOF),includingNon-ConventionalAssistedRecovery,whichisutilizedtorescueisolatedservicemenandwomenandU.S.citizens.Thelegislationalsoextendsthe1208counterterrorismauthorityutilizedbySOFtoworkwithindigenousorsurrogateforcesinsupportofongoingU.S.counterterrorismobjectives.Toimprovecongressionaloversight,theNDAAimprovesreportingofSensitiveMilitaryActivities,andincreasesperiodicityofthestatutoryrequirementforcounterterrorismoperationalbriefstoCongressfromquarterlytomonthly.ThelegislationalsodirectsaGAOreviewofDODbiometricsandforensicscapabilitiesusedtosuccessfullyidentity,target,anddisruptterroristsandenemycombatants.
CONFRONTINGAGGRESSION
RussiaOverthepastyear,RussiahasmaintaineditsgainsinUkraine,intervenedinSyria,andcontinuedtotakeunprecedentedprovocativeactionsagainstNATOshipsandplanes.TheseeventsallpointtotheimportanceofensuringtheU.S.Militaryhasthecapabilityneededtoprotectthecountryandourinterests,andtoassureAmerica’salliesandpartners.RussiahasemployedconventionalandunconventionalwarfaremethodstocounterU.S.andwesterninterests.Tohelpaddressthisaggression,CongressauthorizedtheEuropeanReassuranceInitiative(ERI).Thisyear,theNDAAsupportsasignificantincreaseinERIfundingoverFY16.ThisfundingbeginsthetransitionfromanassuranceposturetodeterrenceagainstRussianaggression.Theseresourcesareallocatedtospecificrequirements,includingheel-to-toerotationsofU.S.presenceintheregion,thepre-positioningofanArmoredBrigadeCombatTeam’sworthofequipmentinEurope,andadditionaltrainingandexercises.TheNDAAalsoprovidesincreasedfundingforU.S.intelligenceandwarningcapabilities,technologiessupportingU.S.informationoperationsandstrategiccommunicationsactivities,theJavelinmissilesystem,vehicleactiveprotectionsystems,aircraftsurvivabilityequipment,andrecommendedattheArmy’srequest,arealignmentoffundswithintheERIfortheprocurementofupgradedAbramstanksandBradleyfightingvehicles.AdditionallywithintheERI,thelegislationprovidesincreasedfundingforCybermulti-nationalinformationsharingandinternationalCyberexercisesandengagements.IncreasedSpecialOperationsForcesfundingforpartnershipactivitiesinCentral/EasternEurope,aswellasSOFfundingforpresence,activities,andtrainingrangesandInformationOperationsinEUCOMarealsoprovidedinthebill.
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TofurtheraddressRussianaggression,theNDAAdeniesfundingrelatedtoPresidentialapprovalofadvancedRussiansensorsundertheOpenSkiesTreatywhileRussiaisinviolationofthetreatyanduntiltheDODandtheIntelligenceCommunitystateitnolongerposesathreattoU.S.nationalsecurity.ThelegislationalsowithholdsDODfundingtosupporttheExecutiveOfficeofthePresidentuntiltheWhiteHouseceasespreventingtheimplementationoftheChairmanoftheJointChiefsofStaff’smilitaryoptionstorespondtoRussia’sviolationoftheINFtreaty.UkraineTheCommitteeremainsconcernedthatthePresidentcontinuestodenylethalassistancetoUkrainetoallowittobetterdefenditselfagainstRussianaggression.TheNDAAbuildsonlastyear'sauthorizationandappropriationbyproviding$150millionfortheUkraineSecurityAssistanceInitiativetohelptrain,equip,andassisttheUkrainianmilitary,NationalGuard,andsecurityservices.DefeatingIslamicExtremistsProvisionsinthisbillreflecttheviewthatU.S.ForcesinAfghanistanshouldnotbereducedbelow9,800troopsandthatthePresident’sincrementalapproachtoconfrontingISIScannotachievehisgoalofdefeatingthisterroristgroup.HASCChairmanThornberrybelievesthatpolitically-motivatedtroopcapsandalackoftransparencyaboutforcelevelsandforcerequirementsinbothIraqandSyria,areemboldeningtheenemy,demoralizingourallies,hamperingpublicsupportforthemission,andareultimatelyimpedingvictoryoverISIS.ChairmanThornberryfurtherbelievesthatinsufficientpresenceinIraqandSyriahasincreasedthedangerposedbyISIS,asterroristsareabletoleaveareasunderpressuretoestablishcellsinotherlocationsaroundtheworldsuchasAfghanistan,Libya,Egypt,Yemen,andIndonesia.TheNDAAincreasesthePresident’srequestforfundstotrainandequipIraqiSecurityForcesby$50million,andrequirestheincreaseinfundingtobeprovideddirectlytoKurdish,Sunni,andotherlocalforcesinthefightagainstISIS.AquarteroftheremainingfundswouldberestricteduntiltheSecretaryofDefensesubmitsaplantoretakeandholdtheISISstrongholdofMosul.TheSecretarymustalsocertifythattheGovernmentofIraqistakingreasonablestepstokeepU.S.-providedequipmentandresourcesoutofthehandsofterrorists.IsraelLegislationprovides$600MforIsraelicooperativemissiledefense,including$62MforIronDome,$150MforDavid’sSlingcoproduction,and$120MforArrow3coproduction.Thisis$460millionabovethePresident'srequest.
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ACCOUNTABILITY
Holdingseniorcivilianandmilitaryleadershipaccountableisanimportantpartofcongressionaloversight.ThebillincludesanumberofprovisionsdesignedtoimproveprocessesorenforcepriorCongressionalDirection.BiodefenseandCounteringWeaponsofMassDestruction(CWMD)Inresponsetothe2015inadvertentshipmentofliveAnthraxbytheDepartmentofDefensetomorethan50locations,theNDAAdirectsseveralcorrectiveactionsidentifiedbythesubsequentinvestigation.Thisincludesimplementingaqualitycontrolandqualityassuranceprogram,studyingtheDODselectagententerprisestructure,andannualreportingontheselectagentprogram.TheNDAAalsodirectsaNationalBiodefenseStrategytobesubmittedjointlybytheSecretaryofDefenseandtheSecretariesofHomelandSecurity,HealthandHumanServices,andAgriculture.CENTCOMIntelligenceInresponsetoallegationsthatseniorofficialsatU.S.CENTCOMimproperlyinfluencedintelligenceanalysis,theArmedServicesCommittee,alongwithHPSCIandHAC-D,establishedaJointTaskForcetoinvestigatethismatter.WhiletheJointTaskForce’sinvestigationisongoing,initialworkhasshownthatsinceearly2015,seniorintelligenceleadershipatCENTCOMhasimplementedvariousprocessesandorganizationalchangeswithoutformaldocumentation,whichhasledtoconfusionanduncertaintywithintheintelligenceworkforce.TheNDAAdirectstheCENTCOMCommandertodocumentthecommand’sintelligenceprocessesanddirectstheInspectorGeneraloftheDefenseIntelligenceAgencytoreviewintelligenceprocessesandproceduresinothercombatantcommands.Additionally,theNDAAwillfencefundingfortheCENTCOMintelligenceFusionCenteruntiltheCommitteereceivesdocumentationaboutthecenter’soperationandtheDODIGinquiryhasbeencompleted.
