"Our Nation's diversity is one of our greatest strengths."
"Admiral Olson, do you believe the current development and acquisition capacity of SOCOM is adequate to produce large, exceptionally complex platforms, such as a miniature submarine?"
"Admiral Olson, ASDS has been plagued by significant delays and cost overruns since its inception over 15 years ago."
"I think we're all agreed it's more than language proficiency that is needed; it's understanding that, in some cultures, and some countries, 'I'll think about it,' really means, 'No way.'"
"Do you see that we are doing what we need to address that problem? Do you ever see us getting back to a situation where the skills are more widely spread?"
"We in Congress take our obligation to these servicemembers seriously and I look forward to working with you to ensure they continue to be the best-equipped and best-trained fighting force in the world..."
"I have full confidence that General McChrystal's 60 day assessment will result in both an appropriate weighting of priorities for support and increase enabler support to SOF in Afghanistan."
"No. SOCOM is a force provider of SOF in response to requirements forwarded by Commander, CENTCOM. There is now insufficient SOF available to meet the demand."
"Please describe why you view these proposals, specifically the request to 'coordinate on Military DOD and Service personnel management policy and plans' as necessary to the readiness of SOCOM forces."
"Admiral Olson, do you foresee any reforms necessary to creating this capacity?"
"This report was critical of your command's management of nearly $1.7 billion in logistic support contracts spanning 20 locations."
"Special Operations Forces (SOF) are playing an integral role in our struggle against terrorism in both Iraq and Afghanistan."
"it is vital the drafting of this document is informed by the candid contributions of its stakeholders."
"our assessments indicate that SOF cannot grow more than 3 to 5 percent per year . . . and this growth rate will not meet the appetite for the effects of SOF in forward operating areas."
"Senator Wicker, the necessity of creating sustainable, long-term conditions for stability in foreign countries requires significant coordination between our military and civilian agencies."
"It seems that there is no quick and easy answer to mitigating the stress on our SOF."
"I look forward to the Admiral testifying and answering questions concerning a wide range of issues, such as long-term sustainability."
"Our long-term success against terrorism will depend on our ability to engage civilian populations through non-kinetic means and to win the war of ideas, rather than relying solely on direct action ope..."
