The benefits that our countries derive from working together to defend common interests and protect our security and prosperity are obvious and enduring.

We cannot predict where the next crisis will occur. But we know we are stronger when we confront these threats together.

the sequestration process would have significant consequences due to the uncertainty surrounding the process

DOD's force structure changes drove both this proposal and the request for BRAC authorization.

We absolutely have to maintain the industrial base we have, and the shipyards in your area, the other shipyards we deal with, are extremely important to our ability to respond to the needs that we have.

we need to manage the force in ways that protect its ability to regenerate capabilities that may be needed to meet future, unforeseen demands.

The President has said that Assad must halt his campaign of killing and crimes against his own people, step aside, and allow a democratic transition to proceed immediately.

All Services will play integral roles in addressing future U.S. security challenges across all domains.

We must develop options to respond to and impose costs on cyber threat actors to deter future exploitation and attack.

About two-thirds of DOD's annual officer accessions graduate and are commissioned each year in May/June from the Service Academies and Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) programs.

The President stated in his International Strategy for Cyberspace that the United States reserves the right to use all necessary means... to defend our Nation.

the Department of Defense is committed to removing all barriers that would prevent servicemembers from rising to the highest level of responsibility that their talents and capabilities warrant.

Based on the most current data available to DOD (fiscal year 2011), the negotiated rates provided to the USFHP plans currently exceed the amounts mandated under Sec 726(b) of Public Law 104-201.

If Congress does not provide us with needed support, DOD's new Defense Strategy Guidance will be at risk.

The Prime benefit is no longer cost neutral compared to Standard/Extra plans.

the consequences of sequestration as catastrophic

All servicemembers, regardless of sexual orientation, are entitled to an environment free from personal, social, or institutional barriers.

DOD takes hazing very seriously.