I have confidence in General Petraeus and his field commanders.

The importance of the United States Special Operations Command and the pivotal role our Special Operations Forces play in national defense cannot be overstated.

If I could inject here, Senator Levin, now the chairman of the committee--I was then chairman--and I visited that province.

I consider the position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict to be one of the most important in the Department.

I think that Senator Reed has put his finger on a very decisive point here and I find it, with him, kind of astounding that that has been done.

I most recently, together with a number of other Senators, 52 to be exact, put a measure through the Senate.

I think one of the most important aspects of this assignment, if not the most important in my judgment, in addition to your credentials, is will you provide the President your own impartial, straightforward personal advice on a range of…

I was not involved in the policy, but I would like to say that you're absolutely correct that the turnaround with the Sunnis represents one of the most dramatic changes in Iraq in the last 12 months.

Our Nation is indebted to these highly trained and dedicated special operators who have to undergo such rigorous training to prepare themselves for the duties they perform.

Obviously, the attacks of September 11 were a massive intelligence failure.

You will be asked to expand on that comment. It may be the most critical aspect of intelligence reform.

Lieutenant General Van Antwerp, does the Corps currently have any guidance or policies in place related to the use of these contracts?

Lieutenant General Van Antwerp, if confirmed, how do you propose to balance those interests?

I want to underscore the importance of the DOD IG's functions and urge you, if you are confirmed, to consider this appointment as a mandate to strengthen the independence and effectiveness of that office.

It is unclear whether North Korea is now truly committed to real verification, a full accounting of all nuclear materials and facilities.

the Army Corps of Engineers is in the process of carrying out an Air Force requirement to purchase, or otherwise acquire, private property in aircraft accident zones around Luke Air Force Base, AZ.

I wanted to follow up on a question we posed to you about maintaining a healthy bid climate that allows for a full range of small- and mid-size businesses to compete for construction projects.

Lieutenant General Van Antwerp, if confirmed, what will you do to improve the objectivity and transparency of the Corps' processes, particularly as they relate to open competition and contract awards?