I think there's a serious, serious danger here going forward indefinitely that those types of tours and the effects will accumulate.

I think you're going to be a superb Secretary of the Army and I certainly support you.

It is another political, public relations ploy, rather than a significant change in strategy.

I could go down a list of other major responsibilities you'll have.

the effect of our operations or the perception of our operations at least initially would be that we are conducting generally attacks against Sunni forces.

Well, then he should be fired, because, frankly, if he's not capable of being the individual responsible for those duties and they've passed it on to someone else, then why is he there? That's my view.

Your appointment represents a devastating critique of the national security apparatus of this White House.

the cancer is militias, both Sunni and Shia.

I just fear that you're going to be placed in an impossible situation.

this strategy of a surge I think is probably compromised by the same factors.

the Shia militia are deliberately avoiding contact with us.

a military strategy alone without a functional Iraqi government and without the support of non-DOD agencies cannot effectively prevail in Iraq.

the insurgency it is a Sunni insurgency.

I have not seen a lot of commitment outside of DOD to succeeding in Iraq.

Admiral Roughead, as you are aware, the LCS program has had difficulties regarding cost overruns and changing capability requirements. What is your plan and timeline for determining requirements and total cost?

He has needed help for 2 or 3 years and it has not arrived.

I don't think that's a very good assumption, since we have never gotten that, in the last 3 years.

Admiral, your patriotism serving the Nation is remarkable. You are well qualified to assume a very daunting task.