PACOM plays a vital role in providing stability and deterrence in support of this diplomatic effort.

We had a failed policy and we are not winning.

I do not want to belabor it, but there is a series of quotes.

There are a number of ideas circulating about the ways in which we can strengthen our already robust bilateral ties with Japan.

Lieutenant General Van Antwerp, to what extent does the Corps of Engineers rely on the use of 'cost-plus' contracts for construction activities?

I forego it, on behalf of Senator McCain and myself. I believe we're anxious to proceed to questions.

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

What steps are being taken diplomatically to lessen the possibility that serious and sustained violence will result?

Victory is achieved when the populace consents to the government's legitimacy and stops actively and passively supporting the insurgency.

I worry about a mandated timetable. I worry about mandating to any commander on the ground. Because it severely constrains an operational, or a tactical, commander.

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.

The Department is on track in its planning for rebasing, even considering restationing 70,000 troops and their families from Europe and Korea to the United States.

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.

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

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

Mr. Duehring, if confirmed, how would you lead the Air Force civilian service to even higher levels of training and performance?

I have confidence in General Petraeus and his field commanders.

Mr. Duehring, one of the issues that this committee will have to address in this and future conflicts is the utilization of Federal civilian employees in support of expeditionary missions.