Mark Begich

Can you share--you don't have to do it right now, obviously, but if you could get to my office--maybe what you see those trend lines look like over the last several years and where we're going in literacy attainment within our security…

But we'll have a commitment.

I support the other leaders who have testified and attested to the fact that I think it will improve our standing and our security if we enter into the Law of the Sea Convention.

I think this helps our sovereignty, strengthens our sovereignty.

I'm assuming somewhere, and maybe it's not within DOD, but maybe it's a combo between DOD, State, and others: Assume the scenario we're out of Afghanistan; there is a financial cost that we're going to be committed to at some point, for…

Yes. The last time I touched on it the trend line on attrition was trending positive, which means we were gaining control of it. The trend line on literacy training was also trending positive, but that is an enormous slope to climb, for…

Secretary Panetta has called for a review of the military retirement system.

I believe it is prudent to continually reassess the number of GBIs we need as our capabilities and knowledge of potential threats mature.

The current strategy gives the Nation a critical hedge beyond the program of record to respond to unforeseen threats, both in terms of capability and capacity for Homeland defense.

There are a lot of pieces of legislation floating now to try to figure out how do we deal with this from a defense perspective and a national security perspective.

I think that is a good move.

I think they are going to be short on how many they will need based on replacement.

We are looking just for fairness, we are not looking for anything special.

From the Karzai Government on down, he is not exempt from this.

Sometimes around this place, the funding occurs based on who yells the loudest.

I have faith that you are not going to leave the troops hanging out there without the right logistic support they will need to do their job.

I support eliminating the threat to U.S. national security in Afghanistan and Pakistan by defeating al Qaeda.

I am concerned about a potential threat to U.S. national security and military operability: the issue of rare earth elements and our military's dependence on unreliable foreign nations for our supply.

DOD being unable to sustain any more cuts to force structure.

Mr. Panetta, do you have concerns with the Afghan Government's ability to sustain our efforts--like funding their own security forces?

I do not agree that DOD is in a position where it cannot achieve additional cost savings and efficiencies through elimination of poor performing programs and a reassessment of priorities and requirements.

General Dempsey, if confirmed, will you work with the other partners to ensure the divestiture timeline allows for all partners to make the necessary preparations to assume responsibility for the sites if they choose to do so?

I've worked extensively with TRICARE Management Activity and the Services to improve access to care.

If confirmed, will you fully examine the impact of the divestiture on all partners to ensure the system will remain viable until it is replaced or upgraded?

I prefer those sources to be domestic instead of overseas to ensure access and strengthen our national security.