Joe Lieberman

Will you ensure that the fiscal year 2014 to fiscal year 2018 MILCON Program Objective Memorandum considers the needs of our laboratories?

Right. That is exactly my question.

The Army has been reassessing its modular armored and infantry brigade structures and will soon decide to add a third maneuver battalion.

I am concerned that recommendations involving the S&T community have not considered the full impacts.

Do you feel that the Army is adequately investing in military construction (MILCON) and sustainment of its laboratories and research and engineering centers?

I appreciate the answer. I appreciate your testimony. You have been very responsive. You are really an impressive group of leaders.

Yes. I agree. You can't do it all. So the challenge, of course, is to minimize risk. You can't eliminate it here.

I must say in my 24 years here, no one has ever told me they haven't made a mistake.

One of the steps that you have taken that was strong and I appreciate was that you told the contractor that you are withholding award of six of the fiscal year 2012 aircraft with the intent to award these six with the 2013 contract.

Forces will no longer be sized for the types of operations conducted in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I know that the Army vehicle modernization program is critically dependent on advanced technologies in armor, energy, power, and networks and communications.

That is a really important point and one I have worried about.

I guess I would put it that directly.

Sir, I was just going to add to what General Lennox said at the end there that when General Austin came onboard, the first thing he did was say, 'Let us look at the CPR business and really take and work that.'

The Army lacks a credible quantitative model and process for determining realistic, achievable requirements for modernization and recapitalization, given reduced budgets.

I just want to follow up on the Black Hawk. Am I correct that the Army is still committed to the full planned multiyear procurement buy of 511 aircraft, though the acquisition is down for this year?

Thank you, Admiral. It is a good beginning.

Ultimately the number one standard has to be what is best for our troops, what is best for the men and women in uniform.

General Lennox and General Phillips, over the years there have been many assertions that the Army's current basic rifle and carbine should be replaced.

Is there any impact or risk to achieving the 10 percent savings projected in the MYP authority justification?

Good luck. Congratulations.

Any perturbation in the cost schedule and performance of the JSF program sends shock waves through the Department of Defense.

General Lennox and General Phillips, the Army Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) envisions a more fuel efficient and powerful engine for the UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache helicopter fleet.

Does the reduction of 12 aircraft in fiscal year 2013 have any impact on the UH-60M MYP such as cost per helicopter or total value of the MYP?

I appreciate that response because I think you took that report seriously.