Samuel Nunn: “I thank the Chair. I would just like to read very quickly here General Shalikashvili's answer to a question about what…”

“I thank the Chair. I would just like to read very quickly here General Shalikashvili's answer to a question about what Milstar is all about. This is a very recent dialog in the committee. General Shalikashvili says, quoting him: The Milstar system will support theater command and control, tactical combat forces, unscheduled service for submarines and special operation forces, and strategic warning and SIOP execution. Milstar will satisfy many key requirements critical to successful military operations by a power-projection force: Antijam--Milstar communications are virtually immune to jamming; the message goes through, always. Covert--Milstar provides low probability of intercept/ detection, use will not compromise submarine, special operations forces, and other user locations to enemy listening stations. Deployability and Mobility--Milstar terminals-- These are the receiving units that will be in the forward areas. Milstar terminals will deploy using tactical airlift and move with front-line forces. Coverage and Connectivity--a complete constellation of four satellites will assure worldwide access anywhere (except the polar regions), anytime warfighters need it. Interoperability: This has been one of our big problems in tactical communications: Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines--Milstar will enable immediate communications between the Services.…”