Jim Inhofe

I would only ask that you listen to some of the experiences of former Secretary James Baker.

As far as the five African brigades, it's not as well defined as I'd like it.

Thank you very much, and you're the man for the job.

I have not liked the way it's been divided between EUCOM and CENTCOM before, and we've talked about this.

I disagree with you on this issue.

Does this bother you?

I don't agree with the Law of the Sea Treaty, and I think there are a lot of deficiencies.

I've often thought--I look back wistfully at the days of the Cold War, when things were predictable.

I would do the same.

After my 14th trip over there, to the Iraqi area of responsibility, I came back seeing incredible progress.

I do agree with the position that we really are stressed right now, in terms of resources, assets, and force strength.

The best news was, on the other side, two of the most severe critics in the New York Times came back... and agree with virtually everything that you two have said about the progress that's taking place right now.

It would be a critical mistake to abandon the Army's core modernization effort.

Good. Let me just echo what the chairman and Senator Warner said. I just think the world of all three of you and look forward to working with you in your new capacities.

So you think that you have new tools now that you didn't have before that would give us some level of confidence that we have something that works?

On the no nuclear testing program, for as long as they have had that I've been concerned whether or not we're actually keeping a credible nuclear deterrent.

Admiral Olson, we hear a lot about OPTEMPO, we hear about the Guard and Reserve and the problems that they're having right now.

That's my thinking here. Special Ops used to be rather small. Right now it's growing more rapidly than any other element out there.

I'd like to know your feelings about the adequacy of that account and how significant the section 1208 funds are.

I appreciate it very much.

Why don't you do this. You look at the adequacy of the section 1208 and let us know if it looks like it might be a problem.

Yes. One of your biggest problems is going to be that you probably won't have the resources that you think are really necessary to get this done.

I would hope that you would keep in mind and evaluate these as they come in, because sometimes you'll get legitimate requests, sometimes they'll be politically inspired requests.

If we do not really utilize the advantages that come with an IMET program, China is doing it.

You have always been a real strong supporter of that.