Breaking News: President questions Sec. Adams

[Rick Warder]

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a Rose Garden press conference, President Rick Warder and Secretary of Defense Avery Adams entertained questions regarding America's military readiness.

President Warder posed the following questions:

1. "Mr. Adams, do you believe that air strikes are a viable means of containing foreign regimes, in particular in destroying nuclear projects which are currently underway?"

2. "What military research and funding is required to achieve sufficient and effective air strike capability to avoid the need for ground engagement with hostile regimes?"

3. "For the deployment of this air strike capability, should we rely on other states to host our fighters and bombers or should we invest more heavily in aircraft carriers and other platforms?"

4. "Do you have suggestions for the development of a new cruise missile?"

5. "With respect to Iran, are American forces in a position to repel an Iranian attack against Iraq if President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad should actually launch his long-threatened jihad against us?"

6. "In your estimation, how far has Iran's nuclear program progressed?"

[Avery Adams]

Mr. President, thank you. I will try to answer your questions as best I can given this public forum.

1. "Mr. Adams, do you believe that air strikes are a viable means of containing foreign regimes, in particular in destroying nuclear projects which are currently underway?"

It is of course our intention to pursue every diplomatic option before committing to military action. That however requires other nations to act in good faith as well. Unfortunately some nations have used talks to stall for time and violate agreements before the ink is dry. If such actions continue to lead down a road that may endanger the security of the United States and its allies, then yes, coercive and punitive strikes are always a serious and valid option in order to remove dangerous capabilities and become the "stick" where the "carrot" has failed repeatedly.

2. "What military research and funding is required to achieve sufficient and effective air strike capability to avoid the need for ground engagement with hostile regimes?"

The United States Armed Forces have many capabilities, which we continually seek to improve through advances in both evolutionary and transformational technologies and operating methods. Our forces can conduct a large variety of operations, either by design or innovation. The Department of Defense continues to find more effective and efficient ways to accomplish the missions we face and will likely face in the future.

3. "For the deployment of this air strike capability, should we rely on other states to host our fighters and bombers or should we invest more heavily in aircraft carriers and other platforms?"

As a naval aviator I have a bias toward carrier air power, however land-based tactical and strategic air power has many benefits as well. All types bring unique characteristics and capabilities. We should always work with our allies to allow deployment and divert locations; carrier battle groups also give freedom of movement and strategic aircraft allow long-range delivery of massive amounts of ordnance. In essence, we have a range of options, which the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Office of Secretary of Defense will work with the Combatant Commanders in order to plan for and present when tasked by the National Command Authority.

4. "Do you have suggestions for the development of a new cruise missile?"

The Department of Defense is researching a variety of technologies, both for short-term advancements and long-term leaps. The Joint Staff is reviewing a number of options to increase speed, range, lethality, precision, and operational effectiveness. These types of systems are one tool in the toolbox, depending on what our warriors face.

5. "With respect to Iran, are American forces in a position to repel an Iranian attack against Iraq if President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad should actually launch his long-threatened jihad against us?"

While I am not comfortable getting into specifics in public, I am confident that the United States forces assisting in securing and training Iraqi forces could, with our close attention to the borders, predict, prepare, and in the end prevent conventional forces from successfully attacking Iraq. As we have seen, some unfriendly nations in the region have used asymmetric threats and support for terrorist elements in an attempt to destabilize that nation and hold back our efforts to establish a secure, self-sustaining democracy.

6. "In your estimation, how far has Iran's nuclear program progressed?"

I am afraid I can not reveal all that we know about Iran's efforts to this audience (reporters laugh), I think it is evident that despite the efforts of the EU, the IAEA, and the United States, Iran remains committed to violating the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Every day Iran continues to drag out negotiations without progress is one day closer they are to having nuclear capabilities. Many of the key steps needed to develop and produce nuclear weapons have been taken by the Iranians, and the bombastic language of the regime is of grave concern to me, considering that Iran by all account has chemical and biological weapons and ballistic missiles of significant range, and in the near future they may possess nuclear weapons.

Thank you again Mr. President, I am more than willing to answer any questions you may have; or we can see if this gathering of esteemed media have any.