Research and Development Initiatives The Department's approach to improve equipment for combating terrorism is multidimensional and includes the following: identifying off-the-shelf solutions as well as high-return exploratory development programs for long-range, more capable solutions; and conducting advanced development rapid-prototyping programs, Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrations, U.S. Special Operations Command initiatives to meet counterterrorism requirements, and Service initiatives that directly impact force protection. Through the Physical Security Equipment Program, the Physical Security Equipment Action Group (PSEAG) meets Service and CINC requirements through demonstration and validation of equipment in the Defense acquisition cycle. The PSEAG also tests and evaluates commercial equipment for near-term integration into the antiterrorism and force protection schemes of an installation to immediately address equipment deficiencies. This very important action group has made a significant impact in protecting our forces. Notable accomplishments are the testing and fielding of waterside security systems, diver imaging and radar tracking technology, shipboard lighting, digital imaging, video motion detection, water and land barriers, surface and subsurface remotely-controlled unmanned vehicles, explosive detection systems, personnel alarming and alerting systems, access control systems, and vehicle inspection systems. We recognize that combating terrorism is a multi-agency and international problem. In partnership with the Departments of State and Justice, the Department, 10 through ASD (SO/LIC) executes the Combating Terrorism Technology Support Program under the auspices of the Technical Support Working Group (TSWG). TSWG's mission is to conduct the national interagency research and development program for combating terrorism primarily through rapid research, development and prototyping. Its membership includes over 80 organizations across the Federal Government. Under cooperative research and development agreements, the TSWG conducts joint projects with Israel, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The TSWG has made a tremendous impact in combating terrorism. Since Khobar Towers, our blast mitigation efforts have resulted in the creation of design guidelines for facility planners across the Federal Government. Material solutions and methods are being incorporated in DoD facilities and in embassies. Numerous TSWG-developed items have been used to detect and identify terrorists; defeat bombs, including large-vehicle bombs; protect VIPs, including the President, and protect our military forces. Also, TSWG-developed items exist in equipment inventories of state and local responders. Service initiatives are looking at innovative concepts to protect personnel, facilities, and weapons systems. Efforts include the development of equipment and systems to protect transiting forces, surveillance and remote visual assessment systems, advanced waterside security systems, and modeling and simulation to asses system effectiveness and force protection plans. While much still needs to be accomplished, the Department is making good decisions on its R&D investments to provide affordable solutions to counter terrorism. Our next challenge is to influence the Department's basic and applied research to directly impact our combating terrorism posture. Conclusion DoD has come a long way in its ability to protect U.S. forces from terrorist attacks while still ensuring mission accomplishment. Force protection has high-level attention and the highest priority in the organization at all levels. There are new standards, new policies, new doctrine, improved assessments, enhanced training, a new technology push and greater resources devoted to combating terrorism and the protection of our DoD personnel, families, and facilities. Terrorists will not relent, however, and we must be relentless and vigilant. We must ensure that protecting the force receives the same priority as projecting it. The new role of the ASD (SO/LIC) as the single focal point for all coordination on DoD combating terrorism activities will streamline our efforts and ensure widespread communication to all participating components of the Department. This concludes my remarks. Thank you again for the opportunity to discuss the important role of the Department of Defense in relation to combating terrorism activities. BRIGADIER GENERAL JONATHAN H. COFER, USA Introduction On behalf of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, I want to thank you for the opportunity to appear before this committee to review for you the initiatives that the Department of Defense has taken to combat terrorism, and share with you the specifics of work being done to address the vulnerabilities associated with the attack on USS COLE and on in-transit units in general. The tragic bombing of the USS COLE serves as a stark reminder that the terrorists of the world can strike anywhere, and at any time. Our adversaries, unable to confront or compete with the United States militarily, spend millions of dollars each year on terrorist organizations that target U.S. citizens, property, and interests. Consequently, our Combatant Commanders-in Chief (CINCs) and the Services continue to focus on antiterrorism issues as a first order priority. We have learned through our national tragedies that terrorists are indiscriminate killers who attack where and when their victims are most vulnerable. Most recently, on October 12, 2000, a bomb exploded along the port side of USS COLE while the ship was moored at a refueling "dolphin" in Aden, Yemen. The explosion killed 17 Sailors, wounded 42, and severely damaged the vessel. In this incident, terrorists were able to exploit access control measures and perimeter security vulnerabilities associated with waterside approaches to our ships while they are in port. 2 |