Monday
Mar032008
Pentagon releases report on Chinese military power
Today the Department of Defense released its annual assessment of Chinese military power. The U.S. Congress as well as the President have been briefed on the report which outlines technical and political changes in the overall Chinese military capabilities. The report concludes that the People's Liberation Army is moving away from a massive force size aimed at gaining the upper hand in wars of attrition to a strategy of short-term, high tech engagements particularly at sea, on Chinese borders and in disputed territories.
One discovery in this year's assessment is that the Chinese have been stepping up weapons development in order to fight in "informataized" situations or a circumstance where operations are inhibited by communications jamming, electronic surveillance and precision weapons. The report also found that the Chinese are developing capabilities to deal with joint operations or the ability to engage multiple force (air force, naval, etc) offensives.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia, David Sedney held a briefing for Pentagon reporters on the report. He said that the Chinese government has always protested the report and he expects that they will protest this year's report as mischaracterizing Chinese intentions. But he said that the most difficult part of creating the report was to assess Chinese intention, because there is such a lack of transparency when it comes to investigating Chinese military assets.
He highlighted the realm of cyber military initiatives citing the report which said that cyber "intrusions' of U.S. computer systems where sensitive, and possibly proprietary business information may have been breached through invasion could be linked to the People's Liberation Army. He said that this is the newest challenge when it comes to responding to Chinese military tactics.
The military report affirmed that China has "the most active ballistic missile program in the world." One of the missiles being developed is an anti-ship missile, fired from land and designed to intercept a ship, even one as large as an aircraft carrier at medium to long-range distances. The controversial 2007 launch of an anti-satellite missile was mentioned in the report as evidence of China's space and couterspace military technology.
The report does note an uptick in Taiwan's spending to 3 percent of GDP in 2008. The increase is also directed at increasing missile technology The report said that the United States remains helpful in providing information to Taiwan to continue developing self defense technology.
One discovery in this year's assessment is that the Chinese have been stepping up weapons development in order to fight in "informataized" situations or a circumstance where operations are inhibited by communications jamming, electronic surveillance and precision weapons. The report also found that the Chinese are developing capabilities to deal with joint operations or the ability to engage multiple force (air force, naval, etc) offensives.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia, David Sedney held a briefing for Pentagon reporters on the report. He said that the Chinese government has always protested the report and he expects that they will protest this year's report as mischaracterizing Chinese intentions. But he said that the most difficult part of creating the report was to assess Chinese intention, because there is such a lack of transparency when it comes to investigating Chinese military assets.
He highlighted the realm of cyber military initiatives citing the report which said that cyber "intrusions' of U.S. computer systems where sensitive, and possibly proprietary business information may have been breached through invasion could be linked to the People's Liberation Army. He said that this is the newest challenge when it comes to responding to Chinese military tactics.
The military report affirmed that China has "the most active ballistic missile program in the world." One of the missiles being developed is an anti-ship missile, fired from land and designed to intercept a ship, even one as large as an aircraft carrier at medium to long-range distances. The controversial 2007 launch of an anti-satellite missile was mentioned in the report as evidence of China's space and couterspace military technology.
The report does note an uptick in Taiwan's spending to 3 percent of GDP in 2008. The increase is also directed at increasing missile technology The report said that the United States remains helpful in providing information to Taiwan to continue developing self defense technology.
tagged 
China, anti-satellite, cyber, military, missiles, taiwan in News/Commentary
China, anti-satellite, cyber, military, missiles, taiwan in News/Commentary
House Armed Services Committee hearing on Military Mental Health
Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Eric Schoomaker said the global war on terror has increased stress on soldiers and their families. If Post Traumatic Stress is not identified and addressed promptly, it can lead to more therapy resistant issues, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Schoomaker said, and this is evidenced by looking at veterans from Vietnam. A new training program for soldiers, "Battlemind," is preparing soldiers better for the battlefield.
Navy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Adam Robinson said the length of deployments are causing high levels of stress. Also referencing Vietnam Veterans, Robinson said that no treatments cause significant issues. A big issue in dealing with mental health issues, he said, is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and therefore encourage more soldiers to come forward and get the help they need. They are expanding training for personnel, and said that just as you train your body with physical exercise, you can train your mind.