| 'A HISTORIC DECISION': The U.S. is upgrading the command structure for its forward-deployed troops in Japan to what's known as a "Joint Force Headquarters," significantly expanding its "missions and operational responsibilities," with an eye on the growing threat from China and North Korea. "This will be the most significant change to U.S. Forces Japan since its creation and one of the strongest improvements in our military ties with Japan in 70 years," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said. He made what he called a "historic decision" after a "2+2" ministerial meeting in Tokyo that included Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Japan's foreign and defense ministers. The gradual upgrading of the command will put it on more of a war footing. However, Blinken emphasized the goal is increased deterrence. "Our alliance, the other alliances that we're engaged in — each and every one of them is defensive in nature," Blinken said. "They have no ambitions toward anyone else and never have been, never will be offensive in nature," Blinken said, noting that "unfortunately, these threats are increasing," requiring "our alliances, our partnerships" to get "deeper, stronger, and more effective." "Our decision to move in this direction is not based upon any threat from China," Austin said. "It's based on our desire and our ability to work closer together and to be more effective." A THREE-STAR COMMAND FOR NOW: As the U.S. begins to transition to a higher level of coordination with Japan, the new headquarters will be led, at least initially, by a three-star officer who will report to the commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Asked at a news conference if he's ruled out eventually making the new headquarters a four-star command, Austin said. " No, we haven't ruled that out." “It’s a phased approach because, standing up a joint headquarters, you can’t snap your fingers and do that overnight,” Austin said. “The idea is to remake the new headquarters into a complement to Japan’s new Joint Operations Command, which Austin said will allow U.S. and Japanese militaries “to work together more closely than ever.” “The U.S. will have a direct leadership role in planning and leading U.S. forces in both peacetime and in potential crises,” Austin said. “The speed of action, the speed of activity that we can expect to see in the future, is such that we need to do everything we can to streamline things, to make sure that we remain relevant and decisive in the battlespace as we work together as allies.” "A PROFOUND LEVEL OF GLOBAL THREATS': In a joint communique released by the four ministers, the U.S. and Japan cited a "profound level of global threats" to the "free and open international order based on the rule of law," citing an "increasingly severe security environment caused by recent moves of regional actors." "The People's Republic of China's foreign policy seeks to reshape the international order for its own benefit at the expense of others," the communique stated. "The Ministers reiterated their strong opposition to the PRC's intensifying attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion in the East China Sea, including through actions that seek to undermine Japan's longstanding and peaceful administration of the Senkaku Island." "I reaffirmed our ironclad commitment to defend Japan with the full range of our capabilities, including our nuclear capabilities," Austin said. "And let me again underscore that Article 5 of the Mutual Security Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands." The ministers also "strongly condemned North Korea's continued conduct of reckless ballistic missile launches," as well as "Russia's brutal, unprovoked, and unjustifiable war against Ukraine." CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Good Monday morning and welcome to Jamie McIntyre's Daily on Defense, written and compiled by Washington Examiner National Security Senior Writer Jamie McIntyre (@jamiejmcintyre) and edited by Christopher Tremoglie. Email here with tips, suggestions, calendar items, and anything else. Sign up or read current and back issues at DailyonDefense.com. If signing up doesn't work, shoot us an email, and we'll add you to our list. And be sure to follow me on Threads and/or on X @jamiejmcintyre CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP OR READ BACK ISSUES OF DAILY ON DEFENSE HAPPENING TODAY: Austin and Blinken are in Manila, meeting with their counterparts in another "2+2 Ministerial" such as the one in Tokyo. "They will discuss ways to deepen coordination on shared challenges, including in the South China Sea, and advance our bilateral economic agenda," the State Department said. "Blinken and Austin will also meet with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., to explore additional ways to capitalize on the unprecedented momentum in the United States-Philippines alliance." US ADMITS 'MISSTEP' WITH SECRET ANTI-VACCINATION PROPAGANDA CAMPAIGN IN PHILIPPINES ISRAEL CONTEMPLATES 'PRICE" HEZBOLLAH MUST PAY: Israel struck Hezbollah targets inside Lebanon yesterday, as its security Cabinet met last night to weigh the next step in response to the Saturday rocket attack that killed 12 Israeli children and teenagers in the Israel-controlled Golan Heights. "The members of the Cabinet authorized the Prime Minister and the Defense Minister to decide on the manner and timing of the response against the Hezbollah terrorist organization," said a post on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Facebook account. Hezbollah has denied responsibility for the attack, but Israel and the U.S. said the evidence is clear. "This attack was conducted by Lebanese Hezbollah. It was their rocket, and launched from an area they control," the White House said in a statement. "It should be universally condemned." Netanyahu has vowed Hezbollah will "pay a heavy price" for the deaths of young children he said were playing soccer when the rockets hit. "I can say that the state of Israel will not let this pass in silence. We will not overlook this," he said. "We're in conversations with the Government of Israel. And again, I emphasize its right to defend its citizens and our determination to make sure that they're able to do that, but we also don't want to see the conflict escalate. We don't want to see it spread," Blinken said in Tokyo. "That has been one of our goals from day one." "The best way to do that in a sustained way is to get the ceasefire in Gaza that we're working so hard on virtually every minute of the day," he said. "The United States is also working on a diplomatic solution along the Blue Line that will end all attacks once and for all, and allow citizens on both sides of the border to safely return to their homes," the White House statement said. ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR LOOMS OVER OLYMPICS MOVIN' UP: Over the past few days, the Pentagon has announced a number of presidential nominations for senior military posts, including Vice Adm. Alvin Holsey to be promoted to admiral and take over as commander, U.S. Southern Command. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne has been picked to become commander, Air Mobility Command. He is currently deputy commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa. Meanwhile current Deputy Air Mobility Commander, Air Force Lt. Gen. Randall Reed would take over the U.S. Transportation Command. Both positions are four-star commands. If confirmed, the newest member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will be Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Nordhaus, who would pin on a fourth star to become chief of the National Guard Bureau. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has picked Maj. Gen. Jennifer Short to receive her third star and serve as his senior military assistant, replacing Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark, who is nominated for promotion to general and a new assignment as commanding general, U.S. Army Pacific. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER THE RUNDOWN: Washington Examiner: Israel-Hamas war looms over Olympics Washington Examiner: US admits 'misstep' with secret anti-vaccination propaganda campaign in Philippines Washington Examiner: Israeli official warns Harris remarks could hamper ceasefire hostage deal Washington Examiner: Trump: Israel has to end the war 'fast' Washington Examiner: NORAD intercepts Russian and Chinese aircraft operating together near Alaska Washington Examiner: The messages behind China-Russia strategic bomber exercise Washington Examiner: Ukraine war may be headed to dreaded 'frozen conflict' zone Washington Examiner: Everything to know about capture of 'El Mayo' and son of Sinaloa cartel founder 'El Chapo' Washington Examiner: Appeals court sets schedule for DOJ bid to revive Trump classified documents case Washington Examiner: Editorial: Bring the national defense bill to the Senate floor AP: Maduro locked in standoff with opponents as each side claims victory in presidential elections AP: Blinken says US has 'serious concerns' about announced result of Venezuelan election New York Times: Gunman at Trump Rally Was Often a Step Ahead of the Secret Service New York Times: As F-16s Arrive, Ukraine Still Faces Steep Challenges in the Skies AP: Russia's Putin vows 'mirror measures' in response to US missiles in Germany New York Times: A Mysterious Plot Prompts A Rare Call From Russia To The Pentagon Breaking Defense: When AI Makes a Fatal Mistake, Who's to Blame? Air Force Secretary Weighs Morality and Reality Air & Space Forces Magazine: Secretary of Air Force Stands Up New Integrated Capabilities Office Air & Space Forces Magazine: B-52 Traverses Middle East as US Troops in Iraq and Syria Are Attacked Defense News: Space Force Mulling Nuclear Protection for Missile-Tracking Satellites The War Zone: Networked Sniper Pod Will Let 4th-Generation Fighters Create 'Kill Webs' With F-35s Breaking Defense: F-35 Performance-Based Logistics Contract in Limbo for Now: Lockheed Official Air & Space Forces Magazine: Space Force Offers Up to $180,000 for Select Guardians to Reenlist Air & Space Forces Magazine: JBSA-Randolph Bids Farewell to T-1 Jayhawk and Prepares for T-7 THE CALENDAR: MONDAY | JULY 29 9 a.m. — Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies “Aerospace Nation” webinar with Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James Slife https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/event 2 p.m. 1775 Massachusetts Ave. NW — Brookings Institution in-person and virtual discussion: “Strengthening Air and Space Power,” with Undersecretary of the Air Force Melissa Dalton; and Michael O’Hanlon, director of research at the Brookings Institution Foreign Policy Program, director, Brookings Institution Strobe Talbott Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology and chair in defense and strategy at the Brookings DATE: July 29, 2024 https://www.brookings.edu/events/strengthening-air-and-space-power TUESDAY | JULY 30 10 a.m. G-50 Dirksen — Senate Judiciary Committee and Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee joint hearing: “Examination of the Security Failures Leading to the Assassination Attempt on Former President Trump,” with testimony from Ronald Rowe, acting director of the U.S. Secret Service; and Deputy FBI Director Paul Abbate http://www.hsgac.senate.gov 10 a.m. 419 Dirksen — Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing: “Strategic Competition with the PRC: Assessing U.S. Competitiveness Beyond the Indo-Pacific,” with testimony from Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell http://foreign.senate.gov 11 a.m. — Heritage Foundation virtual discussion: “Nuclear Posture Review: Building Our Strength in 2025,” with Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NB); Matthew Kroenig, professor of government and foreign service at Georgetown University; and Robert Peters, Heritage research fellow on nuclear deterrence and missile defense https://www.heritage.org/missile-defense/event 2 p.m. 1616 Rhode Island Ave. NW — Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Association of the U.S. Army virtual and in-person Strategic Landpower Dialogue: "The Defense of Guam," with Lt. Gen. Robert Rasch, director, Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office and executive officer, Joint Program Office for the Guam Defense System; and Brig. Gen. Frank Lozano, program executive officer, Missiles and Space https://www.csis.org/events/defense-guam 2:30 p.m. 419 Dirksen — Senate Foreign Relations Europe and Regional Security Cooperation Subcommittee hearing: “The Future of Europe,” with testimony from Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O’Brien http://foreign.senate.gov 5:30 p.m. 920 Jones Branch Dr., McLean, Virginia — Intelligence and National Security Alliance discussion of "Issues including election security, great power competition, cyber threats to critical infrastructure, U.S. Cyber Command 2.0, AI/ML and defense industrial base defense,” with Air Force Gen. Timothy Haugh, commander of the U.S. Cyber Command, director of the National Security Agency and chief of the Central Security Service https://www.insaonline.org/detail-pages/event WEDNESDAY | JULY 31 8:30 a.m. 1201 15th St. NW — Defense Strategies Institute DOD Energy and Power Summit, with Navy Operational Energy Director James Caley; and Puesh Kumar, director of the Energy Department Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response https://power.dsigroup.org/register/ 8:45 a.m. 137 National Plaza, Oxon Hill, Maryland — Defense Strategies Institute 2024 Joint Air Survivability Summit, with Rear Adm. Michael Donnelly, director of air warfare in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations https://airsurvivability.dsigroup.org/ 9:30 a.m. — Center for Strategic and International Studies virtual discussion: “Rebuilding America’s Maritime Strength,” with Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL). https://www.csis.org/events/rebuilding-americas-maritime-strength 11 a.m. 1775 Massachusetts Ave. NW — Brookings Institution discussion: “The Future of Ukraine’s Economic Recovery,” with former Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, special representative for Ukraine’s economic recovery, State Department; Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova; Constanze Stelzenmuller, director, Brookings Center on the U.S. and Europe; and Ben Harris, Brookings vice president and director of economic studies https://www.brookings.edu/events/the-future-of-ukraines-economic-recovery/ THURSDAY | AUGUST 1 7:45 a.m. 1700 Army Navy Dr., Arlington, Virginia — National Defense Industrial Association Senior Defense Leaders Forum, with Defense Undersecretary for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu; and former Deputy Defense Secretary David Norquist, NDIA president and CEO https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-aug-1-ndia 8:30 a.m. 1201 15th St. NW — Defense Strategies Institute DOD Energy and Power Summit, with Paul Farnan, principal deputy assistant Army secretary for installations, energy and environment https://power.dsigroup.org/register/ 8:45 a.m. 137 National Plaza Oxon Hill, Maryland — Defense Strategies Institute Joint Air Survivability Summit, with Arthur Huber, executive director of the Air Force Test Center https://airsurvivability.dsigroup.org/ 10 a.m. 1616 Rhode Island Ave. NW — Center for Strategic and International Studies discussion: “Nuclear Threats and the Role of Allies,” with Acting Secretary of Defense for Space Policy Vipin Narang https://www.csis.org/events/nuclear-threats-and-role-allies 4 p.m. — Center for Strategic and International Studies media conference call briefing: “Previewing the Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations,” with Charles Edel, CSIS Australia chair; Kathryn Paik, CSIS Australia chair; Cynthia Cook, director of the CSIS Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group; and Rory Medcalf, CSIS nonresident adjunct fellow RSVP: Sam Cestari at [email protected]. | | | | "Christians, get out and vote! Just this time. You won't have to do it anymore. Four more years. You know what? It'll be fixed! It'll be fine! You won't have to vote anymore, my beautiful Christians." | | Cryptic remark made by former President Donald Trump Friday at the Turning Point Believers Summit, West Palm Beach, Florida |
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