20250401: Full Hearing: US Military Posture & National Security Challenges in North & South America

2025-04-01

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Summary

The meeting focused on the fiscal year 2026 posture hearings for U.S. Northern and Southern Commands, with discussions revolving around homeland defense and national security challenges in North and South America. Key themes included border security, the increasing threats from adversaries like China and Russia, the need for military modernization, and the crucial role of international partnerships and resource allocation for various missions. Witnesses provided updates on current operations and articulated ongoing concerns and requirements for their commands.

Themes

Southern Border Security and Drug Trafficking

The discussion highlighted that President Trump's open border policies led to historic illegal immigration, but his subsequent executive actions, including deploying 7,500 additional troops, significantly reduced illegal crossings by 94-97% [ 00:20:29-00:20:52 ]

. The Department of Defense reported a 97% decrease in illegal border crossings due to these efforts . This has caused cartels to seek new routes for human and drug trafficking, leading to increased cartel violence in Mexico [ 00:38:50-00:38:56 ] . Despite efforts, cocaine trafficking continues at a record pace, with only about 10% of observed activity being interdicted due to asset limitations . The deployment of 6,600 to 10,000 DOD personnel for border support, costing $376 million so far, is expected to last for years [ 00:47:00 ] . Military personnel are involved in detection and monitoring, not detention, and operate under strict adherence to the Posse Comitatus Act [ 01:07:38 ] [ 01:27:52 ] . Concerns were raised about the feasibility and cost of housing large numbers of migrants at Guantanamo Bay and military bases [ 01:36:28 ] . Cartels were identified as a national security threat and foreign terrorist organizations, with fentanyl flow dropping by 40% .

Adversarial Threats from Global Powers

The homeland is no longer considered a sanctuary, with adversaries developing advanced air and missile capabilities [ 00:21:14 ]

. China and Russia have increased activity around Alaska, including joint bomber patrols, and North Korea continues testing long-range missiles, possibly with Russian assistance [ 00:21:25 ] . China's Belt and Road Initiative is expanding its control over ports, space facilities, and critical minerals in the Western Hemisphere, posing a direct threat [ 00:21:57 ] . Russia remains active, providing training and arms to Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba, and conducting military drills in the Atlantic [ 00:22:37 ] . Iranian military presence in the Western Hemisphere was also noted as a concern . These countries cooperate by transferring weapons and military technology, increasing risks to North America [ 00:53:09 ] . There is also concern about China's malign influence through telecommunications infrastructure in Latin America . The frequency of Russian submarine patrols near US coasts is increasing, necessitating expanded undersea detection capabilities . China's presence in the Arctic is unprecedented, involving bomber flights and dual-use vessels . The Chinese fishing fleet is also seen as a paramilitary unit gathering intelligence .

Homeland Defense and Modernization Needs

The "Golden Dome" missile shield initiative is a priority for homeland defense . However, efforts to auction off parts of the spectrum needed for missile tracking could seriously undermine this initiative [ 00:21:38 ]

. There's a critical need for layered domain awareness, from seabed to space, utilizing advanced capabilities like airborne moving target indicator satellites and over-the-horizon radars . Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) pose a growing threat, and expanded authorities (130i) are needed for military forces to detect and engage them effectively, even outside base perimeters . The current DOD acquisition system is considered too slow to field necessary equipment, with calls for faster procurement and commercial off-the-shelf solutions [ 00:39:44 ] . The Next-Generation Interceptor (NGI) is a high priority, as delays would risk the ability to defeat rogue nation ICBM threats . Cyber threats to critical infrastructure are constant, with strong collaboration with Cyber Command and CISA being essential . The lack of icebreakers severely limits freedom of maneuver in the Arctic .

Alliances and Partnerships

Alliances and partnerships are deemed crucial for homeland defense and countering malign influence in the Western Hemisphere . Canada's role in North American air defense through NORAD is integral, and a loss of this partnership would severely impact northern defense capabilities . Concerns were raised that President Trump's rhetoric and tariff threats could strain these relationships and potentially turn allies against the US . Panama's withdrawal from the Belt and Road Initiative was highlighted as a positive development [ 00:22:34 ]

. SOUTHCOM emphasizes security cooperation, joint exercises, and economic investment as effective tools to counter Chinese influence, as partners prefer working with the US . The State Partnership Program, involving 24 states and 30 countries, is a powerful lever for SOUTHCOM in the region . Despite political tensions, the military-to-military relationship with Canada remains strong [ 01:34:00 ] .

Military Engagement and Resource Allocation

There is a significant need for consistent and persistent military presence and more assets, including maritime, aviation, and ISR, for effective counter-drug missions . Currently, only 10% of observed drug trafficking can be actioned due to asset limitations . Both NORTHCOM and SOUTHCOM advocate for increased naval presence in the Arctic and their respective AORs to counter adversarial activities [ 02:07:13 ]

. The deployment of troops for southern border security and the potential housing of migrants at military facilities involve substantial costs and raise questions about impacts on overall military readiness . SOUTHCOM, in particular, noted that current resource allotments are insufficient to fully accomplish its missions .

Tone Summary

The tone of the meeting was largely serious and concerned, reflecting the gravity of the national security challenges discussed [ 00:23:29 ]

. There was a general consensus among participants on the growing threats from adversaries like China and Russia, the importance of homeland defense, and the need for military modernization [ 00:23:36 ] . However, there were clear areas of contention and disagreement, particularly concerning the political rhetoric surrounding allies, specific policies on border security and military involvement, and the cost-benefit analysis of certain approaches . Witnesses generally maintained a professional demeanor, focusing on their military mandates and operational needs, though some expressed frustration regarding the slowness of acquisition processes and the impact of political decisions on international partnerships [ 00:39:44 ] .