Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis, commander of US Central Command, said Tuesday the Defense Department needs to enhance the integration of intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance capabilities between air and ground components in Southwest Asia. As an example, “We support a limited objective experiment to refine the requirement for a manned, armed ISR asset attuned to the unique challenges of counterinsurgency in Afghanistan,” Mattis told the Senate Armed Services Committee during a hearing on CENTCOM’s posture for Fiscal 2012. Mattis also said the Pentagon should continue investing in ISR technology, infrastructure, architecture, tools, and personnel to build on the gains already achieved in theater. (Mattis’ prepared statement)
Earlier this week, the People’s Republic of China confirmed it is halting its nuclear arms control talks with the U.S., in retaliation for the U.S. continuing to sell arms to Taiwan. The move reinforces a “pattern of behavior” from Beijing, experts say.