The U.S. military's technological modernization cannot come at the expense of its ground combat forces, incoming Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford told Senate lawmakers earlier this week.
Rather, the general said during his confirmation hearing Thursday on Capitol Hill, planning for future threats requires a "balanced inventory of capabilities."
Dunford addressed the issue in response to a question from Sen. Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican and Army veteran who served as an infantry officer in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dunford, who if confirmed will become only the second Marine to hold the military's top post, also is an infantry officer by training.
After a briefly awkward exchange in which Cotton appeared to prod Dunford about the origin of his nickname, "Fighting Joe," the senator asked the general whether he worries tomorrow's infantry forces — namely soldiers and Marines — will go under resourced as the country pumps billions of dollars into the development of next-generation weapons systems such as the long-range strike bomber, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and a new ballistic missile submarine.
"I am concerned," Dunford responded, noting also that he doesn't self apply his nickname. "And I think it's broader than just the infantry piece. Experience tells us we need a balanced inventory of capabilities and capacities in joint force to be successful. ... What concerns me are people who actually think they know what the future is going to look like because, our experience tells us, we don't. So having a full range of capabilities that includes having effective Marines and soldiers, from my perspective, is the prudent thing to do."
Dunford's confirmation hearing spanned a range of issues, including threats posed to the U.S. by Russia, China and the self-proclaimed Islamic State group. He also was asked about the eventual withdrawal of American personnel from Afghanistan, where Dunford led coalition forces before his nomination last year to become the Marine Corps commandant.
Cotton noted that during Dunford's 38-year military career, American ground troops have been sent into harm's way several times. "And there's no doubt," he added, "that we may be called on in the future."
"So I hope that in your tenure, even if you don't want to be called 'Fighting Joe,' that you'll be on the lookout for all the 'Fighting Joes' in the Marine Corps and the Army, so the country will have them ready to serve once again."
Dunford nodded. "I'll do that, senator," he said.
