A Conversation with Ashton B. Carter | Institute of Politics | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

U.S. Secretary of Defense emphasizes the importance of international cooperation, military preparedness, and addressing issues such as cyber security and sexual assault in the military.

Transcript

so what is the Secretary of Defense do for those of you who haven't studied up he has a budget of about six hundred billion dollars billion half of the federal workforce works for him more than two million men and women in arms as as well as the civilians he's the president's chief adviser on national security affairs that involve the use of milita... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌐 The U.S. Secretary of Defense prioritizes international cooperation and relationships with other countries in addressing global security challenges.
• 😒 Military preparedness, including the use of advanced technology, is essential for national defense.
• 💦 The military must attract the next generation by providing opportunities for meaningful contributions and work-life balance.
• 🎖️ Combatting sexual assault in the military is a top priority, with a focus on prevention, reporting, and supporting victims.
• 🌍 Establishing norms and cooperation in cyber security is crucial for national defense and protecting critical infrastructure.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the role of the Secretary of Defense in national security affairs?

The Secretary of Defense is the President's chief advisor on national security matters involving the use of military force. They manage relationships with defense ministers in other countries and oversee the military budget and personnel.

Q: How does the Secretary of Defense view the importance of the military in attracting the next generation?

The Secretary of Defense believes it is crucial for the military to be attractive to the next generation, who want to contribute to something of consequence. He aims to create alternatives to traditional military service and improve work-life balance to appeal to a broader range of individuals.

Q: What is the U.S. military's approach to addressing sexual assault in the armed forces?

The Department of Defense acknowledges the prevalence of sexual assault in the military and is committed to addressing this issue. They are working on improving prevention, reporting, and response mechanisms, as well as combating retaliation against victims.

Q: How does the Secretary of Defense view China's actions in the South China Sea?

The Secretary of Defense believes in maintaining freedom of navigation and opposes China's unilateral territorial claims and dredging activities in the South China Sea. He aims for a peaceful resolution and inclusiveness in the region, while ensuring a strong and balanced military presence.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The U.S. Secretary of Defense holds a budget of about $600 billion and oversees over two million military personnel. He is the President's chief advisor on national security and responsible for managing relationships with other defense ministers globally.

• The Secretary of Defense spoke about the importance of his time at Harvard Kennedy School in preparing him for his role. He emphasized the significance of contributing to something greater than oneself and the need for the military to attract the next generation.

• He discussed the importance of connecting with the technology community, particularly in the biotechnology field, to ensure access to the best technology for national defense.

• The Secretary of Defense highlighted the ongoing fight against ISIS and the need for international collaboration, including partnerships with countries such as France and the UK. He also emphasized the importance of a political transition in Syria.