Mattis backs women in combat, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation alliance

The House Armed Services Committee has cancelled a hearing Thursday in which retired Marine Gen. James Mattis was to address the unconventional nature of his nomination for defense secretary because President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team decided against him doing appearing, two congressional staff members said.

In his opening statement, he lamented the status of military readiness because of budget constraints and said he would work to strengthen that weakness, as well as collaboration with allies, and would instill budget discipline.

Leo Shane III covers Congress, Veterans Affairs and the White House for Military Times.

“Civilian control is a fundamental principle of American democracy”, Sen.

And for those who are tired of Mattis’s prior military career interfering with his civilian responsibilities, have no fear he said.

The question of budget restraints at the Pentagon is one that could cause tensions with hawkish lawmakers.

Mattis, 66, was grilled by members of the Senate Armed Services Committee during a confirmation hearing about his past comments that questioned whether integrated military service could be successful. “The idea that you should moderate it before you give it to them is not showing respect to your civilian leadership”, Mattis said.

The current world order is under its greatest threat since World War II due to provocations from Russian Federation, terrorism and other worldwide actors, according to President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of defense James Mattis. Jeff Sessions for attorney general and Rex Tillerson for secretary of state. The full Senate was expected to vote this month on his confirmation and clear the way for Mattis to take over the Pentagon when Trump takes office January 20.

In prepared remarks for the hearing, Mattis expressed unqualified support for traditional US worldwide alliances.

Hoyer said Mattis might be the best of the nominees for top administration positions put forward by the Republican Trump, who takes office on January 20.

“I’m coming in with the understanding that I lead the department of defense, and if someone brings me a problem, then I’ll look at it”, Mattis said today.

Current law dictates that an individual must be out of military uniform for at least seven years before taking the civilian position of Pentagon chief.

Mattis’ words about Russia contrast with Trump who dismissed claims of russian interference in the USA as fake news.

Mattis’s remarks may provide hints about how the Trump administration, which has not put forward comprehensive national security plans, may alter the posture of the world’s most advanced military as it juggles threats including the Islamic State and an ascendant China, and grapples with shocks to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation alliance and cuts to defense spending.

Mattis could serve as a “stabilizing and moderating force”, and prevent “wildly stupid, risky or illegal things from happening” during the next administration, Eliot Cohen, a professor of strategic studies at Johns Hopkins University, told Reuters. “We have a relatively short list of successes in that regard”, the retired general said. Too bad for national security. I think it was an opportunity to help him.

He has remained outspoken in his concerns about Iran.

Mattis called the Iran deal an “imperfect” one, but still supported the United States keeping its end of the bargain.