In a Senate Armed Services Committee document of advanced policy questions to Dr. Kathleen Hicks for nomination to the become the next Deputy Secretary of Defense, Hicks outlined a variety of stances that she would take if affirmed to the post. Below are a summary of topics that are of interest to defense communities and installations throughout the nation:
BRAC
Hicks said she would work with the military if it were determined by department leaders that a BRAC round was necessary to “shape priorities.” She affirmed that any future BRAC process would be fair and objective when analyzing the closing and realigning of U.S. installations.
“The key will be maintaining the essence of the BRAC process by treating all installations equally, all or none review by both the President and Congress, an independent Commission, the priority of military value, and a clear legal obligation to implement all of the recommendations in a time certain together with all the authorities needed to accomplish implementation,” Hicks wrote.
PFAS/PFOA
With regards to suspected releases of Perflourooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), the nominee said she would ensure that the DoD PFAS Task Force continues its work in investigating PFAS concerns, including finding PFAS-free firefighting alternatives. “The health and well-being of our people and their families is of paramount importance. If confirmed, I will ensure reported health concerns are promptly investigated, reviewed, and mitigated when necessary.”
Climate Change
Hicks echoed Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s stance assessing extreme weather has a significant threat impacting military readiness and operations. She said that “using more resilient designs is a common sense, cost effective, and arguably necessary method to promote resilience in DoD infrastructure and supporting communities.”
Military Quality of Life and Family Readiness
Hicks wrote her priorities would focus on “prevention of both domestic violence and harm to children, food security, tenet rights, spouse employment, and child care programs.” The nominee also said she would ensure active component families that do not live near military installations would receive necessary support services, citing possible interventions through web-based delivery systems.
Furthermore, Hicks said as Deputy Secretary of Defense, she would evaluate the implications of FY21 NDAA language relating to childcare; particular with regards to standardization of child care fee assistance, 24-hour child care, and assessment of staff pay and benefits to increase capacity.
The full advanced policy questions document can be found here.
Photo by DOD/EJ Hersom
