"In terms of the future war fight ... I think we’re going to have to be faster, more practical, more adaptable, more lethal, more precise, leave less of a footprint, and more mobile in the world that we’re living in. I think we will continue to evolve as an expeditionary force and I think you will see a lot of that happening in part because of the fight that we’re in and what we’re learning about that, and I think that will be a very important part of how we view the future."
(October 23, 2007, Address to Command and General Staff College Students, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas)
"I would argue that in the future struggles of the asymmetric counterinsurgent variety, we ought to make it a precondition of committing our troops, that we will do so only if and when the other instruments of national power are ready to engage as well.
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(March 03, 2010, Landon Lecture Series, Manhattan, Kansas)
"Now, there’s been much debate over how to balance traditional and irregular warfare capabilities in our military. As an underpinning, I see this principle applying to both. It chooses quality of people, training and systems over quantity of platforms. It means that we choose to go small in number before we go hollow in capability. And it favors innovation in leaders, in doctrine, in organization and in technology.
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(March 03, 2010, Landon Lecture Series, Manhattan, Kansas)
"... we continue to change as a force. Our missions are changing specifically and we’re focused heavily now, obviously in Afghanistan and Pakistan, focused very much on the enemy that killed thousands of Americans, does so now, still seeks to do more of that and an enemy that we’ve got to seek, continue to seek to make sure that doesn’t happen. And you lead that and I know that. And I’m engaged with your leadership routinely to make sure that that edge is continuously honed. And I greatly appreciate that.
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(March 04, 2010, Naval Special Warfare Center All Hands Call, Coronado, Calif. )
"Even while it retains the strategic triad of bombers, submarines and missiles that have served us so well, the review further strengthens us – the United States command and control, works to prevent nuclear terrorism and proliferation, and suggests new dialogues through which to improve transparency with Russia and China. And even while it precludes nuclear testing and the development of new warheads, the review bolsters regional deterrence by fielding new missile defenses, improving counter-WMD capabilities and revitalizing our nuclear support infrastructure. "
(April 06, 2010, New Nuclear Posture Review Briefing, The Pentagon, Washington D.C.)
"Every Airman, every Soldier, Marine, Sailor and Coastguardsman out there today is doing his or her duty. And tomorrow, so shall you...A good leader remembers that a vow – the promise to put service before self always. He or she remembers that loyalty must be demonstrated to seniors, peers and subordinates alike and that it must never be blind... We must build new partnerships and shape stronger international standards and institutions. No one military, no one nation, can do it alone anymore, and no one nation has the corner on the good ideas market.
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(April 26, 2010, U.S. Air Force Academy 2010 Graduation, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.)