Secretary of Defense Mattis: Russia Competitive, North Korea Dangerous, and Military Not Ready

Winchester, VA – Secretary of Defense James Mattis testified last night before the House Armed Services Committee covering multiple issues such as Russia, North Korea, and American combat readiness. Time reports that of Russia, Secretary Mattis said

“At this time…I do not see any indication that Mr. Putin would want a positive relationship with us. That is not to say we can’t get there as we look for common ground but at this point, he has chosen to be… a strategic competitor with us.”

The Washington Times reported that the secretary referred to North Korea as “an urgent and dangerous threat” and said war with Pyongyang would be “very very serious” unlike anything the world has seen since the last Korean War. He said combat readiness is shockingly poor and blamed Congress for denying both the funds and authority required by the armed forces to ready their troops for battle.