Posture Statement of General Douglas M. Fraser, United States Air Force Commander, United States Southern Command, Before the 112th Congress House Armed Services Committee

Within the context of modest funding, we continue to accomplish our primary objective of defending the United States while also promoting regional security and enduring partnerships. The key to our defense-in-depth approach to Central America, South America, and the Caribbean has been persistent, sustained engagement, which supports the achievement of U.S. national security objectives by strengthening the security capacities of our partner nations. Militaries in our area of responsibility AOR are increasingly capable, professionalized, and rank among the most trusted institutions in many countries in the region.