THE FIGHT OF HIS LIFE: Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, a legendary Marine commander, has been in many battles in his more than 40 years in uniform. But this week he faces a foe that has inflicted more damage on the U.S. military than any foreign adversary, and which his immediate predecessors have failed to vanquish: the congressionally-imposed spending limits known as sequestration. His testimony last night before the House Armed Services Committee was just the opening salvo of a week-long campaign to convince a skeptical Congress that he needs every dime of the Pentagon’s 2018 $575 billion baseline budget request, and that the massive military buildup promised by the president will come, just not this year. This morning at 9:30, the front lines shift to the Senate Armed Services Committee, where Mattis, along with Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford, will again face scrutiny from defense hawks such as Sen. John McCain, who believe the $52 billion proposed increase is inadequate to the challenges facing a military weary from 16 years of non-stop war. It was a theme pounded by House Armed Services Chairman Rep. Mac Thornberry. “We cannot wait until we solve our budget problems to adequately fund our military. We cannot wait until we perfect our acquisition system to have planes that fly and ships that sail,” Thornberry said in his opening statement. “The world is not stopping and waiting on us to get our act together. ... We cannot keep piling missions on our service members without ensuring they have all they need to succeed.”

Mattis’ answer: “It took us years to get into this situation. It will require years of stable budgets and increased funding to get out of it.” He is pleading with Congress to do three things: Increase the budget caps so the full $52 billion increase can be approved; pass a real budget instead of stopgap continuing resolutions; and repeal or revise the 2011 Budget Control Act that imposed sequestration on all federal agencies.

In his opening statement, Dunford also painted a grim picture, saying the U.S. military’s competitive advantage against potential adversaries is eroding. “Without sustained, sufficient, and predictable funding, I assess that within five years we will lose our ability to project power; the basis of how we defend the homeland, advance U.S. interests, and meet our alliance commitments.”

Here’s a rundown of what Mattis had to say:

Sequestration: “I retired from military service three months after sequestration took effect. Four years later, I returned to the Department and I have been shocked by what I’ve seen with our readiness to fight. For all the heartache caused by the loss of our troops during these wars, no enemy in the field has done more to harm the readiness of our military than sequestration.”

The promised buildup: The 2018 budget "is how we are going to try to stabilize the problem and fill it in in a way that allows us to balance the force. … But the real growth comes in '19 to '23 with a program that OMB is keenly aware we need and President Trump has highlighted to OMB, so we have his support on this."

North Korea: “The most urgent and dangerous threat to peace and security is North Korea. North Korea's continued pursuit of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them has increased in pace and scope. The regime’s nuclear weapons program is a clear and present danger to all, and the regime’s provocative actions, manifestly illegal under international law, have not abated despite United Nations’ censure and sanctions.”

War in Korea: “It would be a war like nothing we’ve seen since 1953.”

Iran: “Security vacuums have allowed a revolutionary Iranian regime to sow violence, provoke wider Sunni-Shia confrontation, and pursue regional hegemony.”

Afghanistan: “More broadly, this need to preserve our security also requires us to sustain the international presence in Afghanistan to help stabilize the South Asia region and deny terrorists a safe haven.”

Great power competition: “A ... more aggressive Russian Federation and a rising, more confident, and assertive China, places the international order under assault. Both Russia and China object to key aspects of the international order so painstakingly built since the end of World War II.”

Base closings in 2021: "We forecast that a properly focused base closure effort will generate $2 billion or more annually — enough to buy 300 Apache attack helicopters, 120 F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, or four Virginia-class submarines.”

Good Tuesday morning and welcome to Jamie McIntyre’s Daily on Defense, compiled by Washington Examiner National Security Senior Writer Jamie McIntyre ( @jamiejmcintyre), National Security Writer Travis J. Tritten ( @travis_tritten) and Senior Editor David Brown ( @dave_brown24). Email us here for tips, suggestions, calendar items and anything else. If a friend sent this to you and you’d like to sign up, click here. If signing up doesn’t work, shoot us an email and we’ll add you to our list. And be sure to follow us on Twitter @dailyondefense.

RAPUANO CONFIRMED: The Senate voted last night to approve Trump's pick for assistant secretary for homeland defense and global security at the Pentagon. Kenneth Rapuano, a senior vice president at the ANSER research institute, was a deputy homeland security adviser in the Bush administration and served 21 years in the Marine Corps as an infantry and intelligence officer. He has also held adviser positions in the defense and energy departments, according to his online bio. The 95-1 vote makes Rapuano the sixth Trump Pentagon appointee approved by the Senate after the administration's slow start filling key jobs in the building.

US SOLDIERS IDENTIFIED: The Department of Defense has identified three soldiers who were killed by an Afghan soldier during an insider attack in Afghanistan on Saturday. Sgt. Eric Houck, 25, Sgt. William Bays, 29, and Cpl. Dillon Baldridge, 22, were assigned to Fort Campbell, Ky. Houck was from Baltimore, Md., Bays was from Barstow, Calif., and Baldridge was from Youngsville, N.C. The three soldiers died in Peka Valley in Nangarhar province.

It’s the same area of Afghanistan where a convoy with U.S. and Afghan personnel was attacked yesterday. The U.S. military said the convoy was hit by a roadside bomb and attacked with small arms fire and returned fire. No U.S. service members were killed, and the Department of Defense said it hadn't received any reports of civilian deaths, but the local governor said three Afghans were killed by the U.S. troops. The incident is under investigation.

F-35 WINGS STILL CLIPPED: The Air Force is keeping a squadron of its newest F-35 fighter aircraft on the ground while it continues to probe why some pilots have reported experiencing symptoms of oxygen deprivation while in the cockpit. The temporary grounding affects only the F-35s at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, where five pilots in the past five weeks have reported symptoms consistent with "hypoxia," or lack of oxygen. "The 56th Fighter Wing will continue their pause in local F-35A flying to coordinate analysis and communication between pilots, maintainers, medical professionals and a team of military and industry experts," said Maj. Rebecca Heyse, a spokeswoman for Luke Air Force Base, in a statement.

OPPOSITION TO SAUDI MUNITIONS DEAL: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer will vote for a measure up in the Senate as early as this week that would oppose a deal to sell precision-guided munitions to Saudi Arabia, Susan Ferrechio writes. Schumer said he does not support the sale because of the country's weak human rights record and support of terrorism.

"The human rights and humanitarian concerns have been well documented and are important," Schumer said in a statement. "Of equal concern to me is that the Saudi government continues to aid and abet terrorism via its relationship with Wahhabism and the funding of schools that spread extremist propaganda throughout the world."

The measure involves three specific arms sales: Joint direct-attack munitions for Royal Saudi Air Force F-15s; Kaman bomb fuzes for MK-80, BLU-109 and BLU-100 warheads; and Raytheon Paveway bombs for Saudi F-15, Tornado and Typhoon aircraft.

HAPPENING TODAY: Attorney General Jeff Sessions will testify Tuesday in an open hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee beginning at 2:30 p.m. The Department of Justice said Monday that Sessions requested the testimony be public for “the American people to hear the truth." Sessions “believes it is important for the American people to hear the truth directly from him and looks forward to answering the committee's questions tomorrow," Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said in a statement.

MULLING MUELLER'S FATE: A close friend of Trump told the PBS NewsHour last night that the president is considering whether to fire former FBI Director Robert Mueller, the special counsel investigating Russia’s meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign, and possible links to Trump associates. “I think he's considering perhaps terminating the special counsel. I think he's weighing that option,” said Christopher Ruddy, CEO of Newsmax. But Ruddy seemed to be basing his opinion on what he had seen on TV. On ABC Sunday, one of the president's lawyers, Jay Sekulow did not rule out firing Mueller. "I'm not going to speculate on what [Trump] will or will not do,” Sekulow said, but then added he "can't imagine the issue is going to arise.” The White House said Ruddy speaks for himself and that he has not discussed the subject with the president.

POSSIBLE CHINA SANCTIONS: The Trump administration is pushing China to take action against nearly 10 Chinese entities who the U.S. says are trading with North Korea and supporting the rogue nation's nuclear weapons program. The Wall Street Journal reports that if Beijing does not punish these Chinese companies and individuals before the end of the summer, the U.S. Treasury Department could impose unilateral sanctions against the entities. According to the report, absent action against these Chinese entities, American officials fear North Korea could be able to develop a missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead that can hit the U.S. within a few years.

OR, DENNIS COULD TAKE CARE OF IT: Former NBA star player Dennis Rodman arrived in North Korea today for a trip of unknown purpose. In raw video posted by AP this morning, Rodman told reporters “I’m just here to see some friends and have a good time.”

Earlier, in a brief exchange with the reporters while walking through the airport in Beijing, Rodman said his mission was “to open a door” and said he believes Trump was happy he was making the trip. Rodman has visited North Korea on four other occasions and is one of a handful of Americans to have met leader Kim Jong Un. His last visit, three and a half years ago, included a group of professional basketball players who played for Kim as a birthday present. The State Department says Rodman is not acting in any official capacity.

THE PRESIDENT’S FIRST FULL CABINET MEETING: With all his Cabinet members confirmed and on the job, the president allowed the cameras to linger at yesterday’s meeting while each member gave an enthusiastic endorsement of Trump’s agenda. A few of the members, including CIA Director Mike Pompeo and Mattis were careful to praise the people they represent rather than the president they work for. “Mr. President, it's an honor to represent the men and women of the Department of Defense,” Mattis said when it was his turn to speak. “And we are grateful for the sacrifices our people are making in order to strengthen our military so our diplomats always negotiate from a position of strength.” Pompeo expressed a similar sentiment saying, “It's an incredible privilege to lead the men and women who are providing intelligence so that we can do the national security mission,” and then adding “And in the finest traditions of the CIA, I'm not going to share a damn thing in front of the media.”

THE RUNDOWN

CNN : Air Force needs new wings for 110 A-10 Warthogs

USA Today: ISIS clings to Mosul on 3rd anniversary of invading Iraq

New York Times: How two Gulf rivals helped inflame the Middle East

Reuters : Islamic State calls for attacks in West, Russia, Middle East, Asia during Ramadan

Washington Post: Bloody Combat In Marawi Highlights US Concerns About ISIS In Asia

Reuters: Iran's Khamenei Blames U.S. For Regional Instability, Creation Of Islamic State

AP: Suspected North Korea Drone Photographed U.S. Missile-Defense Site

Foreign Policy: North Korea is about to test a missile that can reach Trump Tower

War on the Rocks : The trouble with Tanf: Tactics driving strategy in Syria

USNI News: Guided missile destroyer USS Sterett makes Chinese port visit

Defense One: A Giant Russian Exercise Will Soon Put 100,000 Troops On NATO’s Border. Then What?

USNI News: Navy Has Picked The First Two Carriers To Fly MQ-25A Stingray Unmanned Aerial Refueling Tankers

Task and Purpose: My date with Rummy: Now 84, the former secretary of defense is as wily as ever

San Diego Union Tribune: Navy Carrier, Escort Ships Heading Back To San Diego After North Korea Duty

Calendar

TUESDAY | JUNE 13

8 a.m. 300 1st St. SE. Nuclear modernization and cooperative paths forward with John Harvey, former principal deputy assistant to the secretary of defense for nuclear and chemical and biological defense programs. michelleaerospacepower.org

9 a.m. 1789 Massachusetts Ave. NW. A conversation about countering Putin’s Russia with Rep. Adam Smith. aei.org

9:30 a.m. Dirksen G-50. Defense Department budget with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff. armed-services.senate.gov

10 a.m. Dirksen 419. Review of the FY 2018 State Department budget request with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. foreign.senate.gov

10 a.m. 1030 15th St. NW. Preserving and building on the Iran nuclear deal. atlanticcouncil.org

1 p.m. 1211 Connecticut Ave. NW. Climate, conflict and refugees: Examining the impact of environmental change on human security. stimson.org

2:30 p.m. Dirksen 192. Budget request for the State Department with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. appropriations.senate.gov

2:30 p.m. Russell 222. Budget for Navy and Marine Corps aviation programs. armed-services.senate.gov

2:30 p.m. Dirksen 419. Recent incidents of state-sponsored cyberspace threats and U.S. policy response. foreign.senate.gov

WEDNESDAY | JUNE 14

8 a.m. 2101 Wilson Blvd. Mastering business development workshop. ndia.org

9 a.m. Rayburn 2172. The FY 2018 foreign affairs budget with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. foreignaffairs.house.gov

9 a.m. 800 17th St. NW. Manufacturing division meeting. ndia.org

9 a.m. 600 New Hampshire Ave. NW. Boeing Defense Space and Security CEO Leanne Caret talks about shaping the division for strategic growth. defenseone.com

9 a.m. 529 14th St. NW. Documentary filmmakers Ken Burns and Lynn Novick preview "The Vietnam War." press.org

10 a.m. Dirksen 342. Understanding the tools, tactics, and techniques of violent extremism. hsgac.senate.gov

10:30 a.m. Dirksen 192. Review of the 2018 budget request for the Defense Department with with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. appropriations.senate.gov

11:30 a.m. 1 Memorial Avenue, Arlington National Cemetery. 2017 Service to the Flag award ceremony. ndia.org

12 p.m. 214 Massachusetts Ave. NE. Retired Army officer Conrad C. Crane discusses the creation of the counterinsurgency field manual. heritage.org

12:30 p.m. 1777 F St. NW. The link between foreign languages and U.S. national security. cfr.org

2:30 p.m. Dirksen 138. Review of the 2018 budget request for the National Nuclear Security Administration with retired Lt Gen. Frank Klotz, under secretary for nuclear security. appropriations.senate.gov

THURSDAY | JUNE 15

8 a.m. 300 1st St. SE. The next ballistic missile defense review with retired Brig. Gen. Kenneth Todorov, former deputy director of the Missile Defense Agency. michelleaerospacepower.org

9 a.m. Rayburn 2359. Defense Department budget for 2018 with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. appropriations.house.gov

9:30 p.m. Dirksen G-50. Posture of the Navy with Adm. John Richardson, chief of naval operations, and Gen. Robert Neller, commandant of the Marine Corps. armed-services.senate.gov

10 A.M. Rayburn 2172. The process and policy of foreign military sales with Tina Kaidanow, acting assistant secretary at the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, and Vice Adm. Joseph Rixey, director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. foreignaffairs.house.gov

10 a.m. Senate Visitor Center 209-08. Study release on optimizing the potential of remotely piloted aircraft with Sen. John Boozman and retired Lt. Gen. David Deptula. mitchellaerospacepower.org

2 p.m. Rayburn 2172. Russia’s strategic objectives in the Middle East and North Africa. foreignaffairs.house.gov

FRIDAY | JUNE 16

9:30 a.m. 1211 Connecticut Ave. NW. American and Japanese perspectives on a Eurasia security strategy. stimson.org

10 a.m. 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. New administrations and the challenges and way forward for the U.S.-South Korea alliance with Chung-in Moon, special adviser to the South Korean president for unification and national security affairs. wilsoncenter.org

MONDAY | JUNE 19

7 a.m. 2201 Cooperative Way. The climate for small businesses operating in the national security environment of a Trump presidency. ndia.org

11 a.m. 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Discussion of the book The Forgotten Flight: Terrorism, Diplomacy and the Pursuit of Justice. wilsoncenter.org

11:30 a.m. 529 14th St. NW. Luncheon with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford. press.org

12 p.m. 214 Massachusetts Ave. NE. Documentary screening of “Hell on Earth: The Fall of Syria and the Rise of ISIS.” heritage.org

1 p.m. 1616 Rhode Island Ave. NW. The promise and momentum of U.S.-India defense and security cooperation. csis.org

2 p.m. 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Book launch for Dean Acheson and the Obligations of Power. wilsoncenter.org

TUESDAY | JUNE 20

9:30 a.m. 214 Massachusetts Ave. NE. China’s emerging role in the world and U.S.-China relations. heritage.org

12:30 p.m. 1030 15th St. NW. The origins and evolution of ISIS in Libya. atlanticcouncil.org