XIX Annual Strategy Conference: "Rebalancing the Instruments of National Power"

April 8-10, 2008
U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks
Carlisle, PA, United States
Open to the General Public
Registration Fee: $TBD

“Rebalancing the Instruments of National Power” will be the theme for the XIX Annual Strategy Conference at historic Carlisle Barracks in Carlisle, PA. Beginning with a reception on the evening of April 8th, the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College will host this year’s conference, giving participants an opportunity to explore what is perhaps the most critical set of strategic issues facing the United States today, namely those related to what we actually do in response to and anticipation of the threats, challenges and opportunities posed by the extant and future international security environments.

The theme does not presuppose that an “imbalance” among those instruments presently exists. Rather, it reflects a core question at the heart of many current debates about strategy and security today: Are we as a country properly organized and equipped to conduct effective security strategy in the 21st century? If not, what do we need to do to address any gaps and shortcomings? If we are, how do we effectively coordinate, blend, and focus the instruments so as to achieve strategic success? Is the primary issue one of structure and process or is it perhaps more related to individuals and leadership? Through a combination of keynote addresses and panel presentations, this year’s Strategy Conference will explore such questions and stimulate debate and discussion. Panel topics and presentations will include: --the historical background for understanding --the national security architecture and how it forges and wields the instruments of national power; --the interagency process as a focus for change; --individuals and leadership as critical elements in blending the instruments; and --the political, fiscal, and practical challenges of getting the balance "right." Over the course of the two-day colloquium, participants will raise critical questions and identify key components of the way ahead for “getting strategy right” in the 21st century. But rather than focusing solely on organizational or institutional reform, this year’s Strategy Conference seeks to address the tools we need in order to conduct an effective security strategy, and the ways in which we can develop and apply them toward the pursuit of strategic objectives. Our goal is to produce a set of key questions and concrete actions that national security practitioners and opinion leaders need to know as we approach the end of the first decade of the new century.

Sponsors: Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College

American Grand Strategy for Latin America in the Age of Resentment

A healthy Latin America is of critical value to the United States as a global power. It is besieged by a powerful force of resentment engendered by a combination of weak states, social exclusion, criminal violence, and corruption. In the context of attack by radical populism against democratic values, the United States needs a new grand strategy that addresses the causes rather than the symptoms of the malaise. The author argues that such a strategy must strengthen the effectiveness of the democratic state in providing security, justice, and governance, as well as effectively engender a linkage of the 40 percent of the population presently excluded from the social and economic benefits of democracy to the national and international economy. Unless current trends reverse, Latin American countries will be poor security partners and a continuing menace for international security. The author recommends imaginative courses of action for the grand strategy.

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ASEAN and Its Security Offspring: Facing New Challenges

Southeast Asian states within ASEAN agree that security relations with the great powers are best achieved by enmeshing the latter in ASEAN procedures. The primary goal of ASEAN is that China, Japan, the United States, and India commit to maintaining Southeast Asia's autonomy, integrity, and prosperity. ASEAN is less successful in resolving conflicts internal to the region including human rights in Burma, transnational terrorism, environmental concerns, human trafficking, and illegal arms trade. Sovereignty protection frequently trumps cooperation on these issues.


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China's Expansion into and U.S. Withdrawal from Argentina's Telecommunications and Space Industries and the Implications for U.S. National Security

Chinese involvement in the Latin American telecommunications and space industries has implications for U.S. national security. Unlike other commercial activities geared toward supplying raw materials to China’s 1.3 billion inhabitants, Chinese investment in space and telecommunications implies broader commercial and strategic interests that potentially put the Chinese into Western Hemisphere air and space. At present, Chinese activity in these industries is growing as U.S. engagement is diminishing. Globalization, advances in information technology, and China’s growing capacity and interest in Information Warfare make the United States particularly vulnerable should it abandon international telecommunications and space industries. In order to mitigate future threats, the United States should step up its commerce, aid. and diplomacy with Argentina and the region as a whole.

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The Reserve Policies of Nations: A Comparative Analysis

Throughout the world, military reserves are changing. National governments are transforming the relationships between their active and reserve components, the allocation of roles and responsibilities among reserve forces, and the way they train, equip, and employ reservists. Nations no longer consider their reservists as primarily a strategic asset for mobilization during major wars. This increased reliance on reserve components presents national defense planners with many challenges. Recruiting and retaining reservists has become more difficult as many individuals have concluded they cannot meet the increased demands of reserve service. Reservists are increasingly deployed on foreign missions at a time when expectations regarding their contributions to the management of terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other domestic emergencies are growing. Defense planners must also continue to refine the optimal distribution of skills and assets between regular and reserve forces. Finally, national governments must find the resources to sustain the increased use of reservists without bankrupting their defense budgets or undermining essential employer support for the concept of part-time soldiers with full-time civilian jobs. The author analyzes the innovative responses countries have adopted to manage these challenges.

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Servicemembers Near and Far Participate in Army Ten-Miler

By David Mays
Special to American Forces Press Service

Oct. 9, 2007 - Thousands of U.S. servicemembers took to the streets of the nation's capital and to makeshift routes laid out on military outposts around the world during the Army Ten-Miler on Oct. 7. "This is the first 10-miler I've ever run," Army Spc. Matthew Davis said after completing a "shadow" event at Logistics Support Area Adder, about 225 miles south of Baghdad. "It's probably one of the most awesome feelings I've ever felt."

About 200 soldiers, airmen and civilians took part in the Adder run, as did servicemembers deployed to Forward Operating Base Hammer and Camp Victory, in Iraq, during similar events held there and at other smaller posts across the country. More than 250 runners from 24 countries took part in a shadow race at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo

"I felt pretty happy that they put on the event," Army 1st Lt. Anthony Calingo said after winning the LSA Adder race. "This is my 6th Army Ten-Miler and second one in Iraq. It's something I like doing every year, and to be able to continue doing it while deployed is definitely a good thing."

"It makes the deployment feel as if we were back in the rear, a little bit more normal," Army 2nd Lt. Ann Ayers said after her victory at Adder. "I was impressed with my time because I really can't run a whole lot while I'm here, because I'm always out on convoys. This was a real morale booster for me."

A record 26,000 runners lined up at the Pentagon early Oct. 7 and faced record heat that actually rivaled that of Iraq as they followed a 10-mile course along the National Mall. A team of runners from Fort Hood, Texas, took the coveted "Commander's Cup" for top active-duty military men's division in the Washington race, while a team from 8th U.S. Army Korea took this year's cup in the active-duty women's division.

Dozens of military amputees, known collectively by their tongue-in-cheek name "Missing Parts in Action," raced the 10-mile D.C. course led by Army 1st Lt. Ivan Castro, who lost his right eye and was blinded in his left during an attack last year in Iraq. Tethered to his training partner, the active duty soldier averaged just over eight and a half minutes per mile.

"These men and women are those that went forward into the breech and fought, and they've come back and they've gone back into that breech -- not necessarily back in the breech of combat yet, but they're prepared for that," said Army Maj. David Rozelle, who organized the amputee team after recovering from a 2003 mine blast in Iraq that cost him his right foot. He finished the Army Ten-Miler in Washington just three minutes behind his fellow soldier and team member Castro.

Shadow or satellite editions of events like the Army Ten-Miler and Marine Corps Marathon have become increasingly popular at overseas outposts in Iraq, Afghanistan and anywhere servicemembers want to take part in such unique shared experiences.

"It's something that I'm glad to be able to do," said Army 1st Lt. Adrian White, who organized the LSA Adder race. "The soldiers work hard, and on their down time they want to release their stress, and the marathons and 10-milers allow them to do that, and they enjoy it. They really like to do these runs. If there is anything that I can do to make their stay here a little bit more enjoyable, I'm more than glad to do it."

(David Mays works for the New Media branch of American Forces Information Service.)

Software Giant Lends Support to Troops

American Forces Press Service

Oct. 9, 2007 - As part of its continued commitment to honoring servicemembers and their families, software giant Microsoft Corp. announced today that it has become a corporate supporter of the Defense Department's America Supports You program. The America Supports You program connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

"As the demands of service continue to challenge and strain America's armed forces, domestic efforts to support soldiers and their families grow increasingly important," said Curt Kolcun, vice president of Microsoft's Federal Division. "Joining America Supports You is a key part of Microsoft's commitment to our troops and provides our company with an effective way to plug into sustaining efforts that touch hundreds of thousands of families."

Microsoft's engagement with America Supports You is a natural extension of the company's existing work with troop-support groups affiliated with the program, such as the United Service Organizations.

"We know there are countless Americans across the country asking what they can do to show their support for our troops and their families," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public liaison and internal communications. She also is the architect of the America Supports You initiative. "By spreading the word about America Supports You, corporations like Microsoft help educate Americans and communities on tangible ways to show support for members of the U.S. armed forces."

In September, Microsoft announced that it would partner with the USO to show its appreciation for America's military community through creation of the "Above and Beyond Awards" honoring those who serve military personnel.

Nominations of individuals who go above and beyond to brighten the lives of servicemembers and their families are being accepted through the software company's Web site through Oct. 15. Nominations can be made in one of five categories:

-- Outstanding effort in supporting U.S. troops;
-- Dedication to providing superior medical attention to wounded troops;
-- Outstanding impact and success in generating promotional support of the USO;
-- Making a difference in a small way to improve quality of life of servicemembers; and
-- Youth leaders who champion and represent outstanding support of U.S. troops.

The award winners will be honored during a ceremony at New York's storied Rainbow Room. They also will join more than 5,000 active servicemembers for a private, complimentary performance of the 75th celebration of the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular."

Through another venture with the USO, Microsoft is equipping USO service centers around the world with Xbox consoles and the Xbox Live online game service. This will enable tens of thousands of servicemembers to play video games with friends and family across a high-speed connection. Thanks to the Xbox 360 headset, servicemembers can catch up with family and friends while playing games.

Casey Urges Imperatives So Army Remains 'Strength of the Nation'

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Oct. 9, 2007 - Borrowing from the theme of this year's Association of the U.S. Army convention, the Army chief of staff told attendees today the Army must focus on four critical imperatives it if is to remain "The Strength of the Nation." Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr., six months into the job as the Army's senior officer, said six years of war has taxed the Army's soldiers, their equipment and their families.

The Army is "out of balance," he said, with current demands exceeding what the Army can sustain, he said. "We are consuming our readiness as quickly as we are building it."

But with global terrorism and extremist ideology continuing to loom as a threat to America's ideals, Casey said the Army must posture itself as a versatile, agile force able to confront an era of "persistent conflict."

Casey identified four imperatives he said are critical for the Army to maintain its current operational levels as it prepares for future demands:

-- Sustain the force through recruiting and retention. Calling soldiers "our asymmetric advantage" in the war on terror, Casey said the Army must do a better job of providing them and their families a quality of life that's commensurate with their sacrifices and makes them want to continue serving.

-- Prepare troops for success in the current conflict. The Army must continue adapting its training and equipment to give soldiers the edge over the enemy they face, Casey said. He assured soldiers he will work to provide them the best equipment that gives them the technological advantage on the battlefield and tough training that ensures they have the skills and confidence to win. "Military success is tied to the capabilities of our leaders and soldiers," he said.

-- Reset the force to prepare for future deployments and contingencies. Resetting involves more than fixing and upgrading equipment, Casey said. "You have to revitalize soldiers," giving them and their families time to regroup between deployments.

-- Advance modernization efforts that are transforming the Army. The Army must continue fielding the best new equipment as rapidly as possible, Casey said, incorporating new techniques and fielding the Army's future combat systems to brigade combat teams to ensure the Army has a decisive advantage on the battlefield. He called this transformation a holistic effort that transcends the way the force trains and fights. "It's a journey," he said. "It's not a destination."

After touring an array of equipment on display at the Washington Convention Center for the AUSA meeting, Casey said he's impressed by new equipment and systems in the acquisition pipeline, as well as those being developed. "The scope of what it takes to support this Army is absolutely mind-boggling," he said.

But even more impressive, he said, is the quality of the men and women serving in the Army. Casey shared the story of Staff Sgt. Kenneth Thomas from the 1st Cavalry Division's 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry, who completely exposed himself to enemy fire in Iraq as he used wire cutters to cut through an electric fence so his squad could escape. Despite receiving multiple electric jolts, Thomas continued cutting until every member of his squad had passed through the fence and moved toward safety.

Casey praised soldiers who put their service and fellow soldiers above themselves, remaining physically tough and mentally adaptive while continuing to live up to the warrior ethos.

"Soldiers are the strength of this Army that makes it the strength of our nation," he said. "Your Army, while stretched, is unquestionably the best in the world."

Fort Hood Brigade Notified for Iraq Deployment

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Oct. 9, 2007 - Defense Department officials announced today that 4th Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, will deploy to Iraq in summer 2008. The deployment of the Fort Hood, Texas, unit is part of the normal rotation of forces, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said. There are about 3,500 soldiers in the brigade.

Before deploying to Iraq, the unit will re-flag and become 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. "This could cause some confusion, because the 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry, is already in Iraq," Whitman said.

That unit, based at Fort Bliss, Texas, is due to redeploy back to the United States by the end of 2007. It, too, will re-flag upon redeployment as part of 1st Armored Division. Army officials cannot say which brigade it will become.

"This all has to do with the Army reflagging and the brigade modularization of its brigade combat teams," Whitman said. "Nobody in Iraq today is getting orders to go back to Iraq next summer.

"This does not reflect a change in the level of effort that has been articulated as a result of the assessment and the decisions that the president made," Whitman said. "This is a routine replacement of forces for one brigade going in for duty in Iraq in the summer of 2008."

If conditions permit, when the brigade goes into Iraq it will be one of 15 U.S. brigades in the country. Twenty U.S. combat brigades are currently in Iraq, with one due to return home by the end of this year. Four more will redeploy by summer 2008, officials said.