By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 25, 2007 – Gen. George Washington would probably roll over in his grave if he knew the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. -- the school he advocated to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign military expertise -- is increasingly sending its cadets overseas to learn with and from their foreign counterparts. Times have changed since Washington led the charge for academic institutions that would free American forces from foreign dependence.
Today, some 185 years after West Point became the first of three U.S. military academies, followed by the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., all three schools are thinking globally in the way they educate future officers.
Engineering and hard sciences, historically mainstays at the academies, remain a big part of their curricula. Sixty percent of Naval Academy midshipmen, 54 percent of Air Force Academy cadets, and 45 percent of West Point cadets major in technical studies.
But ever-increasing numbers of cadets and midshipmen are studying and majoring in humanities and social sciences, with a growing emphasis being put on regional studies and language instruction.
The goal, academy officials said, is to ensure graduates have not only a solid technical foundation critical to military operations, but also other skills they'll need to enter a wartime force deployed around the world.
"We want all our graduates to have a technical foundation, and a leadership and ethical foundation. That hasn't changed," said William Miller, academic dean and provost at the Naval Academy.
"What's changed has been an increasing realization that there is a third leg of this stool that we haven't emphasized enough," he said. "And that is giving all of our graduates a foundation of understanding about the history and culture and civilizations and governments and religions of the areas in which they are going to serve."
Army Col. Dan Ragsdale, vice dean at West Point, said regional studies and language training in the curriculum help develop critical thinkers able to look at the issues they will confront as military officers through a wide-angle lens.
"The kinds of problems that our ... graduates will face are across a broad spectrum, so we have to give them a technological foundation," he said. "But we also have to give them a social and cultural perspective around which to address and solve problems. We have to help them understand and appreciate the political aspects of any problem they are trying to address."
It also gives newly commissioned graduates the skills they will need as they work shoulder to shoulder with coalition partners and allies around the world, noted Gunter Mueller, head of the Air Force Academy's foreign language department.
"We are increasingly a part of coalition forces, no matter where we go and where we operate," Mueller said. "And the better one understands the elements of those coalitions, the more effective one can be. In fact, it's critical that we understand other cultures, other languages, other regions of the world in order to work effectively in those coalitions."
As the largest service with the biggest footprint around the world, the Army is leading the global trend. Ten to 15 percent of cadets in every West Point class major in one of seven languages: Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese and Russian, Ragsdale said.
All West Pointers, regardless of their major, must take at least two semesters of a foreign language, he said. Beginning with the class of 2010, cadets with non-technical majors must take four semesters of language training.
The Naval Academy introduced two language majors, in Chinese and Arabic, this year. Although only 16 midshipmen currently are enrolled, Miller expects that number to grow.
All midshipmen with non-technical majors must take four semesters of language training, he said. Those with technical majors currently have no language requirement, but many select language courses as electives.
Miller said he hopes to add a foreign area studies major to the Naval Academy's curriculum. Currently, the political science program offers an international studies track that addresses various areas of the world, including their languages, cultures, governments and histories, he said.
At the Air Force Academy, humanities and social science majors must take two full years of training in one of seven languages-a number to increase to eight next year, reported Brig. Gen. Dana Born, dean of faculty. In a new change, incoming cadets who major in technical and science will be required to study at least one year of language training, she said.
The foreign area studies major is relatively new at the academy, with just 49 members of this year's graduating class earning degrees in this area. But Born said the trend lines are positive, with 80 cadets from the 2009 class already declaring foreign area studies majors.
Educating future officers in regional and language studies doesn't stop at the classroom door. All three academies have large and growing programs that give students the chance to participate in cultural and language immersion programs. These range from short-term orientation visits to full semesters abroad at foreign military academies or civilian universities.
That's a sea change from when Miller graduated from the Naval Academy in 1962, "back in the age of sail."
"When I went through here, we all expected to spend eight semesters on the shores of the Severn (River)," he said. "And now it's becoming more common for some select few who are still going to graduate in four years to spend seven semesters here and a semester abroad."
Born, a 1983 Air Force Academy graduate, was one of the earlier participants in a four-week language immersion program in Spain and remembers its benefits. "I had taken several years of Spanish and thought I was fluent until I got into my first conversation on the ground," she said. "But when I came back after having spoken only Spanish for four weeks, I was dreaming in Spanish and the first word to come to my mind was Spanish. It really taught me the value of how important not only taking a language is, but also having to use that language to communicate."
Cultural and language opportunities have expanded greatly since Born's experience, and now include countries beyond Western Europe.
This year, for example, the Military Academy sent 86 cadets for semesters abroad in 10 different countries. Next year, Ragsdale said about 140 cadets will spend semesters abroad in about a dozen countries.
In addition, about 190 West Point cadets participated this year in the academy's Foreign Academy Exchange Program and other seven- to 10-day spring immersion programs in more than 40 countries. This summer, another 390 cadets are signed on to participate in three-week summer immersion programs in 43 countries.
"We're looking at different ways of providing experiences for cadets that will enhance their cultural awareness, their regional expertise and their language proficiency," Ragsdale said.
The other academies are following West Point's lead. About 165 Naval Academy midshipmen participated in some type of language and cultural immersion program in 15 countries this year. Ten spent semesters abroad at foreign military academies in five countries.
The Air Force Academy sent 592 cadets for overseas training that ranged from a brief visit to a foreign academy to a five-month semester abroad. That's up from 132 cadets last year, and is nudging toward 700, where Born expects it to eventually level off.
Army Gen. John Abizaid, a 1973 West Point graduate who recently retired as commander of U.S. Central Command, said he's a big supporter of the academies' efforts to bring more regional and language training to their programs.
As cadets and midshipmen graduate and serve as military officers around the world, particularly in areas like Iraq and Afghanistan, it's critical that they understand the cultures in which they're operating, he said.
"The cultural gap in this particular conflict that we are faced with today is a problem that we have all got to recognize, understand and then adjust to," he said. "So much of the problem that we are facing in the Middle East is a cultural gap that can be closed by earlier education in an officer's career."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Gates Offers Leadership Philosophy to Graduating Midshipmen
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 25, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates urged graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy accepting commissions today into the Navy and Marine Corps to apply the lessons they learned here to become strong, decisive leaders who motivate and inspire their sailors and Marines. Speaking to the Class of 2007 at its graduation and commissioning ceremony, Gates thanked the 1,028 graduating midshipmen for choosing to serve the country at a particularly challenging time in its history.
"Today, you take on the awesome responsibility of protecting and defending the constitution of the United States and the American people," he said. "Today we ask you to make the extraordinary the expected. Today, we ask you to lead free men and women by summoning each to his or her nobility."
Gates noted the midshipmen have studied a lot about leadership during their four years in Annapolis, and said he has come to realize that real leadership is a rare commodity.
He offered his personal insights into what makes a leader, citing vision, integrity, conviction, self-confidence, courage and common decency.
Leadership takes vision, Gates told the midshipmen, and the ability to see beyond immediate tasks and challenges to what's ahead. "You must see what others do not or cannot, and then be prepared to act on your vision," he said.
Real leadership also demands integrity, Gates said, acknowledging with dismay that it's a notion many tend to consider curious and old-fashioned.
"For a real leader, personal values - self-reliance, self-control, honor, truthfulness, morality - are absolute," he said. "These are the building blocks of character, of integrity, and only on that foundation can true leadership be built."
Gates called deep conviction another critical leadership quality. "True leadership is a fire in the mind" that's able to transform and transfix others, he said "It is a strength of purpose and belief in a cause that reaches out to others, touches their hearts, and makes them eager to follow."
A true leader exhibits self-confidence, the secretary said. He emphasized that he wasn't referring to "chest-thumping, strutting egotism," but rather, "a quiet self-assurance that allows a leader to give others both real responsibility and credit for success."
A self-confident leader is able to make decisions, then delegate and trust others to carry them out, he said. In doing so, Gates said, the leader "doesn't cast such a large shadow that no one else can grow."
As essential as vision, integrity, deep conviction and self-confidence are to leadership, they aren't enough to make a leader, he told the midshipmen. "A leader must have the courage to act, often against the will of the crowd," he said.
A true leader works as a team, but also must be willing to buck popular opinion and take an independent stand when it's necessary, the secretary said. "Don't kid yourself," he told the midshipmen. "That takes courage."
As the graduates move on to their Navy and Marine Corps careers, Gates reminded them to apply another quality of real leadership: common decency. A true leader treats everyone - superiors, peers and subordinates alike - with fairness, respect and dignity, he said.
Gates urged the graduates to use their authority as military officers constructively to care for their sailors and Marines and help them improve and advance themselves. This, in turn, will build respect and loyalty, he said.
"Common decency builds respect and, in a democratic society, respect is what prompts people to give their all for a leader, even at personal sacrifice," he said.
Gates thanked the graduating midshipmen for choosing to serve the country at a time their country needs them and their leadership abilities.
He noted that most were high school juniors when the United States came under terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001, and all could have chosen an easier, less demanding path.
"You, however, are special, because you are among those who have chosen to deserve, to defend the dreams of others," he said. "And that sets you apart."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 25, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates urged graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy accepting commissions today into the Navy and Marine Corps to apply the lessons they learned here to become strong, decisive leaders who motivate and inspire their sailors and Marines. Speaking to the Class of 2007 at its graduation and commissioning ceremony, Gates thanked the 1,028 graduating midshipmen for choosing to serve the country at a particularly challenging time in its history.
"Today, you take on the awesome responsibility of protecting and defending the constitution of the United States and the American people," he said. "Today we ask you to make the extraordinary the expected. Today, we ask you to lead free men and women by summoning each to his or her nobility."
Gates noted the midshipmen have studied a lot about leadership during their four years in Annapolis, and said he has come to realize that real leadership is a rare commodity.
He offered his personal insights into what makes a leader, citing vision, integrity, conviction, self-confidence, courage and common decency.
Leadership takes vision, Gates told the midshipmen, and the ability to see beyond immediate tasks and challenges to what's ahead. "You must see what others do not or cannot, and then be prepared to act on your vision," he said.
Real leadership also demands integrity, Gates said, acknowledging with dismay that it's a notion many tend to consider curious and old-fashioned.
"For a real leader, personal values - self-reliance, self-control, honor, truthfulness, morality - are absolute," he said. "These are the building blocks of character, of integrity, and only on that foundation can true leadership be built."
Gates called deep conviction another critical leadership quality. "True leadership is a fire in the mind" that's able to transform and transfix others, he said "It is a strength of purpose and belief in a cause that reaches out to others, touches their hearts, and makes them eager to follow."
A true leader exhibits self-confidence, the secretary said. He emphasized that he wasn't referring to "chest-thumping, strutting egotism," but rather, "a quiet self-assurance that allows a leader to give others both real responsibility and credit for success."
A self-confident leader is able to make decisions, then delegate and trust others to carry them out, he said. In doing so, Gates said, the leader "doesn't cast such a large shadow that no one else can grow."
As essential as vision, integrity, deep conviction and self-confidence are to leadership, they aren't enough to make a leader, he told the midshipmen. "A leader must have the courage to act, often against the will of the crowd," he said.
A true leader works as a team, but also must be willing to buck popular opinion and take an independent stand when it's necessary, the secretary said. "Don't kid yourself," he told the midshipmen. "That takes courage."
As the graduates move on to their Navy and Marine Corps careers, Gates reminded them to apply another quality of real leadership: common decency. A true leader treats everyone - superiors, peers and subordinates alike - with fairness, respect and dignity, he said.
Gates urged the graduates to use their authority as military officers constructively to care for their sailors and Marines and help them improve and advance themselves. This, in turn, will build respect and loyalty, he said.
"Common decency builds respect and, in a democratic society, respect is what prompts people to give their all for a leader, even at personal sacrifice," he said.
Gates thanked the graduating midshipmen for choosing to serve the country at a time their country needs them and their leadership abilities.
He noted that most were high school juniors when the United States came under terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001, and all could have chosen an easier, less demanding path.
"You, however, are special, because you are among those who have chosen to deserve, to defend the dreams of others," he said. "And that sets you apart."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Gates Calls Congress, Press Key Pillars in Protecting Liberty
Gates Calls Congress, Press Key Pillars in Protecting Liberty
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 25, 2007 – As more than 1,000 U.S. Naval Academy graduates here took their oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution today, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates reminded them to respect two important pillars of U.S. constitutional freedoms: Congress and the press. "Both surely try our patience from time to time," Gates said at today's graduation and commissioning ceremony, drawing laughter from the midshipmen, academy officials and friends and family members gathered at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. "But they are the surest guarantors of the liberty of the American people."
Gates noted that the legislative branch is equal to the executive branch under the constitution, and is charged with raising and providing for the military. Members of both parties serving in Congress have a long history of support for the Defense Department, and especially the men and women in uniform, he said.
"As officers, you will have a responsibility to communicate to those below you that the American military must be non-political," he told the midshipmen.
He said they must also recognize their obligation to be honest and true when they report to Congress, "especially when it involves admitting mistakes or problems."
That's also true with the press, the so-called "Fourth Estate" that Gates said also helps guarantee U.S. freedoms. "The press is not the enemy, and to treat it as such is self-defeating," he said.
The secretary pointed to recent media coverage of problems at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington as an example of how the media can help the military root out and deal with difficulties.
When the press identifies a problem, as at Walter Reed, senior leaders should find out if it's true, then go to work to remedy the problem, he said. In cases where it's not true, leaders should be able to document that fact.
Gates said the checks and balances provided in the constitution, and the willingness of Americans to honor those checks and balances, has served the country throughout its history.
He noted how impressed a French observer was when he wrote about George Washington in 1782. "This is the seventh year that he has commanded the Army, and that he has obeyed the Congress," the Frenchman wrote. "More need not be said."
Gates told the midshipmen these principles are as important today as during Washington's time.
"As the founding fathers wisely understood, the Congress and a free press, as with a non-political military, assure a free country," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 25, 2007 – As more than 1,000 U.S. Naval Academy graduates here took their oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution today, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates reminded them to respect two important pillars of U.S. constitutional freedoms: Congress and the press. "Both surely try our patience from time to time," Gates said at today's graduation and commissioning ceremony, drawing laughter from the midshipmen, academy officials and friends and family members gathered at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. "But they are the surest guarantors of the liberty of the American people."
Gates noted that the legislative branch is equal to the executive branch under the constitution, and is charged with raising and providing for the military. Members of both parties serving in Congress have a long history of support for the Defense Department, and especially the men and women in uniform, he said.
"As officers, you will have a responsibility to communicate to those below you that the American military must be non-political," he told the midshipmen.
He said they must also recognize their obligation to be honest and true when they report to Congress, "especially when it involves admitting mistakes or problems."
That's also true with the press, the so-called "Fourth Estate" that Gates said also helps guarantee U.S. freedoms. "The press is not the enemy, and to treat it as such is self-defeating," he said.
The secretary pointed to recent media coverage of problems at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington as an example of how the media can help the military root out and deal with difficulties.
When the press identifies a problem, as at Walter Reed, senior leaders should find out if it's true, then go to work to remedy the problem, he said. In cases where it's not true, leaders should be able to document that fact.
Gates said the checks and balances provided in the constitution, and the willingness of Americans to honor those checks and balances, has served the country throughout its history.
He noted how impressed a French observer was when he wrote about George Washington in 1782. "This is the seventh year that he has commanded the Army, and that he has obeyed the Congress," the Frenchman wrote. "More need not be said."
Gates told the midshipmen these principles are as important today as during Washington's time.
"As the founding fathers wisely understood, the Congress and a free press, as with a non-political military, assure a free country," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Report Documents Chinese Military Power, Calls for Transparency
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 25, 2007 – China must continue to make strides in military transparency as it moves forward to becoming a global power, Defense Department officials said here today. The officials briefed Pentagon reporters on background following publication of the 2007 Military Power of the People's Republic of China report. The annual report to Congress covers key developments in China over the past year and changes in Chinese military strategy.
President Bush characterized U.S.-Chinese relations as good following his most recent visit with Chinese President Hu Jintao in April. He said the United States and China can work together to further security and economic prosperity in Asia and around the world.
The annual report to Congress reflects the U.S. view that China is an emerging regional military and economic power with global aspirations.
"It paints a picture of a country that ... has steadily devoted increasing resources to their military that is developing some very sophisticated capabilities," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during a Pentagon news conference yesterday. Gates said the report is a realistic appraisal of Chinese security strategy.
Current relations with China have improved since the low point following the collision of a Chinese jet with a Navy EP-3 in 2001. Military-to-military ties are robust; there are troops visits and port calls. Military education exchange programs are being held at the senior and mid-level officer level. Joint military exercises are planned, and the two countries are working together on regional concerns - such as North Korean missile proliferation - and the danger bird flu presents. There are also discussions about disaster relief cooperation, officials said.
Gates wants China to have more transparency on military budgeting and strategy. The Chinese test of an anti-satellite capability in January caught the world by surprise and left many wondering what brought about that particular operation.
The official Chinese military budget is pegged at around $45 billion this year. But the real number could be as much as three times as high, officials said.
China's defense budget is increasing by double-digit percentages per year, a rate that China has sustained for more than 15 years, fueled by the country's remarkable economic growth, a defense official said. This year, the increase was 17.8 percent.
"We are convinced that China's real defense spending is substantially higher - in the range of $85 billion to $125 billion in 2007," the official continued.
This discrepancy between the official and actual figure is emblematic of U.S. concerns on transparency. Hiding these sums of money drives uncertainty over China's intentions, the official said.
"It is not just a concern for the United States," he said. "Many aspects of China's military programs lead other nations to question China's intentions and adjust their own behavior."
Among the sums off the books are research and development expenditures, some military procurement, foreign purchases and dual-use technology, officials said.
China is modernizing its forces. Officials said its newest missile -- the solid-fueled, transportable Df-31 -- could be used if needed. About 900 Chinese missiles are in place opposite Taiwan, compared to 710 to 790 in late 2005.
China is developing home-grown advanced aviation and shipbuilding capabilities, and buying foreign -armaments, mostly from Russia. The report gives more information on Chinese moves toward building an aircraft carrier.
Overall, Gates said yesterday, the report is a balanced portrait of Chinese military capabilities.
"It paints a picture of a country that is devoting substantial resources to the military and developing, as I say, some very sophisticated capabilities," he said. "We wish that there were greater transparency, that they would talk more about what their intentions are, what their strategies are. These are assessments that are in this publication. It would be nice to hear firsthand from the Chinese how they view some of these things."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 25, 2007 – China must continue to make strides in military transparency as it moves forward to becoming a global power, Defense Department officials said here today. The officials briefed Pentagon reporters on background following publication of the 2007 Military Power of the People's Republic of China report. The annual report to Congress covers key developments in China over the past year and changes in Chinese military strategy.
President Bush characterized U.S.-Chinese relations as good following his most recent visit with Chinese President Hu Jintao in April. He said the United States and China can work together to further security and economic prosperity in Asia and around the world.
The annual report to Congress reflects the U.S. view that China is an emerging regional military and economic power with global aspirations.
"It paints a picture of a country that ... has steadily devoted increasing resources to their military that is developing some very sophisticated capabilities," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during a Pentagon news conference yesterday. Gates said the report is a realistic appraisal of Chinese security strategy.
Current relations with China have improved since the low point following the collision of a Chinese jet with a Navy EP-3 in 2001. Military-to-military ties are robust; there are troops visits and port calls. Military education exchange programs are being held at the senior and mid-level officer level. Joint military exercises are planned, and the two countries are working together on regional concerns - such as North Korean missile proliferation - and the danger bird flu presents. There are also discussions about disaster relief cooperation, officials said.
Gates wants China to have more transparency on military budgeting and strategy. The Chinese test of an anti-satellite capability in January caught the world by surprise and left many wondering what brought about that particular operation.
The official Chinese military budget is pegged at around $45 billion this year. But the real number could be as much as three times as high, officials said.
China's defense budget is increasing by double-digit percentages per year, a rate that China has sustained for more than 15 years, fueled by the country's remarkable economic growth, a defense official said. This year, the increase was 17.8 percent.
"We are convinced that China's real defense spending is substantially higher - in the range of $85 billion to $125 billion in 2007," the official continued.
This discrepancy between the official and actual figure is emblematic of U.S. concerns on transparency. Hiding these sums of money drives uncertainty over China's intentions, the official said.
"It is not just a concern for the United States," he said. "Many aspects of China's military programs lead other nations to question China's intentions and adjust their own behavior."
Among the sums off the books are research and development expenditures, some military procurement, foreign purchases and dual-use technology, officials said.
China is modernizing its forces. Officials said its newest missile -- the solid-fueled, transportable Df-31 -- could be used if needed. About 900 Chinese missiles are in place opposite Taiwan, compared to 710 to 790 in late 2005.
China is developing home-grown advanced aviation and shipbuilding capabilities, and buying foreign -armaments, mostly from Russia. The report gives more information on Chinese moves toward building an aircraft carrier.
Overall, Gates said yesterday, the report is a balanced portrait of Chinese military capabilities.
"It paints a picture of a country that is devoting substantial resources to the military and developing, as I say, some very sophisticated capabilities," he said. "We wish that there were greater transparency, that they would talk more about what their intentions are, what their strategies are. These are assessments that are in this publication. It would be nice to hear firsthand from the Chinese how they view some of these things."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Bush Applauds Bipartisan Effort on Supplemental Bill
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 25, 2007 – President Bush today applauded the bipartisan effort that led to Congress passing an emergency supplemental budget bill that will fund operations in Iraq and Afghanistan through September. Bush spoke to reporters briefly after visiting wounded servicemembers and their families at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
The $120 billion bill does not include mandatory dates for withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq. Bush vetoed a previous bill with that provision on May 1. Instead, the bill has benchmarks the Iraqi government must meet to keep U.S. support. The president is expected to sign the bill into law later today.
"This effort shows what can happen when people work together," Bush said. "We've set a good bill that didn't have timetables or tell the military how to do its job, but also sent a clear signal to the Iraqis that there (are) expectations here in America: expectations ... about how to move forward."
The president said he looks forward to working with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his government as Iraq meets those benchmarks.
Turning his attention to his visit to the military hospital, Bush said he was honored "to be here at this place of compassion and healing on Memorial Day weekend." He said the weekend is a time for Americans to think of the sacrifices war has brought throughout history.
"It's a chance to honor those who have served this country, whether it be in this war or in previous wars," he said.
Bush thanked the "healers" at the facility. He said they are providing remarkable health care that is saving lives and allowing many servicemembers to move on with their lives.
"I also thank the soldiers and their families who I met here, people who are remarkably brave and courageous," he said. "I'm constantly amazed at the strength of character of those who wear the uniform. To be the commander in chief of such men and women is ... really an awesome honor."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 25, 2007 – President Bush today applauded the bipartisan effort that led to Congress passing an emergency supplemental budget bill that will fund operations in Iraq and Afghanistan through September. Bush spoke to reporters briefly after visiting wounded servicemembers and their families at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
The $120 billion bill does not include mandatory dates for withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq. Bush vetoed a previous bill with that provision on May 1. Instead, the bill has benchmarks the Iraqi government must meet to keep U.S. support. The president is expected to sign the bill into law later today.
"This effort shows what can happen when people work together," Bush said. "We've set a good bill that didn't have timetables or tell the military how to do its job, but also sent a clear signal to the Iraqis that there (are) expectations here in America: expectations ... about how to move forward."
The president said he looks forward to working with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his government as Iraq meets those benchmarks.
Turning his attention to his visit to the military hospital, Bush said he was honored "to be here at this place of compassion and healing on Memorial Day weekend." He said the weekend is a time for Americans to think of the sacrifices war has brought throughout history.
"It's a chance to honor those who have served this country, whether it be in this war or in previous wars," he said.
Bush thanked the "healers" at the facility. He said they are providing remarkable health care that is saving lives and allowing many servicemembers to move on with their lives.
"I also thank the soldiers and their families who I met here, people who are remarkably brave and courageous," he said. "I'm constantly amazed at the strength of character of those who wear the uniform. To be the commander in chief of such men and women is ... really an awesome honor."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
By Gunnery Sgt. Mark Oliva, USMC
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2007 – Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited Marines here yesterday with a message of thanks from the president and the American people. "Thank you, thank you, thank you," Rice said to a gathering of Marines at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton. Alexander Downer, Australia's minister for foreign affairs, joined Rice in the visit.
Rice thanked Marines and sailors for their service and sacrifice in the global war on terror. Marines from Camp Pendleton have deployed multiple times to both Iraq and Afghanistan.
"The American people support and appreciate and tremendously admire what's being done by our uniformed men and women around the world," Rice said in a brief interview. "The defense of freedom is the defense of America's security."
Rice and Downer spoke briefly with Marines and sailors before moving to an urban-warfare training facility. There, they witnessed Marines training in a mock city, practicing skills that could be critical during upcoming deployments to Iraq.
Rice said she was impressed by Marines' actions during the training exercise, saying it showed their determination to accomplish their mission.
"It was a tremendous demonstration of skill," she said. "It was very professional."
Downer echoed the sentiment, stating he was impressed in particular with the care and consideration Marines showed toward noncombatants and those who may fall victim to insurgent aggression.
"There is a lot of sensitivity to human rights," Downer said. "I was impressed with their compassion."
Rice said the trip to visit Marines and sailors at Camp Pendleton with Downer was poignant because, just as U.S. Marines have answered the nation's call, Australia has answered the call to stand against global terrorism.
"Whenever we've had to defend freedom, Australia has been by our side," Rice added.
"We had people in the buildings on 9/11," Downer said. "We've had people killed in Bali and people killed in London. Our response is to go after them.
"Somebody has to go after these people, and Americans shouldn't do it alone," he added. "Our determination knows no bounds."
Downer said he and his fellow Australians were deeply grateful to U.S. Marines and sailors for leading the charge against terror.
"I'd like to thank them for the sacrifice they're making around the world" he said.
"We're proud of what you're doing," Rice said. "The devotion to our country is something I always take away."
(Marine Gunnery Sgt. Mark Oliva is the public affairs chief for the 1st Marine Division.)
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Special to American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2007 – Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited Marines here yesterday with a message of thanks from the president and the American people. "Thank you, thank you, thank you," Rice said to a gathering of Marines at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton. Alexander Downer, Australia's minister for foreign affairs, joined Rice in the visit.
Rice thanked Marines and sailors for their service and sacrifice in the global war on terror. Marines from Camp Pendleton have deployed multiple times to both Iraq and Afghanistan.
"The American people support and appreciate and tremendously admire what's being done by our uniformed men and women around the world," Rice said in a brief interview. "The defense of freedom is the defense of America's security."
Rice and Downer spoke briefly with Marines and sailors before moving to an urban-warfare training facility. There, they witnessed Marines training in a mock city, practicing skills that could be critical during upcoming deployments to Iraq.
Rice said she was impressed by Marines' actions during the training exercise, saying it showed their determination to accomplish their mission.
"It was a tremendous demonstration of skill," she said. "It was very professional."
Downer echoed the sentiment, stating he was impressed in particular with the care and consideration Marines showed toward noncombatants and those who may fall victim to insurgent aggression.
"There is a lot of sensitivity to human rights," Downer said. "I was impressed with their compassion."
Rice said the trip to visit Marines and sailors at Camp Pendleton with Downer was poignant because, just as U.S. Marines have answered the nation's call, Australia has answered the call to stand against global terrorism.
"Whenever we've had to defend freedom, Australia has been by our side," Rice added.
"We had people in the buildings on 9/11," Downer said. "We've had people killed in Bali and people killed in London. Our response is to go after them.
"Somebody has to go after these people, and Americans shouldn't do it alone," he added. "Our determination knows no bounds."
Downer said he and his fellow Australians were deeply grateful to U.S. Marines and sailors for leading the charge against terror.
"I'd like to thank them for the sacrifice they're making around the world" he said.
"We're proud of what you're doing," Rice said. "The devotion to our country is something I always take away."
(Marine Gunnery Sgt. Mark Oliva is the public affairs chief for the 1st Marine Division.)
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Intel Undersecretary Named to National Intelligence
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2007 – The undersecretary of defense for intelligence will also now serve as the director of defense intelligence. James R. Clapper Jr. is being "dual-hatted" as part of a memorandum of agreement signed by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Director of National Intelligence John M. "Mike" McConnell.
Clapper will help coordinate the seamless flow of intelligence between the Defense Department and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
"The idea remains to provide the best intelligence possible to the warfighters," said Amanda Cashwell, deputy director for policy, strategy and doctrine at the Office of the Undersecretary for Intelligence.
The two organizations made this move to improve sharing between the military and other national intelligence users, defense officials said. The new position will mean that Clapper will serve on the director of national intelligence's executive committee. In that position, he will help coordinate intelligence-gathering efforts and serve as an advocate for defense customers to the greater intelligence community, and vice versa.
Cashwell said the change should have little impact on day-to-day operations within the defense intelligence agencies.
"There will be more sharing of intelligence and more cooperation among the agencies," she said. "If this is done at the highest levels, it should make it easier for everyone to work together more closely."
There will be no changes to statutory requirements from the creation of the Office of National Intelligence, nor any immediate effect on intelligence budget priorities, Defense Department officials said.
Clapper assumed his undersecretary duties April 11. He is a retired Air Force lieutenant general whose last duty assignment was as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. He also served as the director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency from September 2001 to June 2006.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2007 – The undersecretary of defense for intelligence will also now serve as the director of defense intelligence. James R. Clapper Jr. is being "dual-hatted" as part of a memorandum of agreement signed by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Director of National Intelligence John M. "Mike" McConnell.
Clapper will help coordinate the seamless flow of intelligence between the Defense Department and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
"The idea remains to provide the best intelligence possible to the warfighters," said Amanda Cashwell, deputy director for policy, strategy and doctrine at the Office of the Undersecretary for Intelligence.
The two organizations made this move to improve sharing between the military and other national intelligence users, defense officials said. The new position will mean that Clapper will serve on the director of national intelligence's executive committee. In that position, he will help coordinate intelligence-gathering efforts and serve as an advocate for defense customers to the greater intelligence community, and vice versa.
Cashwell said the change should have little impact on day-to-day operations within the defense intelligence agencies.
"There will be more sharing of intelligence and more cooperation among the agencies," she said. "If this is done at the highest levels, it should make it easier for everyone to work together more closely."
There will be no changes to statutory requirements from the creation of the Office of National Intelligence, nor any immediate effect on intelligence budget priorities, Defense Department officials said.
Clapper assumed his undersecretary duties April 11. He is a retired Air Force lieutenant general whose last duty assignment was as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. He also served as the director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency from September 2001 to June 2006.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Golfer Vows Support to Operation Homefront
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2007 – Professional golfer Corey Pavin hit a hole-in-one with Operation Homefront when he announced his support of the troop-support group May 22. "Over the last few months, I've been talking to the PGA Tour and looking for a charity that helps out the military in some way," Pavin said. "I chose Operation Homefront as the one that I would like to get involved with.
"It was a tough choice," he said. "There are a lot of great charities out there that help the military."
Operation Homefront appealed to Pavin because of its diversity of services. The group provides emergency support and morale to servicemembers, the families they leave behind during deployments, and wounded warriors when they return.
It is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. The PGA Tour is a corporate supporter of the Defense Department program.
Pavin, a 15-time PGA Tour winner, decided to get involved with a troop-support group after a trip to Iraq at Thanksgiving 2006. He said it was the first time he'd actually seen what the military does and that he enjoyed talking to the troops.
"It was a great experience," he said. "It just makes you think (of) everything they give up.
"We may give up a nice meal somewhere," he added. "These troops may give up a life. It's nice to be able to help them out."
Operation Homefront is thrilled with Pavin's decision to support its efforts, Amy Palmer, the group's executive vice president, said. Founded after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the group leads more than 2,500 volunteers in 26 chapters across the country. Those chapters have provided critical assistance to more than 40,000 military families.
"Operation Homefront is honored that Corey Pavin would not only personally help us support the troops, but also spread the word to his fans worldwide," Palmer said. "Servicemembers watching Mr. Pavin this season from tents in Iraq or mess halls on board ships now have extra reason to cheer him on."
Pavin joins other PGA golfers in his support of the troops through America Supports You team members.
"Corey's commitment to Operation Homefront is consistent with the PGA Tour's philosophy of 'giving back,'" Henry Hughes, PGA Tour executive vice president and chief of operations, said in a joint news release. "We're proud of Corey for joining other players like Phil Mickelson, Frank Lickliter II and Rory Sabbatini in pledging support to an America Supports You organization in order to assist our military men and women."
Lickliter sponsors the Wounded Warrior Project; Sabbatini supports the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund; and Mickelson offers his support to Homes For Our Troops and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2007 – Professional golfer Corey Pavin hit a hole-in-one with Operation Homefront when he announced his support of the troop-support group May 22. "Over the last few months, I've been talking to the PGA Tour and looking for a charity that helps out the military in some way," Pavin said. "I chose Operation Homefront as the one that I would like to get involved with.
"It was a tough choice," he said. "There are a lot of great charities out there that help the military."
Operation Homefront appealed to Pavin because of its diversity of services. The group provides emergency support and morale to servicemembers, the families they leave behind during deployments, and wounded warriors when they return.
It is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. The PGA Tour is a corporate supporter of the Defense Department program.
Pavin, a 15-time PGA Tour winner, decided to get involved with a troop-support group after a trip to Iraq at Thanksgiving 2006. He said it was the first time he'd actually seen what the military does and that he enjoyed talking to the troops.
"It was a great experience," he said. "It just makes you think (of) everything they give up.
"We may give up a nice meal somewhere," he added. "These troops may give up a life. It's nice to be able to help them out."
Operation Homefront is thrilled with Pavin's decision to support its efforts, Amy Palmer, the group's executive vice president, said. Founded after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the group leads more than 2,500 volunteers in 26 chapters across the country. Those chapters have provided critical assistance to more than 40,000 military families.
"Operation Homefront is honored that Corey Pavin would not only personally help us support the troops, but also spread the word to his fans worldwide," Palmer said. "Servicemembers watching Mr. Pavin this season from tents in Iraq or mess halls on board ships now have extra reason to cheer him on."
Pavin joins other PGA golfers in his support of the troops through America Supports You team members.
"Corey's commitment to Operation Homefront is consistent with the PGA Tour's philosophy of 'giving back,'" Henry Hughes, PGA Tour executive vice president and chief of operations, said in a joint news release. "We're proud of Corey for joining other players like Phil Mickelson, Frank Lickliter II and Rory Sabbatini in pledging support to an America Supports You organization in order to assist our military men and women."
Lickliter sponsors the Wounded Warrior Project; Sabbatini supports the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund; and Mickelson offers his support to Homes For Our Troops and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Public Sends 201,000-Plus Phone Cards to Troops
American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2007 – The American public has sent more than 201,000 prepaid phone cards to servicemembers through the Army and Air Force Exchange Service's "Help Our Troops Call Home" program. "Making sure our deployed troops are in a position to hear voices from home is critical to morale," AAFES Chief of Contingency Operations Army Lt. Col. Steven Dean said. "By working together, the American public and AAFES, through "Help Our Troops Call Home," have provided nearly $5 million in calls home since the program began in April 2004."
As a military command with a retail mission, Army and Air Force Exchange Service understands how important a phone call can be to troops serving their country far from home, AAFES officials said. In fact, the command mobilized telecommunication support for troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom as early as April 15, 2003.
"We had phone services available in those early days," Dean said. "The only problem was that the complete and total lack of a preexisting telecommunications infrastructure meant the cost of a call home was 90 cents a minute."
When AAFES opened its first phone center in Iraq on June 24, 2003, the per-minute cost for a call to America dropped to 35 cents a minute. Less than 12 months later, the rate had dropped to 25 cents. By April 2004, AAFES had received Department of Defense approval to do something the command had never been done before -- sell exchange merchandise to "civilians" on behalf of troops serving in war zones halfway around the world.
Three years later, deployed troops are receiving rates as low as 19 cents a minute.
By logging on to www.aafes.org or calling 800-527-2345, moms, uncles, neighbors and civic groups can take part in the "Help Our Troops Call Home" effort by sending any one of three Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone cards, including a 550-minute denomination card capable of providing more than two hours of call time from any of 72 phone centers in operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom to the United States.
Phone cards may be sent to an individual servicemember designated by the sender or distributed to "any servicemember" through the American Red Cross, Air Force Aid Society, Fisher House Foundation, Navy-Marine Corps Relief, Soldier & Family Assistance Center, and United Service Organizations.
(From an Army and Air Force Exchange Service news release.)
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
May 24, 2007 – The American public has sent more than 201,000 prepaid phone cards to servicemembers through the Army and Air Force Exchange Service's "Help Our Troops Call Home" program. "Making sure our deployed troops are in a position to hear voices from home is critical to morale," AAFES Chief of Contingency Operations Army Lt. Col. Steven Dean said. "By working together, the American public and AAFES, through "Help Our Troops Call Home," have provided nearly $5 million in calls home since the program began in April 2004."
As a military command with a retail mission, Army and Air Force Exchange Service understands how important a phone call can be to troops serving their country far from home, AAFES officials said. In fact, the command mobilized telecommunication support for troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom as early as April 15, 2003.
"We had phone services available in those early days," Dean said. "The only problem was that the complete and total lack of a preexisting telecommunications infrastructure meant the cost of a call home was 90 cents a minute."
When AAFES opened its first phone center in Iraq on June 24, 2003, the per-minute cost for a call to America dropped to 35 cents a minute. Less than 12 months later, the rate had dropped to 25 cents. By April 2004, AAFES had received Department of Defense approval to do something the command had never been done before -- sell exchange merchandise to "civilians" on behalf of troops serving in war zones halfway around the world.
Three years later, deployed troops are receiving rates as low as 19 cents a minute.
By logging on to www.aafes.org or calling 800-527-2345, moms, uncles, neighbors and civic groups can take part in the "Help Our Troops Call Home" effort by sending any one of three Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone cards, including a 550-minute denomination card capable of providing more than two hours of call time from any of 72 phone centers in operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom to the United States.
Phone cards may be sent to an individual servicemember designated by the sender or distributed to "any servicemember" through the American Red Cross, Air Force Aid Society, Fisher House Foundation, Navy-Marine Corps Relief, Soldier & Family Assistance Center, and United Service Organizations.
(From an Army and Air Force Exchange Service news release.)
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Service Academies Retain Principles, Embrace Change to Train Future Leaders
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2007 – As "ruffles and flourishes" rings through the three U.S. military academies over the next few days, several thousand new graduates will accept their commissions and join the military ranks. These young second lieutenants and ensigns all enrolled in their respective schools -- the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. -- recognizing they'd graduate into a wartime force.
Most were sophomores in high school when they watched televised images of the Twin Towers falling and the Pentagon burning, then the U.S. going to war in Afghanistan. Most hadn't yet been to their senior proms when the country entered Iraq. This week they'll leave their schoolhouses behind to join their fellow soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines serving around the world in the war on terror.
To get a better picture of how their schools have prepared them for this calling, American Forces Press Service spoke with their academic deans and alumni who have risen to the senior military ranks.
Here's what they had to say about what has changed at their institutions and what remains fundamental, and how they're helping ensure their graduates are ready for the challenges they'll confront as military officers.
The Basics
Although they're four-year schools like thousands of others that dot the United States, the U.S. service academies stand uniquely apart. All were founded with the specific goal of educating military leaders -- people who understand not just the art and science of war, but also the fundamentals of leadership.
That's a principle the academies have held at their core as they strive to develop what Army Col. Dan Ragsdale, vice dean at West Point and a 1981 graduate, calls "critical thinkers" armed with the education and training they need to think on their feet.
"Our expectations are that these future leaders are going to have to draw on a relatively broad set of skills, backgrounds and experiences to help solve the problems that they are going to confront in ... a greatly ambiguous world in which they are going to have to operate," he said.
To develop those skills, the academies offer curricula that recently retired Army Gen. John Abizaid, a 1973 West Point graduate who went on to lead U.S. Central Command, described as "some of the most challenging in the nation today."
The coursework is steeped in science, math and engineering so graduates are prepared to enter a highly technical military, whether they'll be flying aircraft, serving on nuclear-powered submarines or calling in air strikes as they lead ground forces in combat, explained William Miller, academic dean and provost at the Naval Academy and a 1962 graduate.
"We want to ensure all our graduates have a good, solid technical foundation for serving as an officer in a very, very technically demanding environment," he said.
Equally important, officials agree, is an understanding of the world in which they'll operate. All three academies have expanded their curricula to increasingly focus on regional studies and language skills.
"The kinds of problems that our ... graduates will face are across a broad spectrum, so we have to give them a technological foundation," Ragsdale said. "But we also have to give them a social and cultural perspective around which to address and solve problems. We have to help them understand and appreciate the political aspects of any problem they are trying to address."
More Than Academics
There may be no pat formula for preparing new officers to serve in wartime, but officials agreed it requires more than mastery of academics.
"Our graduates are not going to be historians and mechanical engineers," Miller said. "They are going to be leaders and problem solvers in a very demanding environment."
There's no possible way to train students for every possible situation they'll encounter when they enter military service, the officials agreed.
"That's a given," Ragsdale said. "But because we know that, we have worked to create an environment where they can develop as the adaptable, agile, critical thinkers they need to be to lead the soldiers who will be entrusted to their care."
The academies strive to prepare cadets and midshipmen to look at problems from multiple dimensions and to juggle priorities.
Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that's one of the biggest lessons he took away from his Naval Academy experience.
"At school, there was always too much to do, and in the Marine Corps, there has always been too much to do," Pace said. "Therefore, you really have to take the important and set it aside to do the critical."
Pace said being bombarded with myriad demands as a midshipman reinforced the importance of teamwork, another principle he said he's carried throughout his career. "In combat, there is nothing you do as an individual," he said. "It's all based on teamwork."
Developing Leaders
While developing their cadets and midshipmen intellectually, the academies also focus on developing them as leaders.
Abizaid said the most important lesson the academies need to instill is "the ability to lead people in a positive, inspirational way."
From their first days at their respective schools, cadets and midshipmen get exposed to valuable lessons in leadership. Initially they observe upperclassmen serving in various leadership positions -- some successfully, some less so. Later, students try their own hand at leadership posts. Through this process, they begin to understand what leadership style works for them, what doesn't, and how they can improve their leadership skills.
Gen. John Corley, Air Force vice chief of staff and a 1973 graduate of the Air Force Academy, described his alma mater as a "leadership laboratory" where cadets exposed him and his fellow cadets to "a set of experiences that you just don't find in other places."
"They also provided challenges," Corley said. "It was a test ... in terms of your development (and) ... your ability to grow and become a leader of character."
"I learned a lot from observing good leadership, and from observing bad leadership, and through experimentation on my own part, trying things that worked or didn't work for me," Pace said of his time at the Naval Academy.
That's the single biggest difference between the military academies and traditional civilian colleges and universities, the deans and alumni agreed.
"Our first and foremost overarching outcome is to commission ... leaders of character who embody our ... core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do," said Brig. Gen. Dana Born, dean of faculty for the Air Force Academy and a 1983 graduate. "It stands at the very foundation of what we do."
Miller said leadership lessons learned at the academies have a long-lasting impact on how graduates confront problems.
"No matter what (military) community our graduates enter, ... they are going to be leaders, and we want to ensure they have a good ethical foundation for the decisions they are going to make," he said.
Educating for the Future
While preparing their cadets and midshipmen for the immediate requirements they'll face as graduates, academy officials say they recognize the need to keep their eyes focused on the horizon.
"We try to stay balanced and not hyper-reactive," Ragsdale said. "We recognize that we're providing a foundation upon which they can develop as successful officers."
"We can't just focus on the fact that we are currently engaged in a shooting war ... and think only about what (midshipmen) are going to need right after graduation," agreed Miller. "We need to look at what (future officers) are going to need for the longer term and recognize that we're preparing them for a career of service."
By approaching education as a "strategic investment," Miller said, the academies are helping students recognize that their education will be just beginning as they accept their commissions.
"We are trying to lay a foundation on which they can build over their career and continue to learn," he said. "That's important, because being in the armed services demands lifetime learning."
Change
The biggest misconception about the academies is that they're so embedded in tradition that they can't or won't change with the times, officials said.
"That is about as far from the truth as you can get," Ragsdale said. "On the contrary, we understand ... that our graduates have to be prepared for a changing world. So while we hold on to our firm foundations upon which the institution was built, we have embraced change to ensure we are providing the kinds of experiences our cadets need to be successful in the world they are going to face when they graduate."
Born described sweeping changes in the Air Force Academy's core curriculum so courses build on previous lessons and broaden students' exposure to new concepts and approaches. The other academies have instituted similar changes.
These changes are helping ensure students have a foundation from which to draw when they graduate into a wartime environment. "We need students to learn and be able to build upon prior learning, as opposed to just teaching and hoping that they remember it when they need it when they are in downtown Baghdad making decisions," Born said.
Intraservice Cooperation
An intensive system of sharing and cooperation is helping the academies evolve to better serve their students' and services' needs. Staffs meet in person and share e-mails regularly to keep each other informed about new initiatives they're trying and what they've learned along the way.
"We are trying to learn from each other in a leap-frog fashion rather than all of us learning linearly and stumbling over the same obstacles," Miller said.
"We have very common goals and a common set of outcomes that we would like all our graduates to achieve," Ragsdale agreed. "So we share those things that have worked, and on the flip side, those initiatives that have not been successful so they can learn from our mistakes."
Born said the academies recognize their similarities and build on each others' strengths. "We ... team together to share lessons learned and best practices. We learn from each other and are able to progress more quickly by sharing our lessons learned," she said.
So despite infamous interservice rivalry in the sports arena, Born said, there's a healthy respect and common understanding among academy students, graduates and staffs.
"When it comes to the football field, there is all kinds of talk and all kinds of competition," she said. "But when it comes right down to it, we are all working toward commissioning officers and leaders of character for our nation."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2007 – As "ruffles and flourishes" rings through the three U.S. military academies over the next few days, several thousand new graduates will accept their commissions and join the military ranks. These young second lieutenants and ensigns all enrolled in their respective schools -- the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. -- recognizing they'd graduate into a wartime force.
Most were sophomores in high school when they watched televised images of the Twin Towers falling and the Pentagon burning, then the U.S. going to war in Afghanistan. Most hadn't yet been to their senior proms when the country entered Iraq. This week they'll leave their schoolhouses behind to join their fellow soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines serving around the world in the war on terror.
To get a better picture of how their schools have prepared them for this calling, American Forces Press Service spoke with their academic deans and alumni who have risen to the senior military ranks.
Here's what they had to say about what has changed at their institutions and what remains fundamental, and how they're helping ensure their graduates are ready for the challenges they'll confront as military officers.
The Basics
Although they're four-year schools like thousands of others that dot the United States, the U.S. service academies stand uniquely apart. All were founded with the specific goal of educating military leaders -- people who understand not just the art and science of war, but also the fundamentals of leadership.
That's a principle the academies have held at their core as they strive to develop what Army Col. Dan Ragsdale, vice dean at West Point and a 1981 graduate, calls "critical thinkers" armed with the education and training they need to think on their feet.
"Our expectations are that these future leaders are going to have to draw on a relatively broad set of skills, backgrounds and experiences to help solve the problems that they are going to confront in ... a greatly ambiguous world in which they are going to have to operate," he said.
To develop those skills, the academies offer curricula that recently retired Army Gen. John Abizaid, a 1973 West Point graduate who went on to lead U.S. Central Command, described as "some of the most challenging in the nation today."
The coursework is steeped in science, math and engineering so graduates are prepared to enter a highly technical military, whether they'll be flying aircraft, serving on nuclear-powered submarines or calling in air strikes as they lead ground forces in combat, explained William Miller, academic dean and provost at the Naval Academy and a 1962 graduate.
"We want to ensure all our graduates have a good, solid technical foundation for serving as an officer in a very, very technically demanding environment," he said.
Equally important, officials agree, is an understanding of the world in which they'll operate. All three academies have expanded their curricula to increasingly focus on regional studies and language skills.
"The kinds of problems that our ... graduates will face are across a broad spectrum, so we have to give them a technological foundation," Ragsdale said. "But we also have to give them a social and cultural perspective around which to address and solve problems. We have to help them understand and appreciate the political aspects of any problem they are trying to address."
More Than Academics
There may be no pat formula for preparing new officers to serve in wartime, but officials agreed it requires more than mastery of academics.
"Our graduates are not going to be historians and mechanical engineers," Miller said. "They are going to be leaders and problem solvers in a very demanding environment."
There's no possible way to train students for every possible situation they'll encounter when they enter military service, the officials agreed.
"That's a given," Ragsdale said. "But because we know that, we have worked to create an environment where they can develop as the adaptable, agile, critical thinkers they need to be to lead the soldiers who will be entrusted to their care."
The academies strive to prepare cadets and midshipmen to look at problems from multiple dimensions and to juggle priorities.
Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that's one of the biggest lessons he took away from his Naval Academy experience.
"At school, there was always too much to do, and in the Marine Corps, there has always been too much to do," Pace said. "Therefore, you really have to take the important and set it aside to do the critical."
Pace said being bombarded with myriad demands as a midshipman reinforced the importance of teamwork, another principle he said he's carried throughout his career. "In combat, there is nothing you do as an individual," he said. "It's all based on teamwork."
Developing Leaders
While developing their cadets and midshipmen intellectually, the academies also focus on developing them as leaders.
Abizaid said the most important lesson the academies need to instill is "the ability to lead people in a positive, inspirational way."
From their first days at their respective schools, cadets and midshipmen get exposed to valuable lessons in leadership. Initially they observe upperclassmen serving in various leadership positions -- some successfully, some less so. Later, students try their own hand at leadership posts. Through this process, they begin to understand what leadership style works for them, what doesn't, and how they can improve their leadership skills.
Gen. John Corley, Air Force vice chief of staff and a 1973 graduate of the Air Force Academy, described his alma mater as a "leadership laboratory" where cadets exposed him and his fellow cadets to "a set of experiences that you just don't find in other places."
"They also provided challenges," Corley said. "It was a test ... in terms of your development (and) ... your ability to grow and become a leader of character."
"I learned a lot from observing good leadership, and from observing bad leadership, and through experimentation on my own part, trying things that worked or didn't work for me," Pace said of his time at the Naval Academy.
That's the single biggest difference between the military academies and traditional civilian colleges and universities, the deans and alumni agreed.
"Our first and foremost overarching outcome is to commission ... leaders of character who embody our ... core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do," said Brig. Gen. Dana Born, dean of faculty for the Air Force Academy and a 1983 graduate. "It stands at the very foundation of what we do."
Miller said leadership lessons learned at the academies have a long-lasting impact on how graduates confront problems.
"No matter what (military) community our graduates enter, ... they are going to be leaders, and we want to ensure they have a good ethical foundation for the decisions they are going to make," he said.
Educating for the Future
While preparing their cadets and midshipmen for the immediate requirements they'll face as graduates, academy officials say they recognize the need to keep their eyes focused on the horizon.
"We try to stay balanced and not hyper-reactive," Ragsdale said. "We recognize that we're providing a foundation upon which they can develop as successful officers."
"We can't just focus on the fact that we are currently engaged in a shooting war ... and think only about what (midshipmen) are going to need right after graduation," agreed Miller. "We need to look at what (future officers) are going to need for the longer term and recognize that we're preparing them for a career of service."
By approaching education as a "strategic investment," Miller said, the academies are helping students recognize that their education will be just beginning as they accept their commissions.
"We are trying to lay a foundation on which they can build over their career and continue to learn," he said. "That's important, because being in the armed services demands lifetime learning."
Change
The biggest misconception about the academies is that they're so embedded in tradition that they can't or won't change with the times, officials said.
"That is about as far from the truth as you can get," Ragsdale said. "On the contrary, we understand ... that our graduates have to be prepared for a changing world. So while we hold on to our firm foundations upon which the institution was built, we have embraced change to ensure we are providing the kinds of experiences our cadets need to be successful in the world they are going to face when they graduate."
Born described sweeping changes in the Air Force Academy's core curriculum so courses build on previous lessons and broaden students' exposure to new concepts and approaches. The other academies have instituted similar changes.
These changes are helping ensure students have a foundation from which to draw when they graduate into a wartime environment. "We need students to learn and be able to build upon prior learning, as opposed to just teaching and hoping that they remember it when they need it when they are in downtown Baghdad making decisions," Born said.
Intraservice Cooperation
An intensive system of sharing and cooperation is helping the academies evolve to better serve their students' and services' needs. Staffs meet in person and share e-mails regularly to keep each other informed about new initiatives they're trying and what they've learned along the way.
"We are trying to learn from each other in a leap-frog fashion rather than all of us learning linearly and stumbling over the same obstacles," Miller said.
"We have very common goals and a common set of outcomes that we would like all our graduates to achieve," Ragsdale agreed. "So we share those things that have worked, and on the flip side, those initiatives that have not been successful so they can learn from our mistakes."
Born said the academies recognize their similarities and build on each others' strengths. "We ... team together to share lessons learned and best practices. We learn from each other and are able to progress more quickly by sharing our lessons learned," she said.
So despite infamous interservice rivalry in the sports arena, Born said, there's a healthy respect and common understanding among academy students, graduates and staffs.
"When it comes to the football field, there is all kinds of talk and all kinds of competition," she said. "But when it comes right down to it, we are all working toward commissioning officers and leaders of character for our nation."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
CBS Highlights Defense Department Program
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2007 – "The Early Show" on CBS took advantage of the New York's 20th annual Fleet Week to share its support and appreciation for the thousands of sailors and Marines enjoying the city, as well as for military members serving around the world. John Bolaris, who was filling in for The Early Show's regular meteorologist, introduced viewers to the Defense Department's America Supports You program.
"We want to tell you about a special program devoted to the sacrifice that the servicemen and women do for our country and how much the American people appreciate their sacrifice," Bolaris said.
America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. It began in November 2004, and boasts dozens of corporate supporters and more than 250 home-front groups that work to support servicemembers worldwide.
"You probably understand how important it is for our military men and women to know that America supports them (and) appreciates the sacrifices that they're making," Roxie Merritt, an America Supports You spokeswoman and a retired Navy captain, said. "(It's) hard to tell sometimes when you're overseas and watching the news that you really are truly supported back here."
The program's corporate supporters and home-front groups work hard to make sure servicemembers know just how much appreciation they have from home. Among other forms of support, groups send care packages and provide assistance to deployed servicemembers' families and injured servicemembers working to reintegrate into civilian life.
"America Supports You groups do all kinds of wonderful things for us," Merritt said against a backdrop of sailors, Marines and an America Support You banner. Her comments were met with cheers from the servicemembers gathered outside the CBS studios.
"And that support, that morale, is much needed right now," Bolaris said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2007 – "The Early Show" on CBS took advantage of the New York's 20th annual Fleet Week to share its support and appreciation for the thousands of sailors and Marines enjoying the city, as well as for military members serving around the world. John Bolaris, who was filling in for The Early Show's regular meteorologist, introduced viewers to the Defense Department's America Supports You program.
"We want to tell you about a special program devoted to the sacrifice that the servicemen and women do for our country and how much the American people appreciate their sacrifice," Bolaris said.
America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. It began in November 2004, and boasts dozens of corporate supporters and more than 250 home-front groups that work to support servicemembers worldwide.
"You probably understand how important it is for our military men and women to know that America supports them (and) appreciates the sacrifices that they're making," Roxie Merritt, an America Supports You spokeswoman and a retired Navy captain, said. "(It's) hard to tell sometimes when you're overseas and watching the news that you really are truly supported back here."
The program's corporate supporters and home-front groups work hard to make sure servicemembers know just how much appreciation they have from home. Among other forms of support, groups send care packages and provide assistance to deployed servicemembers' families and injured servicemembers working to reintegrate into civilian life.
"America Supports You groups do all kinds of wonderful things for us," Merritt said against a backdrop of sailors, Marines and an America Support You banner. Her comments were met with cheers from the servicemembers gathered outside the CBS studios.
"And that support, that morale, is much needed right now," Bolaris said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Guard's Lack of Equipment Puts U.S. at Risk, Chief Says
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2007 – Congress must either fund equipment for the National Guard or accept the risks of an under-equipped strategic reserve, the Guard's top officer said today. The Guard has only about half of the equipment it needs, Army National Guard Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum, chief of the National Guard Bureau, testified before the House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security's subcommittee on management, investigations and oversight.
Flanked by three states' adjutants general, Blum told committee members that having the nation's only strategic reserve equipped at 50 percent sends a message "that could be miscalculated by our adversaries overseas."
"It's really now the job of the Congress to fund the equipment or accept the risk," Blum said.
The Defense Department has proposed spending $22 billion for National Guard equipment purchases over the next five years, Blum said.
Even so, that would equip the Guard to only 75 percent, its level before the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Blum questioned whether that is enough.
"We are in a post-9/11 world, and I am not certain that those levels still apply," Blum said.
Air National Guard Maj. Gen. Roger P. Lempke, the adjutant general of Nebraska and president of the Adjutants General Association, told committee members that there needs to be better accounting at the Defense Department level for states' equipping needs.
Currently, equipping the Army and Air National Guard is managed by the respective services, and levels are based on units' wartime missions. This causes problems when states respond to multiple requirements -- state and federal -- forcing them to cross-level equipment, or take it from one unit to give to another. In addition, much Guard equipment deployed overseas has not returned.
Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Robert P. French, deputy adjutant general for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, said that leaves his state falling short. "What happens today because of the war effort ... leaves us with substitute equipment at home or no equipment at home," he said.
Blum conceded that the Guard does not need full equipping of its lethal systems, such as tanks and artillery systems. Units need only enough of those for training. But, he outlined an "essential 10" categories that list 342 dual-service items needed both to respond to U.S. disasters and tov support units' wartime missions. The categories include maintenance, aviation, medical and power generation. States need more equipment such as trucks, helicopters and communications equipment, Blum said.
The Guard chief also was critical of the equipment most states have left at home, saying some of it is decades old and not fit for war, to sell or even to give away.
"Those 40-year-old trucks are here in the U.S. because they are not good enough to go to the war. But someone thinks they are good enough to be used to save American lives," Blum said. "I say they're not good enough."
When Guard members deploy overseas, they are fully equipped for their mission, Blum said. It should be same here, he told the committee. If America were to suffer a terrorist attack simultaneously with a natural disaster combined with supporting the war, the force could easily become overwhelmed, he said.
"We're doing every single mission that we can possibly be doing, and we're doing it simultaneously, and we're trying to do it with 50 percent of our equipment," Blum said.
"We need to make sure that the troops that are back here have everything they need," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2007 – Congress must either fund equipment for the National Guard or accept the risks of an under-equipped strategic reserve, the Guard's top officer said today. The Guard has only about half of the equipment it needs, Army National Guard Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum, chief of the National Guard Bureau, testified before the House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security's subcommittee on management, investigations and oversight.
Flanked by three states' adjutants general, Blum told committee members that having the nation's only strategic reserve equipped at 50 percent sends a message "that could be miscalculated by our adversaries overseas."
"It's really now the job of the Congress to fund the equipment or accept the risk," Blum said.
The Defense Department has proposed spending $22 billion for National Guard equipment purchases over the next five years, Blum said.
Even so, that would equip the Guard to only 75 percent, its level before the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Blum questioned whether that is enough.
"We are in a post-9/11 world, and I am not certain that those levels still apply," Blum said.
Air National Guard Maj. Gen. Roger P. Lempke, the adjutant general of Nebraska and president of the Adjutants General Association, told committee members that there needs to be better accounting at the Defense Department level for states' equipping needs.
Currently, equipping the Army and Air National Guard is managed by the respective services, and levels are based on units' wartime missions. This causes problems when states respond to multiple requirements -- state and federal -- forcing them to cross-level equipment, or take it from one unit to give to another. In addition, much Guard equipment deployed overseas has not returned.
Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Robert P. French, deputy adjutant general for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, said that leaves his state falling short. "What happens today because of the war effort ... leaves us with substitute equipment at home or no equipment at home," he said.
Blum conceded that the Guard does not need full equipping of its lethal systems, such as tanks and artillery systems. Units need only enough of those for training. But, he outlined an "essential 10" categories that list 342 dual-service items needed both to respond to U.S. disasters and tov support units' wartime missions. The categories include maintenance, aviation, medical and power generation. States need more equipment such as trucks, helicopters and communications equipment, Blum said.
The Guard chief also was critical of the equipment most states have left at home, saying some of it is decades old and not fit for war, to sell or even to give away.
"Those 40-year-old trucks are here in the U.S. because they are not good enough to go to the war. But someone thinks they are good enough to be used to save American lives," Blum said. "I say they're not good enough."
When Guard members deploy overseas, they are fully equipped for their mission, Blum said. It should be same here, he told the committee. If America were to suffer a terrorist attack simultaneously with a natural disaster combined with supporting the war, the force could easily become overwhelmed, he said.
"We're doing every single mission that we can possibly be doing, and we're doing it simultaneously, and we're trying to do it with 50 percent of our equipment," Blum said.
"We need to make sure that the troops that are back here have everything they need," he said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Gates, Pace Call Memorial Day Time to Honor, Remember, Rededicate
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2007 – The top U.S. military officer today urged men and women in uniform to honor Memorial Day by remembering those who gave their lives for the country and to rededicate themselves to service. "This weekend is not only a time for us to reflect on the sacrifices that those who went before us have made, but on the current sacrifices of those in uniform," Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters.
Pace said it's also an opportunity for those in the military to rededicate themselves to defending the U.S. Constitution and honor the legacy of the millions of troops who have protected the country's freedoms for more than 200 years.
"There is fear on the battlefield, but I think the truth is that soldiers and Marines in battle fear most that they would either let their fellow soldier or Marine down or somehow let down the legacy that they have inherited," the general said. "And this weekend is a chance for each of us who have the privilege of wearing the uniform to rededicate ourselves to our oath of office and to the legacy that we have inherited."
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates joined Pace in noting the importance of Memorial Day.
"It's a time to honor those who gave their lives in service to this country," he said. "It is also a time to thank those who are currently serving and sacrificing here and overseas, and to their families who make daily sacrifices in service to our country."
Gates said it's also a time "to reflect on the dangers that threaten us, our freedoms and our liberties."
The secretary noted that he will address the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2007 at its graduation tomorrow in Annapolis, Md. On May 30, he will speak to graduating U.S. Air Force Academy graduates in Colorado Springs, Colo.
"These young men and women represent some of our nation's best and brightest who made a choice four years ago to serve at a time of war," he said. "We are deeply indebted to them and to all the men and women who have stepped forward to defend our nation."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 24, 2007 – The top U.S. military officer today urged men and women in uniform to honor Memorial Day by remembering those who gave their lives for the country and to rededicate themselves to service. "This weekend is not only a time for us to reflect on the sacrifices that those who went before us have made, but on the current sacrifices of those in uniform," Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters.
Pace said it's also an opportunity for those in the military to rededicate themselves to defending the U.S. Constitution and honor the legacy of the millions of troops who have protected the country's freedoms for more than 200 years.
"There is fear on the battlefield, but I think the truth is that soldiers and Marines in battle fear most that they would either let their fellow soldier or Marine down or somehow let down the legacy that they have inherited," the general said. "And this weekend is a chance for each of us who have the privilege of wearing the uniform to rededicate ourselves to our oath of office and to the legacy that we have inherited."
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates joined Pace in noting the importance of Memorial Day.
"It's a time to honor those who gave their lives in service to this country," he said. "It is also a time to thank those who are currently serving and sacrificing here and overseas, and to their families who make daily sacrifices in service to our country."
Gates said it's also a time "to reflect on the dangers that threaten us, our freedoms and our liberties."
The secretary noted that he will address the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2007 at its graduation tomorrow in Annapolis, Md. On May 30, he will speak to graduating U.S. Air Force Academy graduates in Colorado Springs, Colo.
"These young men and women represent some of our nation's best and brightest who made a choice four years ago to serve at a time of war," he said. "We are deeply indebted to them and to all the men and women who have stepped forward to defend our nation."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Program Takes 'LEEP' for America
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
May 23, 2007 – U.S. servicemembers are working overseas to build capable police forces, and a member organization of the Defense Department's America Supports You program is helping that cause. America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"The Law Enforcement Equipment Program facilitates the transfer of used law enforcement equipment to any American armed forces unit to be used to equip or train a friendly foreign police force," said Steve Newton a former police chief, who founded LEEP.
"We do not carry an inventory of equipment," he explained. "We simply act as a go-between for the American law enforcement community and the military."
The program also will assist in the transfer of needed equipment directly to the foreign police units if they're supervised by the United States, Newton, who also is a Marine and Navy veteran, added.
The Law Enforcement Equipment Program began to help an under-equipped Iraqi police force, he said. The program has since expanded to include Afghanistan and other areas where U.S. forces are training, or supervising the training, of foreign law officers.
"I believe that it is our responsibility to assist our armed forces in any and all ways possible," he said on the program's Web site.
The needs expressed by the servicemembers on behalf of the foreign law officers include everything from reflective belts and vests to body armor, batons and handcuffs. Some areas also are asking for riot control sets, gloves and even traffic cones.
America Supports You often serves as a way for a group to network and find another group that can fulfill a request it can't. This has been the case for The Law Enforcement Equipment Program, Newton said. His program has received several referrals from other America Supports You members.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 23, 2007 – U.S. servicemembers are working overseas to build capable police forces, and a member organization of the Defense Department's America Supports You program is helping that cause. America Supports You connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"The Law Enforcement Equipment Program facilitates the transfer of used law enforcement equipment to any American armed forces unit to be used to equip or train a friendly foreign police force," said Steve Newton a former police chief, who founded LEEP.
"We do not carry an inventory of equipment," he explained. "We simply act as a go-between for the American law enforcement community and the military."
The program also will assist in the transfer of needed equipment directly to the foreign police units if they're supervised by the United States, Newton, who also is a Marine and Navy veteran, added.
The Law Enforcement Equipment Program began to help an under-equipped Iraqi police force, he said. The program has since expanded to include Afghanistan and other areas where U.S. forces are training, or supervising the training, of foreign law officers.
"I believe that it is our responsibility to assist our armed forces in any and all ways possible," he said on the program's Web site.
The needs expressed by the servicemembers on behalf of the foreign law officers include everything from reflective belts and vests to body armor, batons and handcuffs. Some areas also are asking for riot control sets, gloves and even traffic cones.
America Supports You often serves as a way for a group to network and find another group that can fulfill a request it can't. This has been the case for The Law Enforcement Equipment Program, Newton said. His program has received several referrals from other America Supports You members.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Why We Serve: Soldier's Volunteer Spirit Carries into Army Life
By Carmen L. Gleason
American Forces Press Service
May 23, 2007 – When Matt Olson was growing up in Grantsburg, Wis., he never thought that by the time he was in his mid-20s he would have traveled to France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Austria. He never fathomed that he would one day be affecting the growth of a fledgling democracy on the other side of the world. And he certainly never would have guessed that his new-found job skills would ensure that thousands of U.S. troops would safely cross hundreds of miles in dangerous deserts.
But that's what has happened since Olson enlisted in the Army eight years ago.
"I didn't know what I was going to do when I grew up," Olson said. "I wasn't a mechanic before I came into the Army, but I got my hands on things and got dirty. I loved it; I always feel like I'd accomplished something."
Now a staff sergeant, Olson has two deployments to Iraq under his belt. His most recent one was to Qayyarah, where he managed the maintenance of his unit's vehicles and was in charge of soldiers manning a combat logistics patrol readiness center.
He and his troops supported more than 2,200 vehicle convoys and found more than 300 faults that prevented vehicles from breaking down while traveling a 400-mile stretch of sandy road from Kuwait to Iraq. Each convoy could have as many as 30 trucks and could stretch for two miles.
"It felt really good to know that those trucks weren't going to break down while on the road; it was really dangerous to be stopped out there," Olson said, quickly giving credit for the unit's success to his soldiers. "They did a lot of hard work to make our mission a success."
As part of the Defense Department's quarterly "Why We Serve" public outreach program, Olson and eight other servicemembers are visiting communities throughout the United States to share about their experiences in the military.
"This assignment is going be fun," he said. "I just wish that my soldiers were going to beside me; there's more to the story than is heard on the news."
Olson said he has maintained the senses of teamwork and volunteerism he developed while growing up and has applied them into his Army experiences.
Growing up on a farm, Olson was active in organizations such as his 4-H Club. Through the club, he volunteered at nursing homes and with other local organizations.
"My parents did a great job of raising me and my sister and brother," he said. "They expected the best out of us, and that carried over to my professional career."
Calling it one of his most fulfilling experiences, Olson volunteered with 15 fellow soldiers to clean up a local Veterans of Foreign Wars post while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.
"Everyone really appreciated what we did," he said. "It was cool to see the heritage of military service and to interact with the veterans."
The staff sergeant continued his goodwill efforts by helping to coordinate and conduct convoys to deliver school supplies to Iraqi children while he was deployed to the country.
"I feel that's why we're there - to help," he said. "If I know I did something personally to help somebody out, then I feel like I've accomplished something significant."
"I'm just a mechanic turning wrenches," he said, "but I helped get the Iraqi people out to vote in their elections, ... and that means something to me."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 23, 2007 – When Matt Olson was growing up in Grantsburg, Wis., he never thought that by the time he was in his mid-20s he would have traveled to France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Austria. He never fathomed that he would one day be affecting the growth of a fledgling democracy on the other side of the world. And he certainly never would have guessed that his new-found job skills would ensure that thousands of U.S. troops would safely cross hundreds of miles in dangerous deserts.
But that's what has happened since Olson enlisted in the Army eight years ago.
"I didn't know what I was going to do when I grew up," Olson said. "I wasn't a mechanic before I came into the Army, but I got my hands on things and got dirty. I loved it; I always feel like I'd accomplished something."
Now a staff sergeant, Olson has two deployments to Iraq under his belt. His most recent one was to Qayyarah, where he managed the maintenance of his unit's vehicles and was in charge of soldiers manning a combat logistics patrol readiness center.
He and his troops supported more than 2,200 vehicle convoys and found more than 300 faults that prevented vehicles from breaking down while traveling a 400-mile stretch of sandy road from Kuwait to Iraq. Each convoy could have as many as 30 trucks and could stretch for two miles.
"It felt really good to know that those trucks weren't going to break down while on the road; it was really dangerous to be stopped out there," Olson said, quickly giving credit for the unit's success to his soldiers. "They did a lot of hard work to make our mission a success."
As part of the Defense Department's quarterly "Why We Serve" public outreach program, Olson and eight other servicemembers are visiting communities throughout the United States to share about their experiences in the military.
"This assignment is going be fun," he said. "I just wish that my soldiers were going to beside me; there's more to the story than is heard on the news."
Olson said he has maintained the senses of teamwork and volunteerism he developed while growing up and has applied them into his Army experiences.
Growing up on a farm, Olson was active in organizations such as his 4-H Club. Through the club, he volunteered at nursing homes and with other local organizations.
"My parents did a great job of raising me and my sister and brother," he said. "They expected the best out of us, and that carried over to my professional career."
Calling it one of his most fulfilling experiences, Olson volunteered with 15 fellow soldiers to clean up a local Veterans of Foreign Wars post while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.
"Everyone really appreciated what we did," he said. "It was cool to see the heritage of military service and to interact with the veterans."
The staff sergeant continued his goodwill efforts by helping to coordinate and conduct convoys to deliver school supplies to Iraqi children while he was deployed to the country.
"I feel that's why we're there - to help," he said. "If I know I did something personally to help somebody out, then I feel like I've accomplished something significant."
"I'm just a mechanic turning wrenches," he said, "but I helped get the Iraqi people out to vote in their elections, ... and that means something to me."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Bush Praises Coast Guard Graduates for Service in Challenging Times
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 23, 2007 – The Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks brought new challenges and responsibilities to the U.S. Coast Guard, President Bush told the Coast Guard Academy Class of 2007 at its graduation ceremony today in New London, Conn. Bush told the 228 graduating cadets the United States has always depended on the Coast Guard, and needs it now more than ever because terrorists have made no secret of their desire to launch another attack.
"It's tempting to believe that the calm here at home after September the 11th means that the danger to our country has passed," he said. "The danger has not passed. Here in America, we're living in the eye of a storm. All around us, dangerous winds are swirling, and these winds could reach our shores at any moment."
Bush praised Coast Guard members who "know how to navigate the storm."
The country is "counting on you to help America weather the challenges that lie ahead," he told the new graduates. The president noted the Coast Guard's long history of service to the country. "Since its inception, the Coast Guard has conducted search and rescue missions, enforced our maritime laws, protected our marine environment, come to the aid of stranded boaters, and helped staunch the flow of illegal drugs and illegal migrants to our shores," he said. "And in this new century, the Coast Guard continues to carry out these vital missions."
He cited the Coast Guard's extraordinary support in times of disaster, including Hurricane Katrina, when the Coast Guard rescued more than 33,000 people.
The Coast Guard launched a similar and also unprecedented response after the Sept. 11 terror attacks, he said. Its members organized a massive flotilla of military and civilian watercraft and conducted the largest waterborne evacuation, from Manhattan, in the country's history. It also assisted in operations at Ground Zero and coordinated an around-the-clock defense of New York Harbor and other vital ports, the president noted.
"On September the 11th, the home front you protected became a battlefront in a new and unprecedented war," Bush told the graduates. "That day, our nation changed forever, and so did the mission of the United States Coast Guard. This service assumed new and essential responsibilities: to defend our nation against terrorist infiltration and to help stop new attacks before they kill our people."
He noted that as part of Operation Noble Eagle, the Coast Guard is protecting more than 360 ports and more than 95,000 miles of coastline. Overseas, the Coast Guard is conducting maritime intercept operations in the Persian Gulf and patrolling the waters off Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
"The men and women of the Coast Guard are serving with courage, and the American people are grateful to live behind your shield of freedom," he said.
Bush thanked the cadets about to begin their Coast Guard careers for becoming a part of that shield.
"You will take your oath as Coast Guard officers in a time of war, knowing all the risks your service entails," he said. "I thank each of you for your bold decision to wear the uniform."
The president offered a few words of advice to the new graduates.
"Trust in the power of freedom to overcome tyranny and terror (and) show leadership in freedom's defense and character in all you do," he said. He urged them to "be ready for anything" and to draw on the lessons they've learned at the Coast Guard Academy as they encounter new challenges.
"The Coasties who came before you never thought they would be organizing a flotilla in New York Harbor, or patrolling distant coasts in the Persian Gulf. Like them, you will serve in ways you cannot imagine today," he said. "But if you bring the skills and creativity you learned at this academy to every task, our nation's security will be in good hands."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 23, 2007 – The Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks brought new challenges and responsibilities to the U.S. Coast Guard, President Bush told the Coast Guard Academy Class of 2007 at its graduation ceremony today in New London, Conn. Bush told the 228 graduating cadets the United States has always depended on the Coast Guard, and needs it now more than ever because terrorists have made no secret of their desire to launch another attack.
"It's tempting to believe that the calm here at home after September the 11th means that the danger to our country has passed," he said. "The danger has not passed. Here in America, we're living in the eye of a storm. All around us, dangerous winds are swirling, and these winds could reach our shores at any moment."
Bush praised Coast Guard members who "know how to navigate the storm."
The country is "counting on you to help America weather the challenges that lie ahead," he told the new graduates. The president noted the Coast Guard's long history of service to the country. "Since its inception, the Coast Guard has conducted search and rescue missions, enforced our maritime laws, protected our marine environment, come to the aid of stranded boaters, and helped staunch the flow of illegal drugs and illegal migrants to our shores," he said. "And in this new century, the Coast Guard continues to carry out these vital missions."
He cited the Coast Guard's extraordinary support in times of disaster, including Hurricane Katrina, when the Coast Guard rescued more than 33,000 people.
The Coast Guard launched a similar and also unprecedented response after the Sept. 11 terror attacks, he said. Its members organized a massive flotilla of military and civilian watercraft and conducted the largest waterborne evacuation, from Manhattan, in the country's history. It also assisted in operations at Ground Zero and coordinated an around-the-clock defense of New York Harbor and other vital ports, the president noted.
"On September the 11th, the home front you protected became a battlefront in a new and unprecedented war," Bush told the graduates. "That day, our nation changed forever, and so did the mission of the United States Coast Guard. This service assumed new and essential responsibilities: to defend our nation against terrorist infiltration and to help stop new attacks before they kill our people."
He noted that as part of Operation Noble Eagle, the Coast Guard is protecting more than 360 ports and more than 95,000 miles of coastline. Overseas, the Coast Guard is conducting maritime intercept operations in the Persian Gulf and patrolling the waters off Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
"The men and women of the Coast Guard are serving with courage, and the American people are grateful to live behind your shield of freedom," he said.
Bush thanked the cadets about to begin their Coast Guard careers for becoming a part of that shield.
"You will take your oath as Coast Guard officers in a time of war, knowing all the risks your service entails," he said. "I thank each of you for your bold decision to wear the uniform."
The president offered a few words of advice to the new graduates.
"Trust in the power of freedom to overcome tyranny and terror (and) show leadership in freedom's defense and character in all you do," he said. He urged them to "be ready for anything" and to draw on the lessons they've learned at the Coast Guard Academy as they encounter new challenges.
"The Coasties who came before you never thought they would be organizing a flotilla in New York Harbor, or patrolling distant coasts in the Persian Gulf. Like them, you will serve in ways you cannot imagine today," he said. "But if you bring the skills and creativity you learned at this academy to every task, our nation's security will be in good hands."
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Toby Keith Wows Overseas U.S. Troops
American Forces Press Service
May 23, 2007 – Country music star Toby Keith again demonstrated red, white and blue patriotism mixed with down-home rhythm during his recent tour to entertain U.S. servicemembers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. This is Keith's fifth United Service Organizations-sponsored overseas trip to visit troops, and as always, the multi-platinum recording artist didn't disappoint his camouflaged-clad fans.
Keith's latest overseas tour includes a troop visit to Germany and precedes his upcoming "Big Dog Daddy" stateside tour named after his new compact disc slated for release in June.
In Iraq, Keith, 46, visited with servicemembers stationed in the Baghdad area and also performed a concert at Camp Victory on May 22. Before that, Keith spent May 19 and 20 with troops stationed in Afghanistan.
The Oklahoma-born entertainer personally greeted Iraq-deployed servicemembers and signed autographs. He also participated in a May 22 re-enlistment ceremony at Al Faw Palace in Baghdad, one of 99 such palaces that once belonged to Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
At Forward Operating Base Fenty at Jalalabad in northeastern Afghanistan on May 20, Keith saluted the troops for their dedication to duty.
"The reason that nobody back home on the news talks about what's going on in Afghanistan is because there's not much bad to say about it," Keith said. "The (coalition forces have) done a wonderful job, so that's the message I'm taking back (to the states)."
Keith said he wanted to key on visiting servicemembers stationed at smaller, out-of-the-way places during this year's Afghanistan tour.
"Instead of just going to the big ones, we wanted to go into some places that have never had any entertainment," he said at FOB Fenty.
After the show, the country music star hailed the troops for their service to the nation.
"Thank you for your sacrifice," Keith told servicemembers at FOB Fenty. "I know when you're over here for 18, 20 (or even 24 months) there are a lot of people being missed."
On May 19, hundreds of servicemembers waited for hours to see Keith perform at Forward Operating Base Salerno, near Afghanistan's border with Pakistan.
"I've wanted to see this guy since I was 13," said Army Pfc. Tristan P. Winter, a forward observer in Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. "He's my favorite country music singer, and I'm so excited to finally be able to see him."
Keith soon returned Winter's compliment, as the singer came on stage and was greeted by servicemembers' thunderous applause.
"This is to all of you, when you're rolling out at night watching each other's back," the performer told the military audience.
"I've got a lot of admiration for these guys and girls out on these bases who are getting out in the mud," Keith, whose father was a U.S. Army veteran, added.
The USO is among the more than 250 businesses and organizations nationwide that participate in the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which recognizes citizens' support for military men and women and communicates that support to members of the U.S. armed forces here and abroad.
(Compiled from articles and photos provided by Army Staff Sgt. Curt Cashour, Multinational Corps Iraq Public Affairs; Army Pfc. Micah E. Clare, Task Force Fury PAO, Afghanistan; and Army Pfc. Daniel E. Rangel, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Afghanistan.)
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
May 23, 2007 – Country music star Toby Keith again demonstrated red, white and blue patriotism mixed with down-home rhythm during his recent tour to entertain U.S. servicemembers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. This is Keith's fifth United Service Organizations-sponsored overseas trip to visit troops, and as always, the multi-platinum recording artist didn't disappoint his camouflaged-clad fans.
Keith's latest overseas tour includes a troop visit to Germany and precedes his upcoming "Big Dog Daddy" stateside tour named after his new compact disc slated for release in June.
In Iraq, Keith, 46, visited with servicemembers stationed in the Baghdad area and also performed a concert at Camp Victory on May 22. Before that, Keith spent May 19 and 20 with troops stationed in Afghanistan.
The Oklahoma-born entertainer personally greeted Iraq-deployed servicemembers and signed autographs. He also participated in a May 22 re-enlistment ceremony at Al Faw Palace in Baghdad, one of 99 such palaces that once belonged to Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
At Forward Operating Base Fenty at Jalalabad in northeastern Afghanistan on May 20, Keith saluted the troops for their dedication to duty.
"The reason that nobody back home on the news talks about what's going on in Afghanistan is because there's not much bad to say about it," Keith said. "The (coalition forces have) done a wonderful job, so that's the message I'm taking back (to the states)."
Keith said he wanted to key on visiting servicemembers stationed at smaller, out-of-the-way places during this year's Afghanistan tour.
"Instead of just going to the big ones, we wanted to go into some places that have never had any entertainment," he said at FOB Fenty.
After the show, the country music star hailed the troops for their service to the nation.
"Thank you for your sacrifice," Keith told servicemembers at FOB Fenty. "I know when you're over here for 18, 20 (or even 24 months) there are a lot of people being missed."
On May 19, hundreds of servicemembers waited for hours to see Keith perform at Forward Operating Base Salerno, near Afghanistan's border with Pakistan.
"I've wanted to see this guy since I was 13," said Army Pfc. Tristan P. Winter, a forward observer in Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. "He's my favorite country music singer, and I'm so excited to finally be able to see him."
Keith soon returned Winter's compliment, as the singer came on stage and was greeted by servicemembers' thunderous applause.
"This is to all of you, when you're rolling out at night watching each other's back," the performer told the military audience.
"I've got a lot of admiration for these guys and girls out on these bases who are getting out in the mud," Keith, whose father was a U.S. Army veteran, added.
The USO is among the more than 250 businesses and organizations nationwide that participate in the Defense Department's America Supports You program, which recognizes citizens' support for military men and women and communicates that support to members of the U.S. armed forces here and abroad.
(Compiled from articles and photos provided by Army Staff Sgt. Curt Cashour, Multinational Corps Iraq Public Affairs; Army Pfc. Micah E. Clare, Task Force Fury PAO, Afghanistan; and Army Pfc. Daniel E. Rangel, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Afghanistan.)
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Vets Make Sure Marine Can 'Semper Fly'
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
May 23, 2007 – When employees at the Wings and Rotors Museum in Murrieta, Calif., noticed the 1965 Cessna Skyhawk sitting on the tarmac, it had seen better days. "After many inquiries, we found that this aircraft belonged to career Marine (Master) Gunnery Sergeant Mike Tyndale, who had been in the combat zone in Iraq," David Barron, a U.S. Army Air Cavalry veteran and volunteer at the museum, said. "The cabin leaked and the sun had damaged the aircraft as it sat. The birds had made a home of it."
Barron and other veterans associated with the Wings and Rotors Museum created a project to bring the plane back to life -- an endeavor estimated at $7,000. The museum started a project, "Operation Semper Fly," to handle the restoration of the Cessna.
The operation's name plays off the Marine Corps motto, "Semper Fidelis," which means "Always Faithful" and often is shortened to "Semper Fi."
The work needed was extensive. Museum staff and volunteers worked on the airframe and propeller, installed new brakes and replaced the plane's tires. It also has a fresh battery as well as engine maintenance and inspections.
"We have moved into the cabin restoration and finally will finish it all off with new exterior paint with the Marine Corps colors as an accent," Barron said. "This is being done at no cost to him as a token of our support for all of our veterans. As veterans ourselves, we could no just turn our back on him."
Materials needed to bring the Cessna back to its former glory have been donated by local suppliers in amounts greater than the estimated repair costs, he said. In fact, a flight instructor has donated his time to fly with Tyndale to get the Marine current on his flight requirements and help get him through his biennial flight review.
"I am proud to say that the aviation community has embraced our efforts to bring this aircraft back to life," Barron said. "The aircraft will be returned to ... Tyndale on June 9 at the French Valley Airport's 'Air Faire.'"
The Air Faire event is an annual open house at the airport featuring static military and civilian displays and a community safety fair.
Tyndale, who has served 26 years in the Marine Corps, knew his "cherished" aircraft had suffered from his nearly three-year absence. He said he is thrilled that it's nearly ready to soar into the wild blue again, and incredibly grateful to those who made that possible.
"I have a lump in my throat trying to express my gratitude at this undertaking," he said. "There is no greater sense of community support for military members ... than to come home and be told 'thanks" and get the hearty handshakes.
"However the Wings and Rotors Air Museum has done more than that," Tyndale continued. "Thanks to their members, my plane will recover from my long absence and will fly again."
Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 23, 2007 – When employees at the Wings and Rotors Museum in Murrieta, Calif., noticed the 1965 Cessna Skyhawk sitting on the tarmac, it had seen better days. "After many inquiries, we found that this aircraft belonged to career Marine (Master) Gunnery Sergeant Mike Tyndale, who had been in the combat zone in Iraq," David Barron, a U.S. Army Air Cavalry veteran and volunteer at the museum, said. "The cabin leaked and the sun had damaged the aircraft as it sat. The birds had made a home of it."
Barron and other veterans associated with the Wings and Rotors Museum created a project to bring the plane back to life -- an endeavor estimated at $7,000. The museum started a project, "Operation Semper Fly," to handle the restoration of the Cessna.
The operation's name plays off the Marine Corps motto, "Semper Fidelis," which means "Always Faithful" and often is shortened to "Semper Fi."
The work needed was extensive. Museum staff and volunteers worked on the airframe and propeller, installed new brakes and replaced the plane's tires. It also has a fresh battery as well as engine maintenance and inspections.
"We have moved into the cabin restoration and finally will finish it all off with new exterior paint with the Marine Corps colors as an accent," Barron said. "This is being done at no cost to him as a token of our support for all of our veterans. As veterans ourselves, we could no just turn our back on him."
Materials needed to bring the Cessna back to its former glory have been donated by local suppliers in amounts greater than the estimated repair costs, he said. In fact, a flight instructor has donated his time to fly with Tyndale to get the Marine current on his flight requirements and help get him through his biennial flight review.
"I am proud to say that the aviation community has embraced our efforts to bring this aircraft back to life," Barron said. "The aircraft will be returned to ... Tyndale on June 9 at the French Valley Airport's 'Air Faire.'"
The Air Faire event is an annual open house at the airport featuring static military and civilian displays and a community safety fair.
Tyndale, who has served 26 years in the Marine Corps, knew his "cherished" aircraft had suffered from his nearly three-year absence. He said he is thrilled that it's nearly ready to soar into the wild blue again, and incredibly grateful to those who made that possible.
"I have a lump in my throat trying to express my gratitude at this undertaking," he said. "There is no greater sense of community support for military members ... than to come home and be told 'thanks" and get the hearty handshakes.
"However the Wings and Rotors Air Museum has done more than that," Tyndale continued. "Thanks to their members, my plane will recover from my long absence and will fly again."
Note: To find out about more individuals, groups and organizations that are helping support the troops, visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America Supports You directly connects military members to the support of the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their quest to find meaningful ways to support the military community.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Plans Unveiled for Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center
American Forces Press Service
May 23, 2007 – At a Capitol Hill news conference yesterday, exhibition designer Ralph Appelbaum provided a first glimpse of the exhibits planned for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center, an underground facility slated for the National Mall near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. "The center will be a place that reveals the human dimension of the war and honors the value of service and the bonds of loyalty and friendship," Appelbaum said. "It will allow a new generation of visitors to better understand the human experience of war and the web of lives affected."
An array of national leaders attended the news conference hosted by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to express their support for the project. Several of them, including retired Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey and U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska spoke at the news conference.
"This is the logical next evolution of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial experience, and I am enthusiastic to be part of the campaign to bring it to life," said McCaffrey, who chairs the Advisory Board of veterans, authors, historians and educators who advise the Memorial Fund on the exhibits.
During the presentation, Appelbaum said the goals of the center are to enhance the Memorial experience; honor those who died, put faces with the names of those memorialized on the Vietnam Wall, and encourage young visitors to learn more.
He explained how listening, learning, research and discussion with distinguished Vietnam veterans, authorities in charge of the National Mall and everyday Americans have resulted in a clear concept for the center. And, he showed visuals illustrating main components of the planned exhibits:
-- Faces of Service Members: A wall of photos of fallen servicemembers who had their birthday on that particular day, along with any images, letters or other remembrances left at The Wall for that individual.
-- Display of Values: Words such as Respect, Loyalty, Courage, Duty, Service, Honor and Integrity, combined with excerpts from letters of fallen service members that convey those concepts.
-- Artifacts Collection: A dramatic series of glass cases that contain selections of the more than 100,000 items that have been left at the Memorial, including personal letters home from men and women in uniform.
-- Timeline: A factual chronology of military events to give an overview of the span of the war and the key actions.
-- History of the Memorial: A visual and written history of The Wall and the way it has uniquely influenced the way Americans memorialize and pay tribute.
-- Resource Center: Interactive stations where visitors, specifically young people, can access additional information.
-- Legacy of Service: A visual connection between those who served in Vietnam and all Americans in uniform, past and present.
"The center will be the home of some of the personal items that have been left at the memorial and that illustrate the loss and grieving-they are eloquent examples of love and friendship," Appelbaum added. "Here, we give each name a face and explore the universal bond among all veterans of war."
The Memorial Center has generated the support of an array of respected public and military officials, including retired Army Gen. Colin L. Powell, the honorary chairman of the Campaign to Build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center, and Dr. Christos M. Cotsakos, campaign chairman.
"The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center will be a place that touches the heart and teaches the mind, enhancing the Memorial experience for people of all ages and walks of life, taking them on a journey through layers of storytelling and history," said Harry Robinson, a board member of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund who also spoke at the news conference.
"The center will be a commemoration and celebration of the values of loyalty, duty and honor - the values that defined not only the brave young men and women who gave their lives in Vietnam, but in all of America's wars," added McCaffrey. "And possibly most importantly, we believe this center will present fantastic learning opportunities for our nation's young people."
The center has been authorized by Congress, and the Memorial Fund is working in partnership with the National Park Service, which ultimately will operate it. While the anticipated timeline for design approval, fundraising and the building schedule for the Memorial Center is approximate right now, groundbreaking is expected in 2010, with the center being completed within 18 months after that.
Established in 1979, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is the nonprofit organization authorized by Congress to build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Today, through a series of outreach programs, it is dedicated to preserving the legacy of The Wall, promoting healing, educating about the impact of the Vietnam War and is building the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center, an underground educational facility, near The Wall.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
May 23, 2007 – At a Capitol Hill news conference yesterday, exhibition designer Ralph Appelbaum provided a first glimpse of the exhibits planned for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center, an underground facility slated for the National Mall near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. "The center will be a place that reveals the human dimension of the war and honors the value of service and the bonds of loyalty and friendship," Appelbaum said. "It will allow a new generation of visitors to better understand the human experience of war and the web of lives affected."
An array of national leaders attended the news conference hosted by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to express their support for the project. Several of them, including retired Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey and U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska spoke at the news conference.
"This is the logical next evolution of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial experience, and I am enthusiastic to be part of the campaign to bring it to life," said McCaffrey, who chairs the Advisory Board of veterans, authors, historians and educators who advise the Memorial Fund on the exhibits.
During the presentation, Appelbaum said the goals of the center are to enhance the Memorial experience; honor those who died, put faces with the names of those memorialized on the Vietnam Wall, and encourage young visitors to learn more.
He explained how listening, learning, research and discussion with distinguished Vietnam veterans, authorities in charge of the National Mall and everyday Americans have resulted in a clear concept for the center. And, he showed visuals illustrating main components of the planned exhibits:
-- Faces of Service Members: A wall of photos of fallen servicemembers who had their birthday on that particular day, along with any images, letters or other remembrances left at The Wall for that individual.
-- Display of Values: Words such as Respect, Loyalty, Courage, Duty, Service, Honor and Integrity, combined with excerpts from letters of fallen service members that convey those concepts.
-- Artifacts Collection: A dramatic series of glass cases that contain selections of the more than 100,000 items that have been left at the Memorial, including personal letters home from men and women in uniform.
-- Timeline: A factual chronology of military events to give an overview of the span of the war and the key actions.
-- History of the Memorial: A visual and written history of The Wall and the way it has uniquely influenced the way Americans memorialize and pay tribute.
-- Resource Center: Interactive stations where visitors, specifically young people, can access additional information.
-- Legacy of Service: A visual connection between those who served in Vietnam and all Americans in uniform, past and present.
"The center will be the home of some of the personal items that have been left at the memorial and that illustrate the loss and grieving-they are eloquent examples of love and friendship," Appelbaum added. "Here, we give each name a face and explore the universal bond among all veterans of war."
The Memorial Center has generated the support of an array of respected public and military officials, including retired Army Gen. Colin L. Powell, the honorary chairman of the Campaign to Build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center, and Dr. Christos M. Cotsakos, campaign chairman.
"The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center will be a place that touches the heart and teaches the mind, enhancing the Memorial experience for people of all ages and walks of life, taking them on a journey through layers of storytelling and history," said Harry Robinson, a board member of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund who also spoke at the news conference.
"The center will be a commemoration and celebration of the values of loyalty, duty and honor - the values that defined not only the brave young men and women who gave their lives in Vietnam, but in all of America's wars," added McCaffrey. "And possibly most importantly, we believe this center will present fantastic learning opportunities for our nation's young people."
The center has been authorized by Congress, and the Memorial Fund is working in partnership with the National Park Service, which ultimately will operate it. While the anticipated timeline for design approval, fundraising and the building schedule for the Memorial Center is approximate right now, groundbreaking is expected in 2010, with the center being completed within 18 months after that.
Established in 1979, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is the nonprofit organization authorized by Congress to build the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Today, through a series of outreach programs, it is dedicated to preserving the legacy of The Wall, promoting healing, educating about the impact of the Vietnam War and is building the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Center, an underground educational facility, near The Wall.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Defense Officials Promote Language Programs to Recruit Linguists
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
May 22, 2007 – As language and cultural sensitivities factor more and more into military operations, defense officials are promoting several initiatives to increase the number of servicemembers and employees with critical language skills. One of the most innovative programs is the Army's effort to recruit "heritage language" speakers from countries the U.S. is engaged in, Gail McGinn, deputy undersecretary of defense for plans, said in an interview today. These soldiers have backgrounds in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan, and already have a thorough knowledge of the languages and cultures in those areas.
"If you have a native language, you have the accent right, but more importantly, you also have the culture right, and you know something about the part of the world where your family's from, where you grew up for part of your life," McGinn said. "And that brings a great advantage to you in working with our forces."
The program, called the 09L interpreter/translator program, started with the Individual Ready Reserve, McGinn explained. Native speakers were recruited into the IRR and trained in translation skills and English, if they needed it, then sent into the force as soldiers. Now the Army offers the program in the active-duty and reserve components as well, she said.
When the program started in 2003, the Army set an initial goal of 250 native speakers recruited per year, McGinn said. The Army is now meeting that goal, and in the last fiscal year recruited 130 percent of the goal, she said.
"That's a tribute to the Army and its recruiters, but it's also a tribute to these great Americans who are coming forward to help us," she said.
Right now the program focuses on potential recruits who speak Arabic, which is spoken in Iraq, and Pashto and Dari, the two main languages of Afghanistan. But Defense Department officials hope to expand the program in the future, McGinn said. Many of the soldiers who join under this program are motivated by the possibility of U.S. citizenship, she said, but many also have a deep sense of patriotism and want to serve.
"A lot of them have escaped persecution or have been wounded in combat or fought in civil wars. They've come to the United States with their family, and there's a great sense that they would like to pay something back," she said.
Commanders in the field have given very positive feedback about the soldiers recruited under interpreter/translator program, McGinn said. These soldiers have helped prevent attacks and problems in Iraq and Afghanistan because of their language and cultural knowledge, but also are effective soldiers who fight alongside their counterparts, she said.
"A soldier picks up a weapon and goes into combat with you and is there right by your side and obeys your orders, and you can trust them. And (the soldier) really becomes a part of the team," she said. "And I think that's what we're hearing from commanders, is the value that they bring."
Another initiative the Defense Department is exploring is the Language Corps, which would be a set of Americans with language skills available to assist in times of crisis, McGinn said.
The department is working with other federal agencies on a pilot program that would identify individuals with critical skills and possibly help them sustain their language skills and use them on a regular basis, she said. These people would be available for military operations and humanitarian relief efforts. The program would focus initially more on critical languages, such as Arabic and Chinese.
The Defense Department has hired a contractor to set up the program, and the goal is to bring 1,000 people into the corps, McGinn said. "In that process, as a part of the pilot, we will actually do some exercising of it to see how it would work," she said. "So I'm really excited; we're really in the beginning of the action steps now."
In an effort to establish a more well-rounded officer corps, the Defense Department also is working with universities to implement language programs into ROTC studies, McGinn said. Under the last Quadrennial Defense Review, the department awarded four grants to universities to set up language programs.
"We have been trying to figure out how to get our military officers more language capable, because we think it's important for interacting with populations and for interacting with our allies, and it's part of the core competency an officer should have," she said.
The Defense Department eventually will award 50 of these contracts to universities over the next five years, McGinn said.
Language initiatives will continue to be important to the Defense Department, so leaders always are thinking about future programs, McGinn said. With the establishment of Africa Command, African languages will start to be important, she noted. The department is conducting a military-wide survey to identify existing language capabilities that may be needed in the future.
"That's how we're trying to hedge our bets in the future in terms of what other languages might be important to us," she said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 22, 2007 – As language and cultural sensitivities factor more and more into military operations, defense officials are promoting several initiatives to increase the number of servicemembers and employees with critical language skills. One of the most innovative programs is the Army's effort to recruit "heritage language" speakers from countries the U.S. is engaged in, Gail McGinn, deputy undersecretary of defense for plans, said in an interview today. These soldiers have backgrounds in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan, and already have a thorough knowledge of the languages and cultures in those areas.
"If you have a native language, you have the accent right, but more importantly, you also have the culture right, and you know something about the part of the world where your family's from, where you grew up for part of your life," McGinn said. "And that brings a great advantage to you in working with our forces."
The program, called the 09L interpreter/translator program, started with the Individual Ready Reserve, McGinn explained. Native speakers were recruited into the IRR and trained in translation skills and English, if they needed it, then sent into the force as soldiers. Now the Army offers the program in the active-duty and reserve components as well, she said.
When the program started in 2003, the Army set an initial goal of 250 native speakers recruited per year, McGinn said. The Army is now meeting that goal, and in the last fiscal year recruited 130 percent of the goal, she said.
"That's a tribute to the Army and its recruiters, but it's also a tribute to these great Americans who are coming forward to help us," she said.
Right now the program focuses on potential recruits who speak Arabic, which is spoken in Iraq, and Pashto and Dari, the two main languages of Afghanistan. But Defense Department officials hope to expand the program in the future, McGinn said. Many of the soldiers who join under this program are motivated by the possibility of U.S. citizenship, she said, but many also have a deep sense of patriotism and want to serve.
"A lot of them have escaped persecution or have been wounded in combat or fought in civil wars. They've come to the United States with their family, and there's a great sense that they would like to pay something back," she said.
Commanders in the field have given very positive feedback about the soldiers recruited under interpreter/translator program, McGinn said. These soldiers have helped prevent attacks and problems in Iraq and Afghanistan because of their language and cultural knowledge, but also are effective soldiers who fight alongside their counterparts, she said.
"A soldier picks up a weapon and goes into combat with you and is there right by your side and obeys your orders, and you can trust them. And (the soldier) really becomes a part of the team," she said. "And I think that's what we're hearing from commanders, is the value that they bring."
Another initiative the Defense Department is exploring is the Language Corps, which would be a set of Americans with language skills available to assist in times of crisis, McGinn said.
The department is working with other federal agencies on a pilot program that would identify individuals with critical skills and possibly help them sustain their language skills and use them on a regular basis, she said. These people would be available for military operations and humanitarian relief efforts. The program would focus initially more on critical languages, such as Arabic and Chinese.
The Defense Department has hired a contractor to set up the program, and the goal is to bring 1,000 people into the corps, McGinn said. "In that process, as a part of the pilot, we will actually do some exercising of it to see how it would work," she said. "So I'm really excited; we're really in the beginning of the action steps now."
In an effort to establish a more well-rounded officer corps, the Defense Department also is working with universities to implement language programs into ROTC studies, McGinn said. Under the last Quadrennial Defense Review, the department awarded four grants to universities to set up language programs.
"We have been trying to figure out how to get our military officers more language capable, because we think it's important for interacting with populations and for interacting with our allies, and it's part of the core competency an officer should have," she said.
The Defense Department eventually will award 50 of these contracts to universities over the next five years, McGinn said.
Language initiatives will continue to be important to the Defense Department, so leaders always are thinking about future programs, McGinn said. With the establishment of Africa Command, African languages will start to be important, she noted. The department is conducting a military-wide survey to identify existing language capabilities that may be needed in the future.
"That's how we're trying to hedge our bets in the future in terms of what other languages might be important to us," she said.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
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