Post by Buckeye Dale on Jan 2, 2017 14:59:59 GMT -5
AUSA's Five Things: A Weekly Tip Sheet for AUSA Members
1 - Army Well-Represented in Congress
When the 115th Congress convenes on Tuesday, Jan. 3, more than half of the veterans serving in the House of Representatives and 10 veterans serving in the U.S. Senate will have Army backgrounds. Three of the 10 Army veterans in the Senate have post-9/11 service, as do five of the 44 Army veterans in the House of Representatives.
What to watch: Veterans accounted for 26 percent of the freshman class in the House, up from 20 percent in 2015 and 17 percent in 2013. Only three are Democrats; the rest are Republicans.
2 - Disproportionate Influence
With the Army’s hierarchical structure, most people believe the highest-ranking general is the one with the most influence but Gen. David Perkins, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command commanding general, says it is all a matter of perspective. “Commanders and command sergeants major are disproportionally influential due to the impact they have on young soldiers who are the future of the Army,” he said during a recent visit to the School for Command Preparation at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
What to watch: Learning the art of leadership and command is an important aspect of moving up in rank, and also important to the Army as it embarks on rapid changes in structure and doctrine.
3 - Can You Hear Me Now?
The Army has an urgent need to synchronize cyber electromagnetic activities, especially defense capabilities, because potential adversaries are developing the ability to disrupt vital communications systems. That could interfere with maneuvering, precision targeting and Mission Command systems.
What to watch: Army researchers are working to improve network sensors to detect attempts to disrupt, degrade or destroy communications but are also looking at ways soldiers can complete missions even if the network is infiltrated.
4 - Operation Christmas Cheer
The Major Samuel Woodfill Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army raised $17,600 for VA medical centers in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, as part of Operation Christmas Cheer. Proceeds from the annual fundraiser support veterans and their families.
What to watch: The Cincinnati chapter coordinated with local Chick-fil-A restaurants, which donated a percentage of sales on Veterans Day to the cause. That is an excellent way for AUSA members to get involved in community projects while working with businesses.
5 - Capabilities Assessment Due April 1
Army leaders have warned Congress about shortfalls in capabilities and responsiveness, a result of tight budgets and ongoing contingency operations. They include aviation, air defense, artillery, tactical vehicles, a wide range of transportation and logistics issues, and military police capacity.
What to watch: Congress wants a report by April 1 assessing Army capability shortfalls and the cost of reducing or eliminating the gaps. That would be well in time for lawmakers to do something about filling the gaps if they have money to spend on the problem.
1 - Army Well-Represented in Congress
When the 115th Congress convenes on Tuesday, Jan. 3, more than half of the veterans serving in the House of Representatives and 10 veterans serving in the U.S. Senate will have Army backgrounds. Three of the 10 Army veterans in the Senate have post-9/11 service, as do five of the 44 Army veterans in the House of Representatives.
What to watch: Veterans accounted for 26 percent of the freshman class in the House, up from 20 percent in 2015 and 17 percent in 2013. Only three are Democrats; the rest are Republicans.
2 - Disproportionate Influence
With the Army’s hierarchical structure, most people believe the highest-ranking general is the one with the most influence but Gen. David Perkins, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command commanding general, says it is all a matter of perspective. “Commanders and command sergeants major are disproportionally influential due to the impact they have on young soldiers who are the future of the Army,” he said during a recent visit to the School for Command Preparation at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
What to watch: Learning the art of leadership and command is an important aspect of moving up in rank, and also important to the Army as it embarks on rapid changes in structure and doctrine.
3 - Can You Hear Me Now?
The Army has an urgent need to synchronize cyber electromagnetic activities, especially defense capabilities, because potential adversaries are developing the ability to disrupt vital communications systems. That could interfere with maneuvering, precision targeting and Mission Command systems.
What to watch: Army researchers are working to improve network sensors to detect attempts to disrupt, degrade or destroy communications but are also looking at ways soldiers can complete missions even if the network is infiltrated.
4 - Operation Christmas Cheer
The Major Samuel Woodfill Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army raised $17,600 for VA medical centers in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, as part of Operation Christmas Cheer. Proceeds from the annual fundraiser support veterans and their families.
What to watch: The Cincinnati chapter coordinated with local Chick-fil-A restaurants, which donated a percentage of sales on Veterans Day to the cause. That is an excellent way for AUSA members to get involved in community projects while working with businesses.
5 - Capabilities Assessment Due April 1
Army leaders have warned Congress about shortfalls in capabilities and responsiveness, a result of tight budgets and ongoing contingency operations. They include aviation, air defense, artillery, tactical vehicles, a wide range of transportation and logistics issues, and military police capacity.
What to watch: Congress wants a report by April 1 assessing Army capability shortfalls and the cost of reducing or eliminating the gaps. That would be well in time for lawmakers to do something about filling the gaps if they have money to spend on the problem.
