Military Officer - January 2008 - (Page 10) fromtheeditor Welcome to 2008! As the new year begins, we examine what could happen in the future for advancing military technology, China’s relationship with the U.S., and MOAA’s legislative efforts. W elcome aboard as we kick off 2008! In the new year’s first issue, we’ll set the stage for the coming months. Our goal, as usual, is to provide something for everyone by covering a variety of topics. Are you into science fiction and bedazzled by high-tech gear? Or would you rather contemplate issues of world politics? Or perhaps you’d rather avoid either of these choices and simply escape from it all on a restful vacation? Whatever the case, this month’s features give you options. Let’s start with something for those who love cool technology. To tell this story, we go to the ultimate source, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Specifically, we visit DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office. This organization is known for bringing fanciful science-fictionstyle concepts into reality and helping transition them to our fighting forces. DARPA was established with the goal of maintaining American technological superiority on the battlefield and elsewhere. It goes where commercial industry fears to tread. As DARPA Director Tony Tether puts it, “Throughout DARPA’s history, the achievement of our mission has depended on adherence to three themes: patience, persistence, and a culture that does not fear to fail.” Check out “Technical Knockouts,” page 56, to learn more. For those who prefer more contemplative pursuits, we offer the story “China’s Charm Offensive,” page 74. Another in 10 MILITARY OFFICER JANUARY 2008 MOAA’s officer professionalism series, this essay examines China’s changing role in world politics. According to the author, the Chinese government has embarked upon a comprehensive charm offensive, using its growing trade, foreign aid, and sophisticated diplomacy to woo nations, win friends, and help build new military ties around the world. The implications for the U.S. remain to be seen. If you found the previous two topics stimulating and unsettling, respectively, escape from the pressures of the world with “Low-Country Luxury,” page 68, which takes you on a Netherlands-Belgium river cruise. Unpack once, sit back, and glide through pastoral countryside to a wonderland of flowers and culture in quaint villages and bustling cities. Finally, and most important, in this month’s “Washington Scene,” page 31, we outline MOAA’s legislative goals for the coming year. Affecting legislation is, of course, the association’s core mission. We urge you to stay informed on the issues and join the One Powerful Voice® that is MOAA. Happy New Year! — Col. Warren S. Lacy, USA-Ret. PHOTO: STEVE BARRETT
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