Military Officer - February 2007 - (Page 10)

fromtheeditor Standing Strong MOAA is known for its advocacy efforts, but its overarching mission is to support a strong national defense. In this vein, the association has expanded its military professionalism program. T he news media are abuzz with speculation about the course of the war on terrorism. The commander in chief is embroiled in a debate about sending more troops to Iraq, “over the unanimous disagreement of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,” as reported in a December issue of The Washington Post. The uniformed leadership has opposed sending additional forces without a clear mission. On Dec. 6, 2006, the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, cochaired by former secretary of state James Baker III and former Indiana congressman Lee Hamilton, issued a report critical of current policy. It called for a reshaping of the American military presence in Iraq and a new Middle East diplomatic initiative to prevent the country from sliding into anarchy. Meanwhile, newly appointed Defense Secretary Robert Gates has traveled to Baghdad to confer with senior military and civilian leadership and to talk to troops on the ground. What can we say about this unsettled — and unsettling — situation? As an association, MOAA focuses its advocacy efforts on military personnel matters. But the association’s overarching mission is to stand for a strong national defense. Along these lines, MOAA has expanded its programs in the area of military professionalism to help educate the public and to provide channels for debate and critical comment. Such efforts include conducting national symposia, publishing essays, and hosting forums on issues of national defense and strategy. 10 MILITARY OFFICER FEBRUARY 2007 A good example is the recent MOAA Military Professionals Symposium. Held Nov. 16 in Arlington, Va., this event featured a panel of renowned experts who discussed the topic, “The All-Volunteer Force: Is it at Risk?” We wish every member could have been present to hear this lively debate, but if you weren’t so lucky, read a summary on page 67. And if you have Internet access, you can view a video of the entire symposium at www.moaa.org/symposi umwebcast061116. Also in the vein of keeping up with our profession, we offer the story “Building Stability” on page 48. Members often write me saying, “You know, the news media always dwell on the negative. They’re biased. I’d like to hear what our great troops really are doing and how they feel about the war.” Such was the genesis of this month’s story. We take you to the front lines of Operation Enduring Freedom. Join Marine Lt. Col. Steven Morgan and 28 members of his provincial reconstruction team as they operate in one of the most treacherous areas of Afghanistan — if not the world. — Col. Warren S. Lacy, USA-Ret. PHOTO: STEVE BARRETT http://www.moaa.org/symposiumwebcast061116 http://www.moaa.org/symposiumwebcast061116

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Military Officer - February 2007

Military Officer - February 2007 Contents From the Editor From the President Your Views MOAA Directory Rapid Fire Washington Scene Financial Forum Ask the Doctor Chapter Activities Cover Story: Building Stability Reaching Out, Reaching Up 5 Tax-Season Strategies A Capital Event MOAA Member Services Pages of History Information Exchange Advertising Index Member Books Sounding Taps MOAA Calendar Encore

Military Officer - February 2007

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