Military Officer - August 2007 - (Page 12)

fromthepresident Reserve Redress America is demanding more from its reserve component forces. Programs to support Guard and Reserve servicemembers and their families should keep pace. T he conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have changed the way our nation goes to war. America’s National Guard and Reserve have changed from strategic to operational forces, and reserve component members and their families have been affected like never before in the country’s history. Their roles both at home and abroad have changed — and increased — greatly. Our national leadership has reacted to this change slowly, but it has attempted to catch up with programs that are needed for better integration and recognition of Guard and Reserve member service. Strong lobbying and support by MOAA and The Military Coalition have successfully brought into the spotlight many issues, such as better health care and educational beneﬁts, but much more needs to be done for these valuable members of the all-volunteer force (AVF). These programs are necessary not only to attract and retain Guard and Reserve servicemembers but also to offer proof that our nation values them and their families for the sacriﬁces they have made and continue to make. Lots of reserve program issues still demand serious discussion, including tax breaks for employers who have Guard and Reserve members working for them, retirement changes, the physical and mental effects of multiple deployments, wear and tear on equipment, and additional program alignments with the MILITARY OFFICER AUGUST 2007 active force in areas of educational opportunities and health care. A report released March 1 by the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves recommended that the chief of the National Guard Bureau be a four-star general ofﬁcer, and that step has been endorsed by the House and Senate Armed Services committees. MOAA agrees with the proposed four-star elevation. MOAA also thinks grades of the top Army and Air Force reserve component leaders should be reviewed, based upon comparative assessment of their size, missions, and overall responsibilities. The AVF is a precious national resource that must continually be maintained to preserve its viability and effectiveness. Members of the Guard and Reserve are integral to the AVF’s success. They and their families have repeatedly and clearly demonstrated they can accomplish the mission well. It is about time our nation recognizes and appreciates their many contributions and important role in the defense of our nation. — Vice Adm. Norb Ryan Jr., USN-Ret. PHOTO: STEVE BARRETT 12

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

Military Officer - August 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: No Longer in Reserve A Different Path Weird Science Charge? Pages of History Faces of MOAA Member Books Information Exchange Advertising Index MOAA Calendar MOAA Scholarship Donors Sounding Taps MOAA Member Services Encore

Military Officer - August 2007

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