Military Officer - September 2007 - (Page 12)

fromthepresident With the Troops During a recent trip to Iraq, MOAA’s president ﬁnds his conﬁdence and pride in America’s military servicemembers afﬁrmed. He shares his impressions below. I n early August I had a rare privilege: I went to Iraq for two and a half days. The trip had no political overtones at all; it was a chance to speak with American troops doing the heavy lifting. I also met with Army Gen. David Petraeus, who commands the Multi-National Force — Iraq; Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, corps commander; and other ofﬁcers and NCOs. During half a day spent with a Stryker battalion in Baghdad, we visited a command operation post, saw markets and neighborhoods, and spoke with local Iraqis. We also visited an Iraqi Army Battalion and its U.S. Army military transition team and met with wounded warriors at a combat support hospital. I’d like to share some observations about the all-volunteer force (AVF): ■ Watching American troops operate in full body armor in 120-degree temperatures, I agreed with General Petraeus: The nation has the most experienced and professional ground forces in its history. ■ The daily heroism of American troops is awesome — and grossly under-reported. Our military’s stories must be told. ■ Guard and Reserve forces are key to the success of the AVF and the war in Iraq. ■ Platoon sergeants told me with optempo and training requirements, they’re lucky to spend six of every 42 months at home. I also have some observations about Iraq: ■ Everyone with whom I spoke, from platoon sergeants to senior ofﬁcers, believes we now have the right military strategy and leadership in place and have achieved real tactical momentum on the ground. 12 MILITARY OFFICER SEPTEMBER 2007 ■ Many Iraqis are making great sacriﬁces for their country and grateful for U.S. help. ■ General Petraeus told me Iran is paying, training, and directing insurgents in Iraq. ■ Religious sectarianism continues to seriously undermine our military efforts. ■ Iraqis consider local provincial elections a priority, and they must be held soon. At every opportunity, I expressed to the troops our thanks for their inspiring and dedicated service. Many of them thanked MOAA in turn, citing the projected pay raise and larger ground forces. God bless our wonderful troops and their families. Vice Adm. Norb Ryan Jr., USN-Ret., right, met Lt. Col. Jeff Peterson, USA, left, and Sergeant Donnell, USA, in Baghdad, Iraq. — Vice Adm. Norb Ryan, USN-Ret.

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

Military Officer - September 2007 Contents From the Editor From the President Your Views MOAA Directory Rapid Fire Washington Scene Financial Forum Ask the Doctor Chapter Activities Plan for Your Future At Home in a High-Rise Lone Star Living Common Ground Insert: Community Source Cover Story: Waging War on Disease More Than Beaches MOAA Scholarship Donors Pages of History Faces of MOAA Information Exchange Advertising Index MOAA Calendar Sounding Taps MOAA Member Services Encore

Military Officer - September 2007

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