Military Officer - September 2008 - (Page 12)

fromthepresident Impressions of Iraq MOAA President Vice Adm. Norb Ryan Jr., USN-Ret., spent time with American and Iraqi military personnel and returns home optimistic, grateful, and proud. A s I write, I’ve just returned from my second trip in the past year to Iraq, where I visited with U.S. and Iraqi military leaders and met with U.S. troops — most on their second or third 12- to 15-month tour. I offer three key personal impressions for your consideration — regardless of your feelings about this war. First, in August 2007 the troops told me they ﬁnally had the right strategy (counterinsurgency) and were beginning to make a difference to Iraq’s security posture. This year, thanks to a far better security situation, the Iraqi people and military I talked with are more hopeful and conﬁdent. Everywhere we visited, the focus of the coalition was to step aside and let Iraqi security forces, police, and elected ofﬁcials take the lead. Our personnel report the Iraqis are, for the most part, making real progress. Second, everyone I met — from crusty generals to young ofﬁcers and staff sergeants doing the heavy lifting — believes that if our elected ofﬁcials have the patience to stick with Army Gen. David H. Petraeus’ aggressive plan to turn over responsibility and costs to the Iraqis, there is a growing probability the U.S. and our military will be able to pass the baton. Third, America’s all-volunteer force is under great strain from repeated lengthy and short-turnaround deployments. The heavy toll they are paying in family separation can never be adequately requited. Yet U.S. personnel continue to demonstrate unmatched performance, dedication, and 12 MILITARY OFFICER SEPTEMBER 2008 esprit de corps. This is a tribute to the remarkable leadership, sense of mission, and teamwork that exist throughout the force. I also heard repeatedly from U.S. personnel that they deeply appreciate what MOAA has done to support them and their families. Successes like the new GI Bill have the troops excited and feeling their service truly is appreciated. I returned home with heartfelt gratitude for our troops — and you, MOAA’s members, whose dedication and leadership help us make a real difference. I have never been prouder to be your president. In Iraq, MOAA President Vice Adm. Norb Ryan Jr., USN-Ret., center, met Colonel Akhmed, right, deputy commander of Taji National Depot, and an assistant, left. — Vice Adm. Norb Ryan Jr., USN-Ret. http://www.moaa.org/photoessays/iraqvisit2008/index.asp

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Military Officer - September 2008

Military Officer - September 2008 Contents MOAA Online From the Editor From the President Your Views MOAA Directory Rapid Fire Washington Scene Chapters in Action Financial Forum Ask the Doctor Middle Ground Finance Your Future One Step at a Time Cover Story: Reducing the Threat Slow Boat Through China Practice Makes Perfect Pages of History Faces of MOAA Information Exchange Member Books MOAA Scholarship Donors Advertising Index MOAA Member Services MOAA Calendar Sounding Taps Encore

Military Officer - September 2008

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