Expanding Partnerships Help Army CFTs Solve Problems

Thu, 10/14/2021 - 07:04

The Army’s cross-functional teams are expanding their partnerships as the service races to deliver on its sweeping modernization priorities, several team leaders said during a Warriors Corner presentation at the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C.

“We've been expanding our partnerships and team beyond where you might think we're narrowly focused,” said Brig. Gen. John Rafferty, director of the Long-Range Precision Fires Cross-Functional Team.

Retired SMA Kenneth Preston Receives Marshall Medal

Wed, 10/13/2021 - 16:02

The Association of the U.S. Army’s highest award for dedicated and selfless service to the nation was presented Oct. 13 to retired Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston, a career cavalry soldier who during his time in uniform and his post-service career dedicated himself to improving the military profession and making lives better for troops and their families.

Preston, a former vice president for NCO and Soldier Programs at the Association of the U.S. Army, retired from active duty with 36 years of service after a final assignment as senior enlisted adviser to two successive Army chiefs of staff. He is the first NCO to receive AUSA’s top award.

SMA: NCOs Must Take Time to Know Their Soldiers

Wed, 10/13/2021 - 14:38

Working to get after some of the social challenges facing the force, the Army’s top enlisted leader urged NCOs to think differently about what it means to take care of their soldiers.

Outlining his top priorities Oct. 13 during a forum for NCOs at the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C., Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston took aim at the phrase, “All I see is green,” that over time has become a way of telling soldiers they are all being treated equally.

Army Eyes Expanded Experimentation for Emerging Concepts

Wed, 10/13/2021 - 14:38

Among the challenges presented by multidomain operations is the need to test and evaluate concepts and systems in that environment.

Traditional testing has involved dragging systems and networks out into the desert, running the test, then breaking down the networks before they’re returned to their original locations, according to panelists at a Warriors Corner presentation during the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C.

Army Modernization Continues to ‘Push the Boundaries’

Wed, 10/13/2021 - 14:13

When it comes to delivering next-generation capabilities to soldiers, Army leaders on Oct. 13 emphasized the importance of teamwork between the service and industry.

“It’s a team sport,” said Karen Saunders, senior official performing the duties of the assistant Army secretary for acquisition, logistics and technology.

Gen. Mike Murray, commanding general of Army Futures Command, agreed, citing the Army’s 31 plus 4 priority modernization efforts.

Army Grapples With ‘Very Serious’ Climate Change Threat

Wed, 10/13/2021 - 13:40

Climate change poses a “very serious” threat to U.S. national security, but the Army’s mission remains the same, said J.E. “Jack” Surash, senior official performing the duties of assistant Army secretary for installations, energy and environment.

“Climate change and its effects obviously pose a very serious threat to the U.S. national security interest,” Surash said Oct. 13 during a contemporary military forum at the Association of the U.S. Army’s Annual Meeting and Exposition. “But I want to stress that … climate change does not alter the Army's overall mission, which is to deploy, fight and win.”

Lowman: Army Civilians Must Modernize Alongside Soldiers

Wed, 10/13/2021 - 11:21

As the Army continues to modernize, it’s more important than ever that the service’s civilian employees keep pace with the right skills to support a force capable of multidomain operations.

“If you're an Army civilian, what I'll tell you is readiness is not all about Army units that are trained, equipped and manned to fight battles,” said Christopher Lowman, senior official performing the duties of Army undersecretary. “Army readiness applies to you and I just as much, because you play a critical role in developing the Army and making sure that they'll be successful.”

Pandemic Fueled ‘Unprecedented’ Army Response

Wed, 10/13/2021 - 10:45

Facing COVID-19, a new and silent enemy, the Army fought back with a level of cooperation and created “a synergy that was unprecedented,” Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. R. Scott Dingle said Oct. 13 at the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition.

“It was a teamwork that transcended not just the services, not just the interagencies, not just partnerships, but states, communities [and] local hospitals, through teamwork that was unprecedented,” Dingle said during a contemporary military forum on lessons learned from the Army’s pandemic response. “It is imperative that we continue to keep our foot on the pedal of force health protection, not just of our soldiers and our civilians, but of our family members and the nation.”

Warriors Corner Attendees Get Modernization Updates

Wed, 10/13/2021 - 09:00

Several of the Army’s cross-functional teams provided updates on their modernization efforts during Warriors Corner presentations at the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition.

Topics covered Oct. 12 included the critical ties between aviation modernization and the new modular open systems approach; the role of the Unified Network in enabling decision dominance; the asymmetric advantage provided by synthetic training; and advancements in next-generation combat vehicle development.

AUSA 2021 Wraps Up With Marshall Medal Presentation

Wed, 10/13/2021 - 07:04

Day Three of AUSA 2021 includes a series of contemporary military forums and the presentation of the Association of the U.S. Army’s highest award.

In the morning, a panel discussion looks at the COVID-19 mission and what lessons were learned by the Army. Titled “Lessons Learned from the Army’s Pandemic Response: Accelerating All-of-Nation Response,” speakers include Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. R. Scott Dingle, retired Lt. Gen. Paul Ostrowski, who was part of the national vaccine effort, and retired Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite, former commander of the Army Corps of Engineers.

Army ‘Working Hard’ to Take Care of Families

Tue, 10/12/2021 - 17:23

The Army’s top leaders fielded questions from family members on a variety of issues—from marijuana use to food insecurity to moving household goods—while reassuring them that no matter what the issue, the leaders are there to help.

“Every time we do this, I learn more and more about our Army,” Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville said Oct. 12 at the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition, held at the D.C. convention center.

Panel: Army’s Success Hinges on Leaders of Character

Tue, 10/12/2021 - 17:02

The Army’s most valuable asset is not weaponry or any material goods, but character, retired Gen. David Perkins said at the Association of the U.S. Army’s Annual Meeting and Exposition.

“The secret sauce to the United States Army… [is] the character and cohesion, built on trust, of the people in the Army, and the good thing about that is it can't be stolen,” said Perkins, a former commander of Army Training and Doctrine Command. “Without those things, you can't even start thinking about doing the things that we do day in and day out in the Army.”

Army Looks for Answers about the Next Big War

Tue, 10/12/2021 - 16:37

The hazy future is a big concern as the Army stands ready for a near-term conflict and the U.S. government and military continue to wrestle with what the future of warfare will look like, a panel of experts said Oct. 12.

The term “strategic competition” gets thrown around a lot, but a key question that must be asked is, “What does warfare look like? What does it look like when it goes bad?” said Vikram Singh, senior adviser at the U.S. Institute of Peace’s Asia Center.

Cooperation Critical to National Security, Resilience

Tue, 10/12/2021 - 16:19

National resilience requires close cooperation between the Department of Homeland Security, DoD and the Army, experts said Oct. 12 at a forum held during the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition.

“Our country is no longer a safe haven for those who want to do us harm,” said Lt. Gen. A.C. Roper Jr., deputy commander of U.S. Northern Command. Building national resiliency is national defense, he said, noting potential adversaries have been watching as the U.S. responds to disasters and are ready to react if given a chance.

Army Central Remains ‘Hotbed’ of Strategic Competition

Tue, 10/12/2021 - 15:30

American soldiers continue to build relationships with allies and partners as the U.S. Army Central area of operations remains a “hotbed” of strategic competition, said Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark, commander of the Army service component command.

Army Central spans 21 countries and 4 million square miles in the Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia, and China’s interests in the region are “deep and enduring,” Clark said during a Warriors Corner presentation at the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C. Russia has been growing its presence in the region as well, he said.

McConville: Army Stronger After ‘Challenging’ Time

Tue, 10/12/2021 - 14:52

Coming out of a busy and challenging year, America’s Army remains committed to its priorities as it transforms for the future, Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville said.

“This has been a uniquely challenging time for the Army, but each challenge and each crisis has only made us stronger,” McConville said Oct. 12 during the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presentation at the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C. “We have never wavered on our priorities.”

Future Battlefield Poses ‘Tough’ Sustainment Challenges

Tue, 10/12/2021 - 12:44

There will be no place to hide from the violence, speed and lethality of future warfare where the enemy will be able to “pretty much see the whole battlefield,” the Army’s top operations officer said.

During a forum Oct. 12 to discuss the transformation of the Army’s sustainment capabilities, Lt. Gen. James Rainey, deputy Army chief of staff for operations, said the “rear area” of the future fight “is going to be like the worst day we saw in [2005–2006] in downtown Baghdad.”

Improving Family Readiness Helps Build Army Readiness

Tue, 10/12/2021 - 11:34

Military families are ready to take on a more vocal, active role in military family readiness, Patricia Barron, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy, said during a military family forum at the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition.

“Families want a voice. They want a loud voice on how to navigate that journey ... given the parameters of military life,” said Barron, a military spouse of over 30 years who previously served for nine years as AUSA’s director of Family Readiness. “This truly is a system of support. We need everyone involved.”

Training, Communication Critical to Building Teams

Tue, 10/12/2021 - 11:07

Training repetition, physical and mental fitness, and engaged communication with leadership are all key aspects of building readiness and cohesive teams throughout the Army, according to a panel of senior NCOs.

“The Army exists to fight and win our nation’s wars. You have to be an expert at your craft,” whether you’re an infantryman, armor soldier, human resources specialist or any other MOS, said Command Sgt. Maj. Todd Sims, senior enlisted leader for Army Forces Command.

Project Convergence Exercises Help Shape Future Army

Tue, 10/12/2021 - 10:43

Project Convergence 21 kicked off Oct. 12 as senior leaders outlined the importance of this “campaign of learning” to the Army’s efforts to shape the force for the future.

“It informs how the Army’s going to fight in the future and how we organize for the future, and it also informs our [science and technology] investments going forward,” said Lt. Gen. James Richardson, deputy commanding general of Army Futures Command.

Flynn: Soldiers Must Train in ‘Unique’ Indo-Pacific

Tue, 10/12/2021 - 10:29

The Indo-Pacific has become the “most consequential region” for American security, where there are more potential adversaries and more strategic challenges, the U.S. Army Pacific commanding general said Oct. 12.

Gen. Charles Flynn, speaking at the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition, said his task in preparing the command requires finding new approaches to develop new deterrents for adversaries. China is the top concern, he said, but it isn’t alone in presenting challenges to the U.S. and its allies.

McConville’s Eisenhower Address is Tuesday’s Highlight

Tue, 10/12/2021 - 06:57

The highlight of Day Two of AUSA 2021 is the Eisenhower Forum address by Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville, but this will be a day packed with a variety of events for soldiers and family members.

On-site registration opens at 7 a.m.

In the morning, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston will lead a professional development forum featuring senior enlisted leaders from across the Army, including Army Forces Command, Army Training and Doctrine Command, Army Futures Command, Army Materiel Command, the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve.

Soldier, Family Quality of Life Remains Top Priority

Mon, 10/11/2021 - 17:17

After an unprecedented year, from the COVID-19 pandemic to wildfire response and more, the Army is continuing to adapt to ensure that soldiers and their families have access to the support and resources they need, according to a panel of experts.

The pandemic and several natural disasters “added to the mission,” said Dee Geise, director of the Soldier and Family Readiness Division. “We continue our focus on housing, health care, child care [and] spouse employment,” Geise said.

Future of Army Recruiting Will Be Mobile, Tech-Savvy

Mon, 10/11/2021 - 16:51

The Army’s recruiting force is likely to shrink in the next five years as more emphasis is placed on technology and mobility, according to the general in charge of recruiting the service’s enlisted force.

Maj. Gen. Kevin Vereen, commander of Army Recruiting Command at Fort Knox, Kentucky, also foresees a reduction in brick-and-mortar recruiting stations and adding to the list of 22 major cities that are the current focus in the Army’s recruiting efforts.

Counter-UAS Efforts Gain Momentum Amid Growing Threat

Mon, 10/11/2021 - 16:29

The military is continuing its work to counter small unmanned aerial systems, which have been described by U.S. Central Command Commander Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie as “the most concerning tactical development in the CENTCOM [area of operations] since the rise of the improvised explosive device.”

“Strategic near-peer competitors, regional powers, failed weak states, criminal organizations, and even hobbyists present a hazard to some of our critical infrastructure and operations,” said Col. Rob Hensley, chief of the Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office.

Army Must Build, Consume Readiness in ‘Meaningful’ Way

Mon, 10/11/2021 - 16:18

As the Army prepares for the next war, the service must decide what kind of readiness it needs and how it can be sustained over time, a panel of senior leaders said Oct. 11 during the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition.

“In 2021, no fighting force can afford to build readiness they will not require,” said Gen. Michael Garrett, commander of Army Forces Command. Any more than that would be “irresponsible,” he said, and sacrifice much needed time and resources that can be devoted to developing soldiers and leaders.

Future for Army Women is Bright, Secretary Says

Mon, 10/11/2021 - 14:59

Army Secretary Christine Wormuth, the first woman to serve as the Army’s top civilian leader, said she hopes to continue setting an example for women in the service.

“I hope by setting an example of what's possible as a woman in the Army, [that] that will hopefully inspire and motivate younger women in the Army who are just beginning their careers,” Wormuth said during the Army Women’s Foundation Leadership Symposium at the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition.

Army Names Soldier, NCO of the Year

Mon, 10/11/2021 - 14:13

The winners of the Army’s 20th annual Best Warrior Competition were announced Oct. 11 during the Association of the U.S. Army’s Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C.

The Soldier of the Year is Spc. Justin Earnhart of Army Futures Command, and the NCO of the Year is Sgt. Adam Krauland from U.S. Army Pacific.

“Our Army has gone through so much in the last 18 months. I am so proud to be standing with you today,” said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston, who oversaw the competition.

Garrett ‘Concerned’ About Stress on Guard, Reserve

Mon, 10/11/2021 - 13:25

The Army National Guard and Army Reserve are critical to the Army’s success, but this upcoming year may be an opportunity for leaders to reassess what citizen-soldiers are called upon to do, a senior Army leader said.

“We would have failed a long time ago were it not for the Army Guard and the Army Reserve,” said Gen. Michael Garrett, commanding general of Army Forces Command. “Thank you for not only serving in our reserve component, but thank you for serving with the level of stamina and resilience you and your soldiers bring to your mission.”

Army Moves Closer to Fully Vaccinating the Force

Mon, 10/11/2021 - 12:51

The active Army is close to being fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, but less than half of the soldiers in the Army Reserve have been vaccinated because of the logistical challenges of reaching people who are “spread all over the country,” Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said.

The vaccines, she said, “are important for the health and safety and readiness of our force, so this is something that we need to be doing, and it's the right thing to be doing,” Wormuth said Oct. 11 during a news conference at the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition, held at the D.C. convention center.

Wormuth: Army at Crossroads After ‘Extraordinary’ Year

Mon, 10/11/2021 - 11:54

Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth didn’t sugarcoat the challenges facing the force.

“Today’s Army must ask hard questions,” she said, including thinking about how and when enemies choose to fight, what that might mean for the future of landpower and how the Army can best contribute to multidomain operations. “I am not convinced that we have fully thought our way through all of the challenges we may face in the future,” she said.

But she also expressed confidence in what the Army could do.

AUSA President Focused on Supporting Soldiers

Mon, 10/11/2021 - 08:00

Despite the many challenges facing the Army and the country, the Association of the U.S. Army remains strong and focused on its mission of being a voice for soldiers and the service, retired Gen. Bob Brown told a gathering of the association’s volunteer leaders Oct. 10.

There has never been a time like the present, Brown said, citing the onset of new warfighting domains such as cyber and space; the COVID-19 pandemic; and aggressive adversaries such as China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. “These are challenging times for the Army—active, Guard and Reserve,” he said.

Army Secretary Wormuth Kicks Off AUSA 2021

Mon, 10/11/2021 - 06:45

The first day of the largest annual land warfare exposition in North America features a major address from new Army Secretary Christine Wormuth, the unveiling of the Army’s Soldier and NCO of the Year, and much more.

The Association of the U.S. Army’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition is being held for the 18th time at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The three-day in-person event will take place Oct. 11–13 and feature more than 650 exhibits in five halls on both levels of the convention center.

Fredericksburg Battlefield Tour Precedes AUSA 2021

Sun, 10/10/2021 - 13:52

The first day of the largest annual land warfare exposition in North America features a major address from new Army Secretary Christine Wormuth, the unveiling of the Army’s Soldier and NCO of the Year, and much more.

The Association of the U.S. Army’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition is being held for the 18th time at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The three-day in-person event will take place Oct. 11–13 and feature more than 650 exhibits in five halls on both levels of the convention center.

AUSA 2021 has Big Slate of Forums with Army Leaders

Tue, 09/28/2021 - 06:50

Contemporary military forums at the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition will focus on the Army’s top priorities of people, modernization, readiness and alliances.

The schedule taking shape for the Oct. 11–13 in-person meeting in Washington, D.C., includes two forums on the first day. The first forum is on readiness efforts in cooperation with allies and partners, featuring Gen. Michael Garrett, commanding general of Army Forces Command, Lt. Gen. James Rainey, the deputy Army chief of staff for operations, and Lt. Gen. Erik Kurilla, commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps.

AUSA 2021: Different But With the Same High Quality

Tue, 09/14/2021 - 15:30

With less than a month to go before the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition, planning continues for a safe, comfortable and high-quality event.

Scheduled for Oct. 11–13 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., this year’s in-person event will have the same key features of past meetings with a few adjustments.

“This year’s event may be different, but we will still deliver the same quality you have come to expect from AUSA,” retired Gen. Carter Ham, AUSA president and CEO, said in a Sept. 14 statement.

AUSA Focuses on Health, Safety for Annual Meeting

Tue, 09/14/2021 - 15:30

Health and safety are the paramount considerations as the Association of the U.S. Army continues planning for the 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition, an in-person event Oct. 11–13 at the D.C. convention center.

The meeting will be conducted according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, along with restrictions that might be required by the District of Columbia and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Rules are expected to be revised as health risks change over time.

Registration Opens for AUSA Annual Meeting

Wed, 07/21/2021 - 13:00

Registration is now open for the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition.

The in-person event will take place Oct. 11–13 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Planning is quickly moving ahead now that the District of Columbia has reopened to in-person events.

Preston Chosen to Receive Marshall Medal

Mon, 06/28/2021 - 07:51

The 2021 recipient of the Association of the U.S. Army’s highest award for distinguished and selfless service is retired Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston, the association’s board of directors announced.

The 64-year-old Preston, a native of Mount Savage, Maryland, was the 13th and longest serving Army senior enlisted adviser, retiring in 2011 after 36 years in uniform including seven as the top NCO and adviser to two Army chiefs of staff, Gen. Peter Schoomaker and Gen. George Casey Jr.