Retired General Intends To Speak At ROA Conference February 8, 2008
Posted by Reginald Johnson in Election '08, Elections, Government, Iraq, Iraq & Afganistan, Military, Politics.add a comment
The president of the Association of the United States Army is scheduled to speak to during the Reserve Officers Association (ROA) winter meeting, here in Washington, D.C.
General Gordon R. Sullivan, USA, Ret., is set to speak on February 12th. It is speculated that one area he will speak on is the lack of national security mentioned in the presidential campaign. “Not speaking on Iraq, you hear very little on national security,” said someone who requested to be anonymous.
I received a copy of some of the retired General’s remarks and he says, “What will you do about the national security needs of the United States? I think this is a huge issue. … Getting out of Iraq is not the answer and it is certainly not the answer regarding: What are you going to do about national security? National security is a much larger issue,” involving the military, other agencies of the federal government and economic development”
Most reports show its no surprise that criticisms are being hurled at the Defense Department’s request for $515.4 billion in its base budget and another $70 billion in emergency spending to pay for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. The mood to many is similar to the Cold War as it was ending. People during this time was calling for money from defense – “the peace dividend” – and applying those funds to domestic programs.
Ten years ago when Sullivan assumed the AUSA’s presidency, he said he began talking about three points to focus attention on national security: “The Army and the other services as well were over committed, under-resourced and underpaid, pretty simple.”
Sullivan said the nation has stepped up to reduce the pay gap and many of the quality-of-life issues that a number of associations fought for over this decade have been achieved, but he expressed concern “over these continuing attacks on the health care system.”
On a positive note, the Army Reserve should feel very proud of its accomplishments in its 100 years of service. For the American tradition of militia service is strong and very value added.
AUSA is a private, non-profit educational organization that supports America’s Army - Active, National Guard, Reserve, Civilians, Retirees and family members. AUSA provides numerous Professional Development Opportunities at a variety of events both local and national.
The mission for the organisation is to represents every American Soldier by:
- Being the voice for all components of America’s Army
- Fostering public support of the Army’s role in national security
- Providing professional education and information programs
