The Association of the United States Army approved its 2008 resolutions noting that “after more than six years of war, our soldiers have proven that it takes boots on the ground to achieve success on today’s battlefields,” but “the Army in which they serve is out of balance.”
AUSA is calling for a “fully-manned, well-resourced Army.”
That translates into an active force of at least 700,000, an Army National Guard of at least 358,000 and an Army Reserve of at least 206,000, the resolutions’ preamble states.
“The Army chief of staff, Gen. George W. Casey Jr., has outlined four imperatives that will restore balance, provide depth to Army capabilities and build capacity for the future. The imperatives are: Sustain, Prepare, Reset and Transform.”
AUSA sees the Army as “an investment-starved institution that is forced to trade long-term modernization for near term requirements” and wants to increase the Army’s share of the Defense Department’s budget from 24 percent to 28 percent.
The Association also calls for a more consistent funding stream. “Unpredictable funding degrades readiness, creates inefficiencies and places enormous stress on an Army at war.”
The resolutions “support the Army’s covenant with the Army family.”
Adding, “Congress must remain mindful of this human dimension as resources are allocated.”
In addition, the resolutions call for closing the gap between military and civilian pay, and revising and enhancing the reserve component compensation package.
At the same time, the “erosion of benefits, especially in health care, must be prevented.”
Adding, “The care of injured and disabled soldiers must be enhanced and the administrative process and procedure link between the Departments of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs must become seamless.”
One-hundred and nineteen of AUSA’s 123 chapters voted on the resolutions that were drafted during October’s Annual Meeting and Exposition.
The resolutions set AUSA’s legislative agenda for the coming year.
CLICK HERE to read the 2008 Resolutions