a. NCO and Soldier Programs – “How will the pay increase impact you, your family and your organization?”
For 2017, our troops will get a “full” pay raise equal to the expected increase in private sector wages, the first full increase since 2013. Check out the article below to see how the need for increased pay for soldiers and their families will be argued against the tradeoffs for organizational readiness and modernization. How will this pay increase impact you, your family and your organization?
b. AUSA Five Things – “What is the average age of soldiers in the Army?”
AUSA Five Things: A Weekly Tip Sheet for AUSA Members, dated December 26, 2016: “Mostly Under 30.”
“The average age of Regular Army soldiers is 29 years, two months, 12 days and 22 hours, according to the Defense Department’s 2015 demographic profile. Officers average just over 35 years of age, while enlisted members are just under 28 years old. Army National Guard and Army Reserve troops are older, on average. The average age in the Guard is just under 30, and the Army Reserve has an average age of slightly more than 32.
What to watch: Slightly younger on average than those in the Air Force but older than those in the Navy and Marine Corps, the average age of soldiers has changed only a few months in the last 15 years, and there is no reason to think the trend will not continue.”
c. AUSA Moderator – “Should the Army close more bases?”
“The Army is making a new pitch to shrink its installations and facilities footprint.”
d. AUSA Five Things – “What do you think about the Army using hydrogen fueled vehicles?”
AUSA Five Things: A Weekly Tip Sheet for AUSA Members, dated December 26, 2016: “Big Test Drive Coming.”
“A hydrogen fuel cell vehicle known as the ZH2, unveiled in October at the Association of the U.S. Army’s Annual Meeting and Exposition, holds the promise of almost silent operation, reduced pollution and less maintenance because of fewer moving parts and low heat transmission. Based on a stretched chassis of the Chevrolet Colorado pickup, the vehicle is the product of joint development by General Motors and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center.
What to watch: Army field testing of the vehicle is expected in the spring to see how it operates on various terrain and also to get feedback from soldiers.”
THIS WEEK'S POLL QUESTION:
(To Vote: Scroll down to the footer of the page)
Should U.S. troops be permanently stationed in the Baltic countries?
o Yes
o No
o Not sure