a.  AUSA News – “Is public indifference a good thing for the Army?”

“Defense Secretary Ash Carter told troops in North Dakota that being ignored by the public can be a good thing for the military. ‘I realize it feels at times that most people don't often think about your mission, which I know can be frustrating,’ Carter said. ‘In a way, it's a good thing.  Because it means you're doing your job.’”

Click here to read more: https://www.ausa.org/news/defense-secretary-talks-about-public-indifference

b.  AUSA Five Things – “The Army continues to work on survivability for tank crews.”

AUSA Five Things:  A Weekly Tip Sheet for AUSA Members, dated October 3, 2016:  “Penetrating Questions on Armor.”

The Army is rethinking heavily armored vehicles because technological advances in anti-tank weapons are making it “much easier to develop new ways to penetrate armor,” according to Gen. David Perkins, Training and Doctrine Command commanding general. The solution cannot be adding even heavier armor plating. Instead, a radically different approach is needed to improve survivability, he said.

What to watch: The Army will host a November conference at Fort Benning, Ga., to gather industry, academic and government experts to think about short- and long-term solutions. They hope to make some decisions on the way forward in fiscal 2018. Additionally, AUSA’s Institute of Land Warfare will be holding a Hot Topic forum on Nov. 1 about ground combat platforms.

c.  AUSA Moderator – “Secretary Fanning is committed to good, quality child care in the Army.”

“Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning has ordered a ‘holistic review’ of child care, after hearing concerns from soldiers and families across the Army.  In town halls, family forums and other venues elsewhere, ‘I hear a lot about child care in particular,’ Fanning said, speaking at a senior leader family forum at the Association of the U.S. Army annual meeting.  With him on the panel were Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley and Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey. 

“We hear you, that this is an important concern. We’re committed to making sure you have access to good, quality child care,” he said. 

Funding from the Defense Department will enable the Army to now implement expansion of child care hours under the Force of the Future DoD initiative, he said, noting the Army had conducted a couple of pilot programs earlier this year of the concept.”

Click here to read more: 

http://www.defensenews.com/articles/secretary-of-the-army-calls-for-review-of-child-care?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EBB%2010.6.16&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Early%20Bird%20Brief

d.  AUSA Moderator– “Will the Army be prepared for the next war? ”

“In a global environment of rapid technological, societal and demographic changes, the U.S. Army’s dominance is being challenged by a belligerent Russia and rising China, and war between nation states at some point in the future “is almost guaranteed,” said Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley.

“Milley, who assumed duties as the 39th chief of staff in August 2015, spoke during the Dwight David Eisenhower Luncheon Tuesday at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual meeting and exposition.  Click here to read:  https://www.ausa.org/news/army-chief-future-war-%E2%80%98almost-guaranteed%E2%80%99  

THIS WEEK'S POLL QUESTION:

(To Vote: Scroll down to the footer of the page)

Is the Army prepared for megacity battles?

o    Yes

o    No  

o    Not sure