a. AUSA Moderator – “National Museum of the United States Army takes big step forward.”
“Ground was broken Sept. 14 at Fort Belvoir, Va., for the long-awaited National Museum of the United States Army, with a goal to have the high-profile showcase open its doors to the public in three years.
“In 2019, the Army will finally have its long-overdue national museum, which will tell the comprehensive story of the Army as it deserves to be told,” retired Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, chairman of the Army Historical Foundation’s board of directors and former president and CEO of the Association of the U.S. Army, said at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Click here to read more: https://www.ausa.org/news/army-breaks-ground-national-museum
b. NCO and Soldier Programs – “Should women now register for the draft?”
Across the military services all occupational specialties are now open for women to serve to include all combat arms positions. Service in combat arms was the justification for men only to register for the draft on their 18th birthday. Some members of Congress feel both men and women should now register for the draft while others are not in support of the initiative. Check out the article below and let us know what you think?
Click here to read more: http://thehill.com/policy/defense/295510-gop-senators-take-cultural-issues-out-of-defense-bill?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Defense%20EBB%209-13-16&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Early%20Bird%20Brief
c. AUSA Five Things - “Will having unmanned vehicles evacuate wounded from battlefields save lives?”
AUSA Five Things: A Weekly Tip Sheet for AUSA Members, dated September 12, 2016: “Rescues Large and Small.”
The Army is expressing interest in having two unmanned rescue vehicles that are capable of “hasty" evacuation of at least one soldier at a time from a battlefield. The bigger Squad Multi-purpose Equipment Transport would have a 96-km range and be capable of carrying a 1,000-pound combat load. The smaller version capable of carrying 500 pounds would have a 48-km range. Both would have to be water-resistant, maneuverable over rough and steep terrain, and operate in all weather conditions.
What to watch: So far, the Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center has only surveyed industry, looking for who might have the ability to build such a vehicle if the Army moves ahead. There is no commitment, yet, to doing anything other than looking at possibilities.
d. AUSA Moderator – “Medals reviewed for possible qualification for higher award. ”
“In January, the Pentagon launched an extensive review into the number of Medals of Honor, Silver Stars and service crosses awarded for actions taken in Iraq and Afghanistan. The review could lead to upgrades to certain medals depending on the outcome. The initial estimate suggested about 1,100 medals were being reviewed. The Army is reviewing 785 Silver Star and Distinguished Service Cross awards.”
Click here to read more: http://www.stripes.com/news/us/pentagon-1-357-medals-could-qualify-for-higher-award-1.428694?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Defense%20EBB%209-13-16&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Early%20Bird%20Brief#gallery
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