Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville will speak Jan. 19 during The AUSA Noon Report, a webinar hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army.

The event begins at noon Eastern. It is free, but registration is required here.

McConville, who became the 40th Army chief of staff in August 2019, is expected to discuss his priorities and vision for the new year. 

They include taking care of people and ensuring the Army continues to make progress on its aggressive modernization plans.

The past year was a challenging one for the Army, McConville has said. The force has grappled with COVID-19, issues of race, diversity and inclusion, and a stream of missions at home and overseas. It also is confronting sexual harassment and assault in the ranks after a scathing report on the command climate and culture at Fort Hood, Texas.

“We will fix this,” McConville said in December after the Army released the findings of the report on Fort Hood. 

The Army also faces a critical time in its modernization efforts. The service must maintain its momentum and sense of urgency because it needs “continued overmatch against those who wish us harm and those who threaten our national security,” McConville said. 

“In order to win, we must transform the Army now,” he said, adding that the Army has a “unique opportunity” now to set its course for the future.

“Our nation’s competitors are more determined than ever to exert their will,” he said. “That’s why the time is now … to build the Army we need for the future. These are challenging times, but the great thing about challenging times is the opportunity to transform.”