Day Two of AUSA 2016 Focuses on Readiness, Strategic Planning

Day Two of AUSA 2016 Focuses on Readiness, Strategic Planning

Photo by: U.S. Army

The second day of AUSA’s Annual Meeting and Exposition includes a look at Army readiness challenges and strategic planning, with additional discussions focusing on warrant officers, NCOs, military families, the National Guard, the Army Reserve, the civilian workforce, and help for small businesses.

A pre-release screening of Hacksaw Ridge, a movie about a World War II conscientious objector who received the Medal of Honor, is scheduled for Tuesday evening. Details are available here: https://www.ausa.org/news/hacksaw-ridge-will-be-screened-during-ausa-2016

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley makes a much-anticipated luncheon address about the state of the Army, while two days of forums begin focusing on homeland security issues. Tuesday’s discussion is about security along the border between U.S. and Mexico.

Tickets are required for the luncheon, but most other events and the exhibition are open to anyone registered for the annual meeting. Exhibit halls open at 9 a.m.

An updated schedule and general information, including about registration, are here: http://ausameetings.org/2016annualmeeting/

There are two big events for noncommissioned officers on Tuesday. The morning starts with the Sergeant Major of the Army’s Professional Development Forum at 8 a.m., followed by an afternoon discussion about soldier readiness led by Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel A. Dailey that includes a panel of command sergeants major. There also is an afternoon briefing for soldiers about the Army’s new blended retirement program.

The Army National Guard seminar is scheduled for 10 a.m., and an Army Reserve seminar is at 3 p.m.

Two events are planned for small businesses: a seminar at 8 a.m., and “matchmaking” meeting for contractors and customers beginning at 11 a.m.

Two back-to-back family forums start at 9 a.m., with the first focusing on financial readiness and spouse employment and the second looking at family-oriented programs.

Three important Contemporary Military Forums, hosted by AUSA’s Institute of Land Warfare, are planned: one focused on joint force capabilities needed in future wars, a second about the Army’s strategic plan for the future, and a third about installations.