ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY

a.  NCO and Soldier Programs – “Is troop obesity a serious problem for the Army?”

“The U.S. military is fatter than ever, and the Army is leading the way with more than one in 10 soldiers considered clinically overweight, according to new Defense Department data obtained by Military Times.”  Physical fitness and weight control programs are a commander’s responsibility managed at the company, troop and battery levels of the Army.  Is this report an indicator of a leadership deficiency or something else?  How do you see the Army from your foxhole?

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.’”

a.  NCO and Soldiers Programs – “Who should be next year’s 3^rd Honorary Sergeant Major of the Army?”

This year Lieutenant General (Ret) David E. Grange Jr. will be recognized as the 2^nd Honorary Sergeant Major of the Army.  The focus of this honor is to recognize those leaders who have made a lifelong commitment to Soldiers and our Army.  Looking at this year’s honoree and General (Ret) Gordon R.

a.  AUSA News – “What do you think of the changes to PT?”

Soldiers who want to move into a more physically demanding military occupational specialty - such as infantry or armor - soon will be required to take a new test before they can even qualify for training; the Occupational Physical Assessment Test.

Read more: https://www.armytimes.com/articles/army-rolls-out-new-fitness-test-for-soldiers-who-want-to-switch-moss

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.

a.  AUSA News – “Is the Army able to recruit talented cyber personnel?

At AUSA’s Hot Topic forum on Army Networks, Gary Wang, deputy chief information officer, CIO/G-6, said competition for talent in the cyber domain is fierce, and military or government service isn’t at the top of the list for young professionals in the cyber and IT arena.

Read more: https://www.ausa.org/articles/army-network-needs-quality-workforce-improved-capabilities

a.  NCO and Soldier Programs - “What do you think of 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s protest decision?

There are those who support and oppose 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to sit during the national anthem before NFL games this season.  NFL officials and personnel offered a mixed reaction to the protest.

a.  AUSA Five Things - “Does the Army need a Light Infantry Vehicle with heavier firepower?”

AUSA Five Things:  A Weekly Tip Sheet for AUSA Members, dated August 22., 2016:  “Seeking Light Vehicle, Heavy Firepower?”  

a.  AUSA Five Things - “Partnering with robots?”

AUSA Five Things:  A Weekly Tip Sheet for AUSA Members, dated August 8, 2016:  “Can Tools Be Teammates?”  

a.  AUSA Moderator - “Is there value for the Army to plan out to 2050?”

“Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley said he is a big believer in long-range strategic forecasting as a way of planning for the future, but he knows not everyone shares his view.

Speaking at the Mad Scientist 2016 forum on planning for 2050’s strategic security environment, Milley said he knows the far future is difficult to predict, but he sees value in the attempt.”