Articles from ARMY Magazine, Headline News, and AUSA News on readiness of U.S. Army forces.

AUSA Webinar Focuses on Suicide Prevention Efforts

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AUSA Webinar Focuses on Suicide Prevention Efforts

An upcoming webinar hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army will highlight the Army’s efforts to reduce harmful behaviors and prevent suicide.

The online event on March 8 is part of AUSA’s Noon Report series. Beginning at noon Eastern, it will feature James Helis, director of the Army Resilience Directorate, and Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Thomas Solhjem, the Army’s chief of chaplains.

Grinston: Fitness Test, NCO Training Changes Coming

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SMA Grinston speaks at AUSA Coffee Series event
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Grinston: Fitness Test, NCO Training Changes Coming

Initiatives to sharpen soldier fitness, leadership skills and readiness continue to be top priorities for Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston as he enters the last six months of his tenure as the Army’s senior enlisted leader.

GAO: Army Helicopter Readiness Improving

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GAO: Army Helicopter Readiness Improving

A 10-year study of military aircraft found most were unready for combat-related missions, including three types of Army helicopters.

The report by the Government Accountability Office, titled “Weapon System Sustainment: Aircraft Mission Capable Goals Were Generally Not Met and Sustainment Costs Varied by Aircraft,” details the examination of 49 types of fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

Findings indicate that only four aircraft met their annual mission readiness goals from fiscal 2011 through fiscal 2021—an overall decline over time.

Legislative Delay Hurts Army Programs

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Legislative Delay Hurts Army Programs

Delays in passing the fiscal 2023 defense policy and funding legislation is adding to the Army’s problems.

The fiscal year began Oct. 1 with the Army and the rest of the federal government operating under a temporary funding resolution that has limited funds and does not allow for new programs to begin or for any major changes in existing programs.

Heritage Ranks Army Readiness as ‘Very Strong’

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Heritage Ranks Army Readiness as ‘Very Strong’

The Heritage Foundation’s 2023 Index of U.S. Military Strength ranks the Army as a “marginal” power, which is better than the “weak” Navy and Space Force and the “very weak” Air Force. 

The Oct. 18 document rates the Marine Corps as “strong.” 

The 2022 Heritage rankings also listed the Army as “marginal.”

Wormuth: Army Remains Busy, Ready

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Wormuth: Army Remains Busy, Ready

The U.S. Army has “accomplished a lot” this year, but Army Secretary Christine Wormuth isn’t celebrating. 

“We have a lot of work ahead of us,” she told the Senate defense appropriations subcommittee at a May 10 hearing about the fiscal 2023 budget.

The fiscal 2023 Army budget submitted to Congress asks for $177.5 billion for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1, with a pending request for an additional $5.1 billion for unfunded priorities if lawmakers provide more funds.

Busy Army Continues Transforming for the Future

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Busy Army Continues Transforming for the Future

The Army continues to balance responding to today’s needs—including supporting U.S. allies and partners in Eastern Europe—with modernizing for the future, the service’s top general said. 

“We’re taking a measured approach. We need to have the Army ready today, and we need to be ready for the future,” Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville said March 31 during an event hosted by the Project for Media and National Security. “What we’re trying to do is find that … sweet spot where we’re continuing to incrementally improve the Army we have today.” 

McConville: Army is Busy But Ready

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McConville: Army is Busy But Ready

Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville, speaking March 8 at an event hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army, said the force faced “a lot of challenges” over the years and now faces another one with the fighting in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has started an “illegal” war, McConville said, but the Army is ready. 

AUSA Unveils 2022 Focus Areas

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AUSA Unveils 2022 Focus Areas

The Association of the U.S. Army’s 2022 advocacy efforts focus on people, readiness, modernization and on-time funding for the Army, with an eye toward supporting efforts to strengthen the force.

Fully Vaccinated Soldiers Are a Readiness Priority

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Fully Vaccinated Soldiers Are a Readiness Priority

More than 2,900 soldiers have been reprimanded for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, but none have been involuntarily separated solely for not getting the shot, the Army said Jan. 11.

Almost a month after the vaccination deadline for active-duty soldiers, the Army said 97% of the active-duty Army had received at least one dose of a vaccine, and 96% were fully vaccinated.