Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, Army Chief of Staff, spoke yesterday at the AUSA Conference in Washington. WASHINGTON — At his final AUSA conference as Army chief of staff, Gen. Raymond Odierno called on the Army to be ready for an era when the “velocity of instability is ever increasing around the world,” and that time is now. “To those who think we don’t need an Army, look around and see what we do every single day,” he said Tuesday at AUSA’s Dwight D. Eisenhower luncheon. Odierno described an Army increasingly committed on six continents and 150 countries, in the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Jordan and Kuwait, Romania, Poland, Central and South America, on the Horn of Africa and, most recently, in West African countries to join the fight against Ebola. The Army is returning forces to Iraq and it is fully engaged in Afghanistan. “Despite all the budgetary challenges we face, and despite the drawdown, one thing that remains constant is soldiers’ and leaders’ steadfast commitment ... they meet and exceed our expectations no matter what we ask them to do,” Odierno said. Last year, he outlined priorities to accomplish “the strategic imperative to shape and win in a complex environment.” Today, he reviewed areas of progress and areas of concern. The No. 1 priority, he said, is developing multidimensional leaders, both commissioned and NCOs, who thrive in difficult environments. The Army is “slashing modernization and procurement programs” because of budget cuts. “This is a time when we should be increasing those investments,” he said. “We must ensure the Army stays manned, postured and equipped to protect the nation’s interests.” “We have made the most of every dollar,” he said. “We must have consistent readiness funding every single year. Unfortunately that simply is not the case.” The Army has been able to increase training and at combat training centers using training that increases the readiness for a portion of the force. He pointed to multinational exercises in Germany with allies and partners, adapting and expanding training. “It is especially important at this time,” he said. The regional alignment concept is taking hold, and equipment activity sets ensure the Army can be responsive and reassure international allies. Pacific Pathways is building relationships in the region as the military rebalances in the Pacific. The new operational concept is providing foundations and groundwork for the years ahead.
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 07:14:52 +0000
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