Senior U.S., European land forces leaders meet to discuss common security challenges, build partners | Article | The United States Army
WIESBADEN, Germany (Oct. 3, 2013) -- Senior land forces commanders from 35 European partner nations, the U.S. and Canada convened here, Sept. 30, to discuss the future of cooperative European security, during the 21st Annual Conference of European Armies.
The theme of this year's three-day conference, co-hosted by U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno and U.S. Army Europe Commander Lt. Gen. Donald M. Campbell Jr., focused on opportunities to address common security challenges.
"The United States and its allies and partners share common interest in maintaining a Europe that is safe, secure and prosperous," said Campbell. "The Conference of European Armies enhances this common interest and supports a foundation for the strong relationships we share in the region."
Most of the participants are their nation's' equivalent to the U.S. Army chief of staff. In addition to their partnership with U.S. Army Europe, known as USAREUR, for regional security, most of the countries participating in the Conference of European Armies, or CEA, provide forces to NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. According to figures released by International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF, in August, CEA participants comprise nearly 60 percent of ISAF contributing nations, and have more than 20,000 troops on the ground in Afghanistan.
The conference sessions, led by officer participants from across the spectrum of nations represented, included presentations and discussions on current and future transatlantic and European security threats; coalition operations, military transformation; multinational training and interoperability; expanding shared lessons learned and exercises; and building new capabilities with leaner defense budgets.
"I feel confident in the fact that this conference was a strong pillar for the lasting ties that allows our forces to continue their great work together," said Campbell. "Whether in partnership training or multi-nation operations, we will work together again as we work toward lasting security solutions in the European and Eurasian regions."
Campbell emphasized that events such as the CEA and shared planning, training and operations help to maintain strong relationships with USAREUR's European allies and partners, and continually improve the mutual strategic and tactical awareness that are essential to U.S., regional and global interests.
"The bonds made here only continue to deepen the lasting friendships that can be trusted in times of uncertainty, which we know the future holds much of," said Campbell.
Odierno said he believes security cooperation is vital for future military and contingency operations, and that European partnerships have set the standard for alliances for regional and global security.
"As we look at potential future operational requirements, the way forward will be to develop multinational solutions to complex problems," said Odierno. "This Conference of European Armies is one piece of that."
Gen. Philip Breedlove, commander of U.S. European Command and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, also attended the CEA, where he made remarks to participants, Oct. 1, joined in group sessions and engaged in bilateral discussions of shared concerns. In an interview during the conference, Breedlove said the value of events such as CEA and multinational security cooperation is impossible to calculate.
"We have fought together now for 12 years," said Breedlove. "Our cohesion, interoperability and tactics, techniques and procedures are at a pinnacle in NATO's history and our challenge now is going to be: how do we stay at that."
USAREUR organizers said that the CEA has been the USAREUR commander's premier general officer-level theater security cooperation event since 1988, providing a venue for creating shared training opportunities and establishing relationships between European ground forces and contributing to regional and global understanding, peace and stability.
Friday, October 4, 2013
US, Japan aim at 'balanced' security alliance
US, Japan aim at 'balanced' security alliance: New US drones and a radar to defend against North Korean missiles will be deployed in Japan, senior politicians from both sides said Thursday as they met to rebalance their security alliance.
US Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera held the first review of the cornerstone alliance in 16 years, after years of rising Chinese power and provocations from Pyongyang.
"Our goal is a more balanced and effective alliance, where our two militaries are full partners working side-by-side with each other, and with other regional partners, to enhance peace and security," Kerry said after the meeting.
Washington has long expressed frustration at Japan's narrow interpretation of its pacifist constitution, which precludes the right of first strike and confines military action to defence against a direct attack on Japanese people or property.
At the same time a resurgent centre-right, in the form of popular Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is increasingly nervous about China's intentions in the region.
Abe has said he wants Japan's well-resourced and well-trained military to play a more active role -- chiefly the ability to come to the aid of its ally if it were attacked, for example by a North Korean missile attack on a US base.
US Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera held the first review of the cornerstone alliance in 16 years, after years of rising Chinese power and provocations from Pyongyang.
"Our goal is a more balanced and effective alliance, where our two militaries are full partners working side-by-side with each other, and with other regional partners, to enhance peace and security," Kerry said after the meeting.
Washington has long expressed frustration at Japan's narrow interpretation of its pacifist constitution, which precludes the right of first strike and confines military action to defence against a direct attack on Japanese people or property.
At the same time a resurgent centre-right, in the form of popular Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is increasingly nervous about China's intentions in the region.
Abe has said he wants Japan's well-resourced and well-trained military to play a more active role -- chiefly the ability to come to the aid of its ally if it were attacked, for example by a North Korean missile attack on a US base.
Philippines says deal on wider US role needs more work
Philippines says deal on wider US role needs more work: Discussions over proposals to expand the American military's presence in the Philippines failed to reach a deal, Filipino officials said Thursday, a day after US President Barack Obama called off a Manila visit.
The plan would allow more US troops, aircraft and ships to temporarily pass through the Philippines, an Asian military ally, at a time when Washington is refocusing its attention on Asia.
President Benigno Aquino has pushed for the deal to help modernise the Philippine military and to contain China, which he accuses of illegally laying claim to most of the South China Sea including parts of Filipino territory.
The two sides completed a fourth round of talks in Manila on Wednesday, but Filipino negotiators could not say when these will resume amid a US government shutdown.
The plan would allow more US troops, aircraft and ships to temporarily pass through the Philippines, an Asian military ally, at a time when Washington is refocusing its attention on Asia.
President Benigno Aquino has pushed for the deal to help modernise the Philippine military and to contain China, which he accuses of illegally laying claim to most of the South China Sea including parts of Filipino territory.
The two sides completed a fourth round of talks in Manila on Wednesday, but Filipino negotiators could not say when these will resume amid a US government shutdown.
U.S. army mulls replacing Vietnam-era vehicles
U.S. army mulls replacing Vietnam-era vehicles: The U.S. Army is looking into best possible options to replace Vietnam-era armored military vehicles with modern battle-ready units that are fit to perform roles in modern warfare.
Some of the vehicles in the Army's present inventory were put into service as early as 1961. Not surprisingly, in the current political climate in Washington, with an overall funding squeeze, the Army is treading carefully to find ways of funding its Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle program.
Marked for replacement are between 2,000 and 3,000 assorted vehicles, many dubbed "battle taxis" because of their relatively light armor and potential unsuitability for some modern warfare scenarios, industry analysts said.
Some of the vehicles in the Army's present inventory were put into service as early as 1961. Not surprisingly, in the current political climate in Washington, with an overall funding squeeze, the Army is treading carefully to find ways of funding its Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle program.
Marked for replacement are between 2,000 and 3,000 assorted vehicles, many dubbed "battle taxis" because of their relatively light armor and potential unsuitability for some modern warfare scenarios, industry analysts said.
US, Japan and S. Korea to hold joint naval drills
US, Japan and S. Korea to hold joint naval drills: The United States, South Korea and Japan will hold joint naval exercises next week in waters around the Korean peninsula, a US defence official said Thursday, as fears grow over Pyongyang's nuclear programme.
The announcement comes as US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Secretary of State John Kerry were in Tokyo to meet their Japanese counterparts following talks with South Korean officials this week.
The US defence official gave few details about the three-nation drills, calling them "increasingly common" and "designed to strengthen coordination and improve readiness to respond to situations such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief".
"Next week, in waters around the Korean peninsula, the USS George Washington Strike Group will conduct a trilateral maritime exercise with the Republic of Korea Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force," he said.
The announcement was made a day after the United States and South Korea said they had mapped out a new strategy to counter the growing threat of a North Korean nuclear or chemical weapons attack.
The announcement comes as US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Secretary of State John Kerry were in Tokyo to meet their Japanese counterparts following talks with South Korean officials this week.
The US defence official gave few details about the three-nation drills, calling them "increasingly common" and "designed to strengthen coordination and improve readiness to respond to situations such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief".
"Next week, in waters around the Korean peninsula, the USS George Washington Strike Group will conduct a trilateral maritime exercise with the Republic of Korea Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force," he said.
The announcement was made a day after the United States and South Korea said they had mapped out a new strategy to counter the growing threat of a North Korean nuclear or chemical weapons attack.
Eat, move, sleep: Incorporating Performance Triad offers optimal performance | Article | The United States Army
Eat, move, sleep: Incorporating Performance Triad offers optimal performance | Article | The United States Army
Eat, Move, Sleep! Not the name for a sequel to the 2010 movie, "Eat, Pray, Love" starring Julia Roberts, but rather three basic concepts.
The three components serve as cornerstones of a pilot program being launched by the Office of the Surgeon General and Army Medicine.
The program is called the Performance Triad. The three components are represented as physical activity, nutrition and sleep. Each is important on its own, but when all three are addressed simultaneously optimal performance can be achieved.
The entire nation is concerned with rising health care costs. Preventive medical measures are recognized as a necessity in order to move from a system of health care (disease model) to one that impacts behavior choices and health in the "lifespace." The lifespace is where health really happens -- where we sleep, how active we are, and what fuel we are putting in our bodies.
The Performance Triad, according to Army Medicine, seeks to create a system of behaviors that will support Soldier performance and overall unit readiness and effect a lifestyle of healthy behaviors for Soldiers and their families.
"We are very fortunate that Fort Bliss was selected as one of the pilot sites for this program," said Lt. Col. Elizabeth Miller, chief, department of preventive medicine and Performance Triad champion. "All Soldiers in 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, will be trained in these three areas -- activity, nutrition and sleep -- thus improving Soldier and unit readiness and develop the Soldier-athlete."
Outlined below are the three critical components and how they will facilitate good health, prevent disease and promote wellness and disease prevention.
Physical activity (Move): Regular exercise and physical activity can lead to long term health benefits and reduce the risk for many chronic diseases such as depression, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, stroke and some forms of cancer.
Nutrition (Eat): Over the last 30 years, obesity in the U.S. has more than doubled among adults and more than tripled among children and adolescents. Statistics for Army family members parallels national rates. Obesity is a major public health again concerns for Army families due to its association with an increased risk for chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and some forms of cancer. Army children who are overweight are at greater risk for becoming obese adults with significant health concerns.
Sleep: Chronic poor sleep has serious short and long term consequences -- from impairing daily readiness through reduced alertness and concentration to increasing risk for obesity, cardiovascular disease and depression. Fatigue and drowsiness from poor sleep can cause fatal accidents.
"Success of the sleep health component of the Performance Triad is dependent upon leaders who live and promote healthy sleep -- seven to nine hours per day," Miller said. "This will require a culture change. You are not better if you stumble through the day on five hours a sleep -- it's not safe."
She added that if healthy activity, nutrition and sleep behaviors are embedded into the Army culture by engaging Army family members, the Army could lead the nation in achieving and maintaining healthy weights and improve overall health.
"Think of the impact on American society," said Miller. "Healthy Soldiers, family members and Department of the Army civilians will lead the way to better sleep behaviors, fitness and overall health."
Eat, Move, Sleep! Not the name for a sequel to the 2010 movie, "Eat, Pray, Love" starring Julia Roberts, but rather three basic concepts.
The three components serve as cornerstones of a pilot program being launched by the Office of the Surgeon General and Army Medicine.
The program is called the Performance Triad. The three components are represented as physical activity, nutrition and sleep. Each is important on its own, but when all three are addressed simultaneously optimal performance can be achieved.
The entire nation is concerned with rising health care costs. Preventive medical measures are recognized as a necessity in order to move from a system of health care (disease model) to one that impacts behavior choices and health in the "lifespace." The lifespace is where health really happens -- where we sleep, how active we are, and what fuel we are putting in our bodies.
The Performance Triad, according to Army Medicine, seeks to create a system of behaviors that will support Soldier performance and overall unit readiness and effect a lifestyle of healthy behaviors for Soldiers and their families.
"We are very fortunate that Fort Bliss was selected as one of the pilot sites for this program," said Lt. Col. Elizabeth Miller, chief, department of preventive medicine and Performance Triad champion. "All Soldiers in 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, will be trained in these three areas -- activity, nutrition and sleep -- thus improving Soldier and unit readiness and develop the Soldier-athlete."
Outlined below are the three critical components and how they will facilitate good health, prevent disease and promote wellness and disease prevention.
Physical activity (Move): Regular exercise and physical activity can lead to long term health benefits and reduce the risk for many chronic diseases such as depression, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, stroke and some forms of cancer.
Nutrition (Eat): Over the last 30 years, obesity in the U.S. has more than doubled among adults and more than tripled among children and adolescents. Statistics for Army family members parallels national rates. Obesity is a major public health again concerns for Army families due to its association with an increased risk for chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and some forms of cancer. Army children who are overweight are at greater risk for becoming obese adults with significant health concerns.
Sleep: Chronic poor sleep has serious short and long term consequences -- from impairing daily readiness through reduced alertness and concentration to increasing risk for obesity, cardiovascular disease and depression. Fatigue and drowsiness from poor sleep can cause fatal accidents.
"Success of the sleep health component of the Performance Triad is dependent upon leaders who live and promote healthy sleep -- seven to nine hours per day," Miller said. "This will require a culture change. You are not better if you stumble through the day on five hours a sleep -- it's not safe."
She added that if healthy activity, nutrition and sleep behaviors are embedded into the Army culture by engaging Army family members, the Army could lead the nation in achieving and maintaining healthy weights and improve overall health.
"Think of the impact on American society," said Miller. "Healthy Soldiers, family members and Department of the Army civilians will lead the way to better sleep behaviors, fitness and overall health."
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
US military braces for full effect of shutdown
US military braces for full effect of shutdown
The US government shutdown had no drastic effect on the military Tuesday but if it remains in place everything from ship repairs to combat training will be disrupted, officials say. With about half the Pentagon's 800,000 civilian employees placed on unpaid leave, defense officials said the military will soon face a headache trying to make do with less civilian manpower under the shutdown. "There's going to be an impact, but it will take some time to feel the effect," said a senior military officer. The furloughs mean that "real work doesn't get done," said the officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Much of the Defense Department's civilian workforce are employed at bases across the country, and the military relies on them to keep equipment running and logistical networks humming. If the shutdown drags on for weeks, planned work at shipyards and aircraft depots will have to be put off, routine administration will be neglected and some units will have to forgo training unless it is directly related to critical operations, officials said.
The US government shutdown had no drastic effect on the military Tuesday but if it remains in place everything from ship repairs to combat training will be disrupted, officials say. With about half the Pentagon's 800,000 civilian employees placed on unpaid leave, defense officials said the military will soon face a headache trying to make do with less civilian manpower under the shutdown. "There's going to be an impact, but it will take some time to feel the effect," said a senior military officer. The furloughs mean that "real work doesn't get done," said the officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Much of the Defense Department's civilian workforce are employed at bases across the country, and the military relies on them to keep equipment running and logistical networks humming. If the shutdown drags on for weeks, planned work at shipyards and aircraft depots will have to be put off, routine administration will be neglected and some units will have to forgo training unless it is directly related to critical operations, officials said.
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