Name:

I.Turzanski

EMail:

itur@wanadoo.nl

Comments

A fascinating site especially for a european like myself as it gives out far more information on all facets of the US military institutions than is generally available over here in the general press. they usually do not spend that many column inches on defense issues, which may explain why defense is of such low priority to the average euro citizen. Being a keen observer of the military scene over the last three decades one of the things that continually comes to the fore is the different way in which defense spending is done in Europe and the US. I get the impression that the US is prepared to invest huge sums of money in defense sometimes in not to wise a way and here in Europe we spend our defense money more prudently but we continually refuse to spend enough which is one of the reasons we are still leaning heavily on Uncle Sams shoulder when it comes to military matters.

Name:

Dennis E. Tamasovich

EMail:

dnll@1st.net

Comments

I'm carefully watching the events in the middle east. I'm sure that Israel (and The United States, which is the descendant of Manassah) are using the Torah Codes as they have in the recent past (The Persian Gulf War/Isaiah 13 prophecy fullfilled). I can see that in the IDF eliminating so many leaders of Hamas, Arafat's Force 17 and other terrorist organizations. The Torah Codes and The Book of Life that list all those who have ever been born are useful tools, don't you think (The Book of Life is the first five books of the Holy Bible/Torah)? Shalom, Dennis E. Tamasovich, known to HaShem as "daniel", the one given the Book of Daniel to write.

Name:

kim

EMail:

 

Comments

i love your website it is so cool definitely phat.

Name:

Sharon Anderson

EMail:

quitam@infi.net

Comments

Title 37 Uniformed Services Officers Act conflicts with Title 38 Veterans Benefits. I believe my husband of 22 yrs. was Murdered to coverup the Heinous "Commitment" Process in the State of Minnesota re: James R. Anderson ssd:478-26-9032 USMC:110022885

Name:

CPT Bob Krumm

EMail:

krummrt@monroe.army.mil

Comments

I just completed reading MAJ Vandergriff's presentation on HRA and find myself about ninety percent in agreement on the specifics of his personnel plan, and 100% in agreement on the overall concept. Where I hope to learn more is in the implementation of this plan. MAJ Vandergriff outlines very well the fundamental mismatch between our doctrine and our current Army culture, and the resultant inability of that doctrine to evolve. I have served in four cavalry squadrons and can confirm that while our doctrine encourages initiative, risk-taking, and out-of-the-box thinking, our culture punishes such thought.

The good news is that the youngest batch of new officers is not wedded to the concept of paralysis in the face of bureaucratic inertia. During my command of a cavalry troop nine of my eleven lieutenants challenged, probed, and tested the system to see how they could improve themselves and the system. They were the kind of young future leaders who in MAJ Vandergriff’s Army would keep their soldiers and their leaders on their toes. The bad news is that seven of those nine lieutenants have left the Army. They grew tired of questioning (as they were told lieutenants should do), but not receiving answers (or even worse, being told to shut up).

As an Army we recently lost from a generation of lieutenants and captains, those who possess the ability to acquire a classical education, that is, an education where the free exchange of ideas and questions is essential to learning. What is left of this generation becomes a new layer of middle management unempowered to say “yes”, but too distant from the front in both time and space to lend support to the question, “why?”

What bothers me most is that our current repressive Army culture fits within the context of our larger society. We, as a nation, look for centralized solutions rather than attempt to fix problems locally. Historically we turned to our immediate circle to address problems--ie, charities, town hall, local school boards, state legislatures. However, today we see a homogenization of thought and a centralization of action as directed by our nation's capitol. Consequently, we collectively turn to Washington to address such local needs as a flood, a new highway exit, and to educate our children. Analogously, within the Army, NCOs and young officers must seek approval through layers of bureaucracy in order to resolve relatively simple problems with simple solutions. The tragedy is that we tell young leaders this is not how it is supposed to be, but our reality speaks otherwise.

MAJ Vandergriff's focus upon the symbiotic relationship between strong small units and a professional officer corps illuminates the path the Army must take to continue to evolve in a changing world. However, that path is mined by the national zeitgeist of centralization. I look forward to reading his new book to see what insights he might share to bypass this “friendly” minefield.

Name:

pacifico ignacio e germino

EMail:

piegermino@yahoo.com

Comments

what role did the US military play in the recent philippine government takeover?

Name:

Sandra Clark

EMail:

jean.cartwright@dtn.ntl.com

Comments

Name:

David Baker

EMail:

sactodave@webtv.net

Comments

Aw c'mon, people. Military officers are fantastic at the art of obfuscation. Many G.I.s leave the military because of poor leadership, "minority" hype, and better opportunities on the outside. One factor does escape notice, though; It's the fact that the military is cutting back on manpower, and deliberately creating conditions conducive to first and second term soldiers wanting out, while the careerist "slugs" (The brownnosing drunks we all know and love) hang on with all three toes, because they KNOW they can't make it out there where companies refuse to hire drunken, hillbilly know-it-alls. Some of these parasites are making three and four federal paychecks. The bulk of young troops are leaving in lieu of having to put up with such people. At least THEY are earnest in their decisions.

Name:

 

EMail:

 

Comments

http://members.aol.com/JaisiniArt/home.html The official Paul Jaisini site Yustas Kotz-Gottlieb New York

This action is taken on behalf of "Gleitzeit" of Paul Jaisini to bring high aesthetics to people.

Jaisini - Gleitzeit

Name:

Kent Johnson LTC USAFRes Ret

EMail:

kcikj@aol.com

Comments

Congratulation to Chuck Spinney for his outstanding work.

Chuck and I first met at Wright-Pat AFB in 1969 and became good friends during our active duty tour there. I've followed his career as an unceasing champion for a better military not by bigger and more guns but by better strategy. He is a master historian of warfare who is on the front line of preserving our military superiority with the tried and true lessons of the past. I believe his task is as risky as that of our troops on the ground who risk thier lives daily.

One subject of special interest to me has been the Balkans...my wife grew up in Yugoslavia suviving WW2 and the post war years. I've visited and studied the history of the region for over 25 yrs. Chuck's analysis of the "Serbo-NATO War" period has been a shocking eye opener..he is right on the mark. On another note my wife has written an outstanding book titled "A Nun and an Officer" by Radmila Johnson which is an account of her experiece of growing up during the WW2 period in Yugoslavia. She actively promotes her book on the local level with the dream of making a movie based upon her book.

My best to Chuck Spinney...Keep up the good work

LTC Kent Johnson USAFRes Ret

Name:

CAPT SCHROEDER, USN

EMail:

 

Comments

I WAS AT DON VANDERGRIFF'S LECTURE AT THE NAVAL WAR COLEGE THREE WEEKS AGO. BY GOD HE IS AN ARMY MAJOR!!! HE WAS THE BEST I HAVE SEEN. THE ARMY NEEDS TO LISTEN TO THIS YOUNG BRILLIANT PATRIOT. I SEE WHY THEY ARE LOSING THEIR BEST WHEN THEY DO NOT GIVE HIM ANY EAR TIME.