Special Edition: A Conversation on Race and the Army, Podcast Edition

Americans have elevated the discussion on race following the killing of Mr. George Floyd, and that includes the U.S. Army. Further discussions and the aftermath have revealed that there are still racial injustices seen in the workplace, organizations, as well as within the military. Thereby, AUSA along with the U.S. Army are having needed, yet uncomfortable, conversations in order to gain a better understanding and allow for voices to be heard. We hope that we can learn and grow from one another.

In this special edition episode, a group of former soldiers join us to discuss their experiences with race in the Army, and also touch on how the Department of Defense and the Army are already responding to diversity and racial concerns. This program follows two AUSA webinar events featuring current and retired Army leaders discussing the same topic. Links are included below.

Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

• Guests:
  • LTC Frank Turner, USA Retired 
  • LTC Ivery Taylor, USA Retired 
  • MAJ Taunya Ford, USA Retired 
  • 1SG Darrian Gailes, USA Retired 
•  Host: Nzinga Curry, AUSA’s Director of Education & Programs

Army Real Talk, a segment of AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast, aims to help AUSA and the Army better connect with the younger generation.

Related AUSA Webinars on YouTube:

•  17 June 2020: AUSA Noon Report - An ARMY Discussion on Race (Part 1) with James E. McPherson, Under Secretary of the Army and Gen. Joseph M. Martin, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army

•  29 June 2020: AUSA Noon Report – An ARMY Discussion on Race (Part 2) with GEN (R) Dennis Via, GEN (R) Vincent K. Brooks, LTG (R) Nadja Y. West, and CSM (R) James K. Sims

Soldier Today: What CASAs do for Our Army

CASAs are the connective fiber between the American people and Secretary of the Army. They are also Great Americans. Ken Wong, CASA for Pennsylvania-East, was born and raised in Philadelphia, and joins us today to describe why he became a CASA, and how he liaises with local community leaders to share the Army story.

Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army (CASAs) are business and community leaders appointed by the Secretary to advise and support Army leaders across the country. They assist with recruiting, connect with local National Guard and Army Reserve units, serve as a voice for Soldiers and Army Families, and speak at community events about the Army’s message. There are over 100 CASAs throughout the U.S. and its territories, and they all have agreed to serve without salary, wages or related benefits, and are afforded a 3-star protocol status. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

Note: This episode was recorded 26 May 2020.

• Guest: Ken Wong, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) for Pennsylvania-East and President, CIG Asia Ltd.
• Host: Sergeant Major of the Army (Retired) Daniel A. Dailey, AUSA’s Vice President for NCO and Soldier Program

Soldier Today, a segment of AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast, focuses on what is important to Soldiers and NCOs.

Resources:

Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army
Web: https://casa.army.mil/

AUSA’s NCO & Soldier Programs
Web: https://www.ausa.org/programs/nco-and-soldiers
Twitter (Dailey): @15thSMA

Special Edition: Herstory, Women Contributing to the Army and Beyond

Today we honor all the extraordinary women who have served in the U.S. Military. Due to COVID-19, AUSA had to cancel its Women’s History Month program back in March, so we are hosting this Special Edition podcast to highlight the voices of women who have served. Joining us today are two remarkable women who chose Army careers, CW5(R) Phyllis Wilson, President of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, and CSM(R) Donna Brock, Executive Coach, Facilitator, Community Coach for Together With Veterans, and Treasurer for the Army Womens Foundation. They describe what motivated them to join the Army, their accomplishments and challenges, mentorship, and how their military experience has affected their life today. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

•  Guests:
  • Chief Warrant Officer 5 (Retired) Phyllis Wilson, President, Women in Military Service for America (WIMSA) Memorial Foundation
  • Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Donna Brock, Executive Coach, Facilitator, Community Coach for Together With Veterans, and Treasurer for the Army Womens Foundation

• Host: Nzinga Curry, AUSA’s Director of Education & Programs

Army Real Talk, a segment of AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast, aims to help AUSA and the Army better connect with the younger generation.

Resources:

Women in Military Service for America (WIMSA) Memorial Foundation
Web: https://www.womensmemorial.org/
Facebook: @MilitaryWomensMemorial
Twitter: @wimsatweets

Army Womens Foundation
Web: https://www.awfdn.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Army-Womens-Foundation-98678409553/
Twitter: @usawf

Together With Veterans: Rural Veterans Suicide Prevention Program
Web: https://togetherwithveterans.org/
Twitter: @TogetherWVets

Special Edition: Army National Hiring Days (June 30 – July 2) with CSM Tabitha Gavia, U.S. Army Recruiting Command

The goal is to bring in 10,000 new Soldiers. CSM Tabitha Gavia, the senior enlisted leader at the U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC), shares with us about the upcoming Army National Hiring Days, June 30 – July 2. This is an Army-wide virtual campaign showcasing the U.S. Army’s 150 full-time and part-time career options, training, benefits and education to inspire individuals to consider military service. USAREC’s mission is to recruit America's best and brightest volunteers that are able to deploy, fight, and win. The U.S. Army Recruiting Command is responsible for manning both the Active Army and the U.S. Army Reserve, ensuring security and readiness for our Nation. Recruiting operations are conducted throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and at U.S. facilities in Germany and Asia. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

Army National Hiring Days, June 30 – July 2, 2020: www.goarmy.com/hiringdays

Community Partner Outreach Program: https://armystrong.goarmy.com/a/cp.html

• Guest: Command Sergeant Major Tabitha A. Gavia, Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC)
• Host: Sergeant Major of the Army (Retired) Daniel A. Dailey, AUSA’s Vice President for NCO and Soldier Programs

Soldier Today, a segment of AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast, focuses on what is important to Soldiers and NCOs.

Resources:

Army National Hiring Days, June 30 – July 2, 2020: www.goarmy.com/hiringdays

Community Partner Outreach Program: https://armystrong.goarmy.com/a/cp.html

U.S. Army Recruiting Command (USAREC)
Web: https://recruiting.army.mil/
Twitter/Facebook: @USAREC
LinkedIn: @USAREC-HQ

AUSA’s NCO & Soldier Programs
Web: https://www.ausa.org/programs/nco-and-soldiers
Twitter (Dailey): @15thSMA

Thought Leaders: Desert Redleg

How did field artillery lead to victory in Operation Desert Storm? Author COL (Retired) L. Scott Lingamfelter, former executive officer of the 1^st Infantry Division Artillery, discusses his new book with us today. He describes how his fellow field artillerymen, known as “redlegs,” decimated enemy defenses and paved the way for the ground assault that defeated Iraqi forces in the First Gulf War. Lingamfelter gives us a boots-on-the-ground perspective on the largest US artillery bombardment since World War II. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

• Guest: COL(R) L. Scott Lingamfelter, Author, Desert Redleg: Artillery Warfare in the First Gulf War
• Host: Joe Craig, Director, AUSA’s Book Program

 Resources:

Desert Redleg: Artillery Warfare in the First Gulf War by L. Scott Lingamfelter
Web: https://www.kentuckypress.com/9780813179209/desert-redleg/
Facebook/Twitter: @kentuckypress

Family Voices: Customs, Courtesies, and Traditions of the U.S. Army with Mrs. Ginger Perkins

Recently married into the military or have a son or daughter serving? AUSA’s new publication, Customs, Courtesies, and Traditions of the U.S. Army: A Primer for Family Members was created with you in mind! Join author, Ginger Perkins, for a discussion of what drives her passion for military customs. Available June 15 in AUSA’s online book shop, this is a comprehensive reference book aimed at bringing spouses, parents, siblings, extended family members and friends closer to the bigger Army family by explaining their soldier’s world. Perkins, an Army spouse for 38 years, and her husband, retired GEN David Perkins, are now Army parents. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

Guest: Ginger Perkins, Author, Customs, Courtesies, and Traditions of the United States Army: A Primer for Family Members

Host: Patty Barron, AUSA’s Director of Family Readiness 

Family Voices, a segment of AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast, aims to connect Army families to speakers and issues that are important to their everyday lives.

Resources:

Customs, Courtesies, and Traditions of the United States Army: A Primer for Family Members
Available 15 June 2020
AUSA Shop: https://shop.ausa.org/collections/books

Army Real Talk: Military Spouse J.D. Network

The Military Spouse J.D. Network (MSJDN) chips away at barriers to legal careers for military spouses. Karen E. Scanlan, Immediate Past President, MSJDN, describes how the organization came into existence as part of her efforts while job seeking as an attorney and military spouse. MSJDN supports military spouses in the legal profession by advocating for licensing accommodations for military spouse attorneys; educating the public about the challenges faced by career-minded military spouses and their families; encouraging the hiring of military spouses; and providing a network connecting military spouse attorneys with each other and their supporters. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

• Guest: Karen E. Scanlan, Immediate Past President, Military Spouse J.D. Network

• Co-hosts: Nzinga Curry, AUSA’s Director of Education & Programs, and Patty Barron, AUSA’s Director of Family Readiness

Army Real Talk, a segment of AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast, aims to help AUSA and the Army better connect with the younger generation.

Resources:

Military Spouse J.D. Network
Web: https://www.msjdn.org/
LinkedIn: @Military Spouse JD Network
Facebook: @militaryspousejdnetwork
Twitter: @milspousejd
Instagram: @msjdn

Special Edition: Multi-Domain Operations + DoD COVID-19 Task Force Update with General Hyten

What are the keys to keeping America’s Armed Forces moving forward? GEN(R) Carter Ham, AUSA’s President and CEO, interviews Gen. John Hyten, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, about the DoD’s COVID-19 response efforts and how the military’s top leaders are modernizing, adapting and preparing the force for multidomain operations. The Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the nation's second-highest-ranking military officer, responsible for overseeing joint military requirements, representing the military in National Security Council deputies meetings, and performing other duties as directed by the chairman. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

Guest: General John E. Hyten, United States Air Force, 11^th Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 

Host: General Carter F. Ham, United States Army, Retired, President & Chief Executive Officer, Association of the United States Army

Resources:

Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Web: https://www.defense.gov/our-story/meet-the-team/vice-chairman-of-the-joint-chiefs-of-staff
Facebook/Twitter: @DeptofDefense

Soldier Today: U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA)

Developing NCOs as leaders is at the heart of the newly accredited U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA), and its first class graduated June 2019. The academy falls under the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence, and the Commandant, CSM Jimmy Sellers, joins us today to tell us how the USASMA began conferring the Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Workforce Development. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

Guest: Command Sergeant Major Jimmy Sellers, Commandant, The NCO Leadership Center of Excellence

Host: Sergeant Major of the Army (Retired) Daniel A. Dailey, AUSA’s Vice President for NCO and Soldier Programs 

Soldier Today, a segment of AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast, focuses on what is important to Soldiers and NCOs.

Resources:

The NCO Leadership Center of Excellence
Web: https://www.ncolcoe.army.mil/
Facebook: @NCOLCoE
Twitter: @NCOL_CoE
LinkedIn: @ncol-coe

AUSA’s NCO & Soldier Programs
Web: https://www.ausa.org/programs/nco-and-soldiers
Twitter (Dailey): @15thSMA

Thought Leaders: Massed Fires, Not Organic Formations – The Case for Returning Field Artillery Battalions to the DivArty

Bring back the DivArty. COL(Ret) Dan Roper, AUSA’s Director of National Security Studies, interviews maneuver and fires senior leaders regarding the need for the Army to return control of divisional field artillery battalions to division artillery (DivArty), rather than brigade combat team (BCT), headquarters. They describe how modularity, the force structure change making FA battalions organic to BCTs beginning in 2003, while well-suited for counterinsurgency campaigns, resulted in fire support inadequate for large-scale combat operations against peer competitors.  With the increasing need to converge fires and effects across multiple domains, the centralized control of fires that a DivArty headquarters can provide is essential to the joint force massing effects on an expanding and lethal battlefield.  While counterintuitive to some, they make a compelling case that fire support to BCTs will be significantly enhanced by this initiative. 

Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

Guests:

• GEN (Ret) James Thurman, former Commander, United Nations Command R.O.K., U.S. Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea (USFK)
• LTG (Ret) Sean MacFarland, former Deputy Commander, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC)
• LTG (Ret) David Halverson, former Commanding General, U.S. Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) and Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management (ACSIM)
• COL (Ret) Dr. David Johnson, Principal Researcher, RAND Corporation

Host: COL(Ret) Dan Roper, AUSA’s Director of National Security Studies

Resources:

AUSA Spotlight: Massed Fires, Not Organic Formations: The Case for Returning Field Artillery Battalions to the DivArty 

Dr. David Johnson, RAND Corporation
Web: https://www.rand.org/about/people/j/johnson_david_e.html
Twitter: @DaveJohnsonDC