On August 1, a special provision in the Post-9/11 GI Bill of special interest to active-duty Soldiers and spouses, including active-duty reserve-component Soldiers, takes effect. These Soldiers will receive unlimited funding for college tuition if this benefit is used while on active duty. This provision includes Soldiers who don't have enough active duty time to otherwise qualify for full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. All undergraduate and graduate tuition fees will be covered
View the complete STAND-TO! http://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2009/07/28/?ref=email
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
New comments on World Futures Society meeting (Chicago July 18-20)
Brian Smith
Lead strategic analyst, IMCOM Center for Future Installation Strategies
This is the second of two entries I am making this week as a guest contributor on The Army’s Home.
I attended the World Futures Society conference in Chicago on 18-20 July in support of the Center’s task to identify future trends and assess what they mean for the Army and the IMCOM. The conference was WFS’s annual gathering of professional “futurists” and professional forecasters from around the globe where they share results of research and discuss methods for generating strategic forecasts.
Interesting trends and forecasts that I drew from the meeting include:
• Immigration is driving US population growth as the domestic birth rate has leveled-off. This will be key for continued economic growth in the future.
• Regulatory issues are becoming increasingly transnational, trans-institutional and trans-discipline. Collaborative approaches among agencies will become increasingly important for them to be effective.
• US economic growth is going to be driven by research and innovation as opposed to cost advantages and that the gap between research and innovation in this country and other advanced economies will narrow.
We will be including some of these pieces in CFIS’ Strategic Context Report that we are in the process of developing, so look for it on the CFIS AKO site at https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/608884
You can find out more about the World Futures Society and the proceedings of the meeting at www.wfs.org. If you are on Twitter, I tweeted some of the sessions in which I participated under #wfs.
Lead strategic analyst, IMCOM Center for Future Installation Strategies
This is the second of two entries I am making this week as a guest contributor on The Army’s Home.
I attended the World Futures Society conference in Chicago on 18-20 July in support of the Center’s task to identify future trends and assess what they mean for the Army and the IMCOM. The conference was WFS’s annual gathering of professional “futurists” and professional forecasters from around the globe where they share results of research and discuss methods for generating strategic forecasts.
Interesting trends and forecasts that I drew from the meeting include:
• Immigration is driving US population growth as the domestic birth rate has leveled-off. This will be key for continued economic growth in the future.
• Regulatory issues are becoming increasingly transnational, trans-institutional and trans-discipline. Collaborative approaches among agencies will become increasingly important for them to be effective.
• US economic growth is going to be driven by research and innovation as opposed to cost advantages and that the gap between research and innovation in this country and other advanced economies will narrow.
We will be including some of these pieces in CFIS’ Strategic Context Report that we are in the process of developing, so look for it on the CFIS AKO site at https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/608884
You can find out more about the World Futures Society and the proceedings of the meeting at www.wfs.org. If you are on Twitter, I tweeted some of the sessions in which I participated under #wfs.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Lead strategic analyst supporting IMCOM's Center for Future Installation Strategies comments on World Futures Society meeting (July 18-20)
Brian Smith
Lead strategic analyst, IMCOM Center for Future Installation Strategies
I am happy to be the guest contributor this week on The Army’s Home.
The Center for Future Installation Strategies is tasked in part with looking at how future trends will impact on IMCOM’s network of installations across the nation and around the world. Part of my task is to look at a range of these trends using the STEEPS framework which includes social/demographic, technology, economic, energy and environmental, political (largely regulatory and policy) and security (international and national security) issues. My colleagues and I identify those trends and then forecast their impact on the Army as an institution and then on installations and communities.
To determine how far into the future we should be looking, we employ a “seventh hill” horizon. Current operations are the first hill, currently planning is the third hill and the future is beyond the sixth hill. At the same time, the issues we identify should have relevance to the immediate environment.
As part of our task, I recently attended the World Futures Society meeting in Chicago on 18-20 July. The purpose of the meeting was to bring together “futurists” and “futures” practitioners and researchers to present their findings and to discuss methods and techniques for “futuring” and forecasting. My goal in attending the meeting was to identify additional trends that we should include in our analysis for IMCOM and to keep current on forecasting methods and techniques.
You can find out more about the World Futures Society and the proceedings of the meeting at www.wfs.org. If you are on Twitter, I tweeted some of the sessions in which I participated under #wfs.
For more information on CFIS check us out at:
https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/608884
Lead strategic analyst, IMCOM Center for Future Installation Strategies
I am happy to be the guest contributor this week on The Army’s Home.
The Center for Future Installation Strategies is tasked in part with looking at how future trends will impact on IMCOM’s network of installations across the nation and around the world. Part of my task is to look at a range of these trends using the STEEPS framework which includes social/demographic, technology, economic, energy and environmental, political (largely regulatory and policy) and security (international and national security) issues. My colleagues and I identify those trends and then forecast their impact on the Army as an institution and then on installations and communities.
To determine how far into the future we should be looking, we employ a “seventh hill” horizon. Current operations are the first hill, currently planning is the third hill and the future is beyond the sixth hill. At the same time, the issues we identify should have relevance to the immediate environment.
As part of our task, I recently attended the World Futures Society meeting in Chicago on 18-20 July. The purpose of the meeting was to bring together “futurists” and “futures” practitioners and researchers to present their findings and to discuss methods and techniques for “futuring” and forecasting. My goal in attending the meeting was to identify additional trends that we should include in our analysis for IMCOM and to keep current on forecasting methods and techniques.
You can find out more about the World Futures Society and the proceedings of the meeting at www.wfs.org. If you are on Twitter, I tweeted some of the sessions in which I participated under #wfs.
For more information on CFIS check us out at:
https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/608884
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Open Government and Innovations Conference: Aftermath
The OGI conference presented a lot of information and showcased how the President and the Administration want to conduct the business of government. The DoD is already a leader in Government 2.0 and the use of new media, but there is still a long way to go.
So what does it all mean for IMCOM and CFIS?
It means that the way we work is going to change. We will become more responsive to our customers. We will collaborate and share more, be able to capture better ideas, make better policy and develop stronger partnerships. It will allow us make a positive difference in the lives of the Soldiers and their families.
IMCOM will still “Support and Defend”, but be more efficient and streamlined. Openness, transparency, and trust will help not only the transformation of IMCOM, but also the current transition within IMCOM.
It is an exciting time. It will require trust and willingness to try new things. People will have to be willing to try new tools and change how they work. We must be willing to fail on occasion and learn from that failure in order to succeed.
Here is one last quote that has a great deal of relevance to the IMCOM and the larger Army mission: “An era of persistent conflict, requires an era of persistent communication,” said Jim Young, Google Federal.
Thanks for letting me take the wheel for the last few days and being your guide for the Open Government and Innovations Conference.
So what does it all mean for IMCOM and CFIS?
It means that the way we work is going to change. We will become more responsive to our customers. We will collaborate and share more, be able to capture better ideas, make better policy and develop stronger partnerships. It will allow us make a positive difference in the lives of the Soldiers and their families.
IMCOM will still “Support and Defend”, but be more efficient and streamlined. Openness, transparency, and trust will help not only the transformation of IMCOM, but also the current transition within IMCOM.
It is an exciting time. It will require trust and willingness to try new things. People will have to be willing to try new tools and change how they work. We must be willing to fail on occasion and learn from that failure in order to succeed.
Here is one last quote that has a great deal of relevance to the IMCOM and the larger Army mission: “An era of persistent conflict, requires an era of persistent communication,” said Jim Young, Google Federal.
Thanks for letting me take the wheel for the last few days and being your guide for the Open Government and Innovations Conference.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Greetings from day two of the Open Government and Innovations Conference
Today was another great day of panels and presentations. My focus today was on social media, particularly what DoD is currently doing, where they are going, how we can measure it, and how to improve the process. Already in DoD social media has established a foothold.
It is opening silos and breaking down stovepipes: The key today is no longer withholding information but to share it with as wide an audience as is feasible. Social media is not a passing fad and DoD leadership has come out strong in support of it. The public trend toward openness and increased collaboration support this decision too.
Consider this trend put forth by Michael Nelson, Georgetown University professor, "Currently there are approximately 1.5 billion devices connected to the Internet, by 2020 the estimate is that number will be over one trillion." One trillion devices! Think about that number and what it means. Think about the opportunities and challenges that will bring.
The social media tools that are currently being used, like wikis, blogs, social networking sites, podcasts and the tools of the future are not meant to replace relationships and processes but to complement and enhance them. It becomes a new way of doing work, a better way to collaborate and to share information. There will be challenges, no doubt, and it will require a change in culture, but the end result will allow us to better accomplish our mission and be relevant tomorrow.
I will have one more entry tomorrow on OGI, a summary of the conference.
Before I close here is one more bit of food for thought, a quote by William Gibson cited during the conference, "The future is here, it is just not evenly distributed yet."
For a more detailed account of the day check out the Twitter stream @armyimcom.
It is opening silos and breaking down stovepipes: The key today is no longer withholding information but to share it with as wide an audience as is feasible. Social media is not a passing fad and DoD leadership has come out strong in support of it. The public trend toward openness and increased collaboration support this decision too.
Consider this trend put forth by Michael Nelson, Georgetown University professor, "Currently there are approximately 1.5 billion devices connected to the Internet, by 2020 the estimate is that number will be over one trillion." One trillion devices! Think about that number and what it means. Think about the opportunities and challenges that will bring.
The social media tools that are currently being used, like wikis, blogs, social networking sites, podcasts and the tools of the future are not meant to replace relationships and processes but to complement and enhance them. It becomes a new way of doing work, a better way to collaborate and to share information. There will be challenges, no doubt, and it will require a change in culture, but the end result will allow us to better accomplish our mission and be relevant tomorrow.
I will have one more entry tomorrow on OGI, a summary of the conference.
Before I close here is one more bit of food for thought, a quote by William Gibson cited during the conference, "The future is here, it is just not evenly distributed yet."
For a more detailed account of the day check out the Twitter stream @armyimcom.
Blogging from the Open Government and Innovations Conference
At the Open Government and Innovations Conference Deputy DoD CIO Dave Wennergren outlined his top 10 tips for change management. There is some good insight here that can be of value to IMCOM. He started from number ten and worked down and I shall do the same.
10. We must Ride the waves of change.
9. We need to move with speed and plant the seeds of change.
8. Polarity management.
7. Too often status quo gets a bye and change is feared. Turn this on its head.
6. Storytelling is important.
5. Leverage the concept of teams and partners
4. Power of alignment. Look and analyze how you are aligned and organized.
3. Be a learning culture.
2. Transparency and trust is key.
1. Be a positive force of change in the organization.
There they are, the Deputy DoD Chief Information Officer's tips for change management.
10. We must Ride the waves of change.
9. We need to move with speed and plant the seeds of change.
8. Polarity management.
7. Too often status quo gets a bye and change is feared. Turn this on its head.
6. Storytelling is important.
5. Leverage the concept of teams and partners
4. Power of alignment. Look and analyze how you are aligned and organized.
3. Be a learning culture.
2. Transparency and trust is key.
1. Be a positive force of change in the organization.
There they are, the Deputy DoD Chief Information Officer's tips for change management.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Greetings from day one of the Open Government and Innovations Conference
A lot of great briefings and information was presented today. The day started with an excellent welcome address by David Wennergren, the Deputy DoD CIO about how government and the DoD need to “relentlessly collaborate” in order to be successful in the new age of open government and transparency. He was followed by Aneesh Chopra, the US Chief Technology Officer, who reiterated the President's commitment to innovative and open government. The other two keynote speakers, Tim O'Reilly and David Weinberger, discussed government as a platform and transparency as a virtue.
In a nutshell, it will be necessary for IMCOM and CFIS to not only use the new technology, but also to address the organizational and process issues to achieve convergence through and open standards. This will allow IMCOM to leverage its current investments and build, innovate and partner with our stakeholders and customers. As noted by Wennergren, the technology will continue to progress, but unless we move forward with practical processes and useful data, “a self inflicted denial of service” will be created.
Trust and transparency are built through open and honest dialogue among stakeholders and customers. It’s not a monologue, it’s a conversation. Requirements come from those who are using the data to inform their decisions, so policymakers and providers need to engage them in a conversation to understand those requirements. Roles are not static, but relative and changing. Someone is a consumer of data one moment, a producer of data the next. The volume of data overwhelms users, so metadata and strategies to organize data are critical elements. Needed is the ability to rapidly sort the wheat from the chaff, but one person’s wheat is another persons chaff. Each user needs to make the decision of what applies to them.
If there are any questions or comments let me know! Stay tuned, tomorrow we’ll focus more on how we can successfully use available tools for both us and our customers.
In a nutshell, it will be necessary for IMCOM and CFIS to not only use the new technology, but also to address the organizational and process issues to achieve convergence through and open standards. This will allow IMCOM to leverage its current investments and build, innovate and partner with our stakeholders and customers. As noted by Wennergren, the technology will continue to progress, but unless we move forward with practical processes and useful data, “a self inflicted denial of service” will be created.
Trust and transparency are built through open and honest dialogue among stakeholders and customers. It’s not a monologue, it’s a conversation. Requirements come from those who are using the data to inform their decisions, so policymakers and providers need to engage them in a conversation to understand those requirements. Roles are not static, but relative and changing. Someone is a consumer of data one moment, a producer of data the next. The volume of data overwhelms users, so metadata and strategies to organize data are critical elements. Needed is the ability to rapidly sort the wheat from the chaff, but one person’s wheat is another persons chaff. Each user needs to make the decision of what applies to them.
If there are any questions or comments let me know! Stay tuned, tomorrow we’ll focus more on how we can successfully use available tools for both us and our customers.
Monday, July 20, 2009
IMCOM's CFIS Guest Blogger
Hi, I’m a strategic analyst supporting the IMCOM Center for Future Installation Strategies and it is my privilege to be the first guest blogger for The Army’s Home, the IMCOM blog.
One of our major goals at CFIS is to identify long range trends that will impact the Army and IMCOM. While CFIS is usually looking from 20-25 years out, there are times things pop up a lot closer that will have an immediate impact and need to be addressed. What I am referring to is the current Administration’s commitment to open government and transparency.
This issue brings several questions to my mind: How will those initiatives impact the Army and IMCOM? How do we utilize new tools and social media better and still be cognizant of operational security? What other new technologies are coming down the pipe that will help us accomplish these goals?
My goal over the next few days is to look for insight and guidance on such questions while I attend the Open Government and Innovations Conference that will be taking place in Washington, DC, from July 21-22. The conference will explore “an opportunity to collaboratively explore how government can use - and is already using - social media tools and social software to achieve President Obama’s call for government transparency, participation, collaboration and innovation.”
Of interest for tomorrow, July 21, will be the keynote addresses by Aneesh Chopra, federal CTO, and Tim O’Reilly, Web 2.0 visionary, along with the following presentations: Use of New Media by DoD, Innovations in the Science and Tech Communities and the Town Hall Meeting with Vivek Kundra, federal CIO. I will bring back the highlights thoughts, and summarize the day’s events at The Army’s Home blog.
I encourage all comments, questions and suggestions. Get them in early and I will try to get answers for you. This is a great opportunity to get a dialogue going about a topic that will affect all of us.
For more information on the Open Government and Innovations Conference head over to : http://opengovinnovations.com/
For more information on CFIS check us out at: https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/608884
One of our major goals at CFIS is to identify long range trends that will impact the Army and IMCOM. While CFIS is usually looking from 20-25 years out, there are times things pop up a lot closer that will have an immediate impact and need to be addressed. What I am referring to is the current Administration’s commitment to open government and transparency.
This issue brings several questions to my mind: How will those initiatives impact the Army and IMCOM? How do we utilize new tools and social media better and still be cognizant of operational security? What other new technologies are coming down the pipe that will help us accomplish these goals?
My goal over the next few days is to look for insight and guidance on such questions while I attend the Open Government and Innovations Conference that will be taking place in Washington, DC, from July 21-22. The conference will explore “an opportunity to collaboratively explore how government can use - and is already using - social media tools and social software to achieve President Obama’s call for government transparency, participation, collaboration and innovation.”
Of interest for tomorrow, July 21, will be the keynote addresses by Aneesh Chopra, federal CTO, and Tim O’Reilly, Web 2.0 visionary, along with the following presentations: Use of New Media by DoD, Innovations in the Science and Tech Communities and the Town Hall Meeting with Vivek Kundra, federal CIO. I will bring back the highlights thoughts, and summarize the day’s events at The Army’s Home blog.
I encourage all comments, questions and suggestions. Get them in early and I will try to get answers for you. This is a great opportunity to get a dialogue going about a topic that will affect all of us.
For more information on the Open Government and Innovations Conference head over to : http://opengovinnovations.com/
For more information on CFIS check us out at: https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/608884
Congress Acting To Aid Troops, Vets, Families
From Army Times
July 27, 2009
Pg. 5
Congress Acting To Aid Troops, Vets, Families
By Nancy Pelosi
One of the most important pledges the military makes in combat is to never leave a service member behind on the battlefield.
In the New Direction Congress, we believe that we must leave no veteran or military family member behind.
Working with America's veterans and military family organizations, Congress recently has passed several critical initiatives to benefit our nation's heroes, past and present, and the military families who support them in service.
At the beginning of the 111th Congress, veterans groups began advocating in earnest for funding three key Veterans Affairs Department initiatives in advance of the start of each fiscal year. Otherwise known as"advanced appropriations," this will provide VA with ample time to plan the most efficient and effective health care delivery system to an increasing number of veterans with ever more complex medical conditions. Last month, the House authorized this budget plan by an overwhelming majority.
The House also recently passed a bill recognizing the health care difficulties faced by women veterans. The Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, authored by Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, D-S.D., calls on VA to study barriers to women veterans who seek health care, improve the status of medical care for newborn children of women veterans, and enhance sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder treatment programs for women. This legislation will expand and improve VA health care services for the 1.8 million women who have bravely served.
For our troops and their families serving at home and abroad, Congress recently has dramatically increased critical support services. Recently passed legislation will provide 185,000 service members with $500 stipends for every month their enlistments were involuntarily extended under stop-loss orders.
It also gives our service members a 3.4 percent pay raise and funds construction of nine wounded warrior support complexes and 25 child care centers.
Earlier this year, I heard directly from military spouses who felt forgotten amid the chaos of war. By directing critical funding to these initiatives, by passing a resolution recognizing 2009 as the "Year of the Military Family" and by bringing their stories to the forefront of the public debate, I believe we are beginning to address this real concern.
Finally, under the leadership of Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Texas, the House passed the fiscal 2010 military construction and veterans affairs appropriations bill, which included record funding levels for Defense Department facilities and VA health care services, including $4.6 billion for mental health and $3.2 billion for programs aimed at caring for homeless vets.
In addition, this bill will allow VA to hire 1,200 claims processors, bringing the total of new hires to 8,300 since January 2007. We have heard countless times from veterans across the country that the slow pace of claims processing frustrates VA's mission to provide timely quality health care. With passage of this bill, Congress has provided a 58 percent increase in funding for veterans health care and benefits since January 2007.
Congress has built a significant record of accomplishments for veterans and military families. But our work is far from over, and I intend to close the 111th session of Congress with an even more impressive list of accomplishments.
The writer is speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
July 27, 2009
Pg. 5
Congress Acting To Aid Troops, Vets, Families
By Nancy Pelosi
One of the most important pledges the military makes in combat is to never leave a service member behind on the battlefield.
In the New Direction Congress, we believe that we must leave no veteran or military family member behind.
Working with America's veterans and military family organizations, Congress recently has passed several critical initiatives to benefit our nation's heroes, past and present, and the military families who support them in service.
At the beginning of the 111th Congress, veterans groups began advocating in earnest for funding three key Veterans Affairs Department initiatives in advance of the start of each fiscal year. Otherwise known as"advanced appropriations," this will provide VA with ample time to plan the most efficient and effective health care delivery system to an increasing number of veterans with ever more complex medical conditions. Last month, the House authorized this budget plan by an overwhelming majority.
The House also recently passed a bill recognizing the health care difficulties faced by women veterans. The Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, authored by Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, D-S.D., calls on VA to study barriers to women veterans who seek health care, improve the status of medical care for newborn children of women veterans, and enhance sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder treatment programs for women. This legislation will expand and improve VA health care services for the 1.8 million women who have bravely served.
For our troops and their families serving at home and abroad, Congress recently has dramatically increased critical support services. Recently passed legislation will provide 185,000 service members with $500 stipends for every month their enlistments were involuntarily extended under stop-loss orders.
It also gives our service members a 3.4 percent pay raise and funds construction of nine wounded warrior support complexes and 25 child care centers.
Earlier this year, I heard directly from military spouses who felt forgotten amid the chaos of war. By directing critical funding to these initiatives, by passing a resolution recognizing 2009 as the "Year of the Military Family" and by bringing their stories to the forefront of the public debate, I believe we are beginning to address this real concern.
Finally, under the leadership of Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Texas, the House passed the fiscal 2010 military construction and veterans affairs appropriations bill, which included record funding levels for Defense Department facilities and VA health care services, including $4.6 billion for mental health and $3.2 billion for programs aimed at caring for homeless vets.
In addition, this bill will allow VA to hire 1,200 claims processors, bringing the total of new hires to 8,300 since January 2007. We have heard countless times from veterans across the country that the slow pace of claims processing frustrates VA's mission to provide timely quality health care. With passage of this bill, Congress has provided a 58 percent increase in funding for veterans health care and benefits since January 2007.
Congress has built a significant record of accomplishments for veterans and military families. But our work is far from over, and I intend to close the 111th session of Congress with an even more impressive list of accomplishments.
The writer is speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Friday, July 17, 2009
New Qualification Course trains Army's Knowledge Management sections
What is it?
For several years, those trying to make KM work in units had no doctrine, training or organizational structure to assist them. Help is on the way. In August 2008, FM 6-01.1, Knowledge Management Section, was published. While designed primarily for brigades and divisions, it also has applicability for other echelons. The organizational structure for KM sections at the Brigade Combat Team, division, corps and Army Service Component Command levels was added during the refinement process. Beginning July 13, 2009, the Army now has a KM Qualification Course.
What has the Army done?
As the Army Operational Knowledge Management Proponent, the Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth is responsible for developing an enduring knowledge management capability across the Army. For the last six months, CAC's Battle Command Knowledge System has been developing the Army Knowledge Management Qualification Course. The course will produce a Knowledge Management Professional Additional Skill Identifier/Skill Identifier which will allow the Army to track the trained personnel. Along with FM 6-01.1 and the soon-to-be-published KM Section Handbook (virtual), Soldiers will have both the "what is KM" as well as the "how to do KM" and ready-to-use KM tips and lessons learned.
Why is this important to the Army?
BCKS is conducting the first of three pilot courses, July 13 - Aug. 14, 2009. Grounded in FM 6-01.1 and FM 3-0, Operations, this course includes separate tracks for officers and NCO content managers. The course is designed to produce KM Sections that can plan, coordinate and synchronize KM; and to train them on various KM processes and technologies, such as the Warfighter Forums and virtual right-seat ride tools.
The five-week course includes a CAPSTONE exercise designed to raise the level of training effectiveness with a KM-focused simulated exercise. The curriculum consists of a common core and individual instruction tailored to meet the special requirements of each duty position.
Some say knowledge is the Soldier's last competitive advantage, and that may be true when realizing that a smart and adaptive enemy is also looking for an edge. At a conference at Fort Leavenworth in March 2009, TRADOC Gen. Martin Dempsey said, "Knowledge management is one of the things that make warfare in the future different from warfare in the past."
For several years, those trying to make KM work in units had no doctrine, training or organizational structure to assist them. Help is on the way. In August 2008, FM 6-01.1, Knowledge Management Section, was published. While designed primarily for brigades and divisions, it also has applicability for other echelons. The organizational structure for KM sections at the Brigade Combat Team, division, corps and Army Service Component Command levels was added during the refinement process. Beginning July 13, 2009, the Army now has a KM Qualification Course.
What has the Army done?
As the Army Operational Knowledge Management Proponent, the Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth is responsible for developing an enduring knowledge management capability across the Army. For the last six months, CAC's Battle Command Knowledge System has been developing the Army Knowledge Management Qualification Course. The course will produce a Knowledge Management Professional Additional Skill Identifier/Skill Identifier which will allow the Army to track the trained personnel. Along with FM 6-01.1 and the soon-to-be-published KM Section Handbook (virtual), Soldiers will have both the "what is KM" as well as the "how to do KM" and ready-to-use KM tips and lessons learned.
Why is this important to the Army?
BCKS is conducting the first of three pilot courses, July 13 - Aug. 14, 2009. Grounded in FM 6-01.1 and FM 3-0, Operations, this course includes separate tracks for officers and NCO content managers. The course is designed to produce KM Sections that can plan, coordinate and synchronize KM; and to train them on various KM processes and technologies, such as the Warfighter Forums and virtual right-seat ride tools.
The five-week course includes a CAPSTONE exercise designed to raise the level of training effectiveness with a KM-focused simulated exercise. The curriculum consists of a common core and individual instruction tailored to meet the special requirements of each duty position.
Some say knowledge is the Soldier's last competitive advantage, and that may be true when realizing that a smart and adaptive enemy is also looking for an edge. At a conference at Fort Leavenworth in March 2009, TRADOC Gen. Martin Dempsey said, "Knowledge management is one of the things that make warfare in the future different from warfare in the past."
Monday, July 13, 2009
Barbecue Grill Safety
According to the Barbecue Industry Association, 66 million Americans cook outdoors regularly. Hopefully you will not be one of the people treated in emergency rooms this summer for injuries related to charcoal, propane and wood-burning grills. Outdoor cooking injuries can be avoided by observing the following safety precautions.
Before Cooking
• Instruct children on the dangers of a lit grill.
• Choose a safe grilling location away from children’s play areas and areas of heavy traffic. The area should be well-ventilated to avoid danger from carbon monoxide and other combustion by-products.
• Never grill inside or even in a semi-enclosed area, such as a tent or camper. Always grill on a flat, stable platform.
• Do not wear clothing that could contact the fire, such as hanging shirttails or dangling strings.
• Never leave a grill unattended.
Cooking With Propane (LP) Gas Grills
• Read the owner’s manual and operating instructions carefully.
• Use the exact type of tank and fuel specified.
• Check hoses and valve connections often by pouring soapy water on the connection points. If bubbles appear, retighten the connections and test again.
• Transfer and store liquid propane cylinders in an upright position and never where temperatures can reach 125 degrees.
• Whether using a grill lit by a match or pushbutton igniter, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cooking With Charcoal Grills
• Never start a fire with gasoline.
• If using an electric fire starter, use an insulated indoor/outdoor cord plugged into an outlet protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter.
• Be sure the ground is dry and do not standing in water when plugging the starter into an outlet.
• The starter will stay hot for several minutes after use, so place it out of the reach of children and on a surface that will not burn.
• If using instant-light briquettes: Spread instant-light briquettes into a single layer, making sure they touch at the edges. Light several of them at their edges with a match.
• If using standard charcoal briquettes: Stack standard briquettes in a pyramid to allow air to circulate around them, causing them to light faster. Apply lighter fluid before lighting; wait at least 1 minute before lighting to allow the lighter fluid to soak in. Never add fluid to the coals once they’ve been lit.
Flare-Ups: Fat from your meat will drip onto the fire. The fire ignites the fat, causing flare-ups. The following tips can help prevent flare-ups.
• Grill low-fat meat.
• Trim excess fat from your meat.
• Place a drip pan beneath the meat to catch fat before it hits the coals.
• Don’t place meat directly over the heat source.
• Keep the grill cover closed and adjust vents as necessary.
For other safety tips, visit http://www.imcom.army.mil/hq/officecom/staff/safety/
Before Cooking
• Instruct children on the dangers of a lit grill.
• Choose a safe grilling location away from children’s play areas and areas of heavy traffic. The area should be well-ventilated to avoid danger from carbon monoxide and other combustion by-products.
• Never grill inside or even in a semi-enclosed area, such as a tent or camper. Always grill on a flat, stable platform.
• Do not wear clothing that could contact the fire, such as hanging shirttails or dangling strings.
• Never leave a grill unattended.
Cooking With Propane (LP) Gas Grills
• Read the owner’s manual and operating instructions carefully.
• Use the exact type of tank and fuel specified.
• Check hoses and valve connections often by pouring soapy water on the connection points. If bubbles appear, retighten the connections and test again.
• Transfer and store liquid propane cylinders in an upright position and never where temperatures can reach 125 degrees.
• Whether using a grill lit by a match or pushbutton igniter, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cooking With Charcoal Grills
• Never start a fire with gasoline.
• If using an electric fire starter, use an insulated indoor/outdoor cord plugged into an outlet protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter.
• Be sure the ground is dry and do not standing in water when plugging the starter into an outlet.
• The starter will stay hot for several minutes after use, so place it out of the reach of children and on a surface that will not burn.
• If using instant-light briquettes: Spread instant-light briquettes into a single layer, making sure they touch at the edges. Light several of them at their edges with a match.
• If using standard charcoal briquettes: Stack standard briquettes in a pyramid to allow air to circulate around them, causing them to light faster. Apply lighter fluid before lighting; wait at least 1 minute before lighting to allow the lighter fluid to soak in. Never add fluid to the coals once they’ve been lit.
Flare-Ups: Fat from your meat will drip onto the fire. The fire ignites the fat, causing flare-ups. The following tips can help prevent flare-ups.
• Grill low-fat meat.
• Trim excess fat from your meat.
• Place a drip pan beneath the meat to catch fat before it hits the coals.
• Don’t place meat directly over the heat source.
• Keep the grill cover closed and adjust vents as necessary.
For other safety tips, visit http://www.imcom.army.mil/hq/officecom/staff/safety/
Friday, July 10, 2009
New School Policy for Fallen Warrior Dependents
The Department of Defense Education Activity announced it has changed a policy regarding the education of the dependents of Fallen Military members. The new policy states that currently enrolled students in Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools who are dependents of a Fallen Military Member may continue in DDESS schools without limitation, regardless of their physical residence or upcoming school transition points. The policy change is effective immediately.
The prior policy allowed currently enrolled DDESS students who were dependents of a Fallen Military Member to continue in DDESS schools until the end of the school year without any special permission. It allowed for students to stay in the DDESS school until they would normally transition to another school level, i.e. elementary school to middle school or middle school to high school.
“This change in policy will mean so much to military families who have had a loved one make the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,” said Dr. Shirley Miles, Director Department of Defense Education Activity. “It gives me a great deal of peace to know that we are taking care of the education of the families of our fallen military members for as long as they need our assistance. It’s the right thing to do.”
After reflecting on the previous policy and with input from families and commanders, DoDEA reevaluated the policy to ensure the organization was doing everything it could to assist families who lost their loved one in service to the nation.
Continued enrollment requires a one-time parental request to the respective school. Yearly registration is required and students will need to meet all other requirements for enrollment – student conduct standards, etc. The student’s family will have to assume responsibility for transportation.
DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates, and manages the education programs for DoD dependents who would otherwise not have access to a high-quality public education. DoDEA consists of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) located overseas, and DDESS schools located in the United States and its territories and possessions. DDESS operates 64 schools on 17 installations, organized into 5 districts with a total of just over 2,300 education professionals serving about 25,000 students.
There is a separate policy for dependents of Fallen Military Members enrolled in Department of Defense Dependents Schools. This policy allows the dependents of deceased active duty military members and DoD civilians to be able to enroll in DoDDS schools on a space available, tuition-free basis.
DoDEA provides education to eligible DoD military and civilian dependents from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. DoDEA also provides support and resources to Local Education Activities throughout the U.S. that serve children of military families.
The prior policy allowed currently enrolled DDESS students who were dependents of a Fallen Military Member to continue in DDESS schools until the end of the school year without any special permission. It allowed for students to stay in the DDESS school until they would normally transition to another school level, i.e. elementary school to middle school or middle school to high school.
“This change in policy will mean so much to military families who have had a loved one make the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,” said Dr. Shirley Miles, Director Department of Defense Education Activity. “It gives me a great deal of peace to know that we are taking care of the education of the families of our fallen military members for as long as they need our assistance. It’s the right thing to do.”
After reflecting on the previous policy and with input from families and commanders, DoDEA reevaluated the policy to ensure the organization was doing everything it could to assist families who lost their loved one in service to the nation.
Continued enrollment requires a one-time parental request to the respective school. Yearly registration is required and students will need to meet all other requirements for enrollment – student conduct standards, etc. The student’s family will have to assume responsibility for transportation.
DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates, and manages the education programs for DoD dependents who would otherwise not have access to a high-quality public education. DoDEA consists of the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) located overseas, and DDESS schools located in the United States and its territories and possessions. DDESS operates 64 schools on 17 installations, organized into 5 districts with a total of just over 2,300 education professionals serving about 25,000 students.
There is a separate policy for dependents of Fallen Military Members enrolled in Department of Defense Dependents Schools. This policy allows the dependents of deceased active duty military members and DoD civilians to be able to enroll in DoDDS schools on a space available, tuition-free basis.
DoDEA provides education to eligible DoD military and civilian dependents from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. DoDEA also provides support and resources to Local Education Activities throughout the U.S. that serve children of military families.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Is your family taking advantage of the free respite care provided by the Army Child, Youth and School Services?
Since October 2008, the Child, Youth and School Services directorate of the Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command – part of Army Installation Management Command – has provided more than a million free respite care hours at garrisons worldwide.
CYS provides free respite 16 hours per child per month for children of Soldiers who are deployed, starting 30 days prior to the deployment and continuing 60 days after.Parents need not be current CYS Services patrons to use deployment-cycle-support respite care – any custodial parent or legal guardian caring for a child of a deployed Soldier or Department of Defense civilian is eligible.Respite care is provided in numerous ways, including: designated Child Development Center spaces; family child care homes; summer camps for school-age children; trained babysitters referred to parents by CYS Services outreach offices; and parent/child play groups.
For more on the Army Family Covenant: http://www.army.mil/-news/2007/10/17/5641-army-leaders-sign-covenant-with-families; about IMCOM-Europe: http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/06/30/23634-covenant-continues-to-provide-for-army-families/?ref=news-europe-img7.
CYS provides free respite 16 hours per child per month for children of Soldiers who are deployed, starting 30 days prior to the deployment and continuing 60 days after.Parents need not be current CYS Services patrons to use deployment-cycle-support respite care – any custodial parent or legal guardian caring for a child of a deployed Soldier or Department of Defense civilian is eligible.Respite care is provided in numerous ways, including: designated Child Development Center spaces; family child care homes; summer camps for school-age children; trained babysitters referred to parents by CYS Services outreach offices; and parent/child play groups.
For more on the Army Family Covenant: http://www.army.mil/-news/2007/10/17/5641-army-leaders-sign-covenant-with-families; about IMCOM-Europe: http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/06/30/23634-covenant-continues-to-provide-for-army-families/?ref=news-europe-img7.
Monday, July 6, 2009
From The Washngton Post http://bit.ly/6n2ji: Excellent Army Spouse Commentary
From The Washington Post:
A Soldier's Wife
By Georgie Hanlin
Saturday, July 4, 2009
"My childhood friend of 31 years visited my home on base, in Quantico, a few months after I gave birth to my first baby. As we took a leisurely stroll one evening through the lingering humidity of early September, I explained to her how different military life is from the world in which we grew up in San Francisco. We passed rows of colorful houses on the tree-lined, manicured blocks and gazed at the playgrounds around the neighborhood, ready to welcome the children of the officers who live there. American flags hung from virtually every front door. The occasional 'My daddy fights for your freedom' bumper sticker adorned some vehicles. As we looped around the bend toward my house, my friend turned to me and asked, 'How do you accept what your husband does for a living?'"
For the remainder, please visit http://bit.ly/6n2ji
A Soldier's Wife
By Georgie Hanlin
Saturday, July 4, 2009
"My childhood friend of 31 years visited my home on base, in Quantico, a few months after I gave birth to my first baby. As we took a leisurely stroll one evening through the lingering humidity of early September, I explained to her how different military life is from the world in which we grew up in San Francisco. We passed rows of colorful houses on the tree-lined, manicured blocks and gazed at the playgrounds around the neighborhood, ready to welcome the children of the officers who live there. American flags hung from virtually every front door. The occasional 'My daddy fights for your freedom' bumper sticker adorned some vehicles. As we looped around the bend toward my house, my friend turned to me and asked, 'How do you accept what your husband does for a living?'"
For the remainder, please visit http://bit.ly/6n2ji
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
4th of July Message from LTG Wilson to Members of the Installation Management Team
This Independence Day, we celebrate our nation’s 233rd birthday. For the men and women in uniform, July Fourth is more than the birthday of our nation, it is a day we celebrate freedom.
As Americans, we continue to value our liberty with the same passion as those who signed the Declaration of Independence.
Freedom is cherished the most by those who defend it. The proud members of today’s great Army steadfastly pledge to defend the United States of America, just as those who fought to establish her.
Our nation has prospered because of the unwavering service and commitment of Soldiers, Civilians and Family members. You on the Installation Management Team, around the globe, contribute to the pursuit of liberty and justice. You do not take your duties lightly, because you know the price of freedom, and feel a sense of duty and service to country.
Thank you for your dedicated and selfless service to our Army and country. May God bless you and may God bless America.
ROBERT WILSON
Lieutenant General, USA
Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management
Commanding General, Installation Management Command
As Americans, we continue to value our liberty with the same passion as those who signed the Declaration of Independence.
Freedom is cherished the most by those who defend it. The proud members of today’s great Army steadfastly pledge to defend the United States of America, just as those who fought to establish her.
Our nation has prospered because of the unwavering service and commitment of Soldiers, Civilians and Family members. You on the Installation Management Team, around the globe, contribute to the pursuit of liberty and justice. You do not take your duties lightly, because you know the price of freedom, and feel a sense of duty and service to country.
Thank you for your dedicated and selfless service to our Army and country. May God bless you and may God bless America.
ROBERT WILSON
Lieutenant General, USA
Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management
Commanding General, Installation Management Command
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)