PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY www.ausa.org April 17, 2025 | AUSA Extra 1 Wilson: Installations key to Army strength A rmy installations must act now to become more agile, re- silient and adaptable as the service prepares for a future where the homeland is no longer a sanctu- ary, a senior Army leader said. “Our world is more unpredictable than ever,” said Lt. Gen. David Wil- son, deputy Army chief of staff for installations, G-9. “The question we must ask ourselves is, how do we en- sure our Army is prepared to fight and win in the most complex security environment of our time?” The answer is Army installations, Wilson said Thursday during a key- note presentation at an Association of the U.S. Army Hot Topic titled, “Transforming Army Installations: Our Foundations of Warfighter Read- iness and Lethality.” Lt. Gen. David Wilson, deputy Army chief of staff for installations, G-9, speaks Thursday during an AUSA Hot Topic focused on Army installations. (AUSA PHOTO) Harding Paper Explores AI's Role in Planning 3 New Processes Improve Recruitment, Retention 4 Family Readiness Celebrating Military Children 6 Chapter Highlights George Washington 7 IN THIS ISSUE VOLUME 6 NUMBER 49 APRIL 17, 2025 “They’re not just places where our soldiers live, train or play,” he said. “They’re our power projection platforms, the launching pads from which we deploy our forces around the globe to deter aggression and, if necessary, engage in combat.” The Army can no longer afford to think of its installations as static fa- cilities or safe havens, Wilson said. “Our installations must be agile, re- silient and capable of supporting mul- tidomain operations,” he said. “Our installations must integrate cutting- edge technology such as [unmanned aerial systems] and counter-UAS, enhance force readiness through the modernization of our training ar- eas, our ranges and our facilities, as well as remain secure against cyber, physical or environmental threats.” In addition to building the resil- ience of its installations, the Army must do the same for the people who live and work there, Wilson said. “They have to be part of the equa- tion,” he said. “They must be pre- pared for the challenges of a more contested, unpredictable future.” Maintaining agile and resilient installations is not just an Army is- sue, it’s a national endeavor, Wilson said. “The strength of our Army does not begin on the battlefield,” he said. “It begins here on the installations where we mobilize, train, prepare and deploy. The installation of the future will determine our ability to fight both abroad and at home. They’re not just places on a map. They’re the very foundation of our national defense.”www.ausa.org ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY April 17, 2025 | AUSA Extra 3 Paper: Artificial intelligence can aid leaders’ planning B alancing traditional planning methods and targeted artifi- cial intelligence integration will help Army leaders and their staffs maximize their effectiveness, according to a new paper published by the Association of the U.S. Army. “Military professionals must grap- ple with the advantages in speed and manpower afforded by AI relative to the understanding and adaptability that result from deliberate planning processes,” Maj. Matt Tetreau writes. “The promises of accelerated deci- sionmaking processes and smaller headquarters footprints could prove advantageous, if not decisive, in fu- ture high-intensity conflicts.” In “Harnessing the Algorithm: Shaping the Future of AI-Enabled Staff,” Tetreau underscores the value of integrating AI into certain aspects of military planning and decision- making. AI can complete some things that military staffs are tasked with, but “delegating higher-order cognitive tasks to AI risks sacrificing the shared understanding that results from rigorous collective analysis,” Tetreau writes. Tetreau is an Army strategist on the Army Forces Command staff and is a fellow with the LTG (Ret.) James M. Dubik Writing Fellows Program. He has a master’s degree Cindy Risch joined AUSA's Family Readiness team in October. A former soldier, Cindy is also an Army mom and Army wife whose soldier retired in July after 36 years on active duty. She has three children who live in Florida, Texas and Nevada, nine grandchildren and one furry little bi- chon. Cindy's favorite thing is spend- ing time with her grandkids. Meet the AUSA headquarters staff Cindy Risch Family Readiness Program Manager Soldiers assigned to Army Futures Command's Artificial Intelligence Integration Center discuss how to use an unmanned aircraft system to locate targets during exercises at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California. (U.S. ARMY/SPC. REBECA SORIA) from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service. Given the “meaning-making” that comes from planning with peers, AI is best for tasks with a defined prob- lem that may be “tedious, time-con- suming or involve more data than hu- mans can reliably process,” Tetreau writes. “In the not-so-distant future, commanders will confront the deci- sion of which tasks they delegate to AI,” he writes. “For the foreseeable future, however, I suggest that hu- mans maintain a firm grasp on the responsibility to define and analyze problems” to “build shared under- standing, promote adaptability and ensure that we are solving the cor- rect problem.” Tetreau’s paper is part of AUSA’s Harding Papers series, which was launched in conjunction with the Ar- my’s Harding Project, an initiative that aims to revitalize scholarship and writing across the force. Though AI is a key tool for decision- makers, “war is a fundamentally hu- man endeavor,” Tetreau concludes. “Our use of AI should be bounded not by the state of the technology, but by the points at which the tool no longer facilitates analytically sound human decisionmaking, … and our use of AI should augment, rather than replace, the analytical force of our human commanders and staff,” he writes. Read the paper here. www.ausa.org 4 AUSA Extra | April 17, 2025 Gen. Bob Brown, USA Ret. President and CEO, AUSA Lt. Gen. Leslie Smith, USA Ret. Vice President, Leadership and Education, AUSA Luc Dunn Editor Desiree Hurlocker Advertising Manager Advertising Information Contact: Fox Associates Inc. 116 W. Kinzie St. • Chicago, IL 60654 Phone: 800-440-0231 Email: adinfo.rmy@foxrep.com ARTICLES. Articles appearing in AUSA Extra do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the officers or members of the Council of Trustees of AUSA, or its editors. Articles are expres- sions of personal opinion and should not be interpreted as reflecting the official opinion of the Department of Defense nor of any branch, command, installation or agency of the Depart- ment of Defense. The publication assumes no responsibility for any unsolicited material. Email: extra@ausa.org ADVERTISING. Neither AUSA Extra, nor its publisher, the Association of the United States Army, makes any representations, warranties or endorsements as to the truth and accuracy of the advertisements appearing herein, and no such representations, warranties or en- dorsements should be implied or inferred from the appearance of the advertisements in the publication. The advertisers are solely respon- sible for the contents of such advertisements. MEMBERSHIP RATES. To celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday, from April 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2025, membership rates are reduced to a five-year Premium rate of $50 and a two- year Premium rate of $30. Lifetime member- ship is $250. A special Premium rate of $10 for two years is open to E1–E4 and cadets only. Two-year Basic membership with select ben- efits is free. Learn more at www.ausa.org/join . Voice for the Army – Support For the Soldier PERK OF THE WEEK ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY Eifler: Army streamlining, improving talent management enterprise T he Army is refining its tal- ent management processes to keep pace with the demands of large-scale combat operations, the service’s top personnel officer said. “Our Army is lethal, cohesive and ready. We are proud, but we are not satisfied,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Eifler, Army deputy chief of staff for per- sonnel, G-1. “The goal is to improve, streamline and renovate how we do things in the [human resources] community to be faster and more ef- ficient. Our readiness for large-scale combat operations depends on it.” Testifying before the Senate Armed Services personnel subcommittee, Eifler said that the Army plans to overhaul its retention processes to “ensure quality over quantity and provide leaders the right skills for our formations.” Some retention changes include using data analytics to support re- tention targets and modernizing the enlisted retention program and the centralized promotion board system, Eifler said in his written testimony. After struggling to meet its re- cruiting goals, the Army’s transfor- Sgt. Jeremy Jackson, left, with the 1st Armored Division, recites the oath of enlistment in front of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll during a reenlistment ceremony April 10 at Draws- ko Pomorskie Combat Training Center, Poland. (U.S. ARMY/PFC. NATHAN ARELLANO TLACZANI) mation of its recruiting enterprise is already paying off, Eifler said. “A couple years ago, we completely revamped it,” he said. “Over the last 12 to 18 months, … we're seeing … the fruition.” He added, “Last year was a good year, this year is a great year.” Just six months into the fiscal year, the Army has recruited over 50,000 recruits. The goal is to bring in 61,000 new soldiers by the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, Eifler said. The service is undergoing a “funda- mental transformation,” Eifler wrote in his written testimony. “We are adapting and changing capabilities, force structure and recruiting enter- prise in order to recruit and retain the best talent for our all-volunteer Army,” he said. “We are committed to upholding standards, merit-based leadership, and are prioritizing safety and well- being of our personnel,” Eifler wrote. “This relationship and these invest- ments in our people will ensure the Army’s readiness today and into the future.” AUSA members receive a 20% dis- count at any of the more than 680 Red Roof locations nationwide. Use VP# 622590 at www.ausa.org/red or by calling 1-800-RED-ROOF. Don’t forget, pets stay free at Red Roof.www.ausa.org ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY April 17, 2025 | AUSA Extra 5 O n Tuesday, the Association of the U.S. Army's Senior Fellows came together at the association's headquarters in Arling- ton, Virginia, to hear from AUSA's leadership and discuss ways to sup- port the association's mission. The Senior Fellows program was established to assist with strategic communications, develop policy po- sitions, promote Army professional development and education, and edu- cate the American public on the criti- cal importance of the Army. “The annual gathering of AUSA’s Senior Fellows fostered thoughtful engagement that furthered the asso- ciation’s mission to educate, inform and connect,” said Alana Jewett, assistant director of operations and planning in AUSA’s Education and Programs directorate and Senior Fellows program manager. Senior Fellows receive updates at AUSA headquarters Retired Gen. Bob Brown, center, AUSA president and CEO, addresses the association’s Senior Fellows on Tuesday at AUSA headquarters. (AUSA PHOTO)www.ausa.org 6 AUSA Extra | April 17, 2025 ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY Celebrating military children with United Through Reading A s a military spouse, I’ve learned that service doesn’t stop at the uniform—it’s a family mission. At the heart of that family are the resilient, brave and adaptable mili- tary children who often don’t get the spotlight they deserve. That’s why April, the Month of the Military Child, holds such a special place in my heart. It’s our chance to honor their sacrifices, celebrate their strength and amplify the unique chal- lenges and triumphs of their lives. In 1986, Defense Secretary Cas- par Weinberger designated April as Month of the Military Child. Mili- tary installations, cities and school districts honor these young Ameri- can heroes with special events just for them. One of the high- lights of this year’s lead-up to the Month of the Mili- tary Child was a gathering hosted in March by the Association of the U.S. Army’s Family Readiness directorate in partnership with United Through Reading. The program allows service members to record themselves read- ing books for their families to watch and enjoy while they’re away, bridg- ing the emotional gap caused by de- ployments and separations. United Through Reading plays an important role in supporting military families by fostering con- nections and resilience through the power of storytelling. This initiative not only strengthens family bonds but promotes early childhood literacy and emotional well-being. “AUSA is proud to partner with United Through Reading to sup- port military families,” said retired Gen. Bob Brown, AUSA president and CEO. “Their mission is incred- ibly important, providing opportuni- ties for service members to connect with their loved ones while navigat- ing the unique challenges of military service.” Family Readiness We were honored to be there as United Through Reading unveiled its special book selection for the Month of the Military Child, Sometimes Apart, Always in My Heart: Helping Military Families Send Love from Far Away. With 13,000 copies dis- tributed to military installations, libraries and community events, this book by bestselling children's author Tish Rabe honors the courage and strength of military children, ensur- ing that they feel seen, understood and celebrated. Visit https://unitedthroughread- ing.org/app/ to learn more and down- load the free app. As we continue to celebrate the Month of the Military Child, please join AUSA Family Readiness in sup- porting organizations like United Through Reading that celebrate the stories of our incredible military kids. Whether it’s through shared stories, community events or sim- ply wearing purple, every gesture of support uplifts the hearts of military children. To all the military children out there, thank you for your courage, your strength and your endless love. You are the heart of this commu- nity, and we salute you. Cindy Risch is AUSA's Family Readiness program manager. Retired Gen. Bob Brown, AUSA president and CEO, speaks at AUSA headquarters during an event where United Through Reading announced its book selection for the Month of the Military Child, Sometimes Apart, Always in My Heart: Helping Military Families Send Love from Far Away . (AUSA PHOTO) Sally Ann Zoll, center, interim CEO of United Through Reading, speaks with at- tendees at a 'Book Tasting' event hosted in partnership with AUSA's Family Readi- ness directorate. (AUSA PHOTO)www.ausa.org ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY April 17, 2025 | AUSA Extra 7 Army G-4 discusses logistics transformation at chapter event Soldiers with the 8th Theater Sustainment Command facilitate cargo offloading April 6 from the SSGT Robert T. Kuroda LSV-7, an Army logistics support vessel, during exer- cise Salaknib 2025 at Dingalan Bay in the Philippines. (U.S. ARMY/STAFF SGT. TRISTAN MOORE) E fforts to transform the Army's logistics enterprise center on using technology to drive pre- cision sustainment, demand reduc- tion and advanced power storage, said Lt. Gen. Heidi Hoyle, deputy Army chief of staff for logistics, G-4. In remarks April 3 at the monthly meeting of the Association of the U.S. Army’s George Washington chapter in Arlington, Virginia, Hoyle said that with sustainment brigades now part of the Army’s transformation in contact initiative, experimentation with new technology is playing an important part in modernizing logis- tics and integrating new capabilities with combat formations. Noting that transformation in contact is taking place over 18 to 24 months and is “re- ally just the first phase” of continu- ous transforma- tion, Hoyle explained that persistent experimentation is critical because it takes place outside of “traditional Army processes.” “It is a time that does not have tra- ditional Army processes behind it. … It is a time for us to prototype, a time for us to experiment and a time for us to get equipment in the hands of the soldiers,” she said. “I'm not talking about programs of record that take multiple years to develop. What I'm talking about is emerging technolo- gies, things like unmanned aerial systems, things like countering un- manned aerial systems, things like autonomous delivery.” Hoyle’s office works closely with Army Futures Command’s Contest- ed Logistics Cross-Functional Team to address the most pressing chal- lenges in modernizing the logistics enterprise. Using precision sustainment as an example, Hoyle spoke of being able to predict when a part is going to fail by using existing data. “Predictive logistics is not about looking at past failures, and predictive logistics is George Washington not about [loading] up a vehicle with multiple sensors to be able to say that ‘This is going to fail,’ OK? It’s about using the data that is on the platform now,” Hoyle said. In another example, Hoyle pointed out that over time, the Army has gotten heavier, wider and more fuel- hungry by building formations and add- ing equipment. This has made it harder for maintainers to do their jobs. “As we’ve done all that, we didn't re-engi- neer how we conducted [maintenance] on those vehicles, so we made it harder to conduct main- tenance,” she said, adding that re- ducing the demand for fuel will be essential to keeping soldiers safe on the battlefield. When platforms became heavier, more soldiers hit the road to fuel them, she said, so “we are think- ing about protection in different ways now, keeping the soldiers off the road, keeping the soldiers off the battlefield,” with autonomous deliv- ery capabilities. Experiments also are taking place with power and energy solutions, she said. “Right now, hybrid systems are what we believe and what we've observed in the exercises that we've been conducting [as] being very beneficial to how we conduct op- erations” and cutting down on the need for big, loud, fuel-hungry generators. “Every single thing we do right now with technology, capability, new materials, 3D printing, advanced manufacturing is making a differ- ence, and it’s going to keep our sons and daughters safe, it’s going to keep our grandkids at home and out of harm’s way,” Hoyle said. It is a time for us to prototype, a time for us to experiment and a time for us to get equipment in the hands of the soldiers.”Next >