PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY www.ausa.org May 4, 2023 | AUSA Extra 1 Army force structure changes coming T he Army is “largely on track” with its transformation priori- ties, with some restructuring of the force required to be ready to fight and win future wars, Army leaders told the Senate Appropriations de- fense subcommittee. Continuing recruiting challenges make this a complicated and neces- sary adjustment, they said. In their fourth and final congres- sional hearing focused on the Army’s current posture and the fiscal 2024 budget, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth, who testified alongside Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McCo- nville, acknowledged that recruiting is a problem with wide implications. “We are seeing improvements in our recruiting situation over last year,” she said at the hearing Tues- day, but the Army likely won’t meet its recruiting target this year. The Army missed it goal last year as well, by about 15,000 recruits. “We do not want a hollow Army,” Wormuth said. Army leaders have been reviewing potential changes in the size of units with the goal of “thinning out” some organizations. First responder units need to be fully manned. Others may not, she said. New systems coming online in the next 10 years will need to be staffed, while other systems could be stream- lined, she said. “We would like to avoid major changes,” she said, adding that she expects to have a long-range plan ready for congressional review in a few months. No final decisions are re- quired until 2025, but planning needs to begin now, she said. McConville said some systems will be more important than others in fu- ture warfare, which will be part of the changes. The Army needs to remain ready to fight as the force structure adjustments are being made. “We are a ready Army, and we continue to em- phasize readiness in everything we do,” said McConville, who will retire this summer. The 2024 defense budget request pending before Congress includes $185.5 billion for the Army, a flat or slightly declining amount. The Army has provided Congress with a sepa- rate $1.9 billion list of unfunded pri- orities. Wormuth said the budget request is enough for the current year, but future budgets must increase to cover costs for new systems. “I worry how we are going to manage the out-years,” she said, predicting that financial needs will arise in 2030 and beyond. Soldiers with the 82nd Airborne Division perform and learn ambush techniques and teamwork during training at the Lightning Academy, Hawaii. (U.S. ARMY/PFC. MARIAH AGUILAR) Recruiting Efforts have ‘Positive Momentum’ 3 Army Deterring Russia, China in Europe 4 Government Affairs Leaders Testify before Congress 6 Member Benefits Fitness, Retirement Savings 7 Chapter Highlights Coastal South Carolina Texas Capital Area 8 IN THIS ISSUE VOLUME 5 NUMBER 1 MAY 4, 2023Day / night use optic Onboard ballistic computer Integrated laser range finder Ballistically compensated 2 MOA red dot Programmed for use on: M3E1 MAAWS, M2 .50 BMG, MK 19 & MK 47 Grenade Launchers, H&K GMG, AT4, M240D/H, & M134 Minigun Additional weapons can be added based on customer needs Communicates with programming units for 40mm HV airburst munitions Available accessories: 3XL Magnifier & TH60 thermal imager A direct view optic for crew-served weapons that greatly increases first round hit probability on both static & moving targets. FCS13RE ™ M03552 CLICK HERE FOR PRODUCT INFORMATION AND DEMO VIDEOSwww.ausa.org ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY May 4, 2023 | AUSA Extra 3 Recruiting commander highlights ‘positive momentum’ A rmy Recruiting Command is “shooting for the stars” as it works to reintroduce service- eligible individuals to the Army, the two-star in charge said. “We’re about to shoot for the stars in terms of where we can take the force in terms of recruiting,” said Maj. Gen. Johnny Davis, command - ing general of Recruiting Command. “As we face [recruiting] challenges, we are starting to see this positive momentum.” Speaking Tuesday during an As- sociation of the U.S. Army Noon Report webinar, Davis said that he remains optimistic about Army re- cruiting efforts even though the ser- vice faces a challenging recruiting environment, stiff competition from civilian employers and a shrinking pool of eligible and interested poten- tial recruits. This year, the Army has set an am- bitious goal to recruit 65,000 people by Sept. 30. With recruiters entering schools for the first time in two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Future soldier Isantae Howard-Coleman, left, speaks with Sgt. James Wright of the 1st Infantry Division prior to taking the oath of enlistment April 18 with other recruits at the Douthit Gunnery Complex at Fort Riley, Kansas. (U.S. ARMY/SGT. JARED SIMMONS) AUSA Basic Members can now view a selection of articles from the May issue of ARMY magazine. To read the articles, click here. ARMY magazine May issue they are up against an awareness and knowledge gap, Davis said. “One of the biggest [issues] that my recruiters shared with me is this general lack of awareness and knowl- edge,” he said. “I think getting the recruiters back into schools is a big deal.” The Army also has introduced several benefits to encourage young people to join. So-called “quick ship” bonuses, given to qualified recruits who ship quickly to basic training, and offering recruits the duty station of their choice have been particularly well received, Davis said. Davis also praised the Future Soldier Preparatory Course, which helps young people meet the Army’s physical or academic standards, call- ing it “transformative.” “In just two weeks, you’ll start to see a change,” he said. Nearly 5,000 people have gone through the course, he said. “Quality over quantity al- ways. … What we’re seeing is they enter basic training, and because of their time [in the course], they really take on leadership roles [during basic training],” Davis said. Internally, the Army continues to refine the way it recruits and selects soldiers to become recruiters. “We’ve changed a lot of different things in how we approach training,” Davis said. One effort is to increase family in- volvement in the recruiter training process. “We want them to be allowed to be a part of the assignment pro- cess of where they go,” Davis said. “We want the families to be involved … [and] that has been totally trans- formational in terms of what we’re doing for investing in our families.” The Army also is seeing success since it reintroduced its “Be All You Can Be” marketing campaign in March, Davis said. “It connects quickly with … not just the young generation, but with my generation and the generation that invested in me,” he said. As the Army continues to work on recruiting, Davis urged veterans to share their stories with service- eligible individuals. “Please be the influencer and share the importance of service to this wonderful nation, service to this country,” he said. “It will be a life accelerator and change all for the better.” www.ausa.org4 AUSA Extra | May 4, 2023 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. Premium membership rates are $40 for two years or $75 for five years. Lifetime membership is $400 and can be paid in full or in four monthly installments. A special Premium rate of $10 for two years is open to E1–E4 and cadets only. New two-year Basic membership with select benefits is free. Learn more at www.ausa.org/join or by emailing membersupport@ausa.org, phoning 855-246-6269, or mailing Fulfillment Manager, P.O. Box 101560, Arlington, VA 22210-0860. Voice for the Army – Support For the Soldier PERK OF THE WEEK ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY Russia-China alliance threatens US, allied interests in Europe, Cavoli warns If you have students in your family, use your AUSA membership to get free ACT/SAT test prep materials from eKnowledge by visiting www.ausa.org/eknowledge. You can also apply for more than $300,000 in AUSA scholarships at www.ausa.org/scholarships and save with College Ave Student Loans at www.ausa.org/studentloans. T he war in Ukraine is “far from over” as Russia remains a sig- nificant threat and China con- tinues to increase its influence in sev- eral European sectors, the officer in charge of U.S. forces in Europe said. In testimony before the House Armed Services Committee, Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and NATO’s supreme allied commander, said the U.S. “remains op- timistic for Ukraine’s future, but this war is far from over,” because while Russia shows no sign of relenting, it is not the only problem facing the Euro- pean alliance. “The People’s Republic of China con- tinues to increase its access and influ- ence in our theater, and its activities pose a risk to U.S., allied and partner interests,” Cavoli said during the April 26 hearing, where he testified along- side Celeste Wallander, assistant sec- retary of defense for international se- curity affairs. Cavoli explained that China wields its power through “foreign direct in- vestment, government-backed busi- ness ventures and loans to gain access to technology and to get control over vital European infrastructure and transportation routes.” Russia and China also “have grown closer together,” a friendship that has been enhanced by China’s diplomatic, political and moral support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has also helped Russia at home, Ca- voli said. The alliance between Russia and China is compounded by other chal- lenges in Europe, such as the activities of violent extremist organizations, un- controlled migration, organized crime and the effects of climate change, Ca- voli said. He assured the committee that the U.S. “trains and cooperates” with allies and partners to counter those issues as well. Describing the China-Russia alli- ance as a “development of significant concern,” Cavoli said that he sees “bright spots” in Europe where lead- ers have taken note of the dangerous friendship and are taking “significant actions to limit the increasing influ- ence, and malign influence where it ex- ists, of the [People’s Republic of China] inside Europe.” “Staying the course [that] we are on right now is very important,” Cavoli said. “We are in a position where we are moving into a period where the Ukrainians will conduct offensive op- erations, we have good, solid plans to continue to support them.” A soldier with the 8th Cavalry Regiment prepares a Bradley Fighting Vehicle for train- ing April 27 during Exercise Arrow 23 at Niinisalo Training Area, Finland. (U.S. ARMY PHOTO)www.ausa.org ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY May 4, 2023 | AUSA Extra 5 Report: Readiness improving, logistics shortfalls remain A Government Accountability Office look at readiness indi- cators found ground forces— the Army and Marine Corps—have improved while sea forces have de- clined. The congressional watchdog agen- cy looked at changes in resource readiness and mission capability rates from fiscal 2017 through fiscal 2021. Ground forces were the only area to show improvements in both categories. That does not mean the Army was perfect. The report finds shortfalls in rail support for moving Army equip- ment in training for operations in en- vironments with contested mobility. The Army and Marines also need to do more to prevent tactical vehicle accidents, the report says. GAO investigators expected to find readiness gaps. “Nearly two decades of conflict has degraded military readiness,” the report says. “To main- tain the U.S. military’s advantage across all domains in a new security environment characterized by great- power competition, DoD is working to rebuild and restore readiness while also modernizing its forces.” Rebuilding readiness is not simple, the report says. “DoD’s readiness re- building efforts are occurring in a challenging context that requires the department to make difficult de- cisions regarding how best to address continuing operational demands while preparing for future challeng- es,” it says. The Army requires rail transpor- tation to move about 67% of unit equipment for overseas deployments. This is a big task. A 2020 simula- tion to move equipment from just one installation in support of large-scale combat operations showed it would take 2,200 rail cars over three days. It would take 600 rail cars to move one armored brigade combat team. Additionally, it is not clear whether all the rail tracks needed for such a big movement are in good condi- tion, the report says. There are also concerns about whether there are enough rail crews to conduct major movements. The report recommends the Army take a closer look at the condition of rail lines and the availability of trained rail crews. “Without such a determination and a quantifying of the risk of any short- falls for combat operations, the Army and DoD may not be certain that they can fully support a large-scale com- bat operation,” the report says. To read the full GAO report, click here.www.ausa.org6 AUSA Extra | May 4, 2023 ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY Congress hears Army testimony on fiscal 2024 budget S enior Army leaders wrapped up their posture statements on Capitol Hill this week, with lots of support from lawmakers for a bigger budget in fiscal 2024 to sup- port the service’s sweeping transfor- mation efforts. On Tuesday, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth and Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville ap- peared before the Senate Appropria- tions defense sub- committee to talk about the Army’s $185.5 billion bud- get request for fiscal 2024. Also on Tuesday, the Senate Armed Services readiness and management subcommittee heard from Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and his counterparts from the other services on the readiness of the joint force. As Army leaders testified before House and Senate committees, law- makers have expressed support for more funding for the service as it modernizes key equipment and pre- pares for large-scale combat opera- tions and competition with countries such as China. We will find out soon if their sup- port will result in a bigger budget for the Army. The House Armed Servic- es Committee will begin writing its version of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act in May, with hopes of getting the measure on the House floor in June. The Senate Armed Services Com- mittee hasn’t announced its plans, but the two bodies seem far away from approving funding for defense programs. First, they’ll face a challenge over raising the federal debt limit, which will include discussions about spend- ing levels for federal agencies. A deci- sion is needed to avoid a default on U.S. debt, with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen telling lawmakers Mon- day that the U.S. could reach that point in early June. Government Affairs While it does not appear defense spending will be reduced as part of the debt ceiling discussion, other programs, including those for the De- partment of Veterans Affairs, could be part of the talks. There is little clarity on how the debt ceiling and appropriations toplines will be resolved, and these discussions will continue to domi- nate Washington, D.C., in the com- ing months. Another item to watch is the nomi- nation of George, who has served as the 38th vice chief of staff since last August, to be the next Army chief of staff. Nominated on April 20, George would succeed McConville if he’s con- firmed by the Senate. The Senate Armed Services Com- mittee is responsible for first approv- al of nominees, but no date has been set for George to appear before the senators to answer questions. We will monitor these and other developments closely as the Asso- ciation of the U.S. Army continues advocating for the Total Army with Congress. In our meetings, we urge lawmakers to pass appropriations legislation and the NDAA in time for the new fiscal year on Oct. 1, and to support the Army’s budget priorities for people programs, readiness, mod- ernization and infrastructure. AUSA members can help build mo- mentum for passage of critical leg- islation that supports the Army by contacting your representatives and senators and encouraging them to act. Mark Haaland is AUSA’s Government Affairs director. Bryn Wollacott, left, military legislative assistant for Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Co., receives an update on military operations from Lt. Col. Benjamin Hassell of the 4th Infantry Divi- sion during a visit to Fort Carson, Colorado. (U.S. ARMY/MAJ. JASON ELMORE) In meetings with Congress, AUSA is urg- ing lawmakers to pass critical legislation in time for the new fiscal year on Oct. 1 . (ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL PHOTO)www.ausa.org ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY May 4, 2023 | AUSA Extra 7 Find discounts on fitness, retirement and publications M embers of the Association of the U.S. Army have access to a variety of benefits, from health and wellness to retirement planning to newspaper subscriptions. This month, one new benefit for AUSA members is ChooseHealthy, a service that helps you save big on wellness products and services. Savings include: • Discounts from 10% to 50% on popular health and fitness brands. • Savings of 25% on services from specialty health care practitioners. • Access to evidence-based online health classes and articles. There is no cost to enroll in the program, which also includes Active&Fit Direct, a program provid- ing unlimited access to a variety of gyms for just $28 per month. Once enrolled, you can go to any participating gym and switch gyms any time. If your favorite gym doesn’t participate, nominate them to join. You can also access more than 5,700 premium gym options. This re- quires an additional enrollment fee, but you’ll receive discounts of 20% to 70% at most locations. Premium gyms include exercise studios, out- Member Benefits door experiences and more. Visit www.ausa.org/choosehealthy to learn more. Statera Retirement Planning for retirement is more challenging than ever. With longer life expectancies, unpredictable mar- kets and volatile inflation, having a sound plan is a must. Your AUSA membership provides you access to Statera Retirement’s innovative SIM retirement method with benefits including a complimen- tary, no-obligation, in-depth analysis. AUSA members receive a much more comprehensive analysis than the one seen on Statera’s public website. You can also receive a pension analysis, Social Security strate- gies, education for major financial decisions such as estate planning, long-term care planning and major purchases, and discounted wealth management fees. It’s important to note that AUSA does not endorse nor recommend Statera Retirement as a provider of a financial service. We perform due dil- igence on all affinity arrangements. Our goal is to work with companies that provide a benefit to AUSA mem- bers, so we are sharing this benefit with members, not endorsing them. To learn more, click here. Stars and Stripes AUSA members receive an exclu- sive discount of 60% off Stars and Stripes digital subscriptions. Stars and Stripes has been serving the U.S. military since World War II, providing trusted independent news and information to the military com- munity around the world. You’ll have unlimited access to the latest information on matters that affect the military, updated 24/7 by reporters stationed at military bases all over the world. Click here and use coupon code AUSA60 when purchasing an annual subscription. Susan Rubel is AUSA’s Association and Affinity Partnerships director. AUSA members receive an exclusive discount of 60% off digital subscriptions to Stars and Stripes, serving the U.S. military since World War II . (COURTESY PHOTO) With ChooseHealthy and Active&Fit Direct, AUSA members can save big on fitness, wellness products and more . (U.S. ARMY/SGT. 1ST CLASS JASON HULL)www.ausa.org8 AUSA Extra | May 4, 2023 ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY AUSA member recognized for service, volunteer efforts Retired Lt. Col. W. Larry Dandridge, left, vice president of veteran affairs for AUSA’s Coast- al South Carolina chapter, holds a copy of the latest Bullets and Bandaids book of veter- ans’ stories at an art show featuring the ‘Hunter Fighter’ knife, pictured at right, which was created for Dandridge by blacksmith and artist Joey Lynn. (AUSA PHOTOS) R etired Lt. Col. W. Larry Dan- dridge, vice president of vet- eran affairs for the Associa- tion of the U.S. Army’s Coastal South Carolina chapter, was recognized for his military service by Joey Lynn, a blacksmith and artist who has ap- peared on the television show Forged in Fire. Lynn captured Dandridge’s com- bat experiences as a helicopter pilot by creating a hunter’s knife called “Hunter Fighter.” “I created the knife because that is what [Dandridge] was, a hunter and fighter. The gun- metal finish was for obvious rea- sons, intentionally not meant to be mirrored—unseen by the enemy—except for the cutting edge itself,” Lynn said. “The mosaic pin in the handle speaks to the indi- viduality of the man himself, and the Osage handle, like the hardened steel, speaks to the man’s constitution.” The knife was exhibited at art shows throughout South Carolina, including a show in Charleston host- ed by the nonprofit Bullets and Ban- daids, which is dedicated to shar- Retired Col. Garry Patterson, left, presi- dent of AUSA’s Texas Capital Area chap- ter, presents the chapter’s Academic & Leadership Award to junior ROTC cadet Alexandra Gonzalez Guevara. (AUSA PHOTO) ing the stories of veterans and their families. The organization also publishes a book with stories and pictures of the art created for sale at its art shows and auctions. Ron Osso, a Vietnam veteran who serves on the board of directors for Bullets and Bandaids, interviewed Dandridge about his military service and his continued efforts as a cham- pion of service members, veterans, their families and AUSA. “It is the families of our military men and women who sacrifice the most to our great nation,” Dandridge said in the interview. “They are at home raising the children, taking care of the dog and working an un- derpaying job and worrying to death over their soldier, while we warriors are away doing what we love most, like flying helicopters and defending our buddies and country.” Coastal South Carolina Chapter award honors outstanding junior ROTC cadet T he president of the Association of the U.S. Army’s Texas Capi- tal Area chapter presented the chapter’s Academic & Leadership Award to junior ROTC cadet Alex- andra Gonzalez Guevara in an April 20 ceremony at John Connally High School in Pflugerville, Texas. Guevara was recognized by retired Col. Garry Patterson, the chapter president, with an award certificate and medal set, as well as a challenge coin from the chapter and a two-year AUSA membership. “It was an honor” for Patterson to present the award to Guevara in front of family and friends, the chap- ter said in a Facebook post. Keynote remarks were provided by retired Lt. Col. Joseph Kelley, direc- tor of the school’s junior ROTC pro- gram, who thanked the people and organizations present for their ser- vice and support of the cadets. Approximately 275 people attended the event, where Guevara and rough- ly three dozen other cadets were rec- ognized for their hard work and dedi- cation. In addition to AUSA, cadets re- ceived presentations from the VFW, the American Legion, Daughters of the American Revolution and the Purple Heart Association. Texas Capital AreaNext >