By Air Force Master Sgt. Adam M. Stump
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 12, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff expressed concern here today about trends in Afghanistan. Answering questions on CNN's "American Morning" from reporter John Roberts, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said the policies to develop the country have not been a failure. We recognize, as in Iraq, that these policies evolve over time," Mullen said. "We're very focused on this." He noted that he and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, as well as President Bush, have focused heavily on Afghanistan in recent months.
Despite facing problems from a better-organized al-Qaida element that has a safe haven in Pakistan and from a growing drug trade, Mullen said victory in Afghanistan is possible, due in part to the U.S. and NATO effort.
"Our troops are doing spectacular work on the ground," the chairman said. "They've made a difference." But the admiral said the issues facing U.S. troops are more complex because of regional instability.
"I don't think we can focus just on Afghanistan, because Afghanistan and Pakistan have been inextricably linked for a long time," the chairman said. "They clearly are now. It's not just about the safe haven. It's about two countries that live next to each other. It's about engaging in a way, militarily, that brings out the best effect on both sides of that border, because that's such a serious issue."
Mullen said he's invested time in listening to the needs of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
"I've spent time with the military leadership of both countries," the admiral said. "They're both committed to this."
The chairman said the main goal is providing a level of security in Afghanistan that is sustainable so that the other factors to develop the country can take hold, much like Iraq.
"I'm very concerned, and will remain concerned," he said. "I want to focus on it. I'm optimistic in the long run."
(Air Force Master Sgt. Adam M. Stump serves in the Joint Chiefs of Staff Public Affairs Office.)
Showing posts with label military leadership. Show all posts
Showing posts with label military leadership. Show all posts
Friday, September 12, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Mullen Says Afghanistan Needs Interagency, International Approach
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 10, 2008 - A broader international and interagency approach is necessary to solve Afghanistan's problems, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told the House Armed Services Committee today. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates testified before the committee about Iraq and Afghanistan.
Mullen said the world is running out of time to help Afghanistan. The United States can patrol the terrain and train Afghan security forces, "but until those Afghan forces have the support of local leaders to improve security on their own, we will only be there as a crutch – and a temporary one at that," Mullen said.
"We can hunt down and kill extremists as they cross over the border from Pakistan, ... but until we work more closely with the Pakistani government to eliminate the safe havens from which they operate, the enemy will only keep coming," he continued.
Interagency efforts are crucial to progress in Afghanistan, Mullen said.
"We can build roads and schools and courts, and our provincial reconstruction teams are doing just that, but until we have represented in those teams more experts from the fields of commerce, agriculture, jurisprudence and education, those facilities will remain but empty shells," he said.
Fewer than one in 20 PRTs throughout the country are supported by nonmilitary personnel, the chairman said.
The military is just part of the answer, the admiral said. The military can provide security, but Afghanistan needs more than soldiers, it needs more commerce, more learning, and more justice, he told the lawmakers, noting that Afghanistan needs foreign investment, sound governance, alternative crops to poppy and the rule of law.
"These are the keys to success in Afghanistan," he said. "We can't kill our way to victory, and no armed force anywhere – no matter how good – can deliver these keys alone. It requires teamwork and cooperation."
Mullen described the process of assessing the situation in Iraq and what led to recommending 8,000 U.S. servicemembers are withdrawn from the country.
"The recommendations that went forward to the secretary and to the president represented a consensus view of military leadership in this country," Mullen said. "The process by which they were derived was candid, transparent and thoroughly collaborative. The entire chains of command for both Iraq and Afghanistan were involved and engaged, including the Joint Chiefs."
The chairman acknowledged that not all agreed with the recommendations early on.
"One sees war – feels it, fights it, leads it – from one's unique perspective," he said. "The key to success over the long term is proving able to see it also from another's perspective – be it the enemy's or the public's or the chain of command – and being informed by that knowledge as you move forward."
The recommendations to the president came from all levels of command, and the chairman said he would agree with the term "compromise solution."
"But it would be wrong to conclude that our proposal represented a compromise in any way of our commitment to success," he said. "We did not compromise one war for the other."
The withdrawal of forces from Iraqi is justified, Mullen said. The improved security in the country, the increased capabilities of Iraqi forces, the growing confidence of Iraqi political leaders and the economic progress of the country make it worth the risk, Mullen said.
The rewards to the military of the withdrawal also are worth the risk, the admiral told the committee. The services may be able to increase the dwell time at home stations between deployments and give families a break and the nation "a rested, stronger, more capable strategic reserve for worldwide crises," he said.
But Afghanistan is a problem, Mullen said, and that's why he recommended the president send a Marine battalion to the country in November and an Army brigade combat team by January.
"I am not convinced we are winning in Afghanistan, but I am convinced we can," he said. "That is why I intend to commission a new, more comprehensive strategy for the region, one that covers both sides of the border."
While commanders in Afghanistan want three more U.S. brigades, the forces going are a good and important start, Mullen said.
"Frankly, I judge the risk of not sending them too great a risk to ignore," he said. "My expectation is that they will need to perform both the training mission and combat and combat support missions simultaneously until such time that we can provide additional troops. I cannot at this point say when that might be."
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 10, 2008 - A broader international and interagency approach is necessary to solve Afghanistan's problems, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told the House Armed Services Committee today. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates testified before the committee about Iraq and Afghanistan.
Mullen said the world is running out of time to help Afghanistan. The United States can patrol the terrain and train Afghan security forces, "but until those Afghan forces have the support of local leaders to improve security on their own, we will only be there as a crutch – and a temporary one at that," Mullen said.
"We can hunt down and kill extremists as they cross over the border from Pakistan, ... but until we work more closely with the Pakistani government to eliminate the safe havens from which they operate, the enemy will only keep coming," he continued.
Interagency efforts are crucial to progress in Afghanistan, Mullen said.
"We can build roads and schools and courts, and our provincial reconstruction teams are doing just that, but until we have represented in those teams more experts from the fields of commerce, agriculture, jurisprudence and education, those facilities will remain but empty shells," he said.
Fewer than one in 20 PRTs throughout the country are supported by nonmilitary personnel, the chairman said.
The military is just part of the answer, the admiral said. The military can provide security, but Afghanistan needs more than soldiers, it needs more commerce, more learning, and more justice, he told the lawmakers, noting that Afghanistan needs foreign investment, sound governance, alternative crops to poppy and the rule of law.
"These are the keys to success in Afghanistan," he said. "We can't kill our way to victory, and no armed force anywhere – no matter how good – can deliver these keys alone. It requires teamwork and cooperation."
Mullen described the process of assessing the situation in Iraq and what led to recommending 8,000 U.S. servicemembers are withdrawn from the country.
"The recommendations that went forward to the secretary and to the president represented a consensus view of military leadership in this country," Mullen said. "The process by which they were derived was candid, transparent and thoroughly collaborative. The entire chains of command for both Iraq and Afghanistan were involved and engaged, including the Joint Chiefs."
The chairman acknowledged that not all agreed with the recommendations early on.
"One sees war – feels it, fights it, leads it – from one's unique perspective," he said. "The key to success over the long term is proving able to see it also from another's perspective – be it the enemy's or the public's or the chain of command – and being informed by that knowledge as you move forward."
The recommendations to the president came from all levels of command, and the chairman said he would agree with the term "compromise solution."
"But it would be wrong to conclude that our proposal represented a compromise in any way of our commitment to success," he said. "We did not compromise one war for the other."
The withdrawal of forces from Iraqi is justified, Mullen said. The improved security in the country, the increased capabilities of Iraqi forces, the growing confidence of Iraqi political leaders and the economic progress of the country make it worth the risk, Mullen said.
The rewards to the military of the withdrawal also are worth the risk, the admiral told the committee. The services may be able to increase the dwell time at home stations between deployments and give families a break and the nation "a rested, stronger, more capable strategic reserve for worldwide crises," he said.
But Afghanistan is a problem, Mullen said, and that's why he recommended the president send a Marine battalion to the country in November and an Army brigade combat team by January.
"I am not convinced we are winning in Afghanistan, but I am convinced we can," he said. "That is why I intend to commission a new, more comprehensive strategy for the region, one that covers both sides of the border."
While commanders in Afghanistan want three more U.S. brigades, the forces going are a good and important start, Mullen said.
"Frankly, I judge the risk of not sending them too great a risk to ignore," he said. "My expectation is that they will need to perform both the training mission and combat and combat support missions simultaneously until such time that we can provide additional troops. I cannot at this point say when that might be."
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Leadership: Texas Hold em Style
Using poker as analogy for leadership, Captain Andrew Harvey, CPD (ret.), Ed.D. and Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA found the right mix of practical experience and academic credentials to write a definitive book for leaders. Working together, Harvey and Foster have written Leadership: Texas Hold em Style. Most often leaders find they are given a set of resources people, equipment, funds, experience and a mission. As Foster noted, You are dealt a certain hand. How you play that hand as a leader determines your success
More than a book: A fun and entertaining journey through leadership that includes an interactive website to supplement knowledge gained from the book.
Proven and Tested: Not an academic approach to leadership, but rather a road-tested guide that has been developed through 50-years of author experience.
High Impact: Through the use of perspective, reflection, and knowledge, provides information that turns leadership potential into leadership practice.
Ease of Application: Theory is reinforced with real-life experience, which results in accessible and practical tools leaders can put to use immediately.
High Road Approach: Personal character and ethical beliefs are woven into each leadership approach, so leaders do the right thing for the right reasons.
Uses Game of Poker: Rather than a dry approach that is all fact and no flavor, the game of poker is used as a lens through which to view leadership concepts.
Proven and Tested: Not an academic approach to leadership, but rather a road-tested guide that has been developed through 50-years of author experience.
High Impact: Through the use of perspective, reflection, and knowledge, provides information that turns leadership potential into leadership practice.
Ease of Application: Theory is reinforced with real-life experience, which results in accessible and practical tools leaders can put to use immediately.
High Road Approach: Personal character and ethical beliefs are woven into each leadership approach, so leaders do the right thing for the right reasons.
Uses Game of Poker: Rather than a dry approach that is all fact and no flavor, the game of poker is used as a lens through which to view leadership concepts.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Cheney Notes 'Greater Sense of Urgency' Among Iraqi Leaders
By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service
May 9, 2007 – After meeting with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and other Iraqi leaders in Baghdad today, Vice President Richard B. Cheney said he noticed "a greater sense of urgency now than I'd seen previously" on the part of those leaders to meet their obligations toward continuing the country's progress. Cheney stopped in Baghdad for a previously unannounced visit to kick off a weeklong tour of the Middle East that will also include stops in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan.
In his meetings with Iraqi leaders, Cheney emphasized the importance of making progress not only on security issues, but also on the political issues pending before the Iraqi government, he said.
"I think they recognize that it's in their interest as well as in our interest that they make progress on the political front just as we deal with the security issues," Cheney said.
The Iraqi leaders believe progress is being made, he said.
"I can say that, based on the conversations I've had today -- and most of those conversations were with Iraqis and Iraqi leaders, some of them in the government, some of them not -- that they believe the situation has gotten better," Cheney said.
Specifically, he added, the Iraqi leaders noted that sectarian violence between Sunnis and Shiites "has curtailed very dramatically."
Still, the vice president said, Iraq's leaders know much remains to be done.
"I think everybody recognizes there still are serious security problems, security threats -- no question about it," he said. "But the impression I got from talking with them -- and this includes their military as well as political leadership -- is that they do believe we are making progress, but we've got a long way to go."
Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, told reporters that Iraq's civilian and military leaders know what they're up against and are committed to the task at hand.
"I think one of the interesting messages that the vice president heard today from the Iraqi leaders and from the Iraqi military leadership in particular was their absolute determination to carry forward in the face of very significant terrorist activity," the general said.
All the Iraqi leaders who met with Cheney today noted the turnaround in Iraq's Anbar province, where citizens previously aligned with enemy fighters now are helping to rid the province of terrorists, Petraeus said.
"All of them actually singled out Anbar province and the really dramatic shift in the Sunni population in Anbar province against al Qaeda Iraq in recent months as a heartening sign and actually as an example that they are encouraging be followed in other areas with similar populations," he said.
Article sponsored by police officers who have written books on law enforcement jobs; as well as those involved in writing on leadership.
American Forces Press Service
May 9, 2007 – After meeting with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and other Iraqi leaders in Baghdad today, Vice President Richard B. Cheney said he noticed "a greater sense of urgency now than I'd seen previously" on the part of those leaders to meet their obligations toward continuing the country's progress. Cheney stopped in Baghdad for a previously unannounced visit to kick off a weeklong tour of the Middle East that will also include stops in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan.
In his meetings with Iraqi leaders, Cheney emphasized the importance of making progress not only on security issues, but also on the political issues pending before the Iraqi government, he said.
"I think they recognize that it's in their interest as well as in our interest that they make progress on the political front just as we deal with the security issues," Cheney said.
The Iraqi leaders believe progress is being made, he said.
"I can say that, based on the conversations I've had today -- and most of those conversations were with Iraqis and Iraqi leaders, some of them in the government, some of them not -- that they believe the situation has gotten better," Cheney said.
Specifically, he added, the Iraqi leaders noted that sectarian violence between Sunnis and Shiites "has curtailed very dramatically."
Still, the vice president said, Iraq's leaders know much remains to be done.
"I think everybody recognizes there still are serious security problems, security threats -- no question about it," he said. "But the impression I got from talking with them -- and this includes their military as well as political leadership -- is that they do believe we are making progress, but we've got a long way to go."
Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, told reporters that Iraq's civilian and military leaders know what they're up against and are committed to the task at hand.
"I think one of the interesting messages that the vice president heard today from the Iraqi leaders and from the Iraqi military leadership in particular was their absolute determination to carry forward in the face of very significant terrorist activity," the general said.
All the Iraqi leaders who met with Cheney today noted the turnaround in Iraq's Anbar province, where citizens previously aligned with enemy fighters now are helping to rid the province of terrorists, Petraeus said.
"All of them actually singled out Anbar province and the really dramatic shift in the Sunni population in Anbar province against al Qaeda Iraq in recent months as a heartening sign and actually as an example that they are encouraging be followed in other areas with similar populations," he said.
Article sponsored by police officers who have written books on law enforcement jobs; as well as those involved in writing on leadership.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Fallon: Agencies Must Act Now to Move Iraq Forward
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
May 3, 2007 – U.S. and coalition troops have made significant progress in improving the security situation in Iraq, but the Iraqi government and other U.S. government agencies need to act more quickly to improve the political situation and build infrastructure needed to sustain the country, the commander of U.S. Central Command said in congressional testimony today. "Time is of the essence, and it's right now," Navy Adm. William J. Fallon told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. "My perception is that we need actions right now that are going to show results in the very near term, over the next six months, say, that can be a direct follow-on to the security push that's ongoing."
One of the biggest challenges CENTCOM leaders face is ensuring that U.S. government efforts are coordinated after the initial security push so political and economic initiatives are carried out properly, Fallon said. To that end, CENTCOM is working closely with the State Department and is deploying new provincial reconstruction teams that are closely aligned with the military leadership on the ground.
Beyond U.S. involvement, success in Iraq depends largely on the actions of the Iraqi government, Fallon said. While the government has made progress in some key areas, it has not moved fast enough on key issues that support the U.S. effort in Iraq, he said.
"I think that making sure the leadership in Iraq understands that we don't have unlimited time, that we must move forward, that they're going to have to make these tough decisions, is important," Fallon said. "I understand it's complex; I understand it's challenging. But they are going to have to make the kind of progress that will give the people in this country the confidence that they can believe in this government."
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and other leaders are working on achieving benchmarks they set for themselves for political progress, Fallon said, and ongoing security operations are important to give them a stable environment in which to operate. He noted that Maliki faces a serious challenge in dealing with the country as a whole instead of with sectarian divisions. Maliki himself doesn't have a lot of experience dealing with people from different sectarian groups, and he has to take into consideration the long history of ethnic divisions in Iraq, Fallon said.
Right now, the largest destabilizer in Iraq is the ability of Sunni insurgent groups allied with al Qaeda to conduct large-scale car-bomb attacks, Fallon said. These attacks are aimed at inciting sectarian violence and give Shiites a reason to caution Maliki about reaching out to Sunnis, he said. Breaking the link between these Sunni groups and al Qaeda could prove to produce a substantial turn of events in the country, he said.
"We need to convince (Maliki) that taking steps to give some sense of inclusion to the Sunnis so they will then lessen their support for al Qaeda would be the biggest and most important thing that could happen in the political realm of this country," Fallon said.
Since taking command of CENTCOM about six weeks ago, Fallon said his main focus for Iraq has been supporting Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, as he implements a new strategy on the ground. However, Fallon said he also has his staff thinking about the future of U.S. involvement in Iraq, such as what the enduring force will look like and when that transition might occur.
"I envision that we will want to be and we will be asked to be in Iraq for some period of time with some representation of U.S. capability, just as we do in other countries," he said.
Long-term success in Iraq depends not only on internal efforts within the country, but also on external support from neighboring countries, Fallon said. He expressed optimism about the launch of the International Compact with Iraq and the Expanded Neighbors of Iraq Ministerial, with diplomats from more than 50 countries coming together this week in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
"This place doesn't exist by itself in another galaxy," Fallon said. "The influence of the neighbors, certainly very unhelpful from two of them in the recent past, but the willingness of others to come and assist Iraq, is critical."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
American Forces Press Service
May 3, 2007 – U.S. and coalition troops have made significant progress in improving the security situation in Iraq, but the Iraqi government and other U.S. government agencies need to act more quickly to improve the political situation and build infrastructure needed to sustain the country, the commander of U.S. Central Command said in congressional testimony today. "Time is of the essence, and it's right now," Navy Adm. William J. Fallon told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. "My perception is that we need actions right now that are going to show results in the very near term, over the next six months, say, that can be a direct follow-on to the security push that's ongoing."
One of the biggest challenges CENTCOM leaders face is ensuring that U.S. government efforts are coordinated after the initial security push so political and economic initiatives are carried out properly, Fallon said. To that end, CENTCOM is working closely with the State Department and is deploying new provincial reconstruction teams that are closely aligned with the military leadership on the ground.
Beyond U.S. involvement, success in Iraq depends largely on the actions of the Iraqi government, Fallon said. While the government has made progress in some key areas, it has not moved fast enough on key issues that support the U.S. effort in Iraq, he said.
"I think that making sure the leadership in Iraq understands that we don't have unlimited time, that we must move forward, that they're going to have to make these tough decisions, is important," Fallon said. "I understand it's complex; I understand it's challenging. But they are going to have to make the kind of progress that will give the people in this country the confidence that they can believe in this government."
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and other leaders are working on achieving benchmarks they set for themselves for political progress, Fallon said, and ongoing security operations are important to give them a stable environment in which to operate. He noted that Maliki faces a serious challenge in dealing with the country as a whole instead of with sectarian divisions. Maliki himself doesn't have a lot of experience dealing with people from different sectarian groups, and he has to take into consideration the long history of ethnic divisions in Iraq, Fallon said.
Right now, the largest destabilizer in Iraq is the ability of Sunni insurgent groups allied with al Qaeda to conduct large-scale car-bomb attacks, Fallon said. These attacks are aimed at inciting sectarian violence and give Shiites a reason to caution Maliki about reaching out to Sunnis, he said. Breaking the link between these Sunni groups and al Qaeda could prove to produce a substantial turn of events in the country, he said.
"We need to convince (Maliki) that taking steps to give some sense of inclusion to the Sunnis so they will then lessen their support for al Qaeda would be the biggest and most important thing that could happen in the political realm of this country," Fallon said.
Since taking command of CENTCOM about six weeks ago, Fallon said his main focus for Iraq has been supporting Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, as he implements a new strategy on the ground. However, Fallon said he also has his staff thinking about the future of U.S. involvement in Iraq, such as what the enduring force will look like and when that transition might occur.
"I envision that we will want to be and we will be asked to be in Iraq for some period of time with some representation of U.S. capability, just as we do in other countries," he said.
Long-term success in Iraq depends not only on internal efforts within the country, but also on external support from neighboring countries, Fallon said. He expressed optimism about the launch of the International Compact with Iraq and the Expanded Neighbors of Iraq Ministerial, with diplomats from more than 50 countries coming together this week in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
"This place doesn't exist by itself in another galaxy," Fallon said. "The influence of the neighbors, certainly very unhelpful from two of them in the recent past, but the willingness of others to come and assist Iraq, is critical."
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
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