Note from the President: Op-eds -- Lloyd, West, Ralston, Carlucci

AFA Members, Congressional staff members, civic leaders, DOCA members, a few op-eds for your consideration:

First, Terry Lloyd, an AFA member, penned a thoughtful piece on 5 challenges the next SECDEF will face. The piece is notable for its succinctness and clarity. Tell me what you think of it after you read it. You can find it at:
http://www.afa.org/EdOp/2011/Five_challenges.asp

Second, former Assistant Secretary of Defense Bing West has written – from Afghanistan – a first-hand account of operations in Afghanistan. The piece is a bit long, but it describes what he is seeing on the ground. Mr. West is not prone to hyperbole ... and I have to admit, the piece has shaped my personal opinions on our way-ahead. Again, let me know what you think after you read the piece. You can find it at: http://www.afa.org/edop/2011/National_Review_Article.pdf

Third, Gen (Ret) Joe Ralston has written a thoughtful piece on the Arctic Ocean ... and its vast potential energy reserves. He says we can no longer stand by as the Russians and others stake out their claims. You can find the piece at: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/may/13/from-sea-to-shining-sea-to-arctic-ocean/

Finally, former Sec of Defense Frank Carlucci has written a piece that says Usama Bin Laden being dead does not mean the nation is secure. He states that this war is not just about the military. He calls on more from the civilian side of government and from the diplomatic corps. He argues that they will need to be better resourced to be effective. You can find the piece at: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/may/13/post-bin-laden-smart-power/

For your consideration,

Mike

Michael M. Dunn
President/CEO
Air Force Association