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May 23, 2012

News for Reservists

Top Story

Army alters recruitment, re-enlistment strategies
The Army is getting pickier about who gets accepted into its ranks, and is spending less on incentives aimed at attracting new recruits, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press. In 2011, the Army accepted no new recruits with misconduct convictions or drug or alcohol issues. The recruiting changes coincide with Army efforts to reduce the number of active-duty service members. The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)/The Associated Press (5/22)

In the Pentagon

Iran, world powers meet to discuss nuclear concerns
Representatives to talks between Iran and other nations including the U.S., Russia, Germany and China, struck a positive note on the controversial issue of Iran's nuclear program as meetings began today. "We have a new offer on the table which addresses our main concerns about the Iranian nuclear program. We hope the Iranians respond positively and we can make progress today," said a spokesman of European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton. Reuters (5/23)

Analysis: Afghan exit faces potential roadblocks
Plans to wind down U.S.-led NATO efforts in Afghanistan throughout 2013 could unravel in the face of a resurgent Taliban or lack of cooperation from the country's neighbors, according to this analysis. The Taliban is resisting peace talks with Afghan officials, and Pakistan and Iran are continuing to jockey for influence. ABC News/The Associated Press (5/22)

On the Hill

Obama administration seeks ratification of sea treaty
President Barack Obama says U.S. ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is a way to assert U.S. naval rights around the world and counter action by China. The Obama administration is leading a campaign to encourage Senate leaders to ratify the treaty. Bloomberg Businessweek (5/23) , Chicago Tribune/Reuters (5/22)

Senators: Treaty could limit U.S. naval capabilities: The U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea treaty adds nothing to the U.S. Navy's ability to protect U.S. navigational rights and could limit U.S. naval officials' authority, write Sens. Jim Inhofe, Roger Wicker and Jeff Sessions. Politico (Washington, D.C.) (5/22)

Sen. Kerry: Support for sea treaty reflects its strategic importance: Support for U.S. ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea treaty cuts across political party lines and is backed by military leaders who say the treaty is an instrument to strengthen U.S. naval authority around the world, writes Sen. John Kerry. Politico (Washington, D.C.) (5/22)

Service Section News

F-35B takes first flight from Eglin Air Force Base in Fla.
Lockheed Martin's F-35B this week took its first flight from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., part of a program of pilot training on the fighter jet. The F-35B can land like a helicopter and evade radar. Reuters (5/22)

Reserve Strength

Commentary: Military needs to rethink philosophy on reserve forces
The U.S. military needs to fundamentally change its thinking to emphasize the importance of having a small active force with strong reserve component, as opposed to a small reserve and large active force, writes Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin of the California National Guard. "Our active component forces are the foundation of the finest military force on the planet, bar none. But the reality is that large standing militaries cost money," Baldwin writes. The Hill/Congress Blog (5/22)

Oregon officials seek to halt Guard budget cuts
Oregon security officials and congressional members are protesting proposed budget cuts that would curtail flying time for National Guard helicopters. The aircraft spend hundreds of hours of flying time traveling the Oregon skies in search of clandestine marijuana fields. The Oregonian (Portland) (5/21)

Reserve Life

N.Y.'s JFK airport is training military vets to aid frustrated travelers
John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York is testing a 10-week pilot program to train 30 employees who are military veterans to spot frustrated passengers and provide additional customer service to improve the flying experience. The program, called Neutralize Irritations Customers Experience (NICE), is for now focused on Terminal 4. "The goal is to expand problem-solving and customer service by tapping the leadership skills of the vets," said program creator Tom Murphy. Daily News (New York) (5/22)

Veterans seek resolutions to disability claims
Los Angeles Times(tiered subscription model) (5/22)

SmartQuote

It is the dull man who is always sure, and the sure man who is always dull."

--H.L. Mencken,
American journalist and essayist

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