[I returned late from lunch and missed the beginning. It was recorded, and hopefully will be available online soon. In general, he is extremely supportive of milblogging, including in-theatre (he blogs). He also discussed the situation in Iraq in general, and the integration of the Sons of Iraq program into the Iraqi government with its attendant issues. Very perceptive question about how senior leadership is supporting blogging, but lower down people don't feel like they have top cover to blog. He believes codifying regulations will help that. Answer to the question of what keeps him awake at night was "accidental collision with Iranian forces on the border," but he emphasized it was a low concern].
Active-duty Marine asking about the feeling that the war is over in Iraq and how it affects the people on the ground. From the individual rifleman perspective, it's easy to think that. But the war itself is not over. "We have gained a degree of security in the South and West, but we still have significant attacks and the enemy maintains the ability to attack; just not on the level they did before...The war is different depending on your grade/position." Question asked about whether the impending release of photos of abuse will bring a backlash. He thinks there will be some but "our image is much better than it was... we've had a changce to show the Iraqis that it is an aberation. Majority of the backlash will be opinion articles and some "mild" marches/protest. Do not expect a major outbreak of violence.]
Question about June 30 deadline: Expect that in my area there will be some limitations on activities, but we stopped iwth "unilateral" operations eight months ago. Everything except logistics is done in conjunction with Iraqis, so we will not change how we operate much when the deadline hits. "I'm not entirely convinced that the Iraqi population thoroughly understands the Iraqi government has asked us to stay and train them. We've begun a campaign to help them understand that. It will be a little of a challenge."
Question about his blog. [someone behind me was whispering and it was too hard to focus on the general and type while filtering out the conversation behind me all at the same time].
Question about how milbloggers can help army be successful or support it. "Nothing good happens in the army unless you've got 1st sergeants doing their work. No policy a general or admiral. Number 1 thing is candor. I find if I am willing to be candid, it generates a candid response. The army doesn't do everything right the first time. I remind my leaders that Americans have a tremendous desire to ask "Why?" and "I told you so" is not a satisfactory answer. If they understand, they are willing to be supportive whether they agree or not. We are the most-respected institution in the US, and that didn't happen by accident. We'll take the good with the bad...
Do you ask staff or supporting commander to blog?: No, but encouraged them to take a look at response he gets on his blog? Asked about sexual assaults and got some feedback he thought was very good.
Officer needs to communicate information to his soldiers and get a response, keep them informed and hear what's on their mind. Blogging is a great platform for that.
Will have an online chat tomorrow, anybody interested in improving the Army is welcome.
Active-duty Marine asking about the feeling that the war is over in Iraq and how it affects the people on the ground. From the individual rifleman perspective, it's easy to think that. But the war itself is not over. "We have gained a degree of security in the South and West, but we still have significant attacks and the enemy maintains the ability to attack; just not on the level they did before...The war is different depending on your grade/position." Question asked about whether the impending release of photos of abuse will bring a backlash. He thinks there will be some but "our image is much better than it was... we've had a changce to show the Iraqis that it is an aberation. Majority of the backlash will be opinion articles and some "mild" marches/protest. Do not expect a major outbreak of violence.]
Question about June 30 deadline: Expect that in my area there will be some limitations on activities, but we stopped iwth "unilateral" operations eight months ago. Everything except logistics is done in conjunction with Iraqis, so we will not change how we operate much when the deadline hits. "I'm not entirely convinced that the Iraqi population thoroughly understands the Iraqi government has asked us to stay and train them. We've begun a campaign to help them understand that. It will be a little of a challenge."
Question about his blog. [someone behind me was whispering and it was too hard to focus on the general and type while filtering out the conversation behind me all at the same time].
Question about how milbloggers can help army be successful or support it. "Nothing good happens in the army unless you've got 1st sergeants doing their work. No policy a general or admiral. Number 1 thing is candor. I find if I am willing to be candid, it generates a candid response. The army doesn't do everything right the first time. I remind my leaders that Americans have a tremendous desire to ask "Why?" and "I told you so" is not a satisfactory answer. If they understand, they are willing to be supportive whether they agree or not. We are the most-respected institution in the US, and that didn't happen by accident. We'll take the good with the bad...
Do you ask staff or supporting commander to blog?: No, but encouraged them to take a look at response he gets on his blog? Asked about sexual assaults and got some feedback he thought was very good.
Officer needs to communicate information to his soldiers and get a response, keep them informed and hear what's on their mind. Blogging is a great platform for that.
Will have an online chat tomorrow, anybody interested in improving the Army is welcome.
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