Gen. Eaton: Obama's VFW Speech Echoed What Every Commander Expects from the Commander in Chief
Posted by Adam Blickstein
NSN Senior Adviser Gen. Paul D. Eaton (Ret.) reacted to President
Obama's speech at the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ National Convention today:
"As
someone who served in and helped lead our military for nearly 3
decades, I understand what the men and women of America's armed forces
need in order to effectively protect the nation and succeed in their
personal lives. And today, President Obama laid out a comprehensive and
progressive vision for how we treat America's most precious resource.
He demonstrated a thorough understanding of how to integrate all
elements of national power—diplomatic, economic as well as military—and
echoes what every battalion and brigade commander understands and
expects from their Commander in Chief.
"The President made clear that we must live up to our obligations to the military community—whether they are in uniform in active combat, recently returned from the fields of combat, or long ago served on the front lines defending the country.
"As President Obama stated, this means providing the health care and economic support that matches the sacrifices they made while protecting America. This means ensuring they have the 21st century equipment that matches the threats we face, not the defense priorities from the last century, as well as recognizing that American strength is not secured by the military alone, but also by our diplomatic and civilian corps. And this also means that we send our troops to war only when necessary, with a defined mission, and not ill-advised wars with uncertain plans.
"He marked a clear path from his predecessor and laid the groundwork for a new vision for America's military and veteran community. By redefining American power and national security—and not recycling the failed policies of the past-President Obama empowers our armed forces and bolsters American security while also honoring our nation's servicemembers and veterans by providing them with our unequivocal support—both in war and in peace, at home and abroad.
"While the today's political debate seems so toxic, on this there should be clear, common and undivided support."
"The President made clear that we must live up to our obligations to the military community—whether they are in uniform in active combat, recently returned from the fields of combat, or long ago served on the front lines defending the country.
"As President Obama stated, this means providing the health care and economic support that matches the sacrifices they made while protecting America. This means ensuring they have the 21st century equipment that matches the threats we face, not the defense priorities from the last century, as well as recognizing that American strength is not secured by the military alone, but also by our diplomatic and civilian corps. And this also means that we send our troops to war only when necessary, with a defined mission, and not ill-advised wars with uncertain plans.
"He marked a clear path from his predecessor and laid the groundwork for a new vision for America's military and veteran community. By redefining American power and national security—and not recycling the failed policies of the past-President Obama empowers our armed forces and bolsters American security while also honoring our nation's servicemembers and veterans by providing them with our unequivocal support—both in war and in peace, at home and abroad.
"While the today's political debate seems so toxic, on this there should be clear, common and undivided support."
I don't think Obama will make good on his promises.
Posted by: Technology | August 18, 2009 at 05:08 AM