Since 1950, the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) has
worked to support all aspects of national security while advancing
the interests of America's Army and the men and women who serve.
Annually, the leaders and members of AUSA gather in Washington, DC
to meet with the leadership of the Army, as well as with other
members of the defense establishment and the government. The
centerpiece of the AUSA convention has traditionally been the
Dwight David Eisenhower Luncheon, named for the man who was
arguably the greatest military leader of the 20th Century. The
luncheon's keynote speaker is the Chief of the Staff of the Army.
His speech has grown in significance over the years, developing
into a "State of the Army" address, in which the Chief informs the
Soldiers and members of AUSA of the direction the Army will take in
the coming years, much the same as President's "State of the Union"
address each January.
This year's speech, given by GEN George Casey on 7 October,
provides the way ahead for the Army in an era of persistent
conflict. GEN Casey's message centers on rebalancing the force, the
covenant between the Army and its families, and the way ahead for
transition as the Army moves forward. USARCENT's leaders and
Soldiers alike will benefit from reading through this speech and
pondering what it means for us as we charge ahead to full spectrum
operations capability, while maintaining uninterrupted support to
USCENTCOM's CJOAs and its RSOI and continuing to shape the theater
through efforts in Theater Support and Cooperation.
"State of the Army"
address by GEN George Casey, October 7, 2008
