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Show 10 Hilltop Times n )(J by Gen. Larry D. Welch Air COMMENTS July 21, 1989. Force chief of staff Ir, u )) . duty, increase their education and experience levels and expand their exposure to joint (multiservice) matters. However, a May 29 Air Force Times article headlined "GAO Faults Joint-Dut- y Assignments, Promotions" has caused confusion concerning findings of the report. Contrary to impressions created by this story, the General Accounting Office report was generally very favorable, concluding: "Overall, we believe the DOD is making significant progress in implementing provisions of Title IV, including the the-actu- al n O OEJOu u IV of the Goldwater-Nichol-s Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 seeks to improve the quality of officers assigned to joint A O quality of officers being assigned to joint duty...." Unfortunately, this article focused on isolated deficienciespresenting an inaccurate picture of service efforts and results. To evaluate and compare joint duty officer quality, the GAO focused on several indicators that the services commonly use to identify high potential officers. These included completion of intermediate and senior service schools, selection for command, and promotion at a faster than normal rate. They also compared joint duty officers and joint specialists to service headquarters staff officers. Using these criteria, the GAO found Air Force officers assigned to joint duty, although lower in some areas, generally comparing favorably to both headquarters staff and the service average. They also found Air Force joint duty officers and joint specialists equivalent or higher than the service average on all quality indicators. Finally, the report found that the services have not consistently met required promotion targets. The services, OSD, and Joint Staff, however, believe these shortfalls reflect assignment practices that existed before the enactment of the Reorganization Act and that, given the quality of officers currently being assigned, such shortfalls will dis- appear in the near future. The DOD agrees with the GAO's favorable assessment of the service's progress. My original guidance remains firm: Step out and implement this law smartly; follow the spirit and intent; analyze its impact and make it work or document why it can't; and take care of all our people. The facts are, we send good people to joint assignments and we send good people to assienments and we take care of both. in-serv- ice o G1)(QftDrD 'mm b Don't take democracy for granted, remember responsibilities to the U.S. by A1C Gregory Williams Andrews AFB, Md. Lemember saying the Pledge of Allegiance as a young child? As a third grader, I recall slurring, "... one nation under God, invisible, with liberty and justice for all" saying invisible instead of indivisible. But how much truth is held in that misquote now? By discounting our responsibilities to America, are we becoming an invisible democracy? Major news magazine headlines scream: "The collapse of communism," "Massacre in Beijing," "A cry for democracy around the world." Poland recently held free elections. China's communist government killed its own people to repress their choice for democracy. Chile's diccitizens vpted out a tatorship. Gorbachev's glastnost is allowing people to choose. Lithuania's parliament voted for independence from the Soviet Union. The people of the world are asking if not demanding their voice be heard and their right to freedom honored. For more than 200 years, the United States has been extolling its own freedoms, holding them up for the world to see but have we forgotten something? Perhaps we have forgotten our responsibilities to democracy. 15-year-- We possess the right to make a difference, for our voice to be heard; but by the same token, we also possess the right to do nothing. Did you vote? If you fail in your right to vote, you forfeit your right to : slander "the system." How many of us pay daily reverence to our symbol of freedom? The Supreme Court recently ruled4in favor of a Texas man who burned the flag as a means of freedom of expression. Days later, the U.S." Senate introduced legislation restoring penalties for people desecrating the . 1 flag. Obviously the uproar that occurred over this matter motivated action by ' our leaders. And America's voice was heard in this case. But what about other issues? Are we going to rely on a "jump on the bandwagon" mentality and let the media supply us with our causes? It's personally offensive that it takes a blatant disregard of our national symbol before America takes a look at itself and realizes what it holds out to the world as a beacon . ; of democracy. Before we guide the world's people to our door and hard sell democracy, shouldn't we start practicing it again? Editor's note: Airman Williams is with the 1776th Air Base Wing public affairs unit at Andrews AFB. Article courtesy of Military Airlift Command News Service. 'Which one do you think goes best?" Americans must pass on values to children by Maj. John F. Foreman Rickenbacker ANGB, Ohio 0 watched and read the news reports from Beijing, China, with a keen eye. A whole generation of Chinese are telling their elders they want a free and democratic society. Another nation had similar problems 213 years ago. In 1776, another generation of people rose up against their tyrannical government and created a new nation. The United States of America has to be the example of democracy' in action grown frhe whole world to witness. it are we being good witnesses? Nations are as strong as their leaders and educational O; . systems. It is through education that we teach our young the true value of freedom -f- reedom that has been retained through the perseverance of many generations. Are we ensuring that our future leaders do not forget the men and women who gave their last measure of devotion to keep this country free? Are our children aware of the struggles for freedom in other countries, so they don't take for granted the freedoms they enjoy everyday? When we view the news reports about the conflict in China or any other part of the world -l- et's point out to these future leaders that our forefathers fought and died for the same freedom others are now fighting for. Teach them that the liberty to "do as they please" under a fair and just set of laws -- set by the people -- must never be taken for . granted. Let's teach them to take it personally when foreigners, and Americans, burn our flag or use it as a rug. Tell them what that red, white, and blue flag means. Point out to them as early as possible that our freedoms are indeed special and explain why people in the world today are jailed and killed because they want what we enjoy. Hopefully we will never again have to fight for the freedom and liberty we all enjoy. But let's make sure our children know that we are willing to fight if we have to in order to preserve those things that the flag stands for. Editor's notoi Major Foreman is with the 907th Tactical Airlift Group at Rickenbacker . ANGB. Article courtesy of Military Airlift Command News Service. |