thedrifter
01-28-09, 06:24 AM
Marines at Quantico Weigh in on Obama
"Visions Group" Gives a "Thumbs Up"
By Gary Davis
President Obama may be viewed by many as an extreme liberal, and in many respects he is, however the military seems to be pleased with his attitude.
The Marine Corp Base at Quantico has polled many of its "Visions Group" consisting of bright Marines at the Quantico Base and they feel he will support and be in touch with the military.
David A. Fulghum and Bettina H. Chavanne, both staff writers for "Aviation Week" report in their article "USMC Chief Talks Obama, JSFR, MRAPs" that the "Visions Group" made an interesting assessment. In looking at the last ten presidencies it seems a candidate will rally their political base but once elected will move towards and "rule" more from the center. It makes sense because compromise will always get a person further than confrontation.
General James Conway at Quantico says that the military has received a certain comfort level from President Obama. He has put in his cabinet a soldier, sailor and Marine.
Practically how will this help the military? As Conway explains, the Marines have not added an attack aircraft in 11 years and they feel they need that, specifically a short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing aircraft. (STOVL) While they still want an Airborne Electronic Attack Platform (AEA), it is apparently not necessary.
Basically the military is happy with their current representation and positioning when they consider there will probably be a reducing military budget-defense will take a backseat no doubt to the economy.
I expect that under Obama we will see some reduction in military spending for two reasons. First, I would assume that there will be an overall reduction in war efforts and further, the economy is going to demand major attention.
Back in 1975 under Gerald Ford, I recall that he was somewhat handicapped because of what he felt was the necessity of pardoning Nixon. Further because of the way that Nixon handled our initial Vietnam pullout we began to have problems with oil availability.
Not only is our country struggling with an economy that has been "toyed with" by irresponsible business practices but we are faced with having an impact of returning vets, less employment for military purposes both of which are good things morally but may further impact our already weak economy.
It is encouraging to hear the stereotypically conservative military give President Obama their "stamp of approval."
References:
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/COMFORT012609.xml&headline=USMC%20Chief%20Talks%20Obama,%20JSF,%20MR APs
http://www.quantico.usmc.mil/
More resources
http://www.quantico.usmc.mil/
Ellie
"Visions Group" Gives a "Thumbs Up"
By Gary Davis
President Obama may be viewed by many as an extreme liberal, and in many respects he is, however the military seems to be pleased with his attitude.
The Marine Corp Base at Quantico has polled many of its "Visions Group" consisting of bright Marines at the Quantico Base and they feel he will support and be in touch with the military.
David A. Fulghum and Bettina H. Chavanne, both staff writers for "Aviation Week" report in their article "USMC Chief Talks Obama, JSFR, MRAPs" that the "Visions Group" made an interesting assessment. In looking at the last ten presidencies it seems a candidate will rally their political base but once elected will move towards and "rule" more from the center. It makes sense because compromise will always get a person further than confrontation.
General James Conway at Quantico says that the military has received a certain comfort level from President Obama. He has put in his cabinet a soldier, sailor and Marine.
Practically how will this help the military? As Conway explains, the Marines have not added an attack aircraft in 11 years and they feel they need that, specifically a short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing aircraft. (STOVL) While they still want an Airborne Electronic Attack Platform (AEA), it is apparently not necessary.
Basically the military is happy with their current representation and positioning when they consider there will probably be a reducing military budget-defense will take a backseat no doubt to the economy.
I expect that under Obama we will see some reduction in military spending for two reasons. First, I would assume that there will be an overall reduction in war efforts and further, the economy is going to demand major attention.
Back in 1975 under Gerald Ford, I recall that he was somewhat handicapped because of what he felt was the necessity of pardoning Nixon. Further because of the way that Nixon handled our initial Vietnam pullout we began to have problems with oil availability.
Not only is our country struggling with an economy that has been "toyed with" by irresponsible business practices but we are faced with having an impact of returning vets, less employment for military purposes both of which are good things morally but may further impact our already weak economy.
It is encouraging to hear the stereotypically conservative military give President Obama their "stamp of approval."
References:
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/COMFORT012609.xml&headline=USMC%20Chief%20Talks%20Obama,%20JSF,%20MR APs
http://www.quantico.usmc.mil/
More resources
http://www.quantico.usmc.mil/
Ellie