Keith Stern’s Post

The House of Representatives passed a measure on Friday automatically registering men aged 18 to 26 for selective service. This bill, part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), authorizes a substantial $895 billion in military spending and aims to streamline the registration process for military conscription. By using available federal databases, the Selective Service agency will be able to register all of the individuals required and thus help ensure that any future military draft is fair and equitable. This will also allow us to rededicate resources such as money towards reading readiness and mobilization, rather than towards education and advertising campaigns driven to register people. Although news of this bill seems to have taken the public by surprise, this system has been in place since 1917, with various iterations throughout the years, and serves as a contingency for military manpower in case of a national emergency. The provision targets males between the ages of 18 and 26, making it mandatory for them to be enrolled in the Selective Service System. Automatic registration is proposed to replace the current method, which requires individuals to sign up themselves. It has been criticized for its inefficiency and the penalties imposed on those who fail to register for the draft upon reaching the age of 18.

This article contains no surprises, and it's evident that the NZDF is currently grappling with its most difficult personnel and retention situation since before 1909. It's apparent that addressing this issue and fostering a sense of urgency within the NZDF to bring about lasting improvements will necessitate more than just a boost in defense spending. Hopefully, the Minister, Wellington bureaucrats, and senior defense staff are aligned in their efforts to effect change. https://lnkd.in/gH-z5rj4

Advent Calendar for Government Contractors December 2023 December 11th, 2023: Department of Veterans Affairs Interesting Fact - The VA maintains a special acquisition group focused on contracting veteran-owned and disabled small businesses resulting in over $4 billion awarded to VOSBs/SDVOSBs in 2021. #LeftBrainProfessionals #GovernmentContractAccounting #SmallBusiness #FinancialReporting #PoliciesProcedures #StreamlineYourProcesses #GovConTips

#ICYMI The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently released a report titled Service Members Transitioning to Civilian Life: Agencies Can Improve Warm Handovers for Additional Assistance. The VFW continues to advocate for legislation to improve transition from service, including H.R. 3933 / S. 2888, TAP Promotion Act, to require accredited representatives from national, state, and local organizations to be included in Transition Assistance Program classes. Read GAO’s report here: https://lnkd.in/gDHpcnT5 Need a refresher on VFW’s position on Transition from Service? You’ll find it here: https://lnkd.in/gBK2iir6

How is the VA going to Say their numbers in Veteran Suicide are only 22 a day? How is the DoD not reporting up to Date Reports on their submittals? I posted the VA Report which was last done in 2010. This is the Most Current GAO Up to Date Report. Someone needs to inform them that the Active Duty Suicide Reported by the DOD in Quarterly for FY 2023 was only showing 2019 at most. The Numbers are So off between the DOD reporting and the VA. This is Not okay. Accuracy of numbers will give a TRUE Control number with Studies and Reporting THEN we can research the Variables depending on what it is exactly that will Help Veterans and Soldiers.

Defense Health Agency Health of the Force estimates 27% of Fort Liberty Active-Duty soldiers are tobacco users (at least one product in last 30 days, 2023). Fort Liberty NC surveys indicate a higher percentage of use and polyusers (more than one product). Our partnership has done tremendous work in this area but I would love to hear what other Military installations in the United States Department of Defense are up to. What is the dynamic between your MTF, Public Health Nursing and Armed Forces Wellness Center? How could we do better? Our population faces such challenges with the military dynamic that it becomes more important to fill the gaps and ask the questions locally. https://ycq2.org

Bottom line up front: Beyond the clear and distinct, at the most surface level, stupidity of the move to cut Army SOF component, I fear that this article highlights the atrophy of advocacy power and ability to compete for resources within our SOF community. SOF TRIBE: We must all stand up to call out the stupidity of cutting SOF billets at a time when irregular warfare requirements are at the zenith. We must help our SOCOM brothers and sisters counter thinking/arguments that shifting away from the "GWOT" and competing with China are somehow lowering the need for SOF billets. Can't rebuild SOF after the next emergency happens. Think SOF Truths. Of course, funding is always in competition. But, this...this ... this is beyond stupid - it's irresponsible. And this is playing out in the other SOCOM components. There is no"phew, dodged that bullet, it's only Army SOF that's getting the cut..." - the arguments in this article are just the tip of the iceberg.. winter is coming...sharpen argument knives...it's fight for resources within the Service components. Talk to your Congress Representative and Senator. Write to them and tell them cutting SOF is a bad move. #Congress #Senate #Appropriations

🚀 Britain Reconfirms Plans to Increase Defence Spending 🚀 In response to a series of parliamentary questions from Conservative MP James Cartlidge, the UK government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving 2.5% of GDP expenditure on defence. Despite remarks from Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard, which indicated that increased military spending is contingent on economic growth, the government remains resolute. 📊 Key Points: Minister of State for Defence, Maria Eagle, reiterated the government's dedication to the 2.5% GDP target in responses to various defence priorities, including upgrades to Typhoon fighter jets, the Land Environment Tactical Communications and Information Systems programme, and the development of the Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank. Eagle emphasized the government's goal to deliver a defence programme that is both affordable and capable of countering 21st-century threats. Luke Pollard highlighted the dependency of increased defence spending on economic growth, stating, “The way we deliver increased public spending on defence, on schools, hospitals, or prisons, is by growing our economy.” 📈 Future Path: The Labour government's stance contrasts with the previous Conservative administration's promise to achieve the 2.5% target by 2030. While Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed a “cast-iron” commitment to the target, a specific timetable has yet to be provided. The UK prepares for a strategic defence review, set to be reported next year, which will address the alignment of defence spending ambitions with economic realities. Stay tuned as the UK navigates the balance between national security priorities and economic growth. https://lnkd.in/eqDTpJw7 Kieran Slaughter CertRPRyan FloodChristian Pascale #DefenceSpending #UKDefence #EconomicGrowth #NationalSecurity #Military #StrategicReview

Great summary from Adam Hugill regarding Gov report “Ready for War”. The UK Armed Forces, responding to security challenges, deploy beyond capacity with shortages and personnel losses. Adequate funding or a reduced operational burden is needed. Government initiatives for recruitment, retention, and procurement reform are welcomed but require effective implementation for true readiness. Despite significant defence spending, ongoing investment is crucial for sustained high-intensity warfare capabilities. #security #government #Recruitment