Sometimes editorials just have to be upbeat and this is one of them! Interesting and exciting events have been taking place over the past few months that affect the all of the Service FAO programs, but that also affect the FAO Association. As I have mentioned in past editorials, a DOD Directive was promulgated directing the Services to implement their own FAO programs. Granted the directive was somewhat watered down and spoke to the lowest common denominator, but it did make key demands on the Services. Further, DOD has continued to push for better FAOs from all the Services. We are seeing direct interest by the Service Secretariats as well -- all very positive for the professionalization of the FAO defense-wide. The newer programs (the Air Force and the Navy) are making progress, while the Marine Corps and Army programs are seeing the best promotion and selection rates in years (a possible indicator that the Service military leadership also recognizes the value of the specialty.
With regard to the Association, we have celebrated our third anniversary and are welcoming our first elected Board of Governors to the helm of our organization -- a dream of a professional military association is finally a reality. The FAOA Web Site has undergone a face-lift, there are exciting new columns that will appear in the March issue of the FAO Journal, and the organization is creating a number of new programs, such as a college scholarship program for members and families, to take the next step in the process of building a viable serving organization. Clearly, both the specialty and its professional organization are making great strides.
The Question is where do we go next?
As we open a new administration and really a new era in our organization existence, a number of challenges still remain for the Association -- both in its own organization and in its relationship to the four Service programs.
I don't personally have the answers to these questions, but am very positive that you working with the new Board of Governors will succeed in creating solutions to take FAOA to the next plateau!
Strategic Scouts Out!