GREETINGS. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!!
May 1999 bring you all the rewards and challenges you deserve!
Now, for this quarter's Proponent News. As it is year's end, I thought I'd review what we've written in our Proponent News section up to date. In March '97, we covered our #1 requested and/or talked about topic, PROMOTIONS AND SELECTION RATES. This was followed in Jun '97 with my personal favorite, the "unofficial" HISTORY OF THE FAO PROGRAM. Next, in Sep '97, we published a synopsis of an article written by the request of the DCSOPS, then LTG Shinseki, entitled "FRONT-LINE SOLDIERS IN PEACETIME ENGAGEMENT -- THE ARMY'S FOREIGN AREA OFFICER." This article covered topics ranging from Army-to-Army Contacts to Peace Operations to Country Teams. Our fourth article, Dec '97, gave what I called an "azimuth check/program appraisal" validating current initiatives in light of past history and vision for the future. It was presented in briefing format and titled, "FAOs - YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW." This year's first article, Mar '98, laid out the new FAO PRO-PONENT DIVISION -- REDESIGNED TO ADDRESS THE FUTURE. It explains how we redesigned our organization to better cope with the eight elements of proponent life-cycle management; structure, acquisition, individual training and education, distribution, deployment, sustainment, professional development and separation. The key piece of the feature, however, explains the creation of the regional Area of Con-centration (AOC) program managers to handle all policy, plan-ning and execution aspects of in-country training. In Jun '98, we addressed "WHAT DO YOUR FAO PROPONENT MANAGERS REALLY DO? A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FAO REGIONAL MANAGER." And lastly, Sep '98, we once again addressed PROMOTIONS AND SPECIALTY DEVELOPMENT. Between the latest promotion board results and the effects of OPMS XXI, this info proved timely.
Now, one might ask, "Why the trip down memory lane?" Actually, there are two answers. First, I feel it is important to show where we've been, where we are and where we're going. Also, it shows what you might have missed by not being a member of our Foreign Area Officer Association.
Secondly, it leads into my next topic of where one can find additional data on the FAO Program. As of this month, we've reestablished our website; www.fao.army.mil. Of significance, this website is neither in competition with the Association's homepage nor is it in competition with PERSCOM's FAO homepage. It works in-conjunction-with the truly superb FAOA website (thank you LTC Steve Gotowicki), as well as the PERSCOM FAO site and does not duplicate either.
Lastly, I would like to share with all of you my introductory message to our FAO website.
Welcome to the Foreign Area Officer (FAO) Homepage! We are pleased you signed on and hope you find the information you need. We've enjoyed putting this page together for you and have tried to present our material in an informative and useful man-ner, with relevant information for both the novice and the thirty-year defense professional as well. So again, welcome and good surfing. Since 1947, the FAO has been an integral part of our Army. This will not change in the 21st Century. As the Army Chief of Staff, GEN Reimer, has stated, "FAOs perform a critical function for our Army and our nation. They always have and I think they are even more important during this period of our history." As our force structure continues to change, the con-ceptual, doctrinal and physical changes will require modification in Army missions and training. These changes will understandably be reflected in changes to the FAO Program. During the next century, a competitive FAO must be proficient in FAO skills --- Language, Regional Expertise, and U.S. Political-Military Policy. A smaller force will have to accomplish more missions in less time. In most cases, FAOs won't be eligible for refresh-er training. Once qualified, FAOs will have to maintain and improve their professional skills on their own. Two further items: First, the Foreign Area Officer Association. A $15 annual fee entitles you to membership and a subscription to a great FAO Journal. The Journal's purpose is to disseminate professional knowledge and furnish information that will promote understanding between U.S. regional specialists around the world and improve their effect-iveness in advising decision-makers. It is intended to forge a closer bond between the active, reserve and retired FAO communities. Bottom line: it's your Jour-nal. It answers questions from the field, prints your articles, keeps you informed on the latest FAO specific and/or personnel issues and could assist you in your job search when you leave the military. Lastly, I solicit not only your help but welcome your thoughts and advice on the status and direction of the FAO Program. Either call or write the FAO Proponent Team. We are your advocates on the Army Staff. Best Regards to all Soldier -- Statesmen.