DEFENSE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON WOMEN IN THE SERVICES HOLDS ITS SPRING 2000 CONFERENCE

The Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) will conduct their Spring Conference, April 26-30, 2000, at the Washington Dulles Airport Hilton Hotel, Herndon, Va. Deputy Secretary of Defense Rudy de Leon is hosting the conference. He and other keynote speakers will address the progress women have made in the defense of our nation.

Guest speakers include Chief of Staff of the U.S. Coast Guard Vice Adm. Timothy Josiah; Coast Guard Capt. Beverly Kelley, prospective commanding officer of USCGC Boutwell and executive assistant to the assistant commandant for Human Resources; Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard Vice Admiral James C. Card; and Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater.

A briefing on the new pay and compensation system will be presented. Other issues that will be addressed in the subcommittees include promotion opportunities for Army women, assignment of personnel on submarines, and a review of the TRICARE system. The United States Coast Guard is the supporting service and will highlight its uniqueness as an armed force.

DACOWITS was established in 1951 by Secretary of Defense George C. Marshall to advise the secretary of Defense on policies and matters relating to women in the military services. In its advisory capacity, the committee recommends measures to ensure the effective utilization of women in the armed forces. The committee meets formally each spring and fall to discuss current issues facing women in the military services. Over the years, DACOWITS has been instrumental in bringing to fruition an unprecedented number of positive changes for the qualified women of our armed forces.

The committee is composed of 36 civilian members selected on the basis of their achievements in business, professional fields, civic service, and by geographic location. Members are appointed by the secretary of Defense for a three-year term. DACOWITS members examine the issues within three subcommittees for equality management, forces development and utilization, and quality of life. After an extensive review of the issues, each subcommittee chair forwards a recommendation or request for further information or letters of appreciation to the secretary of Defense.

The conference is open to the public. For further information contact Army Maj. Susan Kolb, the DACOWITS public affairs and protocol liaison officer, at (703) 697-2122 or email at kolbs@pr.osd.mil or http://www.dtic.mil/dacowits .