Stand-To: Procedure prior to first light to enhance unit security, a daily compendium of news, information, and context for Army leaders.

"We are not the only culture on the globe. As Americans, it is important that we recognize that there are different perspectives, and different ways to think about things. Perhaps the most valuable lesson our Soldiers will take from this is an ability to recognize a competing or a different perspective and understand that they may not agree with it but it’s something they must incorporate in their decision making and how they interact with others."

- Army Lt. Col. Jim Isenhower, commander of the 2nd Squadron, 14th Calvary Regiment, appreciating the cultural diversity as well as speaking about the softer skills that the U.S. Army learnt at the Yudh Abhyas Exercise, the largest military exercise to date with the Indian army.

Yoga, curry make for good Army training

Year of the Noncommissioned Officer

"People in the military think a little differently than those who are not and most of the Soldiers in the military today could probably easily understand the feeling of responsibility that compelled me to deploy."

- Sgt. Nicholas Raia of Altoona, who performs in the Pennsylvania National Guard's 28th Infantry Division Band, volunteered to deploy as a door gunner with the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade

Guard Soldier trades guitar for gun

• Early Bird News Site
• Information Papers with "2009 Army Posture Statement"
• Stories of Valor
• Army Public Affairs Portal
• Strategic Communication Coordination Group (SCCG) Workspace

• Community Covenant
• Army Live
• Bloggers Roundtable
• Civic, business leaders participate in airborne training (The U.S. Army)
• Army using 'stimulus' funding to repair dams, recreation areas (The U.S. Army)
• Scientists from India collaborate on Army energy challenges (The U.S. Army)

2009 Commemorations :

Year of the NCO

Year of the Military Family

100th Anniversary of the Chaplain Assistant

November 2009

Military Family Appreciation Month
National Native American Month
Warrior Care Month
Veteran's Day Week

Nov. 11: Veteran's Day

• Army Media Player
• Flickr: Army images
• YouTube: Army videos
• Twitter: Army updates
• delicious: Army links
• Facebook: Army's fan page

Army Professional Writing

• In pain, women Soldiers may be tougher
• First mechanized exercise Yudh Abhyas 09 concludes
• More social media by the military: Army to launch technology blog
• Officership

External Links Disclaimer

Military Family Appreciation Month: "Honoring the sacrifices of the military family"

What is it?

Military Family Appreciation Month is a time to honor the sacrifices of our military families. Army families of Active, Guard, Reserve, veterans, and retirees are giving back in a time of need and sustain and support the Soldiers who defend our Nation. Army Families are Army Strong.

What has the Army done?

Throughout the month of November, Army families serving around the world are being honored through a variety of observances and are being recognized for the commitment and contributions they make every day. Efforts to recognize the sacrifices of the Army family by Active, Guard, and Reserve leaders are being joined and supported by DoD organizations to include the Army Air Force Exchange Service, Defense Commissary Agency, and others. In coordination with the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, U.S. Army Entertainment, and the Army Multimedia Visual Information Directorate, a music video is being produced featuring the song "Life of a Soldier," written and performed by Spc. Daniel Jens (America's Got Talent) and Sgt 1st Class Sean Bennett (Nashville Star). The song is dedicated to Army families world-wide.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?

Through Army Family Covenant commitments, the Army will continue to build trust and confidence that the Army cares for Soldiers and families. At all levels, we will continue to recognize the continued support and sacrifices Army families make every day, knowing that the strength of our Soldiers comes from the strength of their families, and sustaining Soldiers is critical to sustaining an all-volunteer force. Through the commitments represented by the Army Family Covenant, the Army will continue to standardize and fund existing family programs and services, increase accessibility and quality of health care, improve Soldier and family housing, increase excellence in schools, youth services and child care, expand education and employment opportunities for family members, and continue to provide families a strong, supportive environment where they can thrive.

Why is it important to the Army?

Army families are important as the strength of our Soldiers comes from the strength of their families. They are a vital connection between Soldiers and the Army's ability to remain strong. All Army families, Active, Guard, Reserve, veterans and retirees are giving back in this time of need. With thousands of Soldiers deployed, recognizing the daily sacrifices made by Army families has never been more important.

Resources:

My Army One Source

Army Entertainment

Defense Commissary Agency

Army Air Force Exchange Service

Army National Guard

Army Reserve