Volume 2, Issue 2 (2010) Spring 2010 - The Military: Legislation and Controversies

Editor's Welcome - April 10, 2010

Dear Readers,

Thank you for reading our second and final issue of the 2009-2010 academic year. Perhaps in no facet of President Barack Obama’s Administration has change been felt quite like the military. From his promise to close Guantanamo Bay, to his promise to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the President came out strong against two arguably harmful and counterproductive policies. However, his actions to follow through to get rid of these policies have been mixed. Fifteen months later, Guantanamo is still open, and the military has yet to end its Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. And yet, there is hope on the horizon that both of these policies will soon change.

In this issue, we will explore some of these challenges, and others, that face our brave men and women who put their lives on the line to defend our nation. Perhaps no national institution still, in this era of cynicism, commands the amount of respect as the military. But possible trouble lies on the horizon. Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan need our support. Our troops going overseas need to be fitted with the right equipment and planning to achieve their goals. Through some of the ideas explored here, we can perhaps make our fighting force less controversial, more equitable, and even greater in the 21st century.

Thank you for reading, and for your interest in the Legislation and Policy Brief.

Sincerely,

Jordan Acker
Editor-in-Chief