Photo By Sgt. Benjamin Watson | Defense Secretary Robert Gates made his first visit to Fort Bragg, N.C., on Oct. 23,...... read more read more
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By Pfc. Benjamin Watson
49th Public Affairs Detachment (Airborne)
FORT BRAGG, N.C. – "It is one of the true glories of our country," said the Secretary of Defense during his first visit to Fort Bragg on Oct. 23, 2008, "that when it comes to American-ness, you don't have to be a descendent of the founders of the colonists who came over on the Mayflower. What counts is whether you believe in America's ideals, follow the laws and pitch in for the common good."
Robert Gates began his visit to Bragg by presiding over a naturalization ceremony at adjoining Pope Air Force Base. The ceremony included more than 40 anxious and elated service members from the Marines, Army, Navy and Air Force serving from countries as far away as the Czech Republic and Thailand.
"This group represents 26 different countries on five continents," said Gates, "which is another way of saying that famous melting pot that we talk so much about still works."
After the morning ceremony, Gates visited facilities at the 4th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne). The 4th POG is the Army's only active-duty psychological operations unit and falls under the command of United States Army Special Operations Command based at Fort Bragg. Shortly afterward, Gates was given a demonstration of the engagement skills trainer – a combat environment simulator – with the 82nd Airborne Division.
Following the demonstration, he gave a brief recap of his visit to Bragg before members of the press.
"The best part of the day is I've met some incredible Soldiers," Gates said. "I'm just very proud to be associated with them in any way."
He then took a moment to thank the local citizens and communities for their support of Soldiers and their families at Fort Bragg.
Without such a supportive environment, said Gates, "it makes it a lot harder, especially on the families, when troops are deployed."
Gates finished the briefing by fielding questions concerning the overall morale of the armed forces, federal funding for support of military families and the stress of deployments on Soldiers and their families.
Regarding support for military families, Gates said he is taking this "very seriously." A key challenge, he said, is to help remove the stigma associated with Soldiers seeking help. This year's budget includes $900 million for programs aimed at treating post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury, with one-third of the funding allocated specifically for research.
Touching on troop morale, Gates said it appeared high as a result of perceived progress in Iraq as well as the support of American citizens.
Addressing the strain of deployments, Gates said the intention is to increase the Marine Corps and Army's numbers by 65,000 and 27,000, respectively.
In addition, he said, "as we draw down in Iraq, what we hope to do is increase the dwell time at home for our Soldiers in particular, currently from about a year to two years, and eventually three."
The Marine Corps, he announced in closing, will finish its expansion next year while the Army is a couple of years ahead of schedule.
| Date Taken: | 10.24.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 10.24.2008 20:44 |
| Story ID: | 25511 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 345 |
| Downloads: | 273 |
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