Sponsored by
The West Point Society of Richmond
I. Overview:
Members of the West Point Society of Richmond have expressed an interest in having a discussion group about professional military matters. For many of us caught up in our busy lives, it is difficult to stay abreast of the military and, especially, of our Army. Yet, many of our friends, neighbors, and business associates seem to expect us, as West Point graduates, to be able to talk intelligently about military matters when they arise.
West Pointers have a certain duty, even after we leave the military, to be advocates for a strong national defense. For, as the first verse of our Alma Mater puts it:
Let Duty be well performed. Honor be ee’r untarned. Country be ever armed. West Point, by thee.Clearly, in order to be intelligent advocates for a strong national defense, we all need to be well informed. Thus, educating ourselves is one of the primary purposes of this discussion group. Also, many members find the intellectual stimulation interesting and beneficial. Finally, the fellowship and camaraderie is most enjoyable for all participants.
II Focus of Discussion Group:
Details of the group’s activities (such as topics, formats, dates, times, venues, and other specifics) are determined at each meeting by the members of the discussion group. In general the type activities are:
· Future Military Affairs – topics may include such items as the Army’s long range plan for “Transformation”; National Military Strategy (Quadrennial Defense Review) The nature of the “Threat”; Future engagement in “Operations Other Than War” (OOTW); etc.
· Present Military Affairs – Army Preparedness For War; Morale and Its Impact on Retention; Operations in Iraq or Afghanistan, Impact of the Media on the Military Today; New Equipment/Technology in Today’s Army, etc.
· Past Military Affairs – Lessons Learned from Military History including Iraq and Afghanistan; Staff Rides to Local Battlefields, etc.
As you can see, the topics are interesting, beneficial, and almost limitless. Reviews and/or discussions of books in any category above have also been done.
III Frequency and Format:
Group discussions usually follow a roundtable discussion format. On occasion guest speakers are invited to address the group. Staff rides to Civil War battlefields have been very popular.
The group normally meets quarterly and sometimes 5 times a year. The schedule of future events is published in the WPSR Newsletter.
Anyone interested in joining the Military Affairs Discussion Group contact Sam Wilder. (e-mail is sdwilder1@comcast.net. tel: 804-530-1682)
