Lanterna Rally

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Published: 1998

Total Pages: 16

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On June 27, 1997, Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen announced the appointment of the Federal Advisory Committee on Gender-Integrated Training and Related Issues. Former United States Senator Nancy Kassebaum Baker was named chairperson of the Federal Advisory Committee. The Federal Advisory Committee was directed to 'Assess the current training programs and policies, with err on initial entry training programs and policies, of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps necessary to assure the readiness and effectiveness of the all volunteer force and provide such advice make such recommendations as the Committee considers warranted; and Examine related normal issues.' The Federal Advisory Committee was created as a result of Secretary Cohen's conviction that the successful integration of men and women in the military requires superb basic training in all of th Services. As the Secretary observed: "I think it should be clear that our all volunteer force, a force that has produced the best military in the world, cannot meet its obligations without the continued strong contribution of men and women working together. It should also be clear that training is the key to an effective and ready force." On December 16, 1997, the Federal Advisory Committee reported a wide range of recommend Senator Kassebaum Baker characterized the Federal Advisory Committee's report as a comprehensive package, which included recommendations concerning recruitment as well as suggestions for improving the training of men and women entering the Services. Upon receiving the report of the Federal Advisory Committee, Secretary Cohen tasked the Services to review and assess the recommendations. After receiving the Services' responses on March 16, 1998, Secretary Cohen directed the Services to address in more detail the additional action required in three areas especially critical to basic military training training cadre leadership, recruit billeting and training rigor.