Written by Meghavaty Suresh
In a political environment where there are different forces to contend with and hard decisions to make, the 25th Secretary of Defense of the United States, the Honorable Ashton B. Carter, gave clarity on his goals for the most important stakeholders during a talk at Syracuse University – the people.
On his first domestic trip since taking office, Secretary Carter visited Syracuse University and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families where he gave voice to his belief that it is not just technology that makes the United States Military the finest fighting force in the world but the people who make up the military forces and shoulder immense responsibilities far greater than age and experience. They carry the burden of astonishing levels of responsibility and make great sacrifices. Secretary Carter acknowledged that when it comes to serving them, it needs to be understood that transition is for the entire duration of service. The obligation to the military and veteran community and the country as a whole is to ensure the best possible choices are placed before them. He pointed out that people want to think about the future and they want choices. There will always be conflict and solutions to solve conflict, however public service has to be given importance.
Some immediate measures that are being rolled out include an improved transition program where the Department of Defense works with different levels of government and the private sector with strong emphasis on research. Earlier this month the U.S. Department of Defense, the IVMF at Syracuse University, and the Schultz Family Foundation (SFF) announced ‘Onward to Opportunity’, a program at the national level that will deliver tailored, industry-specific training and certifications to service members and spouses on U.S. military bases prior to transition. It equips members of the military with skill sets to immediately qualify them to work for leading U.S. companies, creating a more seamless transition from military careers to civilian employment.
Secretary Carter also emphasized the importance of the next generation and the task the DoD has when it comes to reaching out, recruiting, and connecting with changing expectations. He called out to everyone to think big and broadly. It is a wider circle today and it is important that everyone belongs to something that is bigger than themselves. For their part the DoD will ensure that generations to come will have a place to grow and develop. He also praised the work Syracuse University and the IVMF have been doing, stating that it is not replicated anywhere else in the country and needs to be. The legacy of service and history that Syracuse University has with respect to serving the members of the military and veterans is remarkable and the level of competence and sophistication is exemplary. Its thoughtful, intellectual work to understand opportunities to better institutions that will make a difference and Secretary Carter is standing tall behind the people of the country.
Meghavaty Suresh is a Graduate Assistant at IVMF currently pursuing a Master of Science in New Media Management from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. She holds a Master’s in Management and Bachelor’s in Commerce from Mumbai University.