'We provide a huge value and capability'

摘要

In May 2009, Maj. Gen. Raymond W. Carpenter of South Dakota received a significant but short-term assignment: keep the seat warm atop the Army National Guard until the new director arrives. More than 26 months later, he's still at his post, and he's done more than just occupy the chair. Today, the Army Guard enjoys unprecedented levels oj on-hand equipment and personnel retention, even after nearly 10 years of war and without a permanent three-star director the last two. Lt. Gen. Clyde A. Vaughn, the previous director, may have laid the groundwork for this success, but Carpenter maintained the momentum—no small feat at a time when plans and programs change as easily as the direction of the wind. But the headlines haven't been all good. Suicides in the force nearly doubled from 2009 to 2010 and the sun may be setting for much of the fixed-wing aviation fleet. Carpenter sat down recently with National Guard at the Army National Guard Readiness Center in Arlington, Va., to talk about the issues above and the way ahead.