Representative Charlie Dent (PA-15), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies (MILCON-VA), convened a hearing focused on issues pertaining to Quality of Life in the Military. The hearing featured testimony from the senior enlisted personnel of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.
“Issues that affect quality of life for our men and women in uniform – such as housing, family programs, and professional development – are the foundation for the morale and readiness of our armed services. By providing our soldiers and military families with the resources and peace of mind they deserve at home, we can generate a greater focus on the vital national security missions facing our nation and better results in the field,” Dent said. “The senior enlisted officers before us today are entrusted with the very important task of representing both our service members and their families, and it is an honor to work with them to support the needs of our military personnel. Today’s feedback is very valuable to our work on the Fiscal Year 2018 appropriations process, and this subcommittee will continue to do everything we can to further assist and improve upon our military’s readiness, recruitment, and retention efforts.”
Some of the topics discussed at the hearing included the status of installation services including family programs and housing; the effects of high operational tempo on morale, readiness, and family relationships; professional development initiatives; and other matters affecting service members upon their transition into and out of the military. In addition to these issues, Chairman Dent also addressed the Marine Corps photo-sharing allegations that broke over the weekend, making note that he appreciated Sergeant Major Ronald Green’s stern rebuke of the actions.
“What we’ve learned so far about these actions and allegations are very disturbing and utterly disrespectful,” he commented. “None of us will tolerate such behavior, and I appreciate that the Department of Defense is taking this issue as seriously as all of us on this subcommittee.”
Sergeant Major of the Army, Daniel A. Dailey; Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Steven Giordano; Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Ronald Green; and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Kaleth Wright all served as witnesses at the hearing. They hold the top enlisted rank attainable in their service. In their roles, they are responsible for hearing from, responding to, and expressing the daily concerns of U.S. soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and their families. Combined, they carry over 120 years of military experience.
