Military & Defense Industry Leaders Also Provide Perspective on Critical
Technologies for Iraq War & Hurricane Katrina Recovery
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/-- The support of the American public
remains vital to winning the War on Terrorism, but the United States cannot do
it alone, according to defense industry and military leaders assembled at the
2005 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and
Exposition.
A survey released today by AUSA and Battelle, a global leader in science
and technology, found that 37 percent of AUSA attendees queried believe
Americans' concerns about the terrorism threat at home and abroad will have
the greatest impact on the nation's ability to successfully combat terrorism.
"Cooperation with forces from other nations," was a close second choice (36%).
"While the challenges facing our armed forces continue to evolve, the
results of this survey underscore that the need for innovation and technology
advancements remains constant," said Steve Kelly, senior vice president and
general manager of Battelle's National Security Division. "As with our
previous survey of the AUSA community in March 2004, we found agreement among
military personnel and defense industry representatives about technology needs
and other factors critical to our national well-being."
When asked about technologies most beneficial to soldiers in Iraq and
Afghanistan, survey respondents, of whom 56 percent listed their current
status as active duty military, singled out advancements in rapid intelligence
collection and analysis (33%). The other two standouts focused on protecting
troops through advanced, lighter weight body armor (24%) and mitigating
insurgent threats through airborne detection capabilities for roadside bombs
(22%). In a previous survey, conducted at the AUSA Winter Symposium and
Exposition in March 2004, half of respondents predicted that detecting
roadside bombs from a distance would be the most beneficial technology for
soldiers, followed by advanced, lighter weight body armor (18%).
In regard to the single most important challenge facing the military in
the coming year, 38 percent of respondents cited training the Iraqi Army and
police forces in order to maintain order in the country.
Survey respondents at the conference were also asked to name the military
technology and capability that will be most beneficial in assisting with the
rebuilding of the U.S. Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Two-fifths (42%) pointed to advanced logistics and planning technologies,
followed by joint force coordination and communications capabilities (24%).
Other choices included preparedness through joint training exercises (13%) and
rapid troop deployment capabilities (11%).
Survey participants also had an opportunity to volunteer their thoughts
about accomplishments within the past year that have done the most to improve
the global reputation of the U.S. Army. Among the most prevalent responses
were the elections in Iraq and Afghanistan; rebuilding efforts in Iraq;
continued commitment to the Iraqi people and their freedom; and the military's
response to the tsunami and Hurricane Katrina.
"Whether fighting the war on terror or providing vital relief in the wake
of natural disasters, the U.S. Army and joint forces rely on information
sharing, innovative technology and continuous learning to successfully
complete their mission," said Joe Hollis, AUSA's director of industry affairs.
"AUSA is committed to providing the best professional education programs and
most diverse showcase of advanced and cutting edge military technologies in
support of the men and women who serve."
Survey Background
Battelle conducted face-to-face interviews with 540 attendees at the 2005
AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition, "Call to Duty -- 230 Years of Service to
Our Nation," on Oct. 2-4. Survey participants were represented by current
military personnel (active, 56%; Reserve, 7%; and National Guard, 2%), retired
military personnel (11%), and military contractors (9%). The remainder
primarily consisted of civilian military employees and consultants. The
survey has a sampling error of plus or minus three to four percentage points
at the 95% confidence level.
About Battelle
Battelle is a global leader in science and technology. Headquartered in
Columbus, Ohio, it develops and commercializes technology and manages
laboratories for customers. Battelle, with the national labs it manages or co-
manages, oversees 19,000 staff members and conducts $2.9 billion in annual
research and development. Battelle innovations include the development of the
office copier machine (Xerox), pioneering work on compact disc technology,
medical technology advancements, and fiber optic technologies.
With more than 50 years' experience in military chemical, biological,
radiological, and nuclear defense programs, Battelle is a leader in using
science and technology to detect hazards and protect people and facilities
against weapons of mass destruction. Battelle's expertise covers all aspects
of anti-terrorism defenses-from threat and vulnerability assessments, to
testing of security systems, equipment, vaccines, and medical and community
response; and training and evaluations.
About AUSA
Since 1950, the Association of the United States Army has worked to
support all aspects of national security while advancing the interests of
America's Army and the men and women who serve. AUSA is a private, non-profit
educational organization that supports America's Army -- Active, National
Guard, Reserve, Civilians, Retirees and family members.
The AUSA Annual Meeting, the world's largest landpower forum, brings
together America's Army. Active, Guard and Reserve, retirees, family members
and civilians will experience the best of today's Army.
More than 30,000 attended the event.
For additional survey findings, details and comment from Battelle
spokespeople, contact Katy Delaney (410.306.8638) and Myllisa Lardieri Kennedy
(202.828.9707).
SOURCE Battelle
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Related links:
http://www.battelle.org
CONTACT:
Katy Delaney, +1-410-306-8638, or Myllisa
Lardieri Kennedy, +1-202-828-9707, both of Battelle
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