New USGLC Military Co-Chairs to Focus on Importance of Civilian Led Efforts
By Jordan Smith at 22 January, 2010, 1:06 am
The USGLC is proud to announce General Michael W. Hagee, USMC (Ret.) and Admiral James M. Loy, USCG (Ret.) as the new co-chairs to its National Security Advisory Council (NSAC). This prestigious group of over 50 retired three- and four-star generals and admirals represents all five branches of the Armed Forces united in support of strengthening America’s national security with the increased use of non-military tools and better civilian/military coordination.
Having a greater military voice is extremely important right now as the debate heats up around appropriate civilian and military efforts. This week, it was reported the Pentagon will still be in charge of U.S. foreign security assistance funding in FY 2011, despite many calls for it to be transferred to the State Department.
In December, Secretary Gates proposed that in the future the Pentagon and State Department jointly administer three funds totaling $2 billion to aid failing states. Gates contends this will increase coordination between the two departments in stabilization efforts in countries such as Afghanistan. And just yesterday, the State Department released a report discussing a civilian military strategy for Afghanistan.
General Hagee and Admiral Loy follow in the footsteps of NSAC’s founding Co-Chairs, General Anthony C. Zinni and Admiral Leighton T. Smith, whose exceptional leadership over the past two years during our Impact ’08 campaign highlighted the military’s support for elevating and strengthening America’s non-military tools of global engagement.
General Hagee served as the 33rd Commandant of the United States Marine Corps (2003-2006), succeeding current National Security Advisor James L. Jones in this position. Admiral Loy has previously served as the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as second administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, and as the Commandant of the Coast Guard.
The NSAC will have a busy schedule in the coming months with several events planned to highlight the military’s voice on smart power including a Washington Day where they will gather for high-level meetings on Capitol Hill and with key policymakers in the administration. NSAC members will also continue to play an important role with the media and doing outreach with our state networks.
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