November 2004 marks the 229th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps, and this issue focuses on Marines and Marine issues. The three prize-winning essays from the Marine Corps Essay Contest sponsored by Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems kick off the article section. The coverage ranges from a strong case for the Corps to emphasize urban warfare to combat reports and insights from Afghanistan and Iraq.
Taking a page from the Marine Corps' successful laser focus on its history and heritage, the Navy and Naval Institute are teaming this month to deliver A Sailor's History of The U.S. Navy to every new Sailor. This new book, written by the Naval Institute's own Tom Cutler, author of the Bluejacket's Manual, tells the Navy's story—its core values, traditions, and the uniqueness of the profession—through the accounts and actions of real people, mostly enlisted professionals. A former gunner's mate and a retired lieutenant commander, Tom has been working a long time developing this human approach to history to help those volunteering to serve in the Navy today to understand and appreciate the naval profession of arms. Since 2003, Proceedings readers have been getting advance glimpses into A Sailor's History in Tom's monthly contributions to Lest We Forget. In this issue, Tom describes the role Gunner's Mate Third Class Paul Henry Carr played in taking on superior Japanese forces in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944 on board the USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413). A commercial hardback edition of A Sailor's History is available for sale from the Naval Institute or can be ordered directly from our Web site.
Putting the human face on issues and stories also has been an objective of the Proceedings staff. You have seen it in subtle ways, with the selection of photography—both on the cover and to illustrate articles—and with the addition of such features as Cutler's monthly column and Chris Michel's Charting Your Course. Chris's column this month, "Supporting Our Own," and Jeff Bacon's accompanying illustration capture on one page what the profession of arms is all about—the people. While we could not fit in Chris's column all the charities working hard to support those serving in uniform and their families, we have these organizations and their contact information posted on our Web site, and they can be accessed directly by going to /magazines/proceedings/archive/story.asp?STORY_ID=448. If you do not have access to a computer or would like a hard copy of this listing, call Jaci Day (410-295-1048) and she will mail or fax a copy to you.
On the seminar front, the Ninth Annual Warfare Exposition and Symposium on 29-30 September was a success by all measures. Admiral William J. Fallon, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, kicked off the formal program by addressing a wide range of topics. One issue he highlighted was reserve-active force integration, which also is addressed in "Navy's Reserve Will Be Integrated with Active Forces."
During Secretary of the Navy Gordon England's address, he thanked the Naval Institute "for keeping alive the tradition of debate and discussion on timely and relevant topics." Admiral Edmund P. Giambastiani, Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command, delivered a bell-ringer that set the stage for a daylong discussion on joint issues. Recordings of these addresses and all the panel discussions are available from A.V.E.R. Associates—call 410-796-8949 or visit www.conferencerecordings.com.
On 8 October, with the Marines' Memorial Association, we examined "Biometric Technology for Homeland Security: What's the Art of the Possible?" in San Francisco, featuring a discussion with Paul McHale, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense.
We hope you can join us for the next event on the schedule—West 2005, cohosted by the Naval Institute and AFCEA, 1-3 February at the San Diego Convention Center. This event will focus on "Beyond Iraq: How Do We Get Transformation Right?"
The Naval Institute is on the move. With next month's Proceedings, you will receive proposed changes in the organization's Constitution and Bylaws that should help us better operate to serve the profession and the members. In January, you will receive ballots to elect the members of the Board of Directors and Editorial Board. Please vote—because this wonderful nonprofit professional organization belongs to and works for you.
Editor's Page
By F.H. Rainbow
—F.H. Rainbow