fromtheeditor
Leaders of the Pack
For another year, poll results show U.S. military leaders
remain at the top of the charts with a more than 50-percent
confi dence rating from Americans.
I
t’s May — the month when spring tary spouse. Here you can
fully settles across the country. The read inspirational vignettes
Earth takes on new life. People have about military spouses who
a bit more bounce to their steps and, followed their dreams. And
perhaps, a tad more confi dence in don’t forget, May 8 is Mili-
their eyes. Following this grim winter, tary Spouse Appreciation
we’re certainly looking forward to an up- Day. Take this opportunity
lifting new season. to thank military spouses for
For this mid-spring issue of Military their support and sacrifi ce.
Offi cer, good-news stories are in order, so To fi nd out what MOAA is
let me start with a recurring report that doing to help military spous-
readers always enjoy: The Harris Poll es and families, see From the
Annual Confi dence Index (Harris Inter- President, page 12.
active Inc.). For more than 40 years, this “Leaders by Experience,”
poll has measured confi dence — or lack page 62, gives another view
thereof — in the leaders of major institu- of the value of military ser-
tions. The good news is the overall confi - vice. We speak with four leg-
dence index has risen 10 points this year. islators about their military
The inspiration for those of us in the background and how it has infl uenced
armed forces is, once again, that the mili- their public roles. Regardless of party af-
tary tops the chart, with 58 percent of the fi liation, all are grateful for the insight
population saying they have a great deal their military experience has provided
of confi dence in military leaders. That’s them as lawmakers.
up 7 percentage points from 2008 and is The ultimate testament to the military
10 points higher than the next highest- profession comes from those who are on
rated institution, small business. Not sur- the front lines. “Harvesting Change,” page
prisingly, at the bottom of the list is Wall 48, covers a unique group of U.S. troops in
Street, which scored a mere 4 percent, Afghanistan. As members of the Interna-
down seven points from the previous tional Security Assistance Force, they play
year. Visit
www.harrisinteractive.com a crucial counterinsurgency role.
for full poll results. Enjoy our spring bouquet of military
It’s comforting to know the nation has good-news stories!
such confi dence in its military leaders.
This theme of confi dence also appears in
our features this month. “Dreams into Ac-
tion,” page 54, is about an essential partner
in the military leadership team — the mili- — Col. Warren S. Lacy, USA-Ret.
1 0 M I L I T A R Y O F F I C E R M AY 2 0 0 9 PHOTO: STEVE BARRETT
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