fromtheeditor Forward Progress A

Despite challenges in-country and abroad, the U.S. is seeing steady growth in cyberspace defense, unconventional warfare, eff orts to combat veteran homelessness, and more.

American inventor and businessperson Charles Kettering once noted, “Every time you tear a leaf off a calendar, you present a new place for new ideas and progress.” This concept is evident now, as new

ideas, and probably some old, will be presented for consideration as leaders at- tempt to solve the challenges brought on by increased national commitments around the world while operating in the current environment of fi scal constraint. Just how much progress is made likely will be the most diffi cult element to measure. With the report of the Military Com- pensation and Retirement Moderniza- tion Commission due in February and the risks associated with sequestration continuing to darken the skies, it is im- portant for every MOAA member to be aware of the current issues. MOAA’s list of legislative goals for 2015, page 42, is a good place to start. Review the list so you can eff ectively contribute your voice in defense of those who have worn the uni- form of the nation.* Progress is also the underlying theme of this month’s feature articles in Mili- tary Offi cer. It’s been more than 30 years since the release of the movie War Games, in which Matthew Broderick plays the part of a young computer prod- igy who nearly starts World War III after hacking into a government computer sys- tem. Protecting America’s defense net- works from intrusion has become much more complex since what was envisioned

in 1983, and it is why U.S. Cyber Com- mand exists. We asked Mark Cantrell to explore the world of those tasked with defending the U.S. in the expanse of cy- berspace and the progress being made in “Protecting the Digital Domain,” page 62. Networks and communication tech- nologies also are becoming formidable weapons in present-day battles with insurgents. But that is a fairly recent challenge. Don Vaughan looks back at “Lessons From Insurgency,” page 68, to see how unconventional warfare has shaped the battlefront and helped to de- termine the outcome of confl icts. Another front where enormous prog-

ress is being made is in the area of vet- eran homelessness. It’s estimated 50,000 veterans are homeless, with thousands more at risk, at any given time. But the number of homeless veterans has dropped an estimated 33 percent since 2010. Deborah Huso examines the eff orts underway at the VA, along with hundreds of community agencies and organiza- tions, aimed at “Ending Veteran Home- lessness,” page 58.

So with the swipe of the wrist, we tear

off the last page of our 2014 calendar and begin looking ahead to the challenges of the new year.

— Capt. Gordon J. Hume, USN (Ret)

*online: Visit www.moaa.org/action to find out how to support MOAA’s legislative goals. 12 MILITARY OFFICER JANUARY 2015

PHOTO: SEAN SHANAHAN