Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, delivered an address at the Reserve Officer's Association Mid-Winter conference. He spoke of the need to integrate the full time army and and the reserve at this time. Admiral Mullen addressed the global economic crisis, stating that it instantly proved the interconnectedness of societies around the world. He also expressed concern that the crisis will result in "increased global instability" and this will affect security and the role of the military in ways which we cannot predict.

Admiral Mullen also focused intently on the need of the military and reserves to care for its members and their families. He believes that it is "well within our resources" in the U.S. to make sure that all our soldiers, and their families, receive the support they need. This includes preparing soldiers for reintegration with their work and families, as well as increasing the amount of time soldiers are allowed to come home. Furthermore, there needs to be a framework of support for families of fallen and injured soldiers, as well as soldiers suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder.