1 00:00:01,087 --> 00:00:03,930 - [Announcer] "Defense News" is proudly sponsored 2 00:00:03,930 --> 00:00:06,330 by Navy Federal Credit Union. 3 00:00:06,330 --> 00:00:08,910 If you're a member of our nation's armed forces, 4 00:00:08,910 --> 00:00:10,470 the Department of Defense, 5 00:00:10,470 --> 00:00:14,403 or if your family is, we'd be proud to serve you too. 6 00:00:15,270 --> 00:00:17,880 - [Announcer] On this episode of "Defense News Weekly," 7 00:00:17,880 --> 00:00:19,770 stories from around the military 8 00:00:19,770 --> 00:00:21,450 and defense worlds. 9 00:00:21,450 --> 00:00:23,760 We've got updates from industry leaders, 10 00:00:23,760 --> 00:00:25,740 top officials, and experts 11 00:00:25,740 --> 00:00:27,840 around the armed forces. 12 00:00:27,840 --> 00:00:29,940 It's the latest in news and analysis 13 00:00:29,940 --> 00:00:31,920 from the Pentagon to the platoon, 14 00:00:31,920 --> 00:00:33,831 here on "Defense News Weekly." 15 00:00:33,831 --> 00:00:36,414 (lively music) 16 00:00:48,366 --> 00:00:51,783 (lively music continues) 17 00:00:54,509 --> 00:00:56,460 (logo whooshes) 18 00:00:56,460 --> 00:00:57,570 - Christian, thank you so much 19 00:00:57,570 --> 00:00:58,980 for being here today. 20 00:00:58,980 --> 00:01:01,200 - Yeah, thank you for having me, Hope. 21 00:01:01,200 --> 00:01:05,070 - So tell me all about this amazing 22 00:01:05,070 --> 00:01:06,810 military monument that's now up 23 00:01:06,810 --> 00:01:09,150 in front of the Lincoln Memorial in D.C. 24 00:01:09,150 --> 00:01:09,983 - Yeah, happy to. 25 00:01:09,983 --> 00:01:11,820 So obviously we know this year 26 00:01:11,820 --> 00:01:14,400 is America's 250th birthday, 27 00:01:14,400 --> 00:01:16,680 and USAA knew we wanted to do something big 28 00:01:16,680 --> 00:01:18,450 to celebrate that, and what better place 29 00:01:18,450 --> 00:01:19,500 than our nation's capital. 30 00:01:19,500 --> 00:01:22,740 So that's where we came up with the idea 31 00:01:22,740 --> 00:01:24,540 of the National Military Monument. 32 00:01:24,540 --> 00:01:28,770 It went up on July 28th there on the National Mall 33 00:01:28,770 --> 00:01:30,480 right in front of the Lincoln Memorial. 34 00:01:30,480 --> 00:01:33,810 And what it is, it's two giant U.S. flags, 35 00:01:33,810 --> 00:01:35,760 each one about 18-feet-tall, 36 00:01:35,760 --> 00:01:37,500 more than 50-feet-wide, 37 00:01:37,500 --> 00:01:40,920 and displayed on that flag its digital display 38 00:01:40,920 --> 00:01:43,440 of 41 million service members 39 00:01:43,440 --> 00:01:44,730 who have served our country 40 00:01:44,730 --> 00:01:46,350 since the Revolutionary War. 41 00:01:46,350 --> 00:01:49,680 So you see the monument behind me, 42 00:01:49,680 --> 00:01:51,990 those names show up in that digital display 43 00:01:51,990 --> 00:01:53,580 and the stripes of the flag, 44 00:01:53,580 --> 00:01:55,770 and every 45 seconds names will fade out, 45 00:01:55,770 --> 00:01:57,750 a new set of names will fade in. 46 00:01:57,750 --> 00:02:00,420 It takes, believe it or not, an entire week, 47 00:02:00,420 --> 00:02:02,250 just about seven days to cycle 48 00:02:02,250 --> 00:02:04,650 through all 41 million names 49 00:02:04,650 --> 00:02:05,910 through that monument. 50 00:02:05,910 --> 00:02:06,990 And obviously we know people 51 00:02:06,990 --> 00:02:08,370 are gonna to want to come to the monument, 52 00:02:08,370 --> 00:02:09,660 want to see their name. 53 00:02:09,660 --> 00:02:12,570 So what we also did was on the side of the monument, 54 00:02:12,570 --> 00:02:15,000 you see a big digital display. 55 00:02:15,000 --> 00:02:16,200 You can go up to that, 56 00:02:16,200 --> 00:02:18,060 and from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, 57 00:02:18,060 --> 00:02:19,620 we've got our USAA ambassadors, 58 00:02:19,620 --> 00:02:21,420 we've got our military affairs representatives there 59 00:02:21,420 --> 00:02:22,560 helping people out. 60 00:02:22,560 --> 00:02:24,450 You can give them a name, they'll pull it up, 61 00:02:24,450 --> 00:02:26,310 and you can display up to three names at a time 62 00:02:26,310 --> 00:02:27,600 on the side of that monument 63 00:02:27,600 --> 00:02:29,790 and take your picture with whether it's your own name, 64 00:02:29,790 --> 00:02:32,010 if you served, whether it's your loved ones. 65 00:02:32,010 --> 00:02:33,240 One of the really cool aspects 66 00:02:33,240 --> 00:02:34,680 is people are doing it, you know, 67 00:02:34,680 --> 00:02:36,450 who come from a generation of service 68 00:02:36,450 --> 00:02:37,800 where they'll have a grandparent, 69 00:02:37,800 --> 00:02:39,090 a parent, and even their own name. 70 00:02:39,090 --> 00:02:40,620 It's really beautiful. 71 00:02:40,620 --> 00:02:45,620 - Hmm, 41 million names, that is a daunting number. 72 00:02:46,560 --> 00:02:49,950 When did work start gathering all of those names, 73 00:02:49,950 --> 00:02:51,150 collecting them all, 74 00:02:51,150 --> 00:02:56,150 and what did the involved process of that look like? 75 00:02:56,160 --> 00:02:57,750 - Yeah, so it was several months, 76 00:02:57,750 --> 00:03:00,090 and I like to refer to it as a labor of love. 77 00:03:00,090 --> 00:03:01,830 What people may not realize 78 00:03:01,830 --> 00:03:03,390 is that there really is no one 79 00:03:03,390 --> 00:03:05,100 comprehensive public list 80 00:03:05,100 --> 00:03:06,720 of every single U.S. service member 81 00:03:06,720 --> 00:03:07,830 who's ever served. 82 00:03:07,830 --> 00:03:10,770 So the team at USAA had to do a lot of digging, 83 00:03:10,770 --> 00:03:13,320 had to work through all kinds of resources, 84 00:03:13,320 --> 00:03:15,420 public records, military records, 85 00:03:15,420 --> 00:03:17,310 working through veteran service organizations 86 00:03:17,310 --> 00:03:20,880 just to compile as a complete list as possible. 87 00:03:20,880 --> 00:03:22,470 You know, there's obviously obstacles 88 00:03:22,470 --> 00:03:24,510 that have gotten in the way. 89 00:03:24,510 --> 00:03:25,590 You know, some people are familiar 90 00:03:25,590 --> 00:03:28,110 with the massive fire in 1973 91 00:03:28,110 --> 00:03:30,960 that destroyed more than 14 million military records. 92 00:03:30,960 --> 00:03:33,150 You know, a lot of those have been replaced 93 00:03:33,150 --> 00:03:35,190 and it's still an ongoing process, 94 00:03:35,190 --> 00:03:36,300 but we wanted to get as close 95 00:03:36,300 --> 00:03:38,040 to that 41 million as possible. 96 00:03:38,040 --> 00:03:39,720 So we feel really strongly 97 00:03:39,720 --> 00:03:40,710 about the list that we have. 98 00:03:40,710 --> 00:03:42,120 We're upwards right around 99 00:03:42,120 --> 00:03:43,290 that 41 million number, 100 00:03:43,290 --> 00:03:45,450 but we know there's still some people missing. 101 00:03:45,450 --> 00:03:47,220 That's why we also wanted to make this 102 00:03:47,220 --> 00:03:49,020 what we call a living monument. 103 00:03:49,020 --> 00:03:52,680 So you can go to USAA.com/monument250 104 00:03:52,680 --> 00:03:54,000 and there's a little database there. 105 00:03:54,000 --> 00:03:55,920 You can search a name, 106 00:03:55,920 --> 00:03:57,840 and A, it'll tell you if it's already included 107 00:03:57,840 --> 00:04:00,180 in the monument, and if for whatever reason, 108 00:04:00,180 --> 00:04:02,850 it could be privacy concerns, security concerns, 109 00:04:02,850 --> 00:04:04,560 depending on what your role in the military, 110 00:04:04,560 --> 00:04:06,120 it could be just missing records, 111 00:04:06,120 --> 00:04:07,620 but you can submit a request 112 00:04:07,620 --> 00:04:08,850 and then our team will take that, 113 00:04:08,850 --> 00:04:11,550 do some vetting and digging on the back end. 114 00:04:11,550 --> 00:04:13,470 And then, you know, for the most part, 115 00:04:13,470 --> 00:04:15,660 that process takes about a week or so. 116 00:04:15,660 --> 00:04:18,420 But since the monument launched on July 28th, 117 00:04:18,420 --> 00:04:21,344 we've already added more than 200,000 names 118 00:04:21,344 --> 00:04:23,408 to that database. 119 00:04:23,408 --> 00:04:24,241 - 200,000? 120 00:04:24,241 --> 00:04:26,310 - Yes, ma'am. - And those are 121 00:04:26,310 --> 00:04:28,897 individual people coming and saying, 122 00:04:28,897 --> 00:04:31,470 "Hey, this name needs to be added." 123 00:04:31,470 --> 00:04:32,767 - Correct, yeah, it's people saying that, 124 00:04:32,767 --> 00:04:35,010 "Hey, you know, I served or my loved one served, 125 00:04:35,010 --> 00:04:36,750 a family member or friend 126 00:04:36,750 --> 00:04:37,917 that's not currently part of the monument." 127 00:04:37,917 --> 00:04:39,810 And so again, we'll do some vetting. 128 00:04:39,810 --> 00:04:41,010 Unfortunately, we can't just take people 129 00:04:41,010 --> 00:04:41,970 at their word. 130 00:04:41,970 --> 00:04:43,350 You know, we want to do our due diligence. 131 00:04:43,350 --> 00:04:45,000 So that happens on the back end. 132 00:04:45,000 --> 00:04:46,680 And then once we're able to verify that, 133 00:04:46,680 --> 00:04:47,730 that name gets added. 134 00:04:49,410 --> 00:04:52,290 - Do you have anyone who's in touch with USAA? 135 00:04:52,290 --> 00:04:53,280 I mean, this seems like 136 00:04:53,280 --> 00:04:56,220 a really valuable resource 137 00:04:56,220 --> 00:04:58,897 to maintain going forward to say, 138 00:04:58,897 --> 00:05:01,290 "Here's as comprehensive as we know, 139 00:05:01,290 --> 00:05:03,030 a list of anyone who's ever served." 140 00:05:03,030 --> 00:05:05,430 What's going to happen with this resource 141 00:05:05,430 --> 00:05:07,050 after the monument comes down? 142 00:05:07,050 --> 00:05:08,580 - Yeah, that is a great question 143 00:05:08,580 --> 00:05:09,900 and something that we've talked about 144 00:05:09,900 --> 00:05:10,920 a lot on our end, 145 00:05:10,920 --> 00:05:13,020 and it is something that we want to view 146 00:05:13,020 --> 00:05:14,640 as a gift back to the country 147 00:05:14,640 --> 00:05:16,020 of being able to provide the government 148 00:05:16,020 --> 00:05:17,220 with this list afterwards 149 00:05:17,220 --> 00:05:20,010 and just a great resource to have 150 00:05:20,010 --> 00:05:22,830 so that you know, there is an extensive and ongoing list 151 00:05:22,830 --> 00:05:25,440 of the 41 million members who have served. 152 00:05:25,440 --> 00:05:28,080 - And I heard that the very last name 153 00:05:28,080 --> 00:05:29,910 at the tail end of the list 154 00:05:29,910 --> 00:05:32,130 is the Unknown Soldier. 155 00:05:32,130 --> 00:05:34,200 Can you talk about the significance of that? 156 00:05:34,200 --> 00:05:35,130 - Sure, absolutely. 157 00:05:35,130 --> 00:05:36,630 So there's 41 million names. 158 00:05:36,630 --> 00:05:37,890 It starts off, the very first one 159 00:05:37,890 --> 00:05:38,730 is George Washington 160 00:05:38,730 --> 00:05:40,170 because it starts off chronologically 161 00:05:40,170 --> 00:05:41,910 from the Revolutionary War, 162 00:05:41,910 --> 00:05:43,710 and then it goes through the time periods 163 00:05:43,710 --> 00:05:45,060 over the last 250 years. 164 00:05:45,060 --> 00:05:48,150 But to your point, the last one is the Unknown Soldier, 165 00:05:48,150 --> 00:05:51,150 because we know there are service members out there 166 00:05:51,150 --> 00:05:53,400 that there's just no record of, 167 00:05:53,400 --> 00:05:56,610 and we want to honor them, remember them, 168 00:05:56,610 --> 00:05:58,350 just like we do all the other 41 million. 169 00:05:58,350 --> 00:06:00,990 So yeah, it does end with the Unknown Soldier 170 00:06:00,990 --> 00:06:01,823 for that very reason, 171 00:06:01,823 --> 00:06:03,150 just to pay respect and honor 172 00:06:03,150 --> 00:06:04,890 to those service members. 173 00:06:04,890 --> 00:06:08,940 - So this monument went up at the end of July. 174 00:06:08,940 --> 00:06:10,140 I know you've spent some time 175 00:06:10,140 --> 00:06:11,040 out there personally 176 00:06:11,040 --> 00:06:13,290 and there have been USAA reps out there 177 00:06:13,290 --> 00:06:14,790 every single day. 178 00:06:14,790 --> 00:06:18,390 Can you talk about the responses 179 00:06:18,390 --> 00:06:20,670 and how people are interacting 180 00:06:20,670 --> 00:06:21,540 with the monument, 181 00:06:21,540 --> 00:06:23,100 what kind of interests you've seen, 182 00:06:23,100 --> 00:06:25,800 what kind of you particularly are coming away 183 00:06:25,800 --> 00:06:27,630 with having spent time there? 184 00:06:27,630 --> 00:06:28,463 - Yeah, so as you mentioned, 185 00:06:28,463 --> 00:06:30,270 the monument went up at the end of July 186 00:06:30,270 --> 00:06:32,190 and you know, it's a public space. 187 00:06:32,190 --> 00:06:33,570 We had to go through some special permitting 188 00:06:33,570 --> 00:06:35,010 with the National Park Service. 189 00:06:35,010 --> 00:06:36,570 So actually it was only supposed to be up 190 00:06:36,570 --> 00:06:39,300 initially through this coming weekend, August 23rd. 191 00:06:39,300 --> 00:06:41,100 Because of that response that you mentioned, 192 00:06:41,100 --> 00:06:43,410 it's just been overwhelmingly positive, 193 00:06:43,410 --> 00:06:44,610 you know, especially on the weekends, 194 00:06:44,610 --> 00:06:46,140 there's lines of people that are willing 195 00:06:46,140 --> 00:06:47,550 to wait in line two, three, 196 00:06:47,550 --> 00:06:49,650 even up to four hours to see their name 197 00:06:49,650 --> 00:06:51,420 or loved one's name up on the monument. 198 00:06:51,420 --> 00:06:53,040 And because of that amazing response, 199 00:06:53,040 --> 00:06:54,000 we actually were able to work 200 00:06:54,000 --> 00:06:55,380 with the National Park Service. 201 00:06:55,380 --> 00:06:57,360 We've extended it, so now it'll be up 202 00:06:57,360 --> 00:06:58,560 through Veterans Day. 203 00:06:58,560 --> 00:07:00,840 So through November 12th this year, 204 00:07:00,840 --> 00:07:02,340 the day after Veterans Day, 205 00:07:02,340 --> 00:07:03,960 the public still has an opportunity 206 00:07:03,960 --> 00:07:06,390 to come out, see the monument. 207 00:07:06,390 --> 00:07:07,620 One thing that was really important 208 00:07:07,620 --> 00:07:08,910 in being able to make that announcement 209 00:07:08,910 --> 00:07:11,370 is the fact that now it'll be up next month 210 00:07:11,370 --> 00:07:13,500 through the 25th anniversary of September 11th. 211 00:07:13,500 --> 00:07:15,030 - Mm-hmm! - So we know 212 00:07:15,030 --> 00:07:17,100 there's a whole generation of service members 213 00:07:17,100 --> 00:07:19,830 who were just inspired to serve after 9/11, 214 00:07:19,830 --> 00:07:21,780 and there's currently not a spot there in D.C., 215 00:07:21,780 --> 00:07:24,540 a memorial or a monument to recognize, 216 00:07:24,540 --> 00:07:26,550 to honor those service members. 217 00:07:26,550 --> 00:07:28,230 And so that just meant a lot to us 218 00:07:28,230 --> 00:07:30,180 to be able to have a place like this 219 00:07:30,180 --> 00:07:32,880 that'll be up, you know, through the 25th anniversary 220 00:07:32,880 --> 00:07:34,350 that those service members, 221 00:07:34,350 --> 00:07:35,370 their families, their friends 222 00:07:35,370 --> 00:07:38,010 can come look up their loved ones' names, 223 00:07:38,010 --> 00:07:40,710 and also for our active-duty service members. 224 00:07:40,710 --> 00:07:43,560 You know, you mentioned what kind of response, 225 00:07:43,560 --> 00:07:45,000 and I was fortunate enough 226 00:07:45,000 --> 00:07:47,460 and humbled enough to be there this last week, 227 00:07:47,460 --> 00:07:50,610 and it's just awe-inspiring and humbling. 228 00:07:50,610 --> 00:07:51,866 You know, you see people come up 229 00:07:51,866 --> 00:07:53,760 and they're smiling, they're happy, 230 00:07:53,760 --> 00:07:55,290 they're laughing, and you know, 231 00:07:55,290 --> 00:07:57,060 one of our ambassadors will pull up a name, 232 00:07:57,060 --> 00:07:59,460 and whether it's a loved one, 233 00:07:59,460 --> 00:08:02,250 you know, maybe a friend, maybe someone who they lost, 234 00:08:02,250 --> 00:08:03,810 and just the wave of emotion. 235 00:08:03,810 --> 00:08:04,643 You know, you see people 236 00:08:04,643 --> 00:08:06,570 literally just break down in tears, 237 00:08:06,570 --> 00:08:08,310 and it's not just one or two, 238 00:08:08,310 --> 00:08:09,960 I mean, it's happening constantly 239 00:08:09,960 --> 00:08:11,130 throughout the day. 240 00:08:11,130 --> 00:08:13,590 You know, you see 41 million, and that may sound 241 00:08:13,590 --> 00:08:15,450 like such a large abstract number, 242 00:08:15,450 --> 00:08:17,730 but behind every single one of those names 243 00:08:17,730 --> 00:08:19,350 is a story, is a family, 244 00:08:19,350 --> 00:08:20,760 it's a story of sacrifice, 245 00:08:20,760 --> 00:08:22,920 and it really just truly shows you 246 00:08:22,920 --> 00:08:24,270 how much that means to these people 247 00:08:24,270 --> 00:08:26,820 as they walk up and encounter that. 248 00:08:26,820 --> 00:08:29,040 You know, my very first day out there, 249 00:08:29,040 --> 00:08:29,970 I was sitting on a bench 250 00:08:29,970 --> 00:08:31,620 just right in front of the Lincoln Memorial, 251 00:08:31,620 --> 00:08:32,730 just watching the monument, 252 00:08:32,730 --> 00:08:33,563 watching people pass, 253 00:08:33,563 --> 00:08:35,130 and there was a teenager, a teenage boy 254 00:08:35,130 --> 00:08:36,660 that came, sat down next to me, 255 00:08:36,660 --> 00:08:37,493 took out his phone, 256 00:08:37,493 --> 00:08:39,330 and I can kind of overhear his conversation, 257 00:08:39,330 --> 00:08:40,740 and I heard him calling his grandfather. 258 00:08:40,740 --> 00:08:41,760 He's like, "Grandpa, grandpa, 259 00:08:41,760 --> 00:08:43,110 I'm at this monument in D.C. 260 00:08:43,110 --> 00:08:44,002 I just pulled up your name. 261 00:08:44,002 --> 00:08:44,835 I'm going to send you a picture." 262 00:08:44,835 --> 00:08:46,410 And he was just so excited to be able 263 00:08:46,410 --> 00:08:47,850 to share that moment with his grandfather. 264 00:08:47,850 --> 00:08:49,710 So it's just moments like that 265 00:08:49,710 --> 00:08:52,800 that really you know, show us how important 266 00:08:52,800 --> 00:08:54,300 this monument is for everyone. 267 00:08:55,200 --> 00:08:57,480 - So this will eventually come down 268 00:08:57,480 --> 00:09:00,240 when the timeframe runs out. 269 00:09:00,240 --> 00:09:02,280 What will happen to the components, 270 00:09:02,280 --> 00:09:05,160 and could we see this monument go up again 271 00:09:05,160 --> 00:09:06,960 somewhere else in the future? 272 00:09:06,960 --> 00:09:08,460 - So that's a great question. 273 00:09:08,460 --> 00:09:10,140 You know, as I said, originally it was scheduled 274 00:09:10,140 --> 00:09:11,670 through August 23rd. 275 00:09:11,670 --> 00:09:13,140 Those plans changed just because 276 00:09:13,140 --> 00:09:15,930 of the overwhelming support for the monument. 277 00:09:15,930 --> 00:09:17,940 We were able to extend it through Veterans Day. 278 00:09:17,940 --> 00:09:20,490 Conversations are already underway on what next, you know? 279 00:09:20,490 --> 00:09:21,990 We keep hearing from the public 280 00:09:21,990 --> 00:09:23,070 that they want it up longer, 281 00:09:23,070 --> 00:09:24,690 they want it to travel across the country, 282 00:09:24,690 --> 00:09:26,580 they want it up in different locations. 283 00:09:26,580 --> 00:09:27,990 All of that is still to be determined. 284 00:09:27,990 --> 00:09:29,310 You know, we're having discussions of it, 285 00:09:29,310 --> 00:09:31,110 but because the outpouring of support 286 00:09:31,110 --> 00:09:33,120 has been so overwhelming, you know, 287 00:09:33,120 --> 00:09:34,080 I'm pretty sure you haven't seen 288 00:09:34,080 --> 00:09:35,790 the last of the monument, 289 00:09:35,790 --> 00:09:38,070 but more to come on what that means. 290 00:09:38,070 --> 00:09:40,440 - Well, this is just fascinating. 291 00:09:40,440 --> 00:09:43,050 I am excited to be in D.C. 292 00:09:43,050 --> 00:09:44,070 in the next couple weeks 293 00:09:44,070 --> 00:09:46,290 and hopefully get to see it for myself. 294 00:09:46,290 --> 00:09:48,600 Thank you so much for your time this morning. 295 00:09:48,600 --> 00:09:49,830 - Oh, absolutely, my pleasure. 296 00:09:49,830 --> 00:09:51,840 And really, the pictures don't do it justice. 297 00:09:51,840 --> 00:09:52,830 I really, if at all possible, 298 00:09:52,830 --> 00:09:55,410 make your way out there, see it in person. 299 00:09:55,410 --> 00:09:56,580 It's awe-inspiring. 300 00:09:56,580 --> 00:09:58,564 But thank you so much for having me on, Hope. 301 00:09:58,564 --> 00:09:59,910 (air whooshes) 302 00:09:59,910 --> 00:10:02,430 - [Announcer] We've got more news coming up after the break. 303 00:10:02,430 --> 00:10:03,557 Don't go away. 304 00:10:03,557 --> 00:10:08,557 (air whooshes) (lively music) 305 00:10:09,720 --> 00:10:12,180 Welcome back to "Defense News Weekly." 306 00:10:12,180 --> 00:10:15,000 Up next, more from our recent webcast 307 00:10:15,000 --> 00:10:17,350 on scaling missile production. 308 00:10:17,350 --> 00:10:18,183 (air whooshes) 309 00:10:18,183 --> 00:10:21,390 - Wanted to drill down for a little bit 310 00:10:21,390 --> 00:10:24,180 on what government can do 311 00:10:24,180 --> 00:10:26,340 to be an excellent partner 312 00:10:26,340 --> 00:10:30,030 and work to make all these efforts a success. 313 00:10:30,030 --> 00:10:31,740 Wanted to start drilling down 314 00:10:31,740 --> 00:10:33,693 on the aspect of cultural change. 315 00:10:35,490 --> 00:10:37,050 It doesn't matter how you scale 316 00:10:37,050 --> 00:10:38,670 production of exquisite missiles. 317 00:10:38,670 --> 00:10:41,010 If you're using them to take out drones 318 00:10:41,010 --> 00:10:42,630 that are orders of magnitude cheaper, 319 00:10:42,630 --> 00:10:44,230 that's still not what they want. 320 00:10:45,240 --> 00:10:50,240 So from whatever vantage point you have, 321 00:10:51,420 --> 00:10:54,330 what do you think it will start taking 322 00:10:54,330 --> 00:10:57,030 to turn that cultural ship and develop 323 00:10:57,030 --> 00:10:58,110 a greater comfort level 324 00:10:58,110 --> 00:11:01,080 with affordable munitions, less overkill, 325 00:11:01,080 --> 00:11:03,090 and maybe a different way of thinking 326 00:11:03,090 --> 00:11:05,790 about how you use these munitions? 327 00:11:05,790 --> 00:11:07,770 And do you see evidence 328 00:11:07,770 --> 00:11:09,060 that that's beginning to happen? 329 00:11:09,060 --> 00:11:11,233 Wanted to start this one with Dr. Matisek. 330 00:11:12,870 --> 00:11:16,170 - Yeah, so regarding shot doctrine 331 00:11:16,170 --> 00:11:18,300 and thinking through air defense, 332 00:11:18,300 --> 00:11:21,390 the Ukrainians have had over four years 333 00:11:21,390 --> 00:11:22,930 of experience with this 334 00:11:23,850 --> 00:11:25,890 and also using Patriot missiles 335 00:11:25,890 --> 00:11:30,210 against Russian missiles and drones, 336 00:11:30,210 --> 00:11:32,160 which have primarily been like the Shahed drones 337 00:11:32,160 --> 00:11:33,870 they've been dealing with. 338 00:11:33,870 --> 00:11:36,300 And the fact that the Ukrainians 339 00:11:36,300 --> 00:11:38,460 sent advisors to the Middle East 340 00:11:38,460 --> 00:11:40,260 to help out with air defense, 341 00:11:40,260 --> 00:11:43,065 the problem was, from what they saw, 342 00:11:43,065 --> 00:11:44,100 this was openly reported, 343 00:11:44,100 --> 00:11:46,170 the fact that the Ukrainians were shocked 344 00:11:46,170 --> 00:11:50,010 to see some militaries in the region 345 00:11:50,010 --> 00:11:52,080 shooting over a dozen Patriot missiles 346 00:11:52,080 --> 00:11:54,720 against one Shahed drone. 347 00:11:54,720 --> 00:11:56,760 And there's also plenty of videos 348 00:11:56,760 --> 00:11:59,610 that came out online in Israel 349 00:11:59,610 --> 00:12:01,350 of over a dozen interceptors 350 00:12:01,350 --> 00:12:03,900 being used against one missile. 351 00:12:03,900 --> 00:12:06,360 And so this cat-and-mouse game 352 00:12:06,360 --> 00:12:08,940 of how many missiles to commit, 353 00:12:08,940 --> 00:12:12,090 what type of layered air defense you have, 354 00:12:12,090 --> 00:12:13,950 not to mention your adversary has a vote 355 00:12:13,950 --> 00:12:16,920 in terms of how they use a missile, 356 00:12:16,920 --> 00:12:21,060 adding decoys, multiple warheads, 357 00:12:21,060 --> 00:12:23,400 how they maneuver, if they're hypersonic or not, 358 00:12:23,400 --> 00:12:26,130 it really is becoming a compounding problem. 359 00:12:26,130 --> 00:12:28,590 And so, you know, I know again, 360 00:12:28,590 --> 00:12:30,030 today's about the Patriot missile, 361 00:12:30,030 --> 00:12:32,460 but it's also about what other types 362 00:12:32,460 --> 00:12:35,070 of air defenses you can layer in. 363 00:12:35,070 --> 00:12:37,200 Now, the nice thing is I did hear 364 00:12:37,200 --> 00:12:39,450 that the latest announcement is the fact 365 00:12:39,450 --> 00:12:42,090 that we're still making the PAC-3 MSEs, 366 00:12:42,090 --> 00:12:44,280 but now we're going to be making PAC-3 ACEs, 367 00:12:44,280 --> 00:12:46,710 which are about half the cost. 368 00:12:46,710 --> 00:12:50,190 So I think a PAC-3 MSE is about 4.2 million, 369 00:12:50,190 --> 00:12:52,080 whereas the new PAC-3 ACE 370 00:12:52,080 --> 00:12:53,790 is going to be closer to $2 million. 371 00:12:53,790 --> 00:12:56,730 That is a great step in that direction, 372 00:12:56,730 --> 00:12:57,750 not to mention the fact 373 00:12:57,750 --> 00:12:59,280 that there's going to be, 374 00:12:59,280 --> 00:13:01,050 over the coming months and years, 375 00:13:01,050 --> 00:13:03,120 contracts going out that allow these missiles 376 00:13:03,120 --> 00:13:04,770 to be made elsewhere in the world. 377 00:13:04,770 --> 00:13:08,190 So again, that diversifies like the supply chain, 378 00:13:08,190 --> 00:13:09,750 the making these missiles, 379 00:13:09,750 --> 00:13:10,890 but also ensures you don't have 380 00:13:10,890 --> 00:13:13,010 a bunch of different bottlenecks 381 00:13:13,010 --> 00:13:14,100 in the production of these, 382 00:13:14,100 --> 00:13:16,740 not to mention you just, again, 383 00:13:16,740 --> 00:13:20,460 increase the number of sub-component suppliers 384 00:13:20,460 --> 00:13:22,200 so you can actually make these in scale 385 00:13:22,200 --> 00:13:23,820 so that you can, you know, 386 00:13:23,820 --> 00:13:26,310 use these as fast as you make them in war. 387 00:13:26,310 --> 00:13:28,320 And that's the most important aspect I think right now 388 00:13:28,320 --> 00:13:31,170 is being able to produce munitions 389 00:13:31,170 --> 00:13:32,880 as fast as you use them in war. 390 00:13:32,880 --> 00:13:35,490 And at least that's my big takeaway 391 00:13:35,490 --> 00:13:36,690 for this panel, I think. 392 00:13:37,650 --> 00:13:38,520 - I'm happy to jump in, 393 00:13:38,520 --> 00:13:41,040 but I'll yield (indistinct) to go first. 394 00:13:41,040 --> 00:13:43,240 - Okay, Jason Meredith, then Jason Reynolds. 395 00:13:44,220 --> 00:13:45,870 - Yeah, thank you, Hope. 396 00:13:45,870 --> 00:13:48,660 I think you asked a number of questions 397 00:13:48,660 --> 00:13:49,860 in your one question there, 398 00:13:49,860 --> 00:13:51,270 so I'll try and hit a couple of them, 399 00:13:51,270 --> 00:13:53,820 but I think there's a couple of things. 400 00:13:53,820 --> 00:13:57,480 Number one, there is evidence 401 00:13:57,480 --> 00:14:00,750 that the U.S. government is looking at 402 00:14:00,750 --> 00:14:04,200 how they approach the processes 403 00:14:04,200 --> 00:14:07,346 of purchasing and qualifying 404 00:14:07,346 --> 00:14:12,346 and even how they source the missile systems 405 00:14:13,710 --> 00:14:15,093 that are out there today, 406 00:14:16,170 --> 00:14:18,180 partly to address some of the issues 407 00:14:18,180 --> 00:14:20,730 that Dr. Matisek addressed in his paper 408 00:14:20,730 --> 00:14:25,380 of looking at longer-term multi-year purchases. 409 00:14:25,380 --> 00:14:27,826 You can see that in what's been done 410 00:14:27,826 --> 00:14:30,840 with Lockheed and with other companies 411 00:14:30,840 --> 00:14:32,910 trying to provide additional stability 412 00:14:32,910 --> 00:14:34,470 for the companies to understand 413 00:14:34,470 --> 00:14:35,940 and forecast better. 414 00:14:35,940 --> 00:14:37,680 That helps from a staffing standpoint, 415 00:14:37,680 --> 00:14:39,930 it helps from a capitalization standpoint, 416 00:14:39,930 --> 00:14:41,190 not only for the OEMs, 417 00:14:41,190 --> 00:14:43,860 but as those OEMs flow down contracts 418 00:14:43,860 --> 00:14:45,030 to their suppliers, 419 00:14:45,030 --> 00:14:47,220 as I think Jeff mentioned earlier, 420 00:14:47,220 --> 00:14:48,390 that's critical. 421 00:14:48,390 --> 00:14:50,070 And it's maybe even more critical 422 00:14:50,070 --> 00:14:52,800 the further you go down in the tiers 423 00:14:52,800 --> 00:14:54,360 of the supply chain 424 00:14:54,360 --> 00:14:56,850 where some of those suppliers may, 425 00:14:56,850 --> 00:14:59,100 you know, PAC-3 or other missile systems 426 00:14:59,100 --> 00:15:02,010 may only be a small portion of their business, 427 00:15:02,010 --> 00:15:04,470 maybe even as low as 10 to 15%. 428 00:15:04,470 --> 00:15:06,150 And so having that understanding 429 00:15:06,150 --> 00:15:07,320 and being able to plan that 430 00:15:07,320 --> 00:15:09,450 into their factory forecast 431 00:15:09,450 --> 00:15:11,340 is very, very important. 432 00:15:11,340 --> 00:15:13,110 The other part of it that you see 433 00:15:13,110 --> 00:15:16,500 is that the government is recognizing 434 00:15:16,500 --> 00:15:19,650 that having exquisite missile systems 435 00:15:19,650 --> 00:15:22,140 is not always the answer. 436 00:15:22,140 --> 00:15:24,450 And I think even what Lockheed is doing 437 00:15:24,450 --> 00:15:28,020 with looking at providing lower-cost solutions 438 00:15:28,020 --> 00:15:29,670 for PAC-3 is an indicator 439 00:15:29,670 --> 00:15:32,370 that industry is starting to respond 440 00:15:32,370 --> 00:15:33,540 to what the government is saying 441 00:15:33,540 --> 00:15:36,090 of looking at what are innovative solutions 442 00:15:36,090 --> 00:15:39,570 to be able to provide maybe a capability 443 00:15:39,570 --> 00:15:41,340 that doesn't have all of the, 444 00:15:41,340 --> 00:15:42,480 I'll call it bells and whistles 445 00:15:42,480 --> 00:15:44,340 for the time being, 446 00:15:44,340 --> 00:15:47,937 but has capability to address the target sets 447 00:15:47,937 --> 00:15:50,070 that the military is dealing with, 448 00:15:50,070 --> 00:15:51,780 that those warfighters are seeing 449 00:15:51,780 --> 00:15:53,760 day to day in the field. (air whooshes) 450 00:15:53,760 --> 00:15:55,650 - [Announcer] When we come back, Jeanette Mack 451 00:15:55,650 --> 00:15:57,930 from Navy Federal Credit Union returns 452 00:15:57,930 --> 00:15:59,670 with her latest tips. 453 00:15:59,670 --> 00:16:00,714 Don't go away. 454 00:16:00,714 --> 00:16:05,714 (air whooshes) (lively music) 455 00:16:07,140 --> 00:16:08,280 Welcome back. 456 00:16:08,280 --> 00:16:10,350 In this episode of "Money Minute," 457 00:16:10,350 --> 00:16:12,960 Jeanette Mack from Navy Federal Credit Union 458 00:16:12,960 --> 00:16:15,090 is back with her latest tips. 459 00:16:15,090 --> 00:16:17,160 Have a look. (air whooshes) 460 00:16:17,160 --> 00:16:18,210 - When it comes to your money, 461 00:16:18,210 --> 00:16:19,830 there's a point where doing it yourself 462 00:16:19,830 --> 00:16:21,540 just isn't enough anymore. 463 00:16:21,540 --> 00:16:22,500 The question is: 464 00:16:22,500 --> 00:16:24,300 How do you know when you've reached it? 465 00:16:24,300 --> 00:16:26,670 A major life change can be an indicator. 466 00:16:26,670 --> 00:16:28,770 Getting married, starting a family, 467 00:16:28,770 --> 00:16:31,080 changing jobs, or getting an inheritance 468 00:16:31,080 --> 00:16:34,020 can all impact your finances in a big way. 469 00:16:34,020 --> 00:16:35,880 At that point, having expert guidance 470 00:16:35,880 --> 00:16:38,100 can help you make smarter decisions. 471 00:16:38,100 --> 00:16:40,350 Feeling overwhelmed is another signal. 472 00:16:40,350 --> 00:16:41,880 If you're trying to balance saving, 473 00:16:41,880 --> 00:16:43,710 investing, and paying off debt 474 00:16:43,710 --> 00:16:45,240 and don't know where to focus, 475 00:16:45,240 --> 00:16:46,650 it may be time to bring in someone 476 00:16:46,650 --> 00:16:49,590 who can help you prioritize and build a plan. 477 00:16:49,590 --> 00:16:51,570 Your investments might need a reset. 478 00:16:51,570 --> 00:16:53,190 If your accounts are scattered, 479 00:16:53,190 --> 00:16:55,560 your portfolio isn't well diversified, 480 00:16:55,560 --> 00:16:56,490 or you're paying fees 481 00:16:56,490 --> 00:16:58,200 you don't fully understand, 482 00:16:58,200 --> 00:17:00,390 a financial advisor can help you simplify 483 00:17:00,390 --> 00:17:02,670 and get everything aligned with your goals. 484 00:17:02,670 --> 00:17:03,720 At the end of the day, 485 00:17:03,720 --> 00:17:05,010 when your finances start to feel 486 00:17:05,010 --> 00:17:06,900 more complicated than clear, 487 00:17:06,900 --> 00:17:08,067 getting professional advice 488 00:17:08,067 --> 00:17:10,368 can make all the difference. 489 00:17:10,368 --> 00:17:11,490 (air whooshes) 490 00:17:11,490 --> 00:17:12,390 - [Announcer] To get more coverage 491 00:17:12,390 --> 00:17:14,310 of military and defense topics, 492 00:17:14,310 --> 00:17:16,320 head over to militarytimes.com 493 00:17:16,320 --> 00:17:19,440 and defensenews.com for more headlines. 494 00:17:19,440 --> 00:17:20,610 And to be the most up-to-date 495 00:17:20,610 --> 00:17:22,170 service member or veteran, 496 00:17:22,170 --> 00:17:23,820 sign up for our "Early Bird Brief" 497 00:17:23,820 --> 00:17:24,990 compiled each morning 498 00:17:24,990 --> 00:17:27,210 to bring you the most recent news. 499 00:17:27,210 --> 00:17:29,190 Finally, if social media is where you collect 500 00:17:29,190 --> 00:17:30,510 your open-source intelligence, 501 00:17:30,510 --> 00:17:32,610 follow us on YouTube, Facebook, 502 00:17:32,610 --> 00:17:34,290 Instagram, and X. 503 00:17:34,290 --> 00:17:37,380 And we're also on TikTok, so go follow us there. 504 00:17:37,380 --> 00:17:39,600 When we return, more stories 505 00:17:39,600 --> 00:17:41,331 from "Defense News Weekly." 506 00:17:41,331 --> 00:17:46,331 (air whooshes) (lively music) 507 00:17:47,640 --> 00:17:50,070 Welcome back to "Defense News Weekly." 508 00:17:50,070 --> 00:17:50,910 Are you up to date 509 00:17:50,910 --> 00:17:52,920 on healthcare and benefits news? 510 00:17:52,920 --> 00:17:56,340 Our partners at the Military Officers Association of America 511 00:17:56,340 --> 00:17:57,540 are here to help. 512 00:17:57,540 --> 00:17:59,400 Have a look. (air whooshes) 513 00:17:59,400 --> 00:18:02,400 - And now, headlines from the Uniformed Services Community 514 00:18:02,400 --> 00:18:05,370 presented by the Military Officers Association of America. 515 00:18:05,370 --> 00:18:06,450 According to a report 516 00:18:06,450 --> 00:18:08,670 released by the Government Accountability Office, 517 00:18:08,670 --> 00:18:10,320 the Pentagon falls short of its goal 518 00:18:10,320 --> 00:18:13,020 to fund 90% of its barracks maintenance needs, 519 00:18:13,020 --> 00:18:15,570 instead funding only 80%. 520 00:18:15,570 --> 00:18:18,607 The report also indicates officials have not, quote, 521 00:18:18,607 --> 00:18:20,730 "Fully determined the risks to its mission 522 00:18:20,730 --> 00:18:22,800 and to the quality of life of its personnel 523 00:18:22,800 --> 00:18:26,400 as a result of not meeting its funding goal," end quote. 524 00:18:26,400 --> 00:18:27,780 It identifies challenges 525 00:18:27,780 --> 00:18:29,220 in hiring maintenance workers, 526 00:18:29,220 --> 00:18:31,020 especially in remote locations, 527 00:18:31,020 --> 00:18:32,850 competition from the private sector, 528 00:18:32,850 --> 00:18:35,587 and the effects of recent workforce reductions. 529 00:18:35,587 --> 00:18:37,650 GAO issued 13 recommendations 530 00:18:37,650 --> 00:18:39,900 to the Pentagon and the individual services 531 00:18:39,900 --> 00:18:42,150 to identify risks to mission and quality of life 532 00:18:42,150 --> 00:18:43,800 due to underfunding maintenance, 533 00:18:43,800 --> 00:18:45,360 to determine critical shortages 534 00:18:45,360 --> 00:18:47,640 in maintenance workforce across installations, 535 00:18:47,640 --> 00:18:49,200 and to strengthen oversight 536 00:18:49,200 --> 00:18:50,970 of maintenance programs. 537 00:18:50,970 --> 00:18:54,240 To see the full report, visit gao.gov. 538 00:18:54,240 --> 00:18:57,090 USAA announced their National Military Monument 539 00:18:57,090 --> 00:18:58,770 located next to the Lincoln Memorial 540 00:18:58,770 --> 00:19:00,090 in Washington, D.C., 541 00:19:00,090 --> 00:19:03,240 will be in place through Veterans Day this year. 542 00:19:03,240 --> 00:19:04,680 The monument displays the names 543 00:19:04,680 --> 00:19:06,480 of 41 million Americans 544 00:19:06,480 --> 00:19:07,650 who have served in uniform 545 00:19:07,650 --> 00:19:09,120 over the course of the nation's 546 00:19:09,120 --> 00:19:11,610 250-year history that have been pulled 547 00:19:11,610 --> 00:19:14,220 from several historical databases. 548 00:19:14,220 --> 00:19:16,230 - This monument is absolutely incredible. 549 00:19:16,230 --> 00:19:19,380 It has names of every single veteran 550 00:19:19,380 --> 00:19:21,540 who have ever served in our country. 551 00:19:21,540 --> 00:19:24,420 My husband's family and my family. 552 00:19:24,420 --> 00:19:26,580 We have service members that go back 553 00:19:26,580 --> 00:19:28,050 to the American Revolution, 554 00:19:28,050 --> 00:19:30,390 and they are all represented here 555 00:19:30,390 --> 00:19:31,560 on this display. 556 00:19:31,560 --> 00:19:33,780 - I'm looking up eight names today. 557 00:19:33,780 --> 00:19:35,220 So three in my immediate family. 558 00:19:35,220 --> 00:19:36,810 I've got two brother-in-laws that served, 559 00:19:36,810 --> 00:19:37,650 and then for a friend of mine, 560 00:19:37,650 --> 00:19:39,120 I'm looking up two names. 561 00:19:39,120 --> 00:19:41,070 - And yourself as well. - And myself as well, yes. 562 00:19:41,070 --> 00:19:42,480 - [Interviewer] How did it feel to see the names of them? 563 00:19:42,480 --> 00:19:43,890 - It's exciting. 564 00:19:43,890 --> 00:19:46,830 I mean, you realize that your name and your service 565 00:19:46,830 --> 00:19:49,890 has been etched in history for quite some time. 566 00:19:49,890 --> 00:19:51,390 And the way it looks on the memorial 567 00:19:51,390 --> 00:19:52,223 gives the impression 568 00:19:52,223 --> 00:19:53,430 that it's actually etched and sewn, 569 00:19:53,430 --> 00:19:54,990 so it looks more realistic 570 00:19:54,990 --> 00:19:56,160 than you would imagine in person. 571 00:19:56,160 --> 00:19:58,320 - I've never seen anything like this 572 00:19:58,320 --> 00:19:59,280 for a monument, 573 00:19:59,280 --> 00:20:00,930 that it doesn't just honor those 574 00:20:00,930 --> 00:20:04,140 who were fallen or lost in our wars, 575 00:20:04,140 --> 00:20:05,730 but you know, everyone who has served 576 00:20:05,730 --> 00:20:08,010 and honoring the service of every single person 577 00:20:08,010 --> 00:20:09,750 who has dedicated themselves to our country. 578 00:20:09,750 --> 00:20:11,340 And I think that's what's really incredible 579 00:20:11,340 --> 00:20:12,690 about this monument. 580 00:20:12,690 --> 00:20:14,940 - As a congressional summer recess winds down 581 00:20:14,940 --> 00:20:17,040 and legislators return to Washington, 582 00:20:17,040 --> 00:20:18,630 MOAA leaders sat down to discuss 583 00:20:18,630 --> 00:20:20,610 the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, 584 00:20:20,610 --> 00:20:22,080 to examine some misconceptions 585 00:20:22,080 --> 00:20:22,954 about the bill and to outline why this legislation 586 00:20:22,954 --> 00:20:26,070 is a positive development 587 00:20:26,070 --> 00:20:28,800 for veterans, service members, and their families. 588 00:20:28,800 --> 00:20:30,420 - It's incredibly unique, right? 589 00:20:30,420 --> 00:20:33,180 Over 60 pieces of legislation 590 00:20:33,180 --> 00:20:34,650 covering all kinds of things, 591 00:20:34,650 --> 00:20:35,730 MOAA priorities from before, 592 00:20:35,730 --> 00:20:37,590 but 60 pieces of legislation 593 00:20:37,590 --> 00:20:40,260 that have over time had various levels 594 00:20:40,260 --> 00:20:43,380 of bipartisan support, bicameral support, 595 00:20:43,380 --> 00:20:45,090 but each individual bill on its own 596 00:20:45,090 --> 00:20:47,070 has never really made it across the finish line 597 00:20:47,070 --> 00:20:48,810 despite its support. 598 00:20:48,810 --> 00:20:50,430 And so now you have this opportunity 599 00:20:50,430 --> 00:20:51,510 where they're all in one bill, 600 00:20:51,510 --> 00:20:53,550 over 60 things in one bill, 601 00:20:53,550 --> 00:20:55,590 and so MOAA took its time to look at it. 602 00:20:55,590 --> 00:20:57,600 As you said, it is incredibly packed 603 00:20:57,600 --> 00:20:59,160 with really, really great things 604 00:20:59,160 --> 00:21:00,810 for the veteran community, 605 00:21:00,810 --> 00:21:03,330 for the survivor community, for families, 606 00:21:03,330 --> 00:21:04,860 things like the Richard Star Act, 607 00:21:04,860 --> 00:21:06,600 taking care of those combat-wounded folks 608 00:21:06,600 --> 00:21:07,920 that we all have been, you know, 609 00:21:07,920 --> 00:21:09,000 all across the community 610 00:21:09,000 --> 00:21:10,080 have been advocating for 611 00:21:10,080 --> 00:21:12,240 for over nine years, right? 612 00:21:12,240 --> 00:21:14,370 All these things are in one package. 613 00:21:14,370 --> 00:21:15,450 So when you look at all that, 614 00:21:15,450 --> 00:21:17,220 even though it took us some time, 615 00:21:17,220 --> 00:21:19,800 it is a unique point in time, 616 00:21:19,800 --> 00:21:21,540 it is a unique opportunity 617 00:21:21,540 --> 00:21:23,190 to take care of so many great things 618 00:21:23,190 --> 00:21:24,360 for veterans across the community. 619 00:21:24,360 --> 00:21:26,520 So when MOAA looked at that, of course, 620 00:21:26,520 --> 00:21:28,200 at the end, after all of our analysis, 621 00:21:28,200 --> 00:21:30,060 we said, "How do you not support this? 622 00:21:30,060 --> 00:21:31,230 How do you not get behind 623 00:21:31,230 --> 00:21:32,790 the amount of goodness that we can do 624 00:21:32,790 --> 00:21:34,560 for the entire veteran community?" 625 00:21:34,560 --> 00:21:35,760 - The main point of contention 626 00:21:35,760 --> 00:21:36,900 in the veterans community 627 00:21:36,900 --> 00:21:38,310 is how the bill is paid for 628 00:21:38,310 --> 00:21:39,810 and whether codifying changes 629 00:21:39,810 --> 00:21:42,120 to the VA's disability rating schedule 630 00:21:42,120 --> 00:21:43,770 sets a harmful precedent. 631 00:21:43,770 --> 00:21:45,750 - First of all, if it was only one or two 632 00:21:45,750 --> 00:21:47,820 of these 60 kinds of pieces of legislation, 633 00:21:47,820 --> 00:21:49,447 MOAA would never have said, 634 00:21:49,447 --> 00:21:51,420 "Yes, let's make a change 635 00:21:51,420 --> 00:21:53,100 and let's allow this pay-for to happen 636 00:21:53,100 --> 00:21:54,960 in these changes in disability ratings." 637 00:21:54,960 --> 00:21:56,640 But we're not talking about one or two things. 638 00:21:56,640 --> 00:21:58,380 We're talking about over 60 things 639 00:21:58,380 --> 00:21:59,430 that are lumped together. 640 00:21:59,430 --> 00:22:01,170 We normally wouldn't like the Congress 641 00:22:01,170 --> 00:22:04,170 directing how disability changes take place. 642 00:22:04,170 --> 00:22:05,520 Let that work go on 643 00:22:05,520 --> 00:22:07,770 in the medical community and the VA. 644 00:22:07,770 --> 00:22:09,600 But in this case, given all those facts 645 00:22:09,600 --> 00:22:10,920 and the opportunity for us 646 00:22:10,920 --> 00:22:12,660 to direct those changes and make sure 647 00:22:12,660 --> 00:22:15,390 that if these sort of inevitable changes from the VA 648 00:22:15,390 --> 00:22:16,350 are going to take place, 649 00:22:16,350 --> 00:22:17,790 we can capture those savings 650 00:22:17,790 --> 00:22:19,680 and put them back in the veteran community, 651 00:22:19,680 --> 00:22:21,720 that's what made the pay-for, you know, 652 00:22:21,720 --> 00:22:23,430 a little bit more palatable for us. 653 00:22:23,430 --> 00:22:26,280 Not as a continuing thing, not as a precedence. 654 00:22:26,280 --> 00:22:27,600 - The folks who have decided 655 00:22:27,600 --> 00:22:29,700 not to support this bill have said 656 00:22:29,700 --> 00:22:31,680 that this is taking away benefits 657 00:22:31,680 --> 00:22:33,810 from future veterans. 658 00:22:33,810 --> 00:22:35,310 - When you look at what they're advocating 659 00:22:35,310 --> 00:22:36,187 for, what they're saying is, 660 00:22:36,187 --> 00:22:37,800 "We don't want to see a precedence." 661 00:22:37,800 --> 00:22:39,780 We don't want to see a precedence either. 662 00:22:39,780 --> 00:22:41,130 But you don't make decisions 663 00:22:41,130 --> 00:22:42,300 in a legislative environment 664 00:22:42,300 --> 00:22:43,500 waiting for two things to happen. 665 00:22:43,500 --> 00:22:45,750 One, that it's going to be perfect. 666 00:22:45,750 --> 00:22:46,980 Nothing's ever perfect. 667 00:22:46,980 --> 00:22:48,870 So you don't wait for perfect to happen 668 00:22:48,870 --> 00:22:51,120 if you want to see things get done in Washington. 669 00:22:51,120 --> 00:22:52,950 The second part of that discussion 670 00:22:52,950 --> 00:22:54,660 is the future veteran argument, 671 00:22:54,660 --> 00:22:55,493 I don't really buy 672 00:22:55,493 --> 00:22:57,690 because what I say is not doing something, 673 00:22:57,690 --> 00:22:59,760 inaction to make it better for them 674 00:22:59,760 --> 00:23:01,140 is not helping them either, right? 675 00:23:01,140 --> 00:23:02,820 And so this idea that you're closing 676 00:23:02,820 --> 00:23:03,990 the door to future veterans, 677 00:23:03,990 --> 00:23:06,000 I think is a false argument. 678 00:23:06,000 --> 00:23:06,990 The argument should be 679 00:23:06,990 --> 00:23:08,850 that you're making opportunity 680 00:23:08,850 --> 00:23:10,230 for future veterans to get things 681 00:23:10,230 --> 00:23:11,340 that they currently wouldn't have, 682 00:23:11,340 --> 00:23:12,840 and their families and their survivors 683 00:23:12,840 --> 00:23:14,520 to get things that they currently wouldn't have. 684 00:23:14,520 --> 00:23:15,420 But if you do nothing, 685 00:23:15,420 --> 00:23:16,703 if all you do is fight the TCAVA bill 686 00:23:16,703 --> 00:23:19,260 and you have inaction, they don't get anything. 687 00:23:19,260 --> 00:23:20,910 I guarantee you they don't get anything. 688 00:23:20,910 --> 00:23:22,230 - To see the full conversation 689 00:23:22,230 --> 00:23:23,790 and to catch up on news from around 690 00:23:23,790 --> 00:23:25,410 the Uniformed Services Community, 691 00:23:25,410 --> 00:23:27,630 visit MOAA.org. (air whooshes) 692 00:23:27,630 --> 00:23:29,760 - [Announcer] Well, that's all the time we have 693 00:23:29,760 --> 00:23:31,200 for this episode. 694 00:23:31,200 --> 00:23:34,693 We'll see you next week. (lively music)