Getting Stability and Reconstruction Ops Right…the Next Time
Getting Stability and Reconstruction Ops Right…the Next Time by Representative Steve Stockman, Time Magazine Op-Ed.
I am the sponsor of a recently introduced bill, H.R. 2606, along with my colleague Peter Welch, Democrat of Vermont, calling for the establishment of a U.S. Office of Contingency Operations.
Why is this necessary?
Bluntly speaking, the way the United States currently plans for and implements stabilization and reconstruction operations does not work. The experience over the past decade of many of our military personnel and civilians, hundreds of whom lost their lives while involved in reconstruction work in Iraq and Afghanistan, confirm that the status quo is not viable.
In too many instances our national interests were actually harmed. We suffered not only the loss of lives and treasure but lost opportunities. We also suffered a diminution of our reputation as friends of the Iraqi and Afghan people due to duplicative, poorly-planned, and poorly-executed programs.
We must do better…
H.R.2606 – Stabilization and Reconstruction Integration Act of 2013 full text at Govtrack.us.
