Stand-To: Procedure prior to first light to enhance unit security, a daily compendium of news, information, and context for Army leaders.

"Music can be an instrument for diplomacy and Americans have long been fascinated with Chinese cultural contributions. Music blows away the dust of daily life and crosses all borders. We have a broad audience of people who will be tuned in to this event and it is important that people realize what our Army does other than directly preserve national security. Using such a valued and vital instrument such as the U.S. Army Band, we send the message to Americans and to the Chinese that we welcome them."

- Woody Goldberg, civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army, and a longtime friend of The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own"

Chinese Army exchange aims to forge friendship through music

"It's awesome. The energy of these guys coming off injuries and coming together as a team, working together to enhance their performance as a team and individually is amazing. t's something they can take off the court and use for life skills."

- Physical therapist Capt. Rebecca Moore, who works with Army's wheelchair basketball team for the second annual Warrior Games

Wheelchair basketball team gears up for competition

• Information Papers with "2011 Army Posture Statement"
• Strategic Communication Resource Guide (AKO log in required)
• 2011 US Army Social Media Handbook
• US Army Social Media (AKO log-in required)
• Early Bird News Site
• Stories of Valor
• Army Public Affairs Portal (AKO log in required)
• Officers interested in becoming military science professors may compete this summer

• Community Covenant
• Bloggers Roundtable
• American, British, German medical Soldiers build skills, interoperability (The US Army)
• Coalition mentors produce Afghan instructors, trainers (The US Army)

2010-2013: 60th Anniversary of the Korean War

150 Years: The Battle of Gettysburg: The American Civil War

May:
National Military Appreciation Month

Mental Health Month:
- Army Behavioral Health

Asian Pacific Heritage Month:
- Asian Pacific Americans in the US Army

Monday, May 30: Memorial Day

• 2011 US Army Social Media Handbook
• Army Social Media: A command information sharing platform
• Facebook: Follow the Army
• Twitter: Army updates
• YouTube: Army videos
• Flickr: Army images
• ArmyLive: Army blogs
• Army Media Player
• Free "Army Social Media Handbook" iPhone App

The Civil War Sesquicentennial

Army.mil: Medal of Honor

Twilight Tattoo 2011

• AdAge claims military abuses social media
• Let the games begin - Warrior Games 2011
• Busy = good
• Reenlist?
• Airman nearly trampled by stampede of horses during goat-dragging Buzkashi game in Afghanistan

External Links Disclaimer

The United States Army Exchange Program with People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China

What is it?

In 2009, the United States Army established a four-part exchange program with the People's Liberation Army of China designed to enhance the relationship between the two armies. The four exchanges include functional, cultural, mid-level officer, and a humanitarian assistance/disaster relief exercise.

This program is governed by the National Defense Authorization Act of 2000. The intent of this exchange program is to support the United States national interest and build mutual understanding between the United States Army and the PLA.

What has been done?

The Army has had engineer and medical exchanges with the PLA in the past. In April 2011, Maj. Gen. Jeffrey J. Dorko, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, deputy commanding general for Military, International Operations, and his staff conducted an engineer exchange with the PLA in China. This functional exchange focused on how the two armies can work together on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

What continued effort does the Army have planned for the future?

The cultural exchange consists of a musical exchange focusing on cooperation and friendship through the performing arts. The United States Army Band, Pershing's Own, and the PLA will present four concerts beginning with an Army Chief of Staff hosted event in Washington, D.C., and continuing with events in Philadelphia and New York, N.Y. This historic military band exchange is a good example of engagements that foster positive relations between the two armies through music. The United States Army band has been invited to participate in a reciprocal cultural exchange in China at the end of 2011.

Why is this important to the Army?

Ongoing military exchanges such as these with the PLA promote understanding, cooperation and trust between the United States and other governments. Military-to-military exchanges build trust, improve understanding and communication, and pave the way toward greater cooperation. Both the engineer and band exchange are one of seven types of exchanges that the secretary of defense and his PLA counterpart agreed to pursue.

Resource:

Chinese Army exchange aims to forge friendship through music