The Stennis Center’s Civil-Military Leadership Program provides an important service to newly-elected Members of Congress, many who do not have prior military experience.  As a recipient of the information they have made available, I have a better working knowledge of the military and can better formulate stances on legislation dealing with armed forces issues. – Congressman Jim Gerlach

In the 107^th Congress, the Stennis Center established its Civil-Military Leadership Program, “Providing for the Common Defense:  Civil-Military Relations in the 21^st Century,” to enhance the understanding of Members of Congress regarding military life, values, culture, and institutions.  The program targets new Members of Congress and has the strong support of the bipartisan leadership of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. 

A generation ago, about three quarters of those serving in the House and Senate had personal military experience to help them make decisions about defense policy and matters relating to their constituents serving in the nation’s armed forces.  Today, about one third of Members of Congress have military experience, and that number continues to decline. 

The program’s goal is to unite civilian political leaders with military personnel of all ranks, to visit forces in the field and to discuss national security policy among themselves and with distinguished historians, statesmen and others who are knowledgeable about the military’s role in American society. 

Congressman Todd Platts, who participated in the program, said, “The Stennis Center’s Civil-Military Leadership Program has greatly enhanced my understanding of the many challenges facing our Nation’s armed services and the critical role of Congress in helping to meet these challenges.  I am especially grateful for the Program’s coordination of first-hand interactions with military personnel and family members of our men and women in uniform.  These personal interactions will long guide and strengthen my work as a Member of Congress.” 

In May of 2003, Members of the 108^th Congress and community leaders visited the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina.  The program provided an opportunity for Members and their community leaders to experience firsthand the life, value, culture and traditions of the United States Marine Corps and to witness basic training exercises as experienced by Marine recruits. 

In June 2003, new Members visited a national historic treasure – Gettysburg National Military Park.  This event provided a look at the Army as an institution and the life of the American soldier – past, present, and future.  Later that month Bing West, a former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs and Marine officer in Vietnam, presented The March To Baghdad to Members of Congress and staff.  His video, taped while he was embedded with Marine battalions, covered the 1,200 kilometers to the capture of Baghdad.  His presentation showed American troops on the move for 23 days, including 16 days of combat and views of Iraqi life in the war zones.