The program provided me an opportunity to witness Congress develop legislation for our nation, oversee the development of our nations security strategy, resource of our nations military, and engage in a deliberate process that results in machine gunners having ammunition for a training exercise.It has known security flaws and can cause issues displaying content on this page, and other websites.
Congressional Fellowship Program Us Army Update Your BrowserLearn how to update your browser MENU HOME SEARCH ABOUT Who We Are Organization Soldier and Family Resources Army A-Z NEWS Army Worldwide Press Releases STAND-TO Soldier Features MEDIA Photos Videos Publications LEADERS Secretary Under Secretary Chief of Staff Vice Chief of Staff Sergeant Major of the Army FEATURES Valor Events Heritage Army 101 Official U.S. Army Facebook Official U.S. Army Twitter Official U.S. Army Youtube Official U.S. Army Instagram Official U.S. Army Flickr Official U.S. Army LinkedIn CONTACT US Public Affairs SOCIAL MEDIA Guide JOIN FAQs AKO Search news, photos and videos on Army.mil Reflections of an Army Congressional Fellow By Maj. Tim Meadors, Office of the Chief Legislative Liaison November 16, 2012 Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on Reddit Share on LinkedIn Share via Email Bu-Bu-Bu-Bu-Bu-Bu-udget Cuts. While evaluating squad training as a company commander, I heard one of my machine gunners imitating the sound of firing live rounds during a blank fire run with bu-bu-bu-bu-bu-bu-udget cuts. For some reason, my high speed gunner concluded the reason he was not given more blank rounds was because of budget cuts. I doubt my E-4 machine gunner understood the national budgeting process, the formulation of the Presidents Budget, Congressional scrutiny of the budget, and the Congressional vote on the amount of taxpayer dollars the Nation will allocate to the military; but in his mind, budget cuts were to blame. Congressional Fellowship Program Us Army Professional Honor ILeading Soldiers in combat as a platoon leader and a company commander was the highest professional honor I have yet to be given. Throughout my career I have raised my right hand and sworn an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. As a result of my time as a Congressional Fellow, I better understand my oath and the extent of my service to support and defend the authorities and rights listed in the Constitution.One of the Founding Fathers marquee accomplishments in the Constitution was the establishment of the U.S. Congress. In Article 1, the Founding Fathers delegated all legislative Powers to Congress. Although I previously read the Constitution, my impression of Congress was mostly negative. At the company command level my sole exposure to Congress was through short suspense congressionals that respond to inquiries submitted by an unhappy Soldier or Family member.The Army Congressional Fellowship Program changed my perception of Congress and my views on my role as a Soldier. The program is a 43 month assignment that includes the pursuit of a Masters degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University, a one year assignment as a staff member for a Member of Congress, and a two-year utilization tour working in a congressionally related billet as an Army legislative liaison officer or NCO.The fellowship experience begins with the academic phase. Fellows enroll in George Washington Universitys Graduate School of Political Management and pursue a masters degree in Legislative Affairs. The experience provided me with the theoretical framework I needed to succeed on the Hill and extended an opportunity to interact with Congressional staffers also pursuing the advanced degree. The professors facilitated discussions and assigned readings that were both informative and thought-provoking.The fellows, the GWU student body, and the Legislative Affairs professors benefit from the fellows involvement. The addition of Army fellows who have served our nation in a wide range of assignments and locations adds a tremendous advantage to our program. The students in this program are taught to be sophisticated political thinkers, said Dr. Steven Billet, Director of GWUs Legislative Affairs program. ![]() I was assigned as a staff member for Congressman Larry Kissell from North Carolina and was fully integrated into his staff. My portfolio included defense and non-defense related issues. During my year in his office, I was privileged to witness Congressman Kissell embody the intent of the Founding Fathers by serving his constituents as their local representative and serving the United States of America as a national legislator. Also, his position on the Armed Services Committee gave me ample opportunities to become involved in the full spectrum of defense issues and the national security strategy.When asked about the program Congressman Kissell noted, Without question this program helps make outstanding officers and NCOs even stronger leaders by giving them a first-hand view of the process that provides the military with the resources and oversight needed to succeed. Additionally, Members and staff see the high caliber of Soldiers serving in todays Army.My experience in the Congressional Fellowship Program provided me with greater clarity on my role as an American and a Soldier in Americas Army. I not only serve to provide for the common defense but also to reinforce authorities given in the Constitution.
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