PUBLIC SUPPORT, GLOBAL COOPERATION KEYS TO WINNING WAR ON TERRORISM ACCORDING TO AUSA/BATTELLE SURVEY Military & Defense Industry Leaders Also Provide Perspective on Critical Technologies for Iraq War & Hurricane Katrina Recovery
October 6, 2005

PUBLIC SUPPORT, GLOBAL COOPERATION KEYS TO WINNING WAR ON TERRORISM ACCORDING TO AUSA/BATTELLE SURVEY

Military & Defense Industry Leaders Also Provide Perspective on Critical Technologies for Iraq War & Hurricane Katrina Recovery

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The support of the American public remains vital to winning the War on Terrorism, but the United States cannot do it alone, according to defense industry and military leaders assembled at the 2005 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition.

A survey released today by AUSA and Battelle, a global leader in science and technology, found that 37 percent of AUSA attendees queried believe Americans' concerns about the terrorism threat at home and abroad will have the greatest impact on the nation's ability to successfully combat terrorism. "Cooperation with forces from other nations," was a close second choice (36%).

"While the challenges facing our armed forces continue to evolve, the results of this survey underscore that the need for innovation and technology advancements remains constant," said Steve Kelly, senior vice president and general manager of Battelle's National Security Division. "As with our previous survey of the AUSA community in March 2004, we found agreement among military personnel and defense industry representatives about technology needs and other factors critical to our national well-being."

When asked about technologies most beneficial to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, survey respondents, of whom 56 percent listed their current status as active duty military, singled out advancements in rapid intelligence collection and analysis (33%). The other two standouts focused on protecting troops through advanced, lighter weight body armor (24%) and mitigating insurgent threats through airborne detection capabilities for roadside bombs (22%). In a previous survey, conducted at the AUSA Winter Symposium and Exposition in March 2004, half of respondents predicted that detecting roadside bombs from a distance would be the most beneficial technology for soldiers, followed by advanced, lighter weight body armor (18%).

In regard to the single most important challenge facing the military in the coming year, 38 percent of respondents cited training the Iraqi Army and police forces in order to maintain order in the country.

Survey respondents at the conference were also asked to name the military technology and capability that will be most beneficial in assisting with the rebuilding of the U.S. Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Two-fifths (42%) pointed to advanced logistics and planning technologies, followed by joint force coordination and communications capabilities (24%). Other choices included preparedness through joint training exercises (13%) and rapid troop deployment capabilities (11%).

Survey participants also had an opportunity to volunteer their thoughts about accomplishments within the past year that have done the most to improve the global reputation of the U.S. Army. Among the most prevalent responses were the elections in Iraq and Afghanistan; rebuilding efforts in Iraq; continued commitment to the Iraqi people and their freedom; and the military's response to the tsunami and Hurricane Katrina.

"Whether fighting the war on terror or providing vital relief in the wake of natural disasters, the U.S. Army and joint forces rely on information sharing, innovative technology and continuous learning to successfully complete their mission," said Joe Hollis, AUSA's director of industry affairs. "AUSA is committed to providing the best professional education programs and most diverse showcase of advanced and cutting edge military technologies in support of the men and women who serve."

Survey Background

Battelle conducted face-to-face interviews with 540 attendees at the 2005 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition, "Call to Duty - 230 Years of Service to Our Nation," on Oct. 2-4. Survey participants were represented by current military personnel (active, 56%; Reserve, 7%; and National Guard, 2%), retired military personnel (11%), and military contractors (9%). The remainder primarily consisted of civilian military employees and consultants. The survey has a sampling error of plus or minus three to four percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

About Battelle

Battelle is a global leader in science and technology. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, it develops and commercializes technology and manages laboratories for customers. Battelle, with the national labs it manages or co-manages, oversees 19,000 staff members and conducts $2.9 billion in annual research and development. Battelle innovations include the development of the office copier machine (Xerox), pioneering work on compact disc technology, medical technology advancements, and fiber optic technologies.

With more than 50 years' experience in military chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense programs, Battelle is a leader in using science and technology to detect hazards and protect people and facilities against weapons of mass destruction. Battelle's expertise covers all aspects of anti-terrorism defenses-from threat and vulnerability assessments, to testing of security systems, equipment, vaccines, and medical and community response; and training and evaluations.

About AUSA

Since 1950, the Association of the United States Army has worked to support all aspects of national security while advancing the interests of America's Army and the men and women who serve. AUSA is a private, non-profit educational organization that supports America's Army - Active, National Guard, Reserve, Civilians, Retirees and family members.

The AUSA Annual Meeting, the world's largest landpower forum, brings together America's Army. Active, Guard and Reserve, retirees, family members and civilians will experience the best of today's Army.

More than 30,000 attended the event.

For additional survey findings, details and comment from Battelle spokespeople, contact Katy Delaney (410) 306-8638 and Myllisa Lardieri Kennedy (202) 828-9707.