Letter from the editor

Soldiers Magazine, April, 2005 by Gil High

As the Army's missions continue to expand, Soldiers magazine is more dependant than ever on the articles and photographs submitted by the Soldiers and DA civilians in the areas where those operations are happening.

One example is this month's cover story by LTC Keith Walter, "A Tradition of Airborne Excellence," which reveals the mission of the Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate at Fort Bragg, N.C. Another example is a story by MSG Jack Gordon, "New Beginnings in Iraq," an account of the 416th Civil Affairs Battalion's efforts to rebuild infrastructure and train local security forces in Nineveh Province. Then, reporting on how Soldiers receive the supplies that make such efforts possible, staff writer Steve Harding reports on the 7th Transportation Group's role in moving the vast tide of materiel that must flow into Iraq from staging areas in Kuwait.

Highlighting the Army's commitment to the environment, Neal Snyder of the Army Environmental Center reports on "Recycling Old Buildings," an ongoing activity at several installations that gives new life to old building materials. Also in this issue, you'll find a poster commemorating the 35th anniversary of Earth Day. Another important anniversary this month is the birthday of the Army Reserve, which was established on April 23, 1908.

Gil High Editor in Chief