GEN Ann Dunwoody here, I'm coming by next Tuesday to speak with you. What questions do you have for me?

GEN Ann Dunwoody — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 14:34:06 -0400

*Post your questions below*

From RP Staff:

General Ann Dunwoody is the first female in U.S. Military history to reach the rank of four-star General. General Dunwoody served as the Army’s Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4 (logistics) from 2005 to 2008 when she was nominated as Commanding General, U.S. Army Material Command, by President George W. Bush.

This past April, General Dunwoody released her first book “A Higher Standard: Leadership Strategies from America’s First Female Four-Star General”. Like General McChrystal, who visited us in June, General Dunwoody believes adaptive leadership is key for an evolving force. The book is loaded with practical leadership advice applicable at any level of leadership. You can find a copy here:

http://www.amazon.com/Higher-Standard-Leadership-Strategies-Four-Star/dp/ [login to see]

General Dunwoody will be joining us on July 28th at 4:00pm EST for a live Q&A session. Post your questions now so she can answer them first on the 28th!

A Higher Standard: Leadership Strategies from America's First Female Four-Star General: Ann...

A Higher Standard: Leadership Strategies from America's First Female Four-Star General [Ann Dunwoody, Sheryl Sandberg] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. On June 23, 2008, President George W. Bush nominated Ann Dunwoody as a four-star general in the US Armythe first time a woman had ever achieved that rank. The news generated excitement around the world. Now retired after nearly four decades in the Army

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 23 at 2015 2:39 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 14:39:40 -0400

Beyond being the first female Four-Star General in history, an awesome accomplishment, how else would you want people to remember you for?

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jul 23 at 2015 2:58 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 14:58:31 -0400

Ma'am, so grateful to have you here with us. I really enjoyed reading about your leadership principle of "Never Walking by a Mistake". This can be such an easy lesson for us to forget about during our busy op tempos in the military. I always respected my former Squadron Commander Lt Col Samuel Elliott for never walking by a piece of trash or debris in his Squadron. It was a small (and very consistent) act, but he made us all want to do our part in keeping a respectable and presentable Squadron. What would you say was the most significant 'mistake' you saw and didn't let yourself or team walk past?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 3:10 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 15:10:27 -0400

General,
Thank you so much for coming to our site & speaking with us.

My question is, what do you think about "the double standard"? By this, I mean, why is it that when you have a female in command that is just as harsh as the male command team may be, she is looked upon in a "darker light" than her male counterparts? The recent issue of the Marine commander that was disciplined for being "harsh" on her female troops is what comes to mind. To me, it just seems that she didn't want to sugar coat the real world.

Thank you, ma'am!

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jul 23 at 2015 3:42 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 15:42:41 -0400

Hi General Dunwoody, Ma'am!
Thanks for taking the time to be with us on RallyPoint!
How important is it to be candid when addressing questions from junior military members - like this one for instance! I'm not referring to questions by media journalists, etc, although your opinion on those as well would be appreciated. I was more referring to the leadership aspect. I felt it was better (in most cases) to stick to the point and be honest and as truthful as possible. :-) I've known many leaders to address questions with a story like "Sit down, son - let me tell you when I was in ... " and so on! This always drove me crazy!

Response by MSgt Alan H made Jul 23 at 2015 4:25 PM

MSgt Alan H — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 16:25:43 -0400

General Dunwoody, Mam, what is your advice for female field grade officers who at the ten year mark, feel abused by the system and burnt out after not receiving increased promotion opportunities although they have advanced ahead of same year group peers despite having two children, accomplished more than the average peer group combat flying sorties, flying hours, and advanced in rank as rapidly as peers. Completed two master degrees of worth at a four year state university instead of under water basket weaving just to fulfil advanced degree directives towards promotion? As you can plainly see, we are frustrated.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Jul 23 at 2015 4:45 PM

SSG Robert Webster — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 16:45:04 -0400

During your four years at SHAPE American/International High School, which teacher influenced you the most? How many years did you serve on the staff of "The Spartan Scene"?

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jul 24 at 2015 1:40 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 01:40:02 -0400

Ma'am, As we all know, the entire military is down sizing. Do you think this is a mistake because of threats from Iran, Russia and ISIS? Thank you for your time, Ma'am.

Response by LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 1:40 AM

LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 01:40:48 -0400

Ma'am...when you were say...a Major. Where did you see yourself in your career in 5, 10, or 15 years later. Did you ever imagine yourself as a Four Star General? I know for myself...I never saw myself in the military after my initial two year enlistment, much less an officer. Here I am though...22 years later. Glad to see you here on RP Ma'am!

Response by SPC Nathan Acreman made Jul 24 at 2015 3:17 AM

SPC Nathan Acreman — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 03:17:56 -0400

Ma'am, first of all congratulations on all your success in the military and your latest book. Reading through the questions, I know someone has already asked about your feelings on the military downsizing, but I would like to ask how does the army decide who is going? Are we to expect an increased number of chapters, or a draw back on recruitment as well as retention for soldiers in the re-enlistment window?

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Jul 24 at 2015 8:34 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 08:34:53 -0400

Ma'am congrats on your retirement. I have a multi part question; 1. There are MANY qualified women in service that like you, have/could/should aspire to the more senior flag ranks, but I don't see many making it. Do you foresee that changing with the inclusion of women in more of formerly closed off MOS's or schools? 2. Do you foresee a woman Army chair, or Chairwoman of the Joint Chiefs from any branch? And lastly, 3. do you see a woman ever making it becoming a Combatant or Theater Commander? Every theater Commander in Iraq and Afghanistan was/is male. Could a different viewpoint make more of a difference or would she be equal in the thought process as a man due to training? That question wasn't meant to be sexist or demeaning of any kind, but I've found that some women I've worked and trained with were in many cases more methodological in their thought process in regards to problems than many of the men who were ready to charge head first into the problem and solve it by brute force if needed. That type of thinking isn't just for women, but it'd be great to see a woman in charge of Afghanistan, or CENTCOM.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 9:17 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 09:17:31 -0400

Ma'am, moving forward, what do you believe should be the top acquisitions priorities for the AT&L workforce?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 9:18 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 09:18:14 -0400

Hello ma'am,

A common argument that I hear about why women aren't in combat units yet is the logistical nightmare it might cause for the Army. From a purely logistical POV do you believe there is merit to this argument?

Thank you for your time.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 9:28 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 09:28:14 -0400

GEN Ann Dunwoody, what changes to the Army sustainment system would you like to see put in place in a tightly constrained budget environment, if any, ma'am?

Thank you for offering your thoughts and guidance through Rallypoint!

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 9:58 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 09:58:26 -0400

Ma'am, currently the dirty little secret of the DoD is sexual assault. Some estimates state as many as 1in 3 females in uniform are assaulted during their service. What's worse is these are generally not reports of a couple of 19 year old E3s fumbling in the dark with a case of next day remorse but senior enlisted and officers taking advantage of their positions of authority and victimizing junior service members. At this stage I cannot believe I would ever encourage my daughter to serve when she is old enough to do so. Do you think that civilian oversight of sexual assault allegations is a smart move to reverse this epidemic? Thank you for this opportunity to discuss issues in this venue.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jul 24 at 2015 10:51 AM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 10:51:53 -0400

What is your plan as a leader to take emphasis away from being first female this or that and be seen simply as soldiers equal in status without regard to gender?

Response by SPC Alejandro Martinez made Jul 24 at 2015 11:34 AM

SPC Alejandro Martinez — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 11:34:24 -0400

Thank you, General, for donating your time and wisdom. I have two questions. 1. What would be your advice be for making sure young, new, naive, college grads made the right decision when at a MEPS station choosing an MOS or whether to be enlisted, officer, or warrant officer? 2. What book, author or series would you recommend kindergarten teachers read to their students to teach about patriotism? Again, thank you and congratulations on your success.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jul 24 at 2015 1:34 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 13:34:43 -0400

I am retired Civil Affairs and our Women Warriors are part of our Teams, and in 1985 as a MTT leader was taught a valuable lessons by two Female Fighters from the M-19 Guerrilla Movement of Colombia; two well-trained Female Guerrilla Fighters equal six trained Male fighters; emphasis on Well-Trained.
Mam, Thank you for your visit and leadership, my question what is your opinion on Women in Combat and their training, given the fact that men use the “Higher Standard” as an issue to separate men and women because they apply male physical standards to women? Yet, in today’s religious misguided guerrilla wars women fighters can accomplish missions that men cannot.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Jul 24 at 2015 7:19 PM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 19:19:33 -0400

General Dunwoody, how do you see the military averting going back to the post Vietnam era. Where the military had their resources cut to the bone

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 9:26 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 21:26:51 -0400

Ma'am,
Have you seen an overall increase in civilian over reach into the US Military, and if so do you believe that it has had a positive or negative effect on our forces?

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2015 1:17 PM

CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 13:17:23 -0400

Ma'am: looking back on a storied career, after breaking a glass ceiling, accomplishing what few even aspire to, What would you do differently, were you afforded the chance to do it all over again?

Response by CSM Jefferson Varner III made Jul 27 at 2015 7:37 PM

CSM Jefferson Varner III — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 19:37:44 -0400

Ma'am, Thank you for your service and leadership. Would you please offer guidance to the community as it applies to transitioning (ETS or RET?. The community is a wealth of untapped knowledge and abilities. Tracking the importance of education and a good resume, not to mention the need to network. With that being said what trends are you seeing for the Officer and NCO as it applies to corporate opportunities and recognition of their skills? Thanks again for your time.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 12:54 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 00:54:47 -0400

GEN Dunwoody,
Glad to see you here. My question is, are our military leaders becoming more political as a result of careerism (promotion system) or is this a natural evolution of leaders? Having had the opportunity to serve in positions of Corporal to Colonel during the past 30 years, I have noticed a not so subtle shift in leadership styles from the post-Vietnam War combat tested, to the hollow Army (zero tolerance) leader, to the multi-cultural sensitivity trained leader (primarily focused on protecting themselves from career-ending errors). I had COL Hackworth as a mentor while I was Company Grade and he warned me that like him, I would retire when leading meant something other than preparing men and women to fight and win America's wars. He noticed the trend in the Hollow Army of the 70s and I reached that point last year. My Army's focus on monthly sensitivity training, quarterly SHARP briefings and a multitude of other social engineering initiatives overwhelmed my unit's ability to train on their mission. It was as if my unit's mission was to remind people to behave responsibly, while protecting myself with a record that confirmed the training was conducted. Don't get me wrong, personal responsibility, Army Values and the fair treatment of everyone are important but not to the point it becomes our overwhelming focus. Will it take another 'First Battles' lesson to force leaders back to the focus on manning, equipping and training our fighting force or are their leaders willing to stand up and do what is right?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 3:49 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 03:49:14 -0400

How committed is the DoD to improving its financial management system compared to other initiatives? Does it bother anyone that the DoD has been non-compliant with the GAO and can't received an unqualified opinion.?

Response by SSG John Erny made Jul 28 at 2015 10:51 AM

SSG John Erny — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 10:51:41 -0400

Ma'am!
Echo Co Rigger here. You were My BXO when Then LTC Freeman was the BC and Then MAJ West was the DPO. I have no questions but I am very happy to see that a Rigger had such a great career and earned 4 stars, Congrats!

I was with the group of Riggers that went TDY with the 3/504 to Jungle School in Panama which turned into Operation Just Cause.

I will be sure always!

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 10:57 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 10:57:09 -0400

Ma'am, an honor to talk to you virtually :-)
I would love to hear any advice you have for women seeking leadership roles be it military or federal government? What can we as women do to be better leaders? What's the best advice on leadership you have gotten?
Thank you for your time.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jul 28 at 2015 11:14 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 11:14:06 -0400

Ma'am, do you think because females have not been able to go through Ranger school that their careers are set back when bucking for the same job as a male who has completed Ranger school? Thanks for taking your time.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 11:46 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 11:46:38 -0400

Ma'am,
First off, congrats on your accomplishments in your career, I bet the road was tough and had some obstacles along the way. I am in an Aviation Support Company and we have a lot of female soldiers both junior enlisted, young officers, and NCOs. I am proactive with each one in trying to get them either on the right path to bettering their futures in the military or helping them with decision making over short and long-term goals. I have a dual Bach in Leadership and Management, so I do career counseling after drill on Sundays. If a female soldier and I meet to look at goal setting, some have the excuse that it is hard to get where you want to be as a woman. I just let her know that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. What is your thoughts on using the female card as an excuse for goal setting?

Response by SPC Jonathan Sellers made Jul 28 at 2015 12:59 PM

SPC Jonathan Sellers — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 12:59:44 -0400

General Dunwoody,

What would constitute a "domestic enemy" from within the political theater? Many citizens believe that domestic enemies already exist and are operating without objection from any viable opponent (like the military). Elections matter, but we don't live in a democracy, we live in a republic. What would it take for the senior leadership of the US military to point the guns inward and preserve the Constitution? EG: Attorney Generals who don't enforce the law, Secretaries of State who sacrifice ambassadors and lie to Americans to CYA, and Presidents who bow down to foreign kings.

Response by LCDR Edie Rosenthal made Jul 28 at 2015 2:37 PM

LCDR Edie Rosenthal — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 14:37:15 -0400

GEN Dunwoody: Thank you for your support of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. I have an interest in human behavior and leadership. Throughout your career, I have no doubt you have worked with great leaders -- and those who have been less than inspirational. In your experience, what do you consider to be the most important trait for an exceptional leader? And why? Thanks.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Jul 28 at 2015 3:09 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 15:09:39 -0400

Good Afternoon Ma'am. Thank you for your service. I guess my question would be : why, when cutting the budget, do we allow the politicians to go after our retirement and benefits. Are there not other programs that could be cut. We are the people that are using up there bodies and doing the grunt work. The ones standing on the line that is drawn. Saying you shall not pass. But the medical is being cut, retirement, And others. Can we not stop this? Thank you, for your time Ma'am. Thank your family for their service as well.

Response by GEN Ann Dunwoody made Jul 28 at 2015 3:50 PM

GEN Ann Dunwoody — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 15:50:22 -0400

Good afternoon everyone... happy to be on the line with you..and look forward to the dialogue

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 3:54 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 15:54:51 -0400

Good afternoon ma'am,

Thank you for taking the opportunity to read my question. As a female in a leadership role, I've been told it's lonely at the top. I am now seeing this and more everyday. What are some of the ways that you have dealt with this scenario? How do you keep your subordinates in line without contributing to workplace gossip? Any additional hints, tips, or ideas for a new leader? Congratulations on your accomplishments and I look forward to your advice.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 3:57 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 15:57:51 -0400

Good afternoon ma'am, in today's day and age with instant connection to the far reaches of the world through social media servicemembers are expected to continue to portray a character of professionalism and neutrality in politics. So my question to you is, in today's society, one which seems to be filled with so much controversy from racism to military downsize and gender equality umongst other topics how does one continue to remain professional in an online presance, how do you perceive service men and women who vocalize their opinions on controversial topics publicly, and what do you feel is the way ahead for continuing to display good stewardship in the profession of arms.

Response by SPC George Grimm made Jul 28 at 2015 4:42 PM

SPC George Grimm — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 16:42:08 -0400

Ma'am,
What is your view on PTSD and soldiers being able to reenlist that are labeled with this that can effectively still do their duties?

Response by MSgt Manuel Diaz made Jul 28 at 2015 4:47 PM

MSgt Manuel Diaz — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 16:47:51 -0400

Well my question goes back a bit, I remember that some female officers advised me sternly that an officer is called sir, you do not see gender you see rank. I was told, drafted in 71 and did as advised for that time. Got out of the military and Well I reuped in 1990 and people were calling female officers ma'am like you would an old broad. I always felt it a bit queer saying ma'am to an officer, How did you prefer being addressed as an officer.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2015 5:03 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 17:03:51 -0400

Hello Ma'am, my question is about the promotion system and your opinion on it. The way the system works now is all about general army abilities. Can you pass a PT test and shoot expert? Okay good here is your E-5. But the current promotion system does not stress a lot on your ability to do your actual MOS. I have seen and had leaders that were fine people and knew the regulations but when it came to medical care or evacuation they were lost. I feel like this is a major issue the army faces and just wanted to get your opinion. Thank you very much Ma'am.

Response by GEN Ann Dunwoody made Jul 28 at 2015 5:44 PM

GEN Ann Dunwoody — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 17:44:28 -0400

Enjoyed the questions and look forward to the dialogue. thank you!
http://www.anndunwoody.com

General Ann Dunwoody's A Higher Standard - HOME

Leadership Strategies from America’s First Female Four-Star General

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2015 3:50 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 15:50:45 -0400

Ma'am,

I have seen several instances of toxic leadership surviving investigation and being returned to their position or being swept under the rug and moved elsewhere without reprimand despite GEN Odierno's position on eradicating such "leaders." Have you seen (or do you foresee) an improvement in the state of the Army as far as eliminating toxic leadership goes?

Response by SFC Lisa Hirst made Jul 30 at 2015 11:25 PM

SFC Lisa Hirst — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 23:25:44 -0400

This is outstanding! Congratulations Ma'am. Great leaders receive great rewards

Response by COL Dan Williams made Aug 11 at 2015 12:28 PM

COL Dan Williams — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 12:28:47 -0400

Congratulations General Dunwoody!

Dan Williams

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 1:17 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 13:17:08 -0400

Ma'am,

What are your thoughts on the proposed retirement plan? Is it the right plan for our service members or for Congress?

Response by CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner made Aug 13 at 2015 4:17 PM

CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 16:17:59 -0400

Are you coming to my home? I did not get the memo! Smile Ma'am, it makes the day go better! BTW, congratulations on your success, I wish you all the best!

Response by LTC Terrence Farrier, PhD made Jun 27 at 2017 11:00 AM

LTC Terrence Farrier, PhD — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 11:00:37 -0400

Gen Dunwoody, we have talked on the phone during 2003. Please email me, I have a personal [login to see]