Message from the Executive Director.

ASMC recently concluded a Memorandum of Cooperation and Understanding with the Department of Defense (DoD). This memorandum was necessary to codify the long-standing informal agreements between DoD and ASMC regarding mutual cooperation and support

The memorandum, signed by the outgoing Under Secretary of Defense, Comptroller, Dr. Dov Zakheim, states, among other things, that "civilian employees and military members may provide representation on ASMC boards and committees [as] long as the DoD employees are acting in their personal capacity." The document further indicates that conferees may participate in their official capacity as speakers and panel members at ASMC training events as long as there is DoD benefit and as long as the presentation does not detract from readiness.

In turn, ASMC pledges to provide its communication media such as the Armed Farces Comptroller, national PDI, and newsletter for the transmittal of information at no cost to the government. This agreement represents a great step forward. It is appropriately named a memorandum of "cooperation and understanding" because that is the framework that will best serve both organizations.

James F. McCall,

LTG U.S. Army (Retired), CDFM