12:00 AM CDT on Sunday, August 26, 2007

Excerpts from our Q&A with former Fort Worth Rep. Pete Geren, who will be honored Thursday as the new Army secretary

The Army had trouble meeting recruiting goals, but recruitment has improved recently. You'd think that would be hard given the Iraq war's unpopularity.

We're recruiting in a challenging environment, but recruiting and retention rates have remained at or above our goals over the past few years. There are many reasons for this. First, there's the remarkable patriotism and selflessness of young men and women. Second, the Army has implemented recruiting and retention incentives. Third, there's Americans support for the military. Regardless of attitudes toward the war, support for soldiers has never been higher. That shapes the recruiting environment. There are challenges. We estimate that only 30 percent of 17- to 24-year-olds meet military qualifications. They are among America's best and brightest. The Army is not the only organization trying to harness their talent.

What's being done to follow up on the commission Bob Dole and Donna Shalala led so poor treatment doesn't get repeated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center?

First, let me praise the overall performance of Army medicine. Today, 94 percent of wounded soldiers survive, a remarkable testament to our medical professionals. Army trauma care is the world's best. But it is a fact that we let soldiers down in outpatient care at Walter Reed. That violated everything the Army stands for - soldiers do not desert soldiers in time of need. Since then, the Army has overhauled outpatient care. That includes adding medical professionals and patient advocates and organizing outpatients into units with squad leaders. They ensure that patients have what they need, including rehabilitation. We're implementing the Dole-Shalala report, among others. For example, the Army has added resources to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and mild traumatic brain injuries. We're trying to remove the stigma of mental health issues.

The Dallas Foundation is distributing money so local soldiers' families don't have their lights turned off while a loved one's in Iraq or Afghanistan. How's Washington helping families cope?

Let me thank the foundation. There's no substitute for neighbors helping neighbors. The Army offers initiatives like extra child care, assistance with household responsibilities and recreation opportunities. And we have funds for emergencies. Whether it's the Army or neighbors helping neighbors, we must do all we can. We owe these soldiers and families more than we can ever repay them.

More online: To read the full Q&A, visit dallasnews.com/extra .