UNITED STATES ARMY
THE CHIEF OF STAFF

September 29, 2000

The 1999 Fletcher Conference was a landmark event that provided a lively forum for debate and candid discussion as to how our national leadership might best establish and achieve our national security goals in the 21st century. The purpose of this publication is to provide a historical record of what transpired and to set the stage for future policy discussions and conferences on national security.

This compendium is a gateway to better understand the full spectrum of national security challenges that lie ahead for our country. The journey toward a stronger defense will begin by taking account of the debates and discussions in the larger national security community -- which now includes the media, corporate America, Congress and the American public; each of these groups was well represented this past year. This is the first in what will be an annual series of such comprehensive studies by the United States Army and selected co-sponsors.

This document offers a logical transition to our next conference. The Fletcher Conference 2000 will occur November 15-16 2000, in Arlington, Virginia. The theme of the conference - "National Strategies and Capabilities for a Changing World" - will set the tone for the event. From considering the impact of space and technology on defense planning to discussing the growing importance of coalitions and alliances to our national strategy, the exchanges will be both timely and critical in framing the issues of our national security posture. This next Fletcher Conference will undoubtedly prove another important forum for considering the future of our national defense.

Sincerely,

Erik K. Shinseki
General, United States Army