NPC Luncheon: Gen. Ray Odierno

Photo Credit: U.S. Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno speaks at a National Press Club Luncheon on January 7, 2014. General Odierno chose to make only a brief opening statement, and moved directly to questions and answers. Noel St. John

Photo Credit: When asked for his thoughts on the recent events in Fallujah, Iraq, General Odierno responded, "I believe we left it in a place where it was capable to move forward, but because of several political issues internal to Iraq, that security situation has devolved into something that in my mind is concerning." Noel St. John

Photo Credit: Further, Odierno explained the biggest threat to National Security is the ungoverned territory throughout the Middle East where groups such as Al-Quaida are able to gain dominance and "try to export their terrorism outside of the Middle East and into several other countries to include the United States." Noel St. John

Photo Credit: U.S. Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno speaks at a National Press Club Luncheon on January 7, 2014. Questions sent forward by members and guests were posed to General Odierno by NPC President Angela Greiling Keane. Noel St. John

Photo Credit: Despite the devolving situation in Iraq, the Army Chief of Staff stated he did not believe troop deployments were necessary at present with hopes that Iraqi troops will succeed on their own. However, he then deferred to National Security interests as the final arbiter. Noel St. John