In Bob Dylan’s 1970 song “Day of the Locust,” he describes the sound of the Brood X cicadas serenading a Princeton graduation as a “high whinin’ trill”, and, if you do not know what he means by that, you soon will. As noted by an abundance of media outlets, millions of these creatures will emerge from the soil to greet us after their 17-year stay underground. With nerves already frayed by the pandemic, many will find these visitors to be an unwelcome nuisance, but I urge everyone to temper your annoyance with some appreciation of these wondrous oddities.

One, simplified definition of industrial hygiene is, “science and art devoted to anticipating, recognizing, evaluating and controlling environmental factors that may cause sickness or impaired well-being.” And, Fort Belvoir’s newest industrial hygienist, born in D.C., comes here with a vast career and knowledge; and an enthusiasm for his science.

The Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military has presented initial recommendations to Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III that would take the responsibility of prosecuting sexual assault offenses out of commanders' hands, and Austin and Army Gen. Mark A. Milley are willing to contemplate the change.

Anna Nordley struggled to focus on an important phone call while she sat at her desk, inconveniently positioned next to the kitchen counter. As an Army spouse and senior accounting manager for the USO, she tried to keep her phone muted to avoid the noisy clatter of the microwave and dishwasher running nearby.

I wanted to update you on two key directives recently signed by the Acting Secretary of the Army: Allow all SPC/CPLs the choice to voluntarily take an APFT to qualify for or improve their opportunity for promotion. Authorization for women to wear ponytails in all uniforms at all times.