“…APOGEE/APOGEE-2 is the only large-scale (>1,000,000 spectra for >450,000 objects) near-IR spectroscopic survey of stars, ensuring it has a unique view of all parts of our Galaxy, unhampered by interstellar obscuration in the Galactic plane. Most stellar surveys of equivalent scale-including those that have concluded (e.g., RAVE, SEGUE-1 and −2, and ARGOS; Steinmetz et al 2006, Yanny et al 2009, Freeman et al 2013, are currently underway (e.g., LAMOST, Gaia-ESO, GALAH, and Gaia; Cui et al 2012, Gilmore et al 2012, Zucker et al 2012, Perryman et al 2001, or are anticipated in the future (e.g., WEAVE, 4MOST, and MOONS; Dalton et al 2014, de Jong et al 2014, Cirasuolo et al 2014)-have been or will be performed in the optical and/or with largely medium spectral resolution (however, we note plans for highresolution modes for some of these). All of these projects provide complementary data in the form of different wavelength or spatial regimes providing essential contributions to the ongoing census of the Milky Way's stars.…”