America’s Army: The Strength of the Nation

The men and women of America’s All-Volunteer Army are a professional, combat-seasoned force that is committed to protecting this Nation and its interests.  Capable of deploying quickly and sustaining operations in austere environments, Soldiers—supported by their Families and local communities—sacrifice daily to ensure our fellow citizens, allies and partners live in freedom.

With over one million Soldiers in uniform, 300,000 Army Civilians and more than one million Family members, America’s Army represents the strength and diversity of the American people.  We are a reflection of our diverse, pluralistic society.  Coming from all corners of our Nation and from all walks of life, today’s Soldiers—Active, Guard and Reserve—and Army Civilians have different perspectives, approaches and skills.  Yet, alongside their fellow warriors in the Navy, Marines and Air Force, Soldiers share a common goal—the commitment to uphold the rights and freedoms of their countrymen as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Our Nation has asked our Soldiers to defeat dangerous foes, to deter potential challengers and to engage friends and allies with compassion.  On the ground in over eighty countries, our Soldiers are operating in and among the people—as warriors, ambassadors, community leaders, strategic thinkers, innovative problem solvers and peacemakers.  They are actively building partner capacities to ensure other freedom-loving nations can defend themselves and contribute to coalition operations in the future.  

Ensuring our national security is ultimately a human endeavor and today’s combat-seasoned Soldiers are taking the initiative and making tough decisions daily in complex, multi-dimensional environments.  With cultural astuteness, foreign language abilities and respect for the unfamiliar, our adaptive Soldiers are performing brilliantly across the range of assigned missions—missions with strategic, national implications.  Grounded in our core values, which are inculcated throughout the force, today’s Soldiers live, what we in the Army call, “The Warrior Ethos”:  

• I will always place the mission first.
• I will never accept defeat.
• I will never quit.
• I will never leave a fallen comrade.

Today, more than ever, we affirm what former Army Chief of Staff Creighton Abrams once observed: “People aren’t in the Army.  People are the Army.”  Today’s Army includes our Soldiers, Families and a diverse cadre of Army Civilians—all equally committed to the cause of freedom.  Together they are a testament to the indomitable spirit that resides across our Nation and within our Army.

With Military Appreciation Month upon us, it is a time to recognize the contributions of those currently serving, supporting and sacrificing to make a difference.   We are grateful for all members of our Army Family, and we have formally reaffirmed our commitment to enhancing their quality of life.  This includes our Wounded Warriors and Retirees who have sacrificed so much and supported our Soldiers unconditionally.  The Army Family Covenant and Army Community Covenant, and the Army Medical Action Plan are cornerstones of our commitment to sustain our All-Volunteer Force.

May is also a time to gather together on Memorial Day to pay tribute to those patriots who have given their lives for this Nation—a time to recount their courage and commitment to building a better future for coming generations.  From the birth of our Army on June 14, 1775, through today, volunteer Soldiers have proudly answered the call to duty, in both peace and war.  Throughout our history, each generation of Soldiers has put its boots on the ground, reflecting a personal and national commitment to the ideals and principles upon which our Nation was founded.  This remains true today.  Defending our homeland, our Constitution, our way of life and our freedoms, this generation of American Soldiers is one of which we can be equally proud.

I could not be more proud to be a Soldier, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our magnificent Soldiers, Families, Army Civilians, veterans and retirees.  Each believes our freedoms are worth fighting for and each has raised his or her hand to serve our great Nation.

Soldiers have been, and are, our centerpiece.  Collectively, we are—and always will be—the Strength of the Nation.

Casey is the chief of staff of the Army.