This year, the U.S. Army celebrates a major milestone. For 2½ centuries, the Army has answered the call to defend this nation. Our motto, “This We’ll Defend,” is more than just words—it is why we exist and our promise to the American people. For 250 years, as the world changed and the battlefield evolved, our promise has not wavered.

Early Origins

The Army’s origins date to before the U.S. was even a country. In the spring of 1775, the shot heard around the world at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts led to fighting between Colonial militias and British forces. But to secure independence, the country needed a collective, professional force.

On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress resolved “That six companies of expert riflemen, be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland, and two in Virginia; … and join the army near Boston, to be there employed as light infantry, under the command of the chief Officer in that army.”

With this act, the Continental Army was born, transforming disparate Colonial militias into a unified force under national authority. Since then, American soldiers have stood ready to defend freedom.

The Army’s history is a story of selfless service in defense of the nation and its values. It also is a story of adaptation—from the battlefields of the Revolution and the Civil War to the beaches of Normandy and the Pacific islands, from the frozen hills of Korea and the jungles of Vietnam to the mountains of Afghanistan and the dusty streets of Iraq. Every generation of soldiers has faced new threats, and every generation has overcome those threats.

Long Legacy

The Army’s ability to adapt and transform is a key reason it has remained the world’s premier land force for 250 years.

During the Civil War, the Army introduced repeating rifles and used railroads and telegraphs to coordinate and move troops and supplies. In World War I, the Army shifted from trench warfare to combined arms operations, incorporating tanks, artillery and air.

World War II saw the Army grow to over 8 million soldiers, mastering amphibious warfare in the Pacific, and in Europe conducting the largest waterborne landing in modern history at Normandy, France.

The Army continued to innovate in Vietnam, pioneering helicopter warfare to rapidly deploy troops into battle. The First Gulf War showcased the effectiveness of precision strikes and maneuver warfare, resulting in a quick, decisive victory.

In response to the 9/11 attacks, the Army adapted to counterinsurgency and urban warfare in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Over the years, soldiers have proven that the ability to transform is as important as the ability to fight. Future challenges will differ from those of the past, but no matter the challenge, soldiers will adapt, overcome and win.

Transforming for the Future

Today’s Army is the most capable and lethal force in the world. Adversaries are evolving, and the Army must stay ahead. That is why soldiers continue to transform. We are transforming in contact, meaning we adapt and innovate even as we continue to meet current threats.

The Army is investing in the right capabilities to ensure that formations are more lethal, more mobile and more survivable. This includes uncrewed and counter-uncrewed systems to expand the Army’s reach and counter emerging threats, electronic warfare systems to dominate the electromagnetic space and a next-generation network that integrates more easily across echelons and shrinks the command post footprint.

Being ready to fight and win is about more than just having the right equipment—it’s about having disciplined, well-trained soldiers who can operate in any environment, under any conditions, against any adversary. The American soldier is the most skilled and disciplined warrior on the battlefield. Soldiers live a culture of warfighting and excellence because that is what the American people expect and what our mission demands.

Soldier readiness is bolstered by families and loved ones. Their unwavering support allows soldiers to focus on the mission, knowing they have a strong foundation at home.

Clear Focus

As we celebrate this milestone, we remember the sacrifices of previous generations and honor their legacy by continuing to serve with courage and integrity. Soldiers honor them by always staying ready.

In an era of rapid change, the Army’s focus remains clear: warfighting, delivering combat-ready formations, continuous transformation and strengthening the profession. For 250 years, the Army has been America’s force of decisive action. That will not change. We do not pick our fights, but when called, we will fight, and we will win.

We are the U.S. Army, and This We’ll Defend.

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Gen. Randy George is the chief of staff of the U.S. Army.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer is the Army’s top enlisted leader.