An Army Priority

By Courtesy of U.S. ArmyOctober 7, 2011

WASHINGTON -- Army senior leaders are actively getting the word out on the importance of maintaining trust with the nation, the strength of our Soldiers and the service's enduring priorities.

As the Army postures itself for the future, keeping the American public, Soldiers, Army Civilians and Army Families informed is critical to sustained readiness.

Mr. John McHugh, Secretary of the Army, and Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, Chief of Staff of the Army, have designated three major themes for Army military and civilian members to help guide their communication efforts.

The three themes are:

People Are Our Army -- The Army is the strength of the Nation. Soldiers are the strength of our Army. Our Families are the strength of our Soldiers. We must sustain these bonds of trust. Our enduring priority is to continue providing trained, equipped and ready forces while preserving our high-quality All Volunteer Force -- Active, Guard and Reserve. America's greatest generations are built on the strength of America's strongest citizens -- U.S. Soldiers.

Nation's Force of Decisive Action -- Ready Today, Prepared for Tomorrow -- The Army is the national force for sustained decisive action, providing the Joint Force depth, versatility, flexibility and effective operations across the spectrum of conflict. Recent history and global trends demand a versatile mix of capabilities, formations and equipment that provide our national decision makers flexibility across a range of operations. Readiness is non-negotiable. Whatever its eventual size, the Army must remain highly trained, equipped and ready. Our Army and our Nation can accept nothing less.

Meeting the Needs of the Nation -- As an Army, we share in the sacrifice of all Americans during this period of fiscal uncertainty and must shape the Army of 2020 with an understanding of both our national security obligations and the fiscal constraints we all share. We will continue to be good stewards of the resources we're provided by developing the capabilities the Nation needs through prudent investment, modernization and transformation of the institutional Army. The Army profession is the Nation's preeminent leadership experience, developing the Nation's future leaders.

Sustaining and building trust with the nation has never been more critical, say the Army senior leadership.

"The Army has gained the trust of the American people like no other time in recent history."

That hard-earned trust has been gained through the effort of America's sons and daughters.

"Since the terrorists attacked our nation just a decade ago, more than two million troops have served in Afghanistan and Iraq, each one a volunteer, said Secretary McHugh. "There can be no clearer testament to our nation's strength and resolve than those young men and women who freely raise their hands in a bold pledge of sacrifice and service."

"Our number one enduring priority must be to preserve the All-Volunteer Force and the professional character of our men and women that has proven so essential to our success," said Gen. Odierno .

As senior leaders look ahead, they know the choices they make will impact how well they maintain the trust of the American people.

"In the days ahead, as we work to determine what the Army should look like in a post-Iraq and Afghanistan world, it is critical that we have sufficient time to analyze and shape the right force structure and capabilities mix," said Secretary McHugh.

Trust with Army families is also crucial, senior leaders point out.

"For our families, the focus is simple," Gen. Odierno said. "We remain dedicated to providing quality, relevant and sustainable programs that meet their needs."