250 Years of Evolution and Enduring Legacy of U.S. Army Intelligence

By SGT Marvin LopezJune 18, 2025

FORT BELVOIR, Va. — On June 14, 2025, the U.S. Army celebrates its 250th birthday — two- and one-half centuries of defending the nation, building global partnerships, and evolving to meet the world’s toughest challenges.

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

As we honor this historic milestone, we also recognize the continued transformation and critical role of military intelligence in securing the nation. Now more than ever, the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) stands at the forefront of this transformation, providing commanders with the decisive edge needed in today’s complex and rapidly changing threat environment.

INSCOM celebrated the Army's 250th Birthday during a ceremony hosted by Maj. Gen. Timothy D. Brown, INSCOM commanding general, at its Nolan Building headquarters, June 9.

The Army 250th Birthday and Flag Day were celebrated in advance of June 14 at INSCOM, Ft. Belvoir on, 2025. (U.S. Army, INSCOM)
The Army 250th Birthday and Flag Day were celebrated in advance of June 14 at INSCOM, Ft. Belvoir on, 2025. (U.S. Army, INSCOM) (Photo Credit: Jeff Mankie IB136) VIEW ORIGINAL

"For 250 years we have defended our great nation as Soldiers, civil servants, and citizens by focusing on our people, by building our lethality, and by continuously transforming our warfighting prowess to fight and win when called upon," said Brown. "United in selfless service to the American people, strengthened in the profession of the United States Army, and bound by our sacred oath, forward we humbly go behind our heroes that have proudly gone before us."

Assisting Brown with the ceremony was Col. Michael P. Solovey, INSCOM assistant chief of staff, G-4, who created an original fine art watercolor depicting Soldiers from the Revolutionary War through today's modern-day efforts.

During the ceremony, Soldiers in period specific uniforms were on-hand reenacting the Soldiers in Solovey's fine art: a colonial-era American militiaman, a wounded WWI 'Doughboy' serving in France, a WWII 82d Airborne paratrooper, a Vietnam-era infantryman and a modern-day NCO.

The Army 250th Birthday and Flag Day were celebrated in advance of June 14 at INSCOM, Ft. Belvoir on, 2025. (U.S. Army, INSCOM)
The Army 250th Birthday and Flag Day were celebrated in advance of June 14 at INSCOM, Ft. Belvoir on, 2025. (U.S. Army, INSCOM) (Photo Credit: Jeff Mankie IB136) VIEW ORIGINAL

"I designed the watercolor to give back to our Army something that did not exist, that needed to exist," said Solovey. "It showcases resilience, unity of effort and teamwork; where we started to where we are now. It's universal in theme."

The Army 250th Birthday and Flag Day were celebrated in advance of June 14 at INSCOM, Ft. Belvoir on, 2025. (U.S. Army, INSCOM)
The Army 250th Birthday and Flag Day were celebrated in advance of June 14 at INSCOM, Ft. Belvoir on, 2025. (U.S. Army, INSCOM) (Photo Credit: Jeff Mankie IB136) VIEW ORIGINAL

Solovey said the significance for INSCOM's ceremony is the fifth Soldier is one of INSCOM's own active-duty Soldiers depicting the modern-day NCO.

Since the Army’s inception during the American Revolution, Army Military Intelligence (MI) has played a pivotal role in mission success. From its earliest days, the Army has relied on information dominance to shape battlefields and protect the homeland.

In the Revolutionary War, intelligence was gathered through scouts, spies, and handwritten dispatches. Today, that legacy has evolved into a global enterprise where information is weaponized, threats are digital, and intelligence is the first line of defense.

A pivotal moment came in 1977, with the establishment of INSCOM, a centralized command created to unify and lead the Army’s diverse intelligence efforts. From countering strategic competitors to supporting tactical forces across the globe, INSCOM’s evolving mission reflects the Army’s commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats.

Over the past decade, INSCOM has significantly evolved. Facing unprecedented threats in the cyber domain, great power competition, and irregular warfare, the command has modernized its platforms, integrated artificial intelligence and machine learning into its workflows, and deepened its collaboration with joint, interagency, and multinational partners.

Today, Army MI professionals provide real-time decision support to commanders and policymakers, enabling information dominance across every domain — land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace.

Whether intercepting enemy communications, analyzing satellite imagery, defending against cyberattacks, or embedding human intelligence collectors on the ground, the Army’s Intelligence and Security Enterprise (AISE) apparatus is indispensable in both peace and conflict.

As we honor the Army’s 250th anniversary, we pay tribute to the MI professionals, past and present, who deliver actionable, timely, and relevant intelligence in support of Army operations and enable victory in times of conflict.

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

This legacy is not only one of technological advancement, but also of the dedication and professionalism of countless Soldiers and civilians — analysts, linguists, collectors, and technicians — whose contributions often remain behind the scenes.

From analysts providing real-time assessments to linguists bridging global partnerships, every intelligence professional plays a vital role in safeguarding the nation.

INSCOM — and the professionals who serve within it — embody this legacy, safeguarding the nation not just with weapons, but with wisdom. Its role is no longer confined to supporting warfighters. It helps shape policy, anticipate adversary actions, and safeguard America’s competitive edge.

In a world where information is the new ammunition, INSCOM remains the Army’s eyes and ears — ever adapting, ever alert, and always in service of the mission.

Here’s to 250 years of silent strength, and to the future of those who remain vigilant always.