U.S. Army's 243rd Birthday (June 14)

The Soldier's Creed

I am an American Soldier.

I am a Warrior and a member of a team.

I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.

I will never accept defeat.

I will never quit.

I will never leave a fallen comrade.

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.

I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.

I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.

I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.

I am an American Soldier.

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Since its birth on 14 June 1775 - over a year before the Declaration of Independence - the United States Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of our nation. Soldiers have fought more than 10 wars, from the American Revolution through the Cold War, the Gulf War, to the current Global War on Terrorism. This 242nd Birthday is a recognition of The Army’s history, traditions, and service to the Nation.

Our Army Is Serving A Nation At War

The Global War on Terrorism will not be short and it will require deep and enduring commitment. To fight this war and ensure our Nation's security into the future, the Army must provide the Joint Force with relevant and ready capabilities to support the National Security and Defense Strategies. Our Army is a campaign-quality Army with a Joint and Expeditionary Mindset, a proud member of the Joint Force expertly serving our nation and its citizens for 242-years.

The Army provides the Joint Force with the combat, combat support, and combat service support capabilities necessary to conduct sustained land warfare during extended campaigns. This is our unique contribution to the Joint Team and it will be maintained. The challenge we are addressing is how to transform our organizations, processes, doctrine and culture so that we are better able to provide this contribution in a more prompt and rapid manner.

As it has always been, Soldiers, both active and reserve, are the heart of the Army. Embued with the Warrior Ethos, our Soldiers are "Warriors of character" whose seriousness and sense of urgency are characteristic of an Army at war. Our Soldiers will always place the mission first, never accept defeat, never quit and will never leave a fallen comrade.

Our Army At War - Relevant and Ready

Re-posted from: http://www.army.mil/birthday/229/  (I only altered the number of years listed)