By Dan Driscoll,  Secretary of the Army     February 2026

Last year, we celebrated the United States Army’s 250th anniversary, a milestone that reminds us of the enduring legacy of service. From the battles of Lexington and Concord to the campaigns of today, American Soldiers stood as the foundation of our nation, protecting its ideals even before the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Army’s history is a testament to the courage, resilience, and dedication of those who wore the uniform.

But the Army’s story is not just one of battles and campaigns—it is a story of patriots, families, and communities. From Washington to Eisenhower, Soldiers shaped our nation’s history. Engineers, logisticians, and signal corps built its infrastructure. Every Soldier and veteran left an indelible mark on those around them. As Secretary of the Army and a third generation Soldier, I am deeply committed to honoring this legacy and ensuring we care for our Soldiers, veterans, and their families.

We owe a profound debt of gratitude to those who have served and those who continue to serve our country, as well as the loved ones who support them. Their sacrifices preserved our freedoms and safeguarded our way of life. But gratitude alone is not enough. Taking care of our Soldiers and veterans is not only the right thing to do—it is a national security imperative. Today, only 1% of Americans serve in the military, and our veteran population is declining. Alarmingly, 71% of youth do not qualify for service, 50% of youth admit they know little about military service, and half of our Regular Army recruits come from just seven states. These trends highlight the critical need to care for our Soldiers, veterans, and their families—not only to honor their service but to inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps.

My goal is to ensure every Soldier and veteran receives the support they need and deserve. This begins with preparing our Soldiers to serve through quality recruiting and programs like the Future Soldier Preparatory Course, which helps young Americans meet the Army’s standards. It continues with raising the collective quality of life for single Soldiers, those living off-post, and Army families. And it extends to enabling a smooth transition out of the Army and helping veterans access the benefits they’ve earned. We are working hard to ensure that every Soldier seamlessly moves through their Army lifecycle with world-class care.

One of our top priorities is reducing the administrative burdens that Soldiers face. Despite decades of modernization efforts, Soldiers still carry paperwork door-to-door, struggle with outdated systems, and face unnecessary frustrations. In the commercial sector, companies provide seamless customer experiences by consolidating data and automating processes. We are adopting similar solutions to simplify records, consolidate databases, and optimize our systems for automation. By leveraging generative AI and other technologies, we will soon enable a seamless entry into the Army, support throughout a career, and a smooth transition to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Improving quality of life is another critical focus. My father served as an infantryman in Vietnam, and his stories of disappointing barracks and chow remind me that transformation is long overdue. Today, we are breaking down barriers to ensure our Soldiers and veterans receive the quality of life they deserve. With unprecedented support from the President, Congress, and private partners, we are delivering campus-style dining facilities, barracks built with 3D-printed construction materials, and even nuclear power solutions to enhance installation energy resilience. These initiatives are not just about improving living conditions -- they are about showing our Soldiers and their families that we value their service and are committed to their well-being.

Finally, we are telling the Army’s incredible story to honor those who serve and inspire future generations. Last year’s 250th Anniversary celebration in our nation’s capital was a powerful reminder of the Army’s impact on our country. It also generated a wave of recruiting momentum that we are working hard to sustain. The Chief of Staff and I travel constantly to advocate for our Soldiers, expand the Army’s network of support, and highlight the incredible things Soldiers are doing for our country. But we cannot do it alone.

We need our Soldier and veteran community to help us tell the Army’s story. Your voices are vital to advocate for solutions that honor the service and sacrifices of past, present, and future generations.

As we look to the future, we must set the United States Army on a path that eclipses our first 250 years. This will require all of us—Soldiers, veterans, families, and communities—working together to ensure the Army remains the most lethal, powerful force in history. Thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and your continued commitment to our nation.

Dan Driscoll

26th Secretary of the Army