In a recent reflection, Gen. (ret.) martin E. Dempsey shared his thoughts on the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday, drawing upon his 41 years of service to highlight key aspects of the Army’s identity and future.

Dempsey emphasized the critical role of both training and education for military personnel.He stated that those managing violence in unpredictable situations must be “trained to be the most skillful warriors on the battlefield and educated to be thoughtful,agile,and resilient.” He added that understanding and embracing military values is paramount, asserting that “it has always been our people, not our weapons, that have truly set us apart from our adversaries.”

He underscored the importance of selecting leaders who are both competent and possess strong character. “An Army with one but not the other of those qualities would be vulnerable and would not serve our country with the skill,honor,and integrity it requires,” Dempsey noted.

Trust, according to Dempsey, is the foundation that binds the military together – on the battlefield, in its relationship with the American people, and between civilian and military leaders. He believes trust is best fostered when the Army upholds constitutional values and reflects the society it serves,making it “unequivocally clear that we serve all of the citizens in this country.”

Global Cooperation and Non-Partisanship

“We will always need friends, allies, and partners who share our values.”

Addressing the broader global context, Dempsey highlighted the dramatic increase in the world’s population since he joined the Army in 1974. “When I entered the Army in 1974, the world’s population was 4 billion. Today it’s more then 8 billion,” he stated, pointing out that this growth brings greater complexity and risk. He argued that no single country can solve its problems alone and emphasized the need for allies and partners who share common values. “We should embrace our allies, learn from them, and train with them so that we are prepared and interoperable when our security is threatened,” said Dempsey.

Dempsey also stressed the importance of keeping the military out of politics, referencing George Washington’s precedent. He acknowledged that while the U.S. has sometimes fallen short of this ideal, the military must remain non-partisan in both appearance and nature. “As elections and political issues come and go, there should never be any doubt that the military is loyal to the country, its laws, and to the civilian leaders elected to lead us regardless of party or politics,” he asserted. He cautioned against the implication that the military is merely another politicized actor, emphasizing the need to maintain the trust and relationship with the American people.

Adaptive Leadership for the Future

Looking ahead, Dempsey emphasized the need for Army leaders who are committed to expanding their thinking, communicating effectively, and asking the right questions in an AI-enabled habitat. He advocated for leaders who are skeptical without being cynical and who are inclusive, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives. He noted that the current approach of “centralize the what” but “decentralize the how” will become the only effective leadership approach in the future.

Dempsey concluded by acknowledging the U.S. army’s accomplishments while also recognizing past mistakes.He called for humility in celebrating the Army’s 250th birthday, given the immense responsibility and sacrifices involved. He expressed gratitude to all who have served and sacrificed, reaffirming the army’s motto: “this We’ll Defend.”