These Pillars of Strength make the United States Army the strongest military force in the world. Focus on each Pillar by clicking on the corresponding icon at the upper right corner of each year in the timeline.
The Army transformed from a division-centric force to a brigade-centric force that is more agile, adaptable and lethal than ever before. Transformation allows the Army to train and equip deploying units for specific missions they will perform while deployed.
Modernization entails developing and fielding new equipment with specific capabilities, continuously modernizing current equipment, and fielding and distributing equipment that units need for upcoming missions within the Army Force Generation cycle.
The Army has improved battlefield triage procedures and modernized combat surgical hospitals, improved care for post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury patients. Research and development of prosthesis and burn care has improved the quality of life for Wounded Warriors.
ARFORGEN is a cyclical readiness process in which units turn in equipment for Reset after a deployment. They receive the equipment for their next mission during pre-deployment training. Active Army, National Guard, and Army Reserve units all receive top-of-the-line equipment before deploying.
The Army has implemented programs such as Comprehensive Soldier Fitness, Family Readiness Groups, Warrior Transition Units, the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, and Stop-Loss Pay to ensure Soldiers, Wounded Warriors, families, and veterans all receive the support they need to thrive in the Army, and after they depart the Army.
Army National Guard and Army Reserve units have been transformed from a Strategic Reserve force into an Operational Force. National Guard and Reserve units are now manned, trained and equipped through Army Force Generation exactly the same as active-duty units.