The ALx Bulletin - June/July 2025 - Celebrating the Army's 250th Birthday: This We'll Defend
“The Soldier must be rooted in the past to understand the present so that he may project himself into the future.”
Source: The Writing of American Military History: A Guide, DA PAM 20-200 Department of the Army, June 1956
Execute Today [Content You Can Use Immediately]
Did you know that the first Army Blue Book was published in 1779? Our earliest leaders understood that standards and discipline are critical to the outcome of battles and overall Army success. Can we do better at instilling them today? Read more
here.
To the new NCOs reading this, what will your legacy be? As the backbone of the Army, NCOs have a high standard to uphold. This publication on the first 100 days of leadership will help you build a great foundation.
Prepare For Tomorrow [Content to Improve Your Organization]
Army history teaches that change is constant but the need for excellent leadership remains. What qualities and skills do emerging leaders, specifically new lieutenants, need to be ready? Read this advice from Gen. Randy A. George, Chief of Staff.
Fun Fact. The Army was the first American institution to conduct national literacy tests which resulted in one of the largest adult education programs in history. While it’s often said that leaders are readers, what if you don’t enjoy reading or don’t have a lot of time? Have you found alternate ways to develop, grow, and reflect on your experiences? This article shares some tips, tricks, and a “thinking toolbox” to help you.
Learn Always [Content to Help You Think]
The Birth of the U.S. Army. Read the original 1775 resolution authorizing the creation of the Continental Army here. This and other articles of interest can be found in the May – June edition of Military Review here.
The performance of educated officers in combat has earned praise and recognition throughout history. Yet professional military education has come a long way since the first military school for artillerists and engineers taught by French officers in 1795. Watch this video to learn more about the Army’s legacy and future of educating the Army. #ThisWellDefend #EducatetoWin
Military history often provides useful lessons for current defense challenges. This article on the Battle of Monterrey is the first in series that provides key insights.
How did the Continental Congress go about establishing a national Army? How did they choose a Commander in Chief and what were the politics around this decision? What were the first priorities and issues? Listen to episode 16 of the U.S. Army History & Heritage podcast for the answers to these questions and more.
From the archives…. Check out this 1983 Army Aviation Digest which was published only 4 months after aviation became a branch. Topics range from branch implementation to the evolution of the Army Aviation Warrant Officer Corps.
Have you seen the Army 250 Substack? The content, created and curated by a former infantry officer, may help build bridges between the Army and civilian society by highlighting the Army’s history and its role in shaping our national identity. Check it out here.
Thoughts on LEadership from WWII. Take the time to learn more about Gen. Bruce C. Clarke and the timeless wisdom included in his pamphlet “Thoughts on Leadership” here.
Film Premier! Check out the just released Army U Press film The High Ground. It follow Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division as they attempt to reconnect with their alpine roots by completing a mountain marathon 80 years in the making.
Get Involved [Opportunities for YOU to Drive Change]
**Recently Released** Ready to level up? Find career broadening opportunities in HRC’s FY 26 catalogue here. It includes the Harding Fellowship application for next summer. They are specifically looking for officers or senior NCOs from Aviation; Armor; Field Artillery; Cyber or Signal; Chemical, Engineer, or Military Police; and a Medical or Medical Service Corps. The deadline is 25 July 2025.
***Don’t miss amazing stories of leaders from the Army’s 250-year history.***
Please help ALx amplify the positive contributions of these legacy leaders. Visit the ALx FB, X, and Linked in pages to like, comment, and share the profiles.
ALx Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ArmyLdrExchange
ALx X - https://x.com/ArmyLdrExchange
ALx Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-army-leader-exchange
A gallery of profiles is available on Alx.Army.mil under ‘Learn Always.’