Photo By Maj. Eric Flanagan | Soldier in the Ragnar leg of the Army 250-Mile Ruck March from Camp Roberts in central...... read more read more
Planning the Army 250-Mile Ruck March was a monumental task that went beyond mere logistical challenges; it was a profound reflection of the Army's storied legacy. Coordinating this historic event required meticulous attention to detail, from securing law enforcement and an emergency medical team, engaging with civic leaders in five counties, ensuring the safety and well-being of participants, and so much more. Yet, at its core, the march was a tribute to the Army's 250 years of service, sacrifice, and unity. Every step taken by Soldiers and civilians alike symbolized the enduring spirit and resilience of the Army, honoring countless individuals who have dedicated their lives to defending the nation. Every 50 miles of the ruck march symbolized a point in time from the fledging Continental Army in 1775, to today’s warriors that fight and win our Nation's wars.
Mile 1 = 1775
In 1775, the United States Army was born out of necessity during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress established the Continental Army to unify the militias of the thirteen colonies and create a coordinated force against British rule. George Washington was appointed as its commander-in-chief shortly after, a role in which he brought much-needed leadership and legitimacy to the fledgling army. At the time, the colonies had no standing army, relying instead on local militias composed of volunteers with varying levels of training and equipment.
The early Continental Army faced significant challenges, including a lack of supplies, weapons, and formal training. Soldiers endured harsh conditions, frequent shortages, and political debates over funding and governance. Despite these difficulties, the formation of the army marked a crucial step toward American independence by giving the revolutionary cause an organized military backbone. This initial effort laid the groundwork for the future United States Army, which would evolve significantly in structure, professionalism, and capability over time.
Mile 50 = 1825
In 1825, the U.S. Army was in a period of relative peace and professional development following the War of 1812. The Army had been significantly reduced in size during peacetime, and much of its focus shifted to frontier defense, infrastructure development, and internal improvements. It played a central role in building roads, surveying land, and supporting westward expansion. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, established in 1802, gained prominence as the primary institution for training the best and brightest to be U.S. Army Commissioned Officers.
During this era, the Army also increasingly found itself involved in managing relations with Native American tribes, particularly as American settlers pushed further west. While not yet engaged in full-scale conflict, the seeds of future confrontations, such as the Indian Removal policies and the subsequent Trail of Tears, were being sown. The Army's role in these efforts laid the groundwork for its expansion and adaptation in the coming decades, as it transitioned from a small frontier force into a major fighting force.
Mile 100 = 1875
In 1875, the U.S. Army was deeply engaged in the Indian Wars, a series of conflicts between the United States and various Native American tribes, largely driven by westward expansion and the enforcement of federal policies like the reservation system. Following the Civil War, the Army had been downsized but remained active on the frontier, where it was tasked with protecting settlers, building forts, and enforcing treaties—often through violent confrontation. The Great Sioux War was on the horizon (1876–77), and tensions were escalating, particularly in the Great Plains, as tribes resisted forced relocation and encroachment on their lands.
The Army in this period also reflected the post-Civil War reality of a more professional, though still evolving, institution. Many officers were Civil War veterans, and their leadership shaped military doctrine and operations. The Army’s structure was relatively small and decentralized, focused primarily on cavalry and infantry units dispersed across western outposts. Additionally, the Buffalo Soldiers—Black regiments established in 1866—played a critical role in frontier operations, facing both the challenges of combat and institutional racism. By 1875, the Army was caught between its role as a peacekeeper and an enforcer of expansionist policy, setting the stage for further conflict in the years to come.
Mile 150 = 1925
In 1925, the U.S. Army was in a period of relative inactivity and limited funding, characteristic of the interwar years following World War I. After the war, the Army experienced significant downsizing, and isolationist sentiment in the U.S. led to reduced military budgets and minimal public support for a large standing army. The National Defense Act of 1920 had attempted to reorganize and modernize the Army by establishing a more structured framework, including a Regular Army, National Guard, and Organized Reserves. However, in practice, these components were underfunded and struggled to maintain readiness due to limited training, outdated equipment, and a lack of personnel.
Despite these limitations, the Army in 1925 focused on professional development and modernization efforts within its constrained resources. The Army War College and other institutions prioritized doctrinal development, education, and strategic planning, especially regarding mechanization and the use of air power. The period also saw the continued service of officers who had distinguished themselves in World War I, such as Dwight D. Eisenhower and George S. Patton, both of whom were developing their ideas and leadership styles during these quiet years. Overall, 1925 marked a time of stagnation in terms of operational activity but quiet transformation in military thought and institutional foundations.
Mile 200 = 1975
In 1975, the U.S. Army was undergoing a major transition in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, which had officially ended for the U.S. with the fall of Saigon in April of that year. The war had deeply affected public trust in the military, leading to widespread calls for reform. The Army was shifting from a conscription-based force to an all-volunteer military, following the end of the draft in 1973. This change brought significant challenges, including recruitment shortfalls, morale issues, and discipline problems. Many units struggled with drug use, racial tensions, and a lack of cohesion as the Army attempted to redefine its culture and rebuild its credibility.
At the same time, Army leadership recognized the need for modernization and professionalization. Doctrine development began to focus on preparing for high-intensity conflict against a peer adversary, primarily the Soviet Union, after years of counterinsurgency warfare in Southeast Asia. The groundwork for the eventual “AirLand Battle” doctrine of the 1980s was being laid during this period. Leaders like General William DePuy, the first commander of the newly created U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in 1973, played pivotal roles in reshaping the Army’s strategic thinking, training systems, and organizational structure to prepare for future conflicts.
Mile 250 = 2025
In 2025, the U.S. Army is navigating a rapidly evolving global security environment shaped by great power competition, particularly with China and Russia, as well as persistent threats from non-state actors and cyber warfare. The Army continues its transition toward multi-domain operations (MDO), aiming to integrate capabilities across land, air, sea, space, and cyberspace to deter and, if necessary, defeat sophisticated adversaries. Key modernization priorities include long-range precision fires, next-generation combat vehicles, air and missile defense, and network-centric warfare systems. The service is also investing heavily in artificial intelligence, robotics, and data-driven decision-making to enhance operational effectiveness and battlefield dominance.
Domestically, the Army is focused on adapting to a changing workforce and retaining talent within an all-volunteer force. Recruitment and retention remain challenges due to demographic shifts and increased competition from the private sector. Leadership continues to emphasize resilience and quality-of-life improvements to maintain readiness and cohesion. Additionally, the Army plays a key role in supporting civil authorities during emergencies, including natural disasters and potential public health crises. As it approaches its 250th year, the U.S. Army remains committed to transforming itself to meet the demands of modern warfare while honoring its enduring mission to protect and serve the nation.
Sources:
Center of Military History. (2010). American Military History, Volume I: The United States Army and the Forging of a Nation, 1775–1917 (2nd ed.). U.S. Army Center of Military History. https://history.army.mil
Chambers, J. W. (1999). To Raise an Army: The Draft Comes to Modern America. Free Press.
Doubler, M. D. (2003). Civilian in Peace, Soldier in War: The Army National Guard, 1636–2000. University Press of Kansas.
Hewes, J. E. (1975). From Root to McNamara: Army Organization and Administration, 1900–1963. U.S. Army Center of Military History.
Kretchik, W. E. (2011). U.S. Army Doctrine: From the American Revolution to the War on Terror. University Press of Kansas.
Mahaffey, J. (2013). The History of the U.S. Army: From Founding to Modern Day. New York: Lyons Press.
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). (2021). The U.S. Army in Multi-Domain Operations 2028. U.S. Army. https://www.tradoc.army.mil
Watson, M. R. (2005). Peacekeepers and Warriors: The U.S. Army and Multinational Military Operations. University Press of the Pacific.
| Date Taken: | 05.21.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.22.2025 19:23 |
| Story ID: | 498776 |
| Location: | FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 27 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Army 250-Mile Ruck March – Marching through Army History, by MAJ Eric Flanagan, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
