FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
Sweat poured down the young Soldier's face as the platoon leader called cadence. Three miles into the four-mile run, the entire platoon was exhausted, but continued to sing jodies at the top of their lungs.
Not many people would consider that a birthday party.
However, the four-mile formation run was only the beginning of the festivities held June 14 at Fort Eustis, Va., celebrating the U.S. Army's 238th and Training and Doctrine Command's 40th birthdays.
After the run, Soldiers, families and civilians sang "Happy Birthday" to the Army and TRADOC before digging into some celebratory cake. U.S. Army Gen. Robert Cone, TRADOC commander, spoke on the importance of TRADOC and the Army in today's society, as well as the critical mission Soldiers perform each and every day.
"Being in the Army isn't just a job; it is a profession," said Cone. "It is about being held to a higher set of values, and earning trust between one another and the American people. When you think about it that way, it is pretty special to wear this uniform."
While Cone's speech certainly pinpointed the gravity of this year's celebration, U.S. Army Maj. Ken Ward, TRADOC training operations staff officer, shared his feelings on being a part of the world's greatest ground force.
"Being a part of something that is 238 years old really speaks volumes about the kind of work Soldiers put in every day," said Ward. "It is exciting to know our work, big and small, can make a big difference in the long run."
The U.S. Army is one of the oldest continuous organizations in America, and one of the oldest military entities on the planet. First established as the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, the U.S. Army has since grown from ten companies of riflemen to nearly 700,000 Soldiers today, performing missions just as numerous.
Among those missions, training could be considered the foundation necessary for all other aspects to function in the Army. To commemorate that mission, Soldiers also celebrated another year of TRADOC successes, which has its headquarters at Fort Eustis.
Created July 1, 1973, TRADOC recruits and trains Soldiers, develops leaders, guides Army doctrine and shapes the Army by building and integrating formations, capabilities and materiel. TRADOC oversees 32 Army schools, each focused on separate areas of expertise within the Army.
Separately, the Army and TRADOC have rich histories accented by accomplishments in the fields of war, humanitarianism, technology and knowledge, but together, the Army and TRADOC form a union that deserves admiration and celebration.