JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS Va. –
It may be called a change of responsibility, but it's a responsibility not taken lightly - the responsibility to lead the development of America's future force.
Immediately following his promotion, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, recently named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People, assumed that responsibility when he became the director of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command's Army Capabilities Integration Center July 15.
As ARCIC's new director, McMaster will continue to serve - and lead - those responsible for developing Army concepts that provide strategic and operational direction through Army Concept Framework. Referred to as the "think tank for the Army," ARCIC's mission is to develop, evaluate and integrate concepts requirements and solutions for the Army.
U.S. Army Gen. David G. Perkins, TRADOC commanding general, promoted McMaster and said although TRADOC is called the "architect of the Army," ARCIC is really the head architect, and the future of the force will be in McMaster's hands.
"When we take a look at designing the future - and what we want our Soldiers' Army to be, we look for the gifted," Perkins said. "When we entrust Soldiers to deal with the here and now, we look for people who are proficient. And, when we look for somebody to deal with what could be and what might be in the future, we look for somebody who is inspired and inspiring."
According to Perkins, not only is McMaster a gifted and inspired officer, he has the background required to lead change in the Army.
"Throughout his career, he has been both exceptionally competent and exceptionally proficient -- a highly-decorated war hero in multiple conflicts with multiple tours who has dealt with all the challenges that come with leading Soldiers and their families," the commanding general said.
Previously, McMaster served as the commanding general of the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning, Georgia, and has also previously served as ARCIC's director of Concept Development and Learning.
McMaster said it was great to be back with so many friends and familiar faces, adding that although the ceremony brought friends and family together, it was not a celebration of the promotion, but rather a celebration of service.
"For me, it's a celebration of how fortunate I am to have the privilege to be able to continue serving alongside courageous Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, Sailors and civil servants who have answered our nation's call to duty in a time of war," he said.
McMaster said it will be a great privilege to serve with those whose tireless efforts ensure the Army and its Soldiers have what they need to win today's fights and win on the battlegrounds of the future.
"You will never know how many of our Soldiers will see their children grow up because of what you do every day ... you're unsung heroes."
Although the future force will be smaller, McMaster said leaders must still make the Army the best it can be - for its Soldiers and its country.
"It is for this reason that our smaller Army has to be able to hit harder and be more capable," McMaster said. "Americans - when their sons and daughters deploy into danger - do not want or expect or deserve a fair fight.
"I want to thank all of our great officers, [noncommissioned officers] and civilians who work hard every day to make sure that we don't have fair fights and that we retain our ability to overmatch any enemy, any place, any time."