Great publication! I shared it with my XO and he immediately commented how engaging it was. I have a two-week training event about to begin and will dip into FM 1 with the leaders on duty with me…next to teaching how to assess the task Conduct Expeditionary Deployment Operations. Fun stuff!
🪖 This We'll Defend: Why Our Army's Legacy Still Matters Today
By SFC James B. Stewart
After three decades in the Army National Guard, I've read plenty of doctrine. But Field Manual 1: The Army—A Primer to Our Profession of Arms, published on 1 May 2025 by Headquarters, Department of the Army, and personally released to the force by General Randy A. George, 40th Chief of Staff of the Army, uniquely resonates with me.
This isn't your standard 'check-the-box' manual. It was released with a clear intent—to transform every Soldier, civilian, and leader by reconnecting them with the soul of our profession. In a world where change is constant and threats are evolving, this publication reminds us why we serve, what we represent, and how we uphold the sacred trust of the American people.
It's not just a manual. It's a mirror, a map, and a mandate.
🧭 So, what does it mean to be part of the Army profession today?
1. We are warriors, even when our mission doesn't involve kinetic combat. Whether I'm troubleshooting network access or mentoring a young Soldier, the expectation is clear—be ready, capable, and lethal if needed.
2. We are professionals, trained and trusted to operate with discipline and moral courage. I often remind my Soldiers that their conduct, online or off, reinforces or erodes our reputation.
3. We are leaders, not because of our pay grade, but because of how we show up. I've seen the most junior troops lead through quiet confidence and moral clarity. Leadership is action, not position.
⚔️ Why FM 1 matters—right now
FM 1 doesn't read like doctrine—it reads like a challenge. It offers powerful stories from the past to illuminate the standard for the present: Sal Giunta's bravery, Alvin York's professionalism, and Hal Moore's grit. These aren't just tales to admire—they're templates to emulate.
The message is weighty but straightforward: we don't succeed because of extraordinary acts alone—we succeed because of ordinary Soldiers living the Warrior Ethos daily. These Soldiers show up early, stay late, and always put the mission first. They are the backbone of our profession.
🔥 A Call to Action
This manual was published to ensure we don't forget who we are or what we signed up to do. General George's foreword is clear: this isn't just for Soldiers—it's for the American people we serve. Now, it's our turn to take up the challenge and ensure we are living up to the standards of our profession.
So here's my challenge to you:
* 📘 Read the manual: FM 1: The Army – A Primer to Our Profession of Arms
* 🧠 Reflect on your role in this profession—whether you're active, Guard, Reserve, civilian, or retired.
* 💬 Start a conversation with your team, peers, or leaders: Are we living up to the standard this profession demands?
🤝 Let's Talk
What does being a warrior, a professional, or a leader mean to YOU?
I'd love to hear from fellow NCOs, junior Soldiers, officers, veterans, and civilians alike. Let's focus on what this document means for us as we defend our Constitution, support our communities, and lead America's most trusted institution into the future.
Because in the end, it's not about the uniform we wear…
Great publication! I shared it with my XO and he immediately commented how engaging it was. I have a two-week training event about to begin and will dip into FM 1 with the leaders on duty with me…next to teaching how to assess the task Conduct Expeditionary Deployment Operations. Fun stuff!
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/well-defend-why-our-armys-legacy-still-matters-today-james-stewart-7gdef?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&utm_campaign=share_via
🪖 This We'll Defend: Why Our Army's Legacy Still Matters Today
By SFC James B. Stewart
After three decades in the Army National Guard, I've read plenty of doctrine. But Field Manual 1: The Army—A Primer to Our Profession of Arms, published on 1 May 2025 by Headquarters, Department of the Army, and personally released to the force by General Randy A. George, 40th Chief of Staff of the Army, uniquely resonates with me.
This isn't your standard 'check-the-box' manual. It was released with a clear intent—to transform every Soldier, civilian, and leader by reconnecting them with the soul of our profession. In a world where change is constant and threats are evolving, this publication reminds us why we serve, what we represent, and how we uphold the sacred trust of the American people.
It's not just a manual. It's a mirror, a map, and a mandate.
🧭 So, what does it mean to be part of the Army profession today?
1. We are warriors, even when our mission doesn't involve kinetic combat. Whether I'm troubleshooting network access or mentoring a young Soldier, the expectation is clear—be ready, capable, and lethal if needed.
2. We are professionals, trained and trusted to operate with discipline and moral courage. I often remind my Soldiers that their conduct, online or off, reinforces or erodes our reputation.
3. We are leaders, not because of our pay grade, but because of how we show up. I've seen the most junior troops lead through quiet confidence and moral clarity. Leadership is action, not position.
⚔️ Why FM 1 matters—right now
FM 1 doesn't read like doctrine—it reads like a challenge. It offers powerful stories from the past to illuminate the standard for the present: Sal Giunta's bravery, Alvin York's professionalism, and Hal Moore's grit. These aren't just tales to admire—they're templates to emulate.
The message is weighty but straightforward: we don't succeed because of extraordinary acts alone—we succeed because of ordinary Soldiers living the Warrior Ethos daily. These Soldiers show up early, stay late, and always put the mission first. They are the backbone of our profession.
🔥 A Call to Action
This manual was published to ensure we don't forget who we are or what we signed up to do. General George's foreword is clear: this isn't just for Soldiers—it's for the American people we serve. Now, it's our turn to take up the challenge and ensure we are living up to the standards of our profession.
So here's my challenge to you:
* 📘 Read the manual: FM 1: The Army – A Primer to Our Profession of Arms
* 🧠 Reflect on your role in this profession—whether you're active, Guard, Reserve, civilian, or retired.
* 💬 Start a conversation with your team, peers, or leaders: Are we living up to the standard this profession demands?
🤝 Let's Talk
What does being a warrior, a professional, or a leader mean to YOU?
I'd love to hear from fellow NCOs, junior Soldiers, officers, veterans, and civilians alike. Let's focus on what this document means for us as we defend our Constitution, support our communities, and lead America's most trusted institution into the future.
Because in the end, it's not about the uniform we wear…
It's about the legacy we uphold.
Thanks to the team for getting this out there for consumption as quickly as they did. A great read for junior and senior leaders alike!
Sorry- technical difficulties this morning. Its coming out!
Please advise when we can get access and I'll clean this comment off!
Its live!