Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Jose Madrigal | MILLINGTON, Tenn. (Oct. 13, 2023) Commander, Navy Recruiting Command Rear Adm. Alexis...... read more read more
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MILLINGTON, Tenn. – (Oct. 13, 2023) This year the United States Navy celebrates its 248th birthday, coinciding with a remarkable milestone for the entire U.S. military, the 50th anniversary of the transition to an all-volunteer military force.
“The journey from a draft-based system to the remarkable all-volunteer force we have today is a testament to the unwavering dedication, adaptability, and commitment of the men and women who chose to serve their nation voluntarily,” said Rear Adm. Lex Walker, Commander Navy Recruiting Command. “I’m proud to see our hard working recruiters, continue to find the best and brightest talent in America to serve our nation and become the future leaders of tomorrow.””
For 248 years the Sailors of the United States Navy have embodied Power, Presence and Protection. Trained, educated, and resilient American Sailors are the true source of the Navy’s strength and the secret to our asymmetric advantage.
“Navy Recruiting Command (NRC) actively pursues diverse future Sailors with various sets of knowledge, skills and experiences to operate, sustain and maintain the edge over all who challenge us,” Walker said. “As we celebrate our Navy’s birthday, Navy Recruiting Command is prepared to bring talented, energetic and resilient Sailors to sustain our heritage and maintain America’s premier warfighting force.”
The path to the all-volunteer force was not without its challenges. In the late 1960s, as the opposition to the draft and the Vietnam War grew, the idea of an all-volunteer military emerged as a beacon of change. President Richard Nixon, during his run for the presidency in 1968, pledged to end the draft and create a military built on voluntary service.
The turning point came on January 27, 1973, when Defense Secretary Melvin R. Laird made a historic announcement: “The armed forces henceforth will depend exclusively on volunteer Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines. Use of the draft has ended.” This announcement marked the official birth of the all-volunteer force.
But the early years were far from smooth sailing. Many believed that the draft was essential to maintain the necessary force size and doubted the sustainability of an all-volunteer military. There were concerns about quantity, quality, and cost. Could an all-volunteer force attract enough recruits who were capable of the ever growing technological advances in naval forces?
They have. Over the past 50 years, the United States Navy evolved into the world's leading technological naval force through continuous innovation and a commitment to staying at the forefront of naval technology. The Navy has embraced advancements in nuclear propulsion, developing nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines that provide unmatched endurance and operational capabilities.
Additionally, it has harnessed the power of advanced electronics and network-centric warfare, integrating cutting-edge sensors, communication systems, and precision-guided weaponry to enhance situational awareness and combat effectiveness.
Investments in cyber warfare and unmanned systems have further expanded its capabilities. The Navy's ability to adapt and incorporate emerging technologies has solidified its position as a global naval leader, allowing it to project power and maintain maritime dominance across the world's oceans.
Over the past 50 years, the all-volunteer force has shaped not only the military but also American society. It has offered individuals the opportunity to rise from modest beginnings to middle-class status, learn valuable skills, and give back to their communities. As Sailors celebrate the U.S. Navy's 248th birthday and the 50th anniversary of the all-volunteer military, Navy recruiters across the nation honor the countless men and women who have made this journey possible.
“As we celebrate these milestones, we look forward to a future where the all-volunteer force continues to adapt and thrive, making our nation stronger, safer, and more united than ever before. Happy 248th birthday to the U.S. Navy, and here's to the next 50 years of the all-volunteer military,” Navy Counselor Master Chief Gerald K. Allchin, NRC National Chief Recruiter said.
Navy Recruiting Command consists of a command headquarters, two Navy Recruiting Regions, Navy Recruiting Reserve Command, and 26 Navy Talent Acquisition Groups that serve more than 1,000 recruiting stations around the world. Their mission is to attract the highest quality candidates to assure the ongoing success of America’s Navy.
For more news from Navy Recruiting Command, go to https://www.cnrc.navy.mil. Follow Navy Recruiting on X (@USNRecruiter), Instagram (@USNRecruiter), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/comnavcruitcom), and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/CommanderNavyRecruitingCommand).
| Date Taken: | 10.13.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 10.13.2023 11:01 |
| Story ID: | 455715 |
| Location: | MILLINGTON, TENNESSEE, US |
| Web Views: | 541 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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