It's a heartwarming tale of military transformation.

Looking back over the past four years, an extraordinary amount of change has taken place within the US military establishment. Without doubt, the status quo has been challenged, and a new architecture of American defense, not only envisioned but planned, developed, constructed and, in many areas, employed.

Some of the change was driven by external events, most notably, the Global War on Terror. However, much was undertaken as a result of the Department’s own internal analysis of what was required to prepare the US military and the Department for the threats and challenges of the 21st century.

Together, they represent possibly one of the most significant periods of accomplishment in the history of the Department of Defense.

The Department has initiated significant change and accomplished a great deal over the past four years and, with the continuing support of the Congress and, most importantly, the American people, we will continue to improve and accomplish our mission in the years to come.