Admiral McRaven is undeniably one of the greatest military leaders of our generation. For those that don’t know, he planned the UBL hit while at JSOC (Joint Special Operations Command). He’s one of a handful of top Commanders that have lived through the modern day Department of Defense (DOD) transformation into a Special Operations centric military.

I had the honor of serving under his command at SEAL Team 3 in Coronado, and ran into him at an obscure DC function a few years ago. Love him or like him, he’s one of the few top commanders who’s been able to successfully navigate the politics of Washington, and the Obama administration. Many people have been critical of him for this however, I think it’s a neccessary tactic in an overall strategy of improving Warfighter capabilities, and resources available.

Enjoy his speech below, it’s history in the making.

Brandon Webb, Editor-in-Chief SOFREP.com

A Sailor’s Perspective on the United States Army

Admiral William H. McRaven, Address to Class of 2015, 18 January 2014. 

Good evening. General and Mrs. Caslen, General and Mrs. Clarke, General Trainor, Col Brazil, Command Sergeants Major Duane and Byers, distinguished guests and most importantly Class of 2015.

I am truly honored to be here tonight to address the future leaders of the United States Army. But, as a graduate of a state school in Texas, who majored in journalism because I couldn’t do math, or science, or engineering or accounting, I am somewhat intimidated by the thought of giving any advice, to any cadet, on anything.

Nevertheless, after almost 37 years in the service, much of that time with the Army, there may be something I can offer. So tonight, as you begin the final 500 days of your time at the United States Military Academy, I would like to give you a Sailor’s Perspective on the Army; not the Army of the Hudson, not the Army of the history books, not the Army portrayed in the countless murals across campus, but the Army you will enter in 500 days—the Army upon which the future of the Nation rests; the Army that you will shape and the Army that you will lead.