 July 1st marked the 40th anniversary of our nation's all-volunteer force. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel released a message expressing his appreciation for those who serve and commemorating the day, saying, 40 years ago today, the Department of Defense implemented one of the most consequential and far-reaching changes in the history of America's armed forces with the establishment of the all-volunteer force. Skeptics and detractors claimed an all-volunteer force could not be sustained, but these remarkable Americans proved otherwise. Because all-volunteer force will continue to make our military the strongest, most capable, and most respected fighting force in the history of the world. Until 1973, the military operated under an involuntary draft policy to provide manpower to fight the country's wars. From the Defense Media Activity, I'm Petty Officer Jonathan Padcall.