What does the Army's motto "This We'll Defend" signify?

The Army's motto "This We'll Defend" signifies a pledge to protect the nation's core values, emphasizing the commitment of soldiers to uphold and defend the ideals and freedoms that are fundamental to the United States. It reflects the Army's overarching mission to protect the country and its citizens against threats, thereby encapsulating the essence of sacrifice and dedication. The motto serves as a reminder of the duty to defend not just the territory, but the principles of democracy, liberty, and justice on which the nation was founded.

In the context of this question, while developing soldiers’ skills and honoring military traditions are important aspects of military life, they do not encapsulate the broader protective mission conveyed by the motto. Similarly, the assurance of worldwide readiness, while critical to military operations, is a tactical aspect and does not capture the moral and ethical commitment implied by the pledge to defend the nation’s core values.