"Transformation" became a buzzword for governmental reorganization in the first years of the 21st Century, especially in the military services. The Training and Doctrine Command, however, has been transforming the Army, and itself, since its establishment in July 1973. Born of frustration with the service's response to war in Southeast Asia, TRADOC's charter from the became through time the intertwined missions of preparing the Army for war and being the architect of the Army's future. The command's "founding father," General William DePuy, knew that a struggling Army required sound training, coherent organization, modern weapons systems, and relevant doctrine. His successors built on that foundation and addressed the need for future planning. This brief history provides an overview of the first 30 years of TRADOC's service to the Army and to the nation.

TRADOC: a historical summary / TRADOC leadership. DePuy -- Starry -- Otis -- Richardson -- Vuono -- Thurman -- Foss -- Franks -- Hartzog -- Abrams -- Byrnes / Force design and weapons development. Army of Excellence -- Force XXI -- Transformation -- Weapons and equipment / Doctrine / Training and leader development / TRADOC in the joint service arena / Organizational structure. Initial subordinate organization -- Headquarters organization and reorganizations -- Installations and changes, 1973-2003 -- Intermediate level changes, 1973-2003 -- Schools -- Training organizations -- Test organizations -- TRADOC organization in 2003 / International activities. Standardization and interoperability -- Bilateral staff talks.