Relive TotalForce+ 2025
Explore highlights, key moments, and speaker perspectives from the inaugural TotalForce+ conference.
Leadership, Talent, and the Future of the All-Volunteer Force
TotalForce+ 2025 brought together senior leaders, industry, and innovators for candid conversations about the people side of national defense. Across keynotes, panels, and breakout sessions, the focus stayed where it belongs: leadership, talent, readiness, and the lived experience of those who serve. Throughout the event, one thing was clear: People Outrank Everything.
Attendees were able to:
Examine the future of the all-volunteer force. Address recruiting, retention, and readiness challenges. Explore leadership development across the force. Highlight military spouse and family quality-of-life issues. Discuss innovations in talent management and workforce strategy. Showcase partnerships that are advancing community-based solutions. Elevate veteran and retiree support beyond transition. Focus on solutions that strengthen the force and their families.
Conversations That Mattered
Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz set the tone for Day 2 with a powerful reminder: investing in people is the foundation of readiness and retention. When we strengthen service members and their families, we strengthen the force.
Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (SEAC) David Isom shares a powerful reminder that readiness is more than a standard to meet — it’s a mindset to live. Peak performance starts with character, leadership, and how we show up each day.
Actor and retired U.S. Marine Rob Riggle shared his signature blend of humor and service pride, reflecting on how early experiences in uniform shape resilience, leadership, and lifelong camaraderie.
Mission First, People Always: Bridging the Gap for a Stronger Military Future.
When it comes to national defense, we proudly say “Mission first, people always”—but turning those words into lasting impact is what counts. Behind every mission, there are real people with real challenges, from recruitment to retirement.
The question is: How do we truly support them?
At the inaugural TotalForce+ conference, we're calling all branches, all ranks, every supporting organization, and all industry partners to unite and advance meaningful solutions for our veterans, servicemembers, DoW civilians, and their families.
After all, better care leads to stronger recruitment, which builds a more resilient force—driving a continuous cycle that strengthens and secures the future of America’s all-volunteer fighting force.
”TotalForce+ creates a vital space for uniformed service leaders, industry experts, and partners to unite, tackle challenges, and connect decision-makers with solution providers. The benefits earned by those who serve reflect their sacrifice, and it's our duty to not only honor that but to find new ways to support all who protect our freedom, including DoW civilians and family members.”
Photos and videos supplied via Getty Images and DoW/DVIDS. Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) image disclaimer: The appearance of U.S. Department of War (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.