As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026, the U.S. Army is marking its own significant milestone this Saturday, celebrating 250 years since its establishment on June 14, 1775.
The Army, the nation’s oldest military branch, was founded during the American Revolution and was known at the time as the Continental Army, representing all British colonies in North America.
Shortly after its formation, George Washington was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, guiding the fledgling forces through numerous challenges during the Revolutionary War.
By the time Congress declared independence on July 4, 1776, the Continental Army had transformed into the Army of the United States, setting the stage for its evolution into one of the most formidable military forces in the world.
Over the years, the Army has grown into the largest branch of the U.S. military, currently boasting roughly 450,000 active-duty soldiers. This makes it a significant part of the Department of Defense, the largest employer in the country.
Texas holds the distinction of being home to the most active-duty Army members, with over 65,000 stationed there, while Virginia is home to the highest number of Army bases, totaling nine.
The Army oversees more than 15 million acres of land across the United States. If it were a state, it would rank as the 42nd largest in the nation.
A notable fact about the Army is that 16 U.S. Presidents have served either in the Continental Army, U.S. Army, or U.S. Army Reserves. These include prominent leaders such as George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, and Ronald Reagan.
Throughout its history, the Army has had five distinguished 5-Star generals: Gen. George C. Marshall, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Gen. Henry H. Arnold, and Gen. Omar N. Bradley.
In terms of breaking barriers, Henry O. Flipper made history in 1877 as the first Black graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point and the first commissioned Black officer in the Army.
Deborah Sampson is recognized for being the first woman to enlist in the U.S. military, disguising herself as a man to join the Army during the American Revolution. She served in the Fourth Massachusetts Regiment from 1781 to 1783 until illness led to her honorable discharge.
As of 2020, the Army reported approximately 75,000 active-duty female members, reflecting the branch’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The military career of cultural icons like Elvis Presley also highlights the Army’s reach beyond the battlefield. Drafted in 1957, Presley served two years as a truck driver.
Other notable figures who have served in the Army include Jackie Robinson, Clint Eastwood, and James Earl Jones, showcasing the diverse backgrounds of those who have dedicated their service to the nation.
The Army’s motto, “This We’ll Defend,” has been in use since the Revolutionary War, encapsulating its commitment to protecting the nation. The branch has also utilized various slogans, with the most famous being “Be All That You Can Be,” which originated in a 1980 advertising campaign and was revived this year after being replaced by “Army of One” in 2001.
Central to the Army’s identity are its core values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. These values guide soldiers in their service and exemplify the high standards expected within the ranks.
During World War II, the Army reported that supporting one soldier required one gallon of fuel per day. In stark contrast, modern operations necessitate over twenty gallons daily per soldier, reflecting the advancements in military technology and logistics.
In a notable historical context, the Lewis and Clark expedition was actually an Army mission aimed at exploring and mapping the continent, underlining the Army’s role beyond combat during its early years.
Looking to the future, the Army has submitted a budget request of $185.9 billion for the fiscal year 2025, which speaks to its ongoing commitments and modernization efforts.
The current service uniform, known as “Army Greens,” pays homage to the attire worn by soldiers during World War II, reinforcing a sense of tradition and pride within the Army.
The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, or
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