United States Army

United States Army
United States Army Institute of Heraldry · Public domain · source
Name	United States Army
Founded	14 June 1775
Country	United States
Branch	Armed Forces
Role	Land warfare
Garrison	The Pentagon
Commander in chief	President of the United States
Secretary	Secretary of the Army
Chief	Chief of Staff of the Army

United States Army is the principal land force of the United States, constituted during the American Revolutionary period and serving in major conflicts from the American Revolutionary War through recent operations in Iraq War and War in Afghanistan (2001–2021). It operates alongside United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, and United States Space Force within the broader framework of national defense and allied coalitions such as NATO, United Nations, and coalition partners in operations like Operation Desert Storm. The Army develops doctrine, trains forces, and fields capabilities for expeditionary, counterinsurgency, and conventional warfare.

History

The Army traces origins to the Continental Army formed in 1775 under Continental Congress and commanded by George Washington, participating in engagements such as the Siege of Yorktown and campaigns against British forces culminating in the Treaty of Paris (1783). In the 19th century it fought in the War of 1812, conducted campaigns in the Mexican–American War, and engaged in frontier conflicts during westward expansion including the Battle of Little Bighorn. During the American Civil War, the Army saw transformation through notable leaders like Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee (Confederate counterpart), pivotal battles such as Battle of Gettysburg, and organizational change affecting postwar reconstruction. The 20th century involved mobilization for World War I under leaders like John J. Pershing and major operations in World War II including Normandy landings and the Battle of the Bulge; Cold War era activities included occupation duties in Germany and crises like the Berlin Airlift, with later involvement in the Korean War and Vietnam War. Post-Cold War engagements encompassed Operation Just Cause, Gulf War, peacekeeping in the Balkans during the Bosnian War, and large-scale counterinsurgency and stability operations in Iraq War and War in Afghanistan (2001–2021).

Organization and Structure

The Army is organized into echelons including headquarters elements such as the Department of the Army led by the Secretary of the Army and the Department of Defense chain linking to the President of the United States. Operational units include modular formations like divisions, brigade combat team, corps, and specialized branches such as United States Army Special Forces and United States Army Rangers. Support and sustainment are provided by components including United States Army Corps of Engineers, Army National Guard, and United States Army Reserve. Senior leadership consists of positions such as the Chief of Staff of the Army and Combatant Command relationships with entities like United States Central Command and United States European Command for theater operations.

Personnel and Recruitment

Personnel policies encompass active duty, reserve, and National Guard service with recruitment driven by incentives, recruitment commands, and partnerships with institutions like United States Military Academy at West Point, Reserve Officers' Training Corps, and service academies for officer accession. Notable personnel figures across history include Dwight D. Eisenhower, Omar Bradley, Colin Powell, and modern leaders such as Mark Milley. Recruitment and retention are influenced by benefits under statutes like the GI Bill and programs for veterans administered by Department of Veterans Affairs. The force includes occupational specialties across branches such as infantry, armor, aviation illustrated by platforms like AH-64 Apache and support roles in logistics and medical corps exemplified by United States Army Medical Command.

Equipment and Modernization

Equipment ranges from small arms like the M4 carbine to armored vehicles such as the M1 Abrams and aviation assets including the UH-60 Black Hawk. Artillery and indirect fire capabilities use systems like the M777 howitzer and missile platforms connected to networks such as Patriot and integrated air defense collaboration with allies like Israel and NATO. Modernization initiatives include programs under Future Vertical Lift, the Next Generation Combat Vehicle effort, and digital modernization through Army Futures Command and initiatives linked to Joint All-Domain Command and Control. Procurement and acquisition intersect with defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and BAE Systems.

Operations and Deployments

The Army conducts deployment cycles for contingency operations, humanitarian assistance, and multinational exercises such as Operation Atlantic Resolve and Operation Inherent Resolve. Past major campaigns include amphibious and combined-arms operations in World War II theaters like Pacific War and European Theater of Operations (US), the rapid maneuver campaign of Desert Storm, and counterinsurgency campaigns in Iraq War and War in Afghanistan (2001–2021). Peacekeeping and stability missions involved deployments to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and support to disaster response after events like Hurricane Katrina. Training partnerships and joint operations occur with forces such as the British Army, Canadian Army, French Army, and regional partners in Indo-Pacific Command exercises.

Training and Doctrine

Doctrinal development follows publications from United States Army Training and Doctrine Command and institutions like Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. Training centers include National Training Center (Fort Irwin), Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, and specialized schools such as Airborne School at Fort Benning and United States Army Medical Department Center and School. Doctrine evolves with concepts like AirLand Battle historically and contemporary approaches integrating counterinsurgency and multi-domain operations reflected in manuals and joint doctrine with United States Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Culture and Traditions

The Army maintains symbols and customs including the Army flag, heraldry tied to units like the 82nd Airborne Division, and ceremonies such as change of command and unit colors. Traditions honor historical observances like Memorial Day, commemoration of battles including Gettysburg and unit lineage displayed in insignia and regimental histories such as those of the 1st Infantry Division and 3rd Infantry Division. Military awards and decorations include Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, and unit citations, while museums like the National Museum of the United States Army preserve artifacts and narratives associated with leaders such as Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. and events like the Tet Offensive.

Category:United States military branches