United States Army

The Birth of the Army

Today’s Army stems back from the Continental Army formed years ago in 1775.  This was well before the United States was officially established.  The Continental Army was created for the purpose of the American Revolutionary War.  Today’s Army took its birth in 1784, only 9 years after the formation of the Continental Army and after the cease of the Revolutionary War. 

Our First Army Commander

Did you know that George Washington was the first appointed commander?  Of course, this was back when it was the Continental Army versus the Army as we now know it today.  George used the hit-and-run strategy, targeting the enemy when at their weakest. 

Memorable Army Officer 

When the Army was still the Continental Army was back in the 1700s, both George Washington and Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, a Prussian army officer, served together in the Revolutionary war.  Friedrich taught the Continental Army the necessary basics associated with military drills as well as discipline.   

1800s and Beyond  

The Civil War that began in 1961 was costly for the Army, but after the Battle of Gettysburg, they won the war.  The 1900s featured World Wars I and II, which millions of US soldiers played a pivotal role in.  US soldiers were also able to take back the Pacific Islands from Japanese control.  To follow there was the Korean War and the Vietnam War.  In the 1990s, hundreds of thousands of US Army troops helped to take back Kuwait from Iraq, which was a great victory for our troops!  Today, the War in Iraq is keeping our soldiers busy.  Hundreds of thousands of troops have been deployed thus far to fight. 

Army Training

The Army has many training bases around the globe, and the largest of those bases are the NTC (National Training Center) at Fort Irwin in California and the JRTC (Joint Readiness Training Center) at Fort Polk in Louisiana.

Army Weapons 

The Army utilizes many types of weapons and equipment.  The standard rifle is the M16A2.  Most soldiers in every combat zone have one.  Usually, it is just called the M-16.  Although versions of it have changed over the years, the M-16 originated at the time of the Vietnam War.  It is a light, easy to use, and powerful assault weapon.  The Army also used motorized vehicles and tanks offered to protect, move around in, and attack when needed.  Our current tank of choice is the M1 Abrams.   

Most Popular Army Vehicle

We all know that all-powerful vehicle the Hummer, sold by General Motors. That Hummer design was made for civilians, but it was designed after the Army HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle).  Interestingly enough - both have the same frame, body, suspension, and drive-train, but of course the Army version has added armor and places for essential weapons.  

Army Divisions

The Army is made up of 10 Divisions and other separate units.  The Army transformation plan will be implemented in 2009 and will feature 4 grand maneuver brigades as well as a minimum of one aviation brigade and fire and support brigades.  Here is a brief run-down of the Divisions:

• 1^st Armored Division – Fort Bliss, TX
• 1^st Cavalry Division – Fort Hood, TX
• 1^st Infantry Division – Fort Riley, KS (plus brigade at Fort Knox, KY)
• 2^nd Infantry Division – Camp Red Cloud, S. Korea (plus 3 Stryker Brigade Combat Teams at Fort Lewis, WA)
• 3^rd Infantry Division – Fort Stewart, GA (plus brigade at Fort Benning, GA)
• 4^th Infantry Division – Fort Hood, TX (plus brigade at Fort Carson, TX)
• 10^th Mountain Division – Fort Drum, NY (plus brigade at Fort Polk, LA)
• 25^th Infantry Division – Schofield Barracks, HI (plus brigades at Fort Wainwright, AK and Fort Richardson, AK)
• 82^nd Airborne Division - Fort Bragg, NC
• 101^st Airborne Division – Fort Campbell, KY
• 173^rd Airborne Brigrade – Vicenza, Italy
• 2^nd Cavalry Regiment - Fort Hood, TX
• 11^thArmored Cavalry Regiment – Fort Irwin, CA

Current Army Leaders

• Secretary – Pete Geren
• Chief of Staff – George W. Casey
• Vice Chief of Staff – Richard Cody
• Sergeant Major – Kenneth O. Preston

Army Values

Since the 1990s, the Army has come to declare “The Seven Army Values”.  They are: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.

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