US Army Facts: History & More – NBC New York
Celebrate 250 years of service and dedication with the U.S. Army! This momentous occasion is marked by a grand festivity in Washington, D.C., revealing key facts about the U.S. Army and its profound impact. Established during the American Revolution, the Army has grown into the largest branch of the U.S. military and a cornerstone of national defense. Discover its rich history,from the Continental Army to the modern force it is today. Explore the Army’s crucial role in national security, including its vast land holdings and important budget. News Directory 3 provides an in-depth look at the Army’s core values, notable figures who served, and the modern challenges it faces. Find out about the impact of the military parade and festival planned. Discover what’s next for this esteemed institution.
U.S. Army Celebrates 250 Years of Service and History
Updated June 11, 2025
The united States Army, a cornerstone of national defense, commemorates its 250th anniversary Saturday. A festival and military parade in Washington, D.C., will mark the occasion, coinciding with former president Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
Established june 14, 1775, during the American Revolution, the Army initially served as the Continental Army, representing all 13 British colonies. One day later, George Washington was appointed commander-in-chief. Following the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, it became the Army of the United States.
Today, the Army remains the largest military branch, with approximately 450,000 active-duty soldiers.This makes the department of Defense the nation’s largest employer.Texas boasts the highest number of active-duty Army personnel, exceeding 65,000, while Virginia hosts nine Army bases, the most of any state. The Army controls over 15 million acres of U.S. land, making it the equivalent of the 42nd largest state if it were one.
Throughout history, 16 U.S. presidents have served in the Continental Army, U.S. Army, or Army Reserves, including Washington, Andrew Jackson, and Dwight D. Eisenhower.The Army has also recognized five 5-Star generals: George C. Marshall, Douglas MacArthur, Eisenhower, Henry H. Arnold, and Omar N. Bradley.
henry O. flipper broke barriers in 1877 as the first Black graduate of West Point and the first commissioned Black officer. Deborah Sampson, disguised as a man, was one of the first women to enlist, serving for nearly two years during the Revolution. By 2020, nearly 75,000 active-duty female members were serving.
From entertainment to sports, notable figures like Elvis Presley, Jackie Robinson, Clint Eastwood, and James Earl Jones have served. The Army’s enduring motto, “This We’ll Defend,” reflects its commitment as the Revolutionary War. The popular slogan “Be All That You Can Be,” launched in 1980 and revived in 2023, encapsulates the opportunities the Army provides.
The Army’s core values include loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. Modern battlefield support requires over 20 gallons of fuel per soldier daily, a significant increase from the one gallon needed during World War II. The Lewis and Clark expedition, often viewed as exploration, was an Army campaign to map the continent.
The Army’s role in national security is reflected in its $185.9 billion budget request for 2025. The current service uniform, the “Army Greens,” pays homage to those worn during World War II. The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard,” is the oldest active-duty infantry unit, serving since 1784 and guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier since 1948.
What’s next
As the Army looks to the future, it remains focused on maintaining its readiness and adapting to evolving global challenges, continuing its legacy of service and dedication to the nation.