The mission of the Department of the Army is to organize, train, and equip active duty and reserve forces for the preservation of peace, security, and the defense of our Nation. As part of our national military team, the Army focuses on land operations; its soldiers must be trained with modern arms and equipment and be ready to respond quickly.
The Army also administers programs aimed at protecting the environment, improving waterway navigation, flood and beach erosion control, and water resource development. It provides military assistance to Federal, State, and local government agencies, including natural disaster relief assistance.
The American Continental Army, now called the United States Army, was established by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence. The Department of War was established as an executive department at the seat of government by act approved August 7, 1789 (1 Stat. 49). The Secretary of War was established as its head. The National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 401) created the National Military Establishment, and the Department of War was designated the Department of the Army. The title of its Secretary became Secretary of the Army (5 U.S.C. 171). The National Security Act Amendments of 1949 (63 Stat. 578) provided that the Department of the Army be a military department within the Department of Defense. link
The Birth of the U.S. Army and its Supporting Organizations
The story of the U.S. Army and its ancillary organizations is intricately woven into the fabric of American history. It’s a tale of a nation grappling with independence, forging its own defense structure, and evolving to meet the challenges of a growing nation.
The Department of the Army: The Foundation
The Continental Army, established by the Second Continental Congress in June 1775, served as the nascent form of the U.S. Army. This provisional force, cobbled together from colonial militias, fought the Revolutionary War under the leadership of General George Washington. Recognizing the need for a permanent military establishment, the Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, called for a Department of War to oversee military affairs. However, its power was limited, relying heavily on state militias for national defense.
The United States Army: From Humble Beginnings to National Force
The U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1787, vested Congress with the authority to raise and support an army. The Department of War Act of 1789 officially established the Department of War, and a small regular army was authorized. This initial force primarily focused on guarding the frontier and suppressing Native American resistance.
The National Guard: A Militia Reinvented
The U.S. has a long tradition of citizen-soldiers forming the backbone of its defense. The National Guard’s lineage can be traced back to the colonial militias. The Constitution empowered states to maintain a well-regulated militia, and the Militia Act of 1792 formalized this concept. These state-controlled militias, however, proved unreliable during the War of 1812. The need for a more readily available and federally-trained reserve force became apparent. This led to the gradual transformation of state militias into the National Guard, a dual-status force that could be called upon for federal or state service.
A Legacy of Service
The U.S. Army and its supporting organizations have played a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation. From the Revolutionary War to the ongoing fight for global security, they have stood as a symbol of American strength and resolve. The stories of the Department of the Army, the U.S. Army, and the National Guard are all part of the larger narrative of the United States, a testament to the nation’s commitment to defending its ideals and its people.