June 14th: Remembering the History of the United States Army

The United States Army built itself alongside the nation itself. From the battlefields of the Revolutionary War to modern counterterrorism operations, the Army’s story is interwoven with America’s journey to today.

The Revolutionary Foundations: Birth of America’s Military (1775-1783)

Colonial Militia System

Colonial America relied on a decentralized militia system that formed the backbone of early American defense. This system required all able-bodied males of military age to serve, provide their own weapons, and attend periodic training sessions. While effective for local defense and maintaining order, these part-time forces lacked the standardization, professional training, and unified command structure necessary for large-scale military operations.

The turning point came as tensions with Great Britain escalated following the Intolerable Acts of 1774. Massachusetts led the charge in militia reform by organizing minutemen companies trained for rapid response. These specialized units would prove crucial when the first shots of the American Revolutionary War rang out at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.

The Continental Army’s Formation

The eruption of open warfare created an immediate need for a more cohesive fighting force. It quickly became apparent that regional, uncoordinated efforts would be insufficient against the formidable British Army.

Recognizing this critical need, on June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress formally adopted the New England forces as the “Continental Army” and authorized the recruitment of ten expert riflemen companies from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia.

Washington’s Leadership and Early Challenges

The very next day, George Washington of Virginia was unanimously selected as Commander-in-Chief. Chosen for his military experience during the French and Indian War, his strength of character, and as a symbolic gesture to unite northern and southern colonies.

Washington’s immediate priorities included:

• Instilling military discipline and reorganizing disparate units
• Addressing chronic shortages of supplies, ammunition, and clothing
• Managing short enlistment terms that constantly threatened unit cohesion
• Establishing standardized training procedures

Key victories such as the surprise attacks at Trenton (December 1776) and Princeton (January 1777) boosted American morale and demonstrated Washington’s growing strategic ability. The victory at Yorktown in 1781, achieved with essential French military and naval support, ultimately secured American independence.

Early National Period and Westward Expansion (1783-1860)

Post-Revolutionary Army Structure

Following the Treaty of Paris in 1783, the Continental Army was largely disbanded. The post-Revolutionary War era sparked significant debate over the size and nature of the new nation’s military forces.

Economic constraints and republican fears of a powerful standing army initially led Congress to retain only a minimal force: two companies to guard military stores, later expanded to the 1st American Regiment in 1784.

The Legion of the United States

Ongoing conflicts with Native American tribes on the expanding frontier quickly highlighted the limitations of state militias. The need for a professional standing army became clear, leading to the establishment of the “Legion of the United States” in 1792 under Major General “Mad” Anthony Wayne.

The Legion was renamed the United States Army in 1796, marking the formal re-establishment of a permanent federal military force.

Army Role in Westward Expansion

Throughout the early 19th century, the Army played a critical role in westward expansion:

• Exploration: The Lewis and Clark expedition (1804-1806) charted the Louisiana Purchase
• Indian Wars: Numerous conflicts, including the protracted Seminole Wars in Florida (1818-1858)
• Mexican-American War: (1846-1848) secured vast southwestern territories
• Infrastructure Development: The Army Corps of Engineers facilitated river navigation and major construction projects

The Civil War: America’s Greatest Military Test (1861-1865)

Union Army Organization and Strategy

The Union Army developed new organizational structures suited to the conflict’s unprecedented scale:

• Geographic theater commands with armies named after rivers (e.g., Army of the Potomac)
• Coordinated supply systems managed by Quartermaster General Montgomery C. Meigs
• Strategic approaches focusing on destroying enemy forces and their will to fight

Emergence as a Global Power (1865-1940)

Post-Civil War Reorganization

Following the Civil War, the Army’s primary focus shifted to ongoing Indian Wars in the American West. Cavalry units engaged in numerous conflicts, including the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Root Reforms and Modernization

Secretary of War Elihu Root (1899-1904) implemented crucial organizational changes that modernized the Army:

• Enlarged West Point military academy
• Established the U.S. Army War College for advanced strategic education
• Created the General Staff for centralized strategic planning and coordination
• Reformed promotion procedures and introduced officer rotation between staff and line assignments
• Redefined National Guard role through the Dick Act of 1903

World War I Mobilization

World War I necessitated massive mobilization after the United States entered the conflict in April 1917. The Selective Service Act introduced conscription, creating a “National Army” that combined Regular Army, National Guard, and draftee forces.

At its peak, the Army swelled to over six million personnel, with two million fighting on the Western Front as part of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF). The war spurred technological advancements and new branches, including the Chemical Corps and the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps – the precursor to the modern U.S. Air Force.

World War II and Cold War Era (1941-1991)

World War II Expansion

Following Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the Army underwent unprecedented expansion, growing to over eight million personnel by 1945. The “Army of the United States” integrated Regular Army, National Guard, and conscripted forces into a unified fighting machine.

American ground forces played central roles in both European and Pacific theaters:

• European Theater: North African and Italian campaigns, D-Day landings, liberation of Western Europe
• Pacific Theater: Island-hopping campaigns alongside Marine Corps forces
• Logistics: Sophisticated supply systems supporting global operations

Cold War Challenges

The Cold War era brought new responsibilities and conflicts:

• NATO Commitment: Hundreds of thousands of troops stationed in Europe as Soviet deterrent
• Korean War (1950-1953): UN forces defending South Korea
• Vietnam War (1965-1971): Controversial counterinsurgency operations against communist forces

Post-Vietnam Reforms

Following the Vietnam war, the Army underwent significant reforms:

• Total Force Policy: Integrated Regular Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve
• All-Volunteer Force: Transition from conscription to professional military service
• Goldwater-Nichols Act (1986): Streamlined command through unified combatant commands
• Technology Focus: Enhanced training and equipment modernization

The Cold War concluded with Operation Desert Storm in 1991, demonstrating the reformed Army’s capabilities in swift, decisive conventional warfare.

The Modern Army: 21st Century Evolution

War on Terror Operations

Following September 11, 2001, the Army became central to counter-terrorism efforts:

• Afghanistan (2001-2021): Taliban overthrow and counterinsurgency operations
• Iraq (2003-2011): Invasion and subsequent stability operations
• Global partnerships: Training and advising allied forces worldwide

Contemporary Structure and Capabilities

Today’s U.S. Army is a highly professional, all-volunteer force comprising:

• Active Duty personnel: Full-time professional soldiers
• Army National Guard: State-based forces with federal reserve mission
• Army Reserve: Federal reserve component providing specialized capabilities

What Can You Do Today to Celebrate?

Attend Local Military Events

Check with your local military bases for open houses, parades, and festivals. The National Museum of the U.S. Army and other military museums often host special exhibitions and programs around June 14th, providing educational opportunities to learn about Army history and traditions.

Show Gratitude to Veterans and Active Duty Personnel

• Send care packages to deployed troops through organizations like the USO
• Write letters of appreciation to local veterans’ organizations
• Volunteer with military support charities
• Donate to organizations that assist military families

Educational Celebrations

Use the Army’s birthday as an opportunity to deepen your understanding of military history and sacrifice. Visit military museums, read books about significant Army campaigns, or watch documentaries highlighting pivotal moments in Army history. 

Connect with Military History

Research whether any family members served in the Army, or learn about Army units that have connections to your local area. Understanding these personal or regional connections can make the celebration more meaningful and help preserve important family or community history.

Allow us to guide you through the process of receiving benefits you deserve. Begin today by taking our free medical evidence screening, at Allveteran.com.