The United States Army Birthday

Since its birth on 14 June 1775-over a year before the Declaration of Independence-the United States Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of our nation. Soldiers have fought more than 10 wars, from the American Revolution through the Cold War, the Gulf War, to the current War on Terrorism. This 231st Birthday is a recognition of The Army’s history, traditions, and service to the Nation, a Call To Duty, 231 Years of Service to Our Nation.

From Kabul, Afghanistan, the Soldiers and airmen of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Afghanistan Engineer District (AED) wish all Soldiers and Civilians throughout the Army, Happy 231st Birthday. Through our construction and reconstruction programs, AED’s Boots on the Ground are making a difference in promoting stability and security in Afghanistan and the Central Asia Republics. U.S. Army photo.

Birthday Events Around the World - Photos | Video
Birthday Letter from the White House (.pdf)

Boots on the Ground Video: Watch | Download

The 231st Birthday Logo

Watch video messages from Army Leadership

View a Happy Birthday greeting from the International Space Station

Call To Duty - Boots on the Ground

Our Army is serving a Nation at war.

The Global War on Terrorism will not be short and it will require deep and enduring commitment. To fight this war and ensure our Nation's security into the future, the Army must provide the Joint Force with relevant and ready capabilities to support the National Security and Defense Strategies. Our Army is a campaign-quality Army with a Joint and Expeditionary Mindset, a proud member of the Joint Force expertly serving our nation and its citizens for 231 years.

The Army provides the Joint Force with the combat, combat support, and combat service support capabilities necessary to conduct sustained land warfare during extended campaigns. This is our unique contribution to the Joint Team and it will be maintained. The challenge we are addressing is how to transform our organizations, processes, doctrine and culture so that we are better able to provide this contribution in a more prompt and rapid manner.

As it has always been, Soldiers, both active and reserve, are the heart of the Army. Embued with the Warrior Ethos, our Soldiers are "Warriors of character" whose seriousness and sense of urgency are characteristic of an Army at war. Our Soldiers will always place the mission first, never accept defeat, never quit and will never leave a fallen comrade.

2006 Army Birthday Message
Call to Duty – Boots on the Ground

The United States Army was born out of the desire to defend liberty and proudly celebrates its 231st birthday on 14 June 2006.

Since 1775, millions have worn the uniform and lived the “Warrior Ethos.” Soldiers have always understood that the freedoms our nation guarantees are worth fighting for and America’s decision to put “boots on the ground” illustrates like no other action its continued commitment to these ideals.

Today, America’s Army is engaged in a global war on terrorism and has a presence in 120 countries. Soldiers have long sacrificed their personal comfort and safety to answer a higher calling. Despite hardships and dangers to life and limb, Soldiers have always answered the call — and our nation has long relied on your courage, your sacrifice and
your selfless service.

To our Soldiers around the world, our thoughts are with you and your families on this 231st Army Birthday. We are proud to serve with you, as you embody the Warrior Ethos. You have made our Army the most respected institution in the United States and the pre-eminent land power on Earth. We are humbled by your sacrifice and awed by your achievements.

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