U.S. Army's 244th Birthday

Provided by the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs

What is it?

The U.S. Army was established June 14, 1775. This year marks 244 years of continuous service to the great nation while commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

This year’s birthday theme is “America’s Army: Honoring the Call to Service from D-Day to Today.” This theme allows the Army to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of its total force.

What are the current and past efforts of the Army?

Since its establishment, the Army has played a vital role in the growth and development of the nation. Readiness remains the Army’s number one priority, and it has been the cornerstone of the Army’s ability to serve wherever needed during its 244-year legacy.

The Army finds its strength not only in its diversity and inclusion, but also in its ability to bring together people of different backgrounds who share the Army Values. The Army amplifies the importance of serving the nation by celebrating the accomplishments of Soldiers and Army Civilians. The Army remains forever indebted to all veterans who demonstrated the selfless service and sacrifice that characterizes the Greatest Generation in defense of global peace and security.

The Army is:

• Modernizing to innovate and adapt concepts, equipment and training to be ready for the next challenge.
• Developing a new Talent Management Strategy to acquire, develop, employ and retain the best officers.
• Optimizing for interoperability with its allies and partners to strengthen alliances, attract new partners and deliver more effective coalition operations.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned?

The Army is the world’s most lethal ground combat force in history and continues to evolve and change to preserve freedom for all Americans. The Army remains postured and ready to face an increasingly dynamic regional security environment around the globe.

Why is this important to the Army?

The Army is America’s first national institution. It was established more than a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed. There is a deep and powerful bond between the Army and the nation. Soldiers and Army Civilians embody the Army Values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.

Observing the Army’s Birthday provides an opportunity for Soldiers and Army Civilians to reach out and tell their Army story to the nation. Commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day provides an additional opportunity to highlight the contributions of Army heroes throughout its history.

Resources:

• The U.S. Army | America’s First National Institution
• D-Day 75
• U.S.Army Uniforms

Related document:

• ADRP 1: The Army Profession

Related STAND-TO!:

• D-Day to Today
• The Army Vision
• The Army Strategy
• 2019 Army Posture Statement
• U.S. Army: Ready Today, Investing in Tomorrow
• Army Modernization
• Readiness
• U.S. Army Allies and Partners
• U.S. Army Talent Management
• Meet Your Army
• Army Ethic
• Army Values