(USNewsReport.org) – We live in a country where most could say they are vastly protected. From air to land to sea there are many branches of the military that keep those who may attempt to do Americans harm, in check. But how many know that it all began with the Army?
While the US Army, America’s first national institution, wouldn’t be officially recognized until 1789, many people saw its institution as a simple formality. We had an army before this time, formed in 1775, even before the United States was established; this force was known as the Continental Army. The army has changed drastically over the years, but it remains the oldest service in the US.
Establishment
The Continental Army joined state militias to fight for American independence from Great Britain. Under America’s original governing documents, the Articles of Confederation, officials established the ability to raise troops to defend the newly formed United States. However, the Articles of Confederation greatly reduced the number of troops within the Continental Army to a mere 700-man regiment.
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 provided checks on the standing army and allowed the president to command it while Congress financed it via short-term legislation.
President Washington suggested passing an act clarifying the Army’s position and role under the new Constitution on September 29, 1789. Congress would eventually pass the act for the Establishment of the Troops, which allowed the President to call upon state militias after meeting certain criteria. The act would also serve as a constitutional oath of loyalty by anyone in service.
Modern-Day US Army
The United States Army may be the oldest on the books; however, in today’s world, it’s far from outdated. In fact, like the other branches of the US military, it’s state of the art, up to date and often ahead of any competition. The US Army is here to serve the people of the United States. They protect the nation’s land, sea and air, defend critical national interests and fulfill any national military duties.
The US Army organizes, recruits, trains and equips soldiers to conduct quick, decisive and sustained combat operations on land. It’s also the responsibility of the Army to provide logistics and support in order to allow the other services to complete their objective and, in times of emergency, support civilian authorities.
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