The Army has been around for 243 years, therefore making it one of the oldest and longest-lasting institutions in the United States. Thanks to its rich history, there is a lot of knowledge and stories to learn from and admire. Here are 10 facts about the US Army you probably didn’t know!
National Archives1The Army Is Older Than The United States
The Second Continental Congress passed the measure to create a unified Continental Army on June 14, 1775. Therefore, the Army is a year older than the country.
National Archives2George Washington Decided The Army’s Dress Colors
President Washington chose the Army’s dress colors in 1779. Over the years, the Army has changed the color scheme many times. However, they reverted to Washington’s picks in 2010.
National Archives3The Army Only Has Had Five 5-Star Generals
The rank of five-star general was established in 1944 and was given to President Dwight D. Eisenhower and four other men. The position retired in 1981 when Omar Bradley, the last surviving general, died.
National Archives4They Pioneered Modern Guerrilla Warfare
During the Revolutionary War, General Francis Marion developed the modern guerilla warfare strategy. With his men, he traveled within swamps and surprise attacked British troops. As quickly as they attacked, they would withdraw back into the swampy depths.
Department of Defense5The Army Used The First Submarine During The Revolutionary War
The Turtle was the first documented submersible vehicle used in combat. It was operational with hand controls and foot pedals. The submarine was used in an attempt to sink a British ship; however, the mission failed.
Department of Defense6Currently, There Are 500 Active Duty K-9 In The Army
MWDs, or Military Working Dogs, are trained for attack, detection, and patrol. K-9 can also specialize in explosive and narcotics detection. To become an official MWD, K-9 must go through 16 hours of training every month with quarterly evaluations.
National Archives716 Presidents Served In The Army
Looking back at history, 31 presidents have served in the United States Armed Forces. Of those 31 presidents, 16 served in the US Army, including Theodore Roosevelt. In addition, 24 presidents served during wartime.
Department of Defense8The Army Fired Over 1,400 Artillery In Los Angeles
In 1942, the military fired anti-aircraft artillery and shot endless .50 caliber rounds at enemy aircraft. However, after close examination, the “enemy aircraft” turned out to be a weather balloon. The jumpy reaction was due to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
9The Army Mapped Most Of The Country
When the Army wasn’t fighting wars, they were mapping out the country. Army officers led their platoon through the Lewis and Clark Expedition and mapped out the uncharted territory of the American West.
National Archives10The Army Expelled 64 Million Pounds of Nerve and Mustard Agents Into the Ocean
The dumping took place post-WWII and continued until 1970. Nerve and mustard agents were discarded along with chemical bombs, rockets, and land mines. The Army isn’t sure where all the weapons were dumped.
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