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Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the United States Army

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In commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States Army, here are 10 lesser-known facts about the U.S. Army that many Americans don’t know about:

  1. It Predates the Nation It Serves
    The U.S. Army was established on June 14, 1775, over a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed.
  2. It’s the Largest Branch of the U.S. Military
    The Army has over 450,000 active duty soldiers, making it the largest branch by personnel.
  3. The U.S. Army Once Had a Camel Corps
    In the 1850s, the Army experimented with camels in the southwestern deserts. It worked—but the Civil War ended the project.
  4. The Army Invented Duct Tape
    During World War II, the Army developed “duck tape” (the original name) at the Green River Ordnance Plant to waterproof ammunition cases. It later evolved into the duct tape we use today.
  5. The Army Operates Its Own Navy
    The U.S. Army has a small fleet of about 130 boats, including tugboats and landing craft, operated by the Army Transportation Corps.
  6. The Army Has Had More Medals of Honor Awarded Than Any Other Branch
    Over 2,400 Medals of Honor have gone to Army personnel—more than the Navy, Marines, or Air Force. The Navy is second with 746 recipients, followed by the Marine Corps with 297. The Air Force has awarded the fewest Medals of Honor, with only 17 recipients. 
  7. Only 20% of the Army Fights on the Front Lines
    Roughly 80% of Army jobs are in support roles—logistics, intelligence, engineering, communications, medical, and more.
  8. The Oldest Active U.S. Military Unit Is in the Army
    The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), formed in 1784, is the oldest active-duty infantry unit and guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
  9. The Army Has Built Some of America’s Infrastructure
    The Army Corps of Engineers has built dams, levees, and even landmarks like the Washington Monument and the Panama Canal.
  10. It Has More Bases Than Any Other Military Branch
    The U.S. Army operates over 150 major installations around the world in more than 70 countries, more than any other branch of the military.