The United States Army is responsible for land-based military operations for the Armed Forces. As the oldest branch of the military, the force was first brought together on June 14, 1775, as the Continental Army to fight in the American Revolution. The United States Army was properly raised by order of Congress on June 14, 1784, and has stood at one capacity or another since then.

Function

According to the Title 10 of the U.S. Code, the main objective of the United States Army is to "provide necessary forces and capabilities in support of the National Security and Defense Strategies." This means that the Army will perform all tasks that are asked of it in defense of the country.

Structure

The United States Army is comprised of three branches: the Regular Army, the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves. Each force reports to the Department of the Army, which in turn reports to the Department of Defense. The Secretary of the Army, a civilian post, and the Army Chief of Staff, a military post, are in charge of the branch, reporting directly to the Commander-in-Chief, the President of the United States.

Size

According to figures from the Pentagon, as of January 31, 2009, the Army has a combined strength of approximately 1,088,000 soldiers; 547,741 are regular duty soldiers, 352,000 are in the National Guard and 189,000 are reservists.

Uniforms

On October 1, 2007, the Army switched from its traditional Battle Dress Uniform and Desert Combat Uniform for soldiers to the Army Combat Uniform. This uniform features digital camouflage patterns that can be used in a variety of conditions, including woodland, desert and urban areas.

Core Values

The United States Army has seven core values: loyalty to the U.S. Constitution, the obligation to fulfill its duties, respect for others, selfless service, honor the values of the Army, show integrity at all times, and face fear and adversity with personal courage.