Summarized by the Alliance for Fort Gordon
Published October 24, 2025
The Army is older than the country it serves. Authorized by the Second Continental Congress, the Continental Army was established on 14 June 1775.
THE ARMY:
- is the oldest and largest of the military departments;
- has Soldiers in every state and U.S. territory (Total Army);
- is the second largest U.S. employer (Wal-Mart is the largest);
- has over 250 Military Occupational Specialties and Officer specialties; and
- is the foundation of the Joint Force.
Fewer than 1% of Americans currently serve in the military; 79% of Soldiers come from families that have served in the military.