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The United States Army, one of the oldest and most formidable military forces in
the world, has a rich and complex history. From its humble beginnings during the
Revolutionary War to its current status as a global superpower, the Army has
undergone significant transformations. Here are 10 fascinating facts about its
development that you may not know.
1. The US Army Was Founded Before the United States Itself
Most people assume that the US Army was established after the Declaration of
Independence in 1776. However, the Continental Army was actually created on June
14, 1775, over a year before America officially became a nation. The Second
Continental Congress authorized its formation to fight against British forces during
the Revolutionary War.
George Washington was appointed as the first Commander-in-Chief, and the Army
was initially composed of volunteer militias. After the war, the Continental Army
was disbanded, but the need for a standing military led to the creation of the
modern US Army in 1784.
2. The US Army Once Fought a War Against a Political Party (The Whiskey
Rebellion)
In the early years of the republic, the federal government struggled to assert its
authority. One of the first major tests came in 1794 with the Whiskey Rebellion.
Farmers in western Pennsylvania revolted against a federal tax on whiskey, which
was a crucial commodity at the time.
President George Washington, determined to enforce federal law, mobilized nearly
13,000 militia troops—a force larger than some of his Revolutionary War armies—
to suppress the rebellion. This marked the first and only time a sitting US president
led troops in the field. The rebellion collapsed without significant bloodshed,
proving the federal government's ability to maintain order.
3. The US Army Was Smaller Than Portugal’s in the Early 1800s
Despite its growing territory, the US Army remained relatively small in the early
19th century. By 1812, at the start of the War of 1812, the US Army had only about
7,000 troops, compared to Portugal’s army of 30,000.
This lack of preparedness led to early defeats against British forces, including the
burning of Washington, D.C. in 1814. However, the Army gradually expanded and
professionalized, with the establishment of the US Military Academy at West Point
(1802) playing a key role in training officers.
4. The US Army Played a Major Role in Westward Expansion
While often associated with wars, the US Army also served as a crucial force in
exploration, infrastructure, and settlement of the American West. Following the
Louisiana Purchase (1803), the Army conducted expeditions like the famous Lewis
and Clark Expedition (1804-1806).
Throughout the 19th century, the Army:
Built forts to protect settlers
Surveyed land for railroads
Fought in conflicts with Native American tribes (a dark and controversial chapter)
Helped construct roads and telegraph lines
Without the Army’s logistical support, America’s rapid westward expansion would
have been far more difficult.
5. The US Army Was Segregated Until 1948
For most of its history, the US Army was racially segregated. African American
soldiers served in separate units, such as the Buffalo Soldiers (post-Civil War
cavalry regiments) and the Harlem Hellfighters (a famed African American unit in
World War I).
It wasn’t until July 26, 1948, that President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order
9981, officially desegregating the armed forces. This was a major milestone in the
Civil Rights Movement, though full integration took years to implement.
6. The US Army Created the First “Internet” (ARPANET)
Many people don’t realize that the internet’s origins lie in a US Army project. In the
1960s, the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA, now DARPA) developed
ARPANET, the first network to use packet-switching technology—the foundation of
today’s internet.
Originally designed to ensure military communications could survive a nuclear
attack, ARPANET eventually evolved into the modern internet. Without the Army’s
innovation, the digital age might look very different.
7. The US Army Once Tested Flying Aircraft Carriers
During the Cold War, the Army experimented with bizarre and ambitious projects—
including flying aircraft carriers. In the 1930s, the USS Macon and USS Akron were
massive airships (dirigibles) designed to launch and recover small fighter planes
mid-air.
While these projects ultimately failed (both airships crashed), they demonstrated
the Army’s willingness to push technological boundaries. Today, the concept lives
on in drone carrier experiments.
8. The US Army Fought a “War” Against Germany… in 1946
After World War II, the US Army remained in Germany as an occupying force. But in
1946, an unusual conflict broke out—the "Colmar Pocket Uprising." German
prisoners of war (POWs), frustrated by delays in their repatriation, staged a revolt
at a POW camp in Colmar, France.
The US Army 3rd Infantry Division was called in to suppress the rebellion, leading
to a brief but intense battle. Tanks and infantry stormed the camp, resulting in
dozens of German casualties. This little-known event highlights the chaotic
aftermath of WWII.
9. The US Army Helped Develop the COVID-19 Vaccine
In 2020, the Army played a critical role in Operation Warp Speed, the US
government’s effort to rapidly develop a COVID-19 vaccine. The Army Materiel
Command and Medical Research and Development Command coordinated
logistics, while Army scientists contributed to vaccine research.
This wasn’t the first time the Army aided medical breakthroughs—it also helped
develop penicillin mass-production during WWII and advancements in trauma
medicine during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
10. The US Army Has Its Own Special Operations “Ninja” School
While the Navy has SEALs and the Army has Green Berets, few know about the
Army’s “Ninja School”—officially called the Asymmetric Warfare Group (AWG). This
elite unit trains soldiers in unconventional warfare, including guerrilla tactics,
sabotage, and stealth operations.
Founded in 2006, the AWG operates in secrecy, often testing new combat strategies
before they’re adopted by mainstream forces. Their training includes everything
from urban warfare to survival skills, making them one of the most unique units in
the military.
From its pre-independence origins to its role in shaping modern technology, the US
Army’s development is filled with surprising twists. Whether exploring uncharted
territories, breaking racial barriers, or pioneering the internet, the Army’s influence
extends far beyond the battlefield.
As it enters its 249th year in 2024, the US Army continues to evolve, adapting to
new threats and technologies while upholding its long legacy of service and
innovation.
