Fun Facts About the Army

Get to know the oldest branch of the US Armed Forces with these ten fun facts about the Army.

Fun Facts About the Army

Basic Facts About the Army

The primary mission of the Army is to defend the US against outside threats.

Although you may think this is limited to fighting, the Army helps in all kinds of emergencies, including natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

The Army can be deployed anywhere in the world, at home or abroad.

They may go on battle or peacekeeping missions or run various training exercises.

The US Army is the largest military branch with over 480,000 active-duty members as of 2021.

Now that you know some basic facts about the Army, read on for some Army fun facts!

Fun Facts About the Army

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Ten Fun Facts About the Army

Learn more about this esteemed service branch with these fun facts about the Army.

The Army Is the Oldest Service Branch

The Army is proud of its heritage as the oldest service branch.

It was establish before the Declaration of Independence was signed!

Its “birthday” is June 24, 1775. The Second Continental Congress established the 22,000 militia men as the first colonial army.

George Washington was named General of the newly formed Army on July 3 of that year.

The Army’s Motto Is “This We’ll Defend”

“This We’ll Defend” became the motto of the US Army during the American Revolution.

This motto is on the Army flag, right over the emblem. The motto is held by a rattlesnake, a symbol for the American colonies.

The Army Has a K-9 Corps

Military dogs have made invaluable contributions to the US Army in the last century. Handlers and dogs work together in the K-9 Corps.

In World Wars I and II, Army dogs worked as scouts, sentries, messengers, and search and rescue dogs.

In World War II, they also used their sense of smell to detect landmines.

Today, Army dogs use their sense of smell to detect explosives, drugs, and search and rescue. They also play an essential role in patrol and apprehension.

The Army Corps of Engineers Built the Washington Monument

Since its beginning, the Army has employed engineers. They surveyed land and built fortifications.

The Corps mapped most of the Western territories. They built dams and bridges. The Army Corps of Engineers have developed many recreational parks.

They are also responsible for building national monuments, including the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.

Fun Facts About the Army

The Golden Knights Are Expert Skydivers

The US Army has a demonstration team of expert pilots and parachuters called the Golden Knights.

They demonstrate BASE jumping, wing suiting, and vertical formation skydiving.

In formation skydiving, jumpers hold onto one another to form geometric shapes. They also deploy canisters of colored smoke to enhance their visual appeal.

They also participate in national and international parachuting competitions.

The US Army Special Forces Are Called Green Berets

The Green Berets are named after their distinctive headgear. You guessed it: green berets.

The Green Berets specialize in unconventional warfare: guerilla warfare, sabotage, and subversion.

Since their missions often require them to work with foreign military personnel, every Green Beret must know at least one foreign language.

Green Berets typically work in a 12-man team called an ODA (Operational Detachment Alpha).

Each team member has a role, from communications to engineering to medical support.

The Army Constantly Guards a Tomb in Washington DC

The Army’s Old Guard stand watch over a tomb in Arlington National Cemetery.

They patrol the tomb every day and night in all kinds of weather.

The tomb is the final resting place for those soldiers from World War I (and onward) who remains could not be identified.

It is called the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The guarding of the tomb is precise and symbolic in every way.

The 1st Infantry Division Is Nicknamed “The Big Red One”

The 1st Infantry Division is the longest continuously running division in the military.

Formed in 1917 during World War I, the 1st Infantry Division received its nickname because of its arm patch, which has a big red number 1.

Since the Division has often been the first one deployed into battle, its members are called “The Fighting First.”

The Army College Has a Live Mascot

The United States Military Academy at West Point is one of the most prestigious colleges in America.

Upon graduation, the young men and women are commissioned as officers in the US Army.

The mascot of West Point is a live mule! The mule symbolizes strength and perseverance, key qualities of soldiers.

The mule doesn’t have a name because there have been various mules throughout the academy’s history (e.g., Hannibal, Ranger, Raider, and Trooper).

They are called Army Mules. Mules were long used in the army to carry their supplies.

Fun Facts About the Army

“The Army Goes Rolling Along” Is the Official Army Song

“The Army Goes Rolling Along” is played at the end of every Army ceremony. Soldiers are expected to stand and sing the lyrics.

Here is the final refrain:

Then it’s hi! hi! hey!
The Army’s on its way.
Count off the cadence loud and strong; (two! three!)
For where’er we go,
You will always know
That the Army goes rolling along! (keep it rolling!)
And the Army goes rolling along!

Read More About the Army

If you are eager to learn more about the Army, check out these books about the Army.

Discover the World of Soldiers

In this DK Eyewitness book, kids in 3rd-7th grades will learn about the life of soldier with pictures and facts.

Inside the Army Rangers

Learn more about this elite fighting force of the Army.

Walk in My Combat Boots

This book by James Patterson highlights true stories of brave veterans.

Army Fun Facts

These Army fun facts give you a glimpse into the oldest service branch.

Get to know the Army with these fun facts!

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