250 years strong: Honoring the legacy of our Soldiers
By Army Retirement Services Office May 2025
On June 14, 2025, the U.S. Army celebrates 250 dedicated years of protecting our nation, its people, and our way of life. Happy 250th birthday!
Established in 1775, the Army is the oldest and largest branch of the U.S. military, and formed more than a year before the Declaration of Independence was issued. The Second Continental Congress passed a resolution that created a national Army of “six companies of expert riflemen” to join Patriot forces near Boston.
As we celebrate the bravery and determination of our Soldiers as they protect our nation’s interests at home and abroad, let us always remember the sacrifices and victories of our Soldiers.
Although this is far from a comprehensive list of all the U.S. Army’s significant accomplishments over the last 250 years, it is a small highlight reel, if you will, of some of the most consequential ones.
1775-1825
From its inception in 1775 to 1825, the Continental Army and its successor, the U.S. Army’s first 50 years saw Soldiers secure independence from Great Britain during the American Revolution and expand the nation's territory through exploration and military campaigns. In 1802, the Army developed its structure and training methods and established the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point. Following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the Lewis and Clark Expedition was led by Army officers, and proved to be instrumental in exploring and establishing U.S. presence in the newly acquired territory. The U.S. Army, comprised of regular Soldiers and militia, later played a key role during the War of 1812, defending the nation against British forces during this conflict.
1825-1875
The Army’s next 50 years continued with the westward expansion of the United States, and our fearless Soldiers were engaged in several conflicts at home and abroad. These involved the Seminole Wars, which took place in Florida, the Mexican-American War, again expanding the nation’s territory, the Civil War, and the Indian Wars, which saw Union and Confederate Soldiers fighting on issues of slavery and statehood.
1875-1925
By the time the U.S. Army celebrated its 100-year birthday, the series of campaigns and battles with Native American tribes on the western frontier was ongoing. From the Spring through Summer of 1898, the Army participated in the Spanish-American War, declaring war on Spain after the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, Cuba. In 1901, the Army War College was established as the first professional education beyond West Point, as students worked military issues of the day, studied national defense, military science, and command. The U.S. Army continued fighting against Filipino rebels after the Spanish-American War, called the Philippine Insurrection, and also protected American interests during an attempted revolution in Nicaragua.
1925-1975
Between 1939-1945, the Army played a major role in the Allied victory during World War II by deploying forces to fight Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan. Following this victory, U.S. Soldiers were involved in a conflict with North Korea and fought in the Korean War, followed by a long and complex war in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. The end of the draft and the all-volunteer force we know in today’s Army was established in 1973.
1975-2025
Over the past 50 years, the U.S. Army haswitnessed the fall of Saigon, marking the end of the Vietnam War, specifically with the U.S. Army withdrawing its forces and witnessing the reunification of North and South Vietnam. Taking on a pivotal role during Operation Desert Storm, the U.S. Army helped liberate Kuwait from Iraqi forces in 1991, and continues supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in the “War on Terror.”
