245
YEARS OF SURVIVAL,
ADAPTATION & TENACITY
Yet They Serve
By Arthur G. Sharp
The history of the United States Army has been one of
survival and adaptation. Many times, in its 245-year existence
its very survival has been threatened by reorganizations,
lacks of funding, reduced numbers, and other exigencies.
Yet, it has characteristically emerged from such threats
stronger, more resilient, and better prepared to take on a
variety of combat and humanitarian missions that have
strengthened its image around the world as an elite military
unit. That is a testimony to the succession of superb leaders
who have guided it through good and bad times and turned it
into the efficient fighting unit it is today.
The Army was formed out of necessity on 14 June 1775.
The Continental Congress needed a corps of professional
soldiers to combat British regulars and their allies as the
American colonists fought for their independence. The
54 ARMY 245: Call to Duty
