On 14 June 1775, the Second Continental Congress established “the American Continental Army.” The United States Army is the senior Service of the Armed Forces. As one of the oldest American institutions, it predates the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. For almost two and a half centuries, Army forces have protected this Nation. Our Army flag is adorned with over 187 campaign and battle streamers to date, each one signifying great sacrifices on behalf of the Nation.
Because of the Army, the United States is independent and one undivided nation.
1-1. Why we have an Army
It is the intent of Congress to provide an Army that is capable, in conjunction with the other armed forces, of…
Preserving the peace and security, and providing for the defense of the United States, the Commonwealths and possessions, and any areas occupied by the United States;
Supporting the national policies;
Implementing the national objectives; and
Overcoming any nations responsible for aggressive acts that imperil the peace and security of the United States.
Title 10, U.S. Code, Section 3062(a)
1-2. What the Army uniform represents
For Soldiers it means that they are part of something far bigger than themselves…it is an opportunity to serve this great country and to make a difference in this world.
For Army Families, the uniform is a source of both pride and knowing the sacrifices ahead.
Living by and upholding the Army Ethics is our life-long commitment. For our veterans, it represents one of the most important periods of their lives…pride in honorable service, accomplishments as part of a team, and a life-long connection to the comrades with whom they served with and in some cases lost during their time in uniform.
When Soldiers return to society as private citizens, they are expected to continue to be moral-ethical role models for their Families and communities, contributing to the well-being of the United States of America, as Soldiers for Life.
For the American citizen, Soldiers are their sons, daughters, relatives, neighbors, and during disaster, their lifeline. They see in us patriotism and selfless service—men and women in whom the Nation takes collective pride and who they see as heroes. Being seen as heroes you are expected to uphold a higher standard and represent yourself and community as a source of pride and commitment.
People around the world recognize the American Soldier as a symbol of the United States…Soldiers represent freedom, democracy, and stability.
To our enemies, the Soldier represents American strength, resolve, and a commitment to defend the values that we hold dear as a Nation and as a people.
As Soldiers, we are committed to do our duty to contribute to the “common defense;” we share a love of our country and of our Army Family; we defend American values that frame the nation as expressed in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States; and we serve “not to promote war, but to preserve peace.”
1-4. The Army’s Motto – “This We’ll Defend”
The Army’s motto remains as relevant today as it did at our Nations’ founding. The pronoun “We” reinforces our collective or team effort and “Defend” remains our Army’s main mission. The Army continues this pledge into the future, as we have done since 1775.
Department of the Army Emblem
1-5. Oath of Enlistment
Members of the American military profession swear or affirm to support and defend the Constitution of the United States—not a leader, people, government, or territory.
That solemn oath ties service in the Army directly to the founding document of the United States. It instills a nobility of purpose within each member of the Army Profession and provides deep personal meaning to all who serve.
The Army Profession believes America must have a Professional Army of Soldiers and Civilians who are inspired to honorably fulfill their Oaths of Service. The theological, philosophical shared beliefs and values that shape the moral principles of the Army Ethic, serve as the inspirational foundation for members of the Army Profession to develop shared bonds of trust, military expertise, honorable service to the Nation, esprit de corps and stewardship. We accomplish our missions as a team, partnering with the other armed forces in the joint community and with government services that dedicate themselves to defending the U.S. Constitution and protect the Nation’s interests, at home and abroad, against all threats.”
Chapter 2 – The Army as a Profession
2-1. The Army Profession
Our identity, as trusted Army professionals, proceeds from our shared understanding of and respect for those whose legacy we celebrate. We honor this cherished inheritance in our customs, courtesies, and traditions. Units and organizations preserve their storied histories and proudly display distinctive emblems (regimental colors, crests, insignia, patches, and mottos). The campaign streamers on the Army flag remind us of our history of honorable service to the Nation. These symbols recall the sacrifices and preserve the ties with those who preceded us.
Our Army Profession has two mutually supporting communities of practice—
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The Profession of Arms, Soldiers of the Regular Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve.
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The Army Civilian Corps, composed of civilian professionals serving in the Department of the Army.
Profession of Arms: Uniformed members of the Army Profession—Soldiers. This includes the Regular Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve.
The Army Ethic: An evolving set of laws, values, and beliefs, deeply embedded within the core of the Army culture and practiced by all members of the Army Profession to motivate and guide the appropriate conduct of individual members bound together in common moral purpose.
“Professionals are guided by their ethic; the set of principles by which they practice, in the right way, on behalf of those they serve – demonstrating their Character. This is their identity. Likewise, as Army Professionals we perform our Duty according to our Ethic. Doing so reinforces Trust within the profession and with the American people.”
General Raymond T. Odierno
38th Chief of Staff, United States Army
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