The Pentagon's Pillar
An authoritative guide to the United States Department of the Army, detailing its organization, history, and operational framework.
Department Overview ๐ Explore Structure ๐๏ธDive in with Flashcard Learning!
๐ฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ฎ
Department Overview
Foundational Role
The Department of the Army (DA) serves as a principal military department within the United States Department of Defense (DoD). It is the federal agency responsible for organizing, training, and equipping the United States Army. The department is headed by the Secretary of the Army, a civilian appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, ensuring civilian oversight of military affairs.
Strategic Alignment
Operating under the authority of the Secretary of Defense, the Department of the Army executes its mission to provide forces for the employment of Army combat arms, combat support, and combat service support forces. The highest-ranking military officer within the department is the Chief of Staff of the Army, who also holds a seat on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Historical Context
As a successor to the original Department of War (formed in 1789), the Department of the Army was established following the National Security Act of 1947. This pivotal legislation reorganized the U.S. military structure, creating separate departments for the Army and the newly formed Air Force, effective September 18, 1947.
Historical Evolution
Origins in War Department
The Department of the Army traces its lineage directly back to the Department of War, established in 1789 as one of the executive departments of the U.S. federal government. This department managed military affairs for over 150 years, overseeing the Army's development and operations through numerous conflicts and periods of national expansion.
Post-War Reorganization
The National Security Act of 1947 marked a significant transformation. It mandated the separation of the Department of War into two distinct military departments: the Department of the Army and the Department of the Air Force. This restructuring aimed to create a more streamlined and integrated national security apparatus in the post-World War II era.
Headquarters Establishment
The Department of the Army's primary headquarters is located at The Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia. This central location facilitates coordination and command across the vast network of Army commands and installations, serving as the nerve center for the land service branch.
Organizational Framework
Dual Staff Structure
The Department of the Army's headquarters operates with a dual-staff system, comprising the Office of the Secretary of the Army (the civilian secretariat) and the Army Staff (the military staff). This structure ensures both civilian leadership and military operational expertise guide the department's functions.
Secretariat Leadership
The Office of the Secretary of the Army is led by the Secretary, supported by the Under Secretary and the Administrative Assistant. Key functional areas are managed by civilian Assistant Secretaries and the General Counsel, each appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
Army Staff Functions
The Army Staff, led by the Chief of Staff, is organized into directorates responsible for specific areas such as personnel (G-1), intelligence (G-2), operations/plans/training (G-3/5/7), logistics (G-4), finance (G-8), and installations (G-9). These directorates are typically headed by Lieutenant Generals.
Key Leadership Roles
Secretary of the Army
The Secretary of the Army is the civilian head of the department, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. They are responsible for all affairs within the Department of the Army, operating under the direction of the Secretary of Defense. This role ensures civilian control over the U.S. Army.
Chief of Staff of the Army
The Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA) is the highest-ranking military officer in the Department of the Army. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the CSA advises the President and the Secretary of Defense on military matters and oversees the Army Staff's operations and strategic planning.
Under Secretary and Vice Chief
The Under Secretary of the Army serves as the principal deputy to the Secretary, while the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army is the principal deputy to the Chief of Staff. These senior leaders play critical roles in managing the department's day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives.
Major Commands
Army Commands (ACOMs)
These are major formations directly subordinate to the Chief of Staff of the Army, responsible for broad operational missions:
- U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM): Manages the majority of the Army's active duty and reserve component forces.
- U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC): Focuses on modernizing the Army through research, development, and integration of new technologies.
- U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC): Manages the Army's logistics, sustainment, and supply chain operations.
- U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC): Responsible for recruiting, training, and educating soldiers, and developing doctrine.
Army Service Component Commands (ASCCs)
These commands align with the geographic combatant commands and execute Army responsibilities within specific regions:
- U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF): Supports U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command.
- U.S. Army Central (ARCENT) / Third Army: Supports U.S. Central Command.
- U.S. Army North (ARNORTH) / Fifth Army: Supports U.S. Northern Command.
- U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC): Supports U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
- U.S. Army South (ARSOUTH) / Sixth Army: Supports U.S. Southern Command.
Financial Overview
Fiscal Year 2022 Budget
For Fiscal Year 2022, the Department of the Army was allocated an annual budget of approximately $174.7 billion. This significant funding supports personnel, operations, research and development, procurement, and infrastructure necessary for maintaining the U.S. Army's global readiness and capabilities.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio
Click here to open the "United States Department Of The Army" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- 10ย U.S.C.ย รยงย 7013
- 10ย U.S.C.ย รยงย 162
- 10ย U.S.C.ย รยงย 7014
- 10ย U.S.C.ย รยงย 7031
- 10ย U.S.C.ย รยงย 7032
- US Army War College (USAWC) School of Strategic Landpower (2019-2020) How the Army Runs: a senior leader reference handbook 32nd edition. 560 pages
- United States Code (1956) TITLE 10 AND TITLE 32, UNITED STATES CODE
- CID Command Group
- Organization, United States Army
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This content has been generated by an AI model and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available data, primarily from Wikipedia, and may not reflect the most current information or official positions. The U.S. Department of the Army is a complex organization, and this overview is not exhaustive.
This is not official U.S. Army guidance. The information provided does not constitute official military advice, policy, or doctrine. Always consult official U.S. Army publications and directives for accurate and up-to-date information. Reliance on this content for official purposes is strictly discouraged.
The creators of this page are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of the Army and are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.