The United States Army (USA) is the largest branch of the United States Armed Forces and performs land-based military operations. It is one of the seven uniformed services of the United States and is designated as the Army of the United States in the United States Constitution, Article 2, Section 2, Clause 1 and United States Code, Title 10, Subtitle B, Chapter 301, Section 3001. As the largest and senior branch of the U.S. military, the modern U.S. Army has its roots in the Continental Army, which was formed (14 June 1775) to fight the American Revolutionary War (1775–83)—before the U.S. was established as a country. After the Revolutionary War, the Congress of the Confederation created the United States Army on 3 June 1784, to replace the disbanded Continental Army. The United States Army considers itself descended from the Continental Army, and dates its institutional inception from the origin of that armed force in 1775.
Today we’ve got some really interesting facts about America’s military. From a super, top secret Velcro to a super computer made out of PlayStation 3s, get ready for some facts we bet you didn’t know!!!
1. The US military has developed a super, top secret type of Velcro that is almost entirely silent. In fact, the ripping noise is reduced by about 95% percent to keep our troops safe. You can bet we won’t be getting this put on our uniforms for a while
2. Stores on military bases around the United States don’t accept pennies as payment because they’re too heavy and not cost-effective to ship.
3. After World War II, the Department Of War was renamed the Department Of Defense.
4. In 2010, the United States government used over 1,700 PlayStation 3’s to build a super computer for the Department of Defense. Why? It was more cost efficient and green.
5. Our Department of Defense is the largest employer in the world at 3.2 million people. Who falls behind? Walmart is number 3!
6. Did you know that non-lubricated condoms can carry a liter of water? Did you know it’s part of the United States Military Standard Issue Parachute Pack Survival Kit? They’re not just distributed among the armed forces for safe sex, but as an emergency water canteen!