How does the U.S. Army contribute to the defense and security of the United States?

The United States Army is a primary branch of the U.S. armed forces charged with the defense of the country and the preservation of peace and security. It provides the majority of the nation's ground forces and operates under the Department of Defense.12

The Army contributes to national security through several key functions:

• Combat Readiness: The Department of the Army is responsible for training, equipping, and providing combat-ready forces to unified combat commands, which execute military operations globally.2
• Operational Commands: Through various commands, the Army manages specialized tasks, including electronic and information warfare, cybersecurity, intelligence, and the development and maintenance of military equipment.3
• Civil and Humanitarian Support: Beyond military operations, the Army assists federal, state, and local agencies during natural disasters, provides emergency medical air transportation, and administers federal environmental protection programs.3
• Infrastructure and Civil Works: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages critical civil functions, such as flood control, the maintenance of navigable waterways, and military engineering projects.32