CHAPTER ONE

GROUND ATTACK

When facing a fierce enemy, who are the first forces sent into combat? Army soldiers lead the ground attack. Army soldiers fire weapons, launch missiles, and operate radar. Army officers lead the troops and make crucial battlefield decisions.

The Army is the largest branch of the United States Armed Forces. Other branches of the Armed Forces are the Marine Corps, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard. The Army is in charge of all land warfare. Army soldiers may also perform humanitarian and peacekeeping duties.

U.S. soldiers wear protective clothing and carry their equipment with them.

U.S. Humanitarian Assistance insures that food and other vital supplies reach populations in need after a war or large-scale emergency.

The U.S. Army is one of the largest and most powerful in the entire world. It has more than 488,000 active duty soldiers. The Army also has about 189,000 Reserve soldiers. Reserve soldiers are called to duty when needed during a national emergency or global conflict.

Army Structure

Soldier's Rank Insignias

Because the Army is so large, it is organized into units.