What date did the U.S. Army become a Service?

• A. June 14, 1775
• B. July 4, 1776
• C. September 18, 1947
• D. January 1, 1900

Answer: (A)

The date marks the formation of a unified national military force. On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress established the Continental Army and appointed George Washington as its commander-in-chief, creating a single national army to fight the Revolutionary War. This moment is celebrated as the Army’s birthday because it represents the birth of the U.S. Army as a formal service, distinct from the various state militias.

The other dates correspond to different milestones. July 4, 1776 is when the Declaration of Independence was adopted, not when the Army was formed. September 18, 1947 is the date the National Security Act reorganized the U.S. military and created the Air Force as a separate service. January 1, 1900 is associated with later reorganizations, not the initial creation of the Army as a unified national service.