18 Things Americans Never, Ever Knew About the Military
The United States Armed Forces is one of the most powerful and well-equipped militaries in the world. Its long history dates back to before the United States was even formed.
As the nation has grown, so has its military. Today, with a budget that exceeds all other militaries, America’s military is nothing short of prolific. Which is why there is so much information to glean from its seasoned and colorful history.
There are plenty of interesting facts to be mined, from the international businesses launching based on military principles to the celebrities who have served to the next frontier: space. Here are some fun facts Mindfully American pulled from government sites, news articles, and museum sources so that you can discover more about the U.S. military.
1: Entrepreneurial Forces
After World War II, many veterans went on to launch their own businesses. It was, in fact, almost half of veterans who opted for the entrepreneurial route, according to Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Militaries Families.
Over time, this number has since dropped. However, there are still over 2.5 million veterans who run their own companies today, including veteran and indigenous-owned jewelry company Isabella Rose Design Co.; South Dakota’s Timber Ridge Resort Campground; Wyoming’s historic music venue The Lincoln; and dog food operation Piggyback Treats Company.
2: “Ghost Army”
Officially known as the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, the “Ghost Army” enlisted artists and troops to become the Army’s first multimedia tactical deception unit. Famous artists, such as painter Ellsworth Kelly, fashion designer Bill Blass, and photographer Art Kane all served in the Ghost Army.
This division used inflatable rubber tanks, fake radio reports, and dramatic sound effects to trick German soldiers during World War II. The simulation made it feel like 30,000 troops were present.
3: SpaceX Has Ties to the Military
Elon Musk launched his own private space company SpaceX. SpaceX has a classified contract with the American military.
The billionaire’s major network of orbiting satellites is reported to help aid the military’s ground forces. Who knows what they’ll find up there.
4: The Average Soldier Is 28
Even though folks can join the military at 18 years old, the average U.S. military soldier is over a decade older. Active-duty service members average 28.5 years old.
The youngest average age was in the Marine Corps at 25 years old. The oldest average age works at Space Force and is 31 years old.
5: The Army Is Older Than America
America wasn’t declared its own nation until 1776. This means that the Army is slightly older than the United States.
The U.S. Army Center of Military History reports that on June 14, 1775, Continental Congress authorized trained riflemen to enlist and serve the new colonies. George Washington commanded this continental army, making the branch older than our country itself.
6: Honorary Marine Bugs Bunny
Funnily enough, beloved cartoon character Bugs Bunny earned the title of honorary Marine. The Honorary Marine title is extremely rare. Only about 100 people received it.
Master Sgt. Bugs Bunny received this title in 1943. It was Bugs Bunny’s performance in “Super-Rabbit” that earned him this honor. Semper Fi!
7: Fighting Battles in Space
During the Trump Administration in 2019, the Space Force became the newest addition to join the armed forces. Before the Space Force, the most recent branch to join was the Air Force, created in 1947.
There are six main branches of the U.S. military. This includes the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and, most recently, Space Force. Chief of Space Operations General B. Chance Saltzman leads Space Force, headquartered at the Pentagon.
8: One of the World’s Largest Militaries
According to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the United States runs the world’s third-largest active military. It matches the population of Chicago, America’s third-most populated city.
The U.S. employs nearly three million people around the world with its military operations. China and India are the only two nations whose militaries outsize America’s.
9: “Foo Fighters,” Not Just a Band
Foo Fighters isn’t just a 1990s American rock band from Seattle. The phrase “foo fighters” actually originated during World War II.
American and English pilots experienced what can only be described as otherworldly, where bright lights appeared in the air then disappeared as soon as they arrived. The military pilots dubbed these UFOs “foo fighters.”
10: Celebrities Serve
It’s not just the average Joe or Jane who enlists in the military. Throughout American history, famous people have also joined the ranks.
MC Hammer joined the Navy, Adam Driver enlisted in the Marine Corps, and Ice-T served four years in the Army. Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, and Clint Eastwood also served their country. All forged on to create illustrious careers in showbiz.
11: JFK and the Green Beret
President John F. Kennedy helped create the image of the Special Forces and their iconic green berets. As JFK prepared for his visit to North Carolina’s Fort Bragg (now called Fort Liberty), he asked the brigadier general to require all the Special Forces troops to wear their green berets for the president’s visit.
Before JFK arrived, the Army made the green beret part of the official uniform for Special Forces. Because of these hats, Special Forces are nicknamed the Green Berets. People can visit the Fort Liberty John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center to learn more about JFK’s influence.
12: America’s Largest Employer
The Department of Defense (DOD) is one of the world’s largest employers. With about 2.91 million employees on the payroll, the DOD employs active-duty soldiers, civilians, and contractors.
Out of all of the military branches, the Army employs the most. The Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard employ over one million people.
13: A Marine Created FedEx
After serving two tours in Vietnam and receiving two Purple Hearts, a Marine named Fred Smith saw a way to launch his own company. He observed how the United States would transport items from place to place and saw a need for a new overnight delivery service.
The result: Federal Express. Smith credits the basic principles and leadership of the Marine Corps for the founding of FedEx, saying that these bedrocks are embedded into his game-changing company.
14: Largest Private Collection of Military Vehicles
In 2012, Dan Starks bought a military tank. Today, this civilian has amassed over 500 military vehicles, making his the largest private collection of military vehicles in the United States.
Starks opened the National Museum of Military Vehicles in 2020. Near Yellowstone National Park, this Wyoming-based museum features his collection, which includes an 1897 airplane, an M60 Main Battle Tank, motorcycles, jeeps, and historic NAVY vessels.
15: The Enlisted President
Throughout American history, the only U.S. President to enlist in the military and never become an officer was the 15th president. James Buchanan, an attorney, diplomat, and president, never decided to graduate to a military officer.
President Buchanan was also a known bachelor. He never married.
16: California Has the Most Veterans
Maybe it’s California’s ocean or the sunshine that attracts veterans who’ve served. The Golden State has more military veterans than any other state in the United States.
California has over 1.8 million people who have served in the military. That’s 7.3% of the nation’s total veteran population.
17: Book Smart
Military troops, on average, are more educated than Americans who have not joined the military. The U.S. military requires those who enlist to have at least a GED or a high school diploma.
This means military troops have at least a high school education. By contrast, of the general American population, only 60% earned a high school education.
18: On the Move
While many non-service families tend to stay put, military families often relocate. In fact, military families move, on average, every two to three years.
This means that military families relocate 10 times more often than civilian families. It’s considered part of the job.
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