Infantry Branch (United States)

The Infantry Branch is a part of the United States Army that has been important since it was first created in 1775. Infantry soldiers are often the first to go into battle, walking or running toward their goals. They carry guns and other tools to protect their country and defend peace.

These brave men and women train very hard to stay strong and ready. They learn how to work together as a team and how to stay safe in tough situations. Infantry soldiers are known for their courage and skill, and they play a key role in keeping our nation secure.

History

The Infantry Branch of the United States Army began in 1775 when ten companies of riflemen were approved by the Continental Congress on June 14. The oldest Regular Army infantry regiment, the 3rd Infantry Regiment, was created on June 3, 1784, and was called the First American Regiment.

In the early years, Congress added more regiments to the Army. In 1791, the Second Regiment of Infantry was added. Laws in 1798 and 1812 allowed for even more infantry and rifle regiments. By 1815, after the War of 1812, the Army was reduced to eight infantry regiments, later becoming seven in 1821. This started the numbering system still used today.

During the Civil War, the Army grew to include 19 infantry regiments. After the war, more regiments were added, including some made up of Black soldiers and others for veterans. By 1901, Congress allowed five more regiments, bringing the total to 30.

In the 20th century, laws helped organize state militias into what we now call the National Guard. New regiments were added in 1916, and in 1917 a new numbering system was created for Army regiments. This system changed again in 1957 with the Combat Arms Regimental System, which was later updated in 1981.

Today, there are special units like the Armored Cavalry Regiments and the 75th Ranger Regiment. In 2005, the word "regiment" was added to the official names of all Army regiments.

Chief of Infantry

From 1920 to 1942, the Infantry branch was led by the Chief of Infantry, who held the temporary rank of major general. This person was in charge of teaching methods, training, getting new tools, and other important tasks. During World War II, these duties were handled by the commander of Army Ground Forces. Some of the people who served as Chief of Infantry were:

• Major General Charles S. Farnsworth, July 1, 1920 – March 27, 1925
• Major General Robert H. Allen, March 28, 1925 – March 27, 1929
• Major General Stephen O. Fuqua, March 28, 1929 – May 5, 1933
• Major General Edward Croft, May 6, 1933 – April 30, 1937
• Major General George A. Lynch, May 24, 1937 – April 30, 1941
• Major General Courtney H. Hodges, May 31, 1941 – March 9, 1942

Branch insignia

The Infantry Branch of the United States Army uses a special symbol made of two crossed muskets. These muskets are from a design made in 1795. The symbol was first used on November 19, 1875, and has been used ever since, with only small changes in size.

Branch plaque

The plaque for the Infantry Branch has the crossed musket symbol in gold, with a blue background.

Regimental insignia

Soldiers in the Infantry Branch belong to a specific regiment and wear that regiment's symbol.

Regimental coat of arms

Each Infantry regiment has its own special design on a flag. The flag has a blue background with a yellow border, and an eagle carries the regiment's design on its chest.

Branch colors

The main color for the Infantry Branch is Saxony Blue. The Infantry has used both white and light blue as colors over time. White was used during the Revolutionary War until 1851, when light blue was chosen. The colors changed a few times after that. Today, Infantry flags are blue, with white used for letters and symbols on them.

Birthday

The Infantry Branch was created on June 14, 1775. It is the oldest branch of the Army. The first ten companies of riflemen were approved on that date. The oldest Regular Army Infantry Regiment, the 3rd Infantry, was created later, on June 3, 1784.

Current active units

The United States Army Infantry School is located at Fort Benning, Georgia.

The U.S. Army has many infantry divisions and regiments, including:

• 1st Armored Division
• 1st Cavalry Division
• 1st Infantry Division
• 2nd Infantry Division
• 3rd Infantry Division
• 4th Infantry Division
• 7th Infantry Division
• 10th Mountain Division
• 11th Airborne Division
• 25th Infantry Division
• 82nd Airborne Division
• 101st Airborne Division
• 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team
• 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment
• 2nd Cavalry Regiment
• 3rd Cavalry Regiment
• 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)
• 75th Ranger Regiment
• Special Forces

These units are made up of many soldiers who work together to protect the country.

Current types of U.S. Army Infantry

(Comparison with U.S. Marine Corps Infantry)

The U.S. Army has three main types of infantry soldiers: light infantry, Stryker infantry, and mechanized infantry. These soldiers are trained and equipped similarly, but they use different vehicles or methods to reach the battlefield. For example, some can jump out of airplanes, while others ride in special vehicles.

Light infantry soldiers usually walk and are sometimes carried by trucks. They can also be dropped from helicopters during battles. Stryker infantry soldiers ride in armored vehicles called Strykers, which help protect them and give them more firepower. Mechanized infantry soldiers use Bradley Fighting Vehicles and work closely with tanks in combat. Each type of infantry unit has its own structure and equipment to suit different battle needs. All modern U.S. Army rifle platoons contain three nine-man rifle squads.

The U.S. Army Infantryman's Creed

The Infantryman's Creed is a special set of words that show what being an infantry soldier in the U.S. Army means. It talks about how soldiers are strong, brave, and always ready to protect their country. They believe they are the most important part of any battle and promise to never give up, no matter how hard things get. The creed reminds them to stay strong in mind and body and to always support each other. It ends with a powerful promise: "I AM THE INFANTRY! FOLLOW ME!"