This Wednesday, April 23, marks the 117th birthday of the United States Army Reserve with its official origins dating back to 1908. In an increasingly complex global environment, today’s Army Reserve is a critical component in supporting and sustaining the Army as it responds to acute threats from across the globe.

There are Army Reserve communities located in every state in the Union, plus the District of Columbia, Guam, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Reservists have been deployed to some 30 countries.

The Army provides the bulk of sustainment forces to the Joint fight, and the bulk of these capabilities reside in the Army Reserve – which means that the Joint force cannot deploy, fight, and win without the Army Reserve. The latter force remains ready to answer the call, providing critical capabilities and ensuring the Army’s readiness for every mission, helping the force meet any challenge.

Because 2025 is the 250th anniversary of the Army, founded in 1775, the Army Reserve has determined to keep its own commemorative events and celebrations to a minimum to prevent distractions from the perhaps more notable Army milestone.

The Army Reserve official site describes it as “the most capable, combat-ready, and lethal Federal Reserve force in the history of the Nation.” While some may still argue the point, there is no denying that the Army Reserve has played a very important role in American military history. It celebrates its birthday every April 23, recalling contributions to two World Wars, the Cold War, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War, and latter missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Office of Army Reserve History, United States Army Reserve Command in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, has uploaded a 20-page document entitled ARMY RESERVE – A CONCISE HISTORY. For military enthusiasts of all ages, the document is well worth a read.