The US Army logo is adorned with heroism and awards. The emblem demonstrates protection and support for the country in difficult times. The troops’ victory is possible thanks to a good foundation and a clear charter by which the military lives.
US Army: Brand overview
Founded: | 14 June 1775 |
Headquarters: | The Pentagon, Arlington County, Virginia, U.S. |
Website: | army.mil |
The US Army is one of the United States Armed Forces and one of eight United States military forces. It is the oldest and main military branch, which originates in the Continental Army, which appeared in 1775 to conduct the American Revolutionary War – before the United States became a single country. Following the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, the current United States Army founded the Congress of the Confederation to replace the disbanded Continental Army. Thus, it became its institutional and historical continuation. It is headquartered at the Virginia State Pentagon.
Despite the many military resistances that occurred during the formative stages of the country, the authorities saw no need for a standing US Army. Therefore, at the end of the war, the Continental Army members were issued certificates for the land, and it was disbanded. Such action reflects mistrust in the permanent military structure of the republic and even fear of it.
Therefore, the state militias became the representatives of the only ground force of the new country. But due to the protracted conflict with the indigenous population, it soon became clear that the country needed a constant and well-trained force. The United States Army currently has ten active divisions, one mobile headquarters, and several separate units. It expands and shrinks as it becomes strategically necessary.
Meaning and History
The identity of the basic US military force is a great example of resilience, resistance, and loyalty. It has remained unchanged for many years, having survived the Indian Wars, Mexico Incursions, and two World Wars. The only changes concerned the inscriptions: in 1947, the phrase “War Office” was replaced by “Department of the Army,” and the date “1775” appeared.
2001 – 2023
The modern emblem appeared in 2001 and was immediately adopted. It was ordered from the professional advertising agency Leo Burnett Worldwide. The designer chose understandable and symbolic signs for it, so as a result, it turned out to be versatile but laconic. The logo consists of two parts, separated from each other: they are in different geometric shapes.
A white star with black and yellow edging is located in the center of the black triangle. It has rounded corners, and a yellow edging with a black duplicating strip runs along the entire perimeter. In the horizontal rectangle below, the words “USARMY” are visible. All letters are capital, white, chopped. “U,” “S,” and “R” have cut corners, so they look geometric. The lettering has the same background and border as the star.
2023 – today
Global branding agency Siegel+Gale joined forces with the marketing communications network DDB to transform the US Army brand. The redesigned logo was introduced as part of a recruitment campaign for the armed forces. The clean and fresh design is aimed at modern youth: it is meant to inspire the current generation to join the army to protect their nation.
The new emblem consists of a five-pointed star and the dark inscription “U.S. Army.” These elements are no longer enclosed in separate quadrilaterals but are placed side by side to create a sense of openness and unlimited possibilities. The star is outlined in a wide gold contour, while it remains empty inside. The brand name is executed in a strict military-style font – straight, bold, and sans-serif. Massive square dots follow the “U” and “S,” which, in this case, look brutal. Each logo color is inspired by gunpowder ingredients:
- white – saltpeter;
- gold – sulfur;
- black – charcoal.
But now, they are joined by the so-called “Army Green” – the new official US Army shade allowed to be used as a background.
US Army the Seal (1775-today)
A key mark of the United States military, introduced in 1775, is based on the classic roundel shape, whose structure has been preserved for centuries. It consists of a central part, surrounded by a circular line, and a wide strip with an inscription, where the names of the organizations and the year of their origin are placed. Therefore, in the middle of the seal is the country’s main historical figure and a national treasure; its mascot is the bald eagle.
His head is proudly turned in profile and looks to the left. In the bird’s beak is a long fluttering ribbon of gold with the Latin inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The wings are wide open as if they show the breadth of the protected area. Thirteen silver arrows and a branch of a laurel tree with leaves and fruits are clamped in the powerful paws of the eagle. Between them is the open tail of the formidable amulet of American lands.
On the bird’s body, below the line of the white head, the state flag is placed. Moreover, its wide blue stripe is on top, and narrow white-red ones – on the bottom. The stars denoting the states are enclosed in a curly circle in the form of a flower and are gathered above the eagle’s head. They are set against a blue background, surrounded by a golden space, which, in turn, is surrounded by a white border.
All of these elements are underpinned by a green circle outlined with a yellow line. A wide black stripe follows it with the words “United States” (above) and “Army” (below), separated by eight five-pointed stars – 4 on each side. Next comes a stroke, consisting of three lines – one thin (inner) and two middle (outer).
US Army: Interesting Facts
The United States Army, a crucial part of the U.S. Armed Forces, has a long history filled with tradition, technological progress, and a role in defending the nation and aiding worldwide operations.
- Origins: Established on June 14, 1775, by the Continental Congress, the Army is the oldest branch of the U.S. military, starting even before the Declaration of Independence.
- Size Matters: It’s one of the biggest parts of the military. Its size has changed from a few hundred in peaceful 19th-century times to millions during World War II.
- Tech Pioneers: The Army has led in tech innovation in warfare, even helping to develop the internet with the ARPANET project in the late 1960s.
- West Point: Since 1802, the United States Military Academy at West Point has trained military and civilian leaders, including presidents and foreign dignitaries.
- Versatile Missions: Besides fighting wars, the Army also does peacekeeping, disaster relief, and humanitarian aid, showing its wide reach and versatility.
- National Guard and Reserve: In addition to the regular Army, the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve are key to national defense and responding to emergencies within the U.S. The National Guard also has state missions.
- Medal of Honor: This top U.S. military honor goes to those who show extraordinary bravery and sacrifice. Many Army personnel have received this medal.
- Buffalo Soldiers: After the Civil War, African American soldiers served in the Western U.S. as part of the first peacetime all-black units in the Army.
- Worldwide Footprint: The Army has bases and troops around the globe, ready to respond to international crises and project U.S. power.
- Futures Command: Created in 2018, this command focuses on modernizing the Army and incorporating new technologies, such as cyber warfare, AI, and advanced vehicles and weapons.
- Going Green: The Army is working on being more environmentally friendly by saving energy, using renewable resources, and reducing its carbon footprint.
The U.S. Army has been a significant force in American and global history, constantly adapting with a mix of tradition and innovation to meet new security challenges.
Font and Colors
Army symbols consist of the inherent signs of statehood. These are the bald eagle, the personification and mascot of the United States, a laurel branch, silver arrows, a flag, and five-pointed stars. The US Army logo features a single star with double edging with sharp beams.
The typeface used for the inscription is Machine Medium. Its creator is the graphic studio Ronne Bonder & Tom Carnase. The closest free font similar to it is NFL Dolphins.
The emblem’s signature palette matches the official army colors, including black, gold, and white. They are complemented by camouflage green in the logo.
US Army color codes
Tangerine Yellow | Hex color: | #ffcc00 |
---|---|---|
RGB: | 255 204 0 | |
CMYK: | 0 20 100 0 | |
Pantone: | PMS 7549 C |
Black | Hex color: | #000000 |
---|---|---|
RGB: | 0 0 0 | |
CMYK: | 0 0 0 100 | |
Pantone: | PMS Process Black C |