National Army

The National Army was the combined conscript and volunteer force that was was formed by the United States War Department in 1917 to fight in World War I. The National Army was formed from the old corps of the United States Army, augmented by units of the United States National Guard and a large draft of able bodied males.

Related Topics:
Conscript - United States War Department - 1917 - World War I - United States Army - United States National Guard - Draft

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At its height, the National Army reached over two million men. Promotions within the National Army were quick, with most Regular Army officers receiving double and triple promotions within a space of only two years. Dwight Eisenhower entered the National Army as a Captain and was a Lieutenant Colonel one year later. Douglas MacArthur was also advanced quickly in the National Army, rising from Major to Brigadier General in two years.

Related Topics:
Dwight Eisenhower - Captain - Lieutenant Colonel - Douglas MacArthur - Major - Brigadier General

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The National Army was disbanded in 1920 and all personnel who had held ranks in the National Army were reverted to Regular Army status. One National Army Colonel, George S. Patton, returned to the Regular Army as a Captain.

Related Topics:
1920 - Colonel - George S. Patton - Captain

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During World War II, the Army of the United States was formed as a successor to the National Army. The Army of the United States operated on the same principals as its predecessor, combining Regular Army, National Guard, and conscript forces into one fighting unit. The Army of the United States also incorporated Reserve forces, something that the National Army had not done, since in World War I the military reserves were a very new concept.

Related Topics:
World War II - Army of the United States - World War I

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