The Continental Army was founded by the Second Continental Congress for purposes of common defense.

This event is considered to be the birth of the United States Army.

The U.S. Army and Military Careers
Author: Earle Rice Jr.
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2699-5
Publication Year: 2006
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128

From a ragtag collection of former colonial militia to the cutting-edge fighting force of the twenty-first century, the United States Army has always answered the call to serve its country. Today, its members are needed throughout the world to protect U.S. interests, provide humanitarian aid, and to maintain peace. The U.S. Army and Military Careers takes the reader inside this military branch’s history, describing its current operations and structure, exploring the career paths it offers, and spotlighting the equipment and the soldiers who keep America free.