The army is not in vain considered a part of the state system, because without it the system simply cannot operate. At all times, any state had to be protected from enemies. Both from internal and external.
The US Armed Forces appeared at a time when immigrants who settled in the United States fought for independence with Britain. Since their opponent was serious enough, everyone was ready to take up arms to protect their interests. And the army of the late 18th century was a militia, ready to confront an external enemy encroaching on their freedom. So the US Armed Forces were created, and so it was until after George Washington defeated Britain, he achieved the creation of a professional army. He believed that it was trained soldiers and officers who were able to defend their country, and the militia could be used only in exceptional cases.
However, very soon, Congress abandoned the idea of maintaining a professional army and reduced it to about a hundred soldiers and officers, who were used only to protect military facilities. This went on for quite some time. In the event of a threat, volunteers joined the small army, often with personal weapons, and if required, a call was made. As soon as the war ended, all mobilized citizens were sent home.
Even when World War II raged, the bulk of the servicemen were not professionals. And after the war ended, by 1946, the U.S. forces were disbanded. Only a few divisions remained, some of which were located in Europe.
But after several decades, the subsequent Korean War, and then the Vietnam War, again forced Congress to think about the need for a professional army. And in 1973, the Pentagon announced the recruitment of military personnel. Now, military service was not only honorable and well paid, but also considered the main job for about 1% of the country's population.
The US Armed Forces accept individuals of a certain age who have American citizenship, good health, and education. In order to become an officer, there are two ways - either specialized military universities, or retraining for bachelors of civilian universities.
Today, the US Armed Forces are composed of several
military branches subordinate to the Secretary of Defense. The only exception is the
Coast Guard, whose units in peacetime are subordinate to the Ministry of National Security. The Ministry of Defense remains in charge of the
ground forces, air force, navy, as well as the marine corps.
All of these types of armed forces include regular troops and reservists.
The reserve is also considered the National Guard, which everyone knows well from the films. Especially often this unit takes part in eliminating the consequences of natural disasters or maintaining order during various unrest. Reservists are people for whom the army exists in addition to the main work, they are involved in case of need. This service is voluntary and, importantly, very honorable. The charters of the armed forces determine that reservists undergo regular training sessions and take part in exercises along with the regular army. For this service they receive a salary, as well as various compensation payments. And in the event of martial law or mobilization, reserves are included in the regular forces and, equating to soldiers, they are also sent to war.