The U.S. Army is the land service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. It is the largest and oldest branch of the U.S. military, with its roots tracing back to the Continental Army established in 1775. The U.S. Army's primary mission is to "fight and win our Nation’s wars, by providing prompt, sustained, land dominance, across the full range of military operations and spectrum of conflict, in support of combatant commanders".
The Army provides trained and ready forces for land combat, and it plays a vital role in national defense. It is composed of three components: the Regular Army, the Army National Guard, and the U.S. Army Reserve. The Army offers a wide range of career paths, and is responsible for military certifications and licenses related to numerous occupations. The Integrated Personnel and Pay System - Army (IPPS-A) is used to manage personnel and pay.
