The army reserves – a proud long tradition
The Army Reserves can trace its beginning back to 1908 when the Army was authorized by Congress to establish a reserve corps of medical officers. This was that nation’s first federal reserve and within four years, a regular Army Reserve would be authorized, as well.
The first time that the Army Reserve would be called to service was during the 1916 tensions between Mexico and the United States. The purpose of the call up was to provide additional strength in numbers. This first mobilization was a very important development and showed the potential for the Army Reserve.
The National Defense Act of 1916 would establish the Officers and Enlisted Reserve Corps, as well as the Reserve Officers Training Corps. When America entered World War I, there are over 50,000 reservists. Just one decade earlier, there had been none. By the end of the war, the reservists who served would number over 170,000. Since that time, Army Reservists have participated in every major conflict involving the United States. Only about 11,000 couldn’t serve, with some being too old or serving as Congressmen and judges.
There were many Army Reservists who would become well known for their military services. Theodore Roosevelt was the first general to land on D-Day. Ronald Regan would serve during World War II, but his fame would come later in life. By the end of the war, over half of the soldiers fighting would be from the Army Reserve.
During the Korean War, almost a quarter of a million Reservists would be called to duty. While this war was still ongoing, Congress started changing the structure of the Army Reserve. There would now be three types of Reservists – the Ready Reserve, the Standby Reserve, and the Retired Reserve. The President would have the authority to call up one million Reservists – from all branches of the Armed Forces – to active duty when necessary.
Vietnam would see the smallest numbers of Reservists called up, but there were still 33 Reserve units deployed to this conflict. The next major call up would be in 1990, with the invasion of Kuwait. Over 84,000 Army Reservists were called up and supported all branches of the Armed Forces in locations around the world. Since that time, the Army Reserve has almost always been engaged somewhere around the world. Deployments have included Iraq, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, and Yugoslavia. Currently, there are thousands of Army Reservists serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
If you or a loved one has served in the Army Reserve, then you should consider honoring that service with an Army ring. One of the best things about these rings is that they can be customized for each individual soldier. You can choose between several precious metals, semi-precious stones, insignia and emblems, and even engraving on the inside of band. It’s easy to order an Army ring online and you can have it shipped almost anywhere in the world. There is no better gift for a loved one whose service, dedication, and sacrifice have helped keep this country safe.
The History of the United States Army Band
Even before the United States Army was created in 1775, musicians have had an integral role in the military. From the drummers in the Signal Corps during the Revolutionary War to the World War II brass bands, music has always been part of the Army. The United States Army Band members fulfill a special need in today’s Army – they make music while serving their country. Some performances are for ceremonial reasons, while other performances may be to help boost the soldiers’ morale. The history of the United States Army band is long and proud.
The first military band for America was commanded by none other than Benjamin Franklin. Fife players and various other musicians marched with over 1,000 soldiers. This was the first documented appearance of musicians in the military. There were also several regiments in the Army that performed for ceremonies and other special occasions. During the Revolutionary War in 1775, the musicians created the steady, pounding rhythms that helped the new milita to drill. The colonists used military bands to play patriotic arrangements at rallies to increase support as the war intensified. Some battles, such as the Battle of Bennington, may have been successful due to the musicians playing well into enemy positions.
By 1777, drums and trumpets were used to control the movements of cavalry regiments. Many times, drum calls were used instead of verbal commands. The soldiers learned to respond to the beat of the drum. In 1781, musicians such as drummers and fifers were picked from the ranks and were then exempt from soldierly duties. During the 1830s, brass instruments were add and it really changed the overall sound and the size of the band. With a salary of only $8.00 a month for bandsmen, there was never any shortage of men signing up for this musical duty.
During the Civil War from 1861-1865, the military grew to rely more on military musicians to position troops and motivate them on to victory. They entertained troops and raised morale. In fact, some musicians actually played a form of concert while they were in the foremost position during a battle.
By the 1920s, the Army had implemented a band training program in an attempt to rival the military bands of Great Britain and France. General John J. Pershing believed that this training program was essential to helping create an Army Band that would keep morale high. In fact, one of the most prestigious Army bands to day is called “Pershing’s Own.” The training was designed by the New York Symphony conductor at the time. General Pershing’s most significant change in the United States Army band was the increase in members from 28 to 48, which gave the band a full instrumentation that still exists today.
Through next sixty years, the Army bands would go through even more changes. These bands would accompany combat units during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. During Desert Strom and Desert Shield, the bands performed many ceremonies and concerts, but also helped guard the perimeters. Today, the Army Bands perform for both soldiers and civilians alike.
One of the best ways to recognize a member of this elite group of musical soldiers is with an Army Band ring. You can create a personalized Army Band ring that any Army musician would be proud to wear. You can order an Army Band ring online and have it delivered anywhere in the world.
Military Service Rings
From the time you entered the service of your country you have been filled with an element of pride from day one. Those hard days spent training for the years ahead, and lets be honest there were sometimes during that training when the drill instructor with his shouting and roaring probably made you question why the hell you were there.
Quite a lot of us in the military are there because its tradition, our fathers, brothers and relatives were in the service and probably fought in some campaign that we now read about in the history books. We probably look in some shadowbox and find the military service rings that were once worn by these brave soldiers.
Army Rings
A very popular range in military service rings is the Army Ring as this particular ring can be customized for almost all departments of the Army. The present campaigns that the military is involved in can be represented by the images and emblems that are available from the selected range. Going back to earlier conflicts like the 1st World War and indeed the 2nd World War there are side emblems and text available for the customization of these military service rings.
Air Force Rings
This very capable department of the armed forces is a group of highly trained men and women that fly some of the fastest and expensive planes in the world today. They have been instrumental in the defeat of tyrants both in this century and indeed the last. They fly planes from bases here in the United States and airbases in host countries around the world. I have been lucky enough to have sailed with the US Navy and observed with awe this skilled pilots land on carriers out in the ocean and also delighted of offer a fine selection of military service rings for this department.
Navy Service Rings
Patrolling the oceans and seas of the world and staying away from family and friends for periods of over six months or more we have a wonderful selection in the military service rings range for all Navy personnel to choose from
Marine Corps Service Rings
A tough and well trained group of men that make up the backbone of any military and are in the midst of battle wherever there is one. Trained in places like Camp Lejune, North Carolina and Camp Pendleton, California these men are capable of surviving for weeks on end relying on the most basic needs of humans and will still get the job done. The range of images and emblems from the military service rings range will allow you to create the perfect Marine Ring.
Coast Guard Service Rings
They patrol our seas and keep those bad guys away from our shores both day and night. Choose your military service rings from our selection.
Army Rings
We feature a complete selection of custom designed military rings for each branch of the US Army.
