WINSTON WEEKLY[1]

Vol. 2, No. 20

May 19, 2024

UNIFYING FORCES

Yesterday was Armed Forces Day, a day celebrated annually on the third Saturday in May. The day pays tribute to those actively serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. First announced by Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson in August 1949, Armed Forces Day replaced separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force Days.[2]

Today, the Coast Guard and the Space Force are also part of the military. The Coast Guard is within the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and operates under the Navy during wartime. Active-duty personnel can be deployed at any time, for any length of time. Males account for approximately 84% of active military personnel, with females accounting for approximately 16%.

In addition to active duty, all military branches except for the Space Force have a reserve component which consists of the National Guard and the reserves. Unlike the reserves that are trained and ready to defend the nation during wartime and other national emergencies, the National Guard responds to both state and federal emergencies. Any state governor can activate the National Guard without prior presidential approval.

Military strength in 2024 is expected to be the smallest since WWII. In addition to the military’s physical, mental, and moral standards, increased salaries and benefits offered in the business sector have impacted military recruiting over the past few years.

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITY

Take time to research military service. Whether people or branches, there is much to learn. For example, while we know Elvis Presley as the “King of Rock and Roll,” he is not as well known for serving the Army and achieving the rank of sergeant.

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[1] Copyright May 19, 2024. Please feel free to share with the appropriate attribute. Winston Weekly is a weekly Sunday newsletter by Alysen Bayles, Founder of Bayles and Bruce. “Learn, live, love, read.” Alysen’s views are her own.

[2] Resources: www.militaryonesource.mil; May 20, 2023 Press Release Number CB23-SFS.72 from the United States Census Bureau; www.afd.defense.gov; www.uso.org; and the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.