From the appointment of the first uniformed Army engineers by the Continental Congress on 16 June 1775, over the last 250 years U.S. Army Engineers have evolved to encompass the twin pillars of modern engineer operations, providing engineering expertise to the Army, and responding to the nation’s toughest engineering and environmental challenges. Today, under the Chief of Engineers, more than 84,000 Army Engineer Soldiers serve in active duty, reserve, and National Guard troop units and around 36,000 largely civilian members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) serve the nation.  

This year we celebrate the nation's 250th birthday with the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. USACE will recognize and celebrate Independence not just on July 4th, but throughout the year.