The Seal of the United States Army is a symbol of the Army's rich history, its values, and its mission to protect the nation. The seal is also known as the Department of the Army Seal, and it is used to represent the Army on official documents, flags, and other materials. The current design of the seal was adopted in 1974, but its history dates back to the 19th century.
History of the Seal

The first seal of the United States Army was created in 1778, during the American Revolution. The seal featured a design that included a rattlesnake, a liberty cap, and the motto “This We’ll Defend.” The rattlesnake was a symbol of the American colonies, and the liberty cap represented the fight for independence. The motto “This We’ll Defend” reflected the Army’s commitment to defending the nation.
Over the years, the design of the seal has undergone several changes. In 1861, the seal was modified to include a design that featured a flag, a cannon, and a pair of crossed muskets. The flag represented the United States, the cannon represented the Army's firepower, and the crossed muskets represented the Army's strength. This design was used until 1974, when the current design was adopted.
Current Design
The current design of the Seal of the United States Army features a design that includes a blue field with a white five-pointed star in the center. The star is surrounded by a circle that includes the words “Department of the Army” at the top and the motto “This We’ll Defend” at the bottom. The blue field represents the sky and the oceans that surround the nation, while the white star represents the Army’s values of purity, innocence, and wisdom.
The design of the seal also includes a series of symbols that represent the Army's history and mission. The five points of the star represent the five branches of the Army: the infantry, the artillery, the cavalry, the engineers, and the signal corps. The circle that surrounds the star represents the unity and wholeness of the Army, while the motto "This We'll Defend" reflects the Army's commitment to defending the nation.
Symbol | Meaning |
---|---|
Blue Field | Represents the sky and the oceans that surround the nation |
White Star | Represents the Army's values of purity, innocence, and wisdom |
Five Points of the Star | Represent the five branches of the Army |
Circle | Represents the unity and wholeness of the Army |
Motto "This We'll Defend" | Reflects the Army's commitment to defending the nation |

Key Points
- The Seal of the United States Army was first created in 1778 during the American Revolution.
- The current design of the seal was adopted in 1974 and features a blue field with a white five-pointed star in the center.
- The design of the seal includes a series of symbols that represent the Army's history and mission, including the five points of the star, the circle, and the motto "This We'll Defend".
- The seal is used to represent the Army on official documents, flags, and other materials.
- The seal reflects the Army's values of purity, innocence, and wisdom, as well as its commitment to defending the nation.
Use of the Seal

The Seal of the United States Army is used to represent the Army on official documents, flags, and other materials. The seal is also used on Army uniforms, vehicles, and equipment. The use of the seal is regulated by the Army’s regulations, and it is only authorized for use by official Army organizations and personnel.
The seal is also used on a variety of Army symbols, including the Army flag, the Army crest, and the Army logo. The Army flag features the seal on a blue field, while the Army crest features the seal on a shield. The Army logo features the seal on a circular background, surrounded by the words "United States Army" and the motto "This We'll Defend".
Regulations
The use of the Seal of the United States Army is regulated by the Army’s regulations, which outline the authorized use of the seal and the procedures for obtaining permission to use it. The regulations also outline the design and color specifications for the seal, as well as the authorized sizes and formats for its use.
The regulations require that the seal be used in a dignified and respectful manner, and that it not be used for commercial or personal purposes. The regulations also require that the seal be used in conjunction with other Army symbols, such as the Army flag and the Army crest, and that it not be used in a way that could be considered disrespectful or demeaning.
What is the history of the Seal of the United States Army?
+The Seal of the United States Army was first created in 1778 during the American Revolution. The current design of the seal was adopted in 1974 and features a blue field with a white five-pointed star in the center.
What does the Seal of the United States Army represent?
+The Seal of the United States Army represents the Army’s values of purity, innocence, and wisdom, as well as its commitment to defending the nation. The design of the seal includes a series of symbols that represent the Army’s history and mission.
How is the Seal of the United States Army used?
+The Seal of the United States Army is used to represent the Army on official documents, flags, and other materials. The seal is also used on Army uniforms, vehicles, and equipment. The use of the seal is regulated by the Army’s regulations, and it is only authorized for use by official Army organizations and personnel.