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.