Army Nurse Corps Celebrates 125th Anniversary

By Paula Green

“When you’re a nurse, you know that every day you will

touch a life, or a life will touch yours.” ~Unknown

For 125 years, Army nurses have shaped U.S. military history and saved lives. As the Army Nurse Corps marks a milestone this month, we reflect on a legacy that began in the Continental Army and continued through the Civil and Spanish-American Wars.

Continuing this proud tradition, Army nurses consistently deliver exceptional care on the front lines, their unwavering dedication clear in every mission. Whether supporting military operations or engaging in humanitarian efforts, they breathe life into the Corps' spirit. On February 2, 1901, Congress recognized this enduring value by establishing the Army Nurse Corps as a permanent entity.

From the start of the ANC, nurses rose to every challenge. They served in tent hospitals and requisitioned homes with resourcefulness and compassion. They tended to the sick, scrubbed floors, laundered linen, prepared meals, and managed supplies, exemplifying selfless service.

When the United States entered World War I, just 403 Army nurses were on active duty. By November 1918, their numbers had soared to 21,460 officers, including 10,000 serving overseas. During this transformation period, the Corps also proudly welcomed its first African American nurses.

Building on early accomplishments, ANC members have advanced military healthcare. They introduced the first organized battlefield triage system, established rapid evacuation protocols for wounded soldiers, and significantly reduced combat mortality rates. These innovations continue to earn admiration and gratitude.

Today, Army nurses carry this legacy forward. They lead trauma care innovation and have introduced new triage protocols and advanced life-saving procedures. They also spearhead training programs to ensure medical readiness. These include simulation-based workshops and field emergency response drills.

Their ongoing commitment is also evident in missions to Bosnia, Haiti, Guantanamo Bay, and Suriname. In these locations, they have provided on-site medical care, humanitarian relief, and professional medical instruction. This record continues to inspire and shape the future of military medicine.

These special individuals will be honored this month. A 125th Army Nurse Corps celebration will be held on February 6 in Washington, DC.

The celebration ceremony will pay tribute to:

•57,000 Army nurses who that served during WWII,

• 8,000 nurses who served in Vietnam,

• 540 nurses who served on the Korean Peninsula,

• 6,000 who deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, and over

• 6,000 Active and Reserve Officers who serve today.

Northern Connection magazine salutes all the past and present ANC members. Your loyalty and service have been indispensable.