United States Department of the Army

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, formerly known as the United States Department of War or the War Office and after the defense reorganization of 1949 is now a component of the Department of Defense. It is headed by the Secretary of the Army, a civilian, who is is responsible for the administrative affairs of the the United States Army. The Army Air Force was separated from the army and formed into the United States Air Force The army later raised the United States Army Air Corps which operates helicopter and fixed wing aircraft in tactical support of the army. The highest ranking military officer is the Army Chief of Staff who is assisted by a Vice Chief of Staff.