Americans celebrate the birth of their nation as July 4, 1776, but the Army is actually the country’s “big brother.”

Which makes sense, considering the Continental Army of 1775 — led by future President George Washington — needed to start beating the British in the colonies so Thomas Jefferson could finally get some time to write.

For seven little-known facts about the Army, see this Under the Radar post.

For more Army news and resources, visit Military.com’s Army section.