View source for United States Army Corps of Engineers

== Overview ==

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is a federal agency under the Department of Defense and a major Army command made up of approximately 37,000 civilian and military personnel, making it one of the world's largest public engineering, design, and construction management agencies. The USACE provides vital public engineering services in peace and war to strengthen national security, energize the economy, and reduce risks from disasters. Its mission includes a wide array of responsibilities, from managing water resources to constructing military facilities.

== History ==

The origins of the United States Army Corps of Engineers date back to the Revolutionary War. Established on June 16, 1775, by the Continental Congress, the Corps was initially tasked with fortifying positions and constructing defenses for the Continental Army. The Corps was formally organized as a permanent, distinct branch of the Army in 1802. Throughout the 19th century, the Corps played a crucial role in the exploration and mapping of the American frontier and the construction of fortifications, lighthouses, and other public works.

During the Civil War, the Corps was instrumental in constructing fortifications and bridges, and its engineers played significant roles in major battles. In the 20th century, the Corps expanded its mission to include civil works, such as flood control and navigation improvements. The Flood Control Act of 1936 marked a significant expansion of the Corps' role in civil engineering projects.

== Organizational Structure ==

The USACE is organized into a headquarters, nine divisions, and 43 districts. Each division is responsible for a specific geographic area and oversees the districts within its boundaries. The divisions are further divided into districts, which are responsible for executing projects and managing resources in their respective areas. The headquarters, located in Washington, D.C., provides policy direction and oversight for the entire organization.

The divisions are:

1. Great Lakes and Ohio River Division
2. Mississippi Valley Division
3. North Atlantic Division
4. Northwestern Division
5. Pacific Ocean Division
6. South Atlantic Division
7. South Pacific Division
8. Southwestern Division
9. Transatlantic Division

== Functions and Responsibilities ==

=== Military Construction ===

The USACE is responsible for the design and construction of military facilities for the Army and Air Force. This includes barracks, training facilities, hospitals, and airfields. The Corps also provides engineering support to other Department of Defense agencies and foreign military sales programs.

=== Civil Works ===

The civil works mission of the USACE encompasses a wide range of activities, including flood risk management, navigation, ecosystem restoration, and water supply. The Corps operates and maintains more than 700 dams and 12,000 miles of commercial inland navigation channels. It also manages numerous recreation areas and is involved in environmental protection and restoration projects.

=== Emergency Management ===

The USACE plays a critical role in disaster response and recovery. It provides engineering expertise and support to federal, state, and local agencies during natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. The Corps is also responsible for maintaining and operating the nation's flood control infrastructure.

=== Environmental Stewardship ===

Environmental stewardship is a key component of the USACE's mission. The Corps is involved in numerous projects aimed at restoring and protecting ecosystems, including wetlands restoration, habitat conservation, and pollution control. The Corps also works to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations in all its projects.

== Notable Projects ==

=== Mississippi River and Tributaries Project ===

The Mississippi River and Tributaries Project is one of the largest flood control projects in the world. Initiated in response to the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, the project includes levees, floodways, and reservoirs designed to manage the flow of the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

=== Hoover Dam ===

The USACE played a significant role in the construction of the Hoover Dam, one of the most iconic engineering projects in the United States. Completed in 1936, the dam provides hydroelectric power, water supply, and flood control for the southwestern United States.

=== Everglades Restoration ===

The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan is a joint effort between the USACE and the state of Florida to restore the natural flow of water in the Everglades. The project aims to improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, and ensure a sustainable water supply for South Florida.

=== Hurricane Katrina Response ===

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the USACE was tasked with repairing and strengthening the levee system in New Orleans. The Corps has since implemented numerous improvements to the city's flood protection infrastructure to prevent future disasters.

== Challenges and Criticisms ==

The USACE has faced criticism over the years for its handling of certain projects and its environmental impact. Some critics argue that the Corps' focus on large-scale infrastructure projects has led to negative environmental consequences, such as habitat destruction and altered ecosystems. Additionally, the Corps has been criticized for cost overruns and delays in some projects.

In response to these challenges, the USACE has implemented reforms aimed at improving project management, increasing transparency, and enhancing environmental stewardship. The Corps continues to work closely with stakeholders to address concerns and ensure that its projects meet the needs of the nation.

== Future Directions ==

The USACE is continually evolving to meet the changing needs of the nation. As climate change and population growth present new challenges, the Corps is focused on developing innovative solutions to manage water resources, protect the environment, and enhance infrastructure resilience. The Corps is also exploring new technologies and approaches to improve project delivery and efficiency.

== See Also ==

* [[Flood Control Act of 1936]]
* [[Hoover Dam]]
* [[Hurricane Katrina]]
* [[Mississippi River]]
* [[Everglades]]

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[[Category:United States Army]]
[[Category:Engineering organizations]]
[[Category:Water management authorities]]