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Our History

JTF-NCR/USAMDW

We have deliberately taken some of our webpages and content offline in order to comply with Executive Orders and OSD Policy. The intent is to preserve our history, and we are working to re-publish content as soon as possible.

The U.S. Army Military District of Washington (USAMDW) can trace its origin back to 1921 when the War Department created the District of Washington. USAMDW has remained dedicated to ceremonial excellence within the National Capital Region since its inception and is proud to showcase military traditions and history while safeguarding the nation’s capital. Serving as the face of the military in the nation’s capital is a privilege, and Soldiers wear the USAMDW patch with pride, representing our Army heritage. Explore the history of the USAMDW.

For more than 100 years, USAMDW has remained dedicated to ceremonial excellence within the National Capital Region and its service members and civilians are proud to safeguard and showcase military traditions and history by conducting and supporting multiple, diverse Army and Joint missions.

As the missions of the JTF-NCR/USAMDW continue to grow, so does our joint team. Today, Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and Guardians serve side-by-side every day to ensure JTF-NCR/USAMDW’s readiness for every ceremonial and homeland defense mission as Guardians of the Nation’s Capital.

  • 1921 – The War Department created the District of Washington as an organizational headquarters comprised of Fort Washington, Md.; Fort Hunt, Va.; the District of Columbia; and Fort Myer, Va.Black and white historic image of a large military band standing in rows/formation on a grass field in front of a white flagpole and two 2-story brick buildings.
     

  • 1922 – The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own" was formed by order of General John J. Pershing.
     

  • 1927 – With the dissolution of the District of Washington, the commanding general of the 16th Infantry Brigade at Fort Hunt became responsible for conducting military ceremonies and administering disciple to service members in the nation’s capital.