Native Americans: Serving with Distinction
As we’ve moved into Native American Heritage Month and with the recent celebration of Veterans Day, we would be remiss if we didn’t highlight America’s first military.
When we think about the history of military service in the United States, the focus often falls on the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, or even more recent conflicts. However, long before the arrival of European settlers and the establishment of the modern U.S. military, Native Americans were the first line of defense and protectors of their ancestral lands.
To this day, Natives still have the highest serving rates in the U.S. military per capita. “American Indians and Alaska Natives serve in the Armed Forces at five times the national average and have served with distinction in every major conflict for over 200 years.”
Native Americans inhabited North America for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. During this time, they developed complex societies, cultures, and traditions that were deeply intertwined with the land they called home. As the original inhabitants of the continent, Native American tribes were, in essence, the first military forces responsible for safeguarding their territories.
Native American tribes across the continent engaged in warfare and defense as a means of protecting their communities and resources. This aspect of tribal life was not just about aggression but was often driven by the necessity to maintain their way of life in the face of competing tribes and external threats:Tribal Conflicts: Tribes occasionally engaged in conflicts with neighboring tribes over hunting grounds, territory, or other resources. These conflicts, while often small in scale, required military organization, tactics, and strategy to defend their interests.
European Encounters: As European colonists began to encroach on Native American lands, tribes faced a significant external threat. Native Americans adapted their military tactics to deal with these newcomers, often initially welcoming them as allies but later resisting the encroachment.
Native Americans developed unique war tactics and strategies tailored to their environment, which included dense forests, vast plains, and rugged mountain regions. These tactics laid the foundation for future American military strategies and were instrumental in various conflicts, including the American Revolution and the War of 1812.
Guerrilla Warfare: Native American tribes excelled in guerrilla warfare, using hit-and-run tactics and ambushes to disrupt enemy movements. These tactics were later adopted and adapted by the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
Expert Marksmanship: Native American warriors were known for their marksmanship with traditional weapons like bows and arrows. This skill translated well to firearms when introduced, making them valuable assets in early American military campaigns.
Scouting and Intelligence: Native American scouts played a crucial role in providing valuable information about enemy movements, terrain, and weather conditions. Their expertise was a significant asset for military leaders.
Recognizing the historical contributions of Native American tribes to the nation's defense is essential, and it serves as a reminder of the rich and diverse tapestry of American history. Today, 29 Native Americans have been awarded the Medal of Honor, countless hold the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, and Natives have a higher concentration of women servicemembers than all other groups. As we honor their legacy, we must also work toward fostering understanding and respect for Native American cultures and their enduring contributions to the United States.