For those who never go to the military, they may get an understanding from some of the US Army’s most incredible pictures of the year revealed on its website. /VCG Photo

The gallery shows the wide range of what military life entails through shots from hard training, hand-to-hand combat and the fiercest battlefield, as well as heartwarming moments like a surprise proposal, a hand shake with local kids and a family reunion after deployment. /VCG Photo

The US Army’s roots can be traced back to the Continental Army, first established on June 14, 1775. However, today’s United States Army was formed on June 3, 1784 by the Congress of the Confederation to replace its disbanded predecessor. /VCG Photo