The United States Army plays a vital role in protecting our country and helping people around the world.
Teaching kids about the Army can help them understand values like courage, teamwork, and service.
These values apply to many parts of life, even for those who never join the military.
Want to help children learn about the Army in a way they can understand?
Good speeches connect with young listeners and share meaningful messages.
The following sample speeches will give you ideas for talking to kids about the Army at school events, youth programs, or other gatherings.
Speeches about the Army (for Kids)
These speeches can be used as starting points when talking to children about the Army and its importance.
Speech 1: “What Does the Army Do?”
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, thank you for being here today! Have you ever seen soldiers in uniform and wondered what they do? The Army is like a big team of heroes who work together to keep us safe and help people in need.
The Army has been around since 1775, even before the United States officially became a country. That’s almost 250 years of brave men and women serving our nation! They protect our freedoms and stand ready to help during emergencies like floods, hurricanes, or other disasters.
Soldiers in the Army learn many different jobs. Some drive tanks or fly helicopters. Others build bridges or work as doctors and nurses. Some soldiers use computers and technology to gather information. All these different jobs work together like pieces of a puzzle.
Training to be a soldier takes hard work and dedication. Soldiers exercise every day to stay strong and healthy. They practice working as a team because teamwork helps them succeed in difficult situations. This reminds us that we can achieve more when we work together with our classmates and friends.
The Army has five important values that guide everything soldiers do: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, and honor. Loyalty means being faithful to your country and friends. Duty means doing what you should do. Respect means treating others kindly. Selfless service means helping others without expecting anything in return. Honor means doing what’s right.
Soldiers also travel to other countries to help people there. They might build schools, deliver food and medicine, or protect people who can’t protect themselves. The Army shows that being strong also means being kind and helping others.
Next time you see someone in an Army uniform, remember they’re working hard to keep us safe. You can show your appreciation by saying “thank you for your service.” You might also consider writing letters or drawing pictures to send to soldiers who are far from home.
You don’t have to join the Army to use what we’ve learned today. Being brave, working as a team, and helping others are things we can all do every day in our schools and neighborhoods!
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Commentary: This introductory speech explains Army basics in child-friendly language. It’s perfect for elementary school classroom presentations, Scout meetings, or community events where children have little prior knowledge about military service.
Speech 2: “Army Heroes Through History”
Good morning, friends! Today we’re going to talk about some amazing heroes from the United States Army. Throughout American history, brave soldiers have helped shape our country and defended what we believe in.
The Army started during the American Revolution when people fought for freedom from Great Britain. General George Washington led these first soldiers, who often didn’t have proper uniforms or enough food. Despite these challenges, they persevered because they believed in what they were fighting for.
During the Civil War, the Army played a key role in keeping our country together and ending slavery. President Abraham Lincoln made a decision that allowed African American soldiers to join the fight for freedom. The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was a famous group of African American soldiers who showed tremendous courage.
The Army continued to grow and change through the years. During World War I and World War II, millions of American soldiers traveled across oceans to help people in other countries who were being treated unfairly. These soldiers showed that Americans care about freedom for everyone, not just ourselves.
Women have also served as important Army heroes. Although they weren’t always allowed to fight in combat, women served as nurses, pilots, intelligence officers, and in many other roles. Today, women serve in almost every position in the Army, including as generals who lead thousands of soldiers.
The Army has special groups like the Green Berets and Army Rangers who train for very difficult missions. These soldiers often work in small teams and must be ready for any situation. They might rescue people who are in danger or deliver supplies to areas affected by natural disasters.
Modern Army heroes use advanced technology alongside traditional skills. Soldiers today might operate drones, use satellite communications, or work with robots. However, the most important qualities in a soldier remain the same: courage, dedication, and a desire to help others.
Army heroes don’t just serve during wartime. They respond when hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes strike. They build roads and bridges in communities that need them. They provide medical care in remote areas where doctors are scarce. Their service takes many forms beyond fighting.
The medals and ribbons you might see on a soldier’s uniform tell stories of their bravery and accomplishments. The Medal of Honor is the highest award a soldier can receive, given for extraordinary bravery in battle. Only about 3,500 soldiers have received this medal since it was created in 1861.
We can all learn from Army heroes throughout history. Their stories teach us about persistence, standing up for what’s right, and helping others even when it’s difficult. These lessons apply to our everyday lives at school, at home, and in our communities.
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Commentary: This historically-focused speech connects Army service to key moments in American history. It works well for school assemblies, Veterans Day events, or history-themed programs where children benefit from understanding the Army’s role in shaping the nation.
Speech 3: “Army Values for Everyday Life”
Hi everyone! Today I want to share something special with you. The Army teaches soldiers seven important values that help them succeed. These values aren’t just for soldiers – they can help kids like you succeed too!
The first Army value is loyalty, which means standing by your friends, family, and country. When you stick with your friends even when things get tough, you show loyalty. Maybe your friend is being picked on, or they’re having a bad day. Staying by their side shows you care about them.
Duty is the second value, which means doing what needs to be done. In the Army, soldiers have specific responsibilities they must fulfill. For you, duty might mean completing your homework, helping with chores at home, or fulfilling promises you’ve made to others. Doing what you’re supposed to do, even when you don’t feel like it, shows responsibility.
Respect is treating others the way you want to be treated. Soldiers respect their leaders, their teammates, and even people from different countries where they serve. You show respect when you listen to your teachers, speak kindly to classmates, and appreciate people who are different from you. Respect helps build stronger relationships with everyone around you.
Selfless service means putting others before yourself. Army soldiers often work long hours in difficult conditions because they care about protecting people. You practice selfless service when you help a classmate understand a difficult homework problem, share your toys with siblings, or volunteer in your community. Small acts of kindness make a big difference!
Honor means doing what’s right, even when nobody’s watching. Soldiers with honor don’t take shortcuts or cheat. They do their best in everything. You show honor when you tell the truth, return something that doesn’t belong to you, or admit when you’ve made a mistake. Living with honor means people can trust you.
Integrity is similar to honor. It means being honest and doing the right thing all the time. Soldiers with integrity don’t say one thing and do another. Their actions match their words. You demonstrate integrity when you keep your promises, tell the truth even when it’s hard, and stand up for what you believe in.
Personal courage is the final Army value. This doesn’t just mean being brave during scary situations. It also means standing up for what’s right. Soldiers show courage when facing danger, but also when making difficult decisions. You show courage when you try something new, stand up to bullies, or admit when you’re wrong.
These seven values spell out the acronym LDRSHIP, pronounced “leadership.” Together, they guide soldiers in making good decisions. The next time you face a tough choice, think about these Army values. They can help you decide what to do, just like they help soldiers every day.
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Commentary: This values-based speech translates Army principles into practical applications for children’s daily lives. It’s ideal for character education programs, classroom discussions about ethics, or youth group meetings focused on personal development.
Speech 4: “Army Equipment and Technology”
Hello, future scientists and engineers! Today we’re going to explore some of the amazing equipment and technology used by the United States Army. The Army uses everything from simple tools to advanced machines to accomplish its missions, and many of these technologies later become things we use in our everyday lives.
Let’s start with transportation. The Army uses many vehicles to move soldiers and supplies. Tanks like the M1 Abrams can travel across rough terrain while protecting the soldiers inside. Humvees are smaller vehicles that can go almost anywhere. Helicopters like the Black Hawk and Chinook fly soldiers to places that might be hard to reach by road. These different ways of moving around help the Army respond quickly to situations around the world.
Communication technology helps soldiers stay connected. In the early days of the Army, messages were delivered on horseback or by signal flags. Today, soldiers use secure radios, satellites, and computer networks to share information instantly across great distances. This technology helps commanders make good decisions and keeps soldiers safer during missions.
The Army also uses robots for dangerous jobs. Small robots can enter buildings to look for dangers before soldiers go in. Larger robots can help clear roadside bombs. Some robots can even fly like tiny helicopters to scout ahead and take pictures of what’s coming. These robots help keep soldiers safe while they complete their missions.
Medical technology in the Army has led to many advances that help everyone. Army medics carry special equipment to treat injuries quickly. Techniques developed on battlefields have improved how doctors treat injuries in hospitals back home. The Army also has large mobile hospitals that can be set up almost anywhere to provide medical care during emergencies.
Engineers in the Army build structures and solve problems. They construct bridges that can be assembled quickly to cross rivers. They build protective barriers around bases. They create water purification systems that can make clean drinking water from almost any source. These engineering skills help both in military operations and during humanitarian missions.
Computer technology plays a huge role in today’s Army. Soldiers use computers for planning, training, and during actual missions. Virtual reality systems let soldiers practice skills before they need to use them in real situations. Cybersecurity experts protect important information from hackers. As technology advances, the Army finds new ways to use it effectively.
The Army also develops and uses special clothing and gear to protect soldiers. Modern helmets are designed to stop bullets and reduce head injuries. Body armor protects vital organs. Special boots help soldiers walk long distances comfortably. Even the uniforms are designed carefully, with camouflage patterns that help soldiers blend into their surroundings.
Protection against harsh weather is another area where Army technology helps soldiers. Special tents can keep soldiers comfortable in extreme heat or cold. Sleeping bags allow rest even in freezing temperatures. Portable heating and cooling systems create comfortable spaces almost anywhere. These technologies help soldiers stay healthy and ready to complete their missions.
Food technology might not sound exciting, but it’s very important! The Army developed Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) that can be stored for years without refrigeration. These meals provide the nutrition soldiers need while being lightweight and easy to carry. Scientists work constantly to improve the taste and nutritional value of these portable meals.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) that helps people navigate today was first developed for military use. Army vehicles, aircraft, and even individual soldiers use GPS to know exactly where they are at all times. This technology helps coordinate movements of different units and allows precise delivery of supplies to soldiers in remote locations.
All this amazing technology requires smart people to develop, maintain, and operate it. The Army trains soldiers in hundreds of different technical specialties. Some fix helicopters, others program computers, and still others operate sophisticated radar systems. These skills often lead to exciting careers after soldiers complete their military service.
You might be wondering how all this relates to you. Many technologies we use every day, like the internet, GPS, and even duct tape, were originally developed for or improved by the military. The next time you use a microwave oven or rely on GPS navigation, you can thank military technology development! And who knows – someday you might help create the next generation of Army technology!
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Commentary: This technology-focused speech highlights the Army’s use of equipment and innovations in ways that fascinate technically-minded children. It’s appropriate for STEM events, science fairs, career days, or educational programs where children express interest in engineering and technology.
Speech 5: “How the Army Helps Around the World”
Good afternoon, young citizens of the world! Today we’re going to learn about how the United States Army helps people not just in America, but all around the globe. The Army does much more than fight – soldiers build, teach, protect, and provide aid to communities facing challenges.
After natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods, Army soldiers often arrive quickly to help. They bring supplies like food, clean water, and medicine. They use special equipment to clear roads blocked by fallen trees or buildings. They set up temporary shelters for people who have lost their homes. Their training and equipment allow them to help when communities face their most difficult moments.
The Army Corps of Engineers builds and maintains important structures both in the United States and other countries. They work on dams that prevent flooding and provide electricity. They dredge harbors and rivers to keep shipping lanes open. They restore beaches and wetlands damaged by storms. These projects protect communities and improve lives long after the soldiers have completed their work.
Army medical teams provide healthcare in places where doctors and hospitals are scarce. They set up field hospitals during emergencies. They conduct vaccination campaigns to prevent diseases. They train local healthcare workers to continue providing care after the Army teams leave. These missions show that the Army cares about protecting people from all kinds of threats, including illness.
Building schools is another way the Army helps communities around the world. Soldiers might repair damaged school buildings or construct new ones where none existed before. They provide supplies like books, desks, and computers. Sometimes Army soldiers even spend time teaching students English or other subjects. Education creates opportunities for children to build better futures.
The Army helps train police and security forces in other countries so they can protect their communities. This training focuses on respecting human rights while maintaining safety. By helping countries develop professional security forces, the Army contributes to global stability and reduces the need for American soldiers to remain overseas.
Agricultural assistance programs help farmers in developing countries grow more food. Army specialists might introduce more efficient farming techniques or help install irrigation systems. They provide tools and seeds to farmers who have lost everything after conflicts or natural disasters. These programs help communities become self-sufficient rather than dependent on outside aid.
Removing dangerous weapons left behind after wars is a vital service the Army provides. Land mines and unexploded bombs can hurt people long after fighting has stopped. Army specialists carefully locate and safely dispose of these dangerous items. This important work makes land safe for farming, building homes, and children playing outside.
The Army’s work building roads and bridges connects isolated communities to hospitals, schools, and markets. Better transportation networks help people access essential services and sell their goods. These infrastructure projects boost local economies and improve the quality of life for entire regions. Long after Army engineers complete these projects, communities continue to benefit from improved connectivity.
Clean water projects may be among the Army’s most important humanitarian efforts. Soldiers dig wells, install water purification systems, and build aqueducts to bring clean water to communities. They teach local people how to maintain these systems. Access to clean water prevents diseases and allows communities to thrive. Something as simple as a well can transform life for an entire village.
Through cultural exchange, Army soldiers build friendships with people around the world. Soldiers learn local languages and customs. They participate in community celebrations and sports. These personal connections help build trust between Americans and people from other countries. Sometimes the most valuable thing soldiers provide isn’t material aid but simply friendship and understanding.
When conflicts end, the Army often helps communities rebuild. Soldiers clear rubble, restore essential services like electricity and water, and help establish governance systems. This work creates conditions where peace can take root and grow. By helping communities recover from conflict, the Army works to prevent future fighting.
The Army’s global humanitarian work teaches us that true strength comes from helping others. Real heroes don’t just win battles – they build, heal, teach, and protect. The same soldiers trained for combat also plant gardens, build playgrounds, and treat sick children. Their service reminds us that we can all find ways to make our world better, one community at a time.
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Commentary: This humanitarian-focused speech emphasizes the Army’s global assistance and peacekeeping efforts. It’s particularly effective for international-themed school events, global citizenship programs, or service-learning discussions where children are developing awareness of global community needs.
Wrapping Up: Army Talks for Young Audiences
Speaking to children about the Army requires balancing honesty with age-appropriate content.
These sample speeches provide starting points that can be adapted to suit specific age groups and occasions.
The best speeches connect Army values and service to concepts children already understand from their daily lives.
When delivering speeches about the Army to children, use simple language and relatable examples.
Include visual aids where possible.
Allow time for questions, as children often have thoughtful and unexpected queries about military service.
Most importantly, emphasize how Army values like teamwork, respect, and helping others apply to everyone, regardless of whether they ever wear a uniform.
These speeches help children understand both the military’s role in society and the values that guide service members.
By learning about the Army, children gain appreciation for those who serve while also developing their sense of citizenship and responsibility to their communities.