The Adjutant General Corps Regimental Association (AGCRA) is a nonprofit organization providing opportunities for all U.S. Army active or retired Adjutant General’s Corps Soldiers, Human Resources (HR) Soldiers and Bandsmen of the Active force, Army National Guard, or Army Reserve; Federal Civilian employees affiliated with the Army’s Human Resources community; spouses, widows, or widowers of Active members, Soldiers and federal civilian employees; military service members and civilians of DOD, other U.S. sister services, and allied nations with a close affinity to the AG Corps, Association or Regiment, to aid in preserving the proud heritage of the U.S. Army Adjutant General’s Corps for posterity.
The proud lineage of the Adjutant General's Corps dates back nearly as far as the Army which it has honorably served for more than 200 years. On June 16, 1775, the Continental Congress appointed Horatio Gates, a former British Army major, as the first Adjutant General and commissioned him in the grade of brigadier general. With that appointment, the second oldest existing branch of the Army received its birthright. Horatio Gates is honored as the forefather of the Adjutant General's Corps. Historically, he was the second officer to receive a commission in the Continental Army (George Washington was the first). General Gates' primary duty was to serve as key advisor and principal assistant to General Washington. Horatio Gates proved himself to be an able assistant as well as a brilliant field commander. Under his leadership, the Continental Army won the Battle of Saratoga -- considered by many to be the most critical battle of the Revolutionary War. Following his strategic victory over the British, Congress awarded General Gates our country's highest honor, the Congressional Gold Medal.
Traditionally, Adjutant General's Corps officers were charged with most of the non-supply functions of the staff as we know them today. Their focus has been primarily centered around records, and as such, they have been given the responsibility for developing Army personnel and administrative policies and programs. Today's Adjutant General's Corps is at the forefront of transforming the way the Army manages its most important resource -- people. The officers, soldiers, and civilians of the AG Corps are a highly trained and multifunctional group of Human Resources experts. Their focus for today and for tomorrow is to provide solutions to the human resource and administrative problems of a transforming Army. Serving in the tradition of Major General Horatio Gates and AG soldiers of the past, they are a vital part of America's Army.
What We Do
Each chapter of the AGCRA has their own individual focuses and goals, the Potomac Chapter is no different. We have two main goals, to provide our members with the most current and updated information affecting our AG community, and raising funds for our Wounded Warriors/LTG Timothy J. Maude Foundation. Additionally, Association devotes its efforts and activities to the aims and purposes generally set forth in it’s Constitution and Bylaws, and to such other supplemental directives and objectives as may be approved by the Executive Council including but not limited to:
- Researching, recording, and perpetuating an understanding of the history of the Adjutant General's Corps and the Association
- Encouraging improvements in research and development programs in the fields of personnel, administration, and human resources management; as well as postal operations, recruiting & retention, and Army Band operations
- Promoting Esprit de Corps among all members of the Association through AGCRA events, the sale of unique AG related merchandise, and execution of an aggressive awards program
- Providing a forum for the mutual exchange and discussion of ideas and information of interest to members of the Association
- Sponsoring new HR methods, improved techniques, developments, and other innovations designed to increase the efficiency of the United States Army, while promoting high standards of proficiency in members of the Adjutant General Corps Potomac Chapter and Army HR community