War Department Ends Ties with Harvard, Reshaping Military Education for 2026-27

The **United States Department of War**, established on August 7, 1789, as one of the original Cabinet departments, was tasked with organizing, training, maintaining, and supplying the U.S. Army, initially handling naval affairs until the Navy Department formed in 1798 and air forces until 1947.[1][2][6] Headed by a civilian **Secretary of War** responsible for finance, procurement, and limited military oversight, it evolved from a small office with roles like quartermaster and surgeon general into a sprawling bureaucracy advising on operations while Congress micromanaged bureaus.[1][4] Historically, the department played pivotal roles in major conflicts, overseeing Army mobilization for the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II, where General George C. Marshall reorganized it post-Pearl Harbor into Army Ground Forces, Army Air Forces, and Army Service Forces for efficient wartime logistics and training.[2][6] Key achievements included administering the Civilian Conservation Corps (1933-1943), constructing the Pentagon in 1941 amid space shortages for its 30,000-strong workforce, and pioneering industrial mobilization plans.[2][4][6] Bureau rivalries persisted until Chief of Staff reforms in the 1920s-1930s centralized authority.[2] Its 158-year run ended September 18, 1947, via the **National Security Act**, splitting it into the Departments of the Army and Air Force under the new National Military Establishment (renamed **Department of Defense** in 1949).[1][3][6] This unification, pushed by President Truman to resolve inter-service "revolts" and streamline command, elevated the Secretary of Defense with full control and created the Joint Chiefs chairman role, first held by Gen. Omar Bradley.[3][6] Today, no standalone War Department exists; its functions reside in the DoD.[1][3] Recent discourse, including a

## Overview Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is one of the world’s most prestigious and influential institutions of higher education. Founded in 1636, it is the oldest university in the United States and a global leader in research, education, and innovation, with a particular impact on business and technology. ## What Harvard Does Harvard is a comprehensive university offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional education across a wide array of disciplines. Its core activities include degree-seeking education, continuing and executive education, and extensive sponsored research, both federal and non-federal[2]. The university’s mission-driven approach extends to philanthropy, with a significant portion of its operating revenue derived from endowment income and current-use gifts[2][3]. Harvard is also a major player in technology transfer and entrepreneurship, with strong ties to the Boston-area innovation ecosystem. ## Historical Background Harvard’s long history began as a colonial college established to train clergy. Over the centuries, it evolved into a modern research university, producing numerous Nobel laureates, heads of state, and business leaders. Its alumni and faculty have played pivotal roles in advancing science, technology, and global commerce. ## Key Achievements Harvard’s achievements are vast and varied. It is consistently ranked among the top universities globally, renowned for its rigorous academics, groundbreaking research, and influential alumni network. The university has pioneered major scientific discoveries, developed leading business and law schools, and fostered technology startups through its innovation labs and venture programs. Notably, beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year, Harvard College will be free for students from families with incomes below a certain threshold, significantly expanding access to its world-class education[4]. ## Current Status As of fiscal year 2025, Harvard’s net assets grew to $68.7 billion, despite a modest operating deficit of $113 million on $6.7 billion in operating revenue[2]. The university continues to rely heavily on philanthropy, with curren