History | General History

Quartermaster Corps Missions and Functions by Period

The Quartermaster Department was established two days after the Congress authorized the creation of the Continental Army in 1776. Since that date, the missions of the quartermaster soldier have continuously expanded and contracted. Described below is a brief history of how the missions and functions of the Army Quartermaster have evolved.

Revolutionary War

  • Supply of general encampment supplies (tents, lumber etc)
  • Transportation
  • Construction of shelters for winter encampments
  • Forage for animals

1812-1842

  • During this period the Quartermaster Department shared duties with the Commissary General of Purchases in the following areas:
    • procurement and providing of arms
    • clothing
    • military stores generally all articles of supply requisite for military Service
  • In 1842 after the abolishment of the Commissary General of purchases, the Quartermaster Department becomes responsible for the procuring and distribution of all supplies and equipment except subsistence (food).

1862

  • Maintenance of National Cemeteries and burial of the dead added.

1912

  • Establishment of the Quartermaster Corps
  • Assumption of duties:
    • paymaster
    • procurement
    • distribution of subsistence

1917-1918

    New Mission & Functions

  • Graves Registration Service established
  • Laundry and bath services assigned to the Quartermaster Corps

The Quartermaster Corps’ responsibility for transportation, procurement, and construction is temporarily suspended due to the rapid mobilization and expansion of the Army.

1920

    Removed Function

  • Pay functions transferred to Finance Department

1924

    New Mission

  • Army Heraldic (flags, insignia, medals) responsibility transferred to the Quartermaster Corps

1942

    New Functions

  • Quartermasters responsible for procuring, training, and care of Army War Dogs

    • Removed Missions

  • Construction mission transferred to Engineer Corps
  • Transportation mission transferred to newly established Transportation Corps

1950

    New Mission

  • Aerial delivery mission transferred to the Quartermaster Corps from the Air Force

1962

    Removed Missions

  • Heraldic mission transferred to the Adjutant General
  • Clothing mission transferred to the Defense Logistics Agency

1981

    New Functions

  • Water purification/distribution functions transferred to the Quartermaster Corps from the Engineer Corps

Present Day

    Currently assigned missions:

  • General supply (less ammunition and medical)
  • Mortuary AffairsFood Service
  • Petroleum and Water Distribution
  • Aerial Delivery
  • Shower & Laundry
  • Fabric/Light Textile Repair
  • Material and Distribution Management

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