To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, Auto-Ordnance, in collaboration with Altered Arsenal, has introduced a two-firearm collection. This series, designated "A Salute to Service," intends to acknowledge the Army's founding on 14 June 1775. The collection features a Thompson rifle and an M1911A1 pistol, both of which have been customized to reflect this historical milestone. Each firearm is chambered in .45 ACP and presents a two-tone Cerakote finish, combining OD Green on the upper receiver or slide with Coyote Tan on the lower frame. Operational controls on both models are finished in black oxide, creating a unified visual element for the set.

The Commemorative 250th Anniversary Army Thompson Rifle is a tribute to military history, carefully designed for historical representation. Its American Walnut furniture features intricate custom engraving that visually narrates the evolution of the Army soldier from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Both sides of the stock proudly display a "250th Anniversary" banner, while the horizontal foregrip is engraved with "U.S." encircled by stars. The rifle's steel receiver and frame are also adorned with commemorative markings. Both the upper and lower receiver feature the "ARMY" name, CNC engraved and finished in Cerakote Black. On the right side, a "250th Anniversary Banner" adds a touch of distinction in Cerakote FX Gold. A unique detail on the top of the receiver is a design reminiscent of the Army dress uniform, highlighted with Cerakote Black lines and Cerakote FX Gold accents. Each rifle includes a 30-round stick magazine.

Complementing the rifle is the Commemorative Army M1911A1 Pistol that is built upon the M1911A1 Government Issue profile. The slide features distinctive engravings: "ARMY" appears on the left, while the right side displays "United States" and a "250 Anniversary banner," all finished in Cerakote FX Gold. Much like the Thompson, the pistol's slide top also boasts a CNC-engraved Army dress uniform layout with elegant black and gold accents. Its custom laser-engraved wood grips are a standout feature, with the right grip panel depicting a colonial soldier to honour the Army's origins, and the left highlighting a modern-day soldier to symbolize its enduring mission. Each pistol comes with one seven-round magazine.

The selection of the Thompson rifle for this commemorative series draws upon its historical association with American military personnel, particularly during the 20th century. Adopted in various capacities by the U.S. armed forces, the Thompson submachine gun gained recognition for its use in conflicts such as World War II and the Korean War. This history embeds the firearm within the narrative of American military engagements, making it a recognizable symbol for a commemorative purpose. Its inclusion in this collection thus links the historical legacy of the Army with a firearm that has a record of military deployment.

Similarly, the M1911A1 pistol holds a significant place in the history of the U.S. Army. Adopted in 1911 and serving as the standard-issue sidearm for decades, the M1911 and its A1 variant were carried by American soldiers through major conflicts, including both World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam. Its long service life and widespread use have established it as a foundational element of the Army's armaments. For a commemorative collection, the M1911A1 represents a tangible link to the personal equipment of soldiers over generations, further connecting the firearms to the broader history of the institution.

The collaborative effort between Auto-Ordnance and Altered Arsenal in producing this series highlights the intersection of firearm manufacturing and specialized customization. Auto-Ordnance, known for its production of Thompson rifles, contributes its established product line, whilst Altered Arsenal's involvement is in custom engraving and finishing aspects. This partnership ultimately led to products that serve as both functional firearms and collectors’ items.

By combining historically significant firearm models with detailed commemorative engravings and finishes, the "A Salute to Service" series aims to acknowledge the contributions and history of Army personnel. The collaboration intends to offer a tangible representation of the Army's two-and-a-half centuries of existence.