What are the most stressful military jobs in America?

Considering stress levels before enlisting in the military seems important. Can anyone list the most stressful military occupations in America and explain why they tend to be so tough?

Certainly, the stress levels of military occupations can vary based on several factors like the potential for danger, physical demands, and intense training requirements. Here are some of the most stressful military jobs in the U.S:

1. Infantryman: They are typically the most affected by battlefield stresses as they are on the front lines in combat situations, exposing them to dangers like enemy fire and IEDs. Additionally, the physical demands of carrying heavy equipment and often working in harsh environments can contribute to the stress levels.

2. Special Forces: Special Forces soldiers have high-stress jobs due to their involvement in direct combat, handling explosive ordnance, and conducting dangerous reconnaissance missions. Military personnel in these positions also undergo some of the most rigorous and stressful training.

3. Search and Rescue (SAR) Swimmers: These are the Navy and Coast Guard personnel who rescue people from dangerous sea conditions often during storms and other unfavorable weather. The responsibility of others' lives and the potentially life-threatening conditions make this job incredibly stressful.

4. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technicians: EODs are trained to handle, disarm, and dispose of unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The inherent risk of these operations make it a high-stress job.

5. Air Traffic Controllers: While not as physically dangerous as combat roles, the stress involved in coordinating aircraft, ensuring safety and navigating complex logistics can be overwhelming. The high degree of attention to detail, quick decision-making, and high responsibilities make it a stressful role.

6. Medical Personnel: Military medical personnel, including medics and surgeons, can be under enormous stress in combat situations where they must handle severe injuries, triage wounded soldiers, and administer urgent care under challenging conditions.

7. Pilots: Military pilots, whether flying fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters, bear a lot of responsibility. They are often tasked with transport, surveillance and sometimes combat actions, all while managing the complex operation of an aircraft.

These roles each come with their own unique stressors, and individual reactions to these jobs can vary. It's also worth mentioning that all military roles can come with varying degrees of stress since military service can involve situations that civilians may never experience, such as deployment far from home or intense physical training. However, the military also provides training and resources to help handle stress. It's advised to fully understand the expectations and potential risks of any military role before enlisting.