I'm doing some research on the different branches of the US military and was curious, can anyone tell me which one is actually the smallest? Figured it would be interesting to know before I make any decisions.
The smallest branch of the United States military, in terms of active-duty personnel, is the U.S. Coast Guard. Unlike the other branches—Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps—the Coast Guard is not part of the Department of Defense. It's under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime but can be transferred to the Department of the Navy during times of war, if needed. It's tasked with various responsibilities, including maritime law enforcement, maintaining aids to navigation, and ensuring the security of America's waters and coasts. It's important to consider more than just the size though when selecting a military branch to join; each branch has its own unique mission and culture.
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