The 6th Military Branch?

Hey, I was doing some reading and came across a reference to a '6th military branch.' Wasn't really sure what that meant, does anyone here know if there really is a sixth branch and what it's all about?

Yes, there is indeed a "sixth military branch" and it's called the United States Space Force (USSF). It was established on December 20, 2019, under the Trump administration, becoming the newest addition to the U.S. Armed Forces. Prior to the USSF, the Air Force was responsible for most space-related duties.

The mission of the Space Force is to organize, train, and equip space forces in order to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and provide space capabilities to the joint force, similar to how the Navy provides naval capabilities. It's very modern in its focus, specializing in areas like satellite communications, weather and nuclear detonation detection, missile warning systems, military intel, and navigation assistance.

To give you a sense of the size of the Space Force, it's significantly smaller than the other branches. For example, the Army has a force of over a million soldiers, while the Space Force had a little under 3,000 active duty personnel as of the end of 2021. But despite its size, the Space Force plays a crucial role in securing U.S. strategic interests, particularly in this age of increasingly digital and remote warfare.

When it comes to pursuing a career in the Space Force, you can apply to the United States Air Force Academy, which now commissions graduates directly into the Space Force. Alternatively, individuals from other military branches or civilian backgrounds can also apply for transfer or enlistment into the Space Force, respectively. Just like in the other branches, there are numerous career options, from space operations and intelligence to cybersecurity and support roles.