Easiest to Hardest Military Branches?

Hey everyone, I'm currently a high school junior and have been thinking about joining the military after graduation. I'm curious about how the branches rank, from easiest to hardest in terms of getting in and the training. Can anyone provide some insight into this?

It's great you're considering serving in the military after high school! First off, just to clarify, it's not really fair to categorize the branches of the military from "easiest" to "hardest," as each branch has its unique set of challenges and requirements, and what you find hard will also depend on your individual abilities.

However, I can provide an overview of the requirements and enlistment process you'd face in each branch.

1. Air Force: Known for its technical and intellectual emphasis, the U.S. Air Force has the highest enlisted cutoff scores for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), making it arguably the most difficult to join.

2. Marine Corps: The U.S. Marine Corps is known for having the most demanding basic training (also known as Boot Camp), which lasts for 13 weeks. Marine Boot Camp is physically and psychologically intense, as it is designed to build a warrior mindset in each recruit.

3. Navy: The U.S. Navy's basic training is less physically rigorous than the Marines', but it's highly focused on teaching recruits core skills related to sea-based operations, such as shipboard life, firefighting, and water survival.

4. Army: The U.S. Army's basic training lasts 10 weeks and is an intense physical fitness and discipline program. At the same time, the Army has a wide range of career opportunities, which may make it more accessible for some individuals.

5. Coast Guard: The U.S. Coast Guard is historically the smallest branch, and the rescue missions they carry out can be intense. But their 8-week basic training program is less physically strenuous compared to some other branches.

6. Space Force: This branch is difficult to compare to the others, as it was started in 2019. However, its responsibilities, like tracking satellites, are quite technical, and the minimum ASVAB score to enlist is 46, which is by far the highest of the six branches. So, while you might not face as strenuous physical requirements, you'll likely need a strong educational background to thrive in this branch (although expectations, standards, and duties could shift as it becomes better established, so keep an eye out for news around the Space Force).

Ultimately, your selection should align with your interests, skills, and long-term goals, as you personally might find a branch that's regarded as difficult to join more attainable, because of your own credentials and abilities. I'd speak with a recruiter from each branch you're considering, research them thoroughly on your own, and consider consulting a mentor or career counselor to get a comprehensive picture before making a decision.

Good luck!