Ranking of Hardest Military Branches

Hi guys, I'm a junior who's being thinking about joining the military after high school. Can anyone give me an idea of the military branches ranked from hardest to easiest? What makes some branches more difficult than others? I'd appreciate all insights, thank you!

Each branch of the military has its own unique challenges, and what one person finds tough, another may find easy. The answer to your question largely depends on your individual strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Remember, there's also a wide range of jobs within each branch, and some jobs may be more demanding, depending on the roles and responsibilities associated. Here's an overview of what you can expect in each branch:

1. Marine Corps - The Marine Corps is often considered the toughest branch of the military both physically and mentally. It has the most rigorous basic training, known as boot camp, which lasts 13 weeks. Marines are trained not only physically but also mentally, to have a "first to fight" mindset.

2. Army - The Army is the second toughest branch of the military in terms of physical training. Their basic combat training lasts 10 weeks and is known to be very intense. And when on combat deployments, soldiers often find themselves on the front lines.

3. Navy - The Navy can also be physically demanding, particularly for those in special operations like the SEALS. Aside from physical fitness, there's also a significant amount of technical and educational training involved, as many Navy jobs are highly technical.

4. Air Force - While the Air Force does have physical requirements, the training is more focused on technical skills. However, roles such as Pararescue and Combat Control are considered extremely physically and mentally demanding.

5. Coast Guard - Being in the Coast Guard is certainly physically and mentally challenging, especially during rescue missions. However, since this branch is focused on protecting the waters immediately around the United States, servicemembers usually don't find themselves in as unpredictable or dangerous situations.

6. Space Force - This branch was just started in 2019, so comparing it to the others, which have been around for much longer, is tricky. Generally speaking, though, the Space Force's responsibilities involve things like tracking satellites, which are done from more office-like settings, so while you can expect a rigorous mental environment, you're less likely to find yourself in the line of fire. However, keep an eye on the evolution of this branch, as duties could shift as it becomes more established.

Remember, there is no objective, across the board definition of "hardest," due to variation in individual strengths, and the wide array of roles within each branch. The intensity of your service experience will depend mainly on your chosen career path within the military, more so than the branch you select. I'd suggest connecting with recruiters from the branches that sound most appealing to you, to learn more about specific roles and expectations, so that you can be sure you're making an informed decision.

Best of luck!