Addition of new branches to the US Military?

Hi peeps. I've heard some chatter about a new branch being added to the US military. Anyone has more information about this? What's the purpose of this new branch and how'd it different from the existing ones?

The new branch you're likely referring to is the United States Space Force (USSF), which was officially established as the sixth branch of the U.S. military on December 20, 2019, following the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act by the president. This is the most recent addition to the U.S military branches.

The U.S. Space Force's mission is to organize, train, and equip space forces in order to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the U.S. military. Its responsibilities include developing military space professionals, acquiring military space systems, refining military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to the U.S. Combatant Commands.

The creation of the U.S. Space Force was motivated by the growing role and strategic importance of space in both civilian life and military operations, as well as potential threats to U.S. assets and operations in space. This new branch is aimed to ensure America's dominance in space, a domain it sees as vital to national security and economic interests.

Unlike existing branches, the USSF operates in the space domain with missions that are distinct because they're accomplished through the utilization and development of space power. Its difference from the Air Force, in particular, is notable because while the Air Force still maintains operations in the airspace, the Space Force deals with space-related operations and threats. The USSF could be compared to the U.S. Navy in a sense that its goal is to protect American assets (in this case, satellites and space stations) and keep international peace in a global common, much like naval forces in international waters.

Ultimately, the U.S. Space Force is a new entity within the Department of the Air Force, analogous to how the U.S. Marine Corps is a part of the Department of the Navy. Do keep in mind that while this new military branch is active and growing, the precise nature of its role and its operational structure are still being defined and developed.