Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

What's the worst branch in the military to join and why do people say that?

Okay, don't roast me - just trying to get a well-rounded view here and the internet is a jungle of a million different opinions. Some people label certain branches as 'the worst' to join - why is that? Would love to have some insight. Thanks guys!

a year ago

There isn't really a "worst" branch of the military to join, it ultimately depends on what you're looking for and what your personal goals are. Each branch of the military, be it Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard, offers unique experiences, roles, and opportunities.

Sometimes, people label certain branches as the "worst" largely due to popular misconceptions or personal experiences. These could be based on various factors like the perceived intensity of basic training, deployment rates, promotion speed, or culture within the branch. For example, the Marines have a reputation for having the most physically and mentally demanding basic training, which can deter some individuals. On the other hand, some might label the Air Force as the "worst" because they may view it as not being as "tough" or "glamorous" as other branches.

It's good to bear in mind that each branch has different career fields, educational opportunities, and benefits. So depending on your interests, you may find one branch more appealing than the others. Remember that choosing a branch should be centered on your own interests, skills, physical abilities, and long-term goals.

For instance, if you're passionate about aviation, the Air Force or Navy might be ideal choices. If you're interested in ground combat, the Army or Marines could be a better fit. If you're interested in law enforcement or coastal security, the Coast Guard might be a viable option.

And, just like any large organization, personal experiences with leadership and community can vastly differ even within the same branch, so it's not necessarily fair or accurate to broadly label any branch as the definitive "worst". It's recommended to do plenty of research, speak with recruitment officers from different branches, and converse with current or former military personnel to get a sense of the right fit for you. After all, joining the military is a significant commitment, and it's important to make a well-informed decision.

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.