Difference between Airborne and Regular Branches of Military?

Hey there! I'm a junior looking into post-grad life options, and one of those options I've been mulling over is the military. The more I look into it, the more choices I realize I have, so I guess my question is: does anyone know the key differences between joining an Airborne branch and just any regular branch of the military? I'm really interested in what the day-to-day, training, and overall responsibilities would look like for each. Thanks in advance!

Hello! That's a great question. The military indeed offers a vast array of options to cater to different interests and career paths.

A regular branch of the military includes ground-based combat forces within the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, or Coast Guard. Each of these has its own specific training, roles, and responsibilities. For example, in the Army, you may be a mechanic, medic, or infantryman; in the Navy, you could work on a submarine or serve as a naval aviator. The day-to-day life and responsibilities vary greatly based on your specific role and respective branch of service.

Airborne units, on the other hand, are a specialized part of the U.S. Army. They are part of the ground forces but have undergone additional, intensive training to become paratroopers. This means they conduct missions by parachuting from an aircraft to engage in combat or carry out strategic missions, such as seizing key terrain or capturing high-value targets. Day-to-day life in an Airborne unit often involves physical training, mission planning, and learning how to carry out operations in complex environments. It's worth noting that the term "Airborne" should not be confused with "Air Force." The Air Force is its own branch of the military, separate from the Army and its Airborne corps.

While a typical day in a regular branch could involve general duties, physical fitness, training in your specific job (which can be anything from medicine to aviation), and depending on your position, leading or planning, the life in an Airborne unit tends to be more physically demanding and specialized, given the unique roles these troops play.

Remember, both options offer admirable ways to serve your country, each with its own unique responsibilities and training. The best path for you would depend on your individual skills, interests, and long-term career goals. It's also important to take into account the additional demands of joining an Airborne unit, such as the extra physical training and the likelihood of being deployed in active combat zones.