What’s considered the safest branch in the military?

Hello, I'm currently a junior weighing my options for the future. I've been considering the military, but safety is a priority for me. Can anyone provide some insight on which branch of the military is generally considered the safest?

It's wonderful that you're considering various paths, including potential service in the military! For safety, it's important to note that "safety" in the context of the military can be subjective as it could be viewed in terms of the rate of non-combat injuries, combat injuries, or the amount of physical strain demanded by a particular role. However, branches like the Air Force and the Coast Guard are often mentioned as "safer" choices as they typically see less direct combat than for instance, the Army or the Marines.

The Coast Guard's main role is maritime law enforcement, maritime emergency response, and search and rescue operations, a different focus from other branches. The Coast Guard tends to be safer statistically in terms of injuries and fatalities.

Similarly, the Air Force is known to be a safer branch where service members are often involved in non-combat activities. A good portion of Air Force jobs are not combat-related and entail work behind the scenes in spaces like offices or labs.

It's vital to note, though, that there's always a level of risk in each branch depending on the specific job and mission. You'll surely hear varying opinions, but gathering as much information as you can about each branch, its roles, and speaking to those who have served or are currently serving will aid in making an informed decision that suits your priorities and interests. As you consider your options, speak with a recruiter for each branch as they'd have more detailed information related to safety and job specifics.