Which branch of the military sees the most combat?

I'm a junior right now and I'm considering enlisting after high school... I want to make an impact and I'm not afraid of danger. So, I'm curious, which branch of the military typically sees the most combat?

The branch of the military that typically sees the most combat can vary. It largely depends on the country's military engagements at any given time, and the job or MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) you have within that branch.

The Army and the Marine Corps are usually the first to be deployed and typically experience the most combat among all branches. However, this doesn't mean that other branches like the Air Force, Navy, or Coast Guard do not see combat. They do, but the nature of their work might be different. For instance, in the Navy or Air Force, you might be part of missions involving aircraft, which carry out combat operations from air. In the Coast Guard, although the likelihood is less, service members can be involved in drug interdictions or boarding operations that could lead to combat situations.

Within each branch, the amount of combat depends heavily on your specific role. Even within the Army, one can have a desk job or be involved in active combat, depending on the role and assignment.

Remember, serving in the military doesn't always equate to engaging in combat. There are a multitude of roles that are crucial to the success of military operations, some of which are non-combat. But if experiencing combat is your primary intent, discussing your interests and goals with a recruitment officer might be an important next step. They could provide you with a clearer picture of the roles that have a higher probability of being deployed in combat zones.

Finally, enlistment is a significant decision with long-term consequences. It is important to weigh all the factors - including non-combat roles, benefits after service, the opportunity to further education while serving, and the risks associated with the responsibility. If you're interested in making an impact, there are many ways to do so in the military that extend beyond combat roles.