Entrance Difficulty for Various Military Branches

Hey y'all, I'm a junior in HS and strongly thinking about a military career after graduation. I've been trying to research the different branches and one thing I can't seem to find a clear answer on is, which branch of the military is considered the hardest to get into? Also, if anyone knows, what criteria do they look at when considering applications?

The difficulty of entrance into various branches of the military can depend on a variety of factors, including your chosen route of entry and what role you're interested in playing within each branch. Here's a quick breakdown:

- The Air Force typically has the highest entry standards in terms of ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) scores and physical fitness. They're known for their emphasis on technology and intelligence roles.

- The Navy, due to its technical nature and the level of training required for roles on submarines and ships, also requires a high ASVAB score.

- The Marine Corps is smaller and more specialized than other branches, making it highly competitive, especially for officer positions.

- The Army, being the largest branch, usually has more openings, but it still maintains rigorous physical and mental standards.

- The Coast Guard is technically a part of the Department of Homeland Security, but it has a military role as well. It's known for its selective entry, mainly because it is a small branch and has a small quota for enlistments.

Each branch will look at a variety of criteria, but generally, you should be prepared to meet physical fitness requirements, achieve a qualifying ASVAB score, have a high school diploma (or in some cases, a GED might be accepted), and have police and financial records that meet the branch's standards. Moral character (e.g., no serious criminal record) is also an important factor.

Additionally, if you're interested in Officer Training School or a military academy, factors like GPA, leadership experience, and even extracurricular activities can come into play.

Remember that each branch of the military has its unique strengths and focuses, so it's crucial to think more about where your interests lie, rather than just the entry difficulty. Good luck with your research!