Y'know, I've been researching about the military and it's clear there are branches like the Army, Navy and Air Force. But I'm not as clear on what the Coast Guard exactly does? Is it more actions at sea compared to the Navy? Any advice would be appreciated.
Each branch of the military, including the Coast Guard, fulfills a distinct set of duties within the U.S. defense system. The Coast Guard, unique amongst U.S. military branches, is under the Department of Homeland Security rather than the Department of Defense until declared by the President to support during times of conflict.
The Coast Guard's primary mission is to ensure the maritime safety, security, and stewardiness. What this means is, the Coast Guard is responsible for enforcing maritime law, ensuring safety at sea, protecting marine resources, and responding to disasters and emergencies along the U.S coastline. They have broad law enforcement authorities and are often involved in operations such as drug interdiction, search and rescue, and environmental disaster response.
On the other hand, the Navy tends to take on more combat-focused or strategic roles on the high seas and work on a broader, typically worldwide scale. Their operations include everything from nuclear deterrence, power projection to sea control, naval diplomacy, and humanitarian missions.
Like the other branches of the military, each has its own culture, denominations, and unique requirements. It comes down to what you're interested in and the role you'd like to play in the military. Please continue to do your research and reach out to representatives or recruiters from each branch to get more personalized information.
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