I’ve been considering enlisting after graduation. Heard some rumors that there are some branches which are notoriously harder to join than others. Can anyone shed some light on which military branch is considered the 'hardest' to join and why? Would be a huge help!
Hi there! The difficulty of joining different branches of the military can indeed vary based on their respective standards and requirements. But it's important to remember that the "hardest" branch to join can really depend on an individual's personal strengths and weaknesses.
To start, the U.S. Air Force has a reputation for being the most selective. They typically require high ASVAB scores and come with stringent physical and academic standards. A higher percentage of high school graduates and individuals with some college education enlist in the Air Force. So, if academic performance isn't your strong suit, this branch may present more challenges in joining.
On the other hand, the Marine Corps is known for demanding extensive physical fitness. If you cannot meet the Marines' physical standards, this branch would be harder for you. Marine recruit training is more rigorous and longer than that of other military branches, which makes the attrition rate higher.
The Army and the Navy have their own sets of standards, and while they are not as academically demanding as the Air Force or as physically demanding as the Marines, they still require a combination of both. It's also worth noting that each branch has different Special Forces units which come with their own set of rigorous standards and qualifications.
Lastly, remember that specific jobs within each branch may have higher standards than the general enlistment standards. Before making a decision, make sure you research the specific criteria for each branch and compare it with your own strengths and attrition. That's the best way to figure out which branch might be the "hardest" for you to join. Hope this helps!
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