Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

What is the Oldest Military Branch?

Hey, history-buff here trying to sort out some details, can anyone tell me—which is the oldest military branch, globally speaking?

a year ago

The oldest military branch in the world is often considered to be the British Royal Navy. It was officially established as a permanent institution under the royal crown by King Henry VIII in the 16th century, around 1546. However, its roots go back even further, with historical records indicating that a permanent navy with ships, crews, and administrative infrastructure existed in England as early as the 13th century.

Please note that there is some debate over this topic because it depends on various factors like how one defines a "military branch", or how far back in history we are willing to look. For example, some might argue that the Roman legions or the armies of ancient city-states could technically qualify as the oldest "military branches". However, in terms of a recognizable form similar to modern militaries, many historians typically point to the Royal Navy.

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.