Hey folks, a teacher of mine mentioned the Peace Corps today during class. I thought it was just an NGO, but she seemed to say it had some sort of military connection? Is the Peace Corps considered a branch of the military? It's kind of confusing!
The Peace Corps is not considered a branch of the military. It's common to get confused due to the name "corps," but they serve quite different roles and functions. The Peace Corps is actually a government agency established in 1961 by President Kennedy to promote world peace and friendship. Volunteering for the Peace Corps does not involve any military training or engagement in armed conflicts.
Instead, Peace Corps volunteers support social and economic development abroad. They work on issues from health education to business development, teach in schools, or work on environmental issues, among others. On the contrary, branches of the military, like the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, involve national defense and military service.
So while both the Peace Corps and the military can provide important service opportunities, the focus and nature of the work are very different. If you're thinking about a post-high-school path, both can offer unique experiences, but it's essential to understand their unique roles and responsibilities.
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