Tough truths: Which branch has the highest mortality rate?

I've been thinking about a military career after high school and, I won't lie, the uncertainty and potential danger is a little daunting. I've heard about some branches having higher mortality rates. Does anyone know which branch this might be and why? Or should I just focus on the career opportunities and try not to think about this aspect?

While it's understandable to have concerns about safety when considering a military career, one should also consider the vast array of career options and opportunities in different branches. Bear in mind that, while certain roles might come with a higher degree of risk, there is a wide range of occupations across the military, many of which do not entail combat deployment.

That said, historically, to address your question directly, the branch with the highest mortality rate is often the U.S. Army. It has the most active-duty personnel and is the largest branch of the U.S. military. The Army also includes Infantry, the notoriously rigorous and danger-prone combat arm that frequently deploys in support of overseas contingency operations. However, many other factors are at play when considering mortality rates, such as the specific nature of a conflict, the location, and the readiness of the troops.

However, keep in mind that times of armed conflict are the primary times when this is a concern. During peacetime, the all-branches-combined fatality rates are much lower and are more often due to accidents, suicide, and illness rather than combat.

When deciding on a military career, my advice would be to concentrate on the career opportunities that align with your skills and interests. There are numerous roles within the military that are crucial to operations but don't involve direct combat, such as logistics, medical and healthcare, law and legal services, finance, engineering, media and public affairs, and more. Each of these roles provides valuable skills and experience that can be translated into a civilian career if you decide to leave the military in the future.

It's essential to explore all your options and get information from reliable sources to make the most informed decision possible. Credible resources could include speaking directly to a representative from the branch you're interested in, or reaching out to veterans for their insights and experiences.