Military Funding: Which Branch Receives the Least?

Hi, I'm currently a junior in high school and I've been researching military careers. I'm intrigued about how resources are divided, especially funding. Curious to know, which branch of the military typically receives the least funding?

Historically, the branch of the military that tends to receive the least amount of funding is the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard's budget is usually significantly smaller because its missions differ from those of the other branches. Its duties are more focused on maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and maintaining aids to navigation, among other responsibilities.

The expenses associated with these duties are generally than, say, an Air Force mission that requires fueling and servicing multiple fighter jets. Of course, less funding doesn't necessarily imply lesser importance. Each branch has its own unique and vital role in serving and protecting the country - some of those roles are simply less expensive than others.

Keep in mind that this tends to be the general trend, but exact budget allocations can vary year by year based on a multitude of factors, including shifts in national strategy, global events, and political decisions. It's also worth noting that the creation of the U.S. Space Force in 2019 could potentially have an impact on budget allocation in the years to come - currently, the Space Force isn't receiving much funding compared to the other branches, but that will likely change as the branch becomes better established.

Lastly, it's worth noting that while considering budget doesn't hurt, you should really focus more on the career opportunities, type of work, and individual culture of the branches when deciding which one is the right fit for you. They all receive the funding they need to operate, so you don't need to worry about choosing a neglected branch or anything like that.

Best of luck with your future endeavors!