Looking into joining the military but honestly, I'm a bit scared about the aspect of combat and potential danger. Not trying to disrespect anyone, but just want to know if there are branches that have fewer personnel sent into combat?
All branches of the military have roles that involve combat and non-combat duties. Therefore, the specific job or role you take in the military, often referred to as a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or Rate, will generally have more of an impact on your exposure to combat than the branch you choose.
That being said, it's true that certain branches are often more associated with combat due to their primary mission. For instance, the Army and the Marines are often the first to be deployed into warzones. However, both of these branches also offer a number of roles that are less directly involved in combat.
The Navy and the Air Force are frequently seen as having lower combat risks for the typical service member. While these branches do have combat roles (such as naval combat operations or piloting jet fighters), a significant portion of their personnel serve in support or technical roles, such as in intelligence, logistics, and science & technology. The Coast Guard also tends to have less exposure to combat as they are primarily focused on domestic roles, including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and maritime homeland security.
The Space Force, the newest branch of the military, offers exclusively non-combat roles, focusing more on satellite operation, space surveillance, and cybersecurity.
While it's valuable to consider general tendencies, it's crucial to remember that the specific job you have can greatly influence your career in the military- including the likelihood of entering combat zones. When choosing a branch and a role, be sure to do thorough research and talk to recruiting officers or currently serving members to ensure that the option you choose aligns with your own comfort level and long-term goals.
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