Okay, this might sound kind of weird but I heard someone once refer to a 'water' military branch. Did they simply mean the Navy, or is there some other water-based military branch I'm not aware of? Any insights, please?
When people talk about the military branch related to water, they are indeed referring to the U.S. Navy. The Navy's primary responsibilities include conducting naval operations to secure and defend American interests on the world's oceans.
However, several other branches also operate in, on, or around water. For example, the U.S. Coast Guard, while not formally recognized as part of the six branches of the U.S. military, is a vital water-related military service. In times of peace, it operates under the Department of Homeland Security but can be transferred to the Department of the Navy during times of war.
The Marines, while technically under the Department of the Navy, are considered their own branch and are known for their amphibious operations. The Army and Air Force also have units that operate around water, but these are not their main areas of expertise.
So, to answer your question, a reference to a 'water' military branch most likely is referring to the Navy, but could include other branches or units depending on the context. It's always good to ask for clarification when these terms come up!
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