Understanding the Branches of the US Military

Hey all, I've been thinking seriously about potentially joining the military after high school, but I'm a little confused about something. I know we have the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Marine Corps, but I've also heard there are 6 branches in total. Can anyone explain what the 6 branches of the U.S. military are? Thanks!

Hi there,

Yes, you're correct. The United States indeed has six branches in its military. They are:

1. The Army: This is the primary land-based branch of the U.S military. Its main responsibility is to capture, control, and defend land areas.

2. The Navy: Operates at sea, this branch is responsible for the preparation of naval forces necessary to deter war, protect the freedom of the seas, as well as maintain global maritime order.

3. The Air Force: This branch manages everything in the air. It's responsible for defending the United States through the control and exploitation of air and space.

4. The Marine Corps: Serving as the versatile combat element within the Navy, the Marines conduct operations on land, air, and sea. They often serve as expeditionary warfare and are often the first boots on the ground.

5. The Coast Guard: Often overlooked, they are a military branch operating under the Department of Homeland Security during peace time. They are responsible for an array of maritime duties, from ensuring safe and lawful commerce to performing rescue missions in severe conditions at sea.

6. Space Force: Formed more recently in 2019, this branch is dedicated to matters off the globe. They organize, train, and equip space forces in order to protect U.S. and allied interests in space. They handle tasks like monitoring ballistic missile launches, tracking space debris, and maintaining satellites.

Note: The Army National Guard and the Air Force National Guard are not separate branches. They are reserve components of the Army and Air Force respectively and operate partially under state authority.

I hope this information helps clear up any confusion you had. Thinking about joining the military is a big decision. Take your time, gather all the information you need and, if possible, talk to veterans or current members of the branch you're interested in. They often have invaluable first-hand experiences to share.