Hardest military branches to get into? What's the process like?

Hello everyone, I'm a high school junior thinking of perhaps joining the military post-graduation. I'd like to set myself a challenge and aim for one of the harder branches to get into. Can anyone help me understand which branches these might be, what's the recruiting process like, and what kind of preparations I should be considering?

It's wonderful that you're considering a career in the military. The branches often considered the most challenging to get into are the Air Force and the Coast Guard, primarily due to their high standards for entry, including rigorous physical fitness regulations and competitive academic expectations.

For the Air Force, the enlistment process includes the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), which tests your knowledge in various subject areas. The score on this exam dictates the jobs for which you are eligible within the Air Force. Additionally, the Air Force has strict standards regarding physical fitness, moral character, and medical conditions.

The Coast Guard also requires an ASVAB test and places significant emphasis upon physical fitness, medical standards, and moral character. As a smaller branch, the Coast Guard has fewer open positions, and thus, the competition can be quite intense.

In both cases, the process begins with talking to a recruiter, who will help guide you through the necessary steps, which include passing a medical exam and pulling together necessary documentation. To prepare yourself, focus on maintaining your physical fitness, keeping your grades up, and staying away from illegal activities. If you join a branch while in high school, through a program like the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), that may also aid in your preparation.

Remember, it's not solely about the competitive nature or prestige of a branch – you should also consider how well the mission and focus of each military branch aligns with your personal interests and long-term career goals.