In Need of Guidance: What's the Easiest US Military Branch to Get Into?

Hey, peeps! I've been juggling ideas on paths to take after high school. The military does seem to be a viable option. Can anyone tell me the easiest branch of the US Military to get into? I mean in terms of basic training, acceptance rates, requirements, etc. Thanks for your help!

Hello! It's great to see you exploring different paths after high school. Joining the military can certainly be a fulfilling and honorable path. Based on general consensus, the U.S. Army is often regarded as the military branch that could be the "easiest" to join due to its size and the number of enlistees it takes in each year.

The Army traditionally has the lowest entry standards in terms of ASVAB scores -- for high school diploma holders, a minimum Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score of 31 is necessary. Also, depending on the demand and time of year, sometimes this can drop lower. However, remember this also depends on the job (MOS) you want within the Army, as some jobs require higher ASVAB scores.

Keep in mind that "easiest" doesn't necessarily mean "better." Each branch has its strengths and unique aspects that might align better depending on your interests, skills, and long-term career goals. For instance, if you're interested in aviation or naval operations, you might consider the Air Force or Navy, respectively.

Here's a quick rundown of the other branches:

The Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard typically require a higher ASVAB score for enlistment compared to the Army, with a minimum AFQT score of around 35 (considered average).

The Marine Corps is usually stricter with physical fitness standards and has a basic training reputation as arguably the most challenging physically.

Finally, the Space Force, the newest branch, currently gains its members via transfers from the Air Force, but this could change as the branch expands.

In conclusion, while you could consider the Army as an accessible branch in terms of initial enlistment standards, you should think about your interests, personal strengths, and goals when making your choice. Each military branch offers unique training and career opportunities that can influence your experiences in the military and your life after service. Hope this helps and best of luck with your decision!