Into the Trenches: Which is the Most Difficult Military Branch to Get Into?

Hey all, hoping to get some wisdom from you guys! I've been weighing my options for life after high school, and joining the military is on my list. That said, I want to prepare myself for the toughest challenges. Anyone got insights on what's considered the hardest branch to join? Like, rigorous training, high standards, etc.?

Well, difficulty can be a bit subjective as it heavily depends on what a person individually finds challenging. However, there's some consensus in both military and civilian circles that the U.S. Navy's SEAL training (BUD/S) is among the most physically and mentally rigorous of any branch in the military.

The process includes a challenging initial screening, Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, Parachute Jump School, and SEAL Qualification Training. BUD/S itself is known for its notorious "Hell Week" where candidates are pushed to their limits with continuous training, minimal sleep, and extreme conditions. It's common for 70-80% of candidates to drop out during this stage due to its grueling nature.

That being said, other branches also have their own elite programs with intensive requirements. For instance, the Army has the Special Forces (Green Berets), and the Air Force has Pararescue, both known for their exhaustive selection and training processes.

However, it's worth noting that while these elite groups within each branch are incredibly difficult to get into, the general standards for the overall branch are lower. The prerequisites for enlistment vary from branch to branch and can include as aspects like age, physical fitness, education level, and aptitude test scores.

For instance, the Air Force is often considered the most academically demanding branch with rigorous entry requirements regarding the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) scores. In contrast, branches like the Marine Corps might place a higher emphasis on physical toughness and combat readiness.

So, in a nutshell, what will be difficult will depend on your strengths and the specific path you choose within a military branch. It's worth researching extensively on the different roles within each branch to find one that aligns best with your physical abilities, skills, interests, and professional goals.