Hey everyone, trying to get a good understanding of the different branches of the military. I've heard different things about where the coast guard falls. Some suggest it's considered its own military branch, while others say it's not. Can anyone here clarify this for me?
Yes, the Coast Guard is indeed considered one of the six branches of the U.S. military. Like the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force, it operates under the Department of Defense during wartime, and it's responsible for a wide range of tasks, including maritime law enforcement, maritime homeland security, and search and rescue operations.
One unique aspect of the Coast Guard is its dual mission. During peacetime, the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security, tasked with enforcing both federal law and U.S. treaties on the high seas, waters under U.S. jurisdiction, and areas assigned by agreement with the United Nations. However, in times of war or at the direction of the President, the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Defense. This dual responsibility makes the Coast Guard unique among U.S. military branches.
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