Hand-to-hand combat training: Which military branch focuses on it the most?

Hello everyone, being passionate about martial arts, I'd love to go into a military career that provides solid hand-to-hand combat training. I was hoping if someone could guide which branch is the best for this aspect?

It's great that you're looking to combine your passion for martial arts with a military career. When it comes to hand-to-hand combat training, each branch of the military has its own techniques and training methods. However, among the military branches, the U.S. Marine Corps is traditionally considered the service most focused on hand-to-hand combat training.

In the Marine Corps, new recruits receive the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) training that incorporates a blend of martial arts techniques drawn from various disciplines including boxing, judo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, designed to enhance the force capabilities of individual Marines. There are various belts each Marine can earn, progressing from tan through gray, green, brown to black, much like in martial arts.

That being said, all military branches incorporate hand-to-hand combat as part of their training. The Army, for instance, has the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) which emphasizes physical readiness in the areas of strength, agility, balance etc, which could be beneficial for someone passionate about martial arts.

In the end, it may benefit you to explore the different branches and their specific training programs in detail to have a clear view of what each offers. You should consider your career interests in the military beyond just the combat training program to choose the right path for you. Also remember, being passionate about martial arts and physically gifted is a fantastic start, but being a part of the military is also about service, discipline, leadership and a commitment to defend.