Sorry if this is a bit of a morbid question, but I feel like I need to consider all aspects of this decision. Can anyone provide statistics or info about which military branch typically sees the most casualties? Am I right to consider this factor when deciding whether or not to enlist? I'd appreciate any thoughts!
It's completely understandable that you'd want to take all aspects into account when deciding to enlist or not. Any commitment to military service carries inherent risks, so it's prudent to inform yourself as best as you can. Now to answer your question, historically speaking, the Army typically has the most casualties, mainly because it's the largest branch and is often involved in ground combats.
However, keep in mind that casualty rates can vary greatly based on a variety of factors such as the nature of the conflict, the region of deployment, and the specific role or job of the service member within their branch. In other words, serving in a non-combat role in any branch may present less risk than a combat role. An individual's experiences in the military can vary dramatically based on their MOS (Military Occupation Specialty).
While it's important to understand the risks before enlisting, I'd also encourage you to speak to representatives or veterans from each branch, and perhaps do some research into the different roles or jobs within each branch. This way, you can better assess which areas might align best with your skills, interests, and long-term goals. You might also consider talking to a trusted advisor or counselor to help you think through this important decision.
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