Polite way of Asking about Someone's Military Branch

Kind of random, but I often encounter folks in-service or veterans and I'm curious about their experiences. What would be a polite, respectful way to ask someone what branch of the military they're in or were in?

When engaging with someone who is in the military or a veteran, the most important thing is to remember that they are people first, not just soldiers, so you will want to frame your question in a respectful and considerate manner. Here's a potential way you could ask: "If you don't mind, may I ask which branch of the military you served in?"

This question recognizes their service, but also leaves room for them to decide whether they want to share that information or not. As with any personal question, be sure to always respect their privacy and respond with gratitude and appreciation for their service, regardless of how much information they wish to share.