Hey guys, high school junior here. While I'm considering joining the military after graduation, I really want to know all aspects. What are some things to watch out for or considered 'downsides' of each branch in the U.S. military?
Every branch of the U.S. military has its own unique benefits and challenges. Here's a general breakdown by sector:
Army: The Army is the largest branch and can sometimes feel impersonal due to the size. Also, depending on your career field, you may experience frequent deployments. Army bases are located all over the world, so you might find that you're stationed in an undesirable or remote location.
Navy: The Navy involves extended periods at sea which equates to long stints away from home. These sea deployments can be physically challenging and take a toll on family life. The high chance of serving aboard a ship may not suit everyone.
Air Force: The Air Force has competitive entry requirements, and the nature of its works means it often requires specialized, technical skills. Depending on one's career field, there can be long shifts and high-pressure working environments, especially in aircraft maintenance roles.
Marines: The Marines are known for intense basic training and strict dress codes, so the lifestyle is perhaps the most challenging. Additionally, this branch has a strong combat orientation which could mean more dangerous deployable positions.
Coast Guard: The Coast Guard is often involved in rescue operations and dealing with environmental threats, meaning it can be high-pressure work. The Coast Guard is considered the hardest service to get into due to its small size and mission-focused ethos.
Space Force: As the newest cyber-focused branch, the Space Force has fewer spaces and highly competitive entry. Many of the specifics of this branch are still being determined, so a career path within the Space Force might not be as defined as in other branches.
Remember, there can be substantial variation within each branch based on your specific job, location, rank, and other factors. It's always a good idea to speak directly to a recruiter, current service members, or military family members to tailor your understanding of these factors to your specific situation.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.