Which is the safest service branch of military to join?

Hi. I'm keen on a military career but I'm a bit worried about safety. Does anyone know which branch of the military is considered the 'safest' to join? And what are the factors that make it so?

It's important to note that every branch of the military carries a certain level of risk, as it involves defense and security jobs. However, it's understood that the level of risk can vary among different branches depending on the types of duties and roles involved. While not every role in each branch involves direct combat, military service inevitably carries a risk - either physical or psychological - as it can involve participation in or support of combat and peacekeeping operations.

Traditionally, service in the Air Force is viewed as involving less personal risk than the other branches. This is due in part to the fact that the majority of Air Force roles are not combat-oriented and often revolve around support, logistics, and technical duties. Many of these roles, however, may still find themselves in hazardous environments or situations.

The Coast Guard is another branch often identified as being relatively safer; it primarily carries out operations within domestic waters. Their missions, while sometimes hazardous, can often involve search and rescue or drug interdiction, which on average might be less hazardous than combat-related roles.

It's also worth remembering that 'safety' can depend greatly on one's specific role, even within one branch. A medical professional or an engineer would be less likely to experience the same levels of risk as infantry or special operations within the same branch.

In the end, each branch is unique with diverse roles and responsibilities. When considering enlistment, you should think about the areas that most interest you, as it would likely be more fulfilling to serve in a capacity that fits your individual strengths and interests, even if some level of risk is involved. It's also a good idea to speak at length with recruiters from all branches to get a better sense of each branch's responsibilities, risks, and benefits.