What military branch typically becomes astronauts?

I've always been intrigued by space exploration. Both a military and NASA career sound fascinating, so I was wondering if there's a particular military branch that astronauts often come from?

The U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force are typically the branches that astronauts come from, especially those who pilot spacecraft. This is because both of these military branches provide extensive training in flight and aeronautics which are pertinent skills in astronaut training.

Additionally, in 2019, the U.S. created a new military branch specifically designated for space: the U.S. Space Force. This branch aims to protect U.S. and allied interest in space. While the Space Force is relatively new, it could potentially become a more common route to becoming an astronaut in the future.

However, it's important to note that being an astronaut is not limited to those with military backgrounds. Many astronauts come from a variety of fields such as physics, engineering, biology, and more. They undergo rigorous training provided by NASA or other space agencies. They look for individuals who display teamwork, problem-solving skills, and physical and mental resilience, among other attributes.

So while a career in the Navy or Air Force might align nicely with becoming an astronaut, it's certainly not the only path!