Available Military Branches for Joining after High School?

Hey all, I'm seriously considering enlisting after graduation. Just wondering, what are the different military branches I could potentially join? What are the key differences between them? Would love to hear from anybody who's gone through the process or knows someone who did.

There are six branches of the U.S. military that you can join after high school: the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard, and the Space Force.

1) The U.S. Army: The Army is the primary ground force of the United States, and is the largest and oldest branch of the military. It deals with land-based operations and covers combat divisions like Infantry, Armor, and Artillery.

2) The U.S. Navy: The Navy is responsible for the sea operations of the military. This includes anything that involves operations in the ocean, sea, or any other major body of water. Some specialized fields in the Navy include Naval Aviation, Surface Warfare, and Underwater Demolition.

3) The U.S. Air Force: This branch is responsible for aerial and space warfare. It's one of the most technologically advanced branches of the U.S. military. Specializations range from aircraft and missile maintenance, to space and missile operations, to weather forecasting, and more.

4) The U.S. Marine Corps: The Marines are a branch of the Navy, and are known for their rapid response capabilities. They're often first on the ground in combat situations. The Marines are a “combined arms” force, meaning they combine ground combat, aviation, and logistical units into a single force.

5) The U.S. Coast Guard: The Coast Guard is the maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement service of the United States. They're involved in maritime law enforcement, marine environmental protection, and maintaining navigable waterways.

6) The U.S. Space Force: This is the newest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, established in 2019. The Space Force is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping personnel to protect U.S. and allied interests in space. This includes monitoring ballistic missile launches, tracking space debris, and maintaining satellites that allow the other branches of the military to communicate.

It's crucial to remember that each branch has its own unique mission, culture, and way of doing things. Choose the one that aligns with your interests and goals. Before making any final decisions, it would be useful to connect with recruiters or individuals who have served in these branches to get firsthand accounts of what it's like to serve.