Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Military Service & Combat: Which Branch Sees More?

Hi, I'm trying to gather more information on the different military branches for considering my career paths after high school. For my knowledge, could anyone clarify which military branch typically sees more combat? The information will be beneficial in my decision-making. Thanks in advance!

a year ago

Let's first recognize that the roles and responsibilities of military service members can vary greatly, not only between branches but also between specific job roles within each branch. Depending on your career interests and personal aptitude, you could have a very different experience in the military, even within the same branch.

Nonetheless, to address your question, the branch that is often associated with more combat situations is typically the Army. Generally, the Army has the largest number of personnel engaged in ground combat operations.

The Marine Corps, though smaller than the Army, is also heavily focused on direct combat. Marines are often the first "boots on the ground" and are therefore quite possibly involved in frontline combat.

The Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard are also engaged in roles that support combat, but their service members are usually not the first ones going into direct combat. Instead, they often provide critical support for the combat troops like air support, medical services, logistics, and more.

The relatively new branch, the Space Force, has a primary mission of providing space capabilities and services for the other branches and doesn't have combat roles in the traditional sense.

Please bear in mind, this is a generalized answer and actual combat experiences can vary greatly based on specific duty assignments, the current global political situation, or even the specific region of a conflict. It's crucial to consult with a recruiter or others intimately familiar with the military to gain a more comprehensive understanding of potential service commitments.

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

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.