Women In The Armed Forces
All branches of the U.S. military enlisted women during World War II. The Woman’s Army Auxiliary Corps was established by the Army in 1942. Also formed during this time were the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots , the Navy’s Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services , the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve, and the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve . Women saw combat during World War II, first as nurses in the Pearl Harbor attacks on 7 December 1941. In 1944, WACs arrived in the Pacific and in Normandy. During the war, 67 Army nurses and 16 Navy nurses were captured and spent three years as Japanese prisoners of war. There were 350,000 American women who served during World War II and 16 were killed on duty. In total, they gained over 1,500 medals, citations and commendations.
In 1974, the first six women naval aviators earned their wings as Navy pilots. The congressionally mandated prohibition on women in combat places limitations on the pilots’ advancement, but at least two retired as captains. The 1991 Gulf War proved to be the pivotal time for the role of women in the U.S. Armed Forces to come to the attention of the world media there are many reports of women engaging enemy forces during the conflict.
In the 2000s, women can serve on U.S. combat ships, including in command roles. They are permitted to serve on submarines. Women can fly military aircraft and make up 2% of all pilots in the U.S. Military.
Starting A Military Career: Understanding The Different Branches Of The United States Military
What Does Each Branch do, and What do They Have to Offer?
The United States military has a rich history that dates back centuries. Ever since the country began, the need to protect civilians and the nations interests as a whole have been a priority. Over time, the military turned into six separate branches, with each one having its own active-duty and reserve members. These people go through an intense training to ensure that they can meet the physical, mental, and emotional requirements for anyone who wants to protect America.
These six branches include the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force, and the newest addition, Space Force. Together, they investigate threats against Americans and their allies, defending against them on land, in or underwater, and in the air. Although they have common goals, these branches are very different organizations with unique rules, requirements, and functions. This means that someone who wants to enlist in the U.S. military should carefully consider which branch is the most appropriate for them. It depends on the career that people plan to have with the service, as well as how long they plan to stay in it. With this information, people will understand the primary distinctions between each branch as well as their general opportunities and why someone might join them.
Wait What About The National Guard
Florida Air National Guard, 125th Medical Group Detachment 1, set up patient treatment tents, practiced triage, and ran search and rescue operations at Camp Blanding, Florida.|Photo credit DVIDS/Senior Airman Cole Benjamin
Though the National Guard isnt technically a military branch, it is an important component of the service. It is a combination of the Army National Guard and the Air Force National Guard, which both serve as reserve components of their respective branches.
Each state, most U.S. territories and the District of Columbia has its own National Guard, which can be activated by both governors and the president. When they are called upon, these part-time service members are ready to respond to reconstruction efforts, natural disasters and some overseas combat missions. In 2020 alone, tens of thousands of National Guard members were activated to help fight the coronavirus and respond to other natural disasters.
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United States Army Branches
Army branches are groupings of specialties that officers and enlisted members might occupy based on their job. Basically, it all comes down to their expertise. Soldiers in the United States Army can perform a variety of functions, receive the necessary training, and develop specialized expertise in an area. Depending on their MOS, soldiers utilize a variety of vehicles and employ a variety of weapons. These primary job functions determine their Military occupational Specialty .
Depending on their MOS , soldiers are assigned to particular branches of the Army. Officers who command groups of soldiers in these specialized areas are appointed to that particular branch. There are also some special branches that are largely dependent on rank in addition specialty. To see a complete list of enlisted MOSs and the branch to which they are assigned,
Syrian And Iraqi Intervention
Operation Inherent ResolveAmerican-led intervention in Iraq American-led intervention in the Syrian civil warLAV-25s
With the emergence of ISIL and its capture of large areas of Iraq and Syria, a number of crises resulted that sparked international attention. ISIL had perpetrated sectarian killings and war crimes in both Iraq and Syria. Gains made in the Iraq War were rolled back as Iraqi army units abandoned their posts. Cities were taken over by the terrorist group which enforced its brand of Sharia law. The kidnapping and decapitation of numerous Western journalists and aid-workers also garnered interest and outrage among Western powers. The US intervened with airstrikes in Iraq over ISIL held territories and assets in August, and in September a coalition of US and Middle Eastern powers initiated a bombing campaign in Syria aimed at degrading and destroying ISIL and Al-Nusra-held territory. By December 2017, ISIL had no remaining territory in Iraq, following the 2017 Western Iraq campaign and lost all remaining territory in Syria in March 2019. Airstrikes by US and Coalition forces have continued in Syria against the Assad government especially after the Douma chemical attack in 2018.
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S For Joining The Military
Start by doing some research about your options for joining the military. Learn about the six active-duty branches and their part-time counterparts. Know the main differences between officers and enlisted members. And explore the career fields you can enter for each branch.
Once you know which branch youre considering, contact a recruiter. A recruiter will give you an overview and answer your questions about that service. If youre interested in more than one branch, contact a recruiter for each. If youre interested in joining as an officer, the recruiter will explain any options you may be eligible for.
If you decide to enlist, you will report to a military entrance processing station . Youll spend a day or two completing pre-enlistment steps. These include taking the ASVAB, having a physical exam, meeting with a career counselor, and if youre accepted, taking the oath of enlistment. From there youll receive orders for basic training, usually to start within a few weeks. If you enrolled in a delayed entry program, youll go home and get orders for basic training within a year.
Us Space Force: Semper Supra Always Above
The newest of the U.S. militarys six branches, the U.S. Space Force recently revealed its new motto, which pays homage to its roots in the U.S. Air Force as well as the branchs future in space. Semper Supra is Latin for Always Above the word always was chosen because just as space is unending in time and depth, so too is the Space Forces commitment to uncompromisingly protect and monitor space and U.S. satellites. Above was chosen to be symbolic of both the act of looking up and wondering what is beyond in space, as well as the Space Forces value of excellence.
The U.S. Space Forces motto, Semper Supra, is Latin for Always Above representing the branchs protection of U.S. satellites and international space.
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Opportunities For Commissioned Officers
Commissioned officers can join the military faculty at West Point in one of two ways: 1) Rotating military faculty consisting of of active-duty captains, majors, and lieutenant colonels and 2) Permanent faculty positions, which are usually for lieutenant colonels and colonels.
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Rotating military faculty often obtain an advanced degree through the Army Advanced Civil Schooling program, attending a top-tier university for 15-36 months before moving to West Point, although some positions do not require personnel to obtain an advanced degree. Other personnel who already possess a master’s degree or PhD can get a permanent change of station directly to USMA as a direct hire without going to graduate school en route.
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Permanent military faculty positions involve leaving ones basic branch and joining Functional Area 47 career group or becoming a Professor USMA .
Positions exist in a number of different departments and organizations, each requiring different knowledge, skills, and abilities.
While the majority of positions at West Point are for commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers can also find roles at West Point as tactical NCOs and can participate in the Benavidez Leader Development Program.
Current Us Army Basic Branches
Adjutant General Branch
Established in 1775, the Adjutant Generals Corps is the second oldest branch in the United States Army. This personnel in this branch are responsible for providing the Army with human resource administration, finance, postal services, music, and recruiting and retention.
Adjutant General Branch Mission
According to the Adjutant Generals Corps mission, this branches mission is to
- Train and develop agile leaders and Soldiers who provide human resources and music support to the force.
- Develop human resource concepts,
- Develop doctrine
- Develop organizational designs to support an expeditionary Army in war and in peace.
Air Defense Artillery Branch
Designated as a separate branch in 1968, the personnel in the Air Defense Artillery branch specialize in anti-aircraft weapons. The most common weapon systems today utilize surface to air missiles. ADA systems are typically divided into three categories SHORAD , HIMAD , and THAAD .
Air Defense Artillery Branch Mission
According to the Armys Field Manual 3-01, the mission of Air Defense Artillery is to protect the force and selected geopolitical assets from aerial attack, missile attack, and surveillance.
Armor Branch
Armor Branch Mission
Destroying the enemy using fire, maneuver, and shock action.
Aviation Branch
Aviation Branch Mission
The mission of the Army Aviation branch is to
Army Music Branch
Army Music Branch Mission
The Army Music branch helps America and Army forces in the following ways
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What Are The Branches Of The Us Military
What is the military? In simple terms, the U.S. Armed Forces are made up of the six military branches: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, , Navy and, most recently, Space Force.
There are three general categories of military people: active duty , reserve & guard forces , and veterans and retirees . And of course, there are the millions of family members and friends of military members, past and present.
But you’re here to learn more about the military. There is much to learn. So first the basics.
Who Is In Charge Of The 6 Military Branches
The president of the United States is the commander in chief, who is responsible for all final decisions. The secretary of the Department of Defense has control over the military and each branch — except the Coast Guard, which is under the Department of Homeland Security. With more than 2 million civilian and military employees, the DoD is the world’s largest “company.”
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United States Air Force
Year Established: August 1, 1907 September 18, 1947 Role: Air, space, and cyberspace warfare Current Secretary: Heather Wilson
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
The United States Air Force is the youngest branch of the U.S. military for obvious reasons the first successful airplane was not built until late 1903 by the Wright Brothers. The Air Force began as the Aeronautical Division of the U.S. Signal Corps on .
Initially, the Aeronautical Division only had kite balloons, but purchased its first airplane from the Wright Brothers in September 1908.
After this, the Aeronautical Division acquired more aircraft and personnel and got to really test its forces for the first time during World War I.
In 1926, the Aeronautical Division changed its name to the U.S. Army Air Corps. After the U.S. entered World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt authorized the Air Corps to increase its force to 20,000 planes. The Air Corps proved its prowess during World War II and in 1941 the service changed its name again to the Army Air Forces.
Finally, in 1947, the Air Force established itself as an independent branch of the military.
Get Help Contacting Navy Marine And Air Force Service Members
Three service branches provide military personnel locator services:
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U.S. Marine Corps – Scroll down to “Miscellaneous” and select “Personal Locator.”
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U.S. Navy – Scroll down to “How do I find a friend or family member in the Navy?”
You may need to provide the military member’s Social Security number for the locator to help you. If they find the member, they’ll forward your request to them. Each locator has its requirements.
The U.S. Army and the U.S. Coast Guard no longer provide military locator services.
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Coast Guard Boot Camp
Coast Guard Boot Camp lasts about eight weeks and is located in New Jersey. Each week focuses on refining physical skills, as well as learning rescue techniques and other aspects of coastal seamanship. During the training process, recruits must pass a midterm exam and multiple fitness tests throughout. The fitness requirements are stricter than they are for many military recruits, because people are relying more on their physical strength than the use of weapons or tools.
One of the biggest distinctions between Coast Guard Boot Camp and other forms of military basic training is the focus on swimming. For most other branches, recruits should be able to run a significant distance in a short period of time, plus perform other body weight exercises as a way to pass their initial test. Recruits of the Coast Guard must demonstrate their ability to swim well and long distances by the beginning of the second week. As such, those who are interested in training for the Coast Guard may want to prepare by exercising and developing their swimming skills, particularly as it relates to assisting others in the water.
The last half of Coast Guard Boot Camp emphasizes skills needed to enforce U.S. law while on the water, which includes firearms training. The last few weeks include testing of all skills built throughout training in a series of mock battles and exams. The recruits who have met all the requirements graduate and are given their assignments.
How To Pick A Military Branch
There are many more differences between military branches than we were able to touch on here, but now that you have an idea about the different branches of the military and what they do, you can start to learn more. For more information about each service branch, visit their individual websites, listed below.
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Us Marine Corps: Semper Fidelis Always Faithful
The U.S. Marine Corps motto, Semper Fidelis, is legendary. However, Semper Fi is not just a motto for the Marines its a way of life. The phrase is Latin for Always Faithful and it embodies the Marine Corps forever commitment to both their fellow Marines and the United States.
Since the mottos establishment in 1883, it has become known for its representation of Marines unshakeable loyalty to one another in particular. This bond can be seen not only among those currently serving in the same unit, but also between Marine veterans meeting for the first time, years after their service. Semper Fidelis stands for the steadfast dedication Marines will always have to fighting on behalf of this nation, as well as alongside the few, the proud, the Marines.
History Of The United States Military Branches
People tend to think of the United States as not starting until 1776 at the very earliest, but the military was one step ahead. As a way to protect the colonies interests against the British right before the War for Independence, rebel leaders started the U.S. Continental Army in June 1775. The Continental Navy began in October 1775, followed shortly thereafter by the Continental Marines in November. The Coast Guard came along in 1790, after the United States had officially become its own nation. The need for these services rose because of Britains world-class, large Navy. Given that most of the early colonies relied on coastal seaports for survival, much less trade, the ability to defend against the British was paramount.
The latest branches of the U.S. Armed Service relate specifically to the air. The Air Force actually began in 1907, shortly after the invention of aircraft. It became its own division in 1947, separate from the Army. The last is the U.S. Space Force, an air-based service focused on the protection of U.S. interests from above. It was created in 2019.
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United States Army National Guard
The oldest branch of the U.S. military, the National Guard serves as a complementary force to active duty. Those in the National Guard are trained to be versatile, providing for humanitarian aid, domestic emergencies, combat missions, and homeland security operations. The Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, and Navy Reserve are the other branches made up of servicemen and servicewomen who primarily work civilian jobs but may be called to full-time military duty if necessary.
The U.S. Armed Forces are headed by the President of the United States. The Secretary of the Department of Defense reports directly to the Commander-in-Chief. The DOD controls each military branch, except for the Coast Guard, which is overseen by the Department of Homeland Security.
Learn more about the U.S. military at dod.defense.gov.
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