What Is The Military
The U.S. military includes six branches that are sworn to defend the safety, security and best interests of the country. The militarys primary responsibility is to protect and defend the U.S. during a time of war, but the military also performs other missions. Members of the military may be called upon to serve internationally, known as a deployment, in more than 100 countries including Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Brazil, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Not every deployment serves the purpose of defending the U.S. in combat. Members of the military may be involved in rescue operations, natural disaster relief, medical assistance in impoverished areas, food and humanitarian relief, security at international U.S. embassies, policing in volatile areas, training allied militaries, law enforcement and piracy and drug interdiction.
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Us Coast Guard Reserves Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Allows a split training program
- Ability to fill unused seats of DoD owned aircraft
- All positions are open to men and women equally
Cons:
- Prior service may not be able to keep rank
- Can receive travel orders or be involuntarily mobilized
- Usually have to live within 100 miles of the unit with job opening
Factors That Allowed Felons To Join The Us Military Forces
First of all, the U.S. Military accepts felons, but there are critical requirements. Felons must be evaluated with the following factors:
- Age during the felons conviction or with a juvenile felony
- What is/are the felony conviction
- Current status: either on probation or parole
- Current vacancies in any Military Branch
- Consideration if felons still have pending jail time or court proceedings at the moment
Felony waivers
To start with your military enlistment, you need to secure a waiver. It is not only for felonies but also for other law violations. Felons can acquire waivers for the offenses or crimes they committed, such as:
Felons Legal Status
Factors supporting Felons joining the army
- Before a felon is accepted into the army, he/she must present themselves to the court and testify that they have a letter of good moral character recommendation.
- Some military branches, such as the Air Force, will be very strict and demanding with the felon they accept in their department. They dont accept felons with criminal backgrounds.
- There are basic requirements that the felon must successfully pass.
- Felons must acquire a felony waiver for military, stating that they have served their sentences and can walk free as a citizen again.
- Non-violent felons who were convicted of minor felonies only can be easily admitted to the Marines and Army departments. Also, these departments are the best to choose from because they openly support felons who want to change and protect the country.
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Understanding The Importance Of The 5 Military Branches
While there are 5 main branches of the military, it is actually broken down into much more than thattotaling 12 branches in all. However, it is true that there are 5 active military branches , 5 reserve branches, and 2 guard branches. Each branch dedicates themselves to protecting, defending, and maintaining the freedom and liberties of the Nation. Together, the 5 branches make up the entirety of the military and each separately serves a special role within the military. There are military bases from each branch of service found all over the World. Stations in International regions as well as military bases within the Nation. What branch of service are you trying to locate a military base for?
Joint Chiefs Of Staff

The Joint Chiefs of Staff is made up of four flag officers from the major branches of the United States Military. The group also includes a Vice Chairman and Chairman. Even though the President nominates the Chairman, the candidate must be approved by the Senate. During times of conflict, the Joint Chiefs are required to report to the President and Secretary of Defense and bypass the secretaries that are associated with each of the individual branches.
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Command Of Army Vs Marines
The United States Marines Corps is technically not as old as the Army however, its earliest history goes back all the way to the American Revolutionary War. Separate from the Army, the Marines actually handle their operations under the United States Navy in order to carry out their task forces.
This means the Marine Corps relies on the Navy for technical and health support, whereas the Army provides their own religious, medical, and dental personnel for its own branch.
Both the Army and Marines organize their platoon sizes into larger companies with smaller squads underneath their command. However, the sizes of these squads typically will vary between the two branches of the military.
Army platoons usually consist of two four-man fire teams, which have as follows: leader, automatic rifleman, regular rifleman, and grenadier. One of these team members is pre-assigned to be the designated marksmen as well, whose role is to apply accurate fire for further distances. Army squads will also apply an extra infantry weapons squad along with each platoon, a practice that is not used by the United States Marine Corps.
The fire teams each contain a corporal: a member whom the squad leader may delegate responsibilities through for the rest of the squad. The fire team leader also possesses a bit of command toothey are responsible for the supervision of an automatic rifleman, assistant automatic rifleman, and regular rifleman.
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.
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The Following Are Officer Branch Specialties Of The Us Army:
Combat Arms Branches
Infantry
The Infantry encompasses positions concerned with the employment of the combined arms to close with the enemy by means of fire and maneuver in order to destroy or capture him, or repel his assault by fire, close combat, and counterattack. Infantry forces fight dismounted or mounted according to the mobility means provided. They form the nucleus of the Army’s fighting strength around which the other arms and services are grouped.
Air Defense Artillery
Air Defense Artillery encompasses positions concerned with the employment of a family of Air Defense Artillery weapons in support of military land combat operations and against enemy aircraft and missile attacks. Depending upon the mission, Air Defense Artillery units are found defending the ground-gaining combat arms units or critical units/areas against enemy air attack. When not in combat, Air Defense Artillery units maintain an around-the-clock state of readiness to respond immediately to hostile action.
Armor
The Armor encompasses positions concerned with the employment of the Armor/Cavalry maneuver forces and combined arms organizations during mobile combat operations. Armor’s mission is to close with and destroy the enemy using fire, maneuver, and shock action. The dynamism that distinguished the cavalry of yesteryear is now the hallmark of the Armor, the Combat Arm of Decision. Armor Officers command the World’s Best Main Battle Tank, The M1A1 Abrams!
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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Service Branches Todays Military
- www.todaysmilitary.com
- Highest rating: 4
- Summary: The Military is made up of six branches, each with their own active-duty and part-time components. Each varies in service commitment, location and how its
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- Highest rating: 4
- Summary: These six branches include the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force, and the newest addition, Space Force. Together, they investigate threats against
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Types Of Military Service
There are many ways to serve your country in the Military. Service members are assigned jobs based on their abilities, test scores and service needs. Many of the jobs available have civilian equivalents and offer training that translates to a future civilian career.
Each Service has a corresponding Reserve component, and most states and territories have an Army National Guard or Air National Guard unit.
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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.
What Are The Different Branches Of The Military

Traditionally, there are five branches of military, and each has a specific function:
U.S. Army
The Army is the main ground force for the United States and the Army has two distinct and equally important parts the active duty component and the Army reserve forces . In the civilian world, the Army and the Army National Guard produces skillsets such as leadership, administration, human resources, specialized maintenance, and technical skills.
U.S. Navy
Navy and Navy Reserve forces are tasked with deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas. In the civilian world, youll find many Navy veterans have maintenance, technical, logistics, and leadership skills.
U.S. Air Force
The mission of the Air Force is to fly, fight, and win in air, space, and cyberspace. In the civilian world, Air Force veterans bring very technical, highly specialized skillsets. The Air National Guard is also a part of the United States Air Force as a separate reserve component.
U.S. Marine Corps
As the premier United States force in readiness, the Marine corps specialize in land, sea, and air operations and are usually the first in and last out. In the civilian world, the Marine corps bring leadership skills, work ethic, esprit de corps, and some technical skills.
U.S. Coast Guard
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The Special Education Program / Advanced Degree Program Helps Officers Earn A Graduate Degree
Just like other branches, the Marines often find themselves a little short of certain military occupational specialties.
To do something about it, each year the Corps funds SEP, a program designed to encourage officers to pursue an advanced degree in one of those needed fields on the Corps dime. ADP is a companion program with fewer benefits but similar goals.
Through these programs, you can get graduate-level training in hot areas such as:
- Environmental management
- Leadership development
These in-demand billets can vary depending on the current roster of expertise, so check with your command for eligibility.
Active duty officers are eligible in grades ranging from O-2 to O-4, and currently holding a baccalaureate degree.
SEP funds the entire cost of tuition and fees, as well as offering a stipend to cover the cost of books and supplies. ADP requires officers to pay their own way, although you can use GI Bill® benefits if you are eligible for those. Military Tuition Assistance isnt available, however.
Just as important as any financial incentives, you will get the time you need to pursue those degrees. In effect, your school becomes your duty station for the length of the authorized pursuit of your degree.
You also have to pick just one or the other. Once youve used SEP benefits, for example, you cant go on to use ADP to pursue a second graduate degree. As if a Marine is going to get two graduate degrees in the first place.
Understanding The Five Branches Of The Military
When you decide to join the military, you have a very important decision ahead of you choosing your branch of service. Each branch plays a unique role in the security of our country. While they all work together to some extent, their purposes can be very different and they can offer different jobs and specialties. In order to choose the best branch for your needs and interests, you must understand the differences between the five branches of military Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard along with their reserve components.
The U.S. Military consists of five active-duty service branches and their respective Guard and Reserve units. Together, they offer a broad variety of ways to serve.
Air ForceThe Air Force is the most recently established branch of the military and was officially established as a separate branch in 1947. Its main purpose is to support the security of the United States through air and space exploitation. It is a main supporter of ground forces by providing air support during missions. The Air Force has two reserve components the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserves. Learn more about the Air Force. Talk to a recruiter.
ArmyThe Army is the oldest branch of the military and was established in 1775. The Army is considered to be the ground force of the military. Even though there are aviation units within the Army, their main missions are on the ground and the majority of the soldiers who serve have a job related to ground forces.
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Thanks For Reaching Out
You’ll receive an email confirming your request
We’ll provide additional information about next steps
You’ll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you
Questions you may have right now
- Who will reach out to me?
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One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- Who will reach out to me?
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One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.
- What will you ask me?
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Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
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While we’ll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
How can the Army help me pay for college?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
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While we’ll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
What is the time commitment for part-time service?
- How can I prepare for the conversation?
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While we’ll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:
Can the Army help me pay for medical school?
Do I have to go to Basic Training?
Earn More Than Your Salary
The Army provides bonuses, military allowances, and other benefits to help you earn more and offset the cost of living, so more of your paycheck stays in your pocket.
Bonuses
Bonuses are a great way for Soldiers to increase their pay. There are a variety of bonus opportunities including Quick Ship Bonus for reporting to Basic Training within 30 days of enlistment, as well as different job-specific enlistment bonuses. Bonuses
Housing
The Basic Allowance for Housing is given to full-time U.S.-based Soldiers when housing is not provided on base. The amount is based on location, rank, and family status. The Overseas Housing Allowance is also available to Soldiers based outside of the U.S. Plus, everyone who joins has access to better loans for buying or maintaining homes off base. Home Loans
Food
The Army provides meals at dining facilities for enlisted Soldiers, at no cost. The Basic Allowance for Subsistence is a stipend of more than $250 per month provided to commissioned Officers, and to enlisted Soldiers who dont have access to Army dining facilities, to pay for food off base. In many cases, those who receive BAS can choose to pay for meals at Army dining facilities.
Clothing
Enlisted Soldiers receive an annual clothing allowance to replace uniforms and uniform decorations.
Health Care
Comprehensive, quality coverage, for all Soldiers and their families, at no cost for those serving full-time and low costs for part-time service.Health Care
Education & Training
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