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.
Understanding The 5 Branches Of Us Military
The United States Military is made up of five individual branches. Each one has a specific purpose but all work together seamlessly to protect our country and its citizens. All of the branches of the military are set up in such a way that they can be called into action as needed. Each individual branch has its own unique method of operation and ranks or chain of command.
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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Oldest Branches Of The Us Military
The United States Armed Forces consists of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Air Force. The history of the U.S. military goes hand in hand with the history of the country and dates back to the American Revolution.
The Continental Congress established the Continental Army to defend the colonies from the British military and break away from British rule. Immediately after, the Continental Navy and Marine Corps were created to fight the British at sea and on land outside of the colonies.
After the Revolution all three continental forces were disbanded, but Congress decided to establish a permanent military. The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps were followed by the Coast Guard, which started as a service for the Treasury Department. Once the first airplane was invented, the Army established an Aeronautical Division, which eventually became the Air Force.
All five branches are still going strong and today, the U.S. has one of the strongest militaries in the world.
The 5 Military Branches Explained

Sometimes it can be very confusing when youre trying to figure out the detailed differences in the military branches. Thats why weve gone to the sources and found some great sites and articles on what each branch does and the variations in the way they serve. We think youll find these articles fascinating reading.
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Air Force: Power In The Air
As the youngest branch of the United States military, the Air Force began as part of the Army. After 1947, however, it became its own independent branch responsible for protecting the United States from the sky and supporting the Army troops that were stationed on the ground. After proving its value in World War II, it was determined that the Air Force provided increased potential as a significant air power.
The United States Air Force is responsible for all types of flight ranging from general air maneuvers to space travel. Tanker planes, fighter planes, and light to heavy bomber aircraft as well as transport planes and tactical helicopters that can be manned with guns or used for precision maneuvers are all essential to the Air Force being able to accomplish their mission. The Air Force also is supported by two separate divisions. The Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserves are designed to be called up for service much like their Army counterparts.
While There Are 5 Main Branches Of The Military It Is Actually Broken Down Into Much More Than Thattotaling 12 Branches In All
Five of the branches, the united states army, united states marine corps, united states navy, united states air force, and united states space force are organized under the department of defense’s military departments. Graduates are given the rank of second lieutenant in the army. The united states armed forces currently has five branches of service
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Veterans Day: What Are The Roles Of The Various Us Military Branches
- Metro Creative Connection
Each November, people across the United States and its territories honor the brave men and women who serve and have served in the various branches of the country’s military. Veterans Day is observed annually every November 11 and honors the service of all U.S. military veterans. The day should not be confused with Memorial Day, which is celebrated each year in May and honors all military personnel who have died in service.
Veterans Day is a great time for anyone to learn more about the various branches of the U.S. military.
Requirements For Joining The Military
The U.S. military has six branches of service: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Space Force. The requirements to join are similar for all six. The main differences are in age limits, test scores, and fitness levels. Men and women meet different fitness standards. Besides the requirements listed here, a branch may have other requirements.
Age Limits for Enlisting
You must be at least 17 to enlist in any branch of the active military. The oldest you can be to enlist for active duty in each branch is:
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Coast Guard: 31
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Space Force: 39
Some branches have different age limits for their part-time Reserve and National Guard. Visit each service’s recruiting website for its part-time age limits.
Requirements for Enlisting If You Are Not a U.S. Citizen
You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to enlist in the military, but you may have fewer options. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must:
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Have a permanent resident card, also known as a Green Card
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Currently live in the U.S.
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Speak, read, and write English fluently
Educational and Testing Requirements for Enlisting
You must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. The ASVAB has 10 subtests.
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Your scores on four of those make up your Armed Forces Qualification Test score. This score determines which branch you may join. Each branch has its own lowest score for joining.
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Your scores on all 10 sub-tests determine which job specialties you qualify for.
Health and Fitness Requirements for Enlisting
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Upholding The Security For All Americans
Sworn to protect the safety of all Americans, the military plays a critical role inside and outside the war zone. However, they are not the only unit responsible for ensuring our safety.
The president of the United States is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces and commandeers the Armys movement. The Department of Defense controls the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Space Force, while the Coast Guard is under the Department of Homeland Security.
Altogether, they are responsible for the safety and security of the American people. They create and enforce policies and make decisions that determine how the military is used. These policies are implemented by the different military branches.
The primary duty of the United States Military is to protect American citizens at home and abroad. The military carries out the day-to-day missions and tasks to ensure peace and order.
The different military branches have their own responsibilities and work together to ensure that all bases are covered.
Navy: The Military At Sea
The Continental Congress established the Navy in 1775 at the same time as the Army. While the Army defends the land, the United States Navy protects and defends the countryâs interests at sea. While the Navy is fully functional on its own, it offers support to both the Air Force as well as the Marines. The Navyâs large aircraft carry deploy along with the Air Force to provide access to land where an actual runway is not possible. Most aircraft carriers are capable of carrying 80 fighter aircraft or bombers. Navy transport ships carry Marines to their deployment locations and provide support while anchored offshore.
The Navy employs both ships and submarines. Ships are armed with cruise missiles and heavy artillery guns that allow them to hit land targets that are several miles from the shore. With Navy submarines, attacks can be made on land or at sea from hundreds of feet below the surface of the water. The Naval Reserves serve the same function as the Army and Air Force Reserves. Since states do not have a Naval National Guard, many have chosen to create other groups often referred to as Naval Militias.
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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.
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.
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What Are The 8 Military Branches
The United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps are considered commissioned uniform officer corps, although these two branches *do not *fall within the United States Armed Forces.
The Army/Army National Guard, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and the Space Force, make up the Armed Forces of the United States and fall within the Department of Defense.
There are 1.4 million activity duty personnel serving in the military today, with over 200,000 transitioning out of the military forces annually, representing a wide variety of skillsets. And that doesnt count the 21 million veterans who are already out there in the civilian world.
Military Of The United States
United States Armed Forces | |
---|---|
1745 years old | |
Availability | Males & Females ages 1749:
109,305,756 . |
Citizenship | Regular Army: No Citizenship Requirement For Enlisted Members / All Officers must be US Citizens. National Guard: Citizens Only. |
Reaching military age annually | Males & Females: 4,180,074 |
Total armed forces | |
3.7% | |
Dollar Figure | $935.64 |
The military of the United States, officially known as the United States Armed Forces, is made of:
The U.S. President Joe Biden is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.All branches except the Coast Guard are part of the Department of Defense, which is controlled by the Secretary of Defense. The Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security. The Marine Corps is part of the Navy.
About 1.4 million people are currently on active duty in the military with another 1,259,000 people on reserve . There is currently no conscription. Women can serve in most combat positions, and in all non-combat military jobs. Because of war, some of these non-combat jobs actually see combat regularly.
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What Is The Us Military
The United States military is a group of armed forces that are usually trained, organized, and led by the government. The militarys goals are to defend the United States, its interests, and its allies from attack by foreign or domestic forces.
The United States military is one of the most powerful forces in the world with over 1.4 million active-duty members as of 2017. It has the ability to project power and influence around the globe and has been involved in many major wars.
The US military was created by Congress on June 14, 1775, when it became known as the Continental Army. It wasnt until June 28, 1789, that the US military was officially called the United States Army.
The United States military has been at the forefront of military operations since its formation. It has helped shape the world as we know it.
The military is composed of the land, sea, and air forces, as well as other organizations that support the armed forces. There are also many different jobs within the military. Some people work as pilots, some work as mechanics, some work as engineers, and some work as soldiers.
The military has been involved in conflicts throughout history, and they have fought for many causes, including protecting democracy and freedom for over 200 years.
The United States military is the largest and most powerful military in the world. It is made up of five branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
Your #1 Source Of Us Military Resources
The military offers many opportunities for those who want to serve their country. Here at USMilitary.com, we are your one-stop shop for all things related to the United States Military. We have information on all of the different branches, resources for joining the military, and more.
If you are interested in joining the military, we can help determine which branch is right for you. We also have information on the benefits and perks of military service to help with your decision.
No matter your connection with the military, we are here to help. Browse our site for all of the resources that we offer.
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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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About Our Armed Forces Flags
Gettysburg Flag Works is your source for military flags for individual units and conflicts. Unit flags include 101st Airborne, Blue Angels, 82nd Airborne, 1st Cavalry Division, Seabees, Thunderbirds, Navy Seals, 173rd Airborne Brigade and 196th Light Infantry Brigade. If you don’t find the military flag that you are looking for, Gettysburg Flag Works can expertly make your special flag to order.
The service star flag isn’t an official military flag, but Gettysburg Flag Works feels it is important to also recognize the family of our service members. Since many of our staff members have family members serving in the US Military, this flag is close to our hearts. It is designed to honor our family members serving with a blue star, and those who have died in the line of duty with a gold star. This is the same symbol used by the Gold Star Mothers organization.
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