The different branches of the military
What does the military entail? The six military branches that make up the United States Armed Forces are the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and, most recently, the Space Force.
Active duty (full-time soldiers and sailors), reserve and guard forces (who generally hold a civilian job but may be summoned to full-time military duty), and veterans and retirees are the three basic types of military personnel (past members of the military). There are also the millions of relatives and friends of military personnel, both past and current.
However, you've come to find out more about the military. There's a lot to learn. So, let's start with the basics.
Who Is in Charge of the 6 Military Branches?
The commander in chief is the president of the United States, who is in charge of all final decisions. Except for the Coast Guard, which is under the Department of Homeland Security, the secretary of the Department of Defense (DoD) has responsibility over the military and each component. The Department of Defense is the world's largest "business," with over 2 million civilian and military workers.
What Are the Branches of the Military?
Within the general objective of US security and peace, each branch of the military has a distinct mission. The Army and Air National Guards, in addition to the six branches of the military, have their own unique missions. Here's a summary of what's going on:
Air Force and Air Force Reserve
The nation's air and space power source. The United States Air Force's principal job is to fly planes, helicopters, and satellites.
Air National Guard
The Air National Guard is a separate reserve component of the United States Air Force, as we know it today.
Army and Army Reserve
The most powerful ground force. Before leaving, the Army usually enters a region, secures it, and instills order and values. It also protects American sites and properties across the world.
Army National Guard
The Army National Guard is a select group of soldiers who choose to serve their country for a portion of their time. Each state is obliged by the Constitution to have its own Guard; in fact, the Guard is the only component of the military whose presence is mandated by the Constitution.
Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve
The primary objective of the Coast Guard is to protect domestic waterways. The Coast Guard is responsible for rescues, law enforcement, drug prevention, and waterway clearing.
If you identify with this, Coast Guard is the place to be.
Those interested in a career in law enforcement or security will find the Coast Guard to be a great place to start. With search and rescue swimmers, the Coast Guard has one of the most coveted positions in the military. Search and rescue swimmers are among the military's top professions if you are a natural swimmer who wants to be a part of a close-knit community.
If any of the following apply to you, the Coast Guard is not for you:
However, getting into the Coast Guard for enlistment is no easy task. If you have a criminal record, a poor credit history, or a GED, it will be nearly hard for you to join the military. You may, however, request for exemptions and cross your fingers that they will be granted.
Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve
The Marine Corps is the country's quick-response force. They are prepared to fight both on land and at sea, and they are generally the first "boots on the ground."
If you want to join the Marine Corps, you should:
Marines are equipped for combat and training. So, if you enjoy the outdoors, continual military training in the martial arts, blowing stuff up, and honing your marksmanship, the Marines are the perfect fit for you.
If you want to join the Marine Corps, you must be able to:
If a clear career path appeals to you and you desire more of the perks seen in other branches, the Marines are unlikely to be of interest. Because of their infantry skills, the Marines also deploy a lot in conflict circumstances, therefore bear that in mind while choosing a branch.
Navy and Navy Reserve
The Navy's tasks are carried out largely by water, but also by air and land. It safeguards and defends the world's oceans in order to provide peace and stability to the world's waters, making them safe for travel and commerce.
If you meet the following criteria, the Navy is for you.
Those who enjoy the sea and want to work in exciting jobs like Navy Nuclear Power, Special Operations, and Naval Air, as well as the opportunity to be stationed in over 51 countries around the world, will enjoy everything the Navy has to offer.
If you have any of the following characteristics, the Navy is not for you.
However, if you feel seasick easily or are terrified of being in the water, you should think twice about joining the Navy. If you like to spend most of your time at home, the Navy may not be the greatest choice for you. Sailors spend the bulk of their time at sea. It's normal to be apart from your family and home for extended periods of time.
Space Force
The United States Space Force, the military's newest branch, was established in December 2019. There is presently no reserve component in the Space Force. The Space Force, the military's sixth branch, is still in development and will remain for some time while many final decisions, such as uniforms, bases, and even recruiting, are decided.
What about the National Guard?
Despite the fact that the National Guard is not legally a branch of the military, it is an essential part of the service. It is a hybrid of the Army and Air Force National Guards, both of which serve as reserve components of their respective services.
Each state, most US territories, and the District of Columbia have their own National Guard, which governors and the president can mobilize. These part-time service members are ready to help with reconstruction, natural disasters, and some overseas combat missions if called upon. Tens of thousands of National Guard troops were activated in 2020 alone to assist in the battle against the coronavirus and other natural disasters.
Where Are These Military Men and Women Stationed?
The United States has operations in over 100 nations, including the UK, Germany, Italy, Bahrain, Brazil, South Korea, Australia, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Japan.
Get your favorite military flag
One of the best ways to express your love for the military is by flaunting colorful military flags. We have an exquisite array of such flags here. Regardless of the branch of military you support, there is a flag for you.
