Branches of the Military

The military in the United States is divided into 5 segments. These include the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. While the Coast Guard comes under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security, the others are classified under the Department of Defense. Now that you are aware of what are the 5 branches of the military, let us discuss the different branches of the military in detail.

Branches of the Military and Their Role

Branches of the Military Chart
Army	It is known to be the largest of all the military services in the U.S. On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress was responsible for establishing this service. With the help of ground troops, artillery, armor, nuclear weapons, it serves to be one of the most important branches of the military that protects the country's interests. The Army Reserves, and the Army National Guard are two bodies which support the Army during times of need.
The Air Force	This service came into force in 1947, making it the youngest of all the branches of military in the United States. This service puts up its defense for the country with the help of the elements of the air and space etc. The different assets of this service which are used for its missions include fighter aircraft, tanker aircraft, light and heavy bomber aircraft, transport aircraft, and helicopters. Similar to the support systems of the Army, even the Air Force has the Air Force Reserves, and the Air National Guard, for its back up.
The Navy	Out of all the branches of the Military, this is what I always had aspired to enroll myself in. It came into existence in 1775, with the working of the Continental Congress. This service, as the name suggests, works for keeping the sea safe and secure for the nation to use it for its interests. It also acts like a backup for the Air Force during times of conflicts. Places where fixed runaways are impossible to form or develop, Navy ships or Navy aircraft carriers help in transporting aircraft. Unlike the other two branches of the military, the Navy is only supported by the Naval Reserves, in times of crisis.
The Marine Corps	10 November 1775, was the official date when this military service was formed by the Continental Congress. It was intended to work as a landing force for the Navy. However, in 1798, it was declared as a separate service altogether. As the name suggests, the Marines are trained to undertake missions which comprise both land and water. Compared to the Army, they have the advantage to be deployed faster. The service is equipped with fighter and fighter/bomber aircraft and attack helicopters. In times of need, it can use the support of the Marine Corps Reserves.
The Coast Guard	Among all the branches of the Military, this one has undergone multiple reformations. In 1790, it was originally established as the Revenue Cutter Service. Then in 1915, it became the United States Coast Guard (controlled by the Treasury Department). 1967 was the year where it got reformed into the Department of Transportation. It remained so until 2002, when it finally came under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security. Although, the branch normally takes care of issues like sea rescue, immigration problems, etc, in times of conflict, it can be assigned to aid the Navy, by the President of the United States. It is the smallest of all the branches of the military, and has the Coast Guard Reserves, and a volunteer "Coast Guard Auxiliary" for its support.

Switching branches of the military is not a very easy procedure. There are various formalities which come under action once a military service man or woman express his/her wish to switch the branch. Usually, it starts from the lowest level to the one where your application would be finally approved. It would be to have a thorough understanding about the rules and regulations, from the people who work in this process.

Working in the armed forces is a matter of great honor, and getting through a military school is a dream of every American. The spirit of serving the nation and the sense of satisfaction derived through it is unique in itself. Whichever branch of military you might be in, all are equally prestigious. Hope you have found this quick presentation on the various branches of the military substantial.