Different Branches of the Military

For all the youngsters who are interested in joining the military service of the United States, it is very important to first understand the different branches and what they do, so that they can take an informed decision regarding which service to apply for.

The U.S. Military is made up of five different services namely the army, navy, air force, marine corps and the coast guards. All these branches are commanded by the President of the United States who acts as the Commander-in-Chief of these forces. The Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps come under the Department of Defense, while the Coast Guard comes under the Department of Homeland Security.

The Department of Defense, the Department of Army, the Department of Navy and the Department of Air Force are all headed by civilians known as the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Army, Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of the Air Force. All these secretaries are appointed by the president of the united states. The chiefs of the army, air force and navy report to the secretaries of their respective departments. Below is the function of each of these branches explained in detail for all the youngsters who dream of entering a military school.

Army
The top most position in the army is that of the Army Chief of Staff. The army is the largest as well as the oldest among the branches of the US military. The main work of the army is to defend the interests of the United States with its ground troops, artillery, armor, nuclear weapons, etc. In its endeavors, the army is backed by the two reserve forces, namely the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves.

Air Force
The highest military rank in air force is that of the Air Force Chief of Staff. The Air Force is the youngest among the different branches of the military. Prior to the world war II, the primary function of the air force was to support the army during the war times. However, this notion completely changed during the second world war and thus a separate Air Force service was created under the National Security Act of 1947. The chief role of the air force is to defend the interests of the United States through fighter aircraft, bomber aircraft, helicopters, tanker aircraft and transfer aircraft. Air force also bears the responsibility for the military satellites as well as the nuclear ballistic missiles. Air force is supported in its missions by the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserves.

Navy
The Navy of the United States is commanded by the Chief of Naval Operations, a four star admiral. The main mission of the navy is to protect the freedom of the waters so that United States can use them in times of need. During the war, the navy works as a support to the air force by way of the navy aircraft carriers, which can be deployed in many strategic interest areas. Navy can take many attacking positions during the war through Navy ships and submarines.

Marine Corps
The marine corps are headed by the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The Marines operate both on the sea as well as the land. The main function of the marines is to create routes from where the enemy can be attacked by taking control of the beach heads. Marines also undertake combat operations through fighter and bomber aircraft. Marines are supported by the Marine Corps Reserves whenever required. Marines being a small military service depend on the navy for administrative and logistical support.

Coast Guard
The top most position in the coast guard is that of the Coast Guard Commandant. Initially, the coast guards did not come under the purview of the defense services and were considered a part of the department of transportation. However, since 2002 they come under the department of homeland defense. The coast guards function during the times of peace is to ensure boating safety and to undertake sea rescue operations. It keeps a check on the illegal immigration as well as sees to it that the laws are properly enforced. However, if there is an emergency such as a war, the United States president can transfer the Coast guards department to the navy. The coast guard operates boats, ships, aircraft and mans the shore stations. It is supported by Coast Guard Auxiliary whenever there is a requirement.

To enter into any of the services, one has to pass a written and a physical test. The admission criteria for all these military branches remains more or less the same. People who join the army can retire in their thirties and avail of the numerous military retirement benefits or they can serve a lifetime if they wish to advance to the general ranks.