Many young men and women find satisfying and fulfilling careers in the United States military. Each of the five main branches of the military defends the country in differing ways, working together to protect and defend the U.S, and its interests throughout the world.

U.S. Army

The original branch of the military, the U.S. Army consists of ground forces. Currently it is the largest branch of the military with more than 76,000 officers and 401,000 soldiers on active duty. The U.S. Army also boasts two support forces, known as the Army Reserves and the Army National Guard. While the Army Reserves are part of the federal government system, each state is responsible for its own Army National Guard. Both of these units can be called in to supplement and support the Army as needed.

The Army also consists of the U.S. Air Force, which is the newest branch of military service, having been formed in 1947. Members of the Air Force use fighter aircraft, tanker aircraft, bomber aircraft helicopters and transport aircraft to perform their duties.

There are approximately 69,000 commissioned officers in the Air Force and 288,000 enlisted members. The Air Force also has an Air Force Reserve and an Air National Guard.

U.S. Navy

The U.S. Navy exists to maintain the freedom of the seas and supplements the Air Force with aircraft carriers that are used to deploy planes when runways are unavailable. Navy ships can also attack land targets with heavy guns and cruise missiles. The Navy also provides transportation for the Marines deployed to areas of conflict.

There are about currently 54,000 officers in the Navy and 324,000 enlisted servicemen and women. The Navy also has a Naval Reserve that it relies upon for additional forces.

U.S. Marines

The U.S. Marines work closely with the Navy, both on the water and on land. While the Marines depend on the Navy for water transportation, they have their own fighter and bomber aircraft and attack helicopters. The Navy provides administrative and supportive help to the Marines including doctors, nurses and medics. The Marines are significantly smaller than the other branches of the service (with the exception of the Coast Guard.)

There are approximately 18,000 officers in the Marines and about 153,000 enlisted personnel on active duty. There is also a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve that can be relied upon in times of conflict.

U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard is considered part of the Department of Homeland Security, rather than the Department of Defense. When the United States is in conflict or war, the president can call the Coast Guard into active duty to support the Navy; in peacetime, the Coast Guard is primarily concerned with law enforcement. The 7,000 officers and 29,000 enlisted servicemen and women focus on boating safety, sear rescue, and illegal immigration, using ships, boats, aircraft, and shore stations to perform their duties.

The Coast Guard also has a Coast Guard Reserve and a Coast Guard Auxiliary for support services, when needed.

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