Military Service Branches

Select a Service branch for more specific information.

The U.S. Military consists of five active-duty Services and their respective Guard and Reserve units. Together, they offer a broad variety of ways to serve.

Army

As the oldest branch of the U.S. Military, the Army protects the security of the United States and its resources.

Army Reserve

The Army Reserve trains part-time near home until needed, deploying alongside the Army.

Army National Guard

Army National Guard members deploy with the Army on a part-time basis, with a special focus on homeland security and relief programs.
Marine Corps

The smallest branch of the U.S. Military, the Marine Corps is often first on the ground in combat situations.

Marine Corps Reserve

Marine Corps reservists train domestically until needed, then deploy with the rest of the Corps.
Navy

The Navy defends the right to travel and trade freely on the world's oceans, and protects national interests overseas.

Navy Reserve

The Navy Reserve trains servicemembers close to home until they are needed in action.
Air Force

The U.S. Air Force protects American interests at home and abroad with a focus on air power.

Air Force Reserve

The Air Force Reserve gives servicemembers the opportunity to train and serve on a part-time basis, as needed.

Air Guard

The Air Guard trains part-time to assist in domestic disasters and international conflicts.
Coast Guard

The Coast Guard protects America's waterways and deploys with the Navy during wartime.

Coast Guard Reserve

The Coast Guard Reserve offers a part-time Service opportunity for servicemembers to train near home.

Military Service Branches

The U.S. Military consists of five active-duty services and their respective Guard and Reserve units. All branches are equal parts of the United States Uniformed Services, headed by the President as Commander-in-Chief. The Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense (DoD). The Coast Guard reports to the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and to the DoD (by way of the Navy) during wartime.

Reserve and National Guard units perform as active-duty servicemembers on a part-time basis. These troops train close to home, deploying when needed to aid in international conflict or domestic disaster relief.

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