Joining the military is not only a big decision to make in one’s life, but it is a choice that will impact you based on the branch you choose to join. Each military branch offers a different career path. So, when researching the military, it’s important to consider what you want in a career and opportunity when putting on a military uniform.
If you’re not sure where to start or what you are looking for, no need to fret. We got you covered.
Here is our guide to each of the military branches to find which one is right for you.
Air Force
The Air Force was created after World War II as the US military saw the air power was more effective in supporting ground troops. The primary mission of the Air Force is to defend the United States through the exploitation of air and space.
The Air Force is for you if:
This branch is great for you if you love technology and want access to some of the most highly advanced applicable training for future professions after a career in the military. The Air Force is also great for those of you that love nice amenities and some of the best deployment cycles out of all of the other branches of service.
The Air Force isn’t for you if:
If you’re looking to be in the infantry, a combat related role or more enlistment incentives for when you join, you may want to look elsewhere as the Air Force is one of the most competitive branches in the U.S. military.
Army
The Army is the main ground-force of the military. The primary purpose of the Army is to protect and defend the US by way of troops, armor, artillery, helicopters, etc. It is the oldest military branch.
The Army is for you if:
The Army is perfect for those that are looking to experience new places and travel the world, as t
The Army isn’t for you if:
You may not want to join the Army if you’re looking to be stationed near the coast, most Army duty stations are inland, sometimes in a secluded area. Also, the Army
Navy
The United States Navy states that on October 13, 1775, as the date of its official establishment. The mission of the Navy is to protect, train and equip combat-ready forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas.
The Navy also has one of the most elite special ops units in the SEALS. Training to become a SEAL is no joke. But, if you are brave and fit enough to do it, you will become part of a long-lasting brotherhood only a few have joined.
The Navy is for you if:
Those that love the ocean and want to work some cool jobs like Navy Nuclear Power, Special Operations, and Naval Air with the opportunity to be stationed at over 51 locations internationally will love all things the Navy has to offer.
The Navy isn’t for you if:
However, if you tend to get seasick or being in the water scares the living daylights out of you, then you may want to reconsider the Navy. If you’re a home-body, the Navy might not be the best fit for you as a majority of a Sailor’s time is spent out at sea. Being away from home and your family for long periods of time should be expected.
Marines
Ah, the Marines, the most loved and hated of the military branches. Joining is not for the faint of heart as they have one of the harshest boot camps of all the branches and require the highest level of physical fitness. Founded in 1775, the Marines started in Tun Tavern, Philadelphia and have been America’s expeditionary force in readiness since.
The Marine Corps is for you if:
Marines are geared for fighting and training. So, if you are one of those folks that love the outdoors, constant military training in the combative arts blowing things up, and perfecting
The Marine Corps isn’t for you if:
If a clear career path is more your speed and you want more of the amenities you would find in the other branches, chances are the Marines are not going to be something of interest to you. The Marines also deploy a lot when it comes to combat situations due to the infantry capabilities so keep that in mind when looking for a branch.
Coast Guard
The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the U.S. military branches for having a naval law enforcement mission. Currently, the Coast Guard is underneath the Department of Homeland Security. But, during the time of war, they can be transferred to the Department of the Navy.
The Coast Guard is for you if:
Those wanting to pursue a career in law enforcement and security will see the Coast Guard has plenty of opportunities for it. The Coast Guard also has one of the most prestigious jobs in the military with search and rescue swimmers. If you are quite a fish in water and want to be a part of tight knit community, search and rescue swimmers are among the elite positions in the military.
The Coast Guard isn’t for you if:
But, the Coast Guard is no cake walk to get into for enlistment. Any sort of criminal record, poor credit history, or GED will make it near impossible for you to get into the service. You can apply for waivers however and cross your fingers that they will take you but the best thing you can do is speak to a recruiter about this as they have tons of experience in dealing with these type of situations.
Military Basic Training
Want to get a better idea of each military branch’s basic training? Learn more about what it takes to join each branch and the battles that lie ahead.
i am currently in the Marine Corps as a Corporal and am attempting to go for a Bachelors in Biology. i am trying to switch branches but don’t know which branch would be best catered for prioritizing schooling
The Air Force prioritizes education.
So I love jets and fighter piolets but I also love being an infantry and running into battle. So my quiestion is, do the air force give a good fighter piolet school? My second question is if I love running into battle would that be a better to be a marine or army?
you could go into the Army and do Airborne school maybe?
I’m 20 years old and I recently just got my GED, Im not sure which branch to join for many reasons. I love the idea of traveling and seeing new parts of the world but I also want to pursue a higher education in IT/Tech. I’m torn between Army or Air force. I just want to be able to get a IT career in the civilian life after Im done with my term. Which branch would be better to pursue a higher education, so I can obtain my degrees for certain work outside of the military.
If you want to be safer and more comfortable then Air Force but if you want to attend college, the Army National Guard may be something to look into as you can attend that and go to college even attend ROTC to become an officer.
When choosing a military branch to join, it’s important to consider your interests, skills, and goals. Some of the most popular branches include the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. It’s also important to consider your lifestyle and
I think people should also consider their body type, I’m a sniper. I’m really short (I’m 4’8″😭), I’m like the size of a 6th grader.
Anyway being short has helped me and been a curse, i can fit into places where the others cant, and i can make a ghille suit in half the time.
But being short does come with its natural drawbacks, i cant run as fast as the rest, things are heavier such as my rifle, not to mention my SA80, i cant always reach high stuff, i get teased alot, the recoil feels much larger because of my small size (for an average height person its somewhat equivalent to a 50 cal).
I do love being a sniper though, its not nearly as stressful as the army.
Hey guys, I’m 18 years old and I just graduated highschool this year (2022) and am unsure what career path to go down. I don’t have any interest in college or a trade and the military has always been something I’ve wanted to do ever since I was little kid. My only concern is choosing a branch. I’ve always had my mind set on the Marines but maybe there’s a better option? Im open to suggestions. If anyone could give me some in-site or advice that would be great. Thanks.
Hey Jacob, I was looking into the marines too until I realized something. You seem like you want your career to be in the military and by far career wise the army is best for you. If you want to do things that marines say they do, you can do similar things in the army. Don’t let them sell you on their pride, because no matter what they say, their pride is nothing when it comes to supporting a family or getting the opportunities you want. You can be proud to be a solider just as much as a marine. The army is currently offering a 50k enlistment bonus for active duty. In the army you can have better amenities and the culture is a little less…how should I say…repetitive. The marines promise travel like the navy but you just follow the navy and stay on the ship, the army you get as the article said you get to travel the world. The marines are good if you wanna do a 4 or 2 year contract, get out with a good resume and go work in the civilian world, you’ll carry it with you, but if you want a career to rival all other branches, you want to go into the Army where your opportunities and your experience will be broadened constantly. You have to know what you want out of the military and what your talents are and you’ll be lead.
You’ll always be the one to say, “I almost joined.” I don’t believe this kid has the guts to go talk to a recruiter.
I’m looking to join under medical but I’m unsure which to join. I’m going into psychiatry and planning to take my GED and shadow a current psychiatrist while getting my degrees. My only problem is I don’t know what branch to join. I know that there’s a high request for that job field but I don’t want to get pressured into a branch that’s not for me. What branch has the best medical professionals?
I’m 17 and planning on joining the Air Force. I’m a bit scared for the ASVAB test though, what should I expect that’ll will be on it ? Also I somewhat have a list of jobs, but do they also give me options off my test scores ??
Theres plenty of apps and websites that replicate the ASVAB and should be easy to find, this way you can train for it! As for the jobs, if youre an american they ask you to make a list of 10 jobs and from this they’ll choose for you based on their needs and your score combined
Just know you can take the test more than once as well, before you submit.
There are 10 sections on the ASVAB, these include two basic math knowledge sections, basic science knowledge, paragraph comprehension, word knowledge, mechanics knowledge, electronic knowledge, automotive knowledge, workshop knowledge, and a section where you have to put shapes together (yes, that’s an actual section), it’s overall just a test over common sense and intellect. They do give you options based on your test scores, they give you a list of all the jobs you qualify for depending on your score, and they tell you how well you ranked in each of the military branches separately as well as a whole (your overall score). Another very important thing to remember when you take the test is that the scoring system isn’t like any average test, it’s based on percentage, so if you think you did badly by getting say a 50, you actually did really well. Most people score between 30-50, above those scores would be considered an “above average” score. But anyways, I think you’ll do great on the ASVAB 🙂 And if you’re too nervous, look online for some practice ones, there’s a really short one on the Army website that will also tell you what jobs you’d fit best in afterward.
I am 23 and graduating from nursing school December 2023. I want to be a flight nurse and also become a nurse practitioner (family and emergency medicine). What branch should I join if I want to be in helicopters for critical care and trauma patients?
Which branch is best for electrical engineering?
Air Force or Navy
I am a soon to be first-time mom who has always been interested in joining the military. Now that I will have a family it seems appropriate to join as I have new goals and my priorities are straightened out. I don’t know what branch to join for a career in medical administration.
Be in the army for medical
I don’t know about coast guard or marines (I’m from Australia 🇦🇺).
I am wanting to fly helicopters and/or planes. I have always wanted to join the military but have a hard time deciding which branch would benefit me most. I worked for a doctor who flew jets and was a naval air surgeon in the Navy and I spent some time on Whiteman AFB in Missouri and was told about the B-2 bombers there. Flying has always been a passion of mine, I just do not know where to start.
I would like to join navy
The military has an active-duty pay chart for its military members. The rates differ depending on rank, including enlisted soldiers, commissioned officers, warrant officers, enlisted members, and service time (in years) from 2 or fewer to over 40. Unfortunately, there is no precise answer for which military branch pays the most. Your earnings depend on your rank and pay grade, which can be affected by tax-free allowances and special pay.
I have nothing to complain about your article, it is really good and worth reading.
And Space Force?
The space force is an offshoot of the air force so everything that is there, right now it is just paperwork though.
What of the National guard?
The national guard is not a branch, it is the army reserves but under the control of the governor of the state you enlist in.
I’m 21 years old and looking to join when I’m 22, I was considering Marine Corps, but I’m not so sure. I want to be able to get deployed a good amount.
What brach is best for small and fast people.
if you want to be safe, join the Air Force. Being small and fast does not really matter unless you want a combat role.
If I want to be a astronaut which branch should I join?
Well, in that case, the United States Space Force would be the best option for you.
Navy
Hi. I am in need of assistance choosing what branch would be best. I am married and I am not planning on moving from my current location. I am currently a senior completing my undergraduate in Biology. I will apply to medical school in two years. I am considering a career in either anesthesiology, neuroscience, or psychiatry.
You should join a reserve in your chosen branch. Joining the reserves will be like a part time job, only training for certain times in the month. If that isn’t your fit, consider the national guard. The only time that either of these branches relocate is if shit has hit the fan and you are needed to deploy.
I think it would be best for you to not join any branch. If you join the guard or reserves you will have to go to basic training and after to tech school. Depending on the career path you pick you will be away for perhaps 6 months or for highly technical skills, could be one or two years. Then one weekend a month away for training and then once a year for two weeks training away at an active duty base. You are always subject to be called up to active duty and deployed for six months or longer.
Have you thought about the Commissioned Corps of the U.S Public Health Service?
If not check it out
USPHS.gov
There are active duty and reserve opportunities.
You should look into the HPSP army program.
what did you end up doing? i’m currently in the Marine Corps and want to go into a different branch that would be more catered towards my Biology degree or college. i have no clue what to do.
Which branch has the longest deployment? Planning on having a child soon and don’t wanna be deployed for too long.
The marines have the longest deployments.
The Navy, you will spend a lot of time aboard ship at sea.
Is there a buddy system if I and a companion want to be together going to boot camp and work in the military? Also, any advice on what branch for someone who wants to become a firefighter and to go into the medical field? What are some things that one should look out for when joining the military?
All of the branches have Firefighters, however all of the people I know who went in for Firefighting either went Airforce or Navy
I would replace Air Force with Coast Guard there
Buddy systems can be tricky. If one is held back for any reason such as medical, they will be separated and may not be able to re-join each other. Also in my non-military view, Navy would be better for firefighters. They are more active with the training and watches for fires on the ship.
This is the most poorly written article I’ve read all month.
Honestly. The grammatical and speech errors are worse than the writing or a 6th grader.
Lol. You have a typo.
Im soon going to be a senior in high school and i would want to go to college to major in physcology and dance , but im not sure which branch would provide me the best pathway for my career .
Physcology and dance!?!?! Join the Peace Corps
Silly answer!
The Peace Corps does NOT train volunteers for any occupation, volunteers bring their specialty to the assignment. (They DO train volunteers on the language and customs of the volunteer’s country of assignment). It’s an intensive two-year tour and can be very demanding!
I’m considering going into the military but I’m still deciding which branch and which branches bailiff would be best for me
Talk to your local recruiters but Army promotes the fastest.
I’m a senior in high school and I have been searching what branch would would be best for firefighting and have opportunities for college after, but i have no clue which one would best suit me.
In the Navy you learn how to fight fires, because fires are very dangerous on ships. in the Navy you will work with a ton of technology and equipment you can travel the world go to Japan, Guam, Europe the Middle East, ect.
Many coast guard stations and Air Force bases have their own fire departments
youtube/reddit has great insight to the different branches, my husband tried to go navy but is going army instead. At the end of the day they are salesmen so do your homework and get a lot of info. They will really try to sell you on a lot of stuff and jobs but they are not always available. They all have the same benefits because they are all department of defense, see what branch can do the most for your long term goals.
I’m looking to get some medical experience in the military and eventually become a nurse after I serve. Should I go for the Army’s combat medic or the Navy’s Corpsman?
Hi Raymond, you may want to look up 68C, practical nursing in the Army. Since you said you want to be a nurse after serving in the military, that may be an option for you. The only downside is your contract would be 6 years. AIT alone is 13 months which is probably the reason why they require such a long time. You will also take your NCLEX-PN to be an LPN. If you would go for the reserve component, you can go to school and apply for LPN-ADN/LPN-BSN bridge program. But if you choose active duty, it will take a while before you can go to nursing school.
I want to be able to pursue in a career of nursing. Which path should I go
In all honesty, that is something you should talk to your local recruiter about. From reading above, I would say the Army, My girlfriends mom was a nurse in the Army and she loved it.
If you become a nurse in the army then after your done fo they certify you to get a job in the civilization
I’m a 23 year old woman and I want to be better. Good at taking orders but not good with math. Which branch would be good for me?
Hello write me on my mail I can help you
dempsey.rodr@gmail.com
Hi Aiyana,
I would say the best thing for you is to talk to your local recruiter about that, but if you want a short answer, I would say either choose the Army or Coast Guard. The Air Force, depending on your AFSC, uses math – though every branch does as well. Keep in mind though, taking the ASVAB will help you decide which career is available to you depending on the score you get. Good luck!
I would take some time to really study because you want to get a score that will allow you flexibility when i comes to choosing a job. Know your worth, make a list of goals, look at what all the branches have to offer and see what jobs they can offer you. They all have the same benefits some have other opportunities that another branch but that will matter only if it applies to you and your goals. Do research! Get insights on personal experience, im not sure how the air force works but army lets you pick your job in house, marines and navy send you to meps and you pick whats open and even if the recruiter says oh yea you can do this, you may show up and they don’t have, then they say you can change your job and there is a very slim chance of that, once you get trained alot of money is invested in you, they are not going to let you change. IG@notes_n_coffee Wish you the best! and stay on gaurd they have number to meet each month and get paid for enlisting new people, its not bad its just part of their job but because of that they will tell you what you want to hear so you join.
I’m a single mother looking to have a solid future for me and my 6 year old. My Dad (retired w/ 20 y/o service) and Brother is in the military so I understand a little bit about it. I’d like a branch/job with a low possibility for deployment. What is your recommendation?
Hello write me on my mail I can help you
dempsey.rodr@gmail.com
Hi Sydney,
The Marine Corps are usually ones that are deployed the most when it comes to combat situations, however, the Army gets deployed in situations like that as well.
Statistically, as of 2010, only 19.1% (920) of those in the Coast Guard were deployed, 48.9% (107,462) Marines were deployed, 49.2% (137,760) Airmen were deployed, 44.8% (145,043) Sailors were deployed, and 47.3% (287,938) Soldiers were deployed. Now, of course, 11 years have passed, so the number must have changed.
If you don’t want to be deployed in combat situations, your best best would be the Air Force – it happens to be the safest branch as well. The Navy will have you traveling so that would not be the best fit, Marines and Soldiers get deployed the most often and the Coast Guard… isn’t the best in general.
Hope this helped.
I want to go into whichever branch travels the most.
that’s the navy
Hello write me on my mail I can help you
dempsey.rodr@gmail.com
ill be 18 but i want to work for the CIA agents should i be a marine? if yes what steps and requirements should i start with.
if you wanna go cia go to college then go in as commissioned then find a combat mos and progress further
Will love to see it.