For a civilian, understanding the military is about as easy as understanding Greek. But if you’re thinking about joining the military, you need to know what each branch of the military does, how it functions, and if it’s the right fit for you.
Military Overview
The military departments are under the control of the Department of Defense. The Department of Defense is headed by a civilian – the Secretary of Defense – who is elected by the President. There are 3 military departments, known as the Department of the Army, the Department of the Navy, and the Department of the Air Force. Each department has a civilian secretary who heads up the department.
There are 4 military branches within the 3 military departments: Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines, who are a division of the Navy. These branches are commanded by 4-star generals or admirals (for the Navy). The generals and admirals comprise the Joint Chiefs of Staff. They report to the secretaries of their respective departments.
The Secretaries report directly to the President, and the Chiefs of Staff report directly to their respective Secretary. However, in some cases, the Joint Chiefs of Staff report directly to the President.
The Coast Guard does not fall under the Department of Defense. In fact, it has recently been put under the Department of Homeland Security because of legislation passed in 2002. However, the Coast Guard is still a military service. All of its personnel and resources can be transferred to the control of the Navy in times of conflict or war. The Coast Guard is commanded by a 4-star admiral.
The Army
The Army is the oldest military department, and it is by far the largest. Created by an act of Congress in 1775, the Army’s duty is to provide ground support in the defense and protection of the United States of America and its interests. In order to accomplish this duty, the Army uses ground troops, tanks, combat helicopters, artillery, etc.
The Army is also supported by the U.S. Army Reserves and the U.S. Army National Guard in times of great need. The U.S. Army National Guard is controlled by the federal government, whereas the U.S. Army Reserves are controlled by state governments. The President can take control of U.S. Army Reserves in times of war and transfer the Reserves to the U.S. Army National Guard.
The Navy
The Navy was also created by an act of Congress in 1775. The Navy is responsible for protecting the freedom of the seas. Their aim is to make the seas safe for American use when and where needs arise. Naval ships are also used to support the Air Force. They support them by providing landing strips where they would otherwise be impossible to build. They also provide transportation and support services to the Marines, a specialized division of the Navy. The Navy also has its own fleet of air craft, as well as submarines and special ballistics.
The Navy also has support troops through the Naval Reserves for times of need.
The Air Force
The Air Force came into its own during World War II. That’s when it was discovered that aircraft could do more than support ground troops. After legislation in 1947, the Air Force became its own department and was no longer a division of the Army. The Air Force is responsible for defending the United States through use of air and space. All military satellites and nuclear ballistic missiles are under the control of the U.S. Air Force.
The Air Force also has support troops through the U.S. Air Force Reserves and the Air National Guard.
The Marines
The Marines were established as a landing force for the Navy in 1775. But in 1798, legislation made the Marines its own military department. The main specialty of the Marines is to assault, capture and control beaches and other areas of land next to water. This provides an inlet for ground troops. In recent years, the Marines have expanded their department with their own air support. They are still the best at rapid deployment. However, most Marine administration, logistical support and medics are provided by the U.S. Navy.
The Marines have support troops through the Marine Corps Reserves.
The Coast Guard
The Coast Guard was established as the Revenue Cutter Service in 1790. It officially became the Coast Guard in 1915. The Coast Guard was passed around to the jurisdiction of several departments, including the Department of Transportation. In 2002 the Coast Guard was transferred to the Department of Homeland Security. The primary aim of the Coast Guard is law enforcement, sea rescue, illegal immigration control and boat safety. However, in times of conflict or war, the President can move Coast Guard personnel and equipment to the control of the U.S. Navy.
The Coast Guard has support troops through the Coast Guard Reserves and a volunteer Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Which military branch is right for you?
Now that each branch of the military has been briefly explained, it’s time to figure out which one is for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re making this important decision:
Once you’ve gotten a better idea of which branch is a good fit for you, get more information from Military.com. Then make an appointment with a recruitment officer. Once you are enlisted, you’ll find out just how rewarding it is to serve our nation.
