The DOD includes all branches of the military, but each branch plays a unique role in defending the country. To determine which would be the best fit for you, you would need to understand each branch's primary mission.
Even if you don't plan to join the military after graduation, understanding what each branch does is a good idea. In whatever career you choose, you might be asked to partner with a division of the U.S. military, providing equipment or services that help them accomplish their mission. The slides below briefly describe what each branch does.
The Army is a popular option for many young men and women as it is the largest military branch and offers a wide range of specializations and training opportunities. The Army is responsible for fighting all wars on the ground, using infantry or foot soldiers, heavy artillery, and tanks. Most soldiers also learn other skills that they can use in civilian jobs after leaving the Army.
Like the Army, the Marines fight on land. However, they are a much smaller group. Marines are transported by water to a battlefront and are usually the first ones sent into a warzone. They are also responsible for protecting the White House and all U.S. embassies throughout the world.
The Navy is a water-based force—they fight battles that take place at sea. Some vessels used by the Navy are destroyers, aircraft carriers, and submarines. Fighter jets and bombers assist with air battles that take place over water.
As their name suggests, the Air Force takes its fight to the air, which includes both air-to-air combat and air-to-ground combat. The Air Force has many different types of fighter jets at their disposal as well as other support aircraft. After leaving the Air Force, many people begin careers in civil aviation, as pilots or airplane mechanics, for instance.
The Space Force is a branch of the Air Force and the newest fighting force under the DOD. The Space Force may remind you of Star Wars, but it actually focuses on cyberwar. Instead of engaging in battles between spaceships, the Space Force is charged with defending the U.S. from satellite-based weapons that could be used to cripple the nation's infrastructure.
The purpose of the Coast Guard is to protect the United States' coastlines. Its responsibilities include preventing drugs from entering the county, ensuring the security of ports, and conducting ocean search and rescue missions.
The National Guard is a unique branch of the army. These soldiers are only required to serve one weekend a month and two full weeks during a year, which means that they can still work a full-time job whenever they're not deployed.
Do you understand the unique features of each military branch? Use the activity below to find out. Match each phrase to the branch it describes.
