Learn about the U.S. Military Branches | USAGov

Overview

• The U.S. military consists of six branches, each with its unique mission and history.
• The mission of each branch can be on land, water, or air.

Branches of the U.S. Military

1. Air Force

• Responsibilities: Execute military operations in the air.
• Members: Airmen.
• Reserves: Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard.
• Special Forces: Special Warfare.

2. Army

• Responsibilities: Conduct combat missions on the ground.
• Members: Soldiers.
• Reserves: Army Reserve and National Guard.
• Special Forces: Green Berets.

3. Coast Guard

• Responsibilities: Enforce laws at sea, secure waterways, lead search and rescue missions.
• Members: Coastguardsmen.
• Reserves: Coast Guard Reserve.
• Special Forces: Maritime Security Response Team.

4. Marine Corps

• Responsibilities: Support other branches in land, sea, and air combat and operations.
• Members: Marines.
• Reserves: Marine Corps Reserve.
• Special Forces: Marine Corps Special Operations Command.

5. Navy

• Responsibilities: Protect waterways, provide runways for aircraft when at sea.
• Members: Sailors.
• Reserves: Navy Reserve.
• Special Forces: Navy SEALS.

6. Space Force

• Responsibilities: Organize, train, and equip members to conduct global space operations.
• Members: Guardians.
• Reserves: None.
• Special Forces: None.

Additional Resources

• Utilize resources from the National Archives for researching the history of the U.S. military.
• National Archives

Last Updated

• December 8, 2023

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