Learn about the U.S. Military Branches

Overview

• The U.S. military is composed of six branches, each with a distinct mission and history.
• Each branch operates in different domains: land, water, and air.

Branches of the U.S. Military

Air Force

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

Army

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

Coast Guard

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

Marine Corps

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

Navy

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

Space Force

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

Additional Information

• Updated information as of December 8, 2023.
• Resources are available from the National Archives for researching the history of the U.S. military.

Contact Information

• Questions can be addressed by calling 1-844-USAGOV1 or chatting with USAGov.
• Social media presence includes Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

USAGov

• Serves as the official guide to government information and services.
• Managed by the U.S. General Services Administration.