Military Branches
Take a quick tour of the five branches of the U.S. armed forces and the National Guard.
U.S. Army
The Army's mission is to protect the security of the United States and its vital resources. The Army is constantly ready to defend American interests and the interests of our allies through land-based operations anywhere in the world. Today's "Army of Excellence" is a military force with 69,000 officers, 11,500 warrant officers, and 450,000 enlisted soldiers. Army men and women work in a variety of jobs ranging from general administration to the operations and maintenance of the Army's many thousands of weapons, vehicles, aircraft carriers, and technical electronic systems.
Find out more about the U.S. Army at GoArmy.com or 1.888.550.ARMY.
Army National Guard
The federal mission of the Army National Guard is to be prepared to be called to active duty as a reserve of the Army. The U.S. Constitution designates
Find out more about the U.S. Army National Guard or the Minnesota National Guard. Or, call 1.800.GO.GUARD.
U.S. Navy
The U.S. Navy plays an important role in helping to maintain the freedom of the United States. The Navy defends the right to travel and trade freely on the world's oceans and protects our country and national interests overseas during times of international conflict. The Navy is a large and diverse organization, consisting of 371,000 officers and enlisted members. Navy personnel operate and repair more than 320 ships and 4,000 aircraft. They serve on ships at sea, on submarines under the sea, in aviation positions on land and sea, and at shore bases around the world.
Find out more at Navy.com or 1.800.
U.S. Air Force
The U.S. Air Force defends the United States through control and exploitation of air and space. The Air Force flies and maintains aircraft, such as long-range bombers, supersonic fighters, Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, and many others to protect the interests of America and its allies. Almost 400,000 highly trained officers and airmen compose today's
Find out more at AirForce.com or 1.800.423.USAF.
U.S. Marine Corps
The U.S. Marine Corps has grown to become one of the most elite fighting forces in the world. Approximately 174,000 officers and enlisted Marines fly planes and helicopters, operate radar equipment, drive armored vehicles, and gather intelligence along with hundreds of other jobs. Each year, the Marine Corps recruit 41,000 men and women to fill job openings. Training programs offer challenging and progressive skill development with emphasis on the development of mental strength and physical prowess.
Find out more at Marines.com or 1.800.MARINES.
U.S. Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard's mission is to protect America's coastlines and inland waterways by enforcing customs and fishing laws, combating drug smuggling, conducting search and rescue missions, maintaining
Find out more at GoCoastGuard.com or 1.877.NOW.USCG.
Source: Today's Military online guide of the U.S. Department of Defense.