Learn about the U.S. military branches
Six branches make up the armed forces of the United States. Find out about each branch’s mission and history.
Use resources from the National Archives to research the history of the U.S. military.
Branches of the U.S. military
Each branch of the military has its own purpose, carrying out its mission on land, water, or in the air.
| Military Branch | Responsibilities | Members | Reserves | Special Forces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Force | Execute military operations in the air | Airmen | Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard | Special Warfare |
| Army | Conduct combat missions on the ground | Soldiers | Army Reserve and National Guard | Green Berets |
| Coast Guard | Enforce laws at sea, secure waterways, lead search and rescue missions | Coastguardsmen | Coast Guard Reserve | Maritime Security Response Team |
| Marine Corps | Support other branches in land, sea, and air combat and operations | Marines | Marine Corps Reserve | Marine Corps Special Operations Command |
| Navy | Protect waterways, provide runways for aircraft when at sea | Sailors | Navy Reserve | Navy SEALS |
| Space Force | Organize, train, and equip members to conduct global space operations | Guardians | None | None |
LAST UPDATED: May 21, 2025
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