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.

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: December 8, 2023

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