Did you know the Armed Forces have over two million active duty service members? Military personnel are given many exciting benefits for serving the nation, including healthcare, education benefits (aka tuition assistance), and home loans. While the pay you can expect depends on your pay grade, the military branch you choose can impact your life forever.
Each military branch of the Armed Forces has its unique challenges and opportunities. But which is the best option if you intend to enlist? We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each military branch to give you an idea of what to expect if you choose to serve in the military.
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How Many Military Branches Are There?
The US Armed Forces has six branches, namely the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and recently, the Space Force was introduced. Each branch of the military has its responsibilities, and the opportunities you can unlock depend on which branch you enlist for.
Serving the Army Military Branch
Regarded as the largest branch in the Armed Forces, there are plenty of incredible opportunities and drawbacks of becoming Army soldiers. Aside from possible land combat, here are some you can expect as you undergo basic training at the Army:
Easiest Service Branch to Enlist in
The Army has the most lenient enlistment requirements among the military branches. It has the lowest passing grade requirement, and you can join the Army if you’re between 17 and 35 years old. Even if you have misdemeanor charges on your record, you can obtain a waiver and still qualify for this military branch.
Broad Job Opportunities
As the largest branch of the military, there are plenty of career opportunities as an active duty service member. The Army is known for its emphasis on professional growth.
You can climb up military commands if you pass through basic training and stick with this service branch for years. You may even qualify for leadership positions in the future.
Possible Combat Zone Deployment
On the other hand, army soldiers have a higher tendency of being deployed to combat zones compared to other branches. While that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be in a hostile region, there’s a huge chance you might get deployed to one if the nation calls for it. If you have a family, the risk might be a drawback.
If you don’t get seasick easily, perhaps the Navy is a feasible option you can explore. The country’s protection on sea, the Navy also provides runways for planes to take off and land at sea. You won’t necessarily be sailing on a ship if you’re part of the Navy, but what are the pros and cons of this branch?
Opportunity to Travel
Navy service members have opportunities to travel and explore the world. You won’t necessarily be on a ship the entire time. You’ll have the chance to visit other countries as part of your military service.
If you’re young and want to travel the world, exploring a career in the Navy allows you to fulfill your travel goals while getting paid and serving the country.
Various Career Paths
The Navy focuses on providing its military members the education they need to serve the branch’s requirements. Aside from the potential technical training, you also have different career paths to choose from if you meet the requirements. You can get assigned to work in nuclear energy or even aviation if you’re part of the Navy.
Frequent Deployment at Sea
One of the biggest drawbacks of serving in the Navy is the frequent deployments at sea, which may last months at a time. You can expect being away from home for extended periods if you’re part of the service branch.
Moreover, living conditions in ships aren’t luxurious and cramped. You’ll have to deal with that type of lifestyle for months before you get to dock and enjoy the civilian world.
Joining the Elite Marine Corps
Why choose to serve in land, sea, or aerial warfare when you can choose all of these options? The Marine Corps offers a unique opportunity for enlisted members to get to serve the nation on all fronts because they’re the first defense of the country. What can you expect if you qualify for the Marine Corps?
Part of the Elite Force
With its rigorous requirements, the Marines is the toughest military branch to get into. If you do get admitted into the Marine Corps, it’s something to be proud of in itself. It’s a very intense military branch, and being part of the chosen few is a huge pro.
Physical Demands
Because the Marines are expected to be ready for any conditions, you can expect very physically demanding tasks and combat training. If you like to keep fit, this can be a huge advantage to improve your physical fitness.
However, this can be perceived as a disadvantage if you’re not interested in the rigorous training involved.
Strict Lifestyle
Getting admitted into the Marine Corps is challenging, and staying in the Marines is equally demanding. You subject yourself to a strict lifestyle if you’re part of the Marines.
You’re not only expected to be well-equipped in offensive force, but you also need to be mentally tough and of high moral integrity. This branch of the military is more unforgiving than other branches so the expectations are high.
Flying with the Air Force
As you can probably infer with its name, the Air Force grants you the opportunity to become a pilot. However, being part of the Air Force doesn’t automatically mean you’re a pilot like Maverick in Top Gun. There are plenty of career opportunities should you choose to serve in this military branch.
Most Advanced Air Force in the World
One of the biggest pros of the US Air Force is its high-end technology. You get access to the most advanced technology in aerial warfare if you’re part of the Air Force. This exposure can open many opportunities, and you’ll be provided the basic training and more to meet this technology’s requirements.
Professional Development
With the advanced technology comes more opportunities professionally. Through the Air Force, you can become a pilot. Studying to become a pilot is expensive, and even after your stint in the Air Force, you can use this experience for other career opportunities.
Even if you don’t become a pilot, you can still get excellent training that can pave the way for a lucrative job during and after your time in the Armed Forces.
Slow Career Progression
While you may have excellent opportunities training-wise, you won’t have many chances to move up the ladder in the Air Force. Why? The Air Force is relatively small in size compared to other branches which means there are fewer opportunities to advance should you choose to pursue a long-term career in this branch.
Keeping Home Safe at the Coast Guard
The Coast Guard is in charge with maritime law enforcement, and its unique role has its pros and cons as well. What can you expect if you choose to serve the nation through the Coast Guard?
Work-Life Balance
Unlike other branches that may have you deployed oversease for extended periods, you can expect shorter deployments at the Coast Guard. This also means less time away from home, providing service members a good work-life balance. If you have a young family, you won’t have to spend too much time away after basic training.
Working with International Partners
When you work at the Coast Guard, you’ll have the unique opportunity to work closely with international organizations and the Coast Guard forces of other nations. This networking opportunity can open career options you can pursue once you’ve decided to retire from the Coast Guard.
Fewers Job Opportunities
Like the Air Force, the Coast Guard is a small service branch with few available job positions to choose from. With this limited career opportunity comes intense competition should you choose to pusue a long-term career.
Joining the Space Force
Because it’s the newest service branch, those who get accepted in the Space Force have unique opportunities as space discovery becomes more advanced. What are the possible pros and cons you can expect if you get admitted into the Space Force?
Pioneer Opportunities
As the newest service branch, you journey into the unknown, which may mean plenty of pioneer opportunities professionally. The opportunities are literally out of this world and can mean an exciting future.
Exposure to High-End Technology
One of the things that makes the Space Force exciting is the exposure to high-end technology. You’ll get to work with astronauts, and you can even become one if you pass the rigorous training.
You’ll have access to advanced technology and satellite communications. Even after you retire from the military, the experience you gain can open incredible career options.
Drawn from the Air Force
One of the downsides of the Space Force is that it usually draws its service members from the Air Force. It’s rare that you get admitted into this service branch upon enlistment. You might have to render a few years in another service branch before you get to work for the Space Force.
Final Words
Regardless of which military branch you’re from, you must prove your military service if you want to maximize military benefits. SCRACVS can help you obtain proof of active duty service to make sure you get what you deserve as you serve the nation. Click here to sign up at SCRAVS and verify the active duty status.
FAQs
Which military branch has the best benefits?
Each military branch offers plenty of incredible benefits, including education assistance, healthcare, and home loans. However, the Army, Navy, and Air Force offer enlistment bonuses, which can help you jumpstart your goals.
What are the pros and cons of military service?
One of the biggest pros of military service is the benefits, which includes education, healthcare and home loans. Entering into military service also means plenty of sacrifices, chances of getting deployed into war zones, and time away from the family.
What is the most effective military branch?
The Navy is considered the most formidable military branch because of its size and access to advanced technology. It has control of weapons of aerial warfare, as well.
Which branch of the military is the most difficult?
The most challenging branch to get admitted to and remain in is the Marine Corps. You’ll be subject to more intense training than different branches because you’ll be trained to be ready for combat whenever the nation needs you.