There are so many branches of the armed services and so many military careers within each of them that the main problem with finding a military career is deciding which one you want. First of all, you have to choose among the many armed services. Search for a military college.
Here are the five major ones:
Army: This is the oldest branch of the United States military. It is also the largest and the one that is called on to do most fighting on land. When people speak of joining the armed services, it is the Army that they are most often speaking of. It also contains a number of subgroups, including elite units like the Rangers and Special Forces, as well as the Army Reserve, for those who wish to continue working in a civilian capacity while training to have military careers.
Navy: When wars are fought at sea, it is the Navy that it is called out to fight the battle. In the Navy, you might serve on ships and see many of the great ports of the world. Or, you could join an elite group such as the Navy SEALS or the Navy Divers. Similarly to the Army Reserve, there is a Naval Reserve so that you can train for military careers in naval operations while maintaining your civilian position until such time as a national emergency arises.
Marines Corps: The marines combine the shipboard mobility of the Navy with the land-fighting power of the Army. Join the Marines if you want to be prepared to arrive rapidly at trouble spots around the world. There is also a Marine Corps Reserve, similar to the Army Reserve and the Navy Reserve.
Air Force: The Air Force is about airplanes, the people who fly them, and the people who support their operations in times of war and peace. Military careers in the Air Force include fighter pilot and flight crew, electronic technician, and air traffic controller. If you want to be on the cutting edge of aviation technology, the Air Force is the place to be. There is also an Air Force Reserve, similar to the Army, Navy, and Marine Reserves.
Coast Guard: The Coast Guard is unique in that it is both one of the five branches of the United States military, patrolling the U.S. coastal waters, and a law enforcement organization, combating smugglers, gunrunners, and other criminals who operate in the areas just off the shore.
In addition to the above, there are also the Army National Guard, a branch of the Army that operates within the U.S., and the Air Guard, which performs a similar role for the Air Force. As you can see, there are many military careers available.
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