Branches of The U.S. Military

The United States military is one of the world's largest and is steeped in history and tradition.WatchMojo explores the differences between the five branches of the U.S. armed forces.

Branches of The U.S. Military Welcome to watchmojo.com and today we’ll be exploring the differences between the five branches of the U.S. Military, the army, Marine Corps, navy, air force and coast guard. In total, the U.S. Military is one of the worlds largest and today this pool of recruits consists primarily of volunteers. Gen. George Casey: I will always place the mission first. I would never accept defeat. I will never quit, and I would never leave a fallen comrade. The oldest and largest of the five military services the U.S. army is the country’s primary force on the ground. With the motto “This will defend” the arm was established to protect the U.S. and its interests by using troops, tanks, artillery and more. The continental army was set up on June 14, 1775, and by 1784 it had been disbanded and was replaced by the U.S. army. Broken into three components, today’s active duty army is supported by two reserve units, the army reserves and the National Guard. Recruits live by a set of core values that include loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. Together, these values form the acronym LDRSHIP. Established as the continental marines on November 10, 1775, the U.S. Marine Corps was originally created as a landing force for the navy. By 1798, the modern Marine Corps was born and the group specialized in obtaining and maintaining control of beach heads. More lightweight and mobile than the army, marines can be deployed quickly. This is one reason they have served in almost every military conflict in American history. Known for being the cream of the crop, the marines train harder and longer than other branches, with a rigorous 12-week long boot camp challenging them physically and mentally. Their motto “Sempre fideles” or “Always faithful” is a testament to their fiercely loyal attitude. The continental Congress established the navy at the same time as they founded the army in 1775. Today, the United States navy is by far the largest in the world. Its primary job has always been to preserve the freedom of the seas and to guard the county against adversaries. During conflicts, the navy enhances the power of the air force. The navy deploys their aircraft carriers in areas where permanent landing strips are not viable, and carries roughly 80 aircraft per carrier. They can also attack targets on land using guns and missiles and use their submarines to strike at enemy shores, the navy also aides the marines by bringing them to the battle zones. The motto of the navy is honor, courage, commitment and these are the rules by which each member lives. Established in 1947, the air force is the youngest of the military branches. It was World War II that illustrated to the United States the importance of air power. Prior to that time, the main task of the air force was to support forces on the ground. Since then, they have been a separate service with the motto aim high, fly, fight, win. Therefore, as it is the army’s responsibility to protect the U.S. and its interest on the ground, the air force does the same in air and space. This includes the use of a variety of different aircraft as well as military satellites. Similar to the army, the air force is enhanced by the air force reserves and National Guard. Founded in 1790, as the revenue cutter service, by 1915 the U.S. coast guard was formed. During times of peace, their primary task is the enforcement of both domestic and international laws, as well as boat safety and rescues. However, during wars, the coast guard can be operated as a service in the department of the navy. Comprised of boats, ships, aircraft and coastal stations they are sometimes supported by the coast guard reserves and the volunteer coast guard auxiliary when necessary, their motto “Sempra peratis’ means “always ready” and refers to the high level of preparedness expected of the coast guard. Dating back even before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the United States military is a sacred institution that has played a huge role in the history of both the U.S. and the world. Gen. George Casey: Going to make us what we are today the best army on the face of the earth.