Military

Learn About the Military

Get a brief overview of the six service branches of the U.S. armed forces:

  • U.S. Air Force (USAF)

  • U.S. Army (USA)

  • U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

  • U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)

  • U.S. Navy (USN)

  • U.S. Space Force (USSF)

The Air Force is part of the Department of Defense (DOD). It’s responsible for aerial military operations, defending U.S. air bases, and building landing strips. Its service members are airmen. The reserve components are Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.

The Army is part of the DOD and is the largest of the military branches. It handles significant ground combat missions, especially operations that are ongoing. Army Special Forces are called Green Berets for their headgear. The Army's members are its soldiers. The reserve components are the Army Reserve and Army National Guard.

The Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It provides national security and search and rescue for America's waterways, seas, and coast. It's responsible for stopping drug smugglers and others breaking maritime law. It enforces marine environmental protection laws. Service members are Coast Guardsmen and nicknamed Coasties. The reserve component is the Coast Guard Reserve.

The Marine Corps is part of the DOD. It provides land combat, sea-based, and air-ground operations support for the other branches during a mission. This branch also guards U.S. embassies around the world and the classified documents in those buildings. Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) members are known as Raiders. All service members are called Marines. The reserve component is the Marine Corps Reserve.

The Navy is part of the DOD. It protects waterways (sea and ocean) outside of the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction. Navy warships provide the runways for aircraft to land and take off when at sea. Navy SEALs (sea, air, and land) are the special operations force for this branch. All service members are known as sailors. The reserve component is Navy Reserve.

The Space Force is a new branch, created in December 2019 from the former Air Force Space Command. The Space Force falls within the Department of the Air Force. It organizes, trains, and equips space forces to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and provide space capabilities to the joint force.

Source: https://www.usa.gov/join-military

Join the Military by enlisting or meeting the requirements to become a commissioned officer or warrant officer

Most people join the military by enlisting in one of its branches. Enlisted members make up most of the military workforce. They receive training in a job specialty and do most of the hands-on work. Usually, you’ll sign up for four years of active duty and four years inactive. After you’ve completed your active duty time, you can either extend your contract or re-enlist if you want to continue serving.

Officers make up a much smaller part of the workforce. To join as an officer, you typically must have a four-year college degree and complete an officer program. Most officers are managers who plan and direct operations. Others are professionals like doctors and lawyers. Officers get paid more than enlisted members and enjoy certain other benefits.

You do not have to join as an officer to become one though. You can join as an enlisted member and attend officer training later on.


Education Benefits for Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families

If you were or are in the military, you may be eligible for veterans education benefits. If you’re a spouse or dependent, you may qualify too.

· Learn about the GI Bill and other education programs.

· Compare schools with the GI Bill Comparison Tool.

· Learn how to apply for the GI Bill and other education benefits.

· Find out about eligibility and requesting career counseling.

Forever GI Bill

The Forever GI Bill, signed in 2017, made changes to many veterans education benefits. Most changes expanded or improved upon prior benefits. Highlights include:

· Restoring education benefits to people who lost them because their school closed

· Eliminating the 15-year time limit for those who left active duty on or after January 1, 2013

See a detailed list of Forever GI Bill changes.

Military Tuition Assistance

If you are in the military now, your unit may pay for your tuition if you attend college in your off-duty time.

· Learn about the Military Tuition Assistance Program.

· Use the TA Decide tool to compare schools and help you make the best use of your tuition assistance dollars.