The mission of the Air Force is to defend the United States through control and exploitation of air and space. The Air Force flies and maintains aircraft, such as long-range bombers, supersonic fighters, Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft and many others, whenever and wherever necessary, to protect the interests of America and American allies.
Army men and women work in many types of jobs, ranging from general administration to the operation and maintenance of the Army’s technical electronic systems. Initial Army training is provided in two phases: basic training and Advance Individual Training (job training). Soldiers, working as a team, perform the Army’s mission of protecting the United States and its vital resources. Those who enlist into the Army will find hundreds of challenging career opportunities that can offer a lifetime of security and excitement to them and their families.
The Coast Guard constantly performs its mission of protecting America’s coastlines and inland waterways by enforcing customs and fishing laws, combating drug smuggling, conducting search and rescue missions, maintaining lighthouses and promoting boating safety. The Coast Guard is a part of the Department of Transportation; in time of war, it may be placed in the Department of Defense under the command of the Navy. Two types of training are provided to Coast Guard Recruits: recruit training and job training.
The Marine Corps has become one of the most elite fighting forces in the world. Marines are a part of the Department of the Navy and operate in close cooperation with U.S. Naval forces at sea. The Marine Corps mission is unique among the services. Marines serve on U.S. Navy ships, protect naval bases, guard U.S. embassies and provide a quick, ever-ready strike force to protect U.S. interests anywhere in the world. The Marine Corps training occurs in two sessions: recruit training and job training.
The National Guard is a unique element of the U.S. military that serves both community and country. The Guard responds to domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counterdrug efforts, reconstruction missions and more. Any state governor or the President of the United States can call on the Guard in a moment’s notice. Guard Soldiers hold civilian jobs or attend college while maintaining their military training part time. Guard Soldiers’ primary area of operation is their home state.
The Navy plays an essential role in helping to maintain the freedom of the seas. It defends the right of our country and its allies to travel freely on the world’s oceans and helps protect our country during times of international conflict. Navy personnel operate and repair more than 500 ships and over 6,000 aircraft; they serve in diverse fields as radio operators, dental specialists, seamen, computer programmers, photographers, ship electricians, boiler technicians on submarines, in aviation positions on land and sea and at shore bases around the world. The Navy is known for the excellent training it provides. The Navy provides both recruit training and job training.