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Understanding the Importance of the 5 Military Branches (An Introduction into the Military)

While there are 5 main branches of the military, it is actually broken down into much more than that—totaling 12 branches in all. However, it is true that there are 5 active military branches (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy), 5 reserve branches, and 2 guard branches. Each branch dedicates themselves to protecting, defending, and maintaining the freedom and liberties of the Nation. Together, the 5 branches make up the entirety of the military and each separately serves a special role within the military. There are military bases from each branch of service found all over the World. Stations in International regions as well as military bases within the Nation. What branch of service are you trying to locate a military base for?

 

Air Force

Originally, the Air Force started out as a smaller specialized unit within the Army. Post World War II, in 1947 the Air Force was established as an individual branch of the Military. The Air Force today maintains a commitment to keeping global vigilance, reach and power. The Air Force is considered to be the ‘Defenders of the Skies’ and rightfully continues to retain superiority over the skies through scientific and technological advancements propelling them further in air, space, and cyberspace.

Army

The Army is the oldest military branch, established in 1775. Specializing in ground-based strategy, the Army also holds the largest amount of active service members than any other branch. There are three total sectors to the Army—active, Army Reserves, and the Army National Guard. The Army conducts focused training for progressive combat encounters. Outside of domestic bases, the Army sustains several permanent international bases in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Additionally, the Army can be found on the ground in areas of discord.

Coast Guard

Few are aware that the Coast Guard was originally formed by combining five other federal services. Made up of the U.S. Lighthouse Service, the Revenue Cutter Service, the Steamboat Inspection Service, the Bureau of Navigation and the U.S. Lifesaving Service, the Coast Guard was formed. This congressional act created the formation of the Coast Guard in 1915 and was placed under the supervision of the Department of Treasury and then transferred to the Department of Transportation by an executive order. Today, the Coast Guard falls under the Department of Homeland Security during times of peace and the Navy in times of war. The Coast Guard is responsible for search and rescues, drugs, immigrant trafficking, and acts as the law enforcement of coastal waters.

Marine Corps

The Marines, first established in 1775 as a ground-force sector of the Navy, is considered to be the smallest branch of the military, next to the Coast Guard. Initially, the Marines were used to take over beaches for the Navy. 1798, marked the beginning of the Marine Corps, as it then became its own official branch of the military. Although the Marine Corps has its own aviation unit, the Navy still mainly supports Marines by air and sea. The Marine Corps receives medical aid from the Navy. Currently, there are over 180,000 active Marines strategically placed across the world ready for fast deployment during times of crisis and need. The Marine Corps is best known for their slogan: “The few. The proud. The Marines.”

Navy

The Navy was found under the authority of George Washington in 1775 as a means to disrupt British Supply ships. For decades to follow their necessity was a question in terms of being a financially sound investment, even after their successful engagement during the American Revolution. In 1794, pirate ambushes on trade routes and growing international conflicts, the Navy’s value was then understood. The Navy guards the Nation’s interested both abroad and at home, reaching the furthest depths of the ocean and conquering the waters, above and below the sea. The Navy has a full set of service units (air, ground, and sea). The reach of the Navy can be seen as they are spread out to over 100 international ports and control over 285 deployable ships at any one time.