Learn about the U.S. military branches
Six branches make up the armed forces of the United States. Find out about each branch’s mission and history.
Use resources from the National Archives to research the history of the U.S. military.
Branches of the U.S. military
Each branch of the military has its own purposecarrying out its mission on landwateror in the air.
| Military Branch | Responsibilities | Members | Reserves | Special Forces |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Force | Execute military operations in the air | Airmen | Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard | Special Warfare |
| Army | Conduct combat missions on the ground | Soldiers | Army Reserve and National Guard | Green Berets |
| Coast Guard | Enforce laws at seasecure waterwayslead search and rescue missions | Coastguardsmen | Coast Guard Reserve | Maritime Security Response Team |
| Marine Corps | Support other branches in landseaand air combat and operations | Marines | Marine Corps Reserve | Marine Corps Special Operations Command |
| Navy | Protect waterwaysprovide runways for aircraft when at sea | Sailors | Navy Reserve | Navy SEALS |
| Space Force | Organizetrainand equip members to conduct global space operations | Guardians | None | None |
LAST UPDATED: August 272025
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