Service Tree
The Service Tree lists all services in "branched" groups, starting with the very general and moving to the very specific. Click on the name of any group name to see the sub-groups available within it. Click on a service code to see its details and the providers who offer that service.
- Service Tree
- Organizational/Community/International Services
- Military Service
- Military Service Branches (this page)
Military Service Branches
The U.S. Army's mission is to protect the security of the United States and it's resources through land-based operations throughout the world. The army also provides the infrastructure necessary to raise, train, equip, deploy and ensure the readiness of all of its forces; and soldiers work in a variety of institutional jobs ranging from general administration to the operations and maintenance of the Army's many thousands of weapons, vehicles, aircraft carriers and technical electronic systems.
The mission of the U.S. Coast Guard is to protect 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 part of the Department of Homeland Security and in times of war, may be commissioned to the Department of Defense under the command of the Navy.
The U.S. Marine Corps is trained, organized and equipped for offensive amphibious employment as a "force in readiness". Its primary specialty is to assault, capture and control beach heads, which then provide a route to attack the enemy from almost any direction. The Marine Corps also conducts operations on land and in the air in connection with naval campaigns; and is responsible for providing detachments for service aboard certain types of naval vessels, as well as security forces for naval shore installations and U.S. diplomatic missions in foreign countries. The Marines are often the first to fight entering combat zones very early in a battle, often prior to other services.
The National Guard is a unique state-based military force shared by the state and federal government. Members of the Army and Air National Guard perform duty a minimum of 39 days per year but often much more. They can be called upon to augment active military forces in times of national emergency and serve their states and local communities when natural disasters and other contingencies occur. When on state duty (or state and federal shared duty), they are under the tactical and administrative control of the governor. When mobilized or performing strictly federal duty, they are under the control of the President as Commander-in-Chief.
The U.S. Navy trains and equips combat-ready Naval forces who are charged with conducting military operations at sea. The Navy defends the right to travel and trade freely on the world's oceans and protects the country and national interests overseas during times of international conflict. Sailors serve on ships at sea, on submarines, in aviation positions on land and sea and on shore bases around the world.
