Astronauts and the Military: Which Branch has the Most?

Hello, I'm intrigued by space and I'm considering the military as a stepping stone to potentially becoming an astronaut. I've heard that many astronauts have military backgrounds. Does anyone know which military branch has produced the most astronauts?

Sure, happy to help! NASA has indeed selected many astronauts from the military over the years. Of the U.S. military branches, the U.S. Navy has produced the most astronauts, closely followed by the U.S. Air Force. This is largely due to the emphasis both branches place on aviation and advanced technology, which aligns well with the skillset required for astronaut roles.

Keep in mind that while having a military background can be advantageous for becoming an astronaut due to the discipline, technical skills, and physical conditioning the military provides, it's not the only path. Many astronauts have also come from civilian backgrounds, using their expertise in physical sciences, engineering, mathematics, or biological sciences to secure a spot in the astronaut corps. Additionally, all astronauts also need to go through NASA's rigorous selection and training process. No matter the path you end up choosing, the focus should be on gaining relevant skills and experience.