Military Difficulty Ranking

Hey guys, I'm a junior and I've been contemplating enlisting in the military after I graduate. I've been trying to figure out which branches are considered the hardest and easiest to get into or serve in. Can anyone help me understand how the different branches are ranked in terms of difficulty?

The "difficulty" of joining or serving in a branch of the military can be multifaceted, depending on how you're defining difficulty. It might refer to the physical demands, the educational requirements on entrance exams, the rigors of training, or the deployment rates/locations. However, please note that the following information is generalized, as within each branch there are numerous jobs ("MOS" in Army and Marines, "ratings" in the Navy, "AFSC" in the Air Force, "jobs" in the Space Force) with varying levels of difficulty.

1. The Marines: Often considered the most physically demanding branch, the Marines place a high emphasis on combat readiness, physical fitness, and are often first on the ground in combat scenarios. Their Basic Training, or Boot Camp, is often considered one of the most challenging.

2. The Army: As the largest branch, the Army has a wide variety of roles, some of which can be physically demanding. Its Basic Combat Training is also quite challenging.

3. The Navy: The Navy can also be physically challenging, especially for those who serve on submarines or who are in Special Operations community (like the SEALs). However, there are also positions that are less physically demanding.

4. The Air Force: Often considered the branch with the highest quality of life and least physical requirements, the Air Force focuses heavily on technology, which can mean a steep learning curve in that aspect.

5. The Space Force: As the newest branch of the military, the Space Force focuses on national security in space. Physical demands are less comparatively, but the emphasis on technological sophistication and operations can bring its own set of challenges.

6. The Coast Guard: While often overlooked, the Coast Guard has rigorous training, especially for those in rescue swimming or other physically-intensive roles. However, as a smaller branch with a focus on defending the home-front, some might not find it as demanding.

It's important to think about what you're personally looking for in a military career when choosing a branch. Speak with recruiters, current service members, or veterans from different branches to get a comprehensive idea of what might be the best fit for you.