Perception of Military Branch Prestige

Hi there, does anyone have data or a source on what the public generally perceives as the most prestigious branch of the US military? I came across a Gallup poll but can't seem to locate the data. Thanks!

It can be challenging to locate hard data on something as subjective as the prestige associated with different branches of the U.S. military. Perception of prestige can vary widely among different groups and communities. However, some general trends can be observed from anecdotal evidence and informal polls.

Historically, and in some circles, the Marine Corps often gets associated with a high level of prestige due to their reputation for intense training and a very selective process. On a similar note, the Navy's SEAL program and the Army's Special Forces (commonly known as the Green Berets) are often held in high esteem due to the rigorous selection and training processes involved.

The Air Force, with its association with high technology and its central role in many modern operations, is also viewed favorably by many. The Coast Guard, while smaller and less combat-focused than the other branches, garners respect for its role in rescue operations and border protection. More recently established, the Space Force tends to be less understood by the general public, yet its focus on space, technology, and cybersecurity could contribute to a perception of prestige as its roles become more defined and visible.

It's worth noting, however, that the prestige of a given military branch is often less important to those actually considering entering the service than factors like job opportunities, benefits, deployment rates, base locations, and the nature of the work they'll be doing.

It's difficult to rank them definitively, and opinions will greatly vary depending on who you ask. In the end, each military branch has its own unique strengths, challenges, and missions, all crucial to the defense and functioning of the nation, and prestige may not be the most useful measure of their importance.