Hey everyone, I've been doing a lot of research into possible careers after high school. The military has always appealed to me and it's currently at the top of my list. I heard someone mention a 'sixth' military branch the other day, and I've been scratching my head since. Would anyone be able to explain what this is to me? Thanks in advance!
The 'sixth' military branch you heard about is actually the U.S. Space Force. Having been launched in 2019, it's the newest addition to the United States Armed Forces. The Space Force organizes, trains, and equips personnel in order to protect our country and its allies in space.
Their responsibilities include monitoring ballistic missile launches, tracking space debris, maintaining satellites, and ensuring the other branches of the military can communicate effectively. The goal is to secure the U.S.'s interests in space and deter any aggressive actions by adversaries.
However, it's important to note that while the Space Force is the sixth branch, the Army National Guard and Air Force National Guard are not considered separate branches. These are actually reserve components of their respective services and operate in part under state authority.
Going into the military can indeed be a great career choice. Depending on your interests and skills, each branch offers a wide range of opportunities. Before you make a decision, I suggest looking closely into what each branch offers and what they are looking for in candidates. It might be useful to talk to recruiters or other people already serving, too.
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