Debating military careers, wondering which branch has produced most astronauts?

A bit of a sci-fi nerd here, totally enamored with the prospect of going to space. I heard a lot of astronauts have military backgrounds, so I thought I'd ask: which branch of the military has produced the most astronauts?

Traditionally, a significant number of astronauts have indeed come from military backgrounds. And when it comes to the branch that has produced the most astronauts, it has historically been the United States Navy.

In general, the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy are known for generating a high number of astronauts due to their strong aviation programs, as the skills and experience gained in these branches translate well to the field of space exploration. For instance, experience piloting military aircraft provides an excellent foundation for operating a spacecraft.

However, it's worth noting that the other branches also have produced astronauts, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) heavily prioritizes a strong educational background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Regardless of branch, having a well-rounded set of skills, including experience in aviation and a background in STEM, is quite important.

Finally, while the U.S. military has traditionally been a major feeder for NASA, it's also interesting to note the recent creation of the U.S. Space Force in 2019, a branch specifically dedicated to space-related operations. While it's still early days for the Space Force and they haven't yet produced many astronauts, it will be interesting to see the impact the branch has in the future, particularly for those with space-related career ambitions.

Again, while certain branches may produce more astronauts due to their focus areas, ultimately the specific branch matters less than relevant experience and academic background. Even outside of military, many astronauts have come from civilian backgrounds, including teaching, medicine, and various scientific research fields. It is ultimately about gaining a mix of practical skills and theoretical knowledge suitable for the demanding role of an astronaut.