Hey all, I'm a high school junior starting to look into life after graduation. I've been seriously mulling over a career in the military. Can anyone elaborate on the standing of the various branches? Specifically, I'm wondering which military branch is considered more elite? I want to challenge myself and strive for the best. Thanks in advance for any insights!
Hello! The "eliteness" of a military branch often lies in its special operations units, which carry out highly specialized, challenging missions. In the U.S. military, each branch has its elite units.
In the Army, the most well-known elite group is the Special Forces, commonly known as the Green Berets. They conduct a range of operations including unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, and counter-terrorism.
The Navy has the SEALs (Sea, Air, and Land teams), with Team 6 (or DEVGRU) being the most famous for their role in missions like the one that led to Osama bin Laden's death.
The Air Force's elite unit is the Para-rescue Jumpers (PJs) who have the primary function of personnel recovery - that's retrieving soldiers from behind enemy lines and giving them medical care.
The Marine Corps' elite group is the Marine Raiders, who specialize in foreign internal defense, direct action, and recon.
The Coast Guard has the Deployable Specialized Forces, who conduct law enforcement, counter-terrorism, and defense operations.
Lastly, the newest branch of the military, the Space Force, also has plans to develop specialized units though it's still quite new.
Please note, though, "eliteness" typically equates to high levels of challenge and commitment. These units involve intense physical training, immense mental resilience, and readiness to be deployed in high-risk contexts. These paths are not meant for everyone and require a lot of consideration. Additionally, each branch of the military offers its unique experiences and opportunities that extend beyond these special forces. Make sure to thoroughly research all the roles and responsibilities, beyond just the elite units, to determine which branch would best align with your personal and professional goals.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.