Which branch of the military is toughest to get into?

Hey peeps, I'm a junior starting to think about life after high school and have been thinking about possibly joining the military. Is there a branch that's known as the toughest to get into, under normal circumstances? Like, do they require higher ASVAB scores or something like that? I appreciate any info!

The five main branches of the United States military are the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. There is also a sixth branch, the Space Force, which was established in 2019. Each branch has its own particular set of requirements and processes for enlistment.

In terms of entrance qualifications, all branches use the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to determine eligibility, and each branch has minimum score requirements on this test. However, the Coast Guard generally has the highest minimum ASVAB score requirement, making it often considered among the most challenging to get into purely in terms of entrance exam scores.

Beyond ASVAB scores, consideration is also given to physical fitness, moral character (including legal history), medical conditions, and educational accomplishments. For instance, becoming an officer typically requires a bachelor's degree, and certain highly specialized roles may require specific skill sets or further education.

However, perhaps it's most important to say that the "toughest" branch to get into can vary greatly depending on your individual circumstances, abilities, and aspirations. Each branch has its own mission, culture, and areas of expertise, so determining which one is the "toughest" can also be very subjective. What's most difficult for one person might not be for another, depending on individual strengths and weaknesses.

So, it might be more constructive to consider which branch aligns most closely with your interests, skills, career aspirations, and personal values. In that sense, engaging with recruiters or speaking with current or former service members from various branches could provide valuable insight as you explore your options.

This also ensures your decision is based on how well you fit with the branch you choose, rather than starting from the premise of wanting to get into the "toughest" one. Ultimately, you're committing to serving your country, which is an admirable endeavor regardless of the branch in which you serve. Good luck with your decision!