Boots on the Ground: Which Military Branch is More Ground-Focused?

Hey everyone, I've been contemplating joining the military after high school. I'm particularly interested in roles that involve being 'boots on the ground', as I think I'd excel in a direct action role. Could anyone shed some light on which military branch is typically more ground-focused? Thanks in advance!

When considering military branches that are particularly "ground-focused," the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps come to mind first.

The U.S. Army is the largest branch of the military and its primary responsibility is land-based military operations. This means that as a soldier in the Army, you are quite likely to find yourself deployed in direct combat roles and operations. Various roles are available for Army soldiers, like combat roles, support roles, and medical roles. Some specialized combat roles include infantrymen, paratroopers, or armored vehicle crews.

The U.S. Marine Corps, while smaller in size, also plays a substantial ground combat role and is often first on the ground in combat scenarios. The Marines are part of the Department of the Navy, and they're structured to be a highly mobile rapid response force. Marines are typically stationed on Navy ships and deployed quickly for all types of conflicts. Many times these deployments are for ground combat operations.

What stands out about the Marines is their comprehensive approach to combat. Every Marine is a basic rifleman first, regardless of their specific job specialty. This includes personnel who aren't typically on the front lines, like logistics or technical roles.

One last few thing to consider: both the Army and Marines have Special Operations forces - Army Rangers and Green Berets for the Army, and Marine Raiders for the Marines. These units often find themselves in direct action roles.

Ultimately, while both branches offer the high level of ground engagement you're looking for, the choice between the two will likely come down to the specific type of experience and role you're seeking. Consider talking to recruiters for both branches or speaking to individuals with firsthand experience to get more detailed insight on what the lifestyle and responsibilities would be in both.