THE US ARMED FORCES

BRANCHES OF THE MILITARY

• Army and Army Reserves
• Army National Guard
• Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserves
• Air Force and Air Force Reserves
• Air National Guard
• Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserves
• Navy and Navy Reserves

ARMY AND ARMY RESERVES

• The dominant land power
• The army generally moves into an area, secures it, and instills order and values before it leaves
• Also guards US installations and properties throughout the world

ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

• An elite group of warriors who dedicate a portion of their time to serving their nation.
• Each state has its own Guard, as required by the Constitution.
• Serves both stateside and overseas.

MARINE CORPS AND MARINE CORPS RESERVES

• Known today as the "rapid-reaction force"
• Trained to fight by sea and land.
• Usually are the first "boots on the ground".

AIR FORCE, AIR FORCE RESERVES, AND AIR NATIONAL GUARD

• The Nation's source of air and space power.
• Primary mission is to fly planes, helicopters,and satellites.
• The Air National Guard as we know it today is a separate reserve component of the United States Air Force.

COAST GUARD AND COAST GUARD RESERVES

• Mission is primarily to protect domestic water-ways.
• Aids in rescues, law enforcement, drug prevention, and clears water-ways.
• Unlike the other branches of the military which are directed by the Dept. of Defense, the USCG is directed under the Dept. of Homeland Security.

NAVY AND NAVY RESERVES

• Accomplishes its mission primarily by sea, but also by air and land.
• Secures and protects the oceans around the world to create peace and stability,making seas safe for travel and trade.