The United States Military, which includes the Armed Forces and the National Guard, consists of various branches established at different points in U.S. history. The Armed Forces comprise six military branches:
- Army — June 14, 1775
- Navy — October 13, 1775
- Marine Corps — November 10, 1775
- Coast Guard — August 4, 1790
- Air Force — September 18, 1947
- Space Force — December 20, 2019
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The mission and purpose of each branch are outlined in various sections of Titles 10 and 14 of the U.S. Code.
U.S. Army — Established June 14, 1775
The Army was created to:
- Preserve the peace and security of the United States and its territories
- Support national policies
- Implement national objectives
- Overcome nations responsible for aggressive acts that threaten U.S. security
U.S. Navy — Established October 13, 1775
The Navy was “organized, trained, and equipped primarily for prompt and sustained combat operations at sea.” <2>
U.S. Marine Corps — Established November 10, 1775
The Marine Corps was “organized, trained, and equipped to provide fleet marine forces of combined arms, with supporting air components, for service with the fleet in the seizure or defense of advanced naval bases and for the conduct of such land operations as may be essential to naval campaigns.” <3>
U.S. Coast Guard — Established August 4, 1790
The Coast Guard was established to “enforce or assist in the enforcement of all applicable Federal laws on, under, and over the high seas and waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction.” <4>
U.S. Air Force — Established September 18, 1947
The Air Force was created to:
- Preserve peace and security of the United States and its territories
- Support national policies
- Implement national objectives
- Overcome nations responsible for acts that endanger U.S. security
U.S. Space Force — Established December 20, 2019
The Space Force was “organized, trained, and equipped to:
- Provide freedom of operation for the United States in, from, and to space
- Conduct space operations
- Protect the interests of the United States in space”
Together, the Armed Forces and the National Guard ensure the continued safety and defense of Americans both at home and abroad.
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