United States Armed Forces

{{Main|Military history of the United States|History of the United States Army|l2=History of the Army|History of the United States Marine Corps|l3=Marine Corps|History of the United States Navy|l4=Navy|History of the United States Air Force|l5=Air Force|History of the United States Space Force|l6=Space Force|History of the United States Coast Guard|l7=Coast Guard}}

The history of the U.S. Armed Forces dates back to 14 June 1775, with the creation of the Continental Army, even before the Declaration of Independence marked the establishment of the United States.{{Cite web |title=1775 |url=https://www.army.mil/1775/ |access-date=18 April 2022 |website=U.S. Army }} The Continental Navy, established on 13 October 1775, and Continental Marines, established on 10 November 1775, were created in close succession by the Second Continental Congress in order to defend the new nation against the British Empire in the American Revolutionary War.{{Cite web |title=Birth of the U.S. Navy |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/heritage/origins-of-the-navy/birth-of-the-us-navy.html |date=Dec 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209034256/https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/heritage/origins-of-the-navy/birth-of-the-us-navy.html |archive-date=February 9, 2023 |access-date=May 23, 2023 |website=U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command }}{{Cite web |title=Resolution Establishing the Continental Marines |url=https://www.usmcu.edu/Research/Marine-Corps-History-Division/Frequently-Requested-Topics/Historical-Documents-Orders-and-Speeches/Resolution-Establishing-the-Continental-Marines/ |access-date=18 April 2022 |website=Marine Corps University |date=10 November 1775 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418235155/https://www.usmcu.edu/Research/Marine-Corps-History-Division/Frequently-Requested-Topics/Historical-Documents-Orders-and-Speeches/Resolution-Establishing-the-Continental-Marines/ |archive-date= April 18, 2022 }}

These forces demobilized in 1784 after the Treaty of Paris ended the Revolutionary War. The Congress of the Confederation created the current United States Army on 3 June 1784. The United States Congress created the current United States Navy on 27 March 1794 and the current United States Marine Corps on 11 July 1798.{{Cite web |title=Brief History of the United States Marine Corps |url=https://www.usmcu.edu/Research/Marine-Corps-History-Division/Brief-Histories/Brief-History-of-the-United-States-Marine-Corps/ |access-date=18 April 2022 |website=Marine Corps University }} All three services trace their origins to their respective Continental predecessors. The 1787 adoption of the Constitution gave Congress the power to "raise and support armies," to "provide and maintain a navy", and to "make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces", as well as the power to declare war. The President of the United States is the United States Armed Forces' commander-in-chief.{{Cite web |title=Power to Declare War |url=https://history.house.gov/Institution/Origins-Development/War-Powers/ |access-date=18 April 2022 |website=US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives }}

The United States Coast Guard traces its origin to the formation of the Revenue Cutter Service on 4 August 1790, which merged with the United States Life-Saving Service on 28 January 1915 to establish the Coast Guard.{{Cite web |title=Time Line 1700 – 1800 |url=https://www.history.uscg.mil/Complete-Time-Line/Time-Line-1700-1800/ |access-date=19 April 2022 |website=www.history.uscg.mil}}{{Cite web |title=Time Line 1900's – 2000's |url=https://www.history.uscg.mil/Complete-Time-Line/Time-Line-1900-2000/ |access-date=19 April 2022 |website=www.history.uscg.mil}} The United States Air Force was established as an independent service on 18 September 1947; it traces its origin to the formation of the Aeronautical Division, U.S. Signal Corps, which was formed 1 August 1907 and was part of the Army Air Forces before being recognized as an independent service in the National Security Act of 1947.{{Cite web |website=Air Force News |date=21 November 2017 |title=Air Force History |url=https://www.military.com/air-force-birthday/air-force-history.html |access-date=19 April 2022}}

The United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps was formerly considered to be a branch of the United States Armed Forces from 29 July 1945 until 3 July 1952, and is now one of the eight uniformed services of the United States.{{cite web |date=15 August 2016 |url=https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/vso/veterans-preference-and-wartime-service#8 |title=Veterans Preference and "Wartime" Service |access-date=20 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621221456/https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/vso/veterans-preference-and-wartime-service#8 |archive-date=21 June 2018 |url-status=live}} Should it be called into active duty again, it would constitute a seventh branch of the Armed Forces.{{Cite web |url=https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10550 |title=Defense Primer: The Military Departments |date=2023-01-09 |accessdate=2024-07-04 |language=en-US |publisher=Congressional Research Service |first=Alan |last=Ott}}

The United States Space Force was established as an independent service on 20 December 2019. It is the sixth branch of the U.S. military and the first new branch in 72 years.{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/USSpaceForceDoD/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARCv5bxQxz9QMM5ZPYFZoeVpS2-x_IUaiLhEShloFBFWb45cy1FWp5DgsJCSd-dcjt0yQdmhSqbsRbgE |title=United States Space Force Facebook Page|website=Facebook|date=20 December 2019}} The origin of the Space Force can be traced back to the Air Force Space Command, which was formed 1 September 1982 and was a major command of the United States Air Force.{{Cite web |title=About Space Operations Command |url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/About-Space-Operations-Command |access-date=18 April 2022 |website=Spoc.SpaceForce.mil }}

The U.S. Congressional Research Office annually publishes a List of Notable Deployments of U.S. Military Forces Overseas since 1798.[https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/details?prodcode=R42738 Versions of Report # R42738], U.S. Congressional Research Service

Presidential command over the U.S. Armed Forces is established in Article II in the Constitution whereby the president is named as the "Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States."{{Cite web |title=The 2nd Article of the U.S. Constitution |url=https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/article/article-ii |access-date=21 April 2022 |website=National Constitution Center – The 2nd Article of the U.S. Constitution }} The United States Armed Forces are split between two cabinet departments, with the Department of Defense serving as the primary cabinet department for military affairs and the Department of Homeland Security responsible for administering the United States Coast Guard.{{Cite web |title=Operational and Support Components {{!}} Homeland Security |url=https://www.dhs.gov/operational-and-support-components |access-date=27 April 2022 |website=www.dhs.gov}}

The military chain of command flows from the President of the United States to the secretary of defense (for services under the Defense Department) or secretary of homeland security (for services under the Department of Homeland Security), ensuring civilian control of the military. Within the Department of Defense, the military departments (Department of the Army, United States Department of the Navy, and Department of the Air Force) are civilian led entities that oversee the coequal military service branches organized within each department. The military departments and services are responsible for organizing, training, and equipping forces, with the actual chain of command flowing through the unified combatant commands.{{Cite web |title=Organization and Management of the Department of Defense |url=https://irp.fas.org/agency/dod/org-man.pdf |access-date=18 April 2022}}{{PD-notice}}

File:Space Force Leader to Become 8th Member of Joint Chiefs (3).jpg

The Joint Chiefs of Staff, although outside the operational chain of command, is the senior-most military body of the Department of Defense. It is led by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who is the military head of the armed forces and principal advisor to the president and secretary of defense on military matters. Their deputy is the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Other members include the chief of staff of the Army, commandant of the Marine Corps, chief of naval operations, chief of staff of the Air Force, chief of space operations, and the chief of the National Guard Bureau.{{Cite web|url=https://bmlc.org/wp-content/uploads/Face-Charts-DoD.pdf|title=DoD Key Leadership Face Charts}} The commandant of the Coast Guard is not an official member of the Joint Chiefs, but sometimes attends meetings as one of the military service chiefs. The senior enlisted advisor to the chairman is the most senior enlisted member in the United States Armed Forces.{{cite web|url=https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2020/august/time-coast-guard-join-joint-chiefs|title=Time for the Coast Guard to Join the Joint Chiefs|date=1 August 2020|website=U.S. Naval Institute}}

The president of the United States, the secretary of defense, the secretary of Homeland Security and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are members of the United States National Security Council, which advises the president on national security, military, and foreign policy matters.{{Cite web |title=National Security Council |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/nsc/ |access-date=20 April 2022 |website=The White House }} The national security advisor, the homeland security advisor, and the deputy national security advisor may also be members of the United States Armed Forces.{{Cite web |date=28 February 2017 |title=An Active-Duty National Security Advisor: Myths and Concerns |url=https://warontherocks.com/2017/02/an-active-duty-national-security-advisor-myths-and-concerns/ |access-date=20 April 2022 |website=War on the Rocks }}{{Cite web |last=Geller |first=Eric |title=Trump names Coast Guard official as new homeland security adviser |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2018/06/01/trump-homeland-security-adviser-doug-fears-617963 |access-date=21 April 2022 |website=Politico |date=June 2018 }} The National Security Council Deputies Committee also includes the deputy secretary of defense, deputy secretary of homeland security, and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.{{Cite web |date=5 February 2021 |title=Memorandum on Renewing the National Security Council System |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/02/04/memorandum-renewing-the-national-security-council-system/ |access-date=20 April 2022 |website=The White House }} Military leadership, including the secretary of defense, the secretary of Homeland Security, and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff also sit on the National Space Council.{{Cite web |date=1 December 2021 |title=Executive Order on the National Space Council |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/12/01/executive-order-on-the-national-space-council/ |access-date=21 April 2022 |website=The White House }}

{{main|Unified combatant command}}

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Unified combatant commands are joint military commands consisting of forces from multiple military departments, with their chain of command flowing from the president, to the secretary of defense, to the commanders of the combatant commands. Each service organizes, trains, and equips forces that are then presented to the unified combatant commands through service component commands. Special Operations Command and Cyber Command also present theater special operations commands or joint force headquarters – cyber to other combatant commanders. Army components are typically dual-hatted as the joint force land component, Navy components are typically dual-hatted as the joint force maritime component, and Air Force components are typically dual-hatted as the joint force air component, with the theater special operations command dual-hatted as the joint force special operations component, and Space Force component typically dual-hatted as the joint force space component.{{cite web |url=https://www.jcs.mil/Portals/36/Documents/Doctrine/pubs/jp1_ch1.pdf |title=Joint Publication 1: Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States |publisher=Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Military |date=25 March 2013 |access-date=28 September 2021 |archive-date=28 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028213359/https://www.jcs.mil/Portals/36/Documents/Doctrine/pubs/jp1_ch1.pdf |url-status=dead }}

{{main|combat support agency}}

Combat support agencies are Department of Defense agencies with combat support missions that service operating forces planning or conducting military operations. This includes support during conflict or in the conduct of other military activities related to countering threats to U.S. national security. This mission is focused on providing support to echelons at the CCMD level and below and may not encompass the full scope of the CSA's mission.{{Cite web |date=June 27, 2013 |title=Combat Support Agencies (CSAs) |id=3000.06 |url=https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodd/300006p.pdf |access-date=8 August 2023 |website=Department of Defense}}

The United States Armed Forces is composed of six coequal military service branches. Five of the branches, the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, United States Navy, United States Air Force, and United States Space Force, are part of the Department of Defense.

The United States Coast Guard is normally under the Department of Homeland Security, but may be transferred to the Department of Defense's Department of the Navy (which is the civilian entity that oversees the coequal U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy) at the direction of the President or Congress.

With the exception of the Coast Guard, the military services only organize, train, and equip forces. The unified combatant commands are responsible for operational control of non-service retained forces.

Each of the different military services is assigned a role and domain. The U.S. Army conducts land operations, while the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps conduct maritime operations, with the Marine Corps specializing in amphibious and maritime littoral operations in support of the Navy. The U.S. Air Force conducts air operations, while the U.S. Space Force conducts space operations.

The U.S. Coast Guard is unique in that it is a military branch specializing in maritime operations and also a law enforcement agency.

{{main|United States Army}}

File:M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles in Northeast Syria 2020.jpg infantry, an M2 Bradley armored vehicle, and AH-64 Apache attack helicopters as part of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve in Syria]]

The United States Army (USA) is the United States Armed Forces' land force and is the largest and oldest service. Originally established in 1775 as the Continental Army, it consists of one million soldiers across the Regular Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard. The Army serves as the Armed Forces principal land service, responsible for conducting land warfare operations.{{Cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/about/|title=The Army's Vision and Strategy|website=The Army's Vision and Strategy | The United States Army}}

The U.S. Army is organized under the Department of the Army, which is a military department under the leadership of the secretary of the Army and under secretary of the Army. The U.S. Army itself is led by the chief of staff of the Army and vice chief of staff of the Army, both generals who are advised by the sergeant major of the Army.{{Cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/|title=The Official Home Page of the United States Army|website=www.army.mil}}

The Army's primary responsibility is to conduct prompt and sustained land combat as part of the joint force. Army landpower focuses on destroying an enemy's armed forces, occupying its territory, and breaking the will of an adversary.{{cite web|url=https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN18008_ADP-1%20FINAL%20WEB.pdf|title=ADP1: The Army|publisher=US Army}}{{PD-notice}}

The five core competencies of the Army are:

• Prompt and sustained land combat
• Combined arms operations:
• Combined arms maneuver and wide area security
• Armored and mechanized operations
• Airborne and air assault operations
• Special operations
• Set and sustain the theater for the joint force
• Integrate national, multinational, and joint power on land

File:Defense.gov News Photo 110910-GO452-406 - U.S. Army paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division descend to the ground after jumping out of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft over drop zone.jpg paratroopers parachuting from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport plane]]

The thirteen specified functions of the Army are:

1. Conduct prompt and sustained combined arms combat operations on land in all environments and types of terrain, to include complex urban environments, in order to defeat enemy ground forces, and seize, occupy, and defend land areas.{{cite web|url=https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodd/510001p.pdf|title=DoDI 5100.01|publisher=US Department of Defense}}{{PD-notice}}
2. Conduct air and missile defense to support joint campaigns and assist in achieving air superiority. This is conducted by the Army's Air Defense Artillery Branch, specifically by the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, and Army Space and Missile Defense Command.
3. Conduct airborne and air assault, and amphibious operations. The Army has primary responsibility for the development of airborne doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures. Army airborne and air assault operations are conducted by the XVIII Airborne Corps, 11th Airborne Division, 82nd Airborne Division, 101st Airborne Division, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade.
4. Conduct civil affairs operations. Civil affairs operations are conducted by the United States Army Special Operations Command, predominantly under United States Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command and the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade.
5. Conduct riverine operations.
6. Occupy territories abroad and provide for the initial establishment of a military government pending transfer of this responsibility to other authorities.
7. Interdict enemy sea power, space power, air power, and communications through operations on and from the land.
8. Provide logistics to joint operations and campaigns, including joint over-the-shore and intra-theater transport of time-sensitive, mission-critical personnel and materiel. This is primarily conducted through the Army Logistics Branch, including the Quartermaster Corps, Ordnance Corps, Transportation Corps, and through Army Materiel Command's Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command.
9. Provide support to space operations to enhance joint campaigns, in coordination with the other military services (primarily the United States Space Force), combatant commands (primarily United States Space Command), and other U.S. government departments and agencies. Army space operations are conducted by Army Space and Missile Defense Command.
10. Conduct authorized civil works programs, to include projects for the improvement of navigation, flood control, beach erosion control, and other water resource developments in the United States, its territories, and its possessions, and conduct other civil activities prescribed by law. These are conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers.
11. Provide intra-theater aeromedical evacuation. These missions are flown by the Army Medical Service Corps and Army Aviation Branch.
12. Conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.
13. Operate land lines of communication. This is primarily conducted through the Transportation Corps and Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command.

{{main|Infantry Branch (United States)}}

File:U.S. Army Rangers, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, prepare for extraction on Fort Hunter Liggett, California, Jan. 30, 2014.jpg with the 75th Ranger Regiment prepare for extraction on a MH-47 Chinook]]

The Infantry Branch forms the core of the service's land combat power. U.S. Army infantry are generally equipped with the M4 carbine and M249 light machine gun, which will be replaced by the XM7 rifle and XM250.{{cite web | url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/04/20/it-will-be-long-time-soldiers-get-m4-and-saw-replacements.html | title=It Will be a Long Time Before Soldiers Get the M4 and SAW Replacements | date=20 April 2022 }}

Infantry is a core part of the Army's Brigade Combat Teams. The most numerous variant, the Infantry Brigade Combat Team, comprises light infantry battalions who fight on foot. Infantry Brigade Combat Teams of the 82nd Airborne Division are air assault capable, with infantry soldiers being transported by U.S. Army Aviation UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters.{{cite web | url=https://home.army.mil/campbell/index.php/101st | title=101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) :: FORT CAMPBELL }} Infantry Brigade Combat Teams of the 11th Airborne Division, 82nd Airborne Division, and 173rd Airborne Brigade are capable of airborne operations, in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force's transport aircraft.{{cite web | url=https://home.army.mil/bragg/index.php/units-tenants/xviii-airborne-co | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200530151530/https://home.army.mil/bragg/index.php/units-tenants/xviii-airborne-co | url-status=dead | archive-date=30 May 2020 | title=XVIII Airborne Corps :: Fort Bragg }} Finally, Infantry Brigade Combat Teams assigned to the 10th Mountain Division specialize in mountain warfare.{{cite web | url=https://www.army.mil/article/243626/mountain_warfare_training_rated_a_solid_mount_ten | title=Mountain warfare training rated a solid Mount-ten! | date=23 February 2021 }} Standard Infantry Brigade Combat Teams are assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, which offers additional training in jungle warfare.{{cite web | url=https://www.army.mil/article/190264/jungle_operations_training_course_challenges_mental_physical_readiness | title=Jungle Operations Training Course challenges mental, physical readiness | date=3 July 2017 }}

Armored Brigade Combat Teams comprise mechanized infantry battalions mounted in the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle. Divisions with Armored Brigade Combat Teams include the 1st Infantry Division, 3rd Infantry Division, 4th Infantry Division, 1st Armored Division, and 1st Cavalry Division.{{Cite web|url=https://www.benning.army.mil/Infantry/cadet-branching/Content/PDF/Force%20Structure.pdf?24JUN2020|title=Force Structure|website=benning.army.mil|access-date=27 February 2023|archive-date=27 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227022037/https://www.benning.army.mil/Infantry/cadet-branching/Content/PDF/Force%20Structure.pdf?24JUN2020|url-status=dead}} Stryker Brigade Combat Teams are centered around Stryker infantry battalions operating out of the Stryker. Divisions with Stryker Brigade Combat Teams include the 2nd Infantry Division, 4th Infantry Division, 11th Airborne Division, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, and 3rd Cavalry Regiment.

United States Army Rangers with the 75th Ranger Regiment are an elite special operations infantry force in the United States Army Special Operations Command, specializing in air assault and airborne infiltration methods. The three primary missions of the 75th Ranger Regiment are special operations raids, forcible entry operations, such as an airfield seizure to enable the Air Force to bring in more forces, and special reconnaissance.{{cite web | url=https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/specialty-careers/special-ops/army-rangers.html |title=Army Rangers }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.soc.mil/rangers/75thrr.html|title=75th Ranger Regiment Home Page|website=www.soc.mil}} As a special operations force, Army Rangers are generally better equipped than standard infantry, utilizing the FN SCAR rifle.{{Cite web|url=https://sofrep.com/gear/the-fn-scar/|title=The FN SCAR!|website=SOFREP|access-date=27 February 2023|archive-date=27 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227022037/https://sofrep.com/gear/the-fn-scar/|url-status=dead}}

{{main|United States Army Special Forces}}

File:56th CRD Dugway VALEX Image 3 of 9 6802121 210809-A-LS380-003.jpg conduct sensitive site exploitation training]]

Army Special Forces, commonly known as Green Berets after their iconic headgear, are among the most elite soldiers in the Army. Special Forces conduct:{{cite web | url=https://www.goarmysof.army.mil/SF/ | title=Special Forces }}

• counterinsurgency distinguishing between civilians and enemy combatants while assisting with the stabilization, defense, and training of developing countries facing insurgent threats.
• direct action seizing, capturing, recovering, or destroying enemy material; or utilizing quick strikes to recover personnel.
• foreign internal defense training and equipping foreign allied military forces to defend against insurgency, subversion, terrorism, and other security threats.
• special reconnaissance executing surveillance in hostile, denied, or diplomatically- or politically-sensitive environments to collect or verify information of strategic significance.
• unconventional warfare enabling a resistance movement or insurgency to coerce, disrupt, or overthrow a government or occupying power by operating through or with an underground force in a denied area.

Army Special Forces are trained in military free-fall parachuting and combat diver skillsets. They are considered the most versatile special operations force in the entire world, operating as a multi-purpose force since 1952.{{cite web | url=https://www.military.com/military-fitness/army-special-operations/army-special-forces-overview | title=What It Means to be Part of the Army Special Forces | date=8 February 2022 }}

{{main|Armor Branch}}

File:1-1 CD conducting defensive operations during Combined Resolve II (14094962478).jpg M1 Abrams tanks during a training exercise in Germany]]

The Armor Branch traces its history back to the United States Cavalry and are responsible for tank and cavalry reconnaissance operations.{{cite web | url=https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/career-match/ground-forces/tanks-machinery/19a-armor-officer.html | title=Armor Officer }}

The U.S. Army fields the M1 Abrams main battle tank in Armored Battalions as part of Armored Brigade Combat Teams across the 1st Armored Division, 1st Cavalry Division, 1st Infantry Division, 3rd Infantry Division, and the 4th Infantry Division. Each Armored Brigade Combat Team also possesses a cavalry squadron equipped with M2 Bradleys for scouting and security. Stryker Brigade Combat Teams from the 2nd Infantry Division, 4th Infantry Division, 11th Airborne Division, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, and 3rd Cavalry Regiment have a cavalry squadron equipped with Strykers. Infantry Brigade Combat Teams from the 10th Mountain Division, 11th Airborne Division, 25th Infantry Division, 82nd Airborne Division, 101st Airborne Division, and 173rd Airborne Brigade have a cavalry squadron equipped with the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle.{{Cite web|url=https://www.benning.army.mil/armor/Cadet-Branching/content/PDF/Armor%20Branch%20Trifold.pdf?13JUN2022|title=Armor Branch Trifold|website=benning.army.mil|access-date=27 February 2023|archive-date=27 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227022031/https://www.benning.army.mil/armor/Cadet-Branching/content/PDF/Armor%20Branch%20Trifold.pdf?13JUN2022|url-status=dead}}

{{main|Field Artillery Branch (United States)}}

File:Firing High Mobility Artillery Rocket systems.jpg from the 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment]]

The Field Artillery's mission is to destroy, suppress or neutralize the enemy by cannon, rocket or missile fire.{{cite web | url=https://sill-www.army.mil/fapo/cadets/ | title=Cadets | Field Artillery Proponent Office (FAPO) | Fort Sill }} Rocket systems include the M142 HIMARS and M270 multiple launch rocket system, which are corps-level assets found in field artillery brigades. Towed artillery includes the M119 howitzer in infantry brigade combat teams and the M777 howitzer found in both infantry and Stryker brigade combat teams. The M109 self-propelled howitzer is utilized in armored brigade combat teams.{{cite web|url=https://tradocfcoeccafcoepfwprod.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/fapo/cadets/doc/fa-handbook.pdf|title=Field Artillery King of Battle|website=tradocfcoeccafcoepfwprod.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net}}

During the Cold War, Army field artillery was responsible for the service's ballistic missile programs, including the PGM-11 Redstone, which was the first large ballistic missile in the U.S. arsenal, the MGM-31 Pershing, and the Pershing II.{{cite web | url=https://history.redstone.army.mil/miss.html | title=The United States Army }} In 2023, the Army is intending to field the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon and has reestablished larger artillery formations like the 56th Artillery Command.{{cite web | url=https://breakingdefense.com/2021/08/confident-of-2023-fielding-goal-army-dubs-hypersonic-weapon-dark-eagle/ | title='Confident' of 2023 Fielding Goal, Army Dubs Hypersonic Weapon 'Dark Eagle' | date=11 August 2021 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2023/01/01/first-unit-fielding-army-hypersonic-missile-in-2023/ | title=First unit fielding Army hypersonic missile in 2023 | date=January 2023 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.defensenews.com/news/your-army/2021/11/03/army-resurrects-artillery-command-in-europe/ | title=Army resurrects artillery command in Europe | date=3 November 2021 }}

{{main|Air Defense Artillery Branch}}

File:220305-F-EI268-1044 - Arctic sky illuminates Patriot (Image 2 of 2).jpg missile battery in Alaska operated by the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade]]

The Air Defense Artillery is responsible for defending geopolitical assets and providing maneuver forces with the freedom to move on the battlefield by deterring the enemy and destroying aerial threats, missile attacks, and surveillance platforms.{{cite web | url=https://sill-www.army.mil/ocada/ada.html | title=OCADA | Fort Sill }} Weapons employed by Air Defense Artillery include the FIM-92 Stinger man-portable air-defense system, AN/TWQ-1 Avenger for short range air defense, and the counter rocket, artillery, and mortar 20mm gun system. The Iron Dome provides air defense against rockets, artillery, mortars, missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The MIM-104 Patriot is capable of defeating a wide range of threats including aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, ballistic and cruise missiles, and Weapons of Mass Destruction.

The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense protects strategic critical assets by conducting long-range endo-and-exo-atmospheric engagements of ballistic missiles using the world's largest air-transportable X-band radar. The Ground-Based Midcourse Defense is an anti-ballistic missile system operated by Army Space and Missile Defense Command to defend the United States homeland against an intercontinental ballistic missile attack. Major Air Defense Artillery units include the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command and Army Space and Missile Defense Command's 100th Missile Defense Brigade.{{cite web | url=https://www.army.mil/32ndAAMDC | title=32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command }}{{cite web | url=https://www.smdc.army.mil/ORGANIZATION/100thMDB/ | title=100th Missile Defense Brigade }}

Air Defense Artillery has an extremely close relationship with the Air Force through its Air and Missile Defense Commands and the Space Force through Army Space and Missile Defense Command, given their shared missile defense and space roles. In 1962, Air Defense Artillery achieved the first intercept of a ballistic missile with a nuclear-tipped Nike Zeus and operated the Nike Zeus as an anti-satellite weapon after completing a successful intercept in 1963.{{cite web|url=https://www.smdc.army.mil/Portals/38/Documents/Publications/History/SMDC%20History%20Booklet_508_Final.pdf|title=A Chronological Review of 60 Years|website=smdc.army.mil}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ausa.org/articles/realign-air-defense-structure|title=Realign Air Defense Structure|date=23 June 2021|website=AUSA}}

{{main|United States Army Aviation Branch}}

File:Cav troopers conduct maneuver operations 140713-A-HD608-014.jpgs with the 1st Cavalry Division]]

Army Aviation, distinct from the U.S. Air Force and its predecessors, began as part of the field artillery in 1942. Small spotter planes were used to spot for artillery and naval bombardment, as well as to perform observation. These few aircraft formed the core of Army Aviation once the U.S. Air Force gained independence. In 1983, the Army created the Aviation Branch, for the first time since the Air Force's independence consolidating aviation under a single organization.{{cite web | url=https://www.armyaviationmuseum.org/discover/ | title=Discover | date=27 October 2016 }}

The mission of Army Aviation is to find, fix and destroy any enemy through fire and maneuver and to provide combat support and combat service support in coordinated operations as an integral member of the combined arms team.{{cite web | url=https://www.army.mil/aviation/modern/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512000801/http://www.army.mil/aviation/modern/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=12 May 2015 | title=Modern Aviation – United States Army Aviation }} Major aircraft include the AH-64 Apache, which serves as the Army's attack helicopter, the UH-60 Black Hawk, and the CH-47 Chinook for troop and cargo transport. Army Aviation also flies the MQ-1C Gray Eagle drone.{{cite web | url=https://asc.army.mil/web/weapons-systems-portfolio-has-moved/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202174526/https://asc.army.mil/web/weapons-systems-portfolio-has-moved/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=2 February 2024 | title=MQ-1C Gray Eagle Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) – USAASC }}

A specialized unit within Army Aviation, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) serves as a special operations unit and operates modified variants of the MH-60 Black Hawk, MH-47 Chinook, and the MH-6 Little Bird.{{cite web | url=https://www.soc.mil/USASOAC/160th.html | title=160th SOAR (A) Page }}

The U.S. Army is organized into four major Army Commands, nine Army Service Component Commands which serve as the Army component and joint force land component commanders for the unified combatant commands, and thirteen direct reporting units.{{Cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/organization/|title=Organization|website=Organization | The United States Army}}

{{main|United States Marine Corps}}

File:US Marines, Gulf, international partners simulate amphib landing during Eagle Resolve 150324-M-AR522-437.jpg Marines during a simulated amphibious assault operation]]

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) serves as the U.S. Armed Forces' naval land force, responsible for executing amphibious warfare and operating in the maritime littorals in support of the U.S. Navy. Originally established in 1775 as the Continental Marines, the Marine Corps consists of the Regular Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Reserve.{{Cite web|url=https://www.marines.mil/The-Corps/|title=The Corps|website=www.marines.mil}} The Marine Corps maintains a very close relationship with the U.S. Navy, its sister service in the Department of the Navy. Although the Marine Corps has previously operated as an independent land force alongside the Army, its primary purpose is to serve as part of a unified naval service alongside the Navy in the maritime domain.{{Cite web|url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/01/08/fleet-marine-force-back-commandant-pushes-return-naval-roots.html|title='Fleet Marine Force' Is Back as Commandant Pushes Return to Naval Roots|first=Gina|last=Harkins|date=9 January 2020|website=Military.com}}

The U.S. Marine Corps is organized under the Department of the Navy, which is a military department under the leadership of the secretary of the Navy and the under secretary of the Navy. The U.S. Marine Corps itself is led by the commandant of the Marine Corps and the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, both generals who are advised by the sergeant major of the Marine Corps.

The Marine Corps statutory mission is outlined in {{USC|10|5063}} and as originally introduced under the National Security Act of 1947, with its three primary areas of responsibility including:

• Seizure or defense of advanced naval bases and other land operations to support naval campaigns;
• Development of tactics, technique, and equipment used by amphibious landing forces in coordination with the Army and Air Force; and
• Such other duties as the president or Department of Defense may direct.

File:15th MEU takes to the skies 151130-M-GC438-274.jpg AH-1Z Viper flying over the {{USS|Anchorage|LPD-23}}]]

The seven specified functions of the Marine Corps are:

1. Seize and defend advanced naval bases or lodgments to facilitate subsequent joint operations.
2. Provide close air support for ground forces.
3. Conduct land and air operations essential to the prosecution of a naval campaign or as directed.
4. Conduct complex expeditionary operations in the urban littorals and other challenging environments.
5. Conduct amphibious operations, including engagement, crisis response, and power projection operations to assure access. The Marine Corps has primary responsibility for the development of amphibious doctrine, tactics, techniques, and equipment.
6. Conduct security and stability operations and assist with the initial establishment of a military government pending transfer of responsibility to other authorities.
7. Provide security detachments and units for service on armed vessels of the Navy, provide protection of naval property at naval stations and bases, provide security at designated U.S. embassies and consulates, and perform other such duties as the president or secretary of defense may direct. These additional duties may not detract from or interfere with the operations for which the Marine Corps is primarily organized.

Marine Corps Security Force Regiment is responsible for supporting the Navy with Marine security operations, while the Marine Security Guard protects embassies and consulates of the United States Department of State.

{{main|Fleet Marine Force}}

File:Four F-35B Lightning II aircraft perform a flyover above the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during the Lightning Carrier Proof of Concept Demonstration (30357956614).jpg stealth fighters flying over the {{USS|America|LHA-6}}]]

The combat power of the Marine Corps is centralized in the Fleet Marine Force (FMF), which itself is organized into Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, to support the U.S. Navy's Fleet Forces Command, and Fleet Marine Force Pacific, which supports the U.S. Navy's U.S. Pacific Fleet.

The basic Marine Corps unit for conducting operations is the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), which combines Marine Corps and Navy land, air, sea, and cyberspace capabilities into a single command. There are three size variants of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force, but each consists of a command element, ground combat element, aviation combat element, and logistics combat element.{{Cite web|url=https://www.marines.com/about-the-marine-corps/marine-corps-structure/air-ground-task-force.html|title=Marine Air-Ground Task Force | MAGTF | Marines}}

A Marine ground combat element (GCE) is centered around Marine infantry, typically armed with a M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle.{{cite web | url=https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2019/04/19/all-of-the-marine-m27-rifles-are-in-if-youre-not-a-grunt-or-working-with-them-youre-not-getting-one/ | title=All of the Marine M27 rifles are in ― if you're not a grunt or working with them, you're not getting one | date=21 April 2019 }} Unlike the Army, the Marine Corps does not train its own combat medics, relying on the Navy to provide hospital corpsmen.{{cite web | url=https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/3107280/marines-navy-corpsmen-train-in-casualty-care-field-exercise-at-fort-mccoy/ | title=Marines, Navy Corpsmen train in casualty care field exercise at Fort McCoy }} These infantry units are supported by Marine Corps combat engineers, who conduct engineer reconnaissance, obstacle system emplacement, and breaching operations; and Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance teams. While the Marine Corps no longer operates its own tanks, opting to request support from the Army if needed, it maintains Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalions which operate the LAV-25 amphibious armored reconnaissance vehicle. Assault Amphibian Battalions operate the Assault Amphibious Vehicle and Amphibious Combat Vehicle, which enable the ground combat element to conduct amphibious landing operations.{{cite web | url=https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2019/01/07/the-aging-marine-lav-is-still-active-across-the-corps-and-now-is-also-a-museum-piece/ | title=The aging Marine LAV is still active across the Corps ... And, now, also is a museum piece | date=7 January 2019 }} Marine Corps artillery operates the M777 howitzer and the M142 HIMARS, both supporting the ground combat element and the Navy at sea by striking enemy ships.{{cite web | url=https://www.usna.edu/MarineCorps/roles/index.php | title=Ground Combat Roles }}{{cite web | url=https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2021/04/09/how-a-marine-corps-shift-to-long-ranges-may-change-its-strong-cannoneer-tradition/ | title=How a Marine Corps shift to long ranges may change its strong cannoneer tradition | date=9 April 2021 }}

File:Defense.gov News Photo 051115-N-3527B-068.jpg tiltrotor aircraft from VMX-22 taking off from the {{USS|Wasp|LHD-1}}]]

The Marine aviation combat element (ACE) is the operational arm of Marine Corps Aviation, working to support the ground combat element. The F-35B Lightning II and AV-8B Harrier II are flown off Navy amphibious assault ships, while the F-35C Lightning II and F/A-18 Hornet are flown off Navy carriers by Marine Corps pilots. The Marine Corps also operates the KC-130J to serve as a tanker and tactical airlift platform. The UH-1Y Venom helicopter provides the Marine Corps with light transport and attack, while the AH-1Z Viper is a dedicated attack helicopter. Medium-lift squadrons fly the MV-22 Osprey, while heavy-lift squadrons use the CH-53K King Stallion. The Marine Corps has also begun flying unmanned aerial vehicles, such as the MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-8 Fire Scout.{{cite web | url=https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2022/05/10/heres-how-marine-air-power-will-shift-with-the-corps-2022-aviation-plan/ | title=Here's how Marine air power will shift with the Corps' 2022 aviation plan | date=11 May 2022 }} Notably, the aviation combat element also includes Low-Altitude Air Defense Battalions, which employ the FIM-92 Stinger surface-to-air missile.{{cite web | url=https://coffeeordie.com/marine-corps-low-altitude-air-defense | title=Marine Corps Ready to Bring the Sting to Enemy Aircraft, Drones | date=3 February 1984 }}

The smallest MAGTF is the Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), which is typically forward deployed on a Navy ship. Commanded by a colonel, a Marine Expeditionary Unit consist of 2,200 marines split across a battalion landing team (ground combat element), a composite helicopter squadron (aviation combat element), and a combat logistics element (logistics element). Marine Expeditionary Units are supplied for 15 days. Forward deployed Marine Expeditionary Units are often embarked on Navy amphibious assault ships as part of an amphibious ready group.{{cite web | url=https://www.26thmeu.marines.mil/About/Who-We-Are/#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20MAGTF%3F,the%20range%20of%20military%20operations | title=Who We Are | access-date=26 February 2023 | archive-date=26 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226184737/https://www.26thmeu.marines.mil/About/Who-We-Are/#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20MAGTF%3F,the%20range%20of%20military%20operations | url-status=dead }}

The mid-sized MAGTF is the Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), which is organized for specific missions. Commanded by a brigadier general, Marine Expeditionary Brigades consist of 4,000 to 16,000 marines across a Regimental-sized ground combat element, a Marine Aircraft Group, and a Combat Logistics Regiment. Marine Expeditionary Brigades are supplied for 30 days and offer increased firepower and airpower over the Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The largest MAGTF is the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), which is the primary warfighting force for larger operations. A Marine Expeditionary Force is commanded by a lieutenant general and consists of 46,000 to 90,000 marines. Currently there are only three Marine Expeditionary Forces, each with its own Marine Division, Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Logistics Group, and Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group. Marine Expeditionary Forces are supplied for 60 days. Certain elements are held at the Marine Expeditionary Force level, such as Force Reconnaissance. The MEF Information Group (MIG) also provides a number of functions such as the intelligence battalion; radio battalion which conducts signals intelligence, electronic warfare, and cyberspace operations; communications battalion; the MEF support battalion; and the Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company.{{cite web | url=https://www.imef.marines.mil/Units/I-MIG/ | title=I MEF Information Group }}{{cite web | url=https://www.imef.marines.mil/Units/I-MIG/1ST-RADIO-BN/ | title=I Marine Expeditionary Force > Units > I MIG > 1ST RADIO BN }}

File:Marsoc vbss.jpg with the 1st Marine Raider Battalion conducting a visit, board, search, and seizure operation]]

While not a MAGTF, the Marine Corps has begun to reorganize some of its regiments into Marine Littoral Regiments (MRL), which are similar in size to a Marine Expeditionary Unit. A Marine Littoral Regiment is a self-deployable force, designed to be naval in nature and operate in the littoral region. A Marine Littoral Regiment consists of a littoral combat team, a littoral anti-air battalion, and a combat logistics battalion. Notably, the Marine Littoral Regiment has no aviation combat element, unlike a Marine Expeditionary Unit.{{Cite web|url=https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/2708146/marine-littoral-regiment-mlr/https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/2708146/marine-littoral-regiment-mlr/|title=Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR)|website=United States Marine Corps Flagship}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Another Marine Corps element that does not function as part of the MAGTF is the Marine Raider Regiment, functioning under United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command. Marine Raiders specialize in direct action, unconventional warfare, maritime interdiction, special reconnaissance, foreign internal defense, counterterrorism, and counterinsurgency missions.{{cite web | url=https://coffeeordie.com/marine-raiders/ | title=Marine Raiders: The Corps' Only Special Operations Unit }}

Under Headquarters Marine Corps, the Marine Corps is organized into the Fleet Marine Force, multiple commands, and Marine Corps service components to the unified combatant commands.

{{main|United States Navy}}

File:The Nimitz-class aircraft carriers USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), left, and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) conduct dual aircraft carrier strike group operations (27142323334).jpg]]

The United States Navy (USN) is the United States Armed Forces' maritime force. Originally established in 1775 as the Continental Navy, the U.S. Navy consists of the Regular Navy and the Navy Reserve. The Navy is the United States' principal maritime service, responsible for maritime warfare operations.{{Cite web|url=https://www.navy.mil/About/|title=About|website=www.navy.mil}}

The U.S. Navy is organized under the Department of the Navy, which is a military department under the leadership of the secretary of the Navy and the under secretary of the Navy. The U.S. Navy itself is led by the chief of naval operations and the vice chief of naval operations, both admirals who are advised by the master chief petty officer of the Navy.

The five enduring functions of the Navy are:{{cite web|url=http://cimsec.org/naval-warfare-2010-2020-a-comparative-analysis/45129|title = Naval Warfare 2010–2020: A Comparative Analysis|date = 6 August 2020}}

• Sea control
• Power projection
• Deterrence
• Maritime security
• Sealift

File:US Navy 031200-N-0000X-001 The guided missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), and the guided missile destroyers USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Carney (DDG 64) and USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) launch a coordinated volley of missiles d.jpg

The nine specified tasks of the Navy are:

1. Conduct offensive and defensive operations associated with the maritime domain including achieving and maintaining sea control, to include subsurface, surface, land, air, space, and cyberspace.
2. Provide power projection through sea-based global strike, to include nuclear and conventional capabilities; interdiction and interception capabilities; maritime and littoral fires, to include naval surface fires; and close air support for ground forces.
3. Conduct ballistic missile defense. This is executed through the Navy's Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System.
4. Conduct ocean, hydro, and river survey and reconstruction.
5. Conduct riverine operations. This is conducted by the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force and Naval Special Warfare Command.
6. Establish, maintain, and defend sea bases in support of naval, amphibious, land, air, or other joint operations as directed.
7. Provide naval expeditionary logistics to enhance the deployment, sustainment, and redeployment of naval forces and other forces operating within the maritime domain, to include joint sea bases, and provide sea transport for the Armed Forces other than which is organic to the individual military services, United States Special Operations Command, and United States Cyber Command. This is conducted by the Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group and Military Sealift Command.
8. Provide support for joint space operations to enhance naval operations, in coordination with the other military services (primarily the United States Space Force), combatant commands (primarily United States Space Command), and other U.S. government departments and agencies. U.S. Navy space operations are conducted by Navy Space Command.
9. Conduct nuclear operations in support of strategic deterrence, to include providing and maintaining nuclear surety and capabilities.

{{main|Naval Surface Forces}}

File:USS Zumwalt is on the final leg of its three-month journey to its new homeport in San Diego. (31620613005).jpg

The Naval Surface Forces (NAVSURFOR) is the backbone of the U.S. Navy's combat power, conducting surface warfare operations and operating its fleet of combat surface ships.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usna.edu/SurfaceWarfare/index.php|title=Surface Warfare|website=www.usna.edu}}

The Naval Surface Forces operates eleven nuclear-powered aircraft carriers (CVN), split between the Nimitz-class and the newer Gerald R. Ford-class. Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of the U.S. Navy's combat power, forming the nucleus of its eleven carrier strike groups (CSG). Each aircraft carrier has an embarked carrier air wing from the Naval Air Forces.{{Cite web|url=https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/article/2169795/aircraft-carriers-cvn/https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169795/aircraft-carriers-cvn/|title=Aircraft Carriers – CVN|website=www.navy.mil}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

The Naval Surface Forces also operate 116 surface combatants. These include the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers (DDG) and Zumwalt-class stealth guided-missile destroyers. Cruisers and destroyers often operate as part of larger formations, where they serve as escorts for anti-aircraft and anti-submarine operations. However, they also are able to conduct sea control and striker operations ashore with their tomahawk cruise missiles. The Navy also operates a complement of smaller Freedom-class and Independence-class littoral combat ships (LCS) that can be modularly reconfigured for specific mission sets.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nvr.navy.mil/NVRSHIPS/SHIPBATTLEFORCE.HTML|title=Ship Battle Forces|website=nvr.navy.mil}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.navy.com/life-in-the-navy/vessels|title=Submarines, Carriers, Cruisers & Other Vessels | Navy.com|website=www.navy.com}} Having lacked a frigate since the Oliver Hazard Perry-class was decommissioned, the Navy is in the process of acquiring the new Constellation-class guided-missile frigates (FFG).{{Cite web|url=https://news.usni.org/2022/12/27/report-to-congress-on-constellation-class-frigate-program-ffg-62-12|title=Report to Congress on Constellation-class Frigate Program (FFG-62)|date=27 December 2022}}

Finally, the Naval Surface Forces operate 31 amphibious warfare ships to support the Fleet Marine Force and its embarked Marine Air-Ground Task Forces as part of an amphibious ready group or expeditionary strike group. This includes the America-class landing helicopter assault (LHA) ships which can carry U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II fighters and helicopters; and Wasp-class landing helicopter dock (LHD) ships, which can carry both F-35B fighters, helicopters, and landing craft. These are in addition to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks (LPD), and the Whidbey Island-class and Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ships.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nvr.navy.mil/NVRSHIPS/FLEETSIZE.HTML|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161211091216/http://www.nvr.navy.mil/NVRSHIPS/FLEETSIZE.HTML|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 December 2016|title=Fleet Size|website=nvr.navy.mil}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Experience/Military-Units/Navy/|title=Military Units: Navy|website=U.S. Department of Defense}}

{{main|Naval Submarine Forces}}

File:A port bow view of the US Navy (USN) LOS ANGELES CLASS- Attack Submarine USS ALBUQUERQUE (SSN 706), underway in the Atlantic Ocean, while participating in Exercise MAJESTIC EAGLE 20 - DPLA - cd72cc6879754214027b11472a72fa7d.jpeg

The Naval Submarine Forces (NAVSUBFOR) is often referred to as the "silent service", consisting of 68 commissioned submarines.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wearethemighty.com/intel/video-shows-us-navy-worlds-best-submarine-force/|title=This video shows the awesomeness of the US Navy's submarine force|date=31 March 2018}}

Los Angeles-class, Seawolf-class, and Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines are capable of performing sea control missions by destroying enemy submarines and surface ships, conducting surveillance and reconnaissance, performing irregular warfare, covert troop insertion, mine and anti-mine operations, and land attack missions with tomahawk cruise missiles.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usna.edu/SubmarineForce/subs.php|title=Submarines|website=www.usna.edu}}

Ohio-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) have the sole mission of being launch platforms for the nuclear submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). Each carries 20 UGM-133 Trident II SLBMs. The Navy is currently in the process of procuring the Columbia-class SSBNs to replace the Ohio-class.{{Cite web|url=https://www.csp.navy.mil/SUBPAC-Commands/Submarines/Ballistic-Missile-Submarines/|title=Ballistic Missile Submarines|website=www.csp.navy.mil}} Some Ohio-class submarines have been converted to cruise-missile submarines (SSGN), capable of carrying 154 tomahawk cruise missiles and deploying 66 special operations forces personnel, such as Navy SEALs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.csp.navy.mil/SUBPAC-Commands/Submarines/Guided-Missile-Submarines/|title=Guided Missile Submarines|website=www.csp.navy.mil}}

{{main|Naval Air Forces}}

File:F-A-18F Super Hornet flies over the USS Gerald R. Ford.jpg from VX-23 flies over the {{USS|Gerald R. Ford|CVN-78}}, the world's largest aircraft carrier, and the largest warship ever constructed]]

The Naval Air Forces (NAVAIRFOR) is the Navy's naval aviation arm, centered around the carrier air wing. The core of the carrier air wing are the Naval Air Forces strike fighter squadrons (VFA), which fly the F-35C Lightning II stealth fighter and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. A variant of the F/A-18, the EA-18G Growler is an electronic-warfare aircraft flown by electronic attack squadrons (VAQ) off of carriers or land bases. The E-2 Hawkeye provides carriers with airborne early warning and command-and-control, while the C-2A Greyhound keeps carriers supplied. The CMV-22B Osprey is currently in the process of replacing the C-2 Greyhound for carrier resupply.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usna.edu/NavalAviation/index.php|title=Aviation Warfare|website=www.usna.edu}}

The Naval Air Forces also operate the MH-60 Seahawk for anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship warfare, and search and rescue operations. The MH-53E is primarily used for anti-mine warfare but can also be used for assault support.

Although primarily centered on carriers, the Naval Air Forces do operate a small number of land-based aircraft. These include the P-3C Orion and P-8A Poseidon, which conduct anti-submarine warfare operations and serve as maritime patrol aircraft, alongside the unmanned MQ-4C Triton. The E-6 Mercury is also flown by the Navy to communicate instructions to U.S. strategic forces.{{Cite web|url=https://www.airpac.navy.mil/Organization/Strategic-Communications-Wing-1/|title=Strategic Communications Wing 1|website=www.airpac.navy.mil}}

The U.S. Navy is organized into eight navy component commands, which command operational forces and serve as joint force maritime component commands; fifteen shore commands, which support the fleets' operating forces; five systems commands, which oversee the technical requirements of the Navy; and nine type commands, which administratively manage units of a certain type.

{{main|United States Air Force}}

File:Stealth-y patrol - 090421-F-0000B-301.jpg stealth bomber from the 509th Bomb Wing escorted by two F-22A Raptor stealth fighters from the 3rd Wing]]

The United States Air Force (USAF) is the United States Armed Forces' air force. Originally established in 1947 when it gained independence from the U.S. Army, it traces its history back through the United States Army Air Forces, United States Army Air Corps, United States Army Air Service, the Division of Military Aeronautics, Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps, to the birth of Aeronautical Division, U.S. Signal Corps on 1 August 1907. The U.S. Air Force serves as the principal air service, responsible for aerial warfare operations. The U.S. Air Force is composed of the Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard.{{Cite web|url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/|title=About Us|website=www.af.mil}}

The U.S. Air Force is organized under the Department of the Air Force, which is a military department under the leadership of the secretary of the Air Force and under secretary of the Air Force. The U.S. Air Force itself is led by the chief of staff of the Air Force and vice chief of staff of the Air Force, both generals who are advised by the chief master sergeant of the Air Force.

The five core missions of the Air Force are:{{cite web |url=http://www.airforcemag.com/DocumentFile/Documents/2015/Future_Operating_Concept.pdf |title=Air Force Future Operating Concept: A View of the Air Force in 2035 |date=September 2015 |website=airforcemag.com |access-date=28 September 2021 }}

• Air superiority
• Global integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
• Rapid global mobility
• Global strike
• Command and control

File:C17 DF-SD-06-03299.jpgs performing low-level flight training]]

The eight specified functions of the Air Force are:{{Cite web|url=https://www.doctrine.af.mil/Portals/61/documents/Airman_Development/PurpleBook.pdf|title=The Joint Team|website=doctrine.af.mil}}

1. Conduct nuclear operations in support of strategic deterrence, to include providing and maintaining nuclear surety and capabilities.
2. Conduct offensive and defensive operations, to include appropriate air and missile defense, to gain and maintain air superiority and air supremacy as required, to enable the conduct of operations by U.S. and allied land, sea, air, space, and special operations forces.
3. Conduct global precision attack, to include strategic attack, interdiction, close air support, and prompt global strike.
4. Provide timely, globally integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability and capacity from forward deployed locations and globally distributed centers to support world-wide operations.
5. Provide rapid global mobility to employ and sustain organic air and space forces and other military service and U. S. Special Operations Command forces, as directed, to include airlift forces for airborne operations, air logistical support, tanker forces for in-flight refueling, and assets for aeromedical evacuation.
6. Provide agile combat support to enhance the air and space campaign and the deployment, employment, sustainment, and redeployment of air and space forces and other forces operating within the air and space domains, to include joint air and space bases, and for the Armed Forces other than which is organic to the individual military services and U.S. Special Operations Command in coordination with the other military services, combatant commands, and U.S. Government departments and agencies.
7. Conduct global personnel recovery operations including theater-wide combat and civil search and rescue in coordination with the other military services, combatant commands, and DoD components.
8. Conduct globally integrated command and control for air and space operations.

{{main|Air Combat Command|Air Force Global Strike Command|Air Force Special Operations Command}}

File:90th Fighter Squadron - F-22s.jpgs from the 90th Fighter Squadron]]

The Combat Air Force (CAF) comprises the majority of the Air Force's combat power, consisting of its fighter, bomber, intercontinental ballistic missile, and special operations forces.{{Cite web|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/PDF/DocumentFile/Documents/2010/CAF_StratPlan2010_091610.pdf|title=Securing the High Ground|website=airandspaceforces.com}}

The Air Force's fighter forces are led by Air Combat Command's Fifteenth Air Force, with other fighter units under Pacific Air Forces and United States Air Forces in Europe. Air Force fighters are predominantly used to achieve air superiority and strike enemy ground and naval forces. The Air Force operates an expanding force of fifth-generation fighters. The F-22A Raptor stealth fighter is designed to replace the F-15C in air superiority operations carrying two AIM-9 Sidewinder and six AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. It also has a significant air-to-ground mission, carrying two GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munition bombs, in addition to two AIM-9 and two AIM-120 missiles.{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104506/f-22-raptor/ | title=F-22 Raptor | work=Air Force }} Ultimately, the F-22 is intended to be replaced by the sixth-generation fighter, Next Generation Air Dominance program.{{cite web | url=https://breakingdefense.com/2022/08/if-congress-blocks-f-22-retirements-expect-impact-to-air-force-drone-programs-hunter/#:~:text=The%20Air%20Force%20plans%20to,replace%20the%20F%2D22%20Raptor | title=If Congress blocks F-22 retirements, expect impact to Air Force drone programs: Hunter | date=16 August 2022 }} The F-22 is complemented by the more numerous F-35A Lightning II multi-role stealth fighters, which are in the process of replacing the F-16C fighters and A-10 attack aircraft in air superiority and ground attack roles, to include the nuclear strike mission.{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/478441/f-35a-lightning-ii/ | title=F-35A Lightning II | work=Air Force }}{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/f-35-completes-final-test-for-nuclear-capable-b61-series-weapons/ | title=F-35 Completes Final Test for Nuclear-Capable B61 Series Weapons | date=5 October 2021 }}

The Air Force still operates an extremely sizable force of fourth-generation fighters. The F-15C Eagle is a dedicated air superiority fighter, while the F-15E Strike Eagle has been modified to be a dual-role strike fighter, carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons.{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104501/f-15-eagle/ | title=F-15 Eagle | work=Air Force }}{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104499/f-15e-strike-eagle/ | title=F-15E Strike Eagle | work=Air Force }} The F-15C Eagle and F-15E Strike Eagle are both being replaced by the F-15EX Eagle II, which is significantly more advanced.{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/f-15ex-could-replace-strike-eagle-fleet-in-addition-to-older-c-d-models-usaf-says/ | title=F-15EX Could Replace Strike Eagle Fleet, in Addition to Older C/D Models, USAF Says | date=30 July 2020 }} The F-16C Fighting Falcon is a multirole fighter that has served as the primary Air Force fighter for decades, including as a dual-capable tactical nuclear strike fighter.{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104505/f-16-fighting-falcon/ | title=F-16 Fighting Falcon | work=Air Force }}{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/the-one-way-nuclear-mission/ | title=The One-Way Nuclear Mission }} The A-10C Thunderbolt II attack aircraft has been the first Air Force fighter specifically designed for close air support missions, operating against enemy ground forces and light naval ships with its GAU-8 Avenger gatling cannon and array of air-to-ground munitions.{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104490/a-10c-thunderbolt-ii/ | title=A-10C Thunderbolt II | work=Air Force }}

File:B-52 and B-2.jpg of the 2nd Bomb Wing and a B-2A Spirit of the 509th Bomb Wing flying in formation]]

The Air Force's bomber forces are organized under Air Force Global Strike Command's Eighth Air Force, executing long-range strike operations. The B-2A Spirit stealth bomber is capable of conducting both conventional and nuclear strike operations flying through air defenses.{{cite web | url=https://www.afgsc.af.mil/About/Fact-Sheets/Article/630717/b-2-spirit/ | title=B-2 Spirit }} The B-1B Lancer, in contrast, is a supersonic bomber that carries only conventional munitions and serves as the backbone of the bomber force. Both the B-2A Spirit and the B-1B Lancer are being replaced by the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, which can be equipped with both conventional and nuclear munitions.{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2682973/b-21-raider/ | title=B-21 Raider | work=Air Force }} The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that the Air Force has flown since the 1950s and operates a variety of conventional and nuclear munitions, including the AGM-86 air-launched cruise missile.{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104465/b-52h-stratofortress/ | title=B-52H Stratofortress | work=Air Force }}

The Air Force's intercontinental ballistic missile forces are organized under Air Force Global Strike Command's Twentieth Air Force, serving as the land component of the nuclear triad. The LGM-30G Minuteman III serves as the only ballistic missile operated by the Air Force, with 400 stationed in hardened silos.{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104466/lgm-30g-minuteman-iii/ | title=LGM-30G Minuteman III | work=Air Force }} The LGM-30G will be replaced by the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile.{{cite web | url=https://breakingdefense.com/2023/02/sentinel-icbm-on-track-for-flight-test-this-year-senior-usaf-official/ | title=Sentinel ICBM 'on track' for flight test this year: Senior USAF official | date=16 February 2023 }}

File:CV-22 Ospreys over Tokyo.jpgs from the 353rd Special Operations Group]]

The Air Force's special operations forces are organized under Air Force Special Operations Command, consisting of both special operations aviation and Air Force special tactics airmen on the ground. The AC-130J Ghostrider gunships have the primary mission of close air support and air interdiction, using cannons and precision guided munitions.{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/467756/ac-130j-ghostrider/ | title=AC-130J Ghostrider | work=Air Force }} The MC-130J Commando II, also a variant of the C-130 Hercules, fly exfiltration and resupply operations for special operations forces, along with conducting air-to-air refueling for helicopters.{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104510/mc-130j-commando-ii/ | title=MC-130J Commando II | work=Air Force }} The CV-22 Osprey is a tiltrotor aircraft used for the infiltration and exfiltration of special operations forces.{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104531/cv-22-osprey/ | title=CV-22 Osprey | work=Air Force }} While not under Air Force Special Operations Command, rescue operations are supported by the HC-130J Combat King II and HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue aircraft.{{cite web | url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2022/08/12/combat-rescue-helicopter-cuts-trigger-cost-overrun-air-force-says/ | title=Combat rescue helicopter cuts trigger cost overrun, Air Force says | date=12 August 2022 }} The MQ-9 Reaper also serves as a remotely piloted intelligence and strike aircraft, serving under Air Force Special Operations Command and Air Combat Command.{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104470/mq-9-reaper/ | title=MQ-9 Reaper | work=Air Force }}File:USAF HH-60 evac scenario.jpg with a HH-60 helicopter in the background]]

Air Force Special Tactics are the ground special warfare force of the U.S. Air Force, integrating air-ground operations. Special Tactics conduct four core missions. Global access teams assess and open airfields, ranging from international airports to dirt strips, in permissive or hostile locations to facilitate the landing and operation of air forces. Precision strike teams are trained to direct aircraft and other forces to conduct kinetic and non-kinetic strikes, as well as humanitarian aid drops. Special Tactics teams also conduct personnel recovery missions, possessing significant medical and rescue experience. Finally, Special Operations Surgical Teams conduct surgery and medical operations in battlefield operations in support of special operations.{{cite web | url=https://www.airforcespecialtactics.af.mil/About/Mission/ | title=Mission }}

The Air Force also operates a wide array of reconnaissance aircraft under Air Combat Command's Sixteenth Air Force, including the RQ-4 Global Hawk drone, U-2 Dragon Lady, and RC-135 Rivet Joint. Air Force operations are typically supported by command and control aircraft, such as the E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system. The E-3 Sentry is in the process of being replaced by the E-7A Wedgetail.{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104504/e-3-sentry-awacs/ | title=E-3 Sentry (AWACS) | work=Air Force }}

{{main|Air Mobility Command}}

File:Boeing Flight Test & Evaluation (28081863073).jpg refueling a C-17A Globemaster III]]

The Mobility Air Force (MAF) is organized under Air Mobility Command and comprises the Air Force's airlift, air refueling, and aeromedical evacuation forces.{{cite web | url=https://www.amc.af.mil/About-Us/ | title=Gen. Minihan Keynote Intro for A/TA 2021 }}

The airlift forces operate three different major aircraft. The C-5M Super Galaxy is the largest aircraft in the Air Force, serving as a strategic transport aircraft.{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104492/c-5m-super-galaxy/ | title=C-5M Super Galaxy | work=Air Force }} The C-17A Globemaster III is the airlift force's most flexible aircraft, conducting both strategic and tactical airlift operations. It is also capable of conducting airborne operations for the Army and aerial resupply through airdropping cargo.{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1529726/c-17-globemaster-iii/ | title=C-17 Globemaster III | work=Air Force }} Finally, the C-130J Super Hercules is a tactical airlifter, conducting both cargo airlift and supporting Army airborne operations.{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1555054/c-130-hercules/ | title=C-130 Hercules }} Other major airlift platforms include the VC-25, which serves as the personal plane of the president of the United States, better known as Air Force One.{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104588/vc-25-air-force-one/ | title=VC-25 – Air Force One | work=Air Force }}

The Air Force also operates three major aerial refueling tankers. The KC-46A Pegasus is its most modern tanker, replacing the aging KC-10A Extenders.{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104537/kc-46a-pegasus/ | title=KC-46A Pegasus | work=Air Force }} The remaining tanker is the KC-135 Stratotanker, which has flown since the 1950s.{{cite web | url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1529736/kc-135-stratotanker/ | title=KC-135 Stratotanker }} Tankers are also capable of conducting limited airlift operations.

The U.S. Air Force is organized into nine major commands, which conduct the majority of the service's organize, train, and equip functions. It commands forces attached to the combatant commands as joint force air component commands.{{cite web |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/PDF/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents%2F2013%2FMay%202013%2F0513MC_RC.pdf |title=Major Commands and Reserve Components |website=airforcemag.com |date=30 September 2012 |access-date=28 September 2021 }}

{{main|United States Space Force}}

File:X-37B concludes sixth mission (221111-F-XX000-0002).jpg spaceplane after deorbiting and landing]]

The United States Space Force (USSF) is the United States Armed Forces' space force and is the newest military branch. Originally established in 2019, it traces its history through Air Force Space Command and the Western Development Division to 1954. The United States Space Force is the principal space service, responsible for space warfare operations.{{Cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.com/history|title=Our History – U.S. Space Force|website=www.spaceforce.com}} The U.S. Space Force is composed of the Regular Space Force, not yet having organized a reserve component outside of the Air Force.

The U.S. Space Force is organized under the Department of the Air Force, which is a military department under the leadership of the secretary of the Air Force and under secretary of the Air Force. The U.S. Space Force itself is led by the chief of space operations and vice chief of space operations, both generals who are advised by the chief master sergeant of the Space Force.{{Cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Leadership/|title=Leadership|website=www.spaceforce.mil}}

File:45th Space Wing Supports Successful Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 Launch (6453152).jpeg launch for the NROL-44 mission]]

The five core competencies of the Space Force are:{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2306828/space-force-releases-1st-doctrine-defines-spacepower-as-distinct-form-of-milita|title=Space Force releases 1st doctrine, defines "spacepower" as distinct form of military power|website=United States Space Force|date=10 August 2020 }}

• Space security
• Combat power projection
• Space mobility and logistics
• Information mobility
• Space domain awareness

The five specified functions of the Space Force are:

1. Provide freedom of operation for the United States in, from, and to space.
2. Provide prompt and sustained space operations.
3. Protect the interests of the United States in space.
4. Deter aggression in, from, and to space.
5. Conduct space operations.

{{main|Space Delta 3|Space Delta 9}}

The Space Force's combat power is centered around Space Delta 3, which conducts space electromagnetic warfare and Space Delta 9, which conducts orbital warfare.{{cite web | url=https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Program-Executive-Offices/Space-Domain-Awareness-Combat-Power | title=Space Domain Awareness & Combat Power }}

Combat power projection operations ensure freedom of action in space for the U.S. and its allies and denies an adversary freedom of action in space. These are divided into offensive and defensive space operations. Defensive operations preserve and protect U.S. and allied space capabilities, which are further sub-divided into active and passive actions. Offensive operations target a U.S. adversary's space and counterspace capabilities, achieving space superiority.

Orbital warfare forces conduct protect-and-defend operations and provide U.S. national decision authorities with response options to deter and, when necessary, defeat orbital threats. The space electromagnetic warfare forces conduct offensive and defensive space control operations. Space Force cyber forces conduct defensive cyber operations to protect space assets.{{Cite web|url=https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2510837/space-delta-9-builds-orbital-warfare-tradecraft-from-the-ground-up/https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2510837/space-delta-9-builds-orbital-warfare-tradecraft-from-the-ground-up/|title=Space Delta 9 builds orbital warfare tradecraft from the ground up|website=Schriever Space Force Base (Archived)}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.spacecom.mil/Newsroom/News/Article-Display/Article/2506638/space-delta-3-focuses-on-electromagnetic-spectrum/http://www.spacecom.mil/Newsroom/News/Article-Display/Article/2506638/space-delta-3-focuses-on-electromagnetic-spectrum/|title=Space Delta 3 focuses on electromagnetic spectrum|website=United States Space Command}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

{{main|Space Delta 6}}

File:The Watchers on Oahu (7526583).jpeg antenna at Kaena Point Space Force Station]]

Although the U.S. Space Force is not a cyber force, it does conduct extensive cyber operations under Space Delta 6. The primary focus of Space Force cyber operations is defending U.S. Space Force networks and ensuring the operations of its spacecraft, which are controlled remotely from ground stations.{{cite web | url=https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2022/11/10/entering-year-four-space-force-focusing-on-cyber-capabilities | title=Entering Year Four, Space Force Focusing on Cyber Capabilities }} All space operations units have cyber squadrons assigned to defend them and incorporate offensive cyber operations.{{cite web | url=https://spacenews.com/space-force-coming-to-grips-with-cybersecurity-threats/ | title=Space Force coming to grips with cybersecurity threats | date=7 July 2022 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/3190976/ | title=Space Force embeds Cyber Squadrons into delta missions | date=11 October 2022 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/space-forces-plan-for-cyber-focused-airmen/ | title=Space Force's Plan for Cyber Warriors | date=29 May 2020 }}

Additionally, Space Delta 6 is responsible for managing the Satellite Control Network, a global network of antennas used to communicate with the service's spacecraft. The 22nd Space Operations Squadron is responsible for overall operations, with the 21st Space Operations Squadron and 23rd Space Operations Squadron managing the ground station sites at Vandenberg Space Force Base, New Boston Space Force Station, Kaena Point Space Force Station, Diego Garcia, Guam, Greenland, and the United Kingdom.

{{main|Space Delta 2}}

File:15th SPSS- The neighborhood watch of space (7542481).jpeg GEODSS telescope at White Sands Missile Range]]

The Space Force's Space Delta 2 operates the United States Space Surveillance Network, tracking 47,000 objects in space as of 2022.{{cite web | url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3196701/us-space-command-to-transfer-space-object-tracking-to-department-of-commerce/#:~:text=Right%20now%2C%20U.S.%20Space%20Command,there%2C%20the%20Spacecom%20commander%20said | title=U.S. Space Command to Transfer Space Object Tracking to Department of Commerce }}{{Cite web |title=Space Delta 2 monitors deep space |url=https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/Article/2564700/space-delta-2-monitors-deep-space/ |website=Nellis Air Force Base|date=7 April 2021 }} Space domain awareness encompasses the identification, characterization, and understanding of any factor associated with the space domain that could affect space operations.

Space Delta 2 sensors include the AN/FPS-85 phased array radar at Eglin Air Force Base and the Space Fence radar at Kwajalein Atoll operated by the 20th Space Surveillance Squadron; and a global network of three Ground-based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance telescopes operated by the 15th Space Surveillance Squadron.{{cite web | url=https://www.eglin.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/391473/premier-space-surveillance-squadron-located-at-eglin/ | title=Premier space surveillance squadron located at Eglin | date=12 December 2011 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/space-fence.html | title=Space Fence | date=7 March 2023 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/249016/ground-based-electro-optical-deep-space-surveillance/ | title=Ground-Based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance | access-date=4 March 2023 | archive-date=4 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304180422/https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/249016/ground-based-electro-optical-deep-space-surveillance/ | url-status=dead }}

The 18th Space Defense Squadron, collocated with the Combined Space Operations Center, executes command and control of the Space Surveillance Network and manages the Space Catalog of all objects in Earth orbit. The 19th Space Defense Squadron focuses on objects further in cislunar space, beyond geosynchronous orbit, with a specific focus on supporting NASA's Artemis program and other human spaceflight operations.{{cite web | url=https://www.afcea.org/signal-media/space-force-rounds-out-delta-2s-structure | title=Space Force Rounds Out Delta 2's Structure | date=4 May 2022 }}

{{main|Space Delta 4}}

File:STS-44 DSP deployment.jpg missile warning spacecraft from the Space Shuttle Atlantis on the STS-44 mission]]

The Space Force's Space Delta 4 uses orbital spacecraft and ground-based radars to conduct theater and strategic missile warnings for the United States and its international partners.{{cite web | url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2334034/space-delta-4#:~:text=Space%20Delta%204%20(DEL%204,strategic%20and%20theater%20missile%20warning | title=Space Delta 4 | access-date=26 February 2023 | archive-date=21 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321034107/http://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2334034/space-delta-4#:~:text=Space%20Delta%204%20(DEL%204,strategic%20and%20theater%20missile%20warning | url-status=dead }} This includes the network of Upgraded Early Warning Radars at Beale Air Force Base, Clear Space Force Station, Cape Cod Space Force Station, Pituffik Space Base, and RAF Fylingdales, along with the AN/FPQ-16 PARCS radar at Cavalier Space Force Station.{{Cite news|url=https://www.raytheonmissilesanddefense.com/news/2022/09/16/all-five-uewrs-complete-second-generation-hardware-software-upgrades|title=All five Upgraded Early Warning Radars complete second generation hardware, software upgrades|date=19 September 2022|website=raytheonmisslesanddefense.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002201919/https://www.raytheonmissilesanddefense.com/news/2022/09/16/all-five-uewrs-complete-second-generation-hardware-software-upgrades|archive-date=2 October 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1126406/perimeter-acquisition-radar-attack-characterization-system/https://www.afspc.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1126406/perimeter-acquisition-radar-attack-characterization-system/|title=Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System|website=Air Force Space Command (Archived)}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Currently, the Space Force is working with the Missile Defense Agency to acquire the Long Range Discrimination Radar at Clear Space Force Station in Alaska. These ground-based radars also contribute to the Space Surveillance Network.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mda.mil/global/documents/pdf/lrdr.pdf|title=Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR), Clear Space Force Station (CSFS), Alaska|website=mda.mil}}

Space-based missile warning systems include the Defense Support Program and Space-Based Infrared System (SIBRS) spacecraft, which use infrared sensors to conduct missile defense and missile warning. SIBRS also has a battlespace awareness and technical intelligence mission.{{cite web | url=https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/sbirs.html | title=SBIRS | date=9 August 2022 }} The Defense Support Program spacecraft are also capable of detecting nuclear detonations, in addition to space and missile launches.{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/2197774/defense-support-program-satellites/ | title=Defense Support Program Satellites }}

{{main|Space Delta 8}}

File:4th Space Operations Squadron (7141773).jpeg Mobile Operations Flight conducting armed convoy operations]]

The Space Force's Space Delta 8 is the operator of the Global Positioning System and the military's array of communications spacecraft.{{Cite web|url=https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Units/Space-Delta-8/|title=Space Delta 8|website=www.schriever.spaceforce.mil|access-date=26 February 2023|archive-date=26 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226020120/https://www.schriever.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Units/Space-Delta-8/|url-status=dead}}

The Global Positioning System is operated by the 2nd Space Operations Squadron, providing positioning, navigation, and timing information for civilian and military users across the entire world.{{cite web | url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/2197765/global-positioning-system/ | title=Global Positioning System }} The Space Force's GPS system has become an integral element of the global information infrastructure, being used in virtually all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, aviation, marine transportation, surveying and mapping, and transit navigation. Its timing signal is used to synchronize global communication systems, electrical power grids, and financial networks.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gps.gov/applications/timing/|title=GPS.gov: Timing Applications|website=www.gps.gov}} The Global Positioning System also has a secondary mission of carrying nuclear detonation detection sensors.{{cite web | url=https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/articles/nnsa-delivers-enduring-space-based-nuclear-detonation-detection-capability | title=NNSA delivers enduring space-based nuclear detonation detection capability }}

Military satellite communication systems include the Fleet Satellite Communications System, UHF Follow-On satellite, and Mobile User Objective System, operated by the 10th Space Operations Squadron and inherited from the U.S. Navy.{{cite web | url=https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/3146952/10th-space-operations-squadron/ | title=10th Space Operations Squadron }} The payloads on the Wideband Global SATCOM and Defense Satellite Communications System are operated by the 53rd Space Operations Squadron, a role inherited from the U.S. Army.{{cite web | url=https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/3146992/53rd-space-operations-squadron/ | title=53rd Space Operations Squadron }} Finally, spacecraft operations for the Wideband Global SATCOM and Defense Satellite Communications System are conducted by the 4th Space Operations Squadron, in addition to the Milstar and Advanced Extremely High Frequency satellites, which both additionally support command and control of strategic nuclear forces.{{cite web | url=https://www.spacebasedelta1.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2815644/4th-space-operations-squadron/ | title=4th Space Operations Squadron }}{{cite web | url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2381348/advanced-extremely-high-frequency-system-aehf | title=Advanced Extremely High Frequency System (AEHF) | access-date=4 March 2023 | archive-date=4 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304180427/https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/2381348/advanced-extremely-high-frequency-system-aehf | url-status=dead }}

{{main|Space Launch Delta 30|Space Launch Delta 45}}

File:SpaceX Falcon Heavy DoD STP-2 Launch (NHQ201906250100).jpg on the STP-2 mission]]

The Space Force's space launch enterprise is organized under Space Systems Command, with Space Launch Delta 30 managing the Western Range from Vandenberg Space Force Base and Space Launch Delta 45 managing the Eastern Range from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.{{cite web | url=https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Program-Executive-Offices/Assured-Access-To-Space | title=Assured Access to Space }}

The Space Force does not just manage military space launches, but also supports NASA and commercial space launches. Major space launch vehicles flown or scheduled to fly off of Space Force launch ranges include NASA's Space Launch System, SpaceX's Starship, Falcon Heavy, and Falcon 9, and United Launch Alliance's Vulcan, which will replace the Atlas V and Delta IV Heavy. Currently, vehicles for the National Security Space Launch program include the Vulcan, Atlas V, Falcon Heavy, and Falcon 9 rockets.{{cite web | url=https://spacenews.com/national-security-launch-in-transition-as-space-force-waits-for-vulcan/ | title=National security launch in transition as Space Force waits for Vulcan | date=19 August 2021 }}

An experimental Air Force Research Laboratory vanguard program that the Space Force leads, Rocket Cargo, is exploring using rockets to supplement naval and air transport to rapidly deliver supplies to forces across the Earth.{{cite web | url=https://afresearchlab.com/technology/successstories/rocket-cargo-for-agile-global-logistics/ | title=ROCKET CARGO FOR AGILE GLOBAL LOGISTICS – Air Force Research Laboratory }} The SpaceX Starship rocket is one such system currently being explored.{{cite web | url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/spacex-signs-a-deal-to-rocket-military-cargo-around-the-world/ | title=SpaceX signs a deal to rocket military cargo around the world }}

The Space Force is organized into three field commands and multiple component field commands, which serve as joint force space component commands for the unified combatant commands.{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article/2287005/space-force-begins-transition-into-field-organizational-structure|title=Space Force begins transition into field organizational structure|website=United States Space Force|date=24 July 2020 }}

{{main|United States Coast Guard}}

File:USCG cutters Hamilton and Flores -c.jpg

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is the United States Armed Forces' maritime security, maritime search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement force. It was first established in 1790 as the United States Revenue-Marine and consists of the Regular Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Reserve.

Although it has always been one of the six military branches, the Coast Guard is organized under the Department of Homeland Security under the leadership of the secretary of Homeland Security and the deputy secretary of Homeland Security. During times of war, the U.S. Coast Guard can be transferred to the Department of the Navy{{cite web|url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/14/103|title=14 U.S. Code § 103 – Department in which the Coast Guard operates|website=LII / Legal Information Institute}} The Coast Guard itself is led by the commandant of the Coast Guard and vice commandant of the Coast Guard, both admirals advised by the master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard.{{Cite web|url=https://www.uscg.mil/alwaysready/|title=United States Coast Guard – Always Ready|website=www.uscg.mil}}

File:U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Security Response Team USNS Sisler 2006.jpg executing a boarding action from an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter]]

The Coast Guard has six major operational mission programs, through which it executes its 11 statutory missions:{{Cite web|url=https://www.uscg.mil/About/Missions/|title=About U.S. Coast Guard Missions|website=Uscg.mil}} {{PD-notice}}

• Maritime law enforcement
• Maritime response
• Maritime prevention
• Maritime transport system management
• Maritime security operations
• Defense operations

Maritime law enforcement operations focus on protecting the United States maritime borders and assuring its maritime sovereignty. The Coast Guard conducts operations to suppress violations of U.S. law at sea, including counter-illegal migration and transnational organized crime operations. Codified missions executed under the maritime law enforcement program include drug interdiction, migrant interdiction, living marine resources, and other law enforcement.

Maritime response operations see the Coast Guard conducting search-and-rescue operations and rescuing mariners responding to maritime disasters. Codified missions include search and rescue and marine environmental protection (response activities).

File:221697.jpg helicopter with a rescue swimmer]]

Maritime prevention operations prevent marine casualties and property losses, minimize security risks, and protect the marine environment. The Coast Guard does so by developing and enforcing federal regulations, conducting safety and security inspections, and analyzing port security risk assessments. Codified missions include ports, waterways, and coastal security, marine safety, and marine environmental protection (protection activities).

Maritime transport system management ensures a safe, secure, and environmentally sound waterways system. Codified missions include maintaining aids to navigation and ice operations.

Maritime security operations include activities to detect, deter, prevent, and disrupt terrorist attacks, and other criminal acts in the U.S. maritime domain. This includes the execution of anti-terrorism, response, and select recovery operations. This mission performs the operational element of the Coast Guard's Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security mission and complements its Maritime Response and Prevention efforts. Codified missions include ports, waterways, and coastal security (response activities).

Coast Guard Defense Operations deploy the Coast Guard globally under the Department of Defense's unified combatant commands, where it operates under the joint force maritime component commands. Codified missions include defense readiness.

The U.S. Coast Guard is organized into two area commands that cover the entire globe.{{cite web|url=https://www.uscg.mil/Units/Organization/#cyber|title=United States Coast Guard > Units > Organization|website=www.uscg.mil}}

{{Main|Military budget of the United States}}

The United States manages the world's largest military budget, followed by the People's Republic of China, India, United Kingdom, and Russia.{{cite web | url=https://www.visualcapitalist.com/ranked-top-10-countries-by-military-spending/ | title=Ranked: Top 10 Countries by Military Spending | date=18 August 2022 }}

The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 established the topline defense budget as $857.9 billion, with the Department of Defense receiving $816.7 billion and the Department of Energy's national security programs receiving $30.3 billion, an 8% increase from Fiscal Year 2022.{{Cite web|url=https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/fy23_ndaa_agreement_summary.pdf|title=Summary of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act|website=armed-services.senate.gov}}{{cite web | url=https://www.defensenews.com/congress/budget/2022/12/16/congress-authorizes-8-defense-budget-increase/ | title=Congress authorizes 8% defense budget increase | date=16 December 2022 }}

The Department of the Air Force budget, unlike the Department of the Army or Department of the Navy has a sizable portion of "pass-through." This is money not controlled or used by the Air Force, but is instead passed to other Department of Defense agencies and can be up to 17% of the department's budget. This pass-through allocation gives the impression that the Air Force is the highest funded military department. It is actually the least funded.{{Cite news|url=https://www.afa.org/news/congress-must-stop-dods-misleading-budget-practices-and-end-pass-through-practices|title=Congress Must Stop DOD's Misleading Budget Practices and End Pass-Through Practices|website=afa.org}}

{{Bar chart

| title = Defense budget by account (FY23){{cite web | url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/strategy-and-congressional-national-defense-authorization-act-fiscal-year-2023 | title=Strategy and the Congressional National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 | date=7 December 2022 | last1=Cordesman | first1=Anthony H. }}

| label_type = Account

| data_type = U.S. dollars (billions)

| bar_width = 35

| width_units = em

| data_max = 300

| label1 = Procurement

| data1 = 163

| label2 = Research, Development, Test, & Evaluation

| data2 = 139

| label3 = Operations & Maintenance

| data3 = 279

| label4 = Military Personnel & Health

| data4 = 210

| label5 = Military Construction

| data5 = 19

| label6 = Defense-related Nuclear Programs

| data6 = 30

}}

{{Bar chart

| title = Defense budget by military service (FY24)

| label_type = Service

| data_type = U.S. dollars (billions)

| bar_width = 35

| width_units = em

| data_max = 250

| label1 = Army{{cite web | url=https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/us-army-delivers-185-5-billion-request-for-fy24-maintains-weapon-development-portfolio/ | title=US Army delivers $185.5 billion request for FY24, maintains weapon development portfolio | date=13 March 2023 }}

| data1 = 185.5

| label2 = Marine Corps{{cite web | url=https://breakingdefense.com/2023/03/in-255b-budget-navy-prioritizes-3-subs-and-hypersonics-skips-amphib-buys/ | title=In $255B budget, Navy prioritizes 3 subs and hypersonics, skips amphib buys | date=13 March 2023 }}

| data2 = 53.2

| label3 = Navy{{cite web|url=https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/Documents/defbudget/FY2024/FY2024_Budget_Request.pdf|title=Office of the Under Secretary of Defense {{notatypo|(}}Comptroller/Chief Financial Officer March 2023|website=comptroller.defense.gov}}

| data3 = 202.6

| label4 = Air Force{{cite web | url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2023/03/13/air-force-proposes-stagnant-workforce-flight-time-in-fy24-budget/ | title=Air Force proposes stagnant workforce, flight time in FY24 budget | date=13 March 2023 }}

| data4 = 185.1

| label5 = Space Force{{cite web | url=https://spacenews.com/u-s-space-force-budget-hits-30-billion-in-2024-funding-proposal/ | title=U.S. Space Force budget hits $30 billion in 2024 proposal | date=13 March 2023 }}

| data5 = 30

| label6 = Coast Guard{{Cite web|url=https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/U.S.%20COAST%20GUARD.pdf|title=U.S. Coast Guard|website=dhs.gov}}

| data6 = 13.45

| label7 = Defense-wide

| data7 = 141.3

}}

{{main|Army Futures Command}}

File:U S Space Force Essential to U S Army Modernization (7006666).jpeg from a M142 HIMARS at Vandenberg Space Force Base]]

The Army's modernization efforts, led by Army Futures Command, are centralized into six priorities. Each priority is led by a Cross Functional Team.

Long Range Precision Fires is the land service's top modernization priority, focusing on rebuilding its Field Artillery Branch in response to longer range Russian and Chinese artillery systems. The Extended Range Cannon Artillery program is developing a cannon artillery piece that can accurately fire at targets 70 kilometers away, an increase from the 30 kilometer distance of current cannon artillery. The Precision Strike Missile is a surface-to-surface guided missile intended to be fired from the current M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System and M142 HIMARS, replacing their current missiles and doubling the rate of fire. The Army is also working with the Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force to develop a common hypersonic glide body, which the Army will employ as part of the mobile ground launched Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon program. Finally, the Army is working to modify the U.S. Navy's RIM-174 Standard ERAM and UGM-109 Tomahawk land attack cruise missile for ground launch to provide the Army with mid-range artillery capability.

The Next Generation Combat Vehicle program is developing a family of fighting vehicles for the Armor Branch to increase firepower, speed, and survivability. The Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle is intended to replace the M2 Bradley, while the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle will replace the M113 armored personnel carriers, which have been used since the Vietnam War. The three variants of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle are general purpose, mission command, and medical treatment. The Mobile Protected Firepower is designed to be a light tank for Infantry Brigade Combat Teams. Finally, the Robotic Combat Vehicles are intended to come in light, medium, and heavy variants that will serve as scouts and escorts for crewed combat vehicles.

File:Bell V-280 Valor takeoff demo, 2019 Alliance Air Show, Fort Worth, TX.jpg flying in tiltrotor configuration]]

The Future Vertical Lift program is intended to replace the current helicopter fleet flown by the Army Aviation Branch.

The Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft is intended to replace the UH-60 Black Hawk and the Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom, with the Army selecting the Bell V-280 Valor tiltrotor aircraft as the winner.{{cite web | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erictegler/2022/12/06/bells-v-280-valor-just-won-the-most-important-army-helicopter-competition-in-40-years/?sh=1d42f5444fcc | title=Bell's V-280 Valor Just Won the Most Important Army Helicopter Competition in 40 Years | website=Forbes }} The Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft is intended to replace the AH-64 Apache in the attack and reconnaissance roles.

The Army is working to modernize its communication networks for the Army Signal Corps, including developing a Unified Network consisting of an integrated tactical network, an integrated enterprise network, and unified network-enabling capabilities. Other sub-efforts include developing a common operating environment, ensuring the network is interoperable with the other services and allied countries, and increasing the mobility and reducing the signature of its command posts. Efforts also include modernizing Global Positioning System technology to provide assured positioning, navigation, and timing, and working with the United States Intelligence Community and commercial space companies to increase the Army's access to space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-15 |title=Army Readiness and Modernization in 2022 |url=https://www.ausa.org/publications/army-readiness-and-modernization-2022 |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=AUSA |language=en}}

File:2022 09 16 Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade Rangers in Action demonstration and Graduation 200609-A-YH902-002.jpg and XM250 light machine gun]]

Recognizing that the United States is unlikely to have uncontested air superiority, the Army is undergoing a mass revitalization of its air and missile defense enterprise through the Air Defense Artillery Branch.

The first layer of defense is the Ballistic Low-Altitude Drone Engagement, which will be mounted on the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station and is designed to engage small unmanned aerial vehicles. The second layer is the Multi-Mission High Energy Laser, which will intercept small drones and munitions. The third and fourth layers comprise the Maneuver Air Defense Technology and Next-Generation Fires Radar, which will be integrated into short range air defense systems. The fifth layer puts a High-Energy Laser Tactical Vehicle Demonstrator onto a Medium Tactical Vehicle, while the sixth layer encompasses the Low-Cost Extended-Range Air Defense to supplement the MIM-104 Patriot missiles.

Finally, the Army is looking to improve the equipment of its soldiers in the Infantry Branch with the Next Generation Squad Weapon, the Integrated Visual Augmentation System, and the Synthetic Training Environment. In 2022, the Army selected the SIG Sauer's XM7 rifle and XM250 light machine gun to replace the M4 carbine and the M249 light machine gun through the Next Generation Squad Weapon program.{{cite web | url=https://www.armytimes.com/news/2022/10/10/next-generation-squad-weapon-fielding-in-2023/ | title=Next Generation Squad Weapon on target for 2023 | date=10 October 2022 }}

{{main|Force Design 2030}}

File:NMESIS launcher.jpg launcher on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle]]

The Marine Corps modernization is being executed under the aegis of Force Design 2030, which is intended to return the service to its naval and amphibious roots serving as a "stand-in" force within contested areas of the maritime littorals.{{cite web | url=https://breakingdefense.com/2022/06/analyzing-the-biggest-changes-in-the-marine-corps-force-design-2030-update/ | title=Analyzing the biggest changes in the Marine Corps Force Design 2030 update | date=14 June 2022 }} As part of this effort, the Marine Corps has begun establishing naval-focused Marine Littoral Regiments, consisting of a Littoral Combat Team, Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, and a Combat Logistics Battalion. The Littoral Combat Team is organized around an infantry battalion with an anti-ship missile battery, focused on conducting sea denial operations in support of the Navy.{{cite web | url=https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/2708146/marine-littoral-regiment-mlr/ | title=Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) }}

The Marine Corps is in the process of acquiring the Amphibious Combat Vehicle, which is slated to replace the aging Assault Amphibious Vehicle. The Amphibious Combat Vehicle is intended to support the Marines during amphibious assaults and once they have reached shore. The Marine Corps has also adopted the Naval Strike Missile which is fielded from a modified Joint Light Tactical Vehicle as part of the Marines' artillery battalions. The concept is that small mobile units of Marines would move around different islands and shorelines with these weapons to fire on adversary ships.{{cite web | url=https://news.usni.org/2022/12/22/top-stories-2022-u-s-marine-corps-acquisition | title=Top Stories 2022: U.S. Marine Corps Acquisition | date=22 December 2022 }}

Marine Corps aviation is also in the process of acquiring the CH-53K King Stallion helicopter for heavy lift, replacing the current CH-53E Super Stallion in the role. The Marine Corps is also looking to replace its UH-1Y Venom helicopters through the Future Vertical Lift program and is in the process of acquiring a significant number of unmanned aerial vehicles, such as the MQ-9 Reaper.

File:U.S. Navy guided-missile frigate FFG(X) artist rendering, 30 April 2020 (200430-N-NO101-150).JPG

Like the Marine Corps, the Navy is in the process of overhauling and modernizing its fleet with a renewed focus. While the Navy is continuing to purchase Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, it is embarking on the DDG(X) program of guided missile destroyers to replace them and the Ticonderoga-class cruisers. The DDG(X) will include directed energy weapons and potentially hypersonic weapons.{{cite web | url=https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2023/1/11/navy-moves-out-on-ddgx-requirements | title=Navy Moves Out on DDG(X) Requirements }}

The Constellation-class frigates will be the first frigates in the U.S. Navy since the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates were retired. The Constellation-class frigates are based on the Italian FREMM multipurpose frigates and will replace the littoral combat ships.{{cite web | url=https://news.usni.org/2022/12/26/top-stories-2022-u-s-navy-acquisition | title=Top Stories 2022: U.S. Navy Acquisition | date=26 December 2022 }}

File:Artist rendering of a Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, 2019 (190306-N-N0101-125).jpg ballistic missile submarine]]

The Navy is starting development on the SSN(X) attack submarines, intended to replace the Virginia-class and Seawolf-class submarines. The Columbia-class submarines will begin replacing the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. The acquisition of the Columbia-class submarines is the first priority of the Navy.{{cite web | url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/3052900/keel-laying-ceremony-held-for-first-columbia-class-ballistic-missile-submarine/ | title=Keel Laying Ceremony Held for First Columbia-Class Ballistic Missile Submarine }}

With Naval Aviation, the service is continuing to procure additional Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers and F-35C Lightning II stealth fighters. Ultimately, the F/A-XX program is intended to produce a sixth-generation fighter to replace the legacy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets as part of the Carrier Air Wing and is using the Future Vertical Lift program to replace its fleet of SH-60 Seahawk helicopters.

The service is also investing heavily in unmanned platforms, such as unmanned surface vehicles, using the Ghost Fleet Overlord to test the concept. It is also fielding unmanned aerial vehicles, such as the land-based MQ-4C Triton for maritime patrol and the carrier-based MQ-25A Stingray for aerial refueling, replacing the F/A-18F in the role.

File:B-21 Plant 42 night.jpg at United States Air Force Plant 42]]

File:F-15EX Eagle II.jpg from the 40th Flight Test Squadron]]

The B-21 Raider stealth bomber is the first new Air Force bomber since the B-2A Spirit. The B-21 will replace the B-2 and the B-1B Lancer, flying alongside the B-52 Stratofortress.{{cite web | url=https://aviationweek.com/shows-events/afa-air-space-cyber-conference/us-air-forces-major-modernization-programs | title=The U.S. Air Force's Major Modernization Programs | Aviation Week Network }} The development of the B-21 Raider was led by the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office. The service is also developing the LGM-35 Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile to replace the LGM-30G Minuteman IIIs.{{cite web | url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/01/10/building-a-better-bomber-how-the-stealthy-b-21-subverted-bureaucracy/ | title=The B-21 stealth bomber's first mission: Evading Pentagon red tape | date=10 January 2023 }}

The U.S. Air Force is also in the process of developing the Next Generation Air Dominance program, which will produce a sixth generation fighter to replace the F-22 Raptor. The service is also procuring the fourth generation F-15EX Eagle II to replace the aging F-15C Eagle and F-15E Strike Eagle. It is procuring the T-7A Red Hawk trainer jet to replace the 1950s-era T-38 Talon.

While not an aircraft, the Air Force is investing in developing the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile to replace or supplement the AIM-120 AMRAAM for its fighter forces. It is also procuring the AGM-181 Long Range Stand Off Weapon to replace the AGM-86 ALCM as a nuclear air-launched cruise missile for the B-21 Raider and the B-52 Stratofortress. The air service is investing in hypersonic weapons, with the AGM-183 Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon, the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept, and the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile in development.

{{main|Space Warfighting Analysis Center}}

File:Rocketcargo image.jpg program conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations]]

The U.S. Space Force is undergoing intensive modernization efforts. The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) is intended to track objects in geosynchronous orbit with three sites, one in the United States, one in the Indo-Pacific, and one in Europe.{{cite web | url=https://breakingdefense.com/2022/06/space-force-says-darc-software-on-track-following-gao-concerns/ | title=Space Force says DARC software on track, following GAO concerns | date=16 June 2022 }}

File:Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway with approaching Orion spacecraft.jpg's return to the Moon through the Artemis program is leading to a greater emphasis on cislunar domain awareness]]

Oracle, a spacecraft developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory for the Space Force, will demonstrate technologies that the space service needs for cislunar domain awareness – tracking objects outside of geosynchronous orbit and between Earth and the Moon. The spacecraft itself will launch to an area of gravitational stability between the Earth and the Moon to conduct operations, using a wide-field sensor and a more sensitive narrow-field sensor to discover and maintain custody of objects operating in this region. Oracle will directly support NASA's Artemis program as it returns to the Moon and track potentially hazardous near-Earth objects in support of planetary defense operations.{{cite web | url=https://afresearchlab.com/technology/oracle/ | title=ORACLE – Air Force Research Laboratory }}

Also an Air Force Research Laboratory program for the Space Force, Arachne is the keystone experiment in the Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstrations and Research Project, which aims to prove and mature essential technologies for a prototype space-based solar power transmission system capable of powering a forward operating base. Arachne will specifically demonstrate and mature technologies related to more efficient energy generation, radio frequency forming, and radio frequency beaming. Current forward operation bases rely on significant logistics convoys to transport fuel for power – space-based solar power would move these supply lines to space, where they cannot be easily attacked. Space Force provided space-based solar power may transition to civilian use in the same vein as GPS.{{cite web | url=https://afresearchlab.com/technology/arachne/ | title=ARACHNE – Air Force Research Laboratory }} Other space-based power beaming demonstrations include the Space Power InfraRed Regulation and Analysis of Lifetime (SPIRRAL) and Space Power INcremental DepLoyable Experiment (SPINDLE) experiments.{{cite web | url=https://afresearchlab.com/technology/space-power-beaming/ | title=SPACE POWER BEAMING – Air Force Research Laboratory }}

File:Solar power satellite sandwich or abascus concept.jpg spacecraft]]

The Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3), building on the Space Force's Global Positioning System constellation, is an Air Force Research Laboratory spacecraft that will operate in geosynchronous orbit to test advanced techniques and technologies to detect and mitigate interference to positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities and increase system resiliency for military, civil, and commercial users. NTS-3 is a Vanguard program, described as aiming to deliver potentially game changing capabilities.{{cite web | url=https://afresearchlab.com/technology/space-vehicles/successstories/nts-3 | title=NAVIGATION TECHNOLOGY SATELLITE – 3 (NTS-3) – Air Force Research Laboratory | access-date=5 March 2023 | archive-date=5 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305041227/https://afresearchlab.com/technology/space-vehicles/successstories/nts-3 | url-status=dead }}

The Space Force's Rocket Cargo program is another Air Force Research Laboratory Vanguard program, focused on leasing space launch services to quickly transport military materiel to ports across the globe. If proven viable, the Space Force's Space Systems Command will be responsible for transitioning it to a program of record. United States Transportation Command would be the primary user of this capability, rapidly launching up to 100 tons of cargo anywhere in the world.

{{update section|date=June 2024|reason=first paragraph and women section}}

File:New York City am 20.4.2014 8.jpg

[[File:Active duty military personnel.webp|thumb|Active duty military personnel numbers

{{color box|orange}} Air Force and Space Force

{{color box|gray}} Marine Corps

{{color box|#7FFF00}} Navy

{{color box|#1DACD6}} Army

]]

The U.S. Armed Forces is the world's third largest military by active personnel, after the Chinese People's Liberation Army and the Indian Armed Forces, consisting of 1,359,685 servicemembers in the regular armed forces with an additional 799,845 servicemembers in the reserves as of 28 February 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/dwp/dwp_reports.jsp|title=DoD Personnel, Workforce Reports & Publications|website=dmdc.osd.mil|publisher=Defence Manpower Data Centre|access-date=7 May 2019|archive-date=10 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310233433/https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/dwp/dwp_reports.jsp|url-status=dead}}{{update inline|date=June 2024|reason=stale data}}

While the United States Armed Forces is an all-volunteer military, conscription through the Selective Service System can be enacted at the president's request and Congress' approval, with all males ages 18 through 25 living in the United States required to register with the Selective Service.{{cite web|url=https://www.sss.gov/About/Quick-Facts-and-Figures|title=Quick Facts and Figures|website=Sss.gov|access-date=17 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141339/https://www.sss.gov/About/Quick-Facts-and-Figures|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=live}} Although the constitutionality of registering only males for Selective Service was challenged by federal district court in 2019, its legality was upheld by a federal appeals court in 2020.{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/6240679fed466f36679b7492d015cf0c|title=Federal appeals court: Male-only draft is constitutional|last=McGill|first=Kevin|website=Associated Press|date=13 August 2020|access-date=13 September 2020}}

As in most militaries, members of the U.S. Armed Forces hold a rank, either that of officer, warrant officer or enlisted, to determine seniority and eligibility for promotion. Those who have served are known as veterans.

Rank names may be different between services, but they are matched to each other by their corresponding paygrade.For example, a lieutenant general in the Air Force is equivalent to a vice admiral in that Navy since they both carry a paygrade of O-9. Officers who hold the same rank or paygrade are distinguished by their date of rank to determine seniority. Officers who serve in certain positions of office of importance set by law, outrank all other officers on active duty of the same rank and paygrade, regardless of their date of rank.{{cite web |url=http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/131001p.pdf |title=Department of Defence Instruction 1310.01: Rank and Seniority of Commissioned Officers |date=6 May 2006 |publisher=United States Department of Defense |access-date=9 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026035949/http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/131001p.pdf |archive-date=26 October 2011 |url-status=dead}}

Total number of authorized personnel in FY23.{{Cite web |date=March 2023 |title=United States Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Request |url=https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/Documents/defbudget/FY2024/FY2024_Budget_Request.pdf |access-date=8 August 2023 |website=Office of the Under Secretary of Defense}}

Rank in the United States Armed Forces is split into three distinct categories: officers, warrant officers, and enlisted personnel.

Officers are the leadership of the military, holding commissions from the president of the United States and confirmed to their rank by the Senate.

Warrant officers hold a warrant from the secretaries of the military departments, serving as specialists in certain military technologies and capabilities. Upon promotion to chief warrant officer 2, they gain a commission from the president of the United States.

Enlisted personnel constitute the majority of the armed forces, serving as specialists and tactical-level leaders until they become senior non-commissioned officers or senior petty officers.

Military ranks across the services can be compared by U.S. Uniformed Services pay grade or NATO rank code.{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/Our-Story/Insignias/|title=U.S. Military Rank Insignia|website=U.S. Department of Defense}}

Officers represent the top 18% of the armed forces, serving in leadership and command roles.{{cite web|url=https://www.bls.gov/ooh/military/military-careers.htm#:~:text=Enlisted+personnel+make+up+about,manage+operations+and+enlisted+personnel|title=Military Careers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics|website=www.bls.gov}} Officers are divided into three categories:

• O-1 to O-3: Company grade officers in the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force or junior officers in the Navy and the Coast Guard.
• O-4 to O-6: Field grade officers in the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force or mid-grade officers in the Navy and Coast Guard.
• O-7 to O-10: General officers in the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force or flag officers in the Navy and Coast Guard.

Officers are typically commissioned as second lieutenants or ensigns with a bachelor's degree after several years of training and education or directly commissioned from civilian life into a specific specialty, such as a medical professional, lawyer, chaplain, or cyber specialist.{{cite web|url=https://www.todaysmilitary.com/joining-eligibility/becoming-military-officer|title=Becoming an Officer — Today's Military|website=www.todaysmilitary.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2020/08/17/direct-commissions-for-army-cyber-officers-finally-gaining-steam-two-star-says/|title=Direct commissions for Army cyber officers finally gaining steam, two-star says|first=Kyle|last=Rempfer|date=17 August 2020|website=Army Times}}

{{Gallery

|width=200

|File:President Trump at the U.S. Military Academy Graduation (50009349552).jpg|The United States Military Academy commissions officers into the United States Army.

|File:DSC 7108 (37186744105).jpg|The United States Naval Academy commissions officers into the United States Marine Corps and United States Navy.

|File:SpaceForceCadets_USAFA2020.jpg|The United States Air Force Academy commissions officers into the United States Air Force and United States Space Force.

|POTUS attends Coast Guard Academy Commencement 170517-G-ZX620-009.jpg|The United States Coast Guard Academy commissions officers into the United States Coast Guard.

}}

Officers are commissioned through the United States service academies, Reserve Officer Training Corps programs, and the Officer Candidate and Officer Training Schools. During a time of war, officers may be promoted to five-star ranks, with general of the Army, fleet admiral, and general of the Air Force the only five-star ranks currently authorized.{{cite web|url=https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-history/these-are-the-9-five-star-general/|title=These are the 9 general officers who have earned five stars|date=28 January 2019}}

Warrant officers are specialists, accounting for only 8% of the officer corps. Warrant officers hold warrants from their service secretary and are specialists and experts in certain military technologies or capabilities. The lowest-ranking warrant officers serve under a warrant, but they receive commissions from the president upon promotion to chief warrant officer 2. They derive their authority from the same source as commissioned officers but remain specialists, in contrast to commissioned officers, who are generalists. There are no warrant officers in the Air Force or Space Force.

Warrant officers are typically non-commissioned officers before being selected, with the exception of Army Aviation where any enlisted grade can apply for a warrant. Army warrant officers attend the Army Warrant Officer Candidate School.{{cite web|url=https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/advance-your-career/warrant-officer.html|title=What is a Warrant Officer?|website=goarmy.com|access-date=27 October 2020|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101020739/https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/current-and-prior-service/advance-your-career/warrant-officer.html|url-status=dead}}

File:Air Force Basic Training Field.jpg]]

Enlisted personnel comprise 82% of the armed forces, serving as specialists and tactical leaders. Enlisted personnel are divided into three categories:

• E-1 to E-3/4: Junior enlisted personnel are usually in initial training or at their first assignment. E-1 to E-3 in the Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard, and E-1 to E-4 in the Army, Air Force, and Space Force. In the Army, specialists (E-4) are considered to be junior enlisted, while corporals (E-4) are non-commissioned officers.
• E-4/5 to E-6: Non-commissioned officers in the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force and petty officers in the Navy and Coast Guard. In the Air Force and Space Force, E-5 is the first non-commissioned officer rank. Non-commissioned officers and petty officers are responsible for tactical leadership.
• E-7 to E-9: Senior non-commissioned officers in the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force and chief petty officers in the Navy and Coast Guard. Serve as senior enlisted advisors to officers.

The rank of senior enlisted advisor is the highest rank in each service, serving as the primary advisor to its service secretary and service chief on enlisted matters.

Prior to entering service, enlisted personnel must complete their service's basic training. In the Army, after completing Basic Combat Training, recruits then go to advanced individual training for their military occupational specialty. Upon completion of Marine Corps Recruit Training, Infantry Marines attend the School of Infantry. Non-infantry Marines complete Marine Combat Training before advancing to technical schools for their Military Occupational Specialty. In the Navy, after completing Recruit Training, sailors advance to their "A" schools to complete training for their rating. In the Air Force and Space Force, recruits complete combined Basic Military Training before going to technical training for their Air Force Specialty Codes. In the Coast Guard, after completing Recruit Training, sailors advance to their "A" schools to complete training for their rating.

File:Beyond Firsts - Powering the Future Force 230306-D-KY598-1076.jpg. From left to right: Admiral Linda L. Fagan, General Jacqueline Van Ovost, General Laura J. Richardson and Admiral Lisa Franchetti]]

File:Defense.gov News Photo 100806-M-0301S-111 - U.S. Marine Cpl. Mary E. Walls right an ammunition technician and linguist Sahar both with a female engagement team patrol with 1st Battalion.jpg patrolling in Afghanistan in 2010]]

Women such as Deborah Sampson disguised themselves as men to join the military during the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. Some historians estimate that as many as 400 women disguised themselves as men to enlist during the Civil War. The first woman doctor in the Army, Mary Edwards Walker, was commissioned in 1864. In 1901, the United States Army Nurse Corps was established as a quasi-military auxiliary, followed by the United States Navy Nurse Corps in 1908.{{cite book|last=Holm | first=Jeanne | title=Women in the Military: An Unfinished Revolution | publisher=Presidio Press | year=1982 | isbn=0891414509}}{{rp|pp=4-9}}

Women were not accepted in the armed forces outside of medical roles until World War I, when they were allowed to enlist to perform clerical roles. Women were accepted into the Naval Reserve Force in 1917, and the Marine Corps Reserves and Coast Guard in 1918.{{r|holm|pp=9-10}} The War Department forbid Army and National Guard posts from employing any women except as nurses,{{r|holm|p=13}} but the need for telephone operators overseas during World War I became urgent and hundreds of "Hello Girls" were recruited. These members of the Army Signal Corps wore military uniforms and took the Army oath, but were classified as civilian employees until 1977 when their military service was officially recognized.{{cite book | last=Hoffman | first=Elizabeth | author-link=Elizabeth Cobbs | title=The Hello Girls : America's first women soldiers | publisher=Harvard University Press | publication-place=Cambridge, Massachusetts London, England | year=2017 | isbn=978-0-674-97147-9 | oclc=959649181 |pages=69–73; 289–301}}

After the Armistice of 11 November 1918 was signed, enlisted women were demobilized and the nurse corps returned to peacetime strength. The Naval Reserve Act of 1916, which authorized the Navy to enlist "citizens", was changed in 1925 to specify "male citizens".{{r|holm|pp=16-17}}

During World War II, all branches of the U.S. military enlisted women. The Woman's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) was established by the Army in 1942 with auxiliary status, and converted to the Women's Army Corps (WAC) in June, 1943.{{efn|WAAC members lacked military status and legal protections; they did not receive the same pay or entitlements as male counterparts, and they had no military rank.}}{{r|holm|pp=24-25}} Also formed during this time were the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), the Navy's Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services (WAVES), the Marine Corps Women's Reserve, and the Coast Guard Women's Reserve (SPARS).{{cite web |last=DeSimone |first=Danielle |date=1 March 2022 |title=Over 200 Years of Service: The History of Women in the U.S. Military |url=https://www.uso.org/stories/3005-over-200-years-of-service-the-history-of-women-in-the-us-military |access-date=7 March 2022 |website=USO}}

Women experienced combat as nurses in the attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, before the U.S. officially entered the war. In 1944, WACs arrived in the Pacific and in Normandy. During the war, 67 Army nurses and 16 Navy nurses were captured and spent three years as Japanese prisoners of war. There were 350,000 American women who served during World War II, and 432 were killed in the line of service.{{r|desimone}} In total, they gained over 1,500 medals, citations, and commendations.

After World War II, demobilization led to the vast majority of serving women being returned to civilian life. By 1946, the Coast Guard had demobilized all of its women members, while the other branches retained some.{{r|holm|p=105}} Law 625, The Women's Armed Services Act of 1948, was signed by President Harry S. Truman, allowing women to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces in fully integrated units during peace time, albeit with limits that did not apply to men.{{efn|The proportion of women in each service was limited to 2 percent, and additional limits were placed on commissioned ranks, age of enlistment, and designation of their family members as dependents.{{r|holm|p=120}}}} The intent of Congress was that women should be noncombatants only, but because of the difficulty in defining restrictions for the Army in the law, it was left up to the service secretaries to comply with that intent, although the law did prohibit women from serving aboard ships and on aircraft that engaged in combat missions.{{r|holm|pp=118-120}} The Army retained a separate corps for women (WAC), while the other services integrated women into their organizational structure.{{r|holm|p=121}} In 1951, Executive Order 10240 was issued, authorizing the services to discharge women who became pregnant or had minor children in the home (including stepchildren, foster children, and siblings).{{r|holm|p=125}}

During the Korean War of 1950–1953, many women served in the Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals. A recruiting project started in 1951 aimed to increase the number of women in the military from 40,000 to 112,000 by July 1952, but it only achieved 46,000. Some of the reasons were the lack of public support for involvement in Korea; public disapproval of women in the military; fewer women in the right age group due to the low birthrate during the Depression; and the higher standards required for women enlistees.{{r|holm|pp=149-155}}{{efn|Women recruits had to meet higher educational, mental, and physical standards than men. In addition, they had to pass a psychiatric examination as well as "an investigation of the records of local police, mental hospitals, schools, former employers, and personal references".{{r|holm|pp=154-155}}}}

In the 1960s, recruiting and training focused on the attractiveness and femininity of women enlistees. Outside of the medical fields, women were mostly assigned to clerical, administrative, and protocol-related jobs. Women who were previously in technical positions were retrained for the few jobs now permitted for women. Of the 61 non-combat occupational groups, only 36 were open to women by 1965.{{r|holm|pp=180-184}} Beginning in 1965, efforts to increase the number of women in the armed forces accompanied concern about the expiration of the Selective Service Act and reduction in enlistment standards to ensure sufficient troops to support the Vietnam War. Public Law 90-130, signed on 8 November 1967, removed the restrictions on female officers in the armed forces and in 1970, two women Army officers were promoted to brigadier general.{{r|holm|pp=187-203}}

During the Vietnam War, 600 women served in the country as part of the Air Force, along with 500 members of the WAC and over 6,000 medical personnel and support staff.{{r|holm|pp=205-228}}

The end of conscription in the early 1970s was a major driver of the expansion of the roles of women in the armed forces. The number of enlisted and commissioned women in the military hit 110,000 by June 1977.{{r|holm|pp=246-250}} The Army Ordnance Corps began accepting female missile technicians in 1974.{{cite web |url=http://www.redstone.army.mil/history/women_chron/chron1970s.html |title=The Women of Redstone Arsenal |publisher=United States Army |access-date=6 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080620074416/http://www.redstone.army.mil/history/women_chron/chron1970s.html |archive-date=20 June 2008}} Female crewmembers and officers were accepted into Field Artillery missile units.{{cite journal |last=Busse |first=Charlane |date=July 1978 |title=First women join Pershing training |journal=Field Artillery Journal |publisher=United States Army Field Artillery School |page=40 |url=https://sill-www.army.mil/famag/1978/JUL_AUG_1978/JUL_AUG_1978_PAGES_40_43.pdf |access-date=5 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518064322/http://sill-www.army.mil/FAMAG/1978/JUL_AUG_1978/JUL_AUG_1978_PAGES_40_43.pdf |archive-date=18 May 2011 |url-status=live}}{{cite journal |date=November 1978 |title=The Journal interviews: 1LT Elizabeth A. Tourville |journal=Field Artillery Journal |publisher=United States Army Field Artillery School |pages=40–43 |url=https://sill-www.army.mil/FAMAG/1978/JUL_AUG_1978/JUL_AUG_1978_PAGES_40_43.pdf |access-date=5 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518064322/http://sill-www.army.mil/FAMAG/1978/JUL_AUG_1978/JUL_AUG_1978_PAGES_40_43.pdf |archive-date=18 May 2011 |url-status=live}} The services opened up their Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs to women, and in 1976, women were admitted to the service academies.{{r|holm|pp=268-270}}

In 1974, the first six female naval aviators earned their wings as Navy pilots. The Combat Exclusion Policy that prohibited women in combat placed limitations on the pilots' advancement,{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=19840823&id=kdgTAAAAIBAJ&pg=6981,4703933|title=Ocala Star-Banner – Google News Archive Search|website=News.google.com|access-date=18 October 2017}}{{Dead link|date=December 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} but at least two retired as captains.{{cite magazine |editor=E. Blake Towler |date=May–June 1996 |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1997/mj97/ppp.pdf |title=PEOPLE • PLANES • PLACES |magazine=Naval Aviation News |pages=40–44 |access-date=23 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025062715/http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1997/mj97/ppp.pdf |archive-date=25 October 2012}}

The role of women in the U.S. Armed Forces received global media attention during the 1991 Gulf War, though their perception in media was skewed during this time period as little media attention was given to the situations where women faced combat.{{cite web|url=http://userpages.aug.com/captbarb/femvetsds.html|title=American Women in Uniform, Desert Storm|website=Userpages.aug.com|access-date=17 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011214115/http://userpages.aug.com/captbarb/femvetsds.html|archive-date=11 October 2017|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Women in the U.S. Navy: Historic Documents — Women in U.S. Military during Desert Shield/Desert Storm |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/diversity/women-in-the-navy/during-desert-shield-desert-storm.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205075557/http://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/diversity/women-in-the-navy/during-desert-shield-desert-storm.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 February 2015 |access-date=2024-06-30 |website=Naval History and Heritage Command |language=en-US}}

In 1991, women were permitted to fly military aircraft. Since 1994, women have been permitted to serve on U.S. combat ships.{{Cite web |title=Twenty-five Years of Women Aboard Combat Vessels |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/browse-by-topic/diversity/women-in-the-navy/women-in-combat.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531145412/https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/browse-by-topic/diversity/women-in-the-navy/women-in-combat.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 May 2019 |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=Naval History and Heritage Command }} In 2010, the ban on women serving on submarines was lifted.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/apr/29/us-navy-submarines-women|title=US Navy Lifts Ban on Women Submariners|date=29 April 2010|newspaper=The Guardian|agency=Associated Press|issn=0261-3077|access-date=23 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223141252/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/apr/29/us-navy-submarines-women|archive-date=23 December 2016|url-status=live}}

File:US Female F-16 Fighter Pilot Capt Brittany Trimble steps from her jet prior to VIGILANT ACE 18 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea-4004018.jpg in South Korea in 2017]]

On 3 December 2015, U.S. defense secretary Ashton Carter announced that all military combat positions would become available to women.{{cite news|url = http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/12/03/carter-telling-military-open-all-combat-jobs-women.html|title = Carter Telling Military to Open all Combat Jobs to Women|access-date = 5 December 2015|website = Military.com|agency = Associated Press|last = Baldor|first = Lolita|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151205183958/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/12/03/carter-telling-military-open-all-combat-jobs-women.html|archive-date = 5 December 2015|url-status = live}} This gave women access to the roughly 10% of military jobs which were previously closed to them.{{cite news|date=3 December 2015|newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2015/12/03/pentagon-chief-to-announce-how-womens-roles-in-the-military-will-expand/|access-date=8 December 2015|title=In historic decision, Pentagon chief opens all jobs in combat units to women|last=Lamothe|first=Dan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208030421/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2015/12/03/pentagon-chief-to-announce-how-womens-roles-in-the-military-will-expand/|archive-date=8 December 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url = http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/pentagon/2015/12/03/carter-telling-military-open-all-combat-jobs-women/76720656/|work = Military Times|date = 3 December 2015|access-date = 8 December 2015|title = All combat jobs open to women in the military|last = Tilghman|first = Andrew|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151207022554/http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/pentagon/2015/12/03/carter-telling-military-open-all-combat-jobs-women/76720656/|archive-date = 7 December 2015|url-status = live}} The various military services were given until January 2016 to provide plans on how they would enforce the policy change.{{cite web|url = http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/breaking-barriers-military-opens-combat-jobs-women/|work = Black Enterprise|date = 7 December 2015|access-date = 8 December 2015|title = Breaking Barriers: U.S. Military Opens up Combat Jobs to Women|last = Connley|first = Courtney|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151208193418/http://www.blackenterprise.com/career/breaking-barriers-military-opens-combat-jobs-women/|archive-date = 8 December 2015|url-status = live}} Many women believed this would allow them to improve their positions in the military, since most high-ranking officers start in combat positions.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}

Draft registration for females was recommended by the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service and has been proposed, but never implemented.{{cite magazine|url = https://time.com/4137854/military-women-draft/|magazine = TIME|date = 7 December 2015|title = Now Women Should Register For The Draft|access-date = 17 October 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171103082024/http://time.com/4137854/military-women-draft/|archive-date = 3 November 2017|url-status = live}}{{Cite web |date=2020-03-24 |title=Women should be eligible for the draft, commission recommends |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/24/women-draft-eligibility-146254 |access-date=2024-06-30 |website=Politico}}{{Cite web |last=Hasbrouck |first=Edward |title=What's happening with women and draft registration ("Selective Service")? |url=https://hasbrouck.org/draft/women/happening.html |access-date=2024-06-30}}

No woman has ever become a Navy SEAL.{{cite magazine|last=Tritten|first=Travis J.|date=10 August 2017|title=Candidate to be first female Navy SEAL officer quits after a week|url=http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/candidate-to-be-first-female-navy-seal-officer-quits-after-a-week-report/article/2631205|magazine=The Washington Examiner}}{{cite web|last=Watson|first=Julie|title=Navy: Only woman in SEAL training pipeline drops out|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-navy-seal-training-woman-quits-20170811-story.html|access-date=23 October 2020|website=chicagotribune.com|date=11 August 2017 }} However, in July 2021, the first woman graduated from the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) training program to become a Special Warfare Combatant craft Crewman (SWCC). The SWCC directly supports the SEALs and other special forces units, and are experts in covert insertion and extraction special operation tactics.{{Cite news|last=Ives|first=Mike|date=16 July 2021|title=First Woman Completes Training for Elite U.S. Navy Program |work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/16/us/navy-woman-warfare-program.html|access-date=24 January 2022|issn=0362-4331}}{{cite web|title=Naval Special Warfare Welcomes CQT Class 115; First Woman Operator|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/400990/naval-special-warfare-welcomes-cqt-class-115-first-woman-operator|access-date=24 January 2022|website=DVIDS }}

Despite concerns of a gender gap, all personnel both men and women, at the same rank and time of service, are compensated the same across all branches.{{Cite news|url=https://militarybenefits.info/2017-military-pay-charts/|title=2018 Pay Chart|date=1 January 2018|access-date=25 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426075650/https://militarybenefits.info/2017-military-pay-charts/|archive-date=26 April 2018|url-status=live}} On 1 June 2022, ADM Linda L. Fagan assumed command of the U.S. Coast Guard, becoming not only the first woman to serve as Commandant of the Coast Guard, but also the first woman in American history to serve as a service chief in the U.S. Military.{{Cite news |last=Sonmez |first=Felicia |date=1 June 2022 |title=Adm. Linda Fagan becomes first woman to lead U.S. Coast Guard |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/06/01/adm-linda-fagan-becomes-first-woman-lead-us-coast-guard/ |access-date=2 June 2022}}

A study conducted by the RAND Corporation suggests that women who make the military their careers experience improved rates of promotion.{{Cite report |date=2012 |last1=Asch|first1=Beth J.|last2=Miller|first2=Trey|last3=Malchiodi|first3=Alessandro |title=Significant Gender- and Race/Ethnicity-Based Differences Exist in Rates of Promotion and Retention Among Officers |url=https://www.rand.org/pubs/technical_reports/TR1159.html|access-date=1 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420224144/https://www.rand.org/pubs/technical_reports/TR1159.html |archive-date=20 April 2018 |url-status=live}}

As per the DoD's report on sexual assault within the U.S. Army for fiscal year 2019, 7,825 cases had been reported. This represented a 3% increase relative to the 2018 report.{{cite web|url=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/04/30/sexual-assault-reports-harassment-complaints-rise-us-military.html|title=Sexual Assault Reports, Harassment Complaints Rise in US Military|access-date=30 April 2020|website=Military.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/2172056/defense-officials-tout-progress-in-fight-against-sexual-assault/|title= Defense Officials Tout Progress in Fight Against Sexual Assault|access-date=30 April 2020|website=U.S. Department of Defense}}

As of 2022, there are 228,966 women in the military, representing 17.5% of the total active duty force. Since 2021, the percentage of women on active duty service has increased slightly, by 0.3%. Since 2005, the population of active duty women has increased by 2.9%.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-06 |title=Defense Department Report Shows Decline in Armed Forces Population While Percentage of Military Women Rises Slightly |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3580676/defense-department-report-shows-decline-in-armed-forces-population-while-percen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227193643/https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3580676/defense-department-report-shows-decline-in-armed-forces-population-while-percen/ |archive-date=2024-02-27 |access-date=2024-06-30 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=2022 Demographics Profile of the Military Community |url=https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Reports/2022-demographics-report.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211025058/https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/MOS/Reports/2022-demographics-report.pdf |archive-date=2023-12-11 |access-date=2024-06-30 |website=U.S. Department of Defense}}

It has been a long-standing policy in the armed forces to limit the political activity by active duty members to voting and making personal campaign donations. However, all other political activities, such as campaigning for a candidate (even outside military facilities), endorsing candidates, soliciting contributions, wearing/displaying political preferences, marching in a partisan parade or wearing the uniform to a partisan event, are prohibited.{{cite web |title=Political Activities: Guidance for Members of the Armed Forces |url=https://dodsoco.ogc.osd.mil/Portals/102/faqs_political_activities_armed_forces_1.pdf |website=Department of Defense Standards and Conduct Office |access-date=20 December 2024}}

File:Chief of the General Staff of Israel Defense Forces, AFFHW, June 21, 2021 (51261475692).jpg]]

File:220530-D-XI929-1036 (52109853997).jpg]]

Under Department of Defense regulation, the various components of the U.S. Armed Forces have a set order of precedence that is based on founding dates.This order is used for the display of service flags as well as the placement of soldiers, marines, sailors, airmen, guardians, and coast guardsmen in formations and parades.[https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN20654_R600_25_Admin_FINAL.pdf army.mil]

1. Cadets, U.S. Military Academy
2. Midshipmen, U.S. Naval Academy
3. Cadets, U.S. Air Force Academy
4. Cadets, U.S. Coast Guard Academy
5. Midshipmen, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
6. United States Army
7. United States Marine Corps
8. United States Navy
9. United States Air Force
10. United States Space Force
11. United States Coast Guard
12. Army National Guard
13. United States Army Reserve
14. United States Marine Corps Reserve
15. United States Navy Reserve
16. Air National Guard
17. United States Air Force Reserve
18. United States Coast Guard Reserve
19. Other training and auxiliary organizations of the Army, Marine Corps, Merchant Marine, Civil Air Patrol, and Coast Guard Auxiliary, as in the preceding order.

While the original founding date of a U.S. Navy was earlier than that of the Marine Corps,Naval History & Heritage Command. [https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/heritage/customs-and-traditions0/precedence-forces-parades-redirect.html "the U.S. Navy and the Marine Corps"] , U.S. Department of the Navy. 11 February 2016. the Marine Corps takes precedence due to previous inconsistencies in the Navy's birth date. The Marine Corps has recognized its observed birth date on a more consistent basis. The Second Continental Congress is considered to have established the Navy on 13 October 1775 by authorizing the purchase of ships, but the "Rules for the Regulation of the Navy of the United Colonies" were not established until 27 November 1775,{{cite web|title=Rules for the Regulation of the Navy of the United Colonies of North-America |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/organization-and-administration/regulations-and-policy/navy-regulations-1775.html|website=Naval Historical Center|publisher=Department of the Navy|access-date=11 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123152420/http://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/organization-and-administration/regulations-and-policy/navy-regulations-1775.html|archive-date=23 January 2016|url-status=dead}} and the Navy also lost funding and was temporarily discontinued in 1785.{{cite web |title=Precedence of Forces in Parades |url=https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/heritage/customs-and-traditions0/precedence-forces-parades-redirect.html |date=10 June 2024}} The Marine Corps was established by an act of the Second Continental Congress on 10 November 1775. The Navy did not officially recognize 13 October 1775 as its birth date until 1972, when then–chief of naval operations Admiral Elmo Zumwalt authorized it to be observed as such.

The Coast Guard is normally situated after the Space Force, but if it is moved to the Department of the Navy, then its place in the order of precedence would change to being situated after the Navy and before the Air Force.{{failed verification |date=October 2024 |reason=There is no mention of the Space Force in the archived web page that is dated 19 August 2015 in its footer. And in fact that was before the Space Force existed, so it obviously cannot have been the source of this information. The updated web page content with the same link that is dated 10 June 2024 in its footer also does not mention the Space Force.}}

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