What Is The Hardest Military Training
Which Military Branch is The Best? Ranked BEST TO WORST! (2020)
Opinions are like well, you know the rest. The truth is, when it comes to determining what is the hardest military branch training, everyone has their own idea.
This is actually a great problem to have because of two key points:
The U.S. military is comprised of many branches, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force. Each of these branches specializes in a specific phase of warfare, even if there is overlap and collaboration.
This means that comparing training is more apples to oranges than apples to apples. But as David Andrew Burd, an American poet, once said, Why cant fruit be compared?
Military Service Careers & Salaries
The 5 military academies offer a variety of majors that can train students for diverse careers in the armed forces and beyond.
For example, many students at the Air Force Academy become pilots. Thats a job you could do in the military, or you could later use your training for a civilian flying career. At the Naval Academy, some students study naval architecture and marine engineering. They learn to build and work on all sorts of watercraft.
Many types of engineering degrees are common for military academy students. You could train for a career in civil engineering, aerospace engineering, nuclear engineering, or another branch. Computers are another important field of study for military academy students. Network administration is a potential job for that college major.
As you prepare for military service, you might want a degree program that addresses global matters. Economics and political science are possibilities. With those degrees, you might work in operations research, policy analysis, or finance. Some academies have extensive foreign language programs. Becoming fluent in another language could lead to a career as an interpreter or a translator.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, military pay varies based on your rank and how long youve been in the service. Some military roles are entitled to additional compensation. Some of the jobs that you could train for at a military academy are listed below.
Careers | |
Interpreters and Translators | $49,110 |
Whats Coast Guard Basic Training Like
All Coast Guard basic training is conducted at one location in the US: Cape May, New Jersey.
Growing up in New Jersey, Ive been to Cape May several times.
I can tell you this, its not the part of New Jersey that most people think of when they think of NJ.
Its actually a very nice part of the state, and just so happens to be a popular vacation destination.
Like the other branches of the military, Coast Guard boot camp lasts 8 weeks, and the very first thing youll be tested on is your physical fitness.
Heres a handy bullet-list for whats expected for both men and women:
Before you even start boot camp, youll also have to meet the height and weight requirements, grooming standards, and tattoo policy.
While boot camp is located on the beach, its certainly no vacation!
Throughout boot camp, seaman recruits will do things like:
- Physical training
Before you graduate boot camp, youll be required to pass the PT test as well.
After boot camp, Seaman recruits will then be assigned to one of the many bases throughout the country.
Don’t Miss: Nili Lotan French Military Pant
How To Choose The Right Service Academy For You
The United States has five military academies. They are the US Air Force Academy , the US Military Academy , the US Naval Academy , the US Coast Guard Academy , and the US Merchant Marine Academy . The USMA is often referred to as West Point.
If youre interested in a service college, youll have to consider which of these is best for you.
- Do you want to play sports? The Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and West Point have Division I sports. The USCGA and the USMMA have Division III athletics.
- What do you want to study? Theres overlap between some majors at military academies, but certain disciplines are specific to just one or two of the schools. For example, USAFA students can major in aerospace engineering, and ocean engineering is an option for those at USNA.
- What size school do you want? With an enrollment of about 1,000, the Merchant Marine Academy is the smallest of the military colleges.
- Which branch of the military are you interested in? West Point grads are commissioned as Army officers. For USNA grads, its the Navy or the Marine Corps. USAFA graduates receive Air Force commissions, and USCGA graduates join the Coast Guard. Merchant Marine Academy graduates are most likely to be in the Navy Reserves.
Visiting campuses may help you decide which army or navy academies are best for you. You might want to consider summer programs for high schoolers to help you learn more about the schools.
Minority Appointments Are On The Rise

There are no racial or ethnic admissions quotas at the military service academies. However, they are reaching out to qualified minorities and encouraging them to apply. For example, the Coast Guard Academy’s Genesis Invitational outreach program brings prospective minority applicants to the academy for overnight visits where they can tour the campus and shadow a cadet. For Lea Walker, the experience was a “pretty valuable” part of her decision to apply to the academy. It allowed her to see the “academic side” of academy life and gain a more “well-rounded” understanding of what it’s like to be a cadet.
Read Also: Bates Men’s 8 Ultralite Tactical Sport Side Zip Military Boot
What The Recruiter Never Told You About Military Service
- US Naval Academy
Stew Smith, CSCS, is a Veteran Navy SEAL Officer, freelance writer, and author with expertise in the U.S. military, military fitness, and its traditions.
- Do you want to serve your country?
- Are you thinking of making the military a career, or just join for four to five years prior to going to college?
- Do you want to learn a trade, or get college benefits?
- Are you interested in traveling the world?
There are many reasons why people join the military. But joining because you cannot find anything else to do is typically not the best reason, though many of those who are uninterested in what the civilian jobs offer to find a home in the military as well.
Whats A Typical Day In The Coast Guard Like
Just like the other branches, this depends exclusively on what rate you hold and where youre stationed.
Unlike most of the other branches, however, it was nearly impossible to find out what the typical day in the Coast Guard would be like.
It varies so dramatically that Ive decided to leave it out in this article.
If anyone who has served in the US Coast Guard wants to send me an email with their a brief recap of their day-to-day activities, it would be greatly appreciated!
Also Check: How Much Does The Salvation Army Ceo Make
Financial Aid And Scholarships
Attending United States military academies is different than going to other colleges. Unlike other schools that require students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid , these institutions are funded by the federal government. That means that students educations are paid for.
You may even receive a monthly stipend. Plus, youll have access to various benefits that other military members receive, such as discounts and the use of commissaries. Even still, schools may charge an initial fee or a monthly fee. This covers various items, such as uniforms and on-campus services.
You may be able to use outside scholarships to help pay for those costs. Scholarships are often given by organizations like community clubs and philanthropic groups.
Which Armed Forces Branch Has The Hardest Military Training
Which Branch of the Military Should I Join?
We all know that the American Armed Forces is the worlds most elite fighting force. Others may try, but nothing can compare to the strength found in the U.S. military. One of the many reasons for this is that America trains harder than anyone. Or at least better than anyone. Doing something for the sake of doing isnt really efficient, but what makes American troops so prepared is that we train technique along with physical and mental toughness. Our training sets us apart from the rest. So, who has the hardest military training? This is sure to start a bar fight, but were gonna dive into which branch endures the most.
More like this:What to Know Before Joining Special Forces Training
You May Like: Loans For Active Duty Military
The Air Force Isnt For You If:
If youre looking to be in the infantry, a combat related role or more enlistment incentives for when you join, you may want to look elsewhere as the Air Force is one of the most competitive branches in the U.S. military.
Still want to join? Then make sure you have a really high ASVAB score especially a technical score. That will help you increase your chances of being accepted into the Air Force and getting the MOS you want.
More Women Are Getting In Too
Along with an increase in minority admissions, more women are attending the service academies these days, too. Women weren’t allowed to attend the academies until 1976. Since then, their numbers have been steadily rising.
Now, roughly one-quarter of all cadets and midshipmen are women. That’s a big jump from a decade or so ago. Again, looking at West Point as an example, less than 15% of the new cadets entering the academy in 2009 were women. In 2020, women make up more than 23% of the incoming class.
Don’t Miss: What Will Salvation Army Take
The Hardest Military Branch Training Means A Safer Us
In some cases, its splitting hairs, and in others, its still a bit unclear. But no matter what, the fact that the people who enlist in the U.S. military endure what they do to better themselves helps keep America safe around the clock.
You cant be prepared for the battlefield unless you train under similar conditions. This is bluntly reminded to us through tragedies such as when a Marine recruit collapsed and died during training.
Each and every one of those who put their lives on the line through training in the field and in the classroom help come together to form a superior military that provides freedom to us all.
Overall, the hardest military training continues to look like a toss-up between the Green Berets and Navy SEALs, but anyone enduring their training to keep us safe is going to face tough conditions created to help them execute missions and become better fighters.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. Courtesy Photo | U.S. Navy
What Is The Hardest Branch Of The Military Army Nave Or Air Force

Written by Everett Bledsoe / Fact checked by Brain Bartell
What is the hardest branch of the military? is one of the most common questions among soon-to-be service members. Regardless of whether you want to join the toughest military branch to challenge yourself or avoid it to keep things manageable, this article is for you.
The toughest branch of the military to get into based on education requirements is the Air Force, and the one with the hardest military training and hardest for women because of male dominance is the Marine Corps.
If you want more detailed insights, read on.
Read Also: Military Discount For Kennedy Space Center
Easiest Military Branch To Join In 2022
Anyone who has served in a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces will tell you that its not an easy experience.
Military service demands commitment to a lifestyle that is often tough, stressful, and potentially dangerous.
However, each branch of the U.S. military is unique, making some easier to join than others depending on certain circumstances.
Here is some information regarding some of the easiest military branches to join.
Common Reasons For Joining The Air Force
Want to learn more about the Air Force? Check out these articles below:
You May Like: How Much Of The Us Budget Goes To Military
Military Versus Civilian Employment
Before you join, recognize the fact that a job in the military is not civilian employment. It’s not just like having a regular job. You just cannot decide you want to get out of the military anytime you want toyou signed a contractand the military signed a contract with you, too. You can go to jail just for being late for work.
No matter how high your rank, no matter which service you join, there will always have a boss. Many times you won’t like or agree with your orders, but you take a solemn oath to “obey the orders of the President of the United States and the lawful orders of those appointed over you.” Disobeying those orders can have serious consequences. If you can’t live with this simple fact, save yourself the hardship and the government some valuable time and money, and don’t enlist.
Travel is significant in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and even in the Coast Guard and National Guard. Expect to move often and be away from home six or more months at a time when deployed.
If you like to smoke marijuana once in a while, don’t join. The military uses random, no-notice urinalysis, and if you’re found positive, you may very well go to jail . The DOD urinalysis test can find THC in your urine for three weeks after you’ve smoked a joint.
What Is The Hardest Branch Of Military
US Military (All Branches) ENLISTED Ranks Explained
Boot camp is undoubtedly one of the first images that come to mind when you think of the military. Boot camp is the militarys method of preparing you physically and emotionally for life in the armed forces and is also referred to as basic training.
How difficult is basic training, too? It depends on whom you ask, though, as much military training is anything but elementary.
One of the most frequently asked questions among aspiring service members is What is the hardest branch of the military? This article is for you whether you want to join the most difficult military branch to challenge yourself or stay away from it to keep things manageable.
The Marine Corps is the branch of the military with the most difficult training for women due to male domination, and the Air Force has the highest educational requirements for entry. Our article today on the hardest branch of US military will provide detailed insights on the different military branches and their difficulty.
You May Like: How Old Do You Have To Be To.join The Army
Who Has The Easiest Boot Camp
Easiest Military Branch to Get IntoThe Basic Training Stage
- The Navy has Boot Camp, which lasts for 8 weeks. …
- The Marine Corps has Recruit Training, which spans 12 weeks. …
- The Air Force has Basic Military Training, which takes 8.5 weeks. …
- The Coast Guard has Recruit Training, which lasts for 8.5 weeks.
Cryptologic Digital Network Technician
Crypto takes part in all planning, performing signals intelligence, and managing various cyberspace operations. Crypto technicians hold the role of researching and developing unique mathematical models and methodologies. Their central goal is to find new ways of creating better-secured systems and mechanisms.
Don’t Miss: Pennsylvania Department Of Military And Veterans Affairs
There’s A Wealth Of Information Out There
We’ve tried to give you a sense of what the service-academy admissions process is like and some tips to help you successfully maneuver through it. Frankly, however, we just scratched the surface. There’s so much more to learn before you begin the process and when you’re in it. Fortunately, there’s plenty of good information out there.
You can start your research online. In fact, the first thing a prospective applicant should do is go through each page on the admissions office website for the service academy he or she wants to attend. “I was on the Naval Academy website every day,” Kayla Malone tells us. That’s where you’re going to find the most authoritative information about the application process. Click on the following links to get started:
There are also online forums, where you can get answers to specific questions you may have. You shouldn’t have any problem finding YouTube videos on service-academy admissions, either.
_________________________
_________________________
The Us Military: A Brief Overview

Joining the military includes a lot more than throwing on your military apparel and participating in daily PT. There is a long and storied history behind each branch of our countrys Armed Forces, as well as detailed rules regarding organization and function. Before choosing a branch or even enlisting, it is crucial to understand the structure and tasks of each branch of the U.S. military.
Today, our Armed Forces are organized according to the National Security Act of 1947. This post-WWII legislation gave us the U.S. Air Force and the modern-day Department of Defense, which consists of three military departments: the departments include the Navy, Army and Air Force.
A president-appointed, civilian secretary heads the Department of Defense and each of the three departments within it.
These departments are responsible for the administration of the five different military branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
Read Also: Tuition Assistance For Military Spouse