Armed Forces
The United States Armed Forces comprise six military branches under the Department of Defense, protecting the nation and its interests across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace.
The World's Most Powerful Military
The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States of America. The President of the United States is the Commander-in-Chief and is advised by the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The six branches — Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force — operate under the Department of Defense (DoD), except the Coast Guard which operates under the Department of Homeland Security in peacetime.
With an annual defense budget exceeding $886 billion, approximately 1.3 million active-duty personnel, and 800+ military installations worldwide, the U.S. military maintains unmatched global reach and power projection capability.
$886B
Annual Defense Budget
FY 2025 appropriation
1.3M
Active-Duty Personnel
Across all six branches
800+
Global Installations
In 70+ countries
6
Military Branches
Army, Navy, USMC, USAF, USCG, USSF
Military Branches
Each branch has a distinct mission, culture, and area of operations — together forming an integrated joint force.
U.S. Army
"This We'll Defend"
The oldest and largest branch, the Army conducts sustained land operations and is the primary ground combat force. It operates across the full spectrum of conflict from peacekeeping to major combat operations.
Key Capabilities
- Ground combat operations
- Airborne & air assault
- Armored warfare
- Special Forces (Green Berets)
- Army Aviation
U.S. Navy
"Semper Fortis"
The Navy maintains freedom of the seas, projects power from the sea, and provides strategic nuclear deterrence. It operates the world's largest carrier strike group fleet and a global submarine force.
Key Capabilities
- Carrier strike groups
- Submarine warfare
- Naval aviation
- SEAL special operations
- Strategic nuclear deterrence
U.S. Marine Corps
"Semper Fidelis"
The Marine Corps is an expeditionary force-in-readiness, specializing in amphibious operations and rapid deployment. Marines serve as the nation's crisis response force and are often first to fight.
Key Capabilities
- Amphibious assault
- Expeditionary operations
- Marine Raiders (MARSOC)
- Close air support
- Embassy security
U.S. Air Force
"Aim High... Fly-Fight-Win"
The Air Force defends the nation through control and exploitation of air and space. It operates the world's most advanced tactical and strategic aircraft, including stealth bombers and fifth-generation fighters.
Key Capabilities
- Air superiority
- Strategic bombing (B-2, B-21)
- Airlift & refueling
- Cyber operations
- Nuclear triad (ICBMs)
U.S. Coast Guard
"Semper Paratus"
The Coast Guard is a maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and national defense force. It operates under DHS in peacetime and can be transferred to the Navy in wartime by the President.
Key Capabilities
- Maritime law enforcement
- Search & rescue
- Port security
- Drug interdiction
- Arctic operations
U.S. Space Force
"Semper Supra"
The newest and smallest branch, the Space Force organizes, trains, and equips space forces to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force.
Key Capabilities
- Satellite operations
- Space domain awareness
- GPS management
- Missile warning
- Space launch operations
Combatant Commands
Ten unified combatant commands provide command and control of U.S. military forces across geographic regions and functional missions.
Northern USA Command
Provides homeland defense and security for the northern United States, including Alaska, the Arctic region, and the northern approaches — defending the continental U.S. from air, land, sea, space, and cyber threats originating from the north.
HQ: Peterson SFB, Colorado Springs, CO
European Command
Directs U.S. military operations and theater security cooperation across Europe and parts of the Middle East.
HQ: Stuttgart, Germany
Central Command
Responsible for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia.
HQ: Tampa, FL
Southern Command
Responsible for U.S. military operations in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
HQ: Miami, FL
Africa Command
Responsible for U.S. military operations and theater security cooperation across the African continent.
HQ: Stuttgart, Germany
Special Operations Command
Provides fully capable special operations forces to defend the U.S. and its interests globally.
HQ: Tampa, FL
Strategic Command
Responsible for strategic deterrence, nuclear operations, space, cyberspace, and global strike.
HQ: Offutt AFB, NE
Transportation Command
Provides air, land, and sea transportation for the DoD across the globe.
HQ: Scott AFB, IL
Cyber Command
Directs, synchronizes, and coordinates cyberspace operations to defend DoD networks and conduct offensive cyber operations.
HQ: Fort Meade, MD
Space Command
Conducts space operations to deter conflict, and if necessary, defeat aggression while protecting U.S. interests in space.
HQ: Peterson SFB, CO
Department of Veterans Affairs
The VA provides benefits, healthcare, and memorial services to the nation's 18 million veterans and their families.
18M+
Veterans Served
1,300+
VA Facilities
$300B
Annual VA Budget
400K+
VA Employees
Healthcare
VA operates the nation's largest integrated healthcare system with 170 medical centers and 1,100+ outpatient sites.
Disability Benefits
Compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities, ranging from 0% to 100% disability ratings.
Education (GI Bill)
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits for tuition, housing, and books.
Home Loans
VA-guaranteed home loans with no down payment requirement for eligible veterans and service members.
Life Insurance
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) programs.
Memorial Affairs
National Cemetery Administration maintains 155 national cemeteries and provides burial benefits for veterans.
Serve. Honor. Protect.
Learn more about military service, veterans benefits, and the Department of Defense at official U.S. government resources.