Ways to Serve
The Military is made up of six branches, each with their own active-duty and part-time components. Each varies in service commitment, location and how its members contribute to the overall mission of protecting our country, though all components are on the same rank-based pay scale.
On This Page
- Service Commitment
- Military Service Branches
O'Quanne Wolf | Petty Officer Third Class Coast Guard
Service Commitment
Full Time
Full-time members of the Military typically live on base or in military housing. They can also live on ships or in homes off base.
Part Time
Part-time service members include the Reserve and National Guard, and train one weekend per month and two weeks per year.
Military Service Branches
Army Army
Full/Part Time
Full Time
Army
As the oldest branch of the U.S. Military, the Army protects the security of the United States and its resources.
Part Time
Army Reserve
The Army Reserve trains part time near home until needed, and members deploy alongside the Army.
Army National Guard
Army National Guard members deploy with the Army on a part-time basis. Their service focus is on the state level, but they may also serve nationally.
Marine Corps Marine Corps
Full/Part Time
Full Time
Marine Corps
The Marine Corps is often first on the ground in combat situations.
Part Time
Marine Corps Reserve
Marine Corps reservists train domestically and deploy with the rest of the Corps.
Navy Navy
Full/Part Time
Full Time
Navy
The Navy delivers combat-ready Naval forces while maintaining security in the air and at sea.
Part Time
Navy Reserve
The Navy Reserve trains close to home. They serve in the U.S. or abroad in support of the Navy’s mission.
Air Force Air Force
Full/Part Time
Full Time
Air Force
The Air Force protects American interests at home and abroad with a focus on air power.
Part Time
Air Force Reserve
The Air Force Reserve trains and serves on a part-time basis, performing flying and other specialized missions for the Air Force.
Air National Guard
The Air National Guard trains part time to assist, first on the state level, but they may also serve nationally.
Space Force Space Force
Full Time
Full Time
Space Force
The Space Force defends U.S. interests on land, in the air, and from orbit with a range of advanced training and technology.
Coast Guard Coast Guard
Full/Part Time
Full Time
Coast Guard
The Coast Guard is a maritime force offering military, law enforcement, humanitarian, regulatory and diplomatic capabilities.
Part Time
Coast Guard Reserve
The Coast Guard Reserve typically trains and serves near home, offering the chance to contribute part time and make a difference.
