United States Armed Forces Essay Example for Free

United States Armed Forces Essay The United States Armed Forces are the military forces of the United States of America. They are composed of the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, and the Marine Corps. Each branch plays a unique role in the security of America. Whether the country is participating in a conflict or developing the weapons of tomorrow, the freedom of America is protected by these branches. The Army, Navy, and Air Force represent the largest of the five branches, each having their own department in the Department of Defense. While they all work together to some extent, their purposes can be very different. The United States Army is the oldest branch of the military. It was established 14 June 1775. The Army is the largest branch of all the branches with over 550,000 active duty personnel. The Army serves as the land-based branch of the U. S. military. The Army does however operate aviation units of both fixed-wing and rotary wing aircraft, the majority of service members are land forces. The primary mission of the Army is to fight and win our Nation’s wars by providing prompt, sustained land dominance across the full range of military operations and spectrum of conflict in support of combatant commanders. (1). The land forces of the Army are led by members of the infantry. Infantry is more physically demanding than other jobs in the Army, and places a greater emphasis on discipline, fitness, physical strength and aggression. The infantry is a weapon system in its self. It is the backbone of the Army. Infantry experience the highest number of casualties during any conflict because of the constant requirement of being face to face with the enemy. The United States Air Force is the most recent branch of the military. It was officially established on 18 September 1947. Before this the USAF was known as the U. S. Army Air Forces. It was operated and maintained by the Army during World War II until the National Security Act of 1947 which formed the modern day air force. The USAF is the most technologically sophisticated air force in the world. The main purpose of the USAF is to support the security of the United States through air and space exploration. The USAF supports national policies and objectives; and overcomes any nation esponsible for aggressive acts that endangers the peace and security of the United States. It is the main supporter of ground forces by providing air support during missions. The USAF does this by maintaining and operating over 5,500 staffed aircraft. The USAF is responsible for servicing and maintaining over 2,000 of the nations cruise missiles and the 450 intercontinental ballistic missiles also known as ICBM. The United States Navy was established on 13 October 1775. The Navy maintains, equips, and trains combat-ready Naval forces. These forces are capable of winning wars, discouraging aggression, and maintaining America’s freedom at the seas. The Navy has the world’s largest carrier fleet, with 11 active aircraft carriers. The USN is the largest fleet in the world; operating over 280 ships and some 3,600 aircraft. The USN maintains not only ships and submarines, but also naval aviation, including land-based naval aviation, air transport essential for naval operations and all air weapons. While those serving in the Navy do operate on land, their main mission is on the seas. The development of aircraft, weapons, tactics, and techniques have allowed the Navy to conquer multiple conflicts including World War II and the Cold War. The Navy is a main supporter of the Air Force, providing them with carriers for transporting and landing aircraft at sea. This extends the Air Force’s reach well beyond land bases. With Earth being over 70 percent water, the Navy is one of the most important branches of the modern day military. While the branches differ from each other, they come together to accomplish extraordinary goals. Whether it is fighting for freedom in the Revolutionary War, or fighting an unknown enemy in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, the United States Armed Forces are there to answer the call of duty. Through an entire volunteer force and superior technology they triumph any enemy that stands in their way. The United States of America was forged by the bravery from the men and women who have served in the U. S. Armed Forces. The Army, Air Force, and Navy provide a blanket of freedom for all Americans to enjoy.