The Military is comprised of 12 Service branches: five Active Duty and seven part-time duty. Part-time duty consists of five Reserve and two Guard branches. Each branch varies greatly in service commitment, location and how its members contribute to the overall mission of protecting our country, though all branches are on the same rank-based pay scale.
Full Time Part Time
Army As the oldest branch of the U.S. Military, the Army protects the security of the United States and its resources.
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, with a special focus on homeland security and relief programs.
Marine Corps The Marine Corps is often first on the ground in combat situations.
Marine Corps Reserve Marine Corps reservists train domestically until needed, then deploy with the rest of the Corps.
Navy The Navy defends the right to travel and trade freely on the world's oceans and protects national interests overseas.
Navy Reserve The Navy Reserve trains service members close to home until they are needed in action.
Air Force The U.S. Air Force protects American interests at home and abroad with a focus on air power.
Air Force Reserve The Air Force Reserve gives service members the opportunity to train and serve on a part-time basis, as needed.
Air National Guard The Air National Guard trains part time to assist in domestic disasters and international conflicts.
Coast Guard The Coast Guard protects America's waterways and deploys with the Navy during wartime.
Coast Guard Reserve The Coast Guard Reserve offers a part-time service opportunity for service members to train near home.
( Information from TodaysMilitary)