What is the hardest military to join?

Asked by: Prof. Noah Stehr  |  Last update: March 6, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (54 votes)

There's a great argument that the Marine Corps has the hardest military training of anyone, and here's why. Of course, when you reach the top, you can find them becoming SEALs or a part of the Marine Raider Regiment (MRR), but the training of any Marine is some of the hardest military training in the world.

Which military is hardest to get into?

However, in terms of sheer selectiveness and competitive standards, the U.S. Air Force often ranks as the hardest branch to get into.

What is the hardest military team to join?

Marine Corps: The U.S. Marine Corps is known for having the most demanding basic training (also known as Boot Camp), which lasts for 13 weeks. Marine Boot Camp is physically and psychologically intense, as it is designed to build a warrior mindset in each recruit.

What is the easiest military to join?

The U.S. Army is often considered one of the 'easier' branches to join due to its size and the number of enlistment slots available. It's also notable for its comprehensive list of careers in comparison to other services.

What is the hardest job to get in the military?

If we're talking about the most challenging jobs to qualify for in the U.S. military, Special Operations roles often come to mind due to their selective processes and demanding training. This includes positions like Delta Force (Army), SEAL Team Six (Navy), Pararescue Jumpers (Air Force), and MARSOC Raiders (Marines).

Which is the Hardest Branch of the US Military? Watch to See if You Could Handle It!

45 related questions found

What military job is least likely to deploy?

Certain roles are more likely to keep you state-side. For example, working in areas like cyber security, human resources, finance, legal, or in medical fields often entails less likelihood of deployment.

Which military branch is less stressful?

Air Force. Without a doubt or argument. Go look at their Basic Training videos, it only gets easier from there.

What is the safest military to join?

Typically, risk exposure can vary widely depending on the role you take within any branch of the military. As a general rule, though, the United States Air Force (USAF) and United States Navy have been described as safer than the army or marines. This isn't a hard and fast rule, though.

Which boot camp is the easiest?

1. U.S. Air Force: Generally considered to have the most manageable basic training, the Air Force focuses more heavily on the classroom and less on physical conditioning than other branches. The training lasts about 8.5 weeks.

Which branch accepts the most waivers?

Different branches have different personnel needs and may approve of your waiver. In general, the Army has the reputation of approving the most moral waivers, while the Air Force and Coast Guard approve the fewest. The Navy and the Marines fall somewhere in the middle. However, this is not always the case.

Who has the hardest bootcamp?

The Marine Corps' boot camp often gets discussed as the most physically and mentally challenging. It's noted for its Crucible event, a 54-hour team evolution culminating in an emotional ceremony in which recruits become Marines.

Which military branch pays the most?

There is no branch that pays more. Base pay at a given grade and time of service is the same across the services. However, total pay and compensation can differ a lot due to allowances and special pays. But those are based on location and duties, not branch-of-service.

What military branch is least likely to go to war?

While any branch of the military might involve some risk given the nature of their mission, the U.S. Air Force or the U.S. Coast Guard generally have fewer roles that are directly engaged in combat compared to the U.S. Army or the U.S. Marines.

Is Navy or Army harder?

As for physical training, most of the Navy is less physically demanding than the Army, except for the Navy's special operations like EOD, SEALS, and SWCC, which are all more physically demanding than the Army. Finally, some of the other differences include promotions and deployments.

What is the easiest field in the military?

easiest job in military jobs
  • Military Service - U.S. Navy, Military Intelligence Officer. ...
  • Military Service - U.S. Navy Reserve, Fire Controlman. ...
  • Military Service - U.S. Air Force, Military Police. ...
  • Military Service - U.S. Air National Guard, Aircrew Flight Equipment. ...
  • Military Service - Air Force Reserve, SERE Specialist.

Are navy SEALs harder than Marines?

If you just want to serve, but you want a difficult challenge and you want to earn something, then the Marines are for you. Earning the EGA will make you a part of one of the oldest military families in the world. If you are looking for the ultimate physical, mental and emotional challenge, then the Navy SEALs are it.

Who has the shortest boot camp?

Based on the duration of basic training across the different branches of the U.S. military, the U.S. Air Force currently has the shortest. Their basic military training (BMT) is 8.5 weeks long. This duration includes a half week of in-processing or "Zero Week."

What military branch does not require swimming?

You're in luck because not all branches of the military have stringent swimming requirements! The Army and the Air Force have the least emphasis on swimming skills.

What is the hardest military branch to get into?

Marine Corps - The Marine Corps is often considered the toughest branch of the military both physically and mentally. It has the most rigorous basic training, known as boot camp, which lasts 13 weeks. Marines are trained not only physically but also mentally, to have a "first to fight" mindset.

What is the #1 military?

United States. The United States of America is a North American nation that is the world's most dominant economic and military power.

What are 3 cons of joining the military?

Some potential drawbacks of joining the military include:
  • It can be a dangerous job. ...
  • You can be away from loved ones. ...
  • It's physically demanding. ...
  • Military life is highly structured. ...
  • It's a huge commitment.

What is the most feared branch of the military?

That said, people often consider the Marine Corps to be one of the most dangerous branches, primarily because it's typically at the front lines during combat operations. Marines often engage closely in ground combat, which can present heightened risks. Similarly, the Army can also be considered dangerous.

What branch pays the best?

Which military branch pays the most? All branches of the U.S. military offer the same base pay based on rank and years of service. However, other factors can impact a military member's pay, including: Special pay: Some service members receive additional pay based on their job specialty or tasks performed.

What military branch has the most depression?

Analyses of the Military Health System Data from 2005 to 2016 indicate that prevalences of both depression and anxiety disorders have risen since 2005 and is disproportionately high among Army service members, relative to other branches (Psychological Health Center of Excellence, 2017).

Which military branch is struggling to recruit?

As the newest and smallest branch of the U.S. military, the U.S. Space Force has a different problem when it comes to recruitment – namely it has too many applications. More than 4,000 people sought to sign up in FY23, but the service had a fraction of available billets.