What's the hardest military job to get into?

Asked by: Cristopher Smith  |  Last update: January 15, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (69 votes)

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).

What is the hardest military job to get?

1. Navy SEALs: Widely regarded as one of the most challenging roles in the U.S. military, becoming a Navy SEAL requires dedication, resilience, and extraordinary physical stamina. The attrition rate in SEAL training (BUD/S) is typically over 80%, reflecting the immense difficulty of the program.

What military branch is the hardest 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 most elite job in the military?

What are some of the most elite military jobs available?
  1. Navy SEALS: Often recognized as the most elite forces in the U.S. Navy, SEALs (Sea, Air, and Land) undergo intense physical and mental training. ...
  2. Army Rangers: These are the skilled soldiers of the U.S. Army.

What is the easiest military job to get?

easiest job in military jobs
  • Behavioral Health Associate- Recovery. ...
  • Police Recruit - Hiring Incentive $2,500. ...
  • Crew member. ...
  • Observer- Drug Testing. ...
  • United States Navy Military Service. ...
  • Military Clothing Sales Associate. ...
  • Parking Enforcement Officer. ...
  • Home Care Aide NEEDED For Elderly Veteran in Beaumont, TX.

The Hardest Job In The Army

44 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.

What military pays the best?

The Air Force is often considered one of the highest paying branches of the military. With a strong focus on technology and aviation, the Air Force offers a range of high-paying careers, including: Pilot: 104,000 - 163,000 per year. Cybersecurity Specialist: 80,000 - 140,000 per year.

Can marines become Navy SEALs?

Both the SEALs and Marines are a part of the Department of the Navy, they are both from two different branches of service. A Marine, cannot become a Navy SEAL. There is no process for that.

What is the most prestigious military position?

Generally, the highest U.S. military rank is O-10, or a four-star general. A five-star rank, created during World War II, was meant to be reserved for wartime or exceptional circumstances. Only nine Americans ever have held this rank. The last living five-star general was Omar Bradley, who died in 1981.

Do Special Forces get paid more?

Do Special Forces Soldiers receive extra pay? Special Forces Soldiers receive special duty assignment pay, language pay, parachute pay, and special-skills pay such as military free-fall, combat diver, or demolition pay.

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.

Are navy seals harder than Marines?

Yes. Navy SEAL training is more difficult than Marine training. There is quite a difference in the Navy SEAL completion rate from the Marines. Marines complete their 13-week boot camp training at a success rate of 85%, roughly three times higher than the success rate of seals.

Which military branch is the riskiest?

The Marine Corps and Army generally face higher risks - they're larger force components and traditionally have more personnel directly in combat roles, particularly ground troops.

What is the toughest branch of the military to get into?

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.

What is the smartest job in the military?

1. Cyber Operations Specialist: With the increasing focus on cyber security, the military has created dedicated roles for cyber operations. These positions involve a high level of technical know-how, including cryptography, computer programming, network defense, and hacking.

What Army MOS is most in-demand?

Most In-Demand MOSs
  • Infantryman (11B) Minimum ASVAB score: 87 (CO) ...
  • Combat Medic (68W) Minimum ASVAB score: 101 (ST), 107 (GT) ...
  • Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (91B) Minimum ASVAB score: 92 (MM) or 87 (MM) + 85 (GT) ...
  • Pilot (09W) Minimum ASVAB score: 110 (GT) ...
  • Intelligence Analyst (35F) Minimum ASVAB score: 101 (ST)

What is the toughest military position?

Navy SEALs

To be a navy seal means to have the hardest job in the military. Navy SEALs are a special force that participates in operations of any area (literally any). Particular emphasis is placed on preparing and equipping detachments for operations in coastal and marine environments.

What's the most respected job in the military?

Firstly, Special Forces roles such as Navy SEALs, Green Berets, and Army Rangers are often considered highly respected due to the rigorous selection process and intensive training required. These roles also often involve high-risk, high-stakes mission operations, earning them a level of prestige.

What is the most elite military unit in the world?

The Navy SEALs

These teams specialize in unconventional warfare tactics to complete missions all around the world – from capturing high-profile terrorists to detonating bombs for beach landings. You can apply to become a Navy SEAL as a civilian, a Navy sailor or even as a service member from another military branch.

Was Chris Kyle a Navy SEAL?

'American Sniper' Chris Kyle left enduring legacy

FORT WORTH, Texas - More than a decade ago, on February 2, 2013, retired Navy SEAL Chris Kyle was fatally shot along with a friend, Chad Littlefield, at a gun range in north Texas. Kyle was 38 years old when he died.

Can Marines have tattoos?

Marines may have tattoos on any area of the body, excluding the head, neck, and hands in accordance with this Bulletin. Marines are advised there are future career implications regarding the application of tattoos. A tattoo that is not specifically prohibited may still prevent future duty assignments.

What is the lowest paid military branch?

E-1: $20,340. E-1 is the lowest enlisted rank in the US military: Airman Basic (Air Force), Private (Army/Marine Corps), Seaman Recruit (Navy). Service members usually hold this rank through basic training, and automatically promote to the next rank after six months of service.

Which military branch is the safest?

The Air Force, for instance, tends to have the lowest combat casualty rates historically, as it often employs tactics and technology that keep service members out of direct fire.

What military branch goes to war first?

The Marine Corps is often first on the ground in combat situations.