Which is the most challenging branch of military?

Question

I just want feedbacks. This is for both male and females. I want to know which branch of the military (navy, air force, army, marines...) is the most challenging and why. And what kind of challenges you had to go through. And just to throw it in there, which one is the least challenging. I'm not asking "which is harder and which is easier" I just want to know in your opinions which one is tougher and had more challenge and which didn't.

I apologize if I missed some branches, I just named the ones out of the top of my head that are most mentioned and known.

JUST FOR THE RECORD: I did not ask this question to determine the "best" or the "worst" or to determine which is worth it or not. This question is out of my own curiosity, which does not determine that I look down upon the branches of the military. I do have a best friend in the Marines and a Boyfriend in the Air Force, so in a way, I am surrounded by the military. I've heard of stories from my best friend, and not yet heard any stories from my Bf since he just started boot camp.

I just want feedbacks on what other's opinions since it sparked an interest to ask.

Ok, I feel bad that I have to choose a "best answer" on a question that everyone answered as their best. I will just choose a random one, but I want you all to know that I thank you for taking your time to answer this particular question.

Answer 1

From a physical standpoint, the Marines. I think they try to kill you during basic. If you live, you get to be a Marine.

From a mental standpoint, the Air Force. It is the "high tech" branch of the military and besides the "Air" it is responsible for "space" and "cyberspace" warfare. A lot of the troops get training that can be directly used in the civilian world and get a very good salary doing it.

From an emotional standpoint, it has got to be the Army. The Army is bearing the brunt of the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and is being run ragged. The divorce rate is also very high as the stress on the families is incredible.

From a neglect standpoint, the Navy. Since the Navy has little to do in a land war, it is being cut back even more. Right now it has less than 300 ships, making the Navy smaller than it was in 1917. The cutbacks also hit maintenance funds and trying to keep things up and running is getting to be a big challenge.

Answer 2

Ultimately, most people answer due to favortism, but thats not the way to go. I have worked with the Marines, the Air Force, and i am in the Navy. As far as my experience goes, all the services have their own challenging demands to get past. In most cases the Marine challenges that I have dealt with were much more physical, while most of the Air Force and Navy tech schools i have been to were more mentally focused. I have found fun on both sides of the spectrum though, and maybe you will too no matter what service you decide to join. I haven't had much experience with the Army, and none at all with the Coast Guard, so i am not able to give any input towards those services.

Answer 3

I don't care what anyone tells you 11Bang Bang all the way. There is a reason we are the only ones still authorized to wear a cord on our shoulder. And as I am sure many other 11B's will tell you the reason the color of the sky is the same as our cord is because GOD LOVES THE INFANTRY!!! However, if you are young, strong and have a positive can-do attitude then go for SF, Rangers, or even Airborne. Trust me there are plenty of challenges in the Army. Just visit any Army installation and look at the Sergeants Major, First Sergeants and high ranking officers like Lieutenant Colonels and Colonels and you will see most of them have the Ranger Tab. Have no delusions though that tab is EARNED! I made it through infantry school, but I knew I just didn't physically have it in me to even try Rangers. However, I graduated from infantry school on my 31st birthday which is very old as a new recruit, but... hey I was tired of corporate America! lol. Anyhow, whatever you choose I applaud you for enlisted in any branch. We all make fun of each other (jarheads, squids, boyscouts and flyboys) but we all have respect for each other and when things go bad, us infantrymen love it when we call for help and the Marines show up in droves to help us lay waste, or the Air Force deals death from above. And although it hasn't happened in a while, I would be just as happy if I was in the suck and the only help I had was munitions raining down from a Navy warship two time zones away. We are all brothers (and sisters), but for me I could not be more proud of the infantry.

Answer 4

Wow... I'm wondering if any one can actually answer honestly? I personally don't know anyone who has served in every branch of the military who can give you a true answer.

My personal answer would be the Marines. I'm a Marine wife and in holding such a role, it would just be wrong for me to say other wise!

I think all the branches are difficult on some levels. They all bring their own challenges to the field in their own unique ways, and because of that, can't really be compared with each other when it comes down to who's training is more challenging.

Edit: BoPoppa- I gave you a thumbs up! As much as I love the Marines, I do agree that the Coast Guard is often over looked and whatnot. You guys work just as hard as the rest, and contrary to what people like to say, they really do pull their weight in the grand scheme of the Military.

Answer 5

Im in the army infantry and from what my jarhead buddies say(marines) the only real difference is that they will yell and get in your face more. The marines are all about trying to show everybody up for some apparent reason so if the army does something the marines will up there standard a little more just so they can say they are better.I swear if we had a 4 mile run pt test those guys would make theres 4 and a half in the next month just so they can say they are better...so sad.

Answer 6

While many marines might not like my answer there is no disrespect intended they are a very tough force and I have marine vet relative's. But definetly the army they train all forces to be airborne.Marine forced recon trains with the army rangers and the rangers train with forced recon.Marines who have trained with the rangers can compete in the first ranger competition.Any infantry marine or army must carry a very heavy combat load and be capable of physical tasks that only world class athletes can accomplish especially true at the special forces level.May they all be safe and hopefully one day soon they can go back to just training. P.S when I was in you could ask but I didn't tell!

Answer 7

I figure any of the branches are as challenging as you make them. As far as dangerous I would say that during war time it would be the Marines and Army. (hard to argue with people getting shot at) I would also point out that you left out the Coast Guard. With a total number of less than 40,000 (smaller than NYC police dept, Keep that in mind next time you want to know why every ship isn't boarded coming into the U.S.), the ratings are a lot less specific than other services and the collateral duties are numerous. I would also like to remind people that the Coast Guard is involved overseas in the gulf and has been since the start of the war. Undermanned, underfunded, and under appreciated. Still out there kicking butt.

edit. why would anyone give someone a thumbs down on this question. Get a life.

Edit.. Thank you Robin

Answer 8

Most assuredly the Marines. They are the backbone of our military fighting most of all of our major hardcore battles.

I am in the Air Force, and trust me it is no picinic either. We do get deployed, and we do many jobs you would think only the Army does, but every Airman has a certain level of respect for what both a soldier and a Marine do.

Answer 9

Army and Marines. The challenge is trying to stay alive!

All the branches are good services. They have different missions! In WWII the Airforce was part of the Army, and the Marines a part of the Navy!

Answer 10

The Navy by far is the most Challenging. Its on land,sea,under the sea and air. The Marines and SEALS are part of the Navy. The best pilots are Navy Pilots (top Gun) Blue Angels.......nuff said.
A Old Sailor