The Most Difficult Branch of the Military to Get into, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the branch you think is the most difficult!
Updated on May 3, 2024 06:23
In the sphere of military careers, the debate over which branch is the most challenging to enter is a topic of keen interest and significant practical relevance. Aspiring service members, their families, and military enthusiasts often seek clear, consolidated information that can guide their decisions or satisfy their curiosities about military recruitment standards.
By casting your vote on the difficulty of entry into different military branches, you contribute to a dynamic, community-driven ranking that reflects a broad spectrum of experiences and opinions. This interactive ranking not only informs but also engages a community in discussion, helping to demystify the complexities and rigor of military enlistment processes.
What Is the Most Difficult Branch of the Military to Get into?
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199votes
Camera Operator: PH2 JEFFREY LOSHAW · Public domainUnited States Navy SEALs
President John F. KennedyThe SEALs are one of the most elite and rigorous branches of the military, with a grueling training regimen that tests physical and mental endurance. Only a small percentage of applicants make it through to become SEALs.The United States Navy SEALs (Sea, Air, and Land Teams) is a highly specialized and elite branch of the United States Navy. They were established on January 1, 1962, by President John F. Kennedy in response to unconventional warfare threats around the world.- Mission: Conducting special operations in maritime, jungle, desert, urban, arctic, and mountainous environments.
- Selection Process: Rigorous training including physical fitness, swimming, combat diving, parachuting, and small-unit tactics.
- Team Structure: Divided into smaller teams, including the legendary SEAL Team Six (DEVGRU), responsible for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency activities.
- Capability: Versatile and capable of conducting missions such as reconnaissance, direct action, counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and unconventional warfare.
- Weaponry: Equipped with advanced firearms, explosives, and specialized equipment for different environments.
United States Navy SEALs in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most advanced special force
- Position 2 of 10 in Most difficult military branch
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254votes
United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets)
John F. KennedyThe Green Berets are another highly respected and specialized branch of the military, known for their expertise in unconventional warfare and foreign internal defense. To become a Green Beret, soldiers must complete an intense training program that includes combat diving, language training, and survival skills.The United States Army Special Forces, also known as Green Berets, is a highly specialized branch of the military. They are an elite group of soldiers trained in unconventional warfare tactics and are often deployed to handle complex and high-risk missions. The Green Berets are known for their expertise in languages, cultural understanding, and their ability to work with local populations.- Highly selective recruitment process: Only a small percentage of applicants are accepted into the Special Forces program.
- Extensive training: Green Berets undergo a rigorous training program that includes specialized courses in various fields like weapons, communications, medical skills, and more.
- Specialized skills: Green Berets are trained in a wide range of skills, including guerrilla warfare, reconnaissance, direct action, counter-terrorism, and foreign internal defense.
- Language proficiency: Language training is a crucial part of Green Beret training, as they often operate in foreign countries and need to communicate effectively with local populations.
- Cultural expertise: Green Berets are trained to understand and respect different cultures, which helps them in building relationships and gaining support from local communities during missions.
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318votes
United States Marine Corps Reconnaissance
United States Marine CorpsMarine Recon is a special operations unit within the Marine Corps that specializes in reconnaissance and surveillance. To become a Recon Marine, soldiers must undergo a rigorous training program that includes advanced weapons training, combat diving, and specialized physical conditioning.The United States Marine Corps Reconnaissance is an elite special operations force within the United States Marine Corps. It is responsible for providing timely and accurate reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence support to Marine Air-Ground Task Forces. The Reconnaissance units are known for their physically demanding training and specialize in conducting amphibious and ground reconnaissance, direct action missions, and deep reconnaissance operations in hostile environments.- Selection Process: Rigorous physical and mental screening
- Training Duration: 12-18 months
- Deployment Capability: Amphibious and ground operations
- Specializations: Amphibious reconnaissance, ground reconnaissance, direct action missions, deep reconnaissance
- Physical Fitness Requirements: High standards of strength, endurance, and agility
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410votes
United States Air Forcevectored by FOX 52 · Public domainUnited States Air Force Pararescue
The United States Air ForceThe Air Force Pararescue (PJ) is a special operations unit that performs combat rescue and humanitarian missions. To become a PJ, soldiers must complete a challenging training program that includes parachute jumping, survival skills, and emergency medical training.The United States Air Force Pararescue (commonly known as PJs) is a highly specialized and elite branch within the United States Air Force. PJs are tasked with the mission of personnel recovery and medical assistance in the most challenging and hostile environments. They are trained to perform high-risk rescue operations, including combat search and rescue, as well as providing advanced medical care in austere environments.- Training Duration: 2 to 3 years
- Medical Training: Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) certification
- Physical Fitness Requirements: Highly demanding
- Selection Process Difficulty: Extremely high
- Specialized Skills: Combat diving, parachuting, and mountaineering
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518votes
United States Army Ranger Regiment
The United States ArmyThe Ranger Regiment is a highly trained and specialized unit within the Army that performs direct-action raids and other missions. To become a Ranger, soldiers must complete a grueling training program that includes combat leadership, small-unit tactics, and specialized physical conditioning.The United States Army Ranger Regiment, commonly known as the Army Rangers, is a highly specialized and elite light infantry unit of the United States Army. It is considered one of the most difficult branches of the military to get into, due to its rigorous selection process and demanding training programs.- Formation: The Ranger Regiment was officially formed during World War II on June 19, 1942.
- Specialization: The Rangers are experts in direct action raids, airfield seizures, special reconnaissance, and other specialized missions.
- Size: The Ranger Regiment consists of three active duty Ranger battalions: 1st Battalion, 3rd Battalion, and 75th Ranger Regiment Headquarters.
- Selection Process: Candidates for the Ranger Regiment must undergo a highly selective and physically demanding assessment and selection process.
- Ranger School: Ranger School is a separate training course that focuses on developing leadership skills and expertise in infantry tactics. Many Army Rangers have graduated from this school.
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614votes
United States Navy EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal)
United States NavyThe Navy EOD is responsible for detecting, disarming, and disposing of explosive devices. To become an EOD technician, soldiers must complete a demanding training program that includes advanced explosive theory, robotics, and diving.The United States Navy EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) is a highly specialized branch of the United States Navy that deals with the safe disposal of various explosive devices and materials. EOD technicians are trained to handle, disarm, and dispose of bombs, mines, and other explosive ordnances in both combat and non-combat situations.- Training Duration: 48 weeks
- Selection Rate: Less than 5% of candidates are accepted
- Physical Fitness Requirements: Intense physical training and swimming tests
- Clearance Level: Top Secret security clearance
- Duty Assignments: EOD technicians serve on ships, submarines, and shore-based units
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78votes
United States Marine Corps MARSOC (Marine Special Operations Command)
United States Marine CorpsMARSOC is a special operations unit within the Marine Corps that performs direct-action raids, reconnaissance, and other missions. To become a MARSOC operator, soldiers must complete an intense training program that includes advanced weapons training, language training, and survival skills.The United States Marine Corps MARSOC (Marine Special Operations Command) is a special operations force of the United States Marine Corps. It was created in 2006 as a response to the increased demand for special operations forces during the Global War on Terrorism.- Selection Process: Rigorous and highly selective
- Training Duration: Nearly two years
- Operations Area: Global, with a focus on unconventional warfare
- Unit Structure: Detachment, Special Operations Teams, and Marine Special Operations Companies
- Mission Types: Direct action, special reconnaissance, and foreign internal defense
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81votes
The U.S. Army · Public domainUnited States Army Airborne
The United States ArmyThe Army Airborne is a specialized unit that performs parachute jumps into combat zones. To become an Airborne soldier, soldiers must complete a challenging training program that includes parachute jumps, combat training, and specialized physical conditioning.The United States Army Airborne is a branch of the military that specializes in conducting airborne operations. It is a highly esteemed unit known for its elite paratroopers who are trained to deploy by parachuting from aircraft into combat zones or other designated areas. The Airborne units are primarily responsible for rapid deployment and can be used for various missions such as seizing key objectives, reconnaissance, and providing ground support for larger operations.- Creation: 1940
- Role: Conducting airborne operations
- Branch of: United States Army
- Training: Intense physical and mental conditioning
- Selection Process: Rigorous assessment and screening
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910votes
United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer
United States Coast GuardThe Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer is responsible for rescuing people in distress at sea. To become a Rescue Swimmer, soldiers must complete a demanding training program that includes advanced swimming skills, survival skills, and emergency medical training.The United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer is a highly demanding and challenging role within the United States Coast Guard. Their primary objective is to perform search and rescue missions in various maritime environments.- Physical Fitness: Rescue Swimmers undergo rigorous physical training and testing to ensure they possess exceptional strength, endurance, and stamina.
- Swimming Proficiency: Candidates must pass a series of swimming tests, including underwater swims, to demonstrate their swimming capabilities.
- Technical Proficiency: Rescue Swimmers are trained in using specialized equipment, such as rescue hoists, helicopters, survival gear, and life-saving techniques.
- Mental Resilience: They must possess the mental fortitude to remain calm and composed in high-stress situations while making critical decisions under pressure.
- Emergency Medical Skills: Rescue Swimmers receive training in advanced first aid, CPR, and emergency medical procedures to provide immediate care to those in need.
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109votes
United States Army Delta Force
The United States ArmyDelta Force is a highly secretive and elite special operations unit within the Army that performs direct-action raids and other missions. To become a Delta operator, soldiers must complete a rigorous training program that includes advanced weapons training, language training, and survival skills.The United States Army Delta Force, also known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), is a highly secretive and elite special operations force within the U.S. Army. It is primarily tasked with counterterrorism and missions of strategic importance.- Formation Year: 1977
- Motto: To Save Lives, Not Take Them
- Recruitment: Voluntary
- Selection Process: Extremely rigorous and secretive
- Training Duration: Over 18 months
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Discussion
Ranking factors for difficult branch
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Physical fitness requirementsAssess the physical demands of each branch, including strength, endurance, and agility. More rigorous branches, such as special forces units, will have higher physical standards.
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Mental aptitude and intelligenceExamine the cognitive requirements for each branch, such as minimum test scores required on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), which measures aptitude in various areas.
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Basic training difficultyConsider the length and intensity of basic training for each branch, as well as the specific skills and mental resilience needed to successfully complete the training program.
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Technical and specialized skillsEvaluate the complexity and requirements for specific jobs or roles within each branch that may demand unique talents and extensive education or training.
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Selection rates and competitivenessReview the number of applicants compared to the number of available positions in each branch. Higher selection standards and lower acceptance rates indicate a more difficult branch to enter.
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Security clearance requirementsCertain positions or branches may require higher security clearances, which can be more difficult to obtain based on factors such as background checks and personal history.
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Medical requirements and standardsConsider the medical qualifications and standards for each branch, as some positions or branches may have more stringent physical and medical requirements.
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Age and prior service limitationsAge limits and requirements for prior military experience may make it more challenging to join certain branches, especially for older applicants or those with previous military service.
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Morale and retention ratesEvaluate the overall morale and retention rates in each branch, as high attrition rates can indicate difficult working conditions or training programs that are particularly challenging to complete.
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Time commitment and deployment likelihoodAssess the likelihood of deployments and length of service commitments for each branch, as longer or more frequent deployments can indicate greater overall difficulty.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult branch of the military to get into. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or branch is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3401 views
- 247 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each branch once every 24 hours. The rank of each branch is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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Military Careers
More information on most difficult branch of the military to get into
The military is known for its rigorous recruitment process, where only the most qualified and capable individuals are accepted. Each branch of the military has its own unique requirements, making it easier or harder to get into depending on the individual's qualifications. Factors such as physical fitness, education, and specialized skills play a crucial role in the selection process. In this article, we will explore which branch of the military is the most difficult to get into and what it takes to meet their stringent requirements.
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