--- title: "These are the 7 uniformed services of the United States" date: "2020-02-05" modified: "2020-10-22" authors: - name: "Blake Stilwell" job_title: "Editor-In-Chief, Air Force Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/blake/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-trending/uniformed-services-united-states-military/" categories: - "Careers" - "Join the Military" --- # These are the 7 uniformed services of the United States ![]() The seeds of America's sixth branch of the military were sown yesterday, for better or for worse, as President Trump's creation of the Space Force elicited many different responses. Those responses ranged anywhere between confusion and surprise. The Russians understandably expressed alarm at the idea of a U.S. military presence in space, whereas civilians in the United States were slightly confused – isn't there an agency that already does what a Space Force would do? The answer is yes and no – but that's a post for another time. Many currently serving in the military or part of the veteran community felt equal parts excitement and curiosity about the Space Force's way forward. After all, it's something that was kicked around for months before any official announcement, which prompted ideas from current servicemembers about uniforms, rank names, and whether there would be a Space Shuttle Door Gunner. Mulling over the organizational culture of a service that doesn't exist yet is a good time to remind everyone the U.S. has a number of uniformed services that are oft-overlooked. --- ![]() The U.S. Military has a great reputation among veterans. ### 1-5. The military branches Since the Space Force exists only in our hearts and minds and not yet in uniforms, the existing five branches of the military make up the first five notches on this list. If you're reading We Are The Mighty (or... if you've heard of things like "history"), you've probably heard of the Armed Forces of the United States: U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force. With the exception of the Coast Guard, which is directed by the Department of Homeland Security during times of peace, the big four are directed by the U.S. Department of Defense. For more information about the history, culture, and people in these branches, check out literally any page on this website. ![]() Vice Admiral Jerome Adams, Surgeon General of the United States. ### 6. United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps This uniformed division of the Public Health Service creates the beautiful utopia of a branch that doesn't have enlisted people. Because it doesn't. It consists only of commissioned officers and has zero enlisted ranks – but they do have warrant officers. While the PHS are labeled noncombatants, they can be lent to the Armed Services and they wear Navy or Coast Guard uniforms and hold Navy or Coast Guard ranks. The Public Health Service has [its own set of awards and decorations](), a marching song, ready reserve, and probably deploys more than most of the Air Force. Its mission is to deliver public health and disease prevention expertise at home and abroad as well as to disaster areas and areas affected by U.S. military operations. Members of the Commissioned Corps enjoy (for the most part) [the same veterans benefits as those who served in the Armed Forces](). The U.S. PHS falls under the Department of Health and Human Services and its top officer is the Surgeon General, which is why they're always wearing a uniform. ![]() NOAA Corps pilots. Considering risk vs. reward, you 100 percent joined the wrong branch. ### 7. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Or simply called the "NOAA Corps," as it falls under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The NOAA Corps also has no enlisted or warrant ranks and is comprised entirely of commissioned officers. It is also the smallest of all the uniformed services, with just 321 officers, 16 ships, and 10 aircraft, compared to the PHSCC's 6,000 officers. They serve alongside DoD, Merchant Marine, NASA, State Department, and other official agencies to support defense requirements and offer expertise on anything from meteorology to geology to oceanography and much, much more. The Corps is a rapid response force, shuttling experts where they need to be in quick succession while supporting peacetime research. They can be incorporated into the Armed Forces during times of war, and so wear Navy and Coast Guard uniforms and rank, by order of the President of the United States. The NOAA Corps also [gets VA benefits similar to those of the Armed Forces]() of the United States, including access to the Blended Retirement System, health and dental benefits, and access to the Exchange and Commissary system. ## Author Blake Stilwell is We Are The Mighty's Editor-in-Chief, covering military news, entertainment, and history, along with veteran education, employment and entrepreneurship. He is a former U.S. Air Force combat cameraman with degrees in Graphic Design, Television and Film, International Relations, Public Relations, Business Management and Middle Eastern Affairs. After leaving the military, he began working in film and television production in New York and Los Angeles, work that included ABC News, NBC Olympics, and HBO Sports. He then spent two years in Washington with White House Communications, before joining the Near East Foundation. At NEF he served as an International Development Fellow, then Communications Officer, and finally, Media Officer for the Middle East and Africa. Based in the Palestinian Territory, he coordinated strategic communications between eight country offices, international media, and government and NGO partners. He began a career focused on writing and editing in 2015 with We Are The Mighty. He left in 2019 for Military.com, but returned as Editor-in-Chief in 2025. Blake’s work has been seen on CBS News, Fox News, CBC, The Chicago Tribune, Task & Purpose, Military Times, Recoil, Skillset, American History, and was shockingly even used in a Supreme Court argument. He is an avid traveler and small business owner in Ohio, where he spends most of his energy fixing up a very old house. ### Author social links [Facebook]() [Twitter]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()