The American Armed Forces are able to dominate its enemies for many reasons, but one predominant reason continues to be its versatility. This vital characteristic means that its individual parts are operating in sync while the overall machine continues to collaborate among branches. The United States Uniformed Services work together to keep Americans safe around the world. From the battlefield to non-combatant initiatives, there are eight total services that work together to advance and defend America and its allies. Related: U.S. Military Dress Uniforms: What Each Branch Wears To Look Their Best

What Are the Eight Uniformed Services in the United States?

The eight United States Uniformed Services as outlined by U.S.C. Title 37 are as follows:

1. U.S. Army
2. U.S. Navy
3. U.S. Marine Corps (USMC)
4. U.S. Air Force (USAF)
5. U.S. Space Force (USSF)
6. U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
7. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHS Commissioned Corps)
8. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps (NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps)

• The Army’s purpose is to defend America primarily on land, though it also operates in the air and on the sea.
• The Department of the U.S. Navy focuses on maintaining a dominating naval presence, deterring conflicts, and defending America when fighting in the water.
• You’ll find the USMC defending naval bases, assisting in operations that take the United States Uniformed Forces from sea to land, and defending American embassies.
• Sky superiority is the goal of the Airmen in the USAF.
• The USSF continues to show the evolution of the U.S. military. Along with the USAF, Space Force Guardians are responsible for defending American interests in space as well as securing communication networks.
• There are several functions of the USCG, but it boils down to primarily maintaining maritime law while defending American waterways.
• Members of the USPHS Commissioned Corps serve by advancing healthier lifestyles among Americans while responding quickly to public health concerns.
• Those serving in the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps help operate necessary vehicles and equipment for research missions involving air and sea.

Suggested Read: The Difference Between Army and Marines Explained

Federal Executive Departments Within the DoD

As part of the organizational hierarchy that exists within the Department of Defense (DoD), there are several Federal Executive Departments that each of the United States Uniformed Services operate within. The Department of the Army (DA) is where you’ll find the U.S. Army, whereas the Department of the Navy (DoN) features both the Navy and Marine Corps. Following right on theme, the Department of the Air Force (DAF) also encompasses two similar branches of the military: the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force. Under the direction of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Coast Guard finds itself a part of the organization during peacetime but can be a part of the Department of the Navy and DoD during times of war. The Surgeon General of the United States leads the PHSCC, which is a part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Last but not least, there is also the United States Department of Commerce (DOC) which is where the NOAA Corps finds itself.

The United States Uniformed Services is an Evolving Organization

The very roots of each component of the United States Uniformed Services were made out of necessity. As technology evolves, so too do the needs for American defense. Fortunately, through superior intuition, structure, and resources, the U.S. continues to grow with the times. A recent example was the creation of the USSF, as America continues to expand its interests throughout space. Though the United States Uniformed Services cover our bases, things change, but whatever comes next, those who serve have proven that they are ready to meet the next challenge with enthusiasm and competence. Read Next: Executive Order 12985: Instituting the Armed Forces Service Medal