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The United States Armed Forces, also known as the United States Military, "comprises" (is made up of) five "branches" (parts): the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

The U.S. Army is the oldest branch of the military. It was created in 1775 for the Revolutionary War against Britain. The Army is also the largest branch of the military, with more than one million members. Its soldiers fight mostly on land.

The U.S. Navy is smaller, with only about 500,000 people "in service" (working in the military). The Navy primarily works on the oceans and seas. It has almost 300 "ships" (large boats) and more than 4,000 "aircraft" (planes, helicopters, and other flying vehicles of different sizes).

The U.S. Marine Corps works closely with the U.S. Navy. It is the smallest military branch, with only about 200,000 members. It is very good at responding to "crises" (emergencies, or very urgent situations) quickly.

The U.S. Air Force was "founded" (created) in 1947 and mostly focuses on fighting that happens in the air. It has more than 6,000 aircraft, more than any other air force in the world.

Finally, the fifth branch of the U.S. military is the U.S. Coast Guard. It has a "broader" (wider and including more things) "mission" (purpose) than do the other branches of the military. The Coast Guard is supposed to protect the public, the environment, and the United States' economic and security interests in "maritime" (related to the sea) regions.

The people who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces are very proud of their work, but they are often even more proud of the specific branch that they serve in. There are many friendly "rivalries" (competition between people or groups) between and among the different branches of the military.