Intro
Explore the 17 US Army Officer Branches and discover the unique roles and responsibilities of each. From infantry to cyber operations, learn about the different career paths and specialties within the Army, including combat arms, combat support, and combat service support branches.
The United States Army is one of the most respected and feared military forces in the world. With a long history of bravery, sacrifice, and service, the Army has a wide range of career paths for those who want to serve their country. One of the most important aspects of an Army career is the choice of branch, as it determines the officer's role, responsibilities, and expertise. In this article, we will explore the 17 US Army officer branches, their functions, and the types of officers who serve in each branch.
Infantry Branch
The Infantry Branch is the largest and most deployed branch in the US Army. Infantry officers lead soldiers in combat, reconnaissance, and security missions. They are responsible for the tactical employment of infantry troops and equipment, including rifles, machine guns, and mortars.
Types of Infantry Officers
- Rifle platoon leaders
- Infantry company commanders
- Battalion executive officers
Armor Branch
The Armor Branch is responsible for the operation and maintenance of tanks and other armored vehicles. Armor officers lead soldiers in combat and reconnaissance missions, using their knowledge of armor tactics and techniques to outmaneuver and defeat enemy forces.
Types of Armor Officers
- Tank platoon leaders
- Armor company commanders
- Battalion executive officers
Artillery Branch
The Artillery Branch is responsible for the operation and maintenance of artillery systems, including cannons, howitzers, and rocket launchers. Artillery officers lead soldiers in combat and reconnaissance missions, using their knowledge of artillery tactics and techniques to provide indirect fire support to infantry and armor units.
Types of Artillery Officers
- Battery commanders
- Artillery company commanders
- Battalion executive officers
Engineer Branch
The Engineer Branch is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of military infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings. Engineer officers lead soldiers in combat and reconnaissance missions, using their knowledge of engineering tactics and techniques to support infantry and armor units.
Types of Engineer Officers
- Platoon leaders
- Company commanders
- Battalion executive officers
Signal Corps Branch
The Signal Corps Branch is responsible for the design, installation, and maintenance of communication systems, including radios, telephones, and computer networks. Signal officers lead soldiers in combat and reconnaissance missions, using their knowledge of signal tactics and techniques to provide communication support to infantry and armor units.
Types of Signal Officers
- Platoon leaders
- Company commanders
- Battalion executive officers
Ordinance Branch
The Ordinance Branch is responsible for the procurement, maintenance, and disposal of military equipment and supplies. Ordnance officers lead soldiers in combat and reconnaissance missions, using their knowledge of ordnance tactics and techniques to support infantry and armor units.
Types of Ordnance Officers
- Platoon leaders
- Company commanders
- Battalion executive officers
Quartermaster Branch
The Quartermaster Branch is responsible for the procurement, maintenance, and disposal of military supplies, including food, water, and fuel. Quartermaster officers lead soldiers in combat and reconnaissance missions, using their knowledge of quartermaster tactics and techniques to support infantry and armor units.
Types of Quartermaster Officers
- Platoon leaders
- Company commanders
- Battalion executive officers
Transportation Branch
The Transportation Branch is responsible for the movement of military personnel and equipment, including trucks, trains, and ships. Transportation officers lead soldiers in combat and reconnaissance missions, using their knowledge of transportation tactics and techniques to support infantry and armor units.
Types of Transportation Officers
- Platoon leaders
- Company commanders
- Battalion executive officers
Adjutant General Branch
The Adjutant General Branch is responsible for the administration and personnel management of the US Army, including recruiting, training, and promotions. Adjutant general officers lead soldiers in combat and reconnaissance missions, using their knowledge of personnel management tactics and techniques to support infantry and armor units.
Types of Adjutant General Officers
- Platoon leaders
- Company commanders
- Battalion executive officers
Finance Branch
The Finance Branch is responsible for the financial management of the US Army, including budgeting, accounting, and financial analysis. Finance officers lead soldiers in combat and reconnaissance missions, using their knowledge of financial management tactics and techniques to support infantry and armor units.
Types of Finance Officers
- Platoon leaders
- Company commanders
- Battalion executive officers
Judge Advocate General Branch
The Judge Advocate General Branch is responsible for the administration of military justice, including courts-martial, trials, and appeals. Judge advocate general officers lead soldiers in combat and reconnaissance missions, using their knowledge of military law tactics and techniques to support infantry and armor units.
Types of Judge Advocate General Officers
- Prosecutors
- Defense attorneys
- Judges
Medical Corps Branch
The Medical Corps Branch is responsible for the medical care of soldiers, including surgery, medicine, and nursing. Medical corps officers lead soldiers in combat and reconnaissance missions, using their knowledge of medical tactics and techniques to support infantry and armor units.
Types of Medical Corps Officers
- Surgeons
- Physicians
- Nurses
Army Nurse Corps Branch
The Army Nurse Corps Branch is responsible for the nursing care of soldiers, including patient care, nursing research, and nursing education. Army nurse corps officers lead soldiers in combat and reconnaissance missions, using their knowledge of nursing tactics and techniques to support infantry and armor units.
Types of Army Nurse Corps Officers
- Registered nurses
- Nurse practitioners
- Nurse anesthetists
Medical Service Corps Branch
The Medical Service Corps Branch is responsible for the administrative and logistical support of medical care, including hospital administration, medical logistics, and medical supply management. Medical service corps officers lead soldiers in combat and reconnaissance missions, using their knowledge of medical service tactics and techniques to support infantry and armor units.
Types of Medical Service Corps Officers
- Hospital administrators
- Medical logisticians
- Medical supply officers
Army Medical Specialist Corps Branch
The Army Medical Specialist Corps Branch is responsible for the technical and scientific support of medical care, including medical laboratory technology, medical imaging, and medical research. Army medical specialist corps officers lead soldiers in combat and reconnaissance missions, using their knowledge of medical specialist tactics and techniques to support infantry and armor units.
Types of Army Medical Specialist Corps Officers
- Medical laboratory technicians
- Medical imaging specialists
- Medical researchers
Chaplain Corps Branch
The Chaplain Corps Branch is responsible for the spiritual care of soldiers, including counseling, worship, and pastoral care. Chaplain corps officers lead soldiers in combat and reconnaissance missions, using their knowledge of chaplain tactics and techniques to support infantry and armor units.
Types of Chaplain Corps Officers
- Chaplains
- Assistant chaplains
- Chaplain assistants
Gallery of US Army Officer Branches
What is the difference between a branch and a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)?
+A branch is a larger organization that encompasses several related MOSs, while an MOS is a specific job or specialty within a branch.
How do I choose the right branch for me?
+Consider your skills, interests, and career goals, and research the different branches to find the one that best aligns with them.
Can I switch branches once I'm in the Army?
+It may be possible to switch branches, but it depends on various factors, including your MOS, time in service, and the needs of the Army.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the 17 US Army officer branches. Whether you're interested in serving in the infantry, armor, artillery, or another branch, there are many opportunities to make a difference and serve your country. Remember to research each branch thoroughly and consider your skills, interests, and career goals when making your decision.