| The United States Armed Forces are the military services that exist to protect the interests and lives of American Citizens. There are four major branches in the armed forces: the Army, the Navy, the Marines, and the Air Force. The Marine Corp. is rather unique because it is an air and ground force that is under the authority of the Navy. There are other branches in the armed forces such as the Coast Guard and also the Merchant Marine, which also operates under the authority of the Navy during times of war. |