Military of the United States

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United States armed forces

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Military manpower

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Military age18 years of age

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Availabilitymales & females ages 15-49: 73,597,731 (2004 est.)

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Reaching military age annuallymales/females: 2,124,164 (2004 est.)

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Active troops1,427,000 (Ranked 2nd)

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Military expenditures

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Dollar figure $400 billion (FY2005 est.)

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Percent of GDP3.7% (FY2005 est.)

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The armed forces of the United States of America consist of the

Related Topics:
Armed forces - United States of America

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• United States Army
• United States Marine Corps
• United States Navy
• United States Air Force
• United States Coast Guard{{an|CoastGuard}}

Approximately 1.4 million personnel are currently on active duty in the military with an additional 860,000 personnel in the seven reserve components (456,000 of which are in the Army and Air National Guard). There is currently no conscription. The armed forces are also members of the United States Uniformed Services. The United States Armed Forces is the most powerful military in the world and their force projection capabilities are unrivaled by any other singular nation (e.g. People's Republic of China, Russia, India) or organization (e.g. the European Union). The United States Department of Defense is the controlling organization for the U.S. military and is headquartered at The Pentagon. The Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. military is the President of the United States.

Related Topics:
Reserve components - National Guard - Conscription - United States Uniformed Services - People's Republic of China - Russia - India - European Union - United States Department of Defense - The Pentagon - Commander-in-Chief - President of the United States

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The United States military is a hierarchical military organization, with a system of military ranks to denote levels of authority within the organization. The military service is divided into a professional officer corps along with a greater number of enlisted personnel who perform day to day military operations. Unlike certain other countries, the United States officer corps is not restricted by society class, education, or nobility. United States military officers are appointed from a variety of sources, including the service academies, ROTC, and direct appointment from both civilian status and the enlisted ranks.

Related Topics:
Military ranks - Officer - Enlisted - Service academies - ROTC

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The U.S. military also maintains a number of military awards and badges to denote the qualifications and accomplishments of military personnel.

Related Topics:
Military awards - Badges

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On July 26, 1948 U.S. President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981 which racially desegregated the military of the United States. Homosexuals, however, are still barred from serving openly (see Don't ask, don't tell.) By law, women may not be put into direct combat; however, assymmetrical warfare has put women into situations which are direct combat operations in all but name. (Approximately 9% of Army positions available; see http://www.goarmy.com/JobDetail.do?id=47 as an example).

Related Topics:
July 26 - 1948 - Harry S. Truman - Executive Order 9981 - Desegregated - Homosexuals - Don't ask, don't tell

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Military of the United States: Capabilities ►