US+Armed+Forces

__Army__
 * __ US Armed Forces __**
 * Ground forces of the United States military [[image:http://www3.ausa.org/chapweb/tdc/assets/images/US_Army_Logo.gif width="105" height="140" align="right"]]
 * Originated from the 1775 Continental Army
 * Exists to support the national and international policies and interests of the government
 * Must be ready at all times to defend the nation against enemy attacks
 * Peacetime duties consist of disaster relief, civil works projects, and controlling civil disturbances

__Navy__ __Air Force__ __Marine Corps__
 * Water-based forces of the United States military
 * Originated as the Continental Navy during the American Revolution, but disappeared in 1785
 * Permenant Navy established 1798 and was relatively weak, but built strength in the 20th century (primarily WWII)
 * Responsibilities include protecting the U.S. coastline, cooperating with drug enforcement agencies, patrolling protected waters, providing ice-breaking services for ships, and developing construction standards and operational rules for deepwater ports
 * Performs military duties by aircraft
 * During peacetime, works with other military and civilian agencies to develop and improve aircraft, rockets, and explore outer space.
 * During wartime, it seeks to destroy enemy air forces, ground targets, and supplies, as well as surveying enemy territory to gain strategic information
 * Supports ground and naval forces of the other armed services in battle
 * Recruited and trained for duty at sea and service on shore in naval campaigns.
 * Provides expeditionary forces to capture and defend bases for the Navy
 * Studies and develops warfare on land and water

__Coast Guard__
 * Provides law enforcement, military readiness, and safety in all waters under the jurisdiction of the United States [[image:http://marinersministries.org/satellite/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/military_united20states20coast20guard20seal_cd050406te_2_98x3_18224.jpg width="180" height="180" align="right"]]
 * During peacetime, it operates under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
 * During wartime, it operates under the Department of the Navy

Source: Grolier Online: New Book of Knowledge