Why Are Militaries Split into Branches?
Modern military branches are designed to operate across multiple domains. The most basic of these are land, sea, and air. But with advancing technology, we can include space in this list as well. Each domain requires different training and specialization. They require different equipment and arms, differences in doctrine and strategy. Modern armies are formed out of this need for specialization. They form specially trained branches for each domain.
1. Land Forces (Army)
The army is the backbone of ground operations. Land forces conduct operations on land and are generally the most visible branch of armies. This branch basically includes infantry, tanks, artillery and armored vehicles. Territorial defense, border security, and land-based combat operations are a few of the main tasks of this branch.
- Main Roles: Ground combat, area control, logistics
- Key Units: Infantry, mechanized divisions, special forces
- Notable Equipment: Main battle tanks, howitzers, APCs
2. Naval Forces (Navy)
Naval forces engage in combat at sea and they include warships, submarines, and naval aircraft. Navies protect maritime borders, project power worldwide, and guard shipping lanes. Some navies also operate aircraft carriers and amphibious assault forces.
- Primary Roles: Sea control, maritime security, power projection
- Major Units: Destroyers, frigates, submarines, carriers
- Significant Equipment: Guided missile destroyers, submarines, UUVs
3. Air Forces
Controlling the skies is strategically vital. Air forces offer control of the skies via fighter aircraft, bombers, transport planes, and drones. Air power enables quick response, strategic bombing, reconnaissance, as well as support for ground and naval forces.
- Primary Roles: Air superiority, ground support, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance)
- Major Units: Fighter wings, transport wings, UAV units
- Major Equipment: 5th-gen aircraft, AWACS, tankers
4. Space Forces
Space is the newest arena of warfare. The branch of space is tasked with the operation of satellites, space-based intelligence, surveillance, and missile warning systems. They also play a very significant role in global communications and GPS networks.
- Main Roles: Satellite operations, space surveillance, early-warning systems
- Key Units: Satellite control squadrons, space command centers
- Notable Equipment: Communication satellites, missile-tracking systems, anti-satellite tech
Integrated Warfare: All Branches Working Together
In modern conflicts, coordination among military branches is essential to success. Armies, navies, air forces, and space branch are combined in joint commands. This coordination is essential in achieving strategic objectives and battlefield superiority in more than a single theater.
Understanding the Primary Military Branches
Learning the role of each military branch allows us to appreciate the complexity that goes into national defense. From boots on the ground to satellites in orbit, every force has a special role in allowing a nation to be secure and effective in today’s world.
In the next lesson, we’ll take to the skies and explore one of the most game-changing technologies in modern warfare: military drones.
