What Is The Safest Branch Of The Military? (Top 5)

Blog Written by JOHN COTTON / Fact-checked by LOGAN MILLER

what is the safest branch of the military

Joining the military is a big decision, and one of the most important factors determining a soldier’s best quality of life is safety.

With the various branches offering different job opportunities and levels of risk, what is the safest branch of the military? It’s believed that the Navy and Air Force are the two ones with the least risk. What are the reasons? Keep reading for more details.

What is the Safest Military Branch?

Currently, the Navy and Air Force are the least dangerous branches due to changes in tactics used in recent years.

In modern warfare, boats and planes are less frequently used in combat operations, with fewer casualties than others. However, the situation is reversed if war breaks out, meaning these two branches are no longer the safest places.

Besides, the level of security depends on the jobs divided into each branch. Below are the five service branches in the military that are considered the safest to join.

1. In The Air Force

  • Cyber Systems Operations Specialists

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Working in the safest branch of the military, these specialists play a vital role in providing the security and integrity of the Air Force’s advanced computer systems.

They are responsible for developing mechanisms, installing, and maintaining cyber security to protect them from attack.

Although this is challenging, specialists say they have the safest jobs in the air force as it does not involve direct combat. Instead, the emphasis is on preserving systems and preventing cyber threats, which reduces the risk of harm to human life.

  • Public Affairs Officer (PAO)

These officers help to manage the communication and public relations of the Air Force. They handle media inquiries, manage social media accounts, and build relationships with the community.

They also communicate with Air Force personnel to inform them of news and events. They do not involve themselves in combat or physical danger, which is also the safest military job.

  • Air traffic controllers (ATCs)

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Air traffic controllers in the military are considered safe because their missions are preeminent on the ground, maintaining safety and managing air traffic effectively.

Therefore, this job has high safety even though it requires high concentration.

ATCs play a role in monitoring airplanes, providing departure & landing guidance, and checking flights to offer important details to the crew.

  • Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET)

A BMET in the Air Force is responsible for testing, maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting medical equipment used in Air Force medical facilities. Tasks in this position often require a high sense of responsibility and meticulousness.

2. In The Navy

  • Construction Mechanic (CM)

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These Navy mechanics are in charge of performing various tasks related to constructing, maintaining, and repairing naval facilities and infrastructure.

They are part of the Naval Construction Force, also known as the Seabees, and work in various environments, including land-based and shore-based sites. Thus, they have a low-risk job.

  • Musician

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Navy Musicians are members who help perform music supporting Navy operations, ceremonies, and public relations events. They are highly trained musicians who are capable of performing a wide variety of musical styles and genres.

They play an important role in promoting the image of the Navy and building positive relationships with communities both at home and abroad.

3. In The Army

  • Financial Management Officer

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Their main duties are managing the accounting system and working closely with other members of the Army’s financial management team, including accountants and budget analysts.

Their work is critical to the Army’s mission, helping to ensure that financial resources are effectively used to support the readiness and success of Army units and activities.

  • Paralegal Specialists

Army Paralegal Specialists, or Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 27D, are enlisted soldiers who provide legal support to military commanders and personnel. They perform multiple tasks related to military law and the military justice system.

Their work is critical to the success of military operations and maintaining discipline and order within the military. Because this is among military jobs that don’t deploy combat directly, so it’s quite safe.

  • Dentists

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Obviously, this is an indispensable and safe job in the Army. The dentists’ main job is to sustain the oral healthcare of soldiers and other military personnel.

Many soldiers smoke, so dental problems are quite serious, the dentists are the ones to help solve this problem.

  • Administrators & Human Resources Specialists

Administrators’ missions include overseeing or carrying out various administrative tasks, such as handling paperwork, performing clerical work, and typing documents. Besides, they also undertake coordinating meetings, arranging travel plans, and planning other work-related activities.

An HR specialist helps soldiers manage their careers by providing support such as tracking members’ well-being, individual records, and general status.

Moreover, they are in charge of preparing orders, processing suggestions around training courses, and providing assistance for retirement.

Although it is a challenging job, it is mainly a non-fighting duty and a safe support service.

4. In The Marines

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  • Mobility/Logistics Chiefs

This is a pretty safe job because the tasks are usually organizing, scheduling, executing, and overseeing logistics. Besides, they help to land support operations across the Marine Corps. They also offer training on logistics and embarkation at the unit level.

  • Finance Technician

The finance technician role is a low-risk occupation in the Marine Corps and is often appointed for females as it primarily involves administrative work.

It is best suited for individuals with a penchant for numbers and who always focus on details. This position entails managing & auditing budgets, and conducting various other accounting tasks.

  • Combat Mass Communicator

This job is considered to be a safe one in the Marine Corps. It is comparable to the PAO position in the Army.

Yet, Mass communicators are primarily involved in combat photography. They also offer mission planning, garrison activities, and Marine recruitment details.

5. In The Coast Guard

  • Health Care Workers

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These technicians offer essential medical services to soldiers anytime and anywhere. They also help other officers that are typically stationed in several medical facilities.

Their tasks involve conducting X-rays, laboratory tests, minor surgical operations, and other related work.

  • Culinary Specialist

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This military job is perfect for those who enjoy cooking and want to learn about food preparation and culinary techniques.

As culinary specialists, they mainly prepare and serve delicious and nutritious meals. This job involves very little risk, and the specialists will not go to war if it happens.

What Are the Factors to Know Which Military Branch is Safest?

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1. Training Course & Equipment

The safety of military branches is determined by several factors, including the quality of their training and the reliability of their equipment. This is also the branch of the military sees the least combat.

For example, In the Air Force, the cyber system training and 10-week training for an air traffic controller show this job’s rigor and high standard.

Besides, the equipment in these jobs does not carry high risks. For example, medical equipment, musical instruments, or administrative equipment do not pose much danger to specialists and officers.

2. Casualties Statistics

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According to statistics of casualties and deaths in the wars from 1775 to 1991, the Army has the most deaths, which is also the least safe place. 

This was followed by the Marines, the Navy & Coast Guards, and Air Force – the branch has the least deaths and is the easiest branch when facing challenges.

Below is a table of Casualties stated by the Congressional Research Service (1775-1991):

Branches Total Deaths
Army 874,179
Navy & Coast Guard 78,321
Marines 47,354
Air Force 4,173

3. Accidents Statistics

Over the past ten years, 123 Army and Marine personnel lost their lives due to tactical vehicle accidents.

In just three weeks in April 2018, there were 6 aviation crashes resulting in the deaths of 16 pilots and crew members.

From 2013 to 2017, there was an 82% increase in mishaps related to machinery in the Navy.

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Thus, when it comes to the danger to life for soldiers, the Army and Marine are the most dangerous branches. However, other branches also have many potential risks related to equipment and machinery.

Conclusion

What is the safest branch of the military? The answer is the Navy and the Air Force. The nature of military operations, as well as individual training and preparedness, play a significant role in minimizing risks and protecting personnel.

Each branch will have certain jobs that are less risky than others. However, if war breaks out, knowing where the safest place is is difficult because all the branches have to fight.

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