Which US Military Branch is the Most Selective?
When considering the rigors of joining the United States military, one must recognize the varied missions and the stringent selection processes involved in each branch. This article delves into the recruit selection practices across the major services and highlights the most elite units, particularly focusing on the Air Force, Delta Force, and DEVGRU.
Understanding the Selectivity Across the US Military Branches
As an experienced enlisted Vietnam combat Marine and a Coast Guardsman, I have firsthand knowledge of the rigorous screening processes in each branch. My Marine Corps boot camp and Coast Guard basic training experiences have provided me with a unique perspective on the selection criteria for each service. Typically, the selection process for enlisted personnel varies widely, from as few as 72 out of 100 recruits making it to graduation in my Marine Corps platoon down to every recruit completing training successfully in the Army and Air Force.
Each branch has its own criteria and missions, making the selection process unique. For example, the Air Force often requires more technical skills for its various roles, which can make it more selective compared to the other branches. This is not to say that other services are not selective; they simply have different needs and missions. The service selection process is based on the specific role a recruit is expected to fill, and no service can be considered over-selective if the potential recruit meets the physical and academic requirements outlined by the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
The Air Force: A High-Selectivity Branch
As an Army retiree, I must reluctantly admit that the Air Force tends to be the most selective. This is largely due to the fact that many of the jobs in the Air Force require specialized technical skills. The vast array of roles, from aircraft maintenance to technical operations, often necessitates a higher level of expertise and specialization. This can make the recruitment process more rigorous, as candidates must not only meet the physical and academic standards but also possess the necessary technical skills.
The Elite Units: Delta Force and DEVGRU
Among the elite units within the US military, Delta Force and DEVGRU stand out as the most selective. These are the Tier One Special Forces, with both units considered the most elite Special Operations units in America. Delta Force, a branch of the US Army, and DEVGRU (Navy SEALs) both select their candidates from the cream of the crop among regular corps branch volunteers. What sets these units apart is their ability to select from the best candidates from other special forces branches, drawing from an already highly skilled pool of military personnel. This ensures that both Delta Force and DEVGRU are made up of the most elite and highly trained soldiers in the US military.
It is worth noting that Delta Force has a unique recruitment policy in that it can draft candidates from other special forces units, such as DEVGRU, providing further evidence of its rigorous selection process. Conversely, DEVGRU does not draft from Delta Force, indicating a strict commitment to their own standards. However, there may be even more elite special forces units that are so secretive that their existence remains unknown to the public.
Conclusion
While every branch of the US military has its own rigorous selection criteria, Delta Force and DEVGRU stand out as the most selective and elite units in the military. Their selection processes are designed to ensure that only the most qualified and experienced soldiers are chosen to serve in these highly specialized and demanding roles. Whether it is due to the technical skills required in the Air Force, or the physical and mental fortitude demanded of Delta Force and DEVGRU, the US military's most selective units are the embodiment of excellence and dedication.