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Branches Of The Army List 2025

The officer branches of the US Army encompass a remarkable array of specialized skills and responsibilities. 

In today’s post, I will explore the different officer branches in the United States Army.

The officer branches of the US Army can be categorized into four groups:

  • Combat Arms branches
  • Combat support branches
  • Combat service support branches
  • Special branches. 

I will start with the Combat Arms branches of the Army.

Table of Contents show

Combat Arms Army Branches List

These are the Combat Units of the Army whose primary role is engaging in direct combat with the enemy.

Soldiers in this branch are physically fit and tactical due to being at the front lines of conflicts and engaging directly with enemy forces.

The Combat Arms branches of the Army are as follows:

  • Infantry Branch
  • Armor Corps
  • Air Defense Artillery
  • Aviation
  • Corps of Engineers
  • Field Artillery
  • Special Forces 

Infantry branch

  • The US Army Infantry Officer branch specializes in leading and directing soldiers in ground combat operations.
  • Infantry officers are highly trained leaders responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing offensive and defensive missions.
  • They possess infantry tactics, small unit operations, and weapon systems expertise.
  • Their role includes training and preparing soldiers, ensuring force protection, and working in combined arms operations.

Air Defense Artillery

  • This Army branch specializes in defending against aerial threats.
  • Air Defense Artillery Officers operate and manage air defense systems, analyze air threats, and plan air defense operations.
  • They are also responsible for training and readiness, working in joint operations, and prioritizing force protection.

Armor Corps

  • The Armor Corps Officer branch specializes in leading and operating armored units, including tanks and other vehicles.
  • Armor Officers are trained in armored warfare tactics and techniques and command and coordinate ground combat operations.
  • They are also skilled in crew and vehicle operations, offensive and defensive operations, and maintaining armored assets.

Aviation

  • This officer branch specializes in leading and operating army aviation assets, including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. 
  • Aviation officers are trained pilots responsible for planning and executing aviation operations, including combat support, reconnaissance, and troop transport.
  • They also coordinate with ground units, maintain aircraft readiness, and ensure the training and proficiency of aviation personnel.
  • Aviation officers also play a vital role in airspace management and often work on joint operations.

Corps of Engineers

  • The US Army Corps of Engineers specializes in providing engineering expertise, construction management, and infrastructure support.
  • Corps of Engineers Officers oversee engineering operations, manage construction projects, develop and maintain military infrastructure, address environmental concerns, and utilize geospatial information. 
  • They also play a vital role in emergency response, water resource management, project planning, and budgeting.

Field Artillery

  • This officer branch specializes in planning, coordinating, and executing artillery operations to provide fire support to ground forces. 
  • Field Artillery Officers are responsible for fire support planning, utilizing various artillery systems, target acquisition, fire control, and tactical maneuvering. 
  • They also play a crucial role in integrating fire support into more extensive operational plans and contributing to combined arms operations.

Special Forces 

  • Special Forces is a non-accession branch, meaning officers are only eligible after promotion to captain. Special Forces officers are responsible for training and leading special forces teams.
  • They are highly trained in unconventional tactics, including guerrilla warfare, foreign internal defense, direct action, and special reconnaissance.
  • They also possess language skills, cultural understanding, and the ability to build relationships with partner forces. 

Next up are the Combat Support branches of the Army.

Combat Support Army Branches List

These are the units providing operational assistance to combat arms units. Combat Support Army Branches enhance the efficiency of combat units by providing additional capabilities such as:

  • Reconnaissance
  • Signal communications, 
  • Military intelligence
  • Psychological operations

They collect, analyze, and disseminate information and plan and execute certain operations. 

The Combat Support Branches of the Army are as follows:

  • Military Police Corps 
  • Military Intelligence Corps
  • Signal Corps
  • Chemical Corps
  • Cyber Corps
  • Psychological Operations 

Military Police Corps

  • This branch specializes in law enforcement, security, and policing operations within the Army. 
  • Officers in this branch undergo specialized training and possess the skills and leadership qualities necessary to fulfill their responsibilities within the military police field. Military police officers enforce military laws and regulations, maintain discipline, and ensure the safety and security of military personnel and installations. 

Military Intelligence Corps

  • The US Army Military Intelligence Corps specializes in gathering, analyzing, and providing intelligence support to military operations.
  • Officers in this branch undergo specialized training and possess the skills and leadership qualities necessary to fulfill their intelligence responsibilities within the military. 
  • They also collaborate with other intelligence agencies and units and ensure the training and education of military intelligence personnel. 

Signal Corps

  • This branch provides communication and information system support for military operations. 
  • Signal Corps officers establish and maintain communication networks, manage information systems, and support command and control functions.
  • They also ensure effective communication between units, the security, and availability of communication networks, and keep information flowing for decision-making. 

Chemical Corps

  • The US Army Chemical Corps branch specializes in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense and protection.
  • Chemical Corps officers are experts in defense operations, including detecting and mitigating hazards, managing hazardous materials, conducting reconnaissance, and providing training and education.
  • They also work closely with interagency partners and undergo specialized training to fulfill their responsibilities in safeguarding military personnel and assets from threats. 

Cyber Corps

  • This branch focuses on cyberspace operations and cybersecurity. 
  • It is considered a maneuver branch by the US Army, with the mission to conduct defensive and offensive cyberspace operations. 
  • Officers in this branch undergo training to develop cyber warfare and information security skills.
  • They have different specialties, including cyber operations, cyber security, information warfare, and electronic warfare. 

Psychological Operations Branch

  • This Branch of the Army is part of the Special Operations Command.
  • Psychological Operations, or PSYOP as popularly known, disseminates information to specific groups of people to induce particular behaviors that support the United States objectives. 
  • PSYOP uses various techniques, including propaganda, to influence the perception and behavior of people, individuals, or even governments.

Next up are the Combat Service Support branches of the Army.

Combat Service Support Army Branches List

The Combat Service Support branches of the Army provide logistical and administrative support, ensuring the Army can sustain its operations effectively.

Some of their roles include:

  • Transportation
  • Supply
  • Service to maintenance
  • Medical services
  • Financial service
  • Personnel services

The Combat Service Support Branches of the Army are as follows:

  • Transportation Corps 
  • Quartermaster Corps
  • Ordnance Corps
  • Finance Corps
  • Adjutant General’s Corps
  • Public Affairs Branch
  • Acquisition Corps Branch

Transportation Corps 

  • This branch specializes in moving personnel, equipment, and supplies in military operations. 
  • Transportation Corps officers coordinate transportation operations, including logistics and movement planning, deployment and distribution, port and terminal operations, and convoy operations. 
  • They also manage transportation assets, ensure safety and security regulations compliance, and maintain efficient cargo movement. 

Quartermaster Corps

  • The US Army Quartermaster Corps provides sustainment and logistical support for military operations. 
  • Quartermaster Corps officers ensure the availability and distribution of supplies, manage facilities and infrastructure, and provide support services to military personnel. 
  • They undergo specialized training and possess the skills and leadership qualities necessary to fulfill their responsibilities in sustaining military operations.

Ordnance Corps

  • The US Army Ordnance Corps manages, maintains, and sustains military weapons, ammunition, and explosive ordnance.
  • Officers in this branch ensure that weapon systems, vehicles, and equipment are always ready, available, and in perfect condition. 
  • They also manage the development, testing, fielding, handling, storage, and disposal of munitions. 

Finance Corps

  • This branch specializes in financial management and support services for military operations.
  • Finance Corps officers ensure accurate and timely payment of salaries, manage budgets, track financial transactions, provide financial management support, and handle contract and vendor payments.
  • They also oversee travel and expense management, offer financial education and counseling, and operate financial management systems.

Adjutant General’s Corps

  • The US Army Adjutant General’s Corps specializes in managing human resources and providing administrative support for military personnel.
  • Officers in this branch are responsible for offering personnel support that contributes to the overall well-being of soldiers.
  • In many instances, the tasks performed by Adjutant General Corps officers closely resemble the role of a senior executive in human resources within the civilian sector.

Public Affairs Branch

  • The Public Affairs branch of the Army plays an essential role in communicating the Army’s message to its internal and external audiences.
  • Those in Public Affairs:
    • Ensure there is a flow of information. 
    • Provide media facilitation
    • Manage Community relations programs.

Acquisition Corps Branch

  • The Acquisition Corps branch of the Army develops and procures advanced technology, systems, and services for the Army.
  • This army branch is responsible for the following:
    • Research and development
    • Testing of systems and equipment
    • Production of technology and equipment
    • Fielding of technology and equipment
    • Lifecycle management of systems
    • Equipping the Army with the most effective and efficient technology and equipment.

Next up are the Special branches of the Army.

Special Army Branches List

These are unique support branches of the Army that provide specialized services to the Army.

Special branches provide essential services to the Army or Military that are over and above the standard conventional military operations but are critical to the well-being of military personnel.

The Special Branches of the Army are as follows:

  • Medical Corps
  • Medical Service Corps
  • Medical Specialist Corps 
  • Nurse Corps
  • Dental Corps
  • Veterinary Corps
  • Judge Advocate General’s Corps
  • Chaplain Corps 
  • Civil Affairs Branch

Medical Corps

  • The US Army Medical Corps specializes in providing medical care, healthcare administration, and medical support in military operations. 
  • Officers in this branch diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, manage healthcare facilities, oversee medical resources, and coordinate medical services.
  • Medical Corps Physicians practice operational, clinical, and research medicine. 

Medical Service Corps

  • This branch specializes in healthcare administration, management, and support services in the Army’s Healthcare system. 
  • Medical Service Corps Officers have disciplines, including behavioral sciences, health services, laboratory sciences, optometry, pharmacy, and preventative medicine.

Medical Specialist Corps 

  • The US Army Medical Specialist Corps comprises highly skilled professionals in various healthcare fields. 
  • Officers in this branch provide specialized health care services and support within the military. 
  • The Medical Specialist Corps includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, clinical dietitians, and physician assistants. 

Nurse Corps

  • This branch specializes in providing nursing and health care support within the military. 
  • Army Nurse Corps Officers specialize in critical care, mental health, perioperative care, emergency trauma, gynecology, and obstetrics. 
  • These officers deliver direct patient care in various healthcare settings, including assessments, treatments, and patient education. 

Dental Corps

  • The US Army Dental Corps delivers dental care, preventive dentistry, and oral health support to military personnel. 
  • Dental Corps officers diagnose and treat oral diseases and conditions, conduct dental exams and cleanings, and perform various dental procedures. 
  • Specialties in this branch include comprehensive dentistry, oral surgery, maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, prosthodontics, general dentistry, oral pathology, and public health. 

Veterinary Corps

  • This branch specializes in veterinary medicine and animal health support within the military. 
  • Veterinary Corps officers diagnose and treat animal illnesses and injuries, conduct food safety inspections, and monitor and control zoonotic diseases.
  • Specialties in this branch include Veterinary Preventative Medicine, Laboratory Animal Medicine, Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary Comparative Medicine, and Veterinary Clinical Medicine. 

Judge Advocate General’s Corps

  • The US Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps provides legal services and support within the military. 
  • Officers in this branch offer legal advice, uphold military law, and ensure legal compliance. 
  • They guide commanders and military personnel on various legal matters, including military justice, operational law, administrative law, and legal assistance. 

Chaplain Corps 

  • The Chaplain Corps offers soldiers and their families extensive religious assistance during wartime and peacetime. 
  • Chaplains aid commanders in enabling the freedom to practice religion for all individuals.
  • They have commissioned officers recognized as clergy and endorsed by an established denomination or religious group for their role in military ministry. 

Civil Affairs Branch

  • The final branch we will examine is the Civil Affairs branch. 
  • Civil Affairs Officers are intermediaries between the Army and civilian authorities and populations.
  • Their responsibilities encompass executing civil affairs operations in strategic and tactical capacities during peacetime or when deployed for crises or conflicts.
  • They also ensure the effective deployment of civil affairs soldiers across various levels of command in both US and multinational operations.

That’s all for the officer branches of the US Army. 

George N.
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