This created the United States Air Force, and restructured the "War Department" into the "Department of Defense."

• The Gold Water Nichols Act of 1986
• The National Security Act of 1947
• The National Defense Act of 1916
• Executive Order 5531 - 1953

To provide the military forces needed to deter war and to protect the security of our country.

• The Mission of the Army
• The Mission of the CIA
• The Mission of the Department of Defense
• The Mission of the Marines

This branch of the Armed Forces was officially established by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775.

• The United States Marines
• The United States Navy
• The Army National Guard
• The United States Army

To fight and win our Nation's wars by providing prompt, sustained land dominance across the full range of military operations and spectrum of conflict in support of combatant commanders.

• The Army Mission
• The Marine Corps Mission
• The Army Reserve Mission
• The DOD Mission

To fly, fight and win ... in air, space and cyberspace.

• The Air National Guard Mission
• The USSTRATCOM Mission
• The Air Force Reserve Mission
• The Air Force Mission

This branch of the Armed Forces was created on 13 October 1775.

• The United States Coast Guard
• The United States Army National Guard
• The United States Navy
• The United States Merchant Marines

This branch of the Armed Forces was created on 18 September 1947 under the National Security Act of 1947.

• The United States Air Force
• The United States Air National Guard 
• The United States Army Reserves
• Army ROTC

To maintain, train and equip combat-ready forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas.

• The United States Coast Guard
• The United States Merchant Marines
• The United States Navy
• The United States Navy Reserves

This branch of the Armed Forces was established on 10 November 1775.

• The United States Army
• The United States Navy
• The United States National Guard
• The United States Marine Corps

To ensure our Nation's maritime safety, security and stewardship.

• The United States Coast Guard Mission
• The United States Navy Mission 
• The United States Merchant Marine Mission
• The United States Marine Corps Mission