Sea-based combat and power projection branch maintaining global maritime superiority.
Expeditionary missions, deterrence operations, global presence, and naval supremacy
Land-based warfare and ground defense branch providing territorial security and combat manpower.
Territorial defense, sustained ground campaigns, counterinsurgency, and large-scale manpower operations
Neither is inherently 'better'—they serve distinct strategic purposes. The Navy projects power globally via maritime dominance, while the Army provides ground combat capability and territorial defense. Choose based on mission requirements and operational environment.
The US Navy excels at rapid global deterrence and power projection, while the US Army provides sustained ground presence and territorial security. Choose the Navy for maritime/expeditionary missions and global forward deployment; choose the Army for territorial defense, nation-building, and sustained ground operations requiring manpower depth.
Choose US Navy if
Expeditionary missions, deterrence operations, global presence, and naval supremacy
| Metric | US Navy | US Army | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Reach (Deployment Range)(continents) | 7 continents | 4 continents | +75% |
| Maximum Recruitment Age (2026)(years) | 42 years | 42 years | — |
| Active-Duty Personnel (2026)(personnel) | 334,600 sailors | 485,000+ soldiers |
US Military vs China Military
military
USA vs China
countries
Japan vs China
countries
WW1 vs WW2
history
India vs China
countries
Russia vs USA
countries
UK vs USA
countries
India vs Pakistan
countries
Ancient Greece vs Ancient Rome
history
Germany vs France
countries
South Korea vs Japan
countries
Roman Empire vs Ottoman Empire
history
Choose US Army if
Territorial defense, sustained ground campaigns, counterinsurgency, and large-scale manpower operations
| -31% |
| Carrier Strike Groups(units) | 11 deployed | 0 | — |
| Main Battle Tanks(vehicles) | 0 (limited amphibious tanks) | 6,000+ M1 Abrams | -100% |
| Nuclear Submarines(vessels) | 68 submarines | 0 | — |
| Aircraft Carriers(vessels) | 11 active carriers | 0 | — |
| Attack Helicopters(aircraft) | 100+ | 900+ Apache/Kiowa | -89% |
| Time to Global Deployment(days) | 3-7 days (pre-positioned) | 14-30 days (standard) | -77% |
| Destroyer/Cruiser Fleet(vessels) | 80+ destroyers/cruisers | 0 | — |
| Infantry Fighting Vehicles(vehicles) | 200+ (limited) | 6,800+ Bradley/Stryker | -97% |
| Naval Recruiting Growth (2026)(new personnel) | 12,300 new sailors | Variable (not specified) | — |
All figures sourced from publicly available data. Last updated May 2026.
US Navy
Maritime/Naval Operations
US Army
Land/Ground Operations
US Navy
334,600 sailors
US Army
485,000+ soldiers🏆
US Navy
Carrier Strike Groups & Naval Assets🏆
US Army
Expeditionary Ground Forces
US Navy
Global (7 continents)🏆
US Army
Continental & Regional
US Navy
Nuclear Submarines, Destroyers, Carriers
US Army
Main Battle Tanks, Infantry Systems
US Navy
42 years old
US Army
42 years old
US Navy
Pre-positioned Forces Ready🏆
US Army
Requires Logistics Pipeline
US Navy
Supply Line Dependent
US Army
Territorial Advantage🏆
The US Navy operates maritime combat systems and projects power globally through naval vessels, submarines, and carrier strike groups. The US Army provides ground combat capability, territorial defense, and sustained operations via infantry, armor, and logistics. Each branch is specialized for different operational environments and strategic objectives.
Dive deeper with these curated resources
| Attribute | US Navy | US Army |
|---|---|---|
| Global Reach (Deployment Range)(continents) | 7 continents | 4 continents |
| Maximum Recruitment Age (2026)(years) | 42 years | 42 years |
| Active-Duty Personnel (2026)(personnel) | 334,600 sailors | 485,000+ soldiers |
| Carrier Strike Groups(units) | 11 deployed | 0 |
| Main Battle Tanks(vehicles) | 0 (limited amphibious tanks) | 6,000+ M1 Abrams |
| Aircraft Carriers(vessels) | 11 active carriers | 0 |
| Attack Helicopters(aircraft) | 100+ | 900+ Apache/Kiowa |
| Destroyer/Cruiser Fleet(vessels) | 80+ destroyers/cruisers | 0 |
Show 1 more attributeInfantry Fighting Vehicles(vehicles) 200+ (limited) 6,800+ Bradley/Stryker | ||
| Nuclear Submarines(vessels) | 68 submarines | 0 |
| Time to Global Deployment(days) | 3-7 days (pre-positioned) | 14-30 days (standard) |
| Naval Recruiting Growth (2026)(new personnel) | 12,300 new sailors | Variable (not specified) |
Side-by-side comparison of numeric attributes