How well do you know the branches of the military and what they do to protect our country? For example, do you know which branch was founded first? Which has fought in the most wars? Which lives by the motto Honor, Courage, Commitment? Which is on the ground first in a conflict?

Many people wouldn’t know the answers to these questions, but with the primer below, you can learn these answers—and so much more—about each branch!

ARMY • Founded: June 14, 1775
Motto: This We’ll Defend

Wars Fought: American Revolutionary War, Indian Wars, War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Utah War, American Civil War, Spanish-American War, Banana Wars, Philippine-American War, Boxer Rebellion, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, Kosovo War, War in Afghanistan, War in Iraq

Description: The Army is a powerful fighting force defending and serving our nation by land, sea, and air. Elite groups within the Army, such as the Army Rangers and Special Forces, receive specialized training for advanced combat situations. In addition to domestic bases, the Army has permanent stations in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, as well as troops on the ground wherever there is a conflict.

COAST GUARD • Founded: August 4, 1790

Motto: Semper Paratus

Wars Fought: Quasi-War, War of 1812, Seminole Wars, Mexican-American War, American Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, War in Afghanistan, War in Iraq

Description: The Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and under the Navy during wartime or by special presidential order. In addition to protecting our nation’s waterways, the active-duty members of the Coast Guard perform search and rescue, law enforcement, and environmental cleanup operations.

MARINE CORPS • Founded: November 10, 1775
Motto: Semper Fidelis

Wars Fought: American Revolutionary War, Quasi-War, Barbary Wars, War of 1812, Seminole Wars, Mexican-American War, American Civil War, Spanish-American War, Banana Wars, Philippine-American War, Boxer Rebellion, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, Kosovo War, War in Afghanistan, War in Iraq, Bombing of Libya

Description: The core values of honor, courage, and commitment inform everything a Marine does, on and off the battlefield. The Marine Corps plays a major role as the first force on the ground in most conflicts. Marines are stationed around the world and are ready to deploy quickly whenever and wherever needed.

NAVY • Founded: October 13, 1775
Motto: Honor, Courage, Commitment

Wars Fought: American Revolutionary War, Quasi-War, Barbary Wars, War of 1812, Mexican-American War, American Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, War in Afghanistan, War in Iraq, Bombing of Libya

Description: Today’s Navy is equipped to handle operations on and under the sea, in the air, and on the ground. Its reach is worldwide, spanning 100 international ports and touching the farthest corners of the open ocean. Elite groups within the Navy, such as the SEALs and Navy Divers, receive specialized training for advanced warfare situations.

AIR FORCE • Founded: September 18, 1947
Motto: Above All

Wars Fought: Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, Kosovo War, War in Afghanistan,  War in Iraq, Bombing of Libya

Description: Today’s Air Force operates in keeping with a three-part vision: global vigilance, reach, and power. This vision empowers a technologically advanced force of troops focused on air, space, and cyberspace superiority.