Named for Revolutionary War general and South Carolina native Thomas Sumter, Fort Sumter was one of nearly 50 forts built as part of the so-called Third System, a coastal defense program implemented by Congress in 1817.
In simple terms, the U.S. Armed Forces are made up of the five armed service branches: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy.
Find Your Local Recruiter Here For All Military Branches! Start by understanding the service options, their area of operation, their missions and their us military job offerings. Service Options Five primary component branches comprise the United States armed forces. All are within the Department of Defense except the Coast Guard which is within the Department of Homeland Security. During time of war or national emergency, the Coast Guard functions as a specialized service under the Navy.