Which Military Branch Do Americans Vote Most Important?

The United States Army is the most vital branch to a strong national defense, Americans voted in a new Gallup poll.

The United States Air Force consistently stole the show prior to the the mid-2000s. However, citizens have now ranked the Army most imperative for an entire decade. The shift is likely related to the heavy ground combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, Gallup states.

More than 500,000 active military personnel serve in the Army, making it the largest branch. It is followed in size by the Air Force with 330,000 plus servicemen.

However, Gallup was sure to note:

While the Army has held a thin lead in perceived importance to the United States' national defense over the last decade, the Marine Corps has consistently been considered the nation's most prestigious military branch, widening its lead over the Air Force and Army during the same period. Currently, nearly half of Americans (47%) say the Marines are the most prestigious, with the Air Force a distant second, at 17%.

Hats off to all those who have and are serving for the well-being of this country.