The United States Armed Forces (USAF or Armed Forces) are the military forces of the United States. The Armed Forces include six distinct forces:
• Army
• Navy
• Air Force
• Marine Corps
• Coast Guard
• Space Force
The President of the United States is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and works with the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to formulate U.S. military policy.
In Rhode Island, as in all states, the United States Armed Forces are under the federal jurisdiction and are composed of six branches: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force. The President serves as the Commander in Chief and oversees these forces in conjunction with the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the Coast Guard, except in times of war when it may be transferred to the DoD. While state law does not govern the organization or command of the Armed Forces, Rhode Island statutes may include provisions that affect service members stationed in or residents of the state, such as laws related to employment protections, education benefits, and voting rights for military personnel. Additionally, the Rhode Island National Guard operates under the dual authority of the state and federal government, with the Governor of Rhode Island having control over the National Guard in most circumstances, but with the possibility of the National Guard being called into federal service by the President.