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 South Dakota, 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, South Dakota statutes may include provisions that affect service members stationed in or residents of the state, such as laws pertaining to employment protections, education benefits, and voting rights for military personnel. Additionally, the South Dakota National Guard operates under state jurisdiction but can be federalized and become part of the U.S. Armed Forces during national emergencies at the order of the President.