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 West Virginia, 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. While state law does not govern the organization or command of the Armed Forces, West Virginia may have statutes that provide benefits or protections to service members, such as educational benefits, employment protections, and legal assistance. Additionally, the West Virginia National Guard, while under the governor's control during peacetime, can be called into federal service during times of national emergency.