Answer
Jan 17, 2026 - 11:12 PM
The U.S. Coast Guard is considered both a military and a law enforcement organization, but it is unique because it operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, rather than the Department of Defense. While it plays a military role during wartime or when directed by the President, its primary missions include maritime safety, security, and environmental protection, which differentiate it from the other branches of the armed forces. This dual role often leads to the perception that it is not a traditional military service.
