US Military

Back in the World War II era, the separation paper form was not called a DD-214 as it is now. Rather, the document was called a Statement of Service. A Statement of Service was very much like the...

Early American soldiers fighting wars felt the need to identify their bodies in the event of a casualty. "Tags," as they were called, provided this identification. Since that time, not only have...

Thousands of America's military service men and women deploy every year. Whether they are going to a war zone or just to another military base in another country, it is important that they get...

Military service records can be a useful reference in genealogy or familial research. Service records contain information such as dates served, ranks achieved and awards earned. If you would like...

Basic training is notorious for being grueling, both emotionally and physically. With a drop out rate of roughly 14 percent of all entrants, it's clear that basic training is challenging. This...

The bond between United States war veterans is like no other. Signing up for Hell on Earth means leaving family and friends behind to survive back-to-back in the constant limbo of life-and-death...

There is rich tradition and symbolism entwined with every stitch of the American flag. When the American flag is waving in the breeze, the heritage and history it represents flies with it. Upon...

You likely know a Marine or have been a Marine yourself. However, if you are not a Marine, then you might not know the proper way to celebrate this joyous occasion.

The invasion of Spanish Florida by the United States in 1818 effectively ended Spanish control over Florida. This invasion, led by future president Andrew Jackson, influenced future legislation,...

Although women have been active in the military all the way back to the American Revolution, their role in the armed forces has been controversial. Since the creation of an all-volunteer military...

Women serve throughout every branch of the military. However, a long-term debate exists within the culture and leadership as to the full utilization of female soldiers, especially in combat...

Army regulation 670-1 stipulates that the United States flag patch worn on the right side of the uniform should be reversed to indicate the flag's motion in the wind as the soldier marches forward...

There are a lot of things your recruiter won't tell you, and what to do to prepare for boot camp should be on the top of his list. However, some recruiters aren't the best. Read this article to...

Navy Dress Whites or "Service Dress Whites" are a standard uniform of the U.S. Navy. These uniforms are suitable for semi-formal working environments and are worn during the summer months or in...

Commissaries are grocery stores that are provided for military personnel and their families to shop at on base and online. These venues are tax free and provide much of the same food and non-food...

Military bases are located throughout the world, are a variety of sizes and serve many different functions. Each military base is run by its respective service branch. Some house and train...

The United States Naval Reserve is a reserve component of the United States Navy. Founded in 1915, the Naval Reserve has more than 60,000 members. The Navy Reserve offers many educational benefits...

The United States Army has the policy of treating any soldier for drug or alcohol abuse problems. This policy includes medical help for the physical and mental effects of the substances as well as...

Military service members face the awesome task of protecting their homeland. This may involve deployment to a variety of overseas missions. Although soldiers may take pride in serving their...

Knowing how to become a U.S. citizen by joining the military will help you to fast track your citizenship. If you join the U.S. Military your application for citizenship will be fast tracked...

Each branch of the U.S. military has its own flag as a symbol of the particular branch of service. When displayed in unison, the order is based on the branch birth date.

Maritime flag etiquette traces its origins back to at least the Middle Ages. Modern ships maintain a generally strict system of positioning and patterns in order to help other ships identify them...

Knowing how to become a US citizen fast will help you transition to a new life. During the Bush administration a new program called Fast Track to citizenship was founded. This new program...

After going through basic training I realized how many people had no clue what they were doing there and could use some help preparing for basic. I will tell you what happens from beginning to end...

Uniforms and other related items that America soldiers wear in Iraq serve to protect them in more ways than one. The weather and terrain in Iraq is difficult. Classes on the dangers of heatstroke,...

Throughout Iraq, soldiers are in need of equipment necessary to complete their mission and to make daily life more bearable. According to a number of reports and aid agencies, this equipment can...

The United States Coast Guard is the branch of the United States military charged with enforcing the country's maritime laws. The Coast Guard operates under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department...

Knowing how to become a legal U.S. citizen will help you provide better for your family. Becoming a citizen of the United States of America will allow you to live and work in America legally. ...

There are a number of debates centering on whether it is appropriate for the military to recruit certain age groups into provisional or active duty roles. This debate revolves primarily around the...

The official flag of the United States Army was dedicated by Vice President Nixon on June 14, 1956. Prior to the flag's creation, the Army was the only faction of the United States military...

A corporal in the U.S Marine Corps, sometimes referred to as an E-4 because of their pay grade, is an enlisted junior non-commissioned officer rank between lance corporal and sergeant. His salary...

The U.S Army and U.S. Marine Corps are primarily ground-based branches of the military. While the two branches share much in common, there are plenty of differences between the two services.

Since the 18th century, U.S. military uniforms have been implemented as a way to encourage unit cohesion. Today, the uniform is a reflection of a member's branch of service and rank. Each service...

The law that requires young men to register with the Selective Service has a rich history of more than 80 years. However, the idea of conscription--also known as the military draft--has roots as...

They join for love of country, a desire to serve, to better themselves and to see the world. They are just as dedicated and diverse as their brothers in arms; the only difference is they are women.

To qualify as a Vietnam veteran, a person must be an armed service member of a military force that participated in the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War was a military conflict that occurred between...

Thanks to the 2005 Stolen Valor Act, it has become a federal offense to wear military medals or a military uniform as a fashion statement (or even to make false claim to the right to wear them)....

Readjusting to the life they left behind is one of the greatest challenges for Marines returning after serving in Iraq. Studies have shown a variety of problems facing Marines, some of whom avoid...

The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier fleet responds in cases of international violence and monitors international waters during peacetime. A carrier functions as a floating military base. It must house...

Learning how to become a U.S. citizen fast will help you get your life started. In can be an exhausting and cumbersome process to become a U.S. citizen. Many things in your life may be put on...

Bombardment and overwhelming force characterized the strategy of the United States military in the battle for the south Pacific island of Iwo Jima during World War II. Meanwhile, the Japanese...

The Navy has existed for more than 200 years. This military branch has had a role in every U.S. war and in many decisive battles, including the 1944 Normandy Invasion during World War II.

Overseas deployment in a hostile environment is a rough experience. Care packages remind soldiers of their loved ones and home comforts. Ensure your package reaches your loved one in time by...

The U.S. Army and U.S. Marines are some of the best-known fighting forces in the world. Both are primarily infantry forces, fighting ground-based operations. However, the exact parameters of...

Family members of United States veterans are entitled to a variety of benefits through governmental and non-governmental organizations. Financial as well as general assistance is made available to...

Naval officers must meet a number of requirements to join the military. There are considerations in age, education, citizenship and medical history. Upon joining the service, four years of reserve...

White Phosphorous, or "Willy Pete", is most commonly used as a screening device during military operations and was most recently ignited in Gaza by Israel against HAMAS targets in 2009. It can...

Flags were an important part of every combat unit in the American Civil War. According to the National Park Service, they served as a symbol of pride, history and honor. They also served the...

If you are thinking about joining the military, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of enlisting so you can make an informed choice.

The United States Army offers military personnel a variety of distance learning opportunities. Soldiers can earn college credits and degrees while serving in the U.S. military through course...