The Swiss Army Knife is a multi-purpose tool with various blades, screwdrivers, scissors, and other accessories stored in spring-loaded compartments. Victorinox and Wenger are licensed to produce the official knife, with military versions made from anodized aluminum. The first knife appeared in 1891, with modern versions containing additional utensils and emergency surgical equipment. The knife […]
The US Department of Defense operates over 200 golf courses on military bases worldwide, representing only a small fraction of their land. Military bases offer various recreational activities for personnel and their families, managed by the Morale, Welfare and Recreation network. As of 2012, the United States Department of Defense operates over 200 golf courses […]
The Nazi Party, with its paramilitary organizations SA and SS, controlled the German military, police, and government. The Wehrmacht was a unified military force, while the Gestapo was the secret police. Understanding the roles of each organization is important in understanding Germany’s political and military structure in the 1930s and 1940s. The German military was […]
Army Basic Training is a nine-week course that teaches soldiers basic skills, including weapon handling and physical fitness. It consists of three stages: red, white, and blue. After completing basic training, soldiers move on to advanced individual training for their specific occupation specialty. Army Basic Training is a nine-week course designed to teach new soldiers […]
Army Warrant Officers are skilled soldiers who focus on specific tasks requiring attention to detail. They rank above enlisted soldiers and below full-fledged officers, with the highest-ranking petty officer just below O-1. NCOs focus on technical professions and can become one after attaining the rank of sergeant. Specialized training is required at the Warrant Officer […]
The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was a veterans organization for Union veterans of the American Civil War, founded in 1866. It grew into a powerful special interest group and disbanded in 1956. The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) continues to promote Civil War history. The United Confederate Veterans was […]
The Continental Army was formed in 1775 to represent the future United States in the Revolutionary War. It was undersupplied and had a high turnover rate, but used innovative tactics to defeat the British. After the war, the army was disbanded and steps were taken to organize a standing army. The Continental Army was a […]
The 101st Airborne Division is a versatile division specializing in airborne assaults, with four combat brigades, two combat aviation brigades, and one support brigade. It was established in 1942 and has been deployed for various tasks, including school integration and forest fires. The division is known as the “Screaming Eagles” and has a motto of […]
US military intelligence gathers and uses information on enemy and battlefield activities. The US Army Intelligence & Security Command (INSCOM) is one of the largest military intelligence organizations, tasked with collecting and analyzing information for strategic advantage. INSCOM coordinates efforts among subordinate commands, provides language support, and works with other intelligence agencies. Information gathered can […]
An Army Reserve officer is a commissioned officer who pursues a civilian career but reports for periodic military training. They can be called up for active duty and must maintain their eligibility through training. Most new officers come from civilian colleges and universities through ROTC programs or Officer Candidate School. Upon completion of their education […]
The Army Reserve is a branch of the military that supports regular forces. Members train with regular army personnel and are sent home after training. Reserve troops can be mobilized in emergencies and are a good option for those who want to serve but have family or work responsibilities. They are often better prepared for […]
Army drill sergeants train new recruits through Basic Combat Training (BCT) and are chosen from non-commissioned officers who have proven themselves. They supervise the training of new recruits to become effective soldiers, and completion of training concludes with the iconic campaign hat. An Army drill sergeant is a United States Army (US) non-commissioned officer (NCO) […]
Army surplus stores sell extra goods manufactured for the military, often at low prices. Surplus supplies are auctioned off and sold to private traders who then sell to the public. The stores offer a range of equipment including clothing, ammunition cases, gas masks, and tents. The gear is useful for security guards, police, hunters, and […]
The US Army offers various programs for soldiers and their spouses to earn college degrees, including GoArmyEd, College of Opportunity for Service Members, eArmyU, and Spousal Educational Assistance. The GI Bill also provides educational and training opportunities for military personnel. The US Army offers three primary programs to help active-duty soldiers and reservists earn college […]
The Army Airborne School, also known as Jump School, is a voluntary program for parachute training for all members of the US military who meet physical requirements. The three-week Basic Airborne Course includes Ground Week, Tower Week, and Jump Week, with students required to pass physical and skydiving training to receive the “Silver Wing”. Other […]
An army air traffic controller directs aircraft and monitors weather conditions and the airfield. They may also identify enemy aircraft and scout for mobile airfields, while controlling ground traffic and training less experienced personnel. An army air traffic controller provides the same services as a civilian air traffic controller, both at established airfields and improvised […]
The US military offers education assistance to all branches, including full-time, reserves, National Guard, and ROTC students. The Military Readjustment Act of 1944 increased education levels, and the Montgomery GI Bill provides enhanced benefits. Funding and benefits differ for each component, with scholarships available for ROTC members. The Army Reserve Education Career Stabilization Program allows […]
The United States Army uses a complex system to classify enlisted personnel by Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) and commissioned officers by Areas of Concentration (AOC). MOS are specific jobs within career management fields, with alphanumeric codes that reflect the changing nature of the military. Women and disabled individuals may have limitations in certain MOS. The […]
The Army Special Forces, known as the Green Berets, were founded in 1952 and have six missions including unconventional warfare and counter-terrorism. They are organized into special forces groups and undergo a rigorous selection process. Much of their activities and missions are classified. The Army Special Forces are more commonly known as the Green Berets […]
The US Army and US Marines have different histories, goals, and combat capabilities. The Marines are a highly mobile amphibious strike force, while the Army is the primary land-based military force. Both have reserves, but the Army’s is larger and has more support personnel. The United States Army and the United States Marines are two […]
