You can hear it echoing from the hallowed halls of Fort Benning, Ga.'s Infantry Center to the ranges at Fort Lewis, Wash. It is uttered at award ceremonies, bellowed from formations, and repeated before, during and after training missions. You can hear it shouted by Air Force Security Forces, Pararescue, and Combat Controllers. The word is thundered out by Navy SEALs, and by United States Marines (who pronounce it OohRah!). So, where did the term originate?

Many military members have the choice to live on-base or off-base. So, which is better? There is no clear answer. It depends on your branch of service, the base you're assigned to, the policies of your base/command, whether you are married or single, and whether you are a junior member or have a few years of service under your belt.

My father served in the Army during the Korean War and told me that many of the soldiers he served alongside with were in the Army as an alternative to prison. Several Vietnam-era vets have told me they've served with military members who were told by a judge, "Join the Military, or go to jail."

Can courts still do that? Can a criminal court judge sentence a person to military service as an alternative to jail. Can a prosecutor mandate that someone join the military as an alternative to criminal prosecution?

The U.S. Army Parachute Team known as the Golden Knights is now seeking candidates for its 2009 assessment and selection, which will begin Sept. 8. Soldiers interested in trying out for the elite parachute team are encouraged to submit applications immediately; deadline for submission is July 24.

To be selected to the team, a Soldier must be on active-duty status, have completed 100 free-fall parachute jumps and have a good military and civilian record. Applications are available at www.usarec.army.mil/hq/goldenknights.

The Navy Working Uniform (NWU) is now authorized for wear off-base, during routine stops and at eating establishments during the prescribed workday. Up to now, routine stops were not allowed. That meant Sailors were prohibited from visits to child care centers, gas stations, brief stops at convenience stores or banks. Now those stops are authorized. For details, see Navy Administrative Message 188/09.

In April 2008, the Army began a pilot (test) program which allowed commanders to promote deserving Soldiers serving in combat zones (up to the rank of Staff Sergeant). While battlefield promotions were common during World War II and some later conflicts, the Army terminated the program after the Vietnam War. The Army has dubbed the new pilot program a success, and has made it permanent.

The new policy authorizes unit commanders to recommend soldiers for battlefield promotion. There is no cap on numbers of soldiers commanders can select, but they must justify their recommendations to the senior Army component commander in theater.

Personnel Security Investigations (PSIs) and security clearances are key elements in protecting the security of the United States. What is a security clearance? What do they look at? What can keep me from getting a security clearance? How far back to they investigate? How long is a security clearance valid? This article answers those questions, and more.

Any decision to repeal the controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, which prohibits homosexuals from serving openly in the military appears to be in limbo, according to a story in the Stars & Stripes. Last Wednesday, President Barack Obama extended new benefits to same-sex civilian partners of federal employees, and some speculated this might be a prelude to an imminent change in the military policy. However, it appears as if President Obama is waiting for Congress to make the first move, and Congress is waiting for Obama to make the first move. The hot-potato game between the White House and Capitol Hill is fueling frustration among gay-rights advocates, who strongly supported both Obama and the Democratic slate of congressional candidates during last year’s election. Both the president and lawmakers promised during the campaign to overturn the “don’t ask” law.

Do you have views on homosexuals serving openly in the military? Let us know what you think!

Airmen who volunteer to become military training instructors at basic military training, Officer Training School and the Air Force Academy can now get extra cash for their efforts, according to an article in the Air Force Times.

Under the revised policy, which took effect June 1, instructors at BMT or the academy will earn $450 per month in Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP); instructors in support positions will get $375 a month; and those at OTS will earn $300. These instructors already earned SDAP, but the revised policy increases the amounts.

The Navy announced June 19 that it will resume issuing permanent change of station (PCS) orders following a three-month delay due to a budget shortfall.

Last April, approximately 14,000 Sailors who were supposed to transfer during the summer had their transfer dates delayed until fiscal year 2010. With the passing of a supplemental request, the Navy received approximately $89 million needed to fund PCS moves through the end of this fiscal year (see related blog entry).