The Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) is an alternative for NROTC or OCS for college students who wish to become commissioned officers in the United States Marine Corps.
College students can enroll in PLC when they are freshmen, sophomores, or juniors in college. Those who enroll as freshmen or sophmores attend two 6 six-week summer training programs at the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, located at Quantico, Virginia. Students who enroll in the program as juniors attend one 10-week summer course.
12:35 PM #
Despite predictions to the contrary, Americans are continuing to volunteer for the military, and those already in service are re- enlisting at a vigorous rate. Early in the global war on terrorism, critics predicted the U.S. would have to return to the draft to man the forces. But in this 30th year of the all-volunteer force, the military continues to meet recruiting and retention goals.
08:36 AM #
Mail Service to Deployed Troops Continues to Improve
The U.S. Postal Service and the Military Postal Service Agency process about 2 million pounds of mail a week for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and some items make it to the recipient faster than others, according to an article on the American Forces News Service.
The article presents a lot of great information for those sending packages to deployed troops. For example, while chocolate isn't on the prohibited list, chocolate and 140 degree heat makes chocolate paste.
08:07 AM #
Our present military organizational structure is a result of the National Security Act of 1947. This is the same act that created the United States Air Force, and restructured the "War Department" into the "Department of Defense."
Want to know the differences between the services, or how commissioned officers are different from noncommissioned officers? You'll find the answers in our Military 101 article.
09:21 PM #
Deployment is a Fact of Life
With the United States taking on more and more global commitments, deploying as a member of the military is a fact of life.
According to a story in the Stars and Stripes, it doesn't much matter where you are stationed. Troops stationed in Germany are currently deployed to places like Iraq, in great numbers. In fact, of the 62,000 soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Europe, 25,000 are currently deployed.
09:14 PM #
Otherwise referred to as "brown shirts," Navy plane captains invest long days, hard work and every ounce of their knowledge and experience into ensuring multimillion dollar aircraft and their pilots make it safely back to the deck every day.
09:04 PM #
Navy Selects First CWO-5's
WASHINGTON -- Seventeen chief warrant officers (CWO) 4 were recently selected for promotion to CWO-5, making them the first to ever wear that rank in the U.S. Navy. According to the Navy News Service, this new rank was authorized (by the Navy) in October 2002 commencing with the FY04 selection cycle. Implementation of the CWO-5 rank ensures that the Navy attracts and retains the very best technical leadership for a full 30-year career.
08:41 PM #
Female Soldier Wins National Rifle Championship
FORT BENNING, Ga. -- She says she's "just one of the guys." But when this female soldier triumphed over hundreds of the country's best rifle shooters, she became the first woman to win a particular national shooting title.
Shooting her M-16A2, Spc. Liana Bombardier, a U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit service rifle shooter, won the Service Rifle National Long Range Rifle Championship at Camp Perry, Ohio. According to the Army News Service, the 21-year-old soldier is the first woman in the 100-year history of the matches to win the trophy awarded to the service rifle (now a M-1, M-14 or M-16) shooter with the highest aggregate score over the entire championships.
08:33 PM #
Plans to Rebalance Guard, Reserves and Active Duty Jobs
The days of the "weekend warrior" are gone. Guardsmen and reservists are giving much more than a weekend a month and two weeks of annual training a year. Many serve 60 to 120 days a year.
Although only about 2 percent of the 1.2 million guardsmen and reservists have been called up in eight mobilizations in the past 13 years, it's the same kinds of specialties – civil affairs, air traffic control, mortuary affairs and force protection – that always seem to be needed. According to a story on the Armed Forces News Service, military officials plan to change that. This includes a plan to rebalance the force – active, and reserve components. The plan includes looking at specialties that reside primarily, if not 100 percent, in the Guard and reserve, and perhaps moving them to the active side. Conversely, some active missions might be better suited for the Guard and reserve.
08:25 PM #
Many people's impressions of artillery are just guys pulling the triggers of big guns, firing rounds over long distances, but that is only a small part of their job. It takes a lot of hard work, training and planning to do what artillery Marines do. The main purpose of artillery is to shoot, move and communicate, but there is a lot to be done to get to that point.
10:23 PM #
The Small Unit Riverine Craft was approved for full production in early August and that means Marines will soon be seeing the replacement for the old Rigid Raiding Craft that have been in use since the mid-1980s.
The primary mission of the craft is to provide tactical mobility and a limited weapons platform for the Ground Combat Element of a Marine Air Ground Task Force in littoral and riverine environments. The secondary missions of the riverine craft could include command and control, reconnaissance, logistic/resupply, medevac, counterdrug operations, humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping and noncombatant evacuation operations.
10:08 PM #
Marine Drill Instructors to be Used in Recruiting
The legendary Marine Corps drill instructor has played a vital role in the Corps' mission to make Marines, and now through a new command initiative, drill instructors will play a role in recruiting.
Having drill instructors work at recruiting districts helps put poolees, school administrators, and parents at ease. The program shoots down myths and misconceptions about recruit training, according to an article on the Marine Corps News Service.
09:37 PM #
Thirty-eight feet below the Pacific Ocean, Naval Reserve divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1 Detachments 419 and 220 conduct maintenance and security on the hull of USS Boxer (LHD 4). Navy Reserve Divers provide swift and mobile ship salvage, towing, battle damage repair, deep ocean recovery, harbor clearance and underwater ship repair.
09:27 PM #
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- A Sailor’s view of their quality of life plays an extremely important factor in determining whether they will choose to continue their military career. Recently, more than 5,000 Sailors expressed their views on quality of life in 15 areas during the 2002 Quality of Life Survey.
According to the survey results, Sailors seem positive about their overall quality of life, with 63 percent saying they were satisfied with the military way of life, and 84 percent satisfied with their life in general. However, when asked about their feelings on their professional domains, including shipboard life, current job, preparedness and career development, the satisfaction level varied, with the junior enlisted ranks being less satisfied than chief petty officer and officer ranks. (Duh)
08:57 PM #
The unique eArmyU program provides students with a laptop, Internet Service Provider, email account and access to 138 online certificates and degree programs offered by 25 regionally accredited colleges and universities. The Army will pay 100 percent of tuition, which includes books, fees, 24/7 Helpdesk and Internet access up to the tuition ceiling of $4,500 and $250 per semester hour tuition cap.
01:49 PM #
Are You Ready for Some Football?
The National Football League and Operation Tribute to Freedom are inviting servicemembers and their families to a free season-opening kick-off concert on the National Mall at 6 p.m. Sept. 4. According to the Army News Service, the event and the hour-long special on ABC will recognize the Department of Defense’s “Operation Tribute to Freedom,” an initiative that salutes troops who have returned home and those who are currently active in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. More than 20,000 troops and their families are expected to attend the event. More than 800,000 servicemen and women in 165 countries will be able to watch the event, as it will be broadcast on the American Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.
Military and Department of Defense personnel who want to attend the concert should go to the website at www.ima.army.mil, click on the OTF icon to get information about the event, then click on the Register icon to sign up.
01:27 PM #
A strategy change at the Program Executive Office, has speeded up the development of a potential replacement of the Army's assault weapons. The XM29 is an integrated dual-munitions bursting weapon. It has an over and under barrel with a fire control. The top barrel fires bursting munitions using a fire control that programs the round, telling it where to explode.
In other words, the air-bursting munition knows exactly where to blow up.
01:22 PM #
Army Purchases Baghdad Hotel for R & R
Some Soldiers of the 1st Armored Division in Baghdad will soon have a chance to trade their heavy body armor for swim suits and their cramped and dirty quarters for soft beds and clean sheets, at least for a couple of days. According to the Stars and Stripes, the division is buying an entire hotel in eastern Baghdad that will serve as a rest and relaxation facility for the troops. Operations are set to begin Sept. 1, and the plan is to move 400 soldiers through every 48 hours. The 1st AD's Baghdad hotel R&R program is similar to a program already established by the 101st Airborne, which is operating in and around Mosul in Northern Iraq.
12:55 PM #
Air Force Meets Recruiting Goal
More than 32,000 people entered basic military training since Sept. 30. The Air Force now has enough contracts to meet its goal for the fiscal year and has made their goal for the past four years, according to the Air Force News Service. The Air Force is not only doing well enlisting airmen, the service is also doing well commissioning officers into critical career fields, according to officials.
Although the Air Force is having a great recruiting year, it is still hiring. The Air Force has already been signing up applicants for the next fiscal year for several months, and they need hundreds of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and aircraft mechanics, as well as people qualified for special operations, such as pararescue and combat control.
12:40 PM #
Fewer Than 5,000 Slots Remain for Army 10-Miler
Fewer than 5,000 spots remain before registration for the 19th Army Ten-Miler closes. The cutoff is 18,000 runners for the Oct. 5 event. Runners must register online, by Sept. 5, according to the American Forces Information Service.
The race begins and ends at the Pentagon, just across the Potomac River from the nation's capital. The route "runs the river bridges," crossing into Washington, passing the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials as well as the Washington Monument. The route also passes the Smithsonian Institution building enclave and the U.S. Capitol. Organizers said that enhanced security will be in place.
12:30 PM #
Almost everyday, someone sends me an e-mail, or posts a question on our message board concerning security clearances in the military. 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?
A security clearance investigation is an inquiry into an individual’s loyalty, character, trustworthiness and reliability to ensure that he or she is eligible for access to national security information. The investigation focuses on an individual’s character and conduct, emphasizing such factors as honesty, trustworthiness, reliability, financial responsibility, criminal activity, emotional stability, and other similar and pertinent areas.
11:30 AM #
Some war trophies are downright sadistic - for example, enemy teeth or body parts. Needless to say, they're banned by military law. But the law doesn't stop there. Some trophies that might seem legitimate also are barred - for example, weapons, ordnance and personal items of enemy soldiers. Even if legal, military members need permission to bring war trophies home.
11:29 AM #
History-Making Citizenship Ceremony
ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT -- A group of Sailors who had participated in the global war on terrorism became even more patriotic Aug. 8 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), when they took the oath of citizenship.
According to the Navy News Service, a record-breaking 222 Sailors from more than 40 countries and 65 commands, including TR, formed ranks and became naturalized during the ceremony after having their waiting period, usually up to five years, accelerated under an executive order just for military members serving in the global war on terrorism signed last year.
10:52 AM #
Air Force Academy Seeks New Slogan
"Bring Me Men" was the previous slogan. It was based on an 1894 poem by Sam Walter Foss, which reads in part, "Bring me men to match my mountains, Bring me men to match my plains," and was put in place in 1964. The academy became co-ed in 1976, but the name remained until earlier this year.
Now, the Association of Graduates is now accepting suggestions from all academy supporters for a new slogan. Suggestions may be submitted via e-mail, to: editor@aog-usafa.org.
10:49 AM #
New Attack Submarine Virginia to be Christened
The lead boat of the Navy's next-generation attack submarine, Virginia (SSN 774), will be christened during a ceremony Aug. 16 at Electric Boat Corporation’s shipyard in Groton, Conn.
According to the Navy News Service, Sen. George Allen of Virginia will deliver the ceremony's principal address for the ship named in honor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Lynda Robb, wife of former Virginia Sen. Charles Robb and daughter of 36th President Lyndon Baines Johnson, will serve as ship's sponsor.
02:16 PM #
KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq -- They live in conditions their counterparts back home would frown upon. They are aware they could come under attack at any time and possibly lose their lives. They endure the fatigue from working long hours in temperatures hotter than 100 degrees. But one thing makes them different from the military serving here: They did not have to be here. They are volunteers hoping to do their part in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
They are the civilian employees of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service.
02:09 PM #
Air Force Working to Demobilize Guard and Reserves
According to the Air Force News Service, the Air Force is working to return the nearly 28,000 mobilized Guard and Reserve airmen to their families and civilian jobs as quickly as possible.
However, the demobilization of these airmen, 10,000 being security forces, is driven by workload, as determined by the combatant commanders in the field.
01:46 PM #
No Intention of Lowing Pay for Combat Troops
Pentagon officials have no intention of lowering total compensation for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Defense Department's top personnel officer said Aug. 14. According to the American Forces News Service, David S.C. Chu, defense undersecretary for personnel and readiness, took questions from the media on the topic in response to published media reports suggesting DoD would cut the pay of forces serving overseas in the war on terrorism.
At issue are temporary increases Congress approved in April for two forms of compensation: imminent danger pay and family separation allowance. Imminent danger pay went from $150 per month to $225, while family separation pay increased from $100 to $250 per month. The two increases are set to expire Sept. 30, and defense officials have urged Congress not to extend them, saying they are unfunded.
01:42 PM #
When it passed the FY 2003 Military Appropriations Act, Congress mandated that all of the services implement a two-year enlistment program, as part of the National Call to Service Initiative. As none of the services asked for this option, I prophesied that the services would apply extreme limits to their programs, making it unavailable to most.
Turns out I was right (as far as the Air Force, in any event). Recruits under the program are limited to only 29 job-choices, and the Air Force has decided to limit the program to about one percent of their accessions. That means only 370 recruits (out of 37,000) will be able to sign up under the new program for the year. Probably easier to get struck by lightening.
09:20 PM #
A Marine unit facing combat runs into opposition. The call goes out for fire support. In the past, the call would likely have gone to a Marine artillery unit or air asset.
Today, that call could go to an Army helicopter unit or an Air Force precision- strike aircraft. It could go to a Navy fighter-bomber staging off a carrier or even to a submarine armed with Tomahawk missiles. In other words, the joint force is now a reality, and the American military must train as it fights. To that end, the Department of Defense is transforming the way the services train.
01:13 PM #
How Do You Feel About the Commissary?
A commissary industry committee is spearheading a first-ever online survey aimed at finding out more about active-duty service members and family members’ shopping habits and their perception of savings at the commissary. According to the Army News Service, the survey is being funded, conducted and compiled by the Consumer Awareness Team, a commissary industry committee that researches and funds projects to help the military better understand the value of the commissary. The survey takes about two minutes and offers a chance to win one of 250 commissary gift certificates valued at $50 each. The certificates are also funded by the industry committee.
Since the survey is being conducted and funded by private industry, the survey is not available at commissaries, but can be taken online at http://catsurvey.shortsurveys.com. The survey will be available through September.
12:51 PM #
VA Proposes Health System Overhaul
The Department of Veterans Affairs is asking an independent commission to review a plan devised to reshape the way the department handles veterans' health care.
According to an article on the DOD News Service, the proposal includes the closing of some VA Hospitals and opening new VA Hospitals in other locations.
12:45 PM #
With terrorist attacks like that against USS Cole (DDG 67) in October 2000 still a very real possibility, the U.S. Navy has a new ally in the global war on terrorism – the Mk 6 anti-swimmer dolphin system.
Much more than your typical Sea World entertainers, these dolphins are dedicated Navy Sailors, standing watch over Arabian Gulf ports and deterring uninvited guests seeking to harm ships and ports. With swimmer defense experience dating back to Vietnam, the Navy’s Mk 6 dolphins are ready to deploy any time, anywhere.
12:39 PM #
Ever wanted to know what it takes to get promoted in the United States Navy? We've taken the "gobbly-gook" out of the Navy Enlisted Promotion Manual and present the process "in the clear."
This is part 4 of a multi-part series. For the complete picture of enlisted promotions in the United States Armed Forces, you'll also want to see Part 1 - Army Enlisted Promotion System, Part 2 - Air Force Enlisted Promotion System, and Part 3 - The Marine Corps Enlisted Promotion System.
10:53 PM #
 Since the end of combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in May, maritime interception operation (MIO) teams have continued to routinely board and check merchant vessel traffic in the Arabian Gulf to make sure nothing illegal comes from or goes into Iraq.
Crew members aboard USS Chosin (CG 65) have learned that being prepared for anything can make the job a bit easier. When the words, “Man the boat deck!” boom throughout the ship, the MIO team gets set.
10:40 AM #
New Army Chief of Staff Takes Office
In a small, inconspicuous Pentagon ceremony Gen. Pete Schoomaker came out of retirement Aug. 1, and swore to uphold the duties as the Army's 35th chief of staff.
Detailed in a story on the Army News Service site, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld was the first to make remarks during the ceremony, which was held in the office of Les Brownlee, the acting Army secretary. More than once Rumsfeld thanked Schoomaker and his wife, Cindy, for returning to duty. Before retiring in August 2000, Schoomaker served 31 years in the military.
10:37 AM #
Dubious Scams Target Families of Deployed Troops
Recent press accounts have reported that Army family members in a number of states allegedly received calls or visits from imposters over the past few months stating that deployed soldiers had been killed or injured. However reports about scam artists knocking on doors and asking spouses for personal documents have not been confirmed by investigators and officials said they may be the product of rumor or circular reporting.
However, a recent story on the Army News site reminds family members that military officials stress that casualty-notification officers would never ask to see personal documents when notifying next of kin, and they said that when a military member is killed, the notification is not made by telephone.
10:33 AM #
Navy Assignment Incentive Pay Proving a Success
If data collected after the first two requisition cycles is any indication, the newly-launched Assignment Incentive Pay (AIP) program is already proving successful at attracting Sailors to certain duty assignments overseas.
The program is described in a recent Navy News Service article. AIP is a market-based monetary incentive introduced to the fleet in June. Under the pilot program now underway, Sailors being detailed to assignments in Misawa, Japan; Naples, Italy; and Sigonella, Sicily, may be eligible for up to $450 per month by bidding for AIP through Super JASS, the Web-based Job Advertising and Selection System. If the pilot program proves successful, Congress may authorize the program for the other services, as well.
09:45 AM #
America's Flagship Retires After 42 Years
"America’s Flagship," USS Constellation (CV 64) was decommissioned Aug. 7 after 41 years, nine months and 11 days of naval service in a ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island.
According to the article on the Navy News Service web site, former President Ronald Reagan presented a Presidential Flag to the ship in 1981, and tagged Constellation with the nickname "America’s Flagship." Coincidentally, the newly commissioned USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) will replace Constellation when it arrives in San Diego next summer.
09:39 AM #
Chief of Staff Gen. John Jumper announced July 30 the Air Force would be raising fitness standards in January. More rigorous basic military training graduation standards will take effect at Lackland Air Force Base, on October 12th.
On July 14, Basic Military Training officials unveiled a more comprehensive physical fitness program. The old program, known for years as physical conditioning, is out. Physical readiness training is in.
07:42 AM #
Last month, the Air Force announced that it was considering a new uniform to replace the Battle Dress Utility (BDU). At the time, there was no detailed information available about the uniform scheduled to undergo a wear-test beginning this January. Now there are photos, and even reactions from some of the "troops."
The blue, gray and green tiger-stripe camouflage ensemble includes many new features intended to increase functionality while providing a distinctive look for the 21st century airmen. The uniforms will undergo wear-testing beginning in January 4. Airmen from a cross section of Air Force career fields will provide feedback on the fit, durability and functionality of the proposed ensemble which will come in men's and women's cuts.
05:51 AM #
We have been very lucky over the past several months to have access to the expertise of Doris Appelbaum. Doris is Founder and President of Appelbaum's Resume Professionals, Inc., and is an international career consultant, resume writer, educator, speaker, and trainer.
Searching for a job after the military that fits your skill-set and conforms to your separation date can be difficult and discouraging - especially in today's economy. This week, guest-author Doris Appelbaum provides some helpful tips about preparation and where to go online for one of the biggest career moves you'll ever make.
04:53 AM #
 The Air Force has had "counter-snipers" for awhile. Now, the Air Force is deploying actual snipers, as well.
They’re in a unique unit, the only one in the Air Force. The group’s job is to be the first to land at a bare base to establish airfield and aerial port operations — pronto. The 786th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, where Air Force Snipers work, provides the security. The cops keep airmen safe as they land, unload and launch aircraft around the clock.
12:04 PM #
It seems that hardly a week goes by that I don't receive email from someone asking how they can get out of the military. Sometimes the person is disillusioned -- perhaps their recruiter lied to them, or perhaps they had "selective listening," and only heard what they wanted to hear. Perhaps they simply decide, after basic training and/or job training that they don't like the military, and want out.
09:19 AM #
Since Robby the Robot first appeared on screen in 1956’s Forbidden Planet, science fiction in print, film and on television has pushed the limits of our imagination regarding machines of the future and their abilities to perform human tasks.
From Star Wars to The Terminator, Junkyard Wars and Robot Warriors, our glimpse at the potential for tomorrow has amazed and sometimes stunned us. Well, get ready. The future may be closer than you think.
09:00 AM # |
