Transforming the Way the Military Trains
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.

Navy Dolphins
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.

U.S. Military Salute
The origin of the Hand Salute is uncertain. Some historians believe it began in late Roman times when assassinations were common. A citizen who wanted to see a public official had to approach with his right hand raised to show that he did not hold a weapon. Here are the saluting customs of the U.S. Military Forces today.

Enlisted Promotions Made Simple
Ever wanted to know what it takes to get promoted in the Army? We've taken the 'gobbly-gook' out of the Army Enlisted Promotion Regulation and present the process 'in the clear.'

Enlisted Promotions Made Simple
Ever wanted to know what it takes to get promoted in the Air Force? We've taken the 'gobbly-gook' out of the Air Force Enlisted Promotion Regulation and present the process 'in the clear.'

Navy Boarding Parties
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 maritime interception operation (MIO) team gets set.

Air Force Considers Replacing the BDU
Air Force officials are considering an Air Force-distinctive uniform to replace the current battle dress uniform A fit and wear test of the uniform is pending. The test will determine the best direction to respond to Air Force needs for a 21st century utility uniform.

Air Force Unveils New Uniform
Air Force officials announced Aug. 6 plans for the wear test of a new utility uniform to possibly replace the current battle dress uniform. The blue, gray and green tiger-stripe camouflage ensemble is a departure from the current woodland pattern uniform and includes many new features that are intended to increase functionality and provide a distinctive look for airmen of the 21st century.

Life After the Military
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. 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.

Air Force Snipers in Iraq
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.

Getting Out of the Military
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.

Military Robots of the Future
A study by USJFCOM's Project Alpha is currently testing the viability of what used to be a fanciful notion but is now bordering on reality -- robotic warfare. By as early as 2025, autonomous robots on the battlefield might not be just a notion, but a norm.

Burial at Sea
Burial at Sea is a means of final disposition of remains that is performed on United States Navy vessels. The committal ceremony is performed while the ship is deployed. Therefore, family members are not allowed to be present. The CO of the ship assigned to perform the ceremony will notify the family of the date, time, and, longitude and latitude once the committal service has been completed.

Coast Guard Special Missions Training
The United States Coast Guard Special Missions Training Center has the difficult task of taking your everyday Coast Guardsman whose background is law enforcement or a job in the mechanic field and making him or her think about topics such as locating, closing with, and destroying the enemy.

United States Army Mountaineering Training
The two-week course consists of lessons in mountain land navigation, fixed rope rappelling and belaying, top rope climbing, knot tying, rope management, and movement over snow and ice. The students must successfully complete two written tests – one on land navigation and a comprehensive final exam – as well as pass mountain stakes, the hands-on test, to graduate the course.

Army Tightens Up Reenlistment Standards
Soldiers may find it a little more difficult to reenlist in today’s Army thanks to a new policy that went into effect Jan. 15 (2003). The new retention policy makes it harder for soldiers with service records that do not meet Army standards to reenlist.

Jessica Lynch Goes Home with Bronze Star
Former prisoner of war Pfc. Jessica Lynch waved goodbye July 22 (2003) to the medical staff that had treated her for more than three months as she boarded an Army Black Hawk helicopter at Walter Reed's Forest Glen annex.

Army Announces Iraq Deployment Schedule
Gen. Jack Keane (acting Army Chief of Staff) said that most units deploying to Iraq over the next few months can expect stays of up to one year when he announced the unit rotation schedule July 23 (2003).

Navy Buddy Enlistment Program
The Navy Buddy Enlistment Program provides for the enlistment of small groups of not more than four male individuals or four female individuals who wish to remain together for as long as possible during their enlistment.

Air Force Plans to Reorganize in 2004
The FY04 force structure realignment for the Air Force results in a total decrease of 5099 authorizations (2260 military authorizations and 2839 civilian authorizations), and 1055 drill authorizations.

Enlisted Promotions Made Simple
Ever wanted to know what it takes to get promoted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC)? We've taken the 'gobbly-gook' out of the Marine Corps Enlisted Promotion Regulation and present the process 'in the clear.'

Military Do-it-Yourself (DITY) Moves
Normally, when a person in the military makes a move, the military hires a commercial contractor to pack and move their household goods (HHG). However, if the member does not wish to use a military contractor to move their personal property, there is an altnerative. The Personally Procured Move Program (formerly Do-it-Yourself [DITY] Move)is designed for the member who wants to move themselves.

Air Force Aeromedical Evacuation Teams
An Air Force Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Team is a specialized team whose primary work center is the cabin or cargo hold of an airplane flying several miles high.

Air Force Combat Controller Training
Combat controllers set up air traffic control and perform close air support in remote locations. And it takes some time to groom them — more than 24 months from start to finish. Trainees go from basic to advanced special operations skills. Physical, mental and emotional toughness are essential.

Life After the Military
Many transitioning military feel a need to cover all contingencies before proceeding with an action or plan. This may appear to reflect reasonable caution and planning. Actually, it can stall a person to the point of getting nowhere.