Letters from Santa
Combat weather flight airmen stationed at EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska each year help Santa send out thousands of signed, North Pole-postmarked letters to children worldwide. Lightweight Mobility Artillery Rocket System (MLRS)
For the first time, the Army's High Mobility Artillery Rocket System was combat loaded with rockets, flown by C-130 to an Assault Landing Zone on Fort Sill, was downloaded and then fired a six-round live-fire mission. The Nov. 19 evaluation was a joint effort of the Army, Air Force and Marines, and marked a huge success for the Multiple Launch Rocket System that is designed to deliver "early entry and light forces" protection and firepower they've never had before. Army Stars of Tomorrow Program
Each year, the Army runs a service-wide talent show to select members of their traveling Army Stars of Tomorrow show. The contest is open to Army active duty personnel and exceptions can be made for Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers. Each contestant, who advanced here through Installation Management Agency or Department of the Army levels, is allowed seven minutes to perform. Enlisted Promotions Made Simple
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."
Online Tax Statements for Military Personnel
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) recently released the schedule of dates when U.S. military service members, military retirees and annuitants and defense civilian employees can access their tax statements online, through myPay (for tax year 2003). The Defense Language Institute
Interested in a military "language job?" Check out the "been there, done that" article about the DLI by Trish, a member of our message forum. Military Reserves Federal Call Up Authority
Federal law places limits on when and how many military reservists the President or secretaries of the services can call up to active duty. The limitations of how many/how long depends on the reason for the call up. Here are the statutory limitions. Chattanooga is Rich in Military History
Chattanooga has much more to offer than a world class aquarium and a famous mountain with great views, especially if you are interested in military history. Here is just a sampling of military related history sites and events to help you plan your trip to Chattanooga. Article 138 Complaint
Article 138 is one of the most powerful rights under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), but it is one of the rights least known and least used by military personnel. Under Article 138 of the UCMJ, any member of the armed forces who believes himself (or herself) wronged by his (or her) commanding officer" may request redress. If such redress is refused, a complaint may be made and a superior officer must "examine into the complaint. New Army Stop-Loss Program
Effective on November 13, 2003, the Army has implemented a "Stop-Loss" for active duty members that are assigned to units that are currently deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, and those active duty units who are scheduled to deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan during the next rotation period. Stop-Loss means that members assigned to these units cannot separate or retire from the Army, nor can they PCS (relocate) to a different unit. More Pay for Combat Zones
Good news for those serving in combat zones and those who have serviced in a combat zone anytime after October 1, 2002. Combat Pay and Family Separation Allowance have increased for FY 2003. Military Spouses and Entrepreneurship
Difficulty finding jobs is a common problem among the 700,000+ spouses of active duty military service people. Unemployment tends to be much higher than for the general public. Recent estimates find the current unemployment rate among military spouses at 25% overall and – at some bases – as high as 65%. Some military spouses are starting their own businesses as a way to cope with the lifestyle demands of military marriage. U.S. Military Beret History
Military forces have worn distinctive uniform items for centuries to create a psychological advantage and boost their esprit de corps, but the United States Military use of berets is a relatively recent phenomenon.
Marine Corps Designated Marksmen
In the early days of the Corps, leathernecks were recruited to sit atop high masts on U.S. Naval vessels to pick-off enemies during ship-to-ship battles with their muzzle-loaded muskets. This tradition of skilled marksmanship still lives today, through Marines around the globe as designated marksmen to protect others. Designated marksmen currently sit on the rooftop of U.S. Embassies, guarding the lives of Marines, U.S. State Department workers and others who work on the embassy grounds. Marines Plan on More Horsing Around
With plans for a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan in the near future, the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, are honing their mountaineering skills in order to be ready for combat in any clime or place. Reverting to a less technological means of maneuver warfare, these Marines are preparing for service with horses and mules to ensure success on the battlefield. New Chief Petty Officer Leadership Training
A new method of delivering leadership training to chief petty officers (CPO) is now part of the continual growth and development of Sailors. In conjunction with Navy Knowledge Online (NKO), computer-based leadership training is now delivered to every newly selected chief petty officer through a partnership with an online business skills training provider. New Tax Relief Act Aids Service Members, Families
Legislation signed by President Bush on Veterans Day increases the death gratuity payment to $12,000 and provides that the full payment is tax-free. That portion of the Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003 is retroactive to Sept. 10, 2001, to provide for service members who died in the terrorist attacks the following day and in the ongoing global war on terror. Honoring All Who Served
Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. Combat Controller PAST
These are the PAST requirments for new accessions into the Air Force Combat Controller Career Field. The PAST consists of a 500 meter swim, chin-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile run. Air Force Pararescue and Combat Controller PAST
Yep. They changed the PAST (again). There is now only one Physical Ability and Stamina Test for applicants applying for both Air Force Pararescue and Air Force Combat Controller duty. Air Force Pararescue Physical Ability and Stamina Test (PAST)
These are the PAST requirments for new accessions into the Air Force Pararescue Career Field. The PAST consists of an underwater swim, a 500 meter swim, chin-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, flutter kickes, and a 1.5 mile run. Vision Requirements to Become a Military Pilot/Navigator
One question that I'm often asked is what the vision requirements are to become a pilot or navigator in the United States Military. Each of the services have their own standards. Yet Another MEPS Experience
My good friend, Courtney Elmore, recently completed her first trip to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) as part of her enlistment into the United States Air Force. Here is a great article about her experience. The Evolution of Aerial Gunners
From World War I to Operation Iraqi Freedom, U.S. bombers and helicopters have been the targets of enemy fighter warplanes and surface-to-air weapons. Against heavy odds, aerial gunners fight with loyalty and grit in a Herculean effort to keep their aircraft
in the sky. Marine Corps SERE Training
In the northern jungles of Okinawa there's a group of individuals stranded, without the aid of food, water, shelter, and the basic necessities required to survive. They are tired, hungry and looking forward to going home at the end of their ordeal. Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape training (SERE) is held monthly at the Jungle Warfare Training Center at Camp Gonsalves. | 