Marines Test New Evening Dress Uniform
Representatives from the Marine Corps Systems Command Clothing team fitted three Depot Marines with new uniform prototypes Oct. 21 (2003), as part of the Marine Corps Uniform Board's attempt to improve male and female Evening Dress uniforms. New Body Armor Being Rushed to Troops in Combat Zones
The Army and Marines are rushing to get enough body armor into Iraq and Afghanistan by December for everyone who needs it, as fast as it comes off the assembly line. The new body armor, which is unisex, is equipped with removable throat and groin protectors, as well as front and back removable plates, which can stop 7.62 mm rounds. It weighs 16.4 pounds; each of the two inserts weighs 4 pounds, and the outer tactical vest weighs 8.4 pounds. Air Force Desert Hawk UAV
Not every unmanned aerial vehicle in the sky in Iraq is a Predator. The 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron is using its “Desert Hawk” UAV in Iraq, providing an extra set of eyes in the sky for looking for potential terrorists and criminals. A Day in the Life of Air Force EOD in Iraq
Some might call a bomb squad living in a bunker ironic; the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron’s explosive ordnance disposal flight airmen at Tallil Air Base in Iraq call it practical. The EOD airmen are on alert 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and respond to an average of 25 to 30 calls each week. Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC)
SWCCs, also referred to as “the Boat Guys,” are a major component of Naval Special Warfare. They are highly-trained individuals who operate and maintain the state-of-the art, high-performance craft used in maritime special operations missions, such as overseas coastal patrol and surveillance, and Maritime and Leadership Interdiction Operations (boarding and searching vessels suspected of smuggling contraband or terrorists). New Navy A-School Procedures Undergo Test
Imagine an “A” school without instructors and lectures. A new computer-based training program called Electricity, Electronic, Communications and Radar (EEC&R), a core competency training, is now being tested at Great Lakes. Right now, 90 Sailors are involved in a pilot that uses interactive courseware, facilitators – not instructors - and student-issued Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Understanding Military Retirement Pay
The military retirement pay system used to be easy to understand. Then, in the 80's Congress started making changes, making the system a little more complicated. Air Force to Eliminate Cycle Ergometry Test in 2004
A memo from the Air Force Chief of Staff, detailing the new Air Force Fitness Test Program, which is scheduled to begin in Jan 2004. The new program eliminates the controversial Cycle Ergometry Test, and includes running, sit-ups, and pushups. Navy Two Year Enlistment Program
WASHINGTON -- the Navy began offering a new short-term enlistment program aimed at expanding the opportunities for all Americans to serve in the United States Navy. Known as the National Call to Service (NCS), the program provides the Navy and the other military services a new way to reach a group of young Americans who otherwise might not serve in the military because of the length of traditional enlistment options. Navy Combines EW and CTT Ratings
In an effort to leverage the strength of two key intelligence ratings, while streamlining the collection and processing training pipeline, the electronic warfare technician (EW) rating recently merged with cryptologic technician - technical (CTT). Conversion of all EWs to the CTT designator is already underway, creating an elite community of about 3,000 technicians. Army Making Water from Vehicle Exhaust
The Army is nearing the end of testing a pump that will make potable water from vehicle exhaust. In development for three years, the pumps when fielded may cost about $25,000 each. For every two gallons of fuel, the pump can make about one gallon of water. In other words, if a humvee's fuel tank is 30 gallons, the system can produce about 15 gallons of drinkable water. That one gallon of water can be produced in about an hour of operation. Sci Fi Weapons Closer Than You Think
The technology behind space ship lasers and force fields is a lot closer to reality than many think. Although those lasers and force fields won't be fielded for a few more years, the Army has identified what they want for the Army's Future Combat System. New APO Zip Codes for Iraq
The U.S. Military Postal Service has assigned new geographic zip codes for units and personnel serving in Iraq. The intent of the new zip codes is to decrease the time it takes for service members and civilian employees to receive their mail, officials said, as well as to improve postal service throughout Iraq. Air Force Honor Guard Always Recruiting
Air Force Honor Guard officials are always looking for motivated and dedicated airmen and noncommissioned officers for what they call the world's best job. Located at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington D.C, the 250-person unit seeks airmen E-4 through E-7. LASIK Now Available to Air Force Members
The Air Force’s 'warfighter' corneal refractive surgery program expanded its services to include laser-in-situ-keratomileuis, or LASIK, for qualified people at its centers. Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force vice chief of staff, approved a memorandum written by Lt. Gen. George “Peach” Taylor Jr., Air Force surgeon general, announcing the immediate start of the expanded program. Space Soldiers
Sending soldiers to outer space may seem an unusual mission for an army that does most of its business on the ground, but space is the Army’s 'high ground.' Discoveries made there help soldiers move and communicate on earth. Satellite technology, for example, was used to project troops to the battle in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Navy Meets Fiscal Year 2003 Recruiting Goal
September 30 marked the end of another successful recruiting year for the U.S. Navy, and the 26th consecutive month that the sea service’s recruiting force attained its national mission goals for accessions and new contracts. Navy Recruiting Command accessed 41,076 recruits in fiscal year 2003, with a national enlisted goal of 41,165, which allowed a range of +25/-100. New Army Shotgun to be Fielded to Afghanistan
Dismounted Battlespace Battle Lab’s lightweight shotgun system is undergoing operational inspection and test firing for 200 shotguns to be fielded to the 10th Mountain Division for future use in Afghanistan. Air Force Academy Changes Policies
When the Class of 2007 cadets reported for in-processing at the U.S. Air Force Academy in late June (2003), they found many new changes that are putting academy policies more directly in line with those of the active Air Force. Marines Test New M-16 Version
From the days of Marines wielding muskets, to the current day fully automatic machine guns, weapons in the Marine Corps continue to change to accommodate the needs of battle. The Marine Corps is now adding a new chapter to the history of its service rifles with the M16A4 rifle. Army Achieves FY 2003 Recruiting Goal
The United States Army achieved mission success for a fourth straight year. Regular Army projections are for 74,167 accessions for the mission of 73,800, equaling 100.5 percent of the mission. The Army Reserve expects to achieve 27,485 soldiers against a mission of 26,400, equaling 104.1 percent of the mission. Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon
Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche has approved award of the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon to recognize servicemembers’ support of air expeditionary force deployments. The ribbon will be awarded to Air Force active-duty, Reserve and Guard members who completed a contingency deployment after Oct. 1, 1999. Marine Corps Recon Screening
Ever wonder what it takes to be selected for Marine Recon Training? Well, a screening was recently conducted at Mirimar Air Station. This article gives an overview of exactly what wanna-be recon Marines had to accomplish just to be considered for Marine Recon Training. New System Integrates Military Pay, Personnel Systems
A new Web-based system will integrate all of the services' military personnel and pay systems. The Defense Integrated Military Human Resources System will provide 'one-stop shopping' for service members when it is fully implemented. The Army will be the first user, with an initial operations capability set for November 2005. AA Offers Discount Flights for Military
American Airlines is saying "thank you" to U.S. military serviceman by offering an exclusive fare sale for all active U.S. military personnel and their dependent family members. Now through Sep 2004 travelers can purchase discounted tickets for travel on American Airlines and American Eagle flights for travel valid through September 15, 2004. | 