Marine Snipers Dig in Deep
The Marine Corps sniper has covered his face with paint that resembles the natural surroundings about him, and he is covered with grass from the field in which he is hiding. Less than 300 yards away is an enemy considered to be armed and dangerous. The sniper must get even closer to him to get the perfect shot and eliminate the threat the enemy poses. Why Soldiers Fight
A study released in July adds new perspective to the age-old question of why soldiers fight. Dr. Leonard Wong, associate research professor at the U.S. Army War College’s Strategic Studies Institute said the paper 'Why They Fight: Combat Motivation in the Iraq' validated the popular belief that unit cohesion is a key issue in motivating soldiers to fight. Air Force Hurricane Hunters
The Hurricane Hunters are part of Air Force Reserve Command’s 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. They are the only Department of Defense organization still flying into tropical storms and hurricanes on a routine basis. U.S. Military 101
The basic description of the United States Military, including the mission of the five military branches, organizational chain of command, and an overview of military ranks. Army BEAR Program
The Bonus Extension and Retraining (BEAR) Program is designed to assist in force alignment. It allows eligible soldiers an opportunity to extend their enlistment for formal retraining into a shortage MOS (job) that is presently in the Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB) Program and, upon completion of retraining, receive a SRB in the newly awarded PMOS. Marine Corps Combat Training Instructor Duty
Since established as a Special Duty Assignment in Oct. 2002, the MCT instructor billet, MOS 8513, offers Marines an alternative to drill instructor duty and recruiting duty. While it may be a substitute, it still fulfills the B-billet or SDA requirement, which most feel is necessary to advance in the staff NCO ranks. Boats That Fly
The sand explodes from the beach as monstrous crafts, flying 6 feet above the water as seagoing transport vessels, almost effortlessly transform into shore-side ships. Ships that, upon reaching the beach, open their bellies and regurgitate one of the most lethal cargoes the American military can muster: Marines and the tools of their trade. Navy Will Station Family Members (Not Just Spouses) Together
The Navy has a program that allows family members (parents, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and others) to request to be stationed together. The Navy calls it family co-location, and it is a fairly easy process. United States Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Course
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 Freshmen and sophmores attend two 6 six-week summer training programs at the USMC OCS, located at Quantico, Virginia. Juniors attend one 10-week summer course. 2003 - Another Banner Military Recruiting and Retention Year
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. Navy Plane Captains
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. A Day in the Life of Marine Corps Artillery
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. New Marine Corps Riverine Craft
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. Navy Reserve Divers
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. Navy Qualify of Life Survey
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 (Note: Survey results were released in Aug 2003). eArmyU
The 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. Development of New Assault Rifle to Speed Up
A strategy change at the Program Executive Office, Soldier 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. Security Clearance Secrets
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. In part 2 of this three-part feature, the approval/disapproval process. Security Clearance Secets
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. In part 3 of this three-part feature, finding out what is in the DSS Files about you. Security Clearance Secrets
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. In part 1 of this three-part feature, the basics of a Security Clearance. War Trophies
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. Basic Training Sets New Fitness Standards
Chief of Staff Gen. John Jumper announced July 30 (2003) 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 12.
BX/PX Employees Bring a Touch of Home to Combat Troops
Even in war zones, you'll find civilian employees of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). Volunteer employees deploy to combat zones to open site exchanges to bring servicemembers a touch of home. Two Year Enlistment Program
The Army already has a two or three year enlistment option, for some recruits. The Navy has a two and three year enlistment option available to some recruits. Congress wants a similar option available in all of the services. As such, Congress passed a requirement as part of the FY 2003 Military Appropriations Act which requires all of the services to develop a shortened enlistment program. Air Force Announces Details on Two Year Enlistment Option
As part of the FY 2003 Military Authorization Act, Congress mandated the services each implement a two-year enlistment option. For the Air Force, the two year option will be available to only one percent of new recruits, and is limited to 29 AFSCs (jobs). Additionally, some jobs will require previous civilian training (certificates) in order to obtain the AFSC under the program. | 