Articles Index

Military Rank History
The American military adapted most of its rank insignia from the British. Before the Revolutionary War, Americans drilled with militia outfits based on the British tradition. Sailors followed the example of the most successful navy of the time -- the Royal Navy.

Arlington National Cemetery
More than 285,000 people have been laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Across its rolling hills stand the unadorned headstones of veterans from the Revolutionary War to the current struggle in Iraq and Afghanistan.

U.S. Military Special Operations Forces
Part II of U.S. Military Special Operations Forces. Lock up a bunch of military members in a room, ask them to debate which Special Operations Group is the best. However, don't make any plans for the immediate future. They'll still be arguing about it when the beer and potato chips run out. Here's a look at U.S. Military Special Operations Forces.

U.S. Military Question of the Week
Each week my staff and I answer over a hundred questions either via email or in our message forum. I thought it would be interesting to choose one question per week that I think would be the most interesting to our readers. Selected questions will be featured in our FREE weekly newsletterand included on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Origins of Hooah
You can hear it echoing from the hallowed halls of Fort Benning, Ga.'s Infantry Center to the ranges at Fort Lewis, Wash. It is uttered at award ceremonies, bellowed from formations, and repeated before, during and after training missions. You can hear it shouted by Air Force Security Forces, Pararescue, and Combat Controllers. The word is thundered out by Navy SEALs, and by United States Marines (who pronounce it OohRah!). So, where did the term originate?

The 21-Gun Salute
The practice of firing gun salutes has existed for centuries. Early warriors demonstrated their peaceful intentions by placing their weapons in a position that rendered them ineffective. The gun salute system of the United States has changed considerably over the years.

Special Operations to Increase in Size
With the war on terrorism putting ever-increasing demands on special operations forces, U.S. Special Operations Command is boosting its manpower and increasing its support to theater commands and geographic commanders. To help meet these challenges, U.S. Special Operations Command plans to increase its force strength by more than 2,300 troops in the next four years.

Joint Fighting Now the Norm
Servicemembers joining the military today are not joining just the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps – they are joining a truly joint force. The American military has reached unprecedented levels of joint operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Military Working Dogs
Military Working Dogs, along with their handlers from every military service, are deployed worldwide to support the war on terror, helping to safeguard military bases and activities and to detect bombs and other explosives before they inflict harm.

Military Funeral Honors
As with the military itself, our armed forces' final farewell to comrades is steeped in tradition and ceremony.

U.S. Military Special Operations Forces
Lock up a bunch of military members in a room, ask them to debate which Special Operations Group is the best. However, don't make any plans for the immediate future. They'll still be arguing about it when the beer and potato chips run out. Here's a look at U.S. Military Special Operations Forces.