General information about the United States Military including information on promotions, assignments, military bases and units, education and training opportunities, military museums, decorations and medals and more.
Beginning with Veterans Day 2006, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) encourages all military veterans to wear their medals and decorations during Veterans Day (November 11th) and other patriotic holidays (such as Independence Day - July 4th, and Memorial Day - May 30th).
Retired military members and certain honorably discharged veterans may wear the US Military uniform on certain occasions.
There's an old saying, "There's the right way, the wrong way, and the military way." When I was on active duty, we enlisted members would often gather together and discuss stupid military rules we'd encountered, and what we would do to change things if we were ever put in charge.
he Institute of Medicine has released a report urging the Department of Defense to announce a mandatory date when smoking will no longer be allowed in the military.
Many military members have the choice to live on-base or off-base. So, which is better? There is no clear answer. It depends on your branch of service, the base you're assigned to, the policies of your base/command, whether you are married or single, and whether you are a junior member or have a few years of service under your belt.
During my 23 years of active duty service, I've lived…
For a small fee, this site performs searches to determine whether an individual is on active military duty. This includes active duty members, and members of the Guard and Reserve who are on active duty orders.
A provision of the 2009 Defense Authorization Act changes federal law to allow U.S. veterans and military personnel not in uniform to render the military hand-salute when the national anthem is played. The new law took effect on October 14. This change adds to a provision which was passed in the 2008 Defense Bill, which authorized veterans and military personnel in civilian close to render the military salute during the raising, lowering or passing of the flag.
Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. Armed Forces Week begins on the second Saturday of May and ends on the third Sunday of May, the day after Armed Forces Day.
If you are a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and are interested in becoming a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship under special provisions provided for in the Immigration and Nationality Act. Changes in the act make it easier for qualified military personnel to become U.S. citizens if they choose to file a naturalization application.
A phonetic alphabet is a list of words used to identify letters in a message transmitted by radio or telephone. Spoken words from an approved list are substituted for letters.
The military operates off a 24-hour clock, beginning at midnight (which is 0000 hours). So, 1:00 AM is 0100 hours, 2:00 AM is 0200 hours, and so-on up until 11:00 PM which is 2300 hours.
Military and U.S. Postal officials have announted this year's deadlines for mailing letters and parcels to military members overseas in order to ensure it gets there by December 25th. Here are the deadlines.
The 2006 Gallup poll results on public confidence are in and the military is again at the top of the list.
Driven by Warfighter preferences, DoD Combat Feeding Directorate keeps improving and adding items to Meals, Ready-to-Eat. The nation's Warfighters can look forward to numerous new food items and improvements in the next version of MREs, which were recently approved and will go into production in 2008.
The military continues to be the most admired institution in America, according to the latest Harris Poll. A total of 47 percent of Americans said they have a "great deal" of confidence in the military. Some 38 percent of Americans said they had "only some" confidence and 14 percent said they had "hardly any" confidence in the military.
This form is used to request consideration for a change in a person's military records.
If you are tired of trying to make Meal-Ready-to-Eat menus more palatable, then your search may be over. Four of the current 24 MREs have been removed and are being replaced by new and improved menus, according to the U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center, located in Natick, Mass. Usually the ASSC only replaces two MREs a year, but this year they wanted to give the list a boost in variety.
The American Red Cross has a long history of providing support to members of the United States armed forces. For instance, the organization's Armed Forces Emergency Services gives military family members an immediate means to contact deployed troops to inform them of an emergency, like a dying family member.
Master Sgt. Tony Frazier was just doing what anyone else would do when running low on gas -- he went to the gas station, pulled up to the gas pump and filled up his car’s tank. For some, the rising prices are annoying at most, but for other military members the cost of just getting to work and back is cutting into their ability to keep up with monthly bills.
For more than 15 years now (since the first Gulf War in 1990), members of the U.S. Military have had to learn to deal with the dangerous aspects of extreme heat. In July, it is not unusual for temperatures in the Persian Gulf region to climb to a sizzling 120 degrees, cooling only to about 100 degrees at night. Here's some of the lesson's we've learned.
The American public has more confidence in the military than in any other institution, according to a Gallup poll released this week.
Seventy-four percent of those surveyed in Gallup's 2005 confidence poll said they have "a great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in the military - more than in a full range of other government, religious, economic, medical, business and news organizations.
When a military member has a medical condition (including mental health conditions) which renders them unfit to perform their required duties, they may be separated (or retired) from the military for medical reasons. The process to determine medical fitness for continued duty involves two boards -- One is called the Medical Evaluation Board (MEB), and the other is called the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB).
Family members of military personnel who die while serving on active duty, active duty for training (ADT), or initial duty training (IDT) may be eligible for several federal benefits, privileges or entitlements.
Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily recognized or more apt to render emotion than Taps.
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.
military army air force navy marines coast guard separation discharge codes reason
These codes are contained in your military records and may be annotated on various military separation documents.
A real tear-jerker about Santa and a military veteran.
Body fat standards and body fat measuring procedures for members of the United States Military.
Form used to request copy of military records from the National Personnel Records Center.
Frequently Asked Questions about the United States Military.
America has an easily overlooked advantage, which is its genius in logistics.
Annual reports to Congress for the years 1995 through 2000.
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.
The phonetic alphabet used by the United States Military.
Search for the definition of military and other acronyms from the Acronym Finder -- a database with over 115,000 acronyms.
Request an aircraft flyover from the Department of Defense at your next public event.
Twenty-one percent of service members admit to drinking heavily.
Collection of stories written by current and former men & women of the military about serving our country.
The all-volunteer force took nearly a generation to come to fruition, but has since proved its worth in combat. Thirty years after then-Defense Secretary Melvin R. Laird established the all- volunteer force, some politicians are again calling for resumption of a military draft. Defense leaders are crying foul; they don't want it, and they don't need it.
A daily news page for military and law enforcement. Includes tactical and combat gear for sale to individuals and agencies.
Information from the Air Force about locating active duty and retired Air Force personnel.
Dedicated to keeping graduates of the Air Force Academy in touch in each other.
Assists in locating people in the U.S. for a modest fee.
Acronyms like "DOD" driving you crazy? Look up their real meaning in this online database of DOD acronyms and abbreviations.
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.
A list of questions and answers concerning questions about the United States Military that have been asked the most often in our message forum and via email.
Chart which shows all the service's military rank & insignia side-by-side for easy comparison.
Many athletes dream of standing atop an Olympic medal podium. However, without the necessary support, even the slightest chance of that happening is a long shot. Military athletes can find that support within their respective services. Though none of the services' programs are the same, there are similarities.
Time is running out to make your vote count to help decide who leads our country into the future. The 2004 November general election is just around the corner, and U.S. service members deployed overseas are encouraged to exercise their right to vote through absentee balloting, which is part of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
On October 31st of each year, small children (and some not-so-small "children") dress up in costumes and go door-to-door begging strangers for candy. Some of these folks, both small and tall will be wearing replicas of United States Military Uniforms. Is that legal?
Frequently Asked Questions about general topics concerning the United States Military.
Online database designed to search for Army Security Agency veterans.
Transcripts of Defense Department background briefings.
Outstanding review of the hit HBO mini-series "Band of Brothers," by About.com's Adelle Vancil Tilton.
Bases which were closed by the 1988 through 1995 Base Closure Commissions.
The Department of Defense and the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) examined ways to streamline the processing of certain naturalization (citizenship) applications for military servicemembers. Several changes have been implemented which should substantially reduce the time for processing applications.
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.
Historical account of African American participation in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Boot Camp Challenge is a continuing interactive story, which features our hero (Private G. I. Joe), who is trying his best (with your help) to make it through a fictional U.S. Military boot camp (military basic training). So, join along and see if you can give Private Joe a little help dealing with other recruits, KP duty, and the care and feeding of Drill Sergeants.
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.
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.
This page is designed to provide general information on most federal benefits and privileges you may be entitled to as survivors of a deceased military retiree.
Non Profit organization, dedicated to tracking and commenting on defense issues.
Great patriotic locations which can be used for retirement, reenlistment, promotion, and other military ceremonies.
A brief overview of military chaplains.
Description symptoms and treatment for the primary chemical weapons threats of today.
Many nations have a considerable variety of lethal and incapacitating chemical agents and the means to deliver them. Here's how the United States Military protects against chemical and biological attacks.
Procedures to obtain U.S. Citizenship for active duty members and military family members.
Procedures for locating active duty personnel in the United States Coast Guard.
The Code of Conduct (CoC) is the legal guide for the behavior of U.S. Military members who are captured by hostile forces. The Code of Conduct, in six brief Articles, addresses those situations and decision areas that, to some degree, all military personnel could encounter.
Information, locations, and operating hours for military commissaries all over the World.
Updated daily. Summery of what is currently happening in the Defense Department.
The Anthrax threat has resulted in the termination of the "Any Servicemember" mail program and the Operation Dear Abby program. However, there are other ways you can show support to our Military members.
Online Database designed to assist in locating present and former Members of the U.S. Navy.
Dedicated to that enlisted person who carries the beeper 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
The ODB provides data on Service occupations, DoD Occupation Codes, and occupation descriptions, requirements, histories, and relationships to civilian occupations to support DoD, Service, and other federal agency manpower and personnel programs.
The 20/20 plan, now known as the One Plus One Plan was approved in 1997. The current plan calls for all of the services to offer a single room (no roommate) to all single enlisted personnel by the year 2005. The plan will then move to the next phase, which will include giving all single enlisted personnel a two-room "suite."
Military analyst William M. Arkin's biweekly Washington Post column which focuses on the national security dimensions of the Web.
The sequence of events that the Selective Service will use when initiating a draft.
In the wake of the terrorist attacks, many have been wondering if there will be a military draft.What happens during a draft? Who is likely to be drafted? How likely is a draft? Do we really need a draft?
Background of the Selective Service (Draft) System for the United States.
Almost all male U.S. citizens, and male aliens living in the U.S., who are 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service. Now, you can register online.
What military uniform should be worn on which occasion? Helpful chart which shows which uniforms are appropriate for specific duties.
Basic drill (marching) individual movements, such as attention, parade rest, left (right) face, and more.
In the "old days" anyone on active duty could consume alcohol on military installations, regardless of the legal drinking age off-base. However, Congress mandated the military to change this in the mid-80s.
Will your spouse or children be required to get a new drivers license when you PCS? Check out this handy chart.
The Defense Department is continuing its anti-drug efforts with a new policy that involves more frequent random testing of active duty military, reservists and civilian employees. Included in this article are the urinalysis drug test positive rates for all of the services for FY 2001.
Think you can beat a military drug test (urinalysis)? Think again. Here's how the test works, and why it's so hard to beat.
SoldierNet.com provides personal email services on over 70 military domains. They provide secure encrypted connections for airmen, sailors, soldiers and their family members to access their email with privacy while at home, deployed, on the road or traveling.
Email Command provides secure and private email services for veterans, retired military personnel and military families. Custom email domains such as ArmyMom.com and NavySailor.net are available to users.
Contract the Red Cross for emergency notification of serious illness, or death within the family.
Ever wonder exactly what is on that military enlistment/reenlistment contract?
Ethics are standards by which one should act based on values. Values are core beliefs such as duty, honor, and integrity that motivate attitudes and actions. DoDD 5500.7, Standards of Conduct, provides guidance to Air Force personnel on standards of conduct, ethics, and conflicts of interest. Violations of the punitive provisions by military personnel can result in prosecution under the UCMJ.
Questions and answers about medical benefits for federal employees.
When does romance or friendship turn into a crime? Each of the five services have similar, yet different policies about fraternization. Here are the fraternization policies of all the military services, in detail.
The Department of Defense (DOD)'s home page for the military (veteran) funeral program. Contains information on eligibility, procedures, and contact information.
When one speaks of the Geneva Conventions, they are usually referring to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, which was ratified in the aftermath of World War II. Here are the articles of the Geneva Conventions relative to the treatment of Prisoners of War (POWs).
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.
Site for veterans of all the military services to post photos and military-related stories.
In the military, there is little room for "personal expression," when it comes to appearance. Like it or not, the American public often judges the discipline and effectiveness of a military service based, in part, on the manner in which the uniform is worn, and the personal appearance of that service's uniformed personnel.
The Wit and Wisdom of America's Number One Military Columnist.
Numerous stories and articles about the history of the U.S. Military - constantly updated.
All about military history with Stephen C. Ural, About.com's Guide to Military History.
Select your Navy ship, then look for old shipmates, or register your own information so shipmates can find you.
FY2000 Inspector General Reports.
A brief overview of how the Inspector General system works in the military and how you can use it to help resolve problems.
Opinions from the bestselling military-thriller author of Flight of the Intruder, The Seige, and now -- his new novel, CUBA.
Sharply critical 1996 article about the U.S. Military stationed in South Korea. Exagerated, but lots of truth here.
Military personnel by broad occupational category and branch of military service as of October 2001.
In the military, a person with the most rank is not always the one "in charge" of a given situation. The person with the "real power" is the person who knows the "regs."
The LOAC arises from a desire among civilized nations to prevent unnecessary suffering and destruction while not impeding the effective waging of war. A part of public international law, LOAC regulates the conduct of armed hostilities. It also aims to protect civilians, prisoners of war, the wounded, sick, and shipwrecked.
One of the entitlements most new military personnel want to learn about is LEAVE. Leave is paid vacation from duty for recreation and relief from the pressures of job-related duties. You may also take leave for personal reasons and emergency situations. A "pass" (called "liberty" in the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps) is time-off, not chargeable as leave.
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. The Santa’s Mailbag program started in 1954 by 58th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron airmen, and has been carried on by those of the 354th Operations Support Squadron.
How to locate active duty and retired military personnel.
Both chambers of the U.S. Congress have adopted a resolution calling for Americans to recognize and honor U.S. service members during May's National Military Appreciation Month.
Medical standards for continued service in the United States Military.
Even if you have never heard of military veterans in your family tree, try a bit of research and you might be surprised. Great article from Kimberly Powell, the About Guide for Genealogy.
Online community dedicated for military folks to communicate and reconnect with military buddies.
As with the military itself, our armed forces' final farewell to comrades is steeped in tradition and ceremony.
Detailed research of military history, unit reports, ship logs, records, etc., for a modest fee.
Exact procedures for locating military personnel through official channels.
Recent news articles have reported a dramatic upsurge in the number of military weddings. With continuing deployments and the future uncertain, it's no wonder so many couples are tying the knot. Join About's Honeymoon & Romatic Getaways Guide and I as we answer questions concerning military weddings and honeymoons.
Archived online editions of Military Matters, the twice-weekly About.com U.S. Military Newsletter.
The Defense Department has established a "one stop" place to go whenever service members or family members need assistance with any kind of problem. It's called "Military One Source," and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The services include everything from common, everyday difficulties that might face a family to life's most complicated situations.
History and interesting trivia about U.S. Military rank and insignia.
You can order a copy of your military records, or -- if you are a "Next of Kin," you can order military records for a deceased veteran. Additionally, you can request "public" portions of records for other veterans.
Military Information with a focus on Corpus Christi, Texas.
In general, military service can be credited to Federal Government Employee Retirement, if the employee makes a contribution to the retirement fund of seven percent of the base pay they received while in the military.
Statistical information about number of personnel assigned, minorities in uniform, rank breakdown, women in uniform, reserves, defense budget, weapons, and more.
about the widening gap between military professionals and civilian members of our society.
Can't think of anything better to write than "Capt Joe Did a Good Job?" Check out these helpful hints for commendation letters, decorations, and Efficiency Reports.
Find missing military and non-military friends.
New this year to the MRE menu board are pot roast with vegetables, barbecue pork ribs and vegetable manicotti. New side dishes are hearty New England clam chowder and a carbohydrate-fortified applesauce.
Over the next several years, DoD officials expect "smart cards" to replace the identification cards of all active duty military, Selected Reserve personnel, DoD civilian employees and eligible contractors.
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.
Official announcements and news releases for the military services and DOD.
Log of our online chat with Vietnam War hero and best-selling military author, Dale Dye.
The dates for mailing items to and from overseas locations in time for the holidays are fast approaching, and Military Postal Service Agency officials have suggestions for ensuring packages and letters arrive on time.
Collection of poems for, about, and by the United States military.
Results of weekly military opinion polls published over the past several months.
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.
Under Executive Order (issued by the President of the United States), the military services must use certain factors when determining whether or not to approve a security clearance.
Decisions for military contractor personnel for the past several years. These cases give a very good indication of what may or may not result in the denial of a secuirty clearance.
Standard Form (SF) 86 - Security Clearance Questionaire. This is the form one must complete in order to qualify for a security clearance.
Personnel Security Investigations (PSIs) and security clearances are key elements in protecting the security of the United States. What is a security clearance? What do they look at? What can keep me from getting a security clearance? How far back to they investigate? How long is a security clearance valid? This article answers those questions, and more.
Send a Free MARS telegram to a service member deployed to a remote location or on a ship.
Reenlistment Eligibility Codes & Separation Codes determine whether or not one may reenlist or enlist at a later time in another military service.
Dates the individual services switched over from using military service numbers to using social security numbers for identification purposes.
About the custom of brand new officers presenting a silver dollar to the first enlisted person to salute them.
Tobacco use in DoD has dropped significantly in the last two decades, generally mirroring civilian rates.
Contrary to popular belief, sole surviving sons are not necessarily precluded from the draft, or combat. Here are the current rules.
Active duty statistical information, including Active Duty Military Strength by Service, Active Duty Military Personnel by Service by Region/Country, and Active Duty Military Personnel by Service by Rank/Grade.
Breakdown of FY99 State Department and DOD Spending.
The anthrax threat has eliminated programs where people can send mail to 'any servicemember.' Don't fear, however. There are plenty of other ways you can show your support for members of the United States Military.
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.
Contains 1998 information on DOD federal employee salaries, demographics, work years, and performance. Acrobat Reader is needed to view these files.
Site to help you locate missing military people.
Military time is based on a 24 hours clock which begins each day at midnight (which is 0000 hrs). Here's a handy chart of military time.
Free membership allows you to search for veterans, post personal ads and reunion information.
American Division Veteran Association Locator. Listing of current and former military personnel.
Veterans' statistics, Medal of Honor, history of the holiday, and more.
Helping veterans find veterans since 1981.
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. 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.
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.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) has begun conducting a large Internet registration and voting demonstration for the 2004 election. Thousands of absentee uniformed services personnel and their dependents, will have the opportunity to register to vote and cast their ballots from any Windows-based computer with Internet access, anywhere in the world.
General information about voting for military personnel.
Listing of links to directories and search engines specializing in military data from your About.com Guide to Web Search.
Military information quizes to test your knowledge of military trivia.
A study released in July (2003) 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.
Dedicated to assisting those who are trying to locate veterans from WW II.
Yearly studies by the Department of Defense about American youth's attitude toward military service.
