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Introduction to the Air Force

March 16, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Introduction to the Air Force

Of all the military services, the air force happens to be the youngest. It was originally created back in 1947 and it was created under what is known as the National Security Act. Before 1947, the Air Force was just considered to be a separate part of the Army or Armed Forces. The primary mission behind the Army Air Corps at this point was just to provide support for the ground forces of the Army. During World War II, however, it became quite apparent that air power had a greater amount of potential than simply to support the ground troops, and so at that point it was decided that the Air Force would be established as a completely separate service. The Air Force has a single primary mission which is to defend the US and all of its interests through the exploitation not only of the air, but of space as well.

In order for them to accomplish this mission, the entire Air Force is responsible for operating a variety of different types of aircrafts including fighter aircrafts, tanker aircrafts, heavy bomber aircrafts, light bomber aircrafts, transportation aircrafts, UAVs or unmanned aerial vehicles as well as helicopters which are used for a variety of special circumstances such as rescuing downed aircrew members or special mission operations. This branch of the military also happens to be responsible for nuclear ballistics missiles and all of the military satellites. There are currently approximately 317,000 personnel who are on active duty in the Air Force at any point in time.

Filed Under: General, Military Tagged With: , ,

Rivalry Between the Military Branches

January 18, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Anyone who is in any branch of the military knows that there is some fierce competition between all of the branches. While all branches work together to protect the country and fight for it overseas, they still have a friendly rivalry going on.

The Marines are often viewed as the toughest of the military branches. They have the most rigorous entry standards and the toughest basic training regimen. As a result, they really aren’t picked on or teased by any other branch. However, they are in the position of being able to goad any other branch of the military. Getting into the Marines requires an impressive display of both physical strength and mental prowess.

There is a definite rivalry between the Army and the other two branches, the Air Force and Navy. Many view the Army as secondary to the Marines. However, it tends to require more physical strength than the other two branches and they are very often sent on dangerous missions. As a result, they have a joking rivalry with the Air Force and Navy.

The Air Force and Navy both have advantages over the Army that they use to tease the Army. These two branches are the most technologically advanced of all the military branches. This is due to the majority of their operations being in the air and in the water, respectively. The increase in technology means that the Air Force and Navy tend to have stricter intelligence requirements for their various jobs. They also claim to have the most fun jobs since they involve so much technology.

It’s obvious that the rivalry between military branches is a good-natured way for service members to poke fun at the people serving alongside them. Every branch does a great job defending America and they all deserve to be honored for the job they do.

Filed Under: Military Tagged With: , ,

Choosing a Military Branch

January 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Deciding to enlist in the military is a big step. Once that decision is made, the hard work isn’t over yet. You still have to choose the military branch that you’ll be serving. There are four primary options: the Army, the Marines, the Navy, and the Air Force. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages for different people.

Many people choose their branch of the military based on family history. If they have close family members or honored family members that have served in one branch, they are likely to choose that same branch. Family’s opinion on each branch is also important; there is a lot of judgment between branches of the military, and people enrolling are likely to let those opinions influence their decision.

People who are in the military to prepare for a certain job are likely to choose their branch based on what will advance them in their careers. For instance, some people want to be pilots in their civilian lives. In that case, they would likely enter the Air Force to get the necessary training to jumpstart their career.

Examining your strengths and abilities is also an important part of choosing your military branch. For instance, the Navy and Air Force are the most technologically advanced branches of the military. They have a lot of jobs that require more intellectual fortitude as well. On the other hand, the Marines and the Army are the most physically demanding branches. Both have jobs that require intellect, but they have far more jobs that demand physical strength and performance.

There are many things to take into consideration while choosing a military branch. Talking with a recruiter can be a very helpful step in the process. They can look at your strengths and skills and help you choose a branch that you’ll excel in.

Filed Under: Military Tagged With: ,

Air Force Squadron from North Pole, Alaska, Signs Off as Santa

December 7, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Not too many civilians think of the Air Force as Santa Claus’s Workshop. Oftentimes the Air Force, along with all other branches of the US military, are considered by society as defense and security corps – not humanitarian service workers. But the 354th Air Force Squadron stationed in Alaska has been spreading Christmas cheer – and counteracting negative stereotypes- for over 50 years.

The squadron responds to hundreds of children’s Christmas letters to Santa, postmarking them from the North Pole, which is a little town in which the Air Force base is located. The program is officially called Santa’s Mailbag, and any kids that write to Santa at 1 Santa Claus Lane in North Pole, Alaska, will receive a response.

In December 2010, the Colonel of the Air Force base joined the community in hoisting a new marker for the legendary North Pole in the center of town -a giant candy cane. Community leaders bundled up and weathered the cold in order to take some pictures and celebrate the new pole.

Originally, the Squadron received and responded to letters from those in their families, or other military families. But now that so many little ones are sending along their wish lists, the military receives support from the community.

The Santa pen pal program is not the only humanitarian service that the Air Force participates in. Air Force members based in Japan participate in Operation Christmas Drop, an airlift of toys and supplies to South Pacific islanders in need. Every Christmas, the islanders get excited to see the aircraft coming to drop the toys - an important symbol of charity and reconciliation in the wake of World War II.
The humanitarian services that the Air Force and other branches of the military participate in are just one of the main goals of the US military, and just another reason why recruitment and participation into the military is so widely appreciated.

Filed Under: Navy, Security Tagged With: , , ,

Rick, Tim and Rich: Study in Survival Technique

September 10, 2010 by Leave a Comment

In 1971 three boys went to the same high school together. Tim lived in the farming area. He was the goofy guy of the three with a grin on his face most of the time and labeled-nerd. Label or not, he was loved by most. He was an ordinary good guy which canceled out the ordinary.

Rick lived in town with Rich. All three were on the wrestling team, but Rick stood out as one of the best. It was a town known for wrestling. During any match, the gym was standing room only and if someone was near pinning, the stomping in unison in the bleachers and floor was deafening. This team went to state every year with wrestlers bringing back ribbons each time. Rick was a ribbon bearer. Like Tim, Rick always had a smile and a hug for his friends.

Of the three, Rich was the more serious. He had the same personality traits of warmth and smiles for his friends, but when alone, there was a darker edge to him-something deeper ran through his veins.

Rick was shipped out to Nam first. He disappeared in the fray of finishing school, worries about the war and frantic tries to get into college to stay alive. The next year, Tim and Rich entered the eastern disaster as well.

When Rick came home, his body was the same. His mind was gone. He would look at you like you were venison hanging to cure. There was emptiness in his stare as if somewhere behind the eyes was a void of eternity. Tim came back next. Same grin. Same guy. Don’t come up behind him unannounced. He would pick you up off the ground after laying you out, apologize red faced, and give you a hug. His wiring was off.

Rich never came home. He didn’t die. He became a lifer in the Air Force. Shot down three times in Vietnam, he became more open and caring. His leadership qualities ignited for the rest of his life and he never lost who he was.

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Filed Under: Family and Friends, Military Tagged With: , , ,