Google Maps Military Installations in PA, NJ, and NY

Here is a Google Map of some Military Installations in PA, NJ, and NY.  Not all of the points are active bases, some are academys or research facilities. 



View Army Installations in PA, NJ, and NY in a larger map

What is Airborne School?

Someone asked me if I could do a post about Airborne School?  What is it you ask?  Well prepare to be enlightened...

Basic Airborne Course, also known as Jump School, is a three week course that trains Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors to parachute out of aircrafts.  Run by the United States Army, there is only one Airborne School in the country at Fort Benning, Georgia.  This school teaches servicemen to use parachutes as a means of combat deployment, self-confidence, leadership, and an aggressive spirit through mental and physical conditioning.

The school is divided into three phases, one per week.  Phase one is known as Ground Week and consists mainly of physical training.  Servicemen go through and intensive training program of how to properly wear the T-10D and T-11 parachute and prepare to make five jumps.  Training takes place on a mock door C-130 or C-17 aircraft.  As well as learning how to jump, they practice parachute landing falls (PLF), which is a landing technique to ensure a safe landing.  Drills take place on a 34 foot tower and on a lateral drift apparatus (LDA).  Servicemen must successfully complete the tower, LDA, PLFs, and pass all physical training requirements in order to move on to phase two.  


Phase two is Tower Week and focuses on the "mass exit" concept.  Servicemen learn the proper technique to exit and aircraft and are given the proper flight instructions before a jump.  Training on the 34 foot tower, servicemen train with all of their equipment on.  The last two days of Tower Week are use for Swing Landing Trainer (SLT) and for practicing on the suspended harness.  On the last day, servicemen will then be asked to attempt a drop from the 250 foot tower.  Occasionally, the 250 foot tower is omitted because there is a growing number of injuries.  In order to move on to Jump Week, servicemen must demonstrate a knowledge of all flight instructions, "mass exit" techniques, proper exits from the 34 foot tower, and be successful on the PLFs and SLTs.


Jump Week, the last week, is where servicemen make five parachute jumps into the Fryar Drop Zone located in Alabama.  The first two jumps are called "hollywood" jumps where servicemen wear their parachute with no combat equipment.  The last three jumps involve equipment such as a ruck sack and a dummy weapon.  The last jump typically takes place at night.  

Upon Completion of Airborne School, servicemen will receive the coveted "silver wings"

Check out this official video!  I apologize for how corny it is...

The Mission of the Air Force

The first form of United States Air Force was created in 1907, called the Aeronautical Division, U.S. Signal Corps.  However, the Air Force as we know it today came to be after WWII.  With the implementation of the National Security Act of 1947, the Air Force became its own separate military service.    

MISSION: fly, fight, and win...in air, space, and cyberspace 

There are three core proficiencies that the Air Force focuses on: developing Airmen, technology to war fighting, and integrating operations.  Due to these focuses, six capabilities have been developed...

1. Air and Space Superiority:  Being the most powerful force in the air, the Air Force is able to support forces on the land and sea.  
2. Global Attack:  With help from technological advances, the Air Force can attack anywhere and anytime with great precision.
3. Rapid Global Mobility:  The Air Force is able to respond quickly and decisively anywhere around the world.
4. Precision Engagement:  The ability to exercise maximum power towards a specific target with great accuracy and with minimal to no collateral damage. 
5. Information Superiority:  The ability of joint force commanders to keep pace with information and incorporate it into a campaign plan.
6. Agile Combat Support:  The actions taken to create, sustain, and protect personnel and assets during peace and wartime.  

Check out these awesome jobs in the Air Force!

Air Force Values and Creed

Much like the Army and the Marine Corps, the Air Force shares similar values that they live by and cherish.

The 1st core value: INTEGRITY   

• the willingness to do what is right even when no one is looking
• the ability to hold together and properly regulate all of the elements of a personality.
• also covers several other moral traits indispensable to national service: courage, honesty, responsibility, accountability, justice, openness, self-respect, and humility.

The 2nd core value: SERVICE BEFORE SELF

• An Airman's professional duties always take precedence over personal desires
• encompasses: rule following, respect for others, discipline and self-control (anger, appetites, and religious toleration)

The 3rd core value: EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO

• Airman strive for continual improvement in self and service
• encompasses: product/service excellence, personal excellence, community excellence (mutual respect, benefit of the doubt), resources excellence (material resources excellence, human resources excellence), operations excellence (excellence of internal operations, excellence of external operations)

THE AIRMAN'S CREED -  This is the Airman's promise to country and colleagues.

I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN.

I AM A WARRIOR.
I HAVE ANSWERED MY NATION'S CALL.

I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN.
MY MISSION IS TO FLY, FIGHT, AND WIN.
I AM FAITHFUL TO A PROUD HERITAGE,
A TRADITION OF HONOR,
AND A LEGACY OF VALOR.

I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN,
GUARDIAN OF FREEDOM AND JUSTICE,
MY NATION'S SWORD AND SHIELD,
ITS SENTRY AND AVENGER.
I DEFEND MY COUNTRY WITH MY LIFE.

I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN:
WINGMAN, LEADER, WARRIOR.
I WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AIRMAN BEHIND,
I WILL NEVER FALTER,
AND I WILL NOT FAIL.

The Marines' Hymn

The Marines' Hymn is the official song of the United States Marine Corps.  It is typically sung while the Marines are positioned at attention.  The third verse can also be used during toasts at formal events.  The Marines' Hymn is the oldest of the service songs of our country.

The Marines' Hymn Lyrics:

From the Halls of Montezuma,

To the shores of Tripoli;

We fight our country's battles

In the air, on land, and sea;

First to fight for right and freedom

And to keep our honor clean;

We are proud to claim the title

Of United States Marine.

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze

From dawn to setting sun;

We have fought in every clime and place

Where we could take a gun;

In the snow of far-off Northern lands

And in sunny tropic scenes;

You will find us always on the job

The United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our Corps

Which we are proud to serve;

In many a strife we've fought for life

And never lost our nerve;

If the Army and the Navy

Ever look on Heaven’s scenes;

They will find the streets are guarded

By United States Marines.

Symbols of the Marine Corps

The United States Marine Corps has uses some symbols that are widely recognizeable.  Along with the phrase, "Semper Fi" these symbols epitomize the essence of what it means to be a Marine.

 
The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor:

This emblem has been part of the United States Marine Corps uniform since 1868 and became the official emblem in 1955.  The eagle with its wings spread represents our nation. The globe is attributed to the Marines presence worldwide.  And the anchor stands for naval tradition. Together, they represent a dedication to service in the air, on land, and at sea.  This emblem is presented at the end of Recruit Training as a rite of passage into becoming a United States Maine.

 The Sword:

Staff Noncommissioned Officers (SNCOs) and Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) carry the 1858 Cavalry sword.  It signifys the Marine Corps’ heritage as America’s original protectors.  The Mameluke sword was origionally given to Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon in 1805 by a Mameluke chieftain in North Africa.  All Marine Corps Officers carried the Mameluke sword by 1825.  The sword was given to them in recognition of their leadership in combat.  Today, it is oldest weapon still in service by United States Armed Forces.
 

Semper Fi:

Semper Fidelis, Latin for "always faithful," is a word that describes the Marine Corps brotherhood that lasts a lifetime.  It became the Marine Corps motto in 1883.  Today, it encourages Marines to remain faithful to the mission at hand, to each other, to the Corps and to country, no matter what.

"The Few, The Proud, The Marines"

Each branch creates their own commercials for recruiting purposes. Truth be told, some of them are kind of lame. This one shows some true intensity and grit. I have to say, the Marine Corps has the best commercials of any branch...





Paralleling the commercial, this video of why some people joined the Marines is just as intense...

United States Army Flag and Streamers

      

The United States Army flag, established by Executive Order 10670 was dedicated   for the first time by Vice President Nixon at Independence Hall, Philadelphia on June 14, 1956.  The occasion marked the 181st anniversary of the establishment of the United States Army by the Continental Congress in 1775.
The flag background is white, 4 feet 4 inches by 5 feet 6 inches, with yellow fringe. Centered on the flag is a blue replica of the original War Office seal, now the seal of the Department of the Army. UNITED STATES ARMY is inscribed in white letters on a scarlet scroll beneath the seal. The year 1775 in blue numerals is below the scroll.
The central element is a Roman cuirass, a symbol of strength and defense. The United States flag, of a design used in the formative years of the Nation, and the other flag emphasize the role of the Army in the establishment of and the protection of the Nation. The sword, esponton (a type of half-pike formerly used by subordinate officers), musket, bayonet, cannon, cannon balls, mortar and mortar bombs are representative of traditional Army implements of battle. The drum and drumsticks are symbols of public notification of the Army's purpose and intent to serve the Nation and its people. The Phrygian cap (often called the Cap of Liberty) supported on the point of the unsheathed sword and the motto "This We'll Defend" on a scroll held by the rattlesnake, a symbol depicted on some American colonial flags, signify the Army's constant readiness to defend and preserve the United States.
The 183 streamers attached to the Army Flag staff denote the campaigns fought by the Army throughout our national history. Each streamer embroidered with the designation of the campaign and the year in which it occurred. The colors derive from the campaign ribbon authorized for service in that particular war. When the United States Army flag is not being carried, the streamers are arranged in such a manner that the first (LEXINGTON 1775) and the last (IRAQI GOVERNANCE 2004-2005) streamers are in the center facing forward and completely identifiable.
The concept of campaign streamers came to prominence in the Civil War when Army organizations embroidered the names of battles on their organizational colors. This was discontinued in 1890, when units were authorized to place silver bands, engraved with the names of the battles, around their flag staffs. When Expeditionary Forces units in World War I were unable to obtain silver bands, General Pershing authorized the use of small ribbons bearing the battle names. In 1921, Army organizations were authorized to use campaign streamers as now used with the Army flag. Streamers used on organizational colors and the Army display flag are three feet; those displayed on the Army ceremonial flag are four feet in length.
The 183 streamers on the Army flag represent participation in the following wars and campaigns. A modified set consisting of 38 streamers are attached to the Army display flag and the Army ceremonial flag under certain circumstances (See Chapter 4, AR 840-10). The correct order of display and inscriptions are shown in AR 840-10. Campaign streamers have been authorized for the following wars:

Revolutionary War: 16 Streamers - scarlet with a white center stripe.
War of 1812: 6 Streamers - scarlet with two white stripes.
Mexican War: 10 Streamers - green with a white center stripe.
Civil War: 25 Streamers - blue and gray, equally divided.
Indian Wars: 14 Streamers - scarlet with two black stripes.
War With Spain: 3 Streamers - yellow with two blue stripes.
China Relief Expedition: 3 Streamers - yellow with blue borders.
Philippine Insurrection: 11 Streamers - blue with two red stripes.
Mexican Expedition: 1 Streamer - yellow with a blue center stripe and green borders.
World War I: 13 Streamers - double rainbow.
Asiatic-Pacific Theater: 21 Streamers - yellow with a narrow blue, white and red center stripe and a narrow white, red and white stripe on each side.
American Theater: 1 Streamer - light with a narrow blue, white and red center stripe and a narrow white, red, black and white stripe on each side.
European-African-Middle Eastern Theater: 16 Streamers - green with a brown stripe on each edge. The center has a narrow blue, white and red stripe. On the upper portion is a narrow white and red stripe with a narrow white, black and white stripe on the lower portion.
Korean War: 10 Streamers - light blue bordered on each side with white and a white center stripe.
Vietnam: 17 Streamers - yellow bordered on each side with green and three red stripes in the center.
Dominican Republic: 1 Streamer.
Grenada: 1 Streamer.
Panama: 1 Streamer. The ribbon for these streamers is the Armed Forces Expeditionary. The ribbon is light blue with a narrow blue, white and red stripe in the center. On each edge is a narrow green, yellow, red and black stripe.
Southwest Asia: 3 Streamers – tan ribbon with a black border and center stripe. On side of the black center is a green stripe. A grouping of red, white and blue stripes are centered on each side.
Kosovo: 2 Streamers - five stripes of blue, red, white, blue and red.
Afghanistan Campaign: 2 Streamers – thirteen stripes bordered emerald and center stripe old glory blue. On each side scarlet, black, white, scarlet and white.
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary: 1 Streamer - fifteen stripes bordered bluebird and center stripe scarlet. On each side old glory blue, white, old glory blue, bluebird, golden yellow and bluebird.
Iraq: 5 Streamers - eleven stripes bordered scarlet and center stripe chamois. On each side white, green, white and black.

United States Army Song

The United States army song, "The Army Goes Rolling Along," was originally written by field artillery First Lieutenant Edmund L. Gruber.  Gruber created the song while he was stationed in the Philippines in 1908.  The original lyrics reflect routine activities in a horse-drawn field artillery battery.  The song was transformed into a march by John Philip Sousa in 1917and renamed “The Field Artillery Song.”  In 1952 the song was adopted as the official song of the Army and was once again renamed.  The new name, "The Army Goes Rolling Along," tells a story of the United States' past, present, and future.  This army song is played at the conclusion of every U.S. Army ceremony and all soldiers are expected to stand and sing. 



“The Army Goes Rolling Along” Lyrics:

Intro: March along, sing our song, with the Army of the free
Count the brave, count the true, who have fought to victory
We’re the Army and proud of our name
We’re the Army and proudly proclaim
Verse: First to fight for the right,
And to build the Nation’s might,
And The Army Goes Rolling Along
Proud of all we have done,
Fighting till the battle’s won,
And the Army Goes Rolling Along.
Refrain: Then it’s Hi! Hi! Hey!
The Army’s on its way.
Count off the cadence loud and strong (TWO! THREE!)
For where e’er we go,
You will always know
That The Army Goes Rolling Along.
Verse: Valley Forge, Custer’s ranks,
San Juan Hill and Patton’s tanks,
And the Army went rolling along
Minute men, from the start,
Always fighting from the heart,
And the Army keeps rolling along.
(refrain)
Verse: Men in rags, men who froze,
Still that Army met its foes,
And the Army went rolling along.
Faith in God, then we’re right,
And we’ll fight with all our might,
As the Army keeps rolling along.
(refrain)

Army Ranks and Insignias

Ever wonder what those weird looking stripes and shapes are on a Soldier's uniform?  Well hopefully I can help you out...  There are actually the Soldier's rank within the United States Army.  Each rank has a certain insignia which is displayed on the Soldier's uniform.  These charts below can help you learn more about each rank and their corresponding insignia.

 

PRIVATE (PVT/PV2):

(Addressed as "Private")
Lowest rank: a trainee who’s starting Basic Combat Training (BCT). Primary role is to carry out orders issued to them to the best of his/her ability. (PVT does not have an insignia)

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS (PFC):

(Addressed as "Private")
PV2s are promoted to this level after one year—or earlier by request of supervisor. Individual can begin BCT at this level with experience or prior military training. Carries out orders issued to them to the best of his/her ability.

SPECIALIST (SPC):

(Addressed as "Specialist")
Can manage other enlisted Soldiers of lower rank. Has served a minimum of two years and attended a specific training class to earn this promotion. People enlisting with a four year college degree can enter BCT as a Specialist.

CORPORAL (CPL): *CPL is a very rare rank in the Army, most people go straight to SGT from SPC

(Addressed as "Corporal")
The base of the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks, CPLs serve as team leader of the smallest Army units. Like SGTs, they are responsible for individual training, personal appearance and cleanliness of Soldiers.

SERGEANT (SGT):

(Addressed as "Sergeant")
Typically commands a squad (9 to 10 Soldiers). Considered to have the greatest impact on Soldiers because SGTs oversee them in their daily tasks. In short, SGTs set an example and the standard for Privates to look up to, and live up to.

STAFF SERGEANT (SSG):

(Addressed as "Sergeant")
Also commands a squad (9 to 10 Soldiers).  Often has one or more SGTs under their leadership.  Responsible for developing, maintaining and utilizing the full range of his Soldier's potential. 

The Army Warrant Officer is an adaptive technical expert, combat leader, trainer, and advisor. Through progressive levels of expertise in assignments, training, and education, the Warrant Officer administers, manages, maintains, operates, and integrates Army systems and equipment across the full spectrum of Army operations. Warrant Officers are formally addressed as either Mr. or Ms.

 

WARRANT OFFICER 1 (WO1):

Appointed by warrant from the Secretary of the Army. WO1s are technically and tactically focused officers who perform the primary duties of technical leader, trainer, operator, manager, maintainer, sustainer, and advisor.

CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 2 (CW2):

Chief Warrant Officers become commissioned officers as provided by the President of the United States.   CW2s are intermediate level technical and tactical experts who perform increased duties and responsibilities at the detachment through battalion levels.

CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 3 (CW3):

Advanced-level experts who perform the primary duties that of a technical and tactical leader. They provide direction, guidance, resources, assistance, and supervision necessary for subordinates to perform their duties. CW3s primarily support operations levels from team or detachment through brigade.

CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 4 (CW4):

Senior-level experts in their chosen field. They primarily support battalion, brigade, division, corps, and echelons above corps operations. CW4s typically have special mentorship responsibilities for other WOs and provide essential advice to commanders on WO issues.

CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 5 (CW5): *also known as Master Warrent Officer

Master-level technical and tactical experts that support brigade, division, corps, echelons above corps, and major command operations. They provide leader development, mentorship, advice, and counsel to WOs and branch officers. CW5s have special WO leadership and representation responsibilities within their respective commands.

 

SECOND LIEUTENANT (2LT):

(Addressed as "Lieutenant")
Typically the entry-level rank for most Commissioned Officers. Leads platoon-size elements consisting of the platoon SGT and two or more squads (16 to 44 Soldiers).

FIRST LIEUTENANT (1LT):

(Addressed as "Lieutenant")
A seasoned lieutenant with 18 to 24 months service. Leads more specialized weapons platoons and indirect fire computation centers. As a senior Lieutenant, they are often selected to be the Executive Officer of a company-sized unit (110 to 140 personnel).

CAPTAIN (CPT):

(Addressed as "Captain")
Commands and controls company-sized units (62 to 190 Soldiers), together with a principal NCO assistant. Instructs skills at service schools and The United States Army combat training centers and is often a Staff Officer at the battalion level.

MAJOR (MAJ):

(Addressed as "Major")
Serves as primary Staff Officer for brigade and task force command regarding personnel, logistical and operational missions.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL (LTC):

(Addressed as "Lieutenant Colonel " or "Colonel")
Typically commands battalion-sized units (300 to 1,000 Soldiers), with a CSM as principal NCO assistant. May also be selected for brigade and task force Executive Officer.

COLONEL (COL):

(Addressed as "Colonel")
Typically commands brigade-sized units (3,000 to 5,000 Soldiers), with a CSM as principal NCO assistant. Also found as the chief of divisional-level staff agencies.

Words to Live by: Army and Marines

The Soldier's Creed is a standard that all United States Army personnel are encouraged to live by. All enlisted Army personnel are taught this during basic training and are expected to recite it at public ceremonies at the conclusion of training. 

I am an American Soldier.

I am a Warrior and a member of a team.

I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values.

I will always place the mission first.

I will never accept defeat.

I will never quit.

I will never leave a fallen comrade.

I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my Warrior tasks and drills.

I always maintain my arms, my equipment, and myself.

I am an expert and I am a professional.

I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.

I am the guardian of freedom and the American way of life.

I am an American Soldier.

The Marines have a similar one that they live by called the Rifleman's Creed:

This is my rifle.  There are many like it, but this one is mine.

My rifle is my best friend. It is my life.

I must master it as I must master my life.

My rifle, without me, is useless.  Without my rifle, I am useless.

I must fire my rifle true.

I must shoot straighter than my enemy who is trying to kill me.

I must shoot him before he shoots me.  I will...
My rifle and I know that what counts in this war is not the rounds we fire, the noise of our burst, nor the smoke we make.

We know that it is the hits that count.  We will hit...

My rifle is human, even as I, because it is my life.

Thus, I will learn it as a brother.  I will learn its weaknesses, its strengths, its parts, its accessories, its sights, and its barrel.

Military Uniforms

Each branch of the military wears different uniforms.  They have both utility uniforms and dress uniforms.  It is important to know the difference between what branch wears what uniform mainly because they like to compete with each other about who looks best! Check out these uniforms and tell me which one you think looks the best!!

Army:

        

Marines:

*their utility uniform also comes in desert (brown) pattern

   

Navy:

    

Air Force:

 

"Restrepo" - A Must See

When it comes to war movies the ones that usually come to mind first are “Black Hawk Down,” “Saving Private Ryan,” and “We Were Soldiers.”  However, Hollywood has had a significant impact and effect on these movies, making them less true to the real experiences of Soldiers.  Recently I watched a fascinating movie, “Restrepo,” that depicts one company’s deployment to the Korengal Valley in Afghanistan.  It is completely accurate in that it is real footage shot from either the individual Soldier’s personal cameras or from a cameraman who lived there with the Soldiers.

 

This film, shot in 2007, stars the Soldiers of Second Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (airborne) of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.  Their mission was to establish relationships with the locals and establish security within the region. 

At the time this film was created, the Korengal Valley was considered “the deadliest place on Earth” due to the extreme violence and rampant insurgency.   The film is named after PFC Juan S. Restrepo, a medic who was killed early on in the deployment. 

With scenes such as Rock Avalanche, viewers can see the extreme conditions in which the Soldiers lived and fought.  Not only is this film an accurate portrayal of today’s war in Afghanistan but it is also eye-opening and uplifting.  You can see the emotional distress of these Soldiers when they would lose a teammate.  At the same time, you can see how resilient they were and how proud they were to do their job and come home.

 The Korengal Valley

 OP (Observation Post) Restrepo

 The harsh terrain Soldiers operate in

Restrepo can be found on Amazon for only $.99 for a seven day rental.   Even if Military movies aren't your topic of choice, I highly recommend watching this movie.  Rent it today!