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U.S. Military Rank Insignia

U.S. Military Rank Insignia

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The U.S. Military Rank Insignia has a long and proud history. Many of the ranks adopted by the United States military at the start of the Revolutionary War in 1775 are still in use today. The early military took a lot of inspiration from the British and French forces. Over time, the military rank insignia has come to represent American valor. These emblems, worn on the uniform to denote rank, help people identify military personnel’s rank and pay-grade at a glance. Evolution of U.S. Military Rank Insignia There are general rules for ranks that can help those unfamiliar with ranks to get a broad idea. The US Military rank insignia has humble beginnings. Initially, while the Continental Army had militia with a rank structure based on British tradition, they lacked uniforms or the money to buy them. At the time, General George Washington proposed “badges of distinction” to separate enlisted men's appearance from the commissioned officers. He recommended a color-coding system. This...

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SPC Zulay Henao, U.S. Army (1997-2000)

SPC Zulay Henao, U.S. Army (1997-2000)

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Zulay Henao, best known for her captivating performances in both film and television, where she easily transitions from intense dramas to light-hearted comedies, is also a proud U.S. Army veteran. This Colombian-American star traded her fatigues for film scripts after serving three years, proving she can tackle any role with the same gusto she once applied to obstacle courses at Fort Bragg. Whether she's playing a tough-as-nails character or a loving friend, Henao brings an undeniable charm and authenticity that keeps audiences coming back for more—evidence that her basic training prepared her not just for combat, but for conquering Hollywood as well. Zulay Henao’s Early Life & Military Service Zulay Henao was born on May 29, 1979, in Medellín, Colombia. Her family immigrated to the United States when she was a child, settling in New Jersey. After graduating high school, Henao made the bold decision to enlist in the United States Army, a choice that would shape her future in...

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The Forgotten 500 by Gregory A. Freeman

The Forgotten 500 by Gregory A. Freeman

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On the night of August 2, 1944, a team of operatives from the U.S. Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the forerunner of today's Central Intelligence Agency, parachuted into the town of Pranjani, Serbia. Led by U.S. Army Lt. George "Guv" Musulin, the team of three was to contact Gen. Draža Mihailović, the leader of a Serbian nationalist band of fighters called the Chetniks.  He was there to plan how the United States' 15th Air Force would airlift the more than 500 downed Allied pilots the Chetniks rescued and bring them back to safety. Operation Halyard, as the mission was named, would be the largest rescue operation of American airmen in military history.  The Forgotten 500: The Daring Rescue Mission "The Forgotten 500: The Untold Story of the Men Who Risked All for the Greatest Rescue Mission of World War II" is a 2008 book that describes in detail how some 500 airmen were shot down over Serbia, how they were protected by Serbian civilians and the brave group of resistance...

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249th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps

249th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps

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Happy 249th birthday, United States Marine Corps! From the earliest days of the Continental Marines to present-day missions, the Marine Corps continues to stand as a symbol of courage and resilience. Celebrations this year span the globe, highlighting the Corps’ storied past and ongoing commitment to readiness. The Birth of the U.S. Marine Corps On November 10, 1775, the United States Marine Corps was established by the Second Continental Congress, which authorized “two Battalions of Marines” to support and strengthen the U.S. Navy during the Revolutionary War. Captain Samuel Nicholas was appointed to lead recruitment efforts at Philadelphia’s Tun Tavern, a lively tavern and brewery on Water Street that became the iconic birthplace of the Marines. Though the original building is long gone, Tun Tavern holds a special place in Marine Corps history, and a commemorative marker still designates the site as the Marines’ official origin. Though the Marines served valiantly during the...

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VA Guidance: Two Quicker Options to Appeal a VA Decision

VA Guidance: Two Quicker Options to Appeal a VA Decision

One of the powerful features available to every Veteran is the ability to have a decision made by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) about your healthcare, benefits, and services reviewed and potentially reversed or changed. This is often called "filing an Appeal" or simply "Appealing a decision." Options to Appeal a VA Decision: Historical Overview Historically, appealing a VA decision was a complicated process, requiring an in-person hearing before a Judge at VA's Board of Veterans Appeals. This process generally took between three and seven years to resolve, leading to frustration. Often, Veterans hired lawyers, expending personal funds to get what they pointed out was "rightly theirs." The Appeal process was changed in 2019 and now there are two options (called Lanes) for Veterans to relatively quickly have their decisions reviewed. These are:1.    Higher-Level Review2.    Supplemental Claim For the purpose of the explanation below, I will...

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Undaunted Valor by Matt Jackson

Undaunted Valor by Matt Jackson

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Author Matt Jackson grew up in a U.S. Navy family, spending his formative years at every naval submarine base on the American East Coast. Considering his family's proud Navy tradition, it might seem odd that Jackson would grow up and not only join the Army but stay for 25 years, serving in Vietnam and retiring as a commissioned officer. Today, Col. (ret.) Matt Jackson is a prolific author and creator of the "Undaunted Valor" series, one of the highest-rated book series set amid the Vietnam War.  Undaunted Valor: A Helicopter Pilot’s Journey in Combat In his first book, "Undaunted Valor, An Assault Helicopter Unit In Vietnam," Jackson introduces us to Cory, a helicopter pilot recounting the tale of his transition from high school to flight school. He then tells us the story of his time in the skies over Vietnam. When American ground troops make contact with the enemy, combat helicopter pilots must move in and bail them out, becoming a casualty themselves. Cory is a newly minted...

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Our Vietnam Wars by William F. Brown

Our Vietnam Wars by William F. Brown

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Real stories told by real people, in their own words, 100 veterans, men, and women caught up in an all too real war. From the Delta to the DMZ, come walk in their boots. If you were there, you understand. If you weren't, grab a copy.  The Vietnam War dominated my generation and affected so many lives in so many different ways. Some of us were drafted. Some enlisted. Some became war heroes, intentional or not, but most of us were just trying to survive. As we all knew, Vietnam was all about luck, good or bad. And there were hundreds of different wars depending on where you were, the year you were there, your service, branch, unit, rank, job, and race. Whether we were truck drivers, helicopter pilots, infantryman, clerk typists, medics, engineers, MPs, sailors out on Yankee station, artillerymen, or cooks, from 1956 to 1976 from the Delta to the DMZ, these stories tell who we were, the jobs we did, our memories of that time and place, how it changed us, and what we did after we...

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The 249th Birthday of the U.S. Navy

The 249th Birthday of the U.S. Navy

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On October 13, 2024, we commemorate the 249th birthday of the United States Navy. Since its establishment on October 13, 1775, the Navy has played a critical role in safeguarding the United States. For nearly two and a half centuries, the Navy has stood ready to defend our interests and uphold international maritime freedom. The History of the U.S. Navy The U.S. Navy was established on October 13, 1775, during the American Revolution, when the Continental Congress authorized a small naval force to disrupt British supply lines and challenge their sea power. Comprised of a modest fleet of ships working alongside privateers, the early Navy engaged in tactical raids using converted frigates and schooners. These operations played a vital role in weakening British forces and protecting American interests at sea, proving the strategic value of naval warfare. After the Revolution, the Navy was disbanded due to financial constraints, but the rise of global trade and foreign threats led...

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WWI Military Technologies Still in Use Today

WWI Military Technologies Still in Use Today

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WWI military technology evolution is an ongoing process, and breakthroughs in new weapons and defensive systems make the news every year. However, many modern warfare staples have their roots over a century ago - in World War I. From deadly drones to invaluable radio systems, five technologies developed in the Great War are still used today. WWI Military Technologies: Tanks British Mark IV tank with Tadpole Tail, introduced in 1917 and used during the latter part of the First World War. The Tadpole Tail was an elongation of the rear horns to increase trench-crossing power, necessitated by the wider trenches of the Hindenburg Line. Date: 1917-1918. An instantly recognizable symbol of 20th Century warfare, the tank was developed in secret by the Allies during World War I. It was conceived of as a so-called "land-ship," but a codename for the project had to be used. To maintain the element of surprise, the Allies referred to these new war machines as "Water Carriers," and then later...

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From Mess Decks to Wardroom by CDR Lee Foley

From Mess Decks to Wardroom by CDR Lee Foley

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Enlisted people definitely have their favorite officers, and usually, the most popular officers are the "Mustangs", which is military slang for those who began their military careers as enlisted. It's not just that they're older and wiser, as most make the jump from a non-commissioned officer rank – it's just that they still feel like one of us. The Rise of CDR Lee M. Foley in the U.S. Navy That's the kind of officer U.S. Navy CDR. Lee M. Foley was. His memoir, "Mustang: From Mess Decks to Wardroom," documents his 32 years of naval service. Born in landlocked Arkansas, he somehow grew up loving the Navy and enlisted in 1961 as a signalman. Over the next three decades, he would rise in rank to Master Chief Petty Officer, then jump to Warrant Officer. After making Chief Warrant Officer 4, he earned a commission, rising to the rank of Commander and Captain of his own ship, the Agile-class minesweeper USS Excel, and finally, his last posting as Executive Officer aboard the USS Kansas...

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AFN George Carlin, U.S. Air Force (1954-1957)

AFN George Carlin, U.S. Air Force (1954-1957)

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George Denis Patrick Carlin, known for his sharp wit and incisive social commentary, remains one of the most influential comedians of all time. His career spanned decades, and his humor challenged societal norms, making him a voice for many who questioned authority and the status quo. However, before he became a household name, Carlin's life took a different path—one that led him to serve in the United States Air Force. While his military service may seem at odds with his later persona, it played a significant role in shaping the man he would become. George Carlin’s Early Life and Enlistment George Denis Patrick Carlin was born on May 12, 1937, in New York City to an Irish father, Patrick Carlin, and an Irish-American mother, Mary Bearey. Carlin grew up in a tough neighborhood and was known for his rebellious nature from an early age. He was raised on West 121st Street in a part of Upper Manhattan commonly known as “white Harlem.” By the time he was a teenager, Carlin had developed a...

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The 77th Birthday of the United States Air Force

The 77th Birthday of the United States Air Force

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On September 18, 2024, we honor the 77th birthday of the United States Air Force, a branch that has consistently demonstrated unmatched air superiority, global reach, and technological advancement since its inception. Over the past seven decades, the Air Force has evolved from a modest unit into a world-renowned force, capable of projecting power anytime and anywhere to safeguard American interests. The Formation of the United States Air Force The U.S. Air Force, as we know it today, was officially established on September 18, 1947, with the signing of the National Security Act by President Harry Truman. Prior to this historic moment, the Air Force operated as part of the U.S. Army under the name Aeronautical Division, responsible for the fledgling nation's air capabilities. The recognition of the strategic importance of airpower during World War II propelled the Air Force to become an independent service branch, marking the dawn of a new era in military history. In its early years,...

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