How close are we to handheld laser weapons? I read an article about a laser on a C-130 burning a hole through a car, a 747 that can shoot down an ICBM, and now a truck-mounted laser that can bring down a plane or UAV. What kind of science challenges do we need to meet before these weapons are issued to soldiers, etc.? [more inside]
posted by uaudio on Nov 19, 2009 - 21 answers

What are the Reserves (specifically, the Coast Guard) really like? [more inside]
posted by tryniti on Nov 15, 2009 - 4 answers

How do I help my little brother get out of the Marines? My little brother (well, not so little anymore) recently graduated from Marines' boot camp and is now in infantry training (I think, I'm woefully ignorant of military terminology). He recently expressed to me online that he's basically had enough with the Marines and wants to go home. Is there any way he can do that simply and legally? Would he have to get a dishonorable discharge. Seriously, I know nothing about the military having come from a long line of cowards. Can he just leave or is there some special process? Is there some kind of hotline or something he can call to be counseled on this stuff? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 9, 2009 - 29 answers

I'm looking for a website that can help me track/graph the movement of "defense forces" around the world. [more inside]
posted by parkbench on Nov 6, 2009 - 2 answers

Is a BS degree a BS degree, or are there "lesser" degrees - I don't even know how to ask this. I'll try, though. [more inside]
posted by ctmf on Oct 28, 2009 - 14 answers

Does my boyfriend qualify for veterans benefits? [more inside]
posted by lwclec072 on Oct 28, 2009 - 14 answers

Who were the highest ranking Jewish officers in the World War II militaries? [more inside]
posted by Joe Beese on Oct 21, 2009 - 20 answers

Prison party fashion...without the prison? [more inside]
posted by tejolote on Sep 29, 2009 - 24 answers

How destructive are current U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals relative to their maximum levels? [more inside]
posted by Joe Beese on Sep 26, 2009 - 8 answers

When you see military parades of countries that we would consider to be either potential or old enemies (Iran, North Korea, China, Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, the Soviet Union, etc.), the troops march using the “goose step”, but you never see that style of marching used by NATO or other friendly nation armies. I understand that western countries would probably not want to be seen goose-stepping due to the whole WW2 Germany connection, but why is it so popular with communist and other regimes? Just because it looks so bad-ass scary or because it gives an impression of complete discipline?
posted by 543DoublePlay on Sep 24, 2009 - 8 answers

Do the U.S. military bases in foreign countries, esp. Western Europe and Japan, help those countries keep their military budgets low so that they can afford things like, I dunno, universal health care? [more inside]
posted by nax on Sep 21, 2009 - 52 answers

Writing filter: In the USA, who tells the spouse that a member of the military has died, and what is that job or role called?
posted by joannemerriam on Sep 19, 2009 - 7 answers

I'm thinking about buying the Sonim XP3. Does anyone here own one or know someone that does? Asking primarily because I'll have to order it online; the only store carrying it is on back order and I can't futz with it before buying. [more inside]
posted by Unicorn on the cob on Sep 17, 2009 - 0 answers

Everybody who knows the origin of this gag, take one step forward... Not so fast, internet. [more inside]
posted by StopMakingSense on Aug 17, 2009 - 16 answers

Is there a central source that will clearly, objectively explain all the different paths through the US military? Enlisting versus ROTC versus other routes to entry, different ways of becoming an officer, different ways to get an education/get your education paid for, the different schools offered within the different branches, what jobs tend to be combat-related and which ones don't, how choosing a career path works, etc? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 12, 2009 - 6 answers

Will my short history of taking medication for ADHD prevent me from entering the military? [more inside]
posted by pyrom on Aug 12, 2009 - 9 answers

What would a Staff Sergeant (E-6) for the Minnesota Army National Guard doing convoy security in Iraq make per month? He's married with two kids doing combat duty. That's what my cousin's husband is doing right now. Some of the family were trying to guess how much she gets kicked back to her.
posted by shortbooks on Jul 7, 2009 - 8 answers

What can I expect as the partner of a British Royal Navy officer? [more inside]
posted by so much modern time on Jul 6, 2009 - 4 answers

If a military veteran chooses not to actively remember or discuss their military service (probably due to painful memories) in life, is it appropriate to go the extra mile to recognize their service in death? [more inside]
posted by SquidLips on Jun 29, 2009 - 20 answers

militaryfilter: I'm a 22 year old female with an art history BA, should I join? and which branch? [more inside]
posted by emmatwofour on Jun 21, 2009 - 26 answers

What opportunities exist for a female in the US military? [more inside]
posted by pyrom on Jun 19, 2009 - 29 answers

Since one of my favourite shows, The Unit, is now canceled, please recommend some books with similar themes. [more inside]
posted by sideshow on Jun 9, 2009 - 8 answers

I'm considering enlisting but was unsure how a gluten intolerance would play into it all. I'm interested in the navy but any info would be great.
posted by isopropyl on Jun 2, 2009 - 9 answers

Have you ordered a US military personnel file (aka "OMPF," or "201 file"), for someone famous that was "released" under the Persons of Exceptional Prominence (PEP) program? How did that go? How long did it take? Did you have to go there in person? [more inside]
posted by garfy3 on May 8, 2009 - 4 answers

Looking for science fiction movies/TV shows in which a military force (consisting of aliens or humans, good or evil) has tactically used time travel as a means to win a war. [more inside]
posted by np312 on Apr 18, 2009 - 16 answers

I received a FB message from someone I don't know who is a member of the US military. The message contained a death threat he wanted me to pass on to someone else, also unknown to me. Who, besides Facebook, should I contact about this?
posted by ausernamenooneelsehas on Apr 17, 2009 - 21 answers

If a country in the European Union becomes involved in a major military conflict (politi-speak for big war), would it drag the other nations into it like other binding agreements in European past? [more inside]
posted by Alec Loudenback on Apr 15, 2009 - 12 answers

I'm trying to locate the origin of the phrase "The righteous man champions the lost cause, knowing that all other causes are just merely events." [more inside]
posted by victoriab on Apr 15, 2009 - 2 answers

Where can I learn about "boot camp" mental training? [more inside]
posted by sweetkid on Mar 29, 2009 - 8 answers

I've occasionally seen police (or military personnel) wearing hats in such a way that the chin strap is hooked under the lower lip rather than the chin. Why? [more inside]
posted by le morte de bea arthur on Mar 19, 2009 - 10 answers

Anyone recall reading about a novel way they ascertained the prevalence of drug use among soldiers in Vietnam? I just can't recall where I saw it but I think it was probabilistic in nature.
posted by ottlite on Mar 17, 2009 - 3 answers

This is purely theoretical--it's not about me or anyone I know. It's for a project I'm working on. Let's say you enlist in the military but back out before basic training. I've found some information that says nothing will happen to you. So first, is that true? And second, does anyone have any experience with this they can share?
posted by world b free on Mar 12, 2009 - 12 answers

Help me write a realistic transition to civilian life for my US Marine. (longer, clearer explanation inside) [more inside]
posted by Tamanna on Feb 10, 2009 - 8 answers

My boyfriend is deployed, which is stressful. What are good ways to deal with this stress? And what, if anything, can I do to be a better, more supportive girlfriend? [more inside]
posted by charmcityblues on Feb 2, 2009 - 15 answers

Who can I contact if I'm being harassed by a U.S. army soldier. [more inside]
posted by charles_farley on Jan 15, 2009 - 23 answers

What's up with the "weather station" in Tecopa, CA? And why did it threaten to shoot me? [more inside]
posted by abirae on Dec 12, 2008 - 21 answers

PseudoMilitaryFilter: Looking for a pdf of a range card, the kind you used to fill out while sitting in your trench, OP or whatever. [more inside]
posted by furtive on Nov 29, 2008 - 7 answers

A couple years ago, there was this website that was made up to look like a military, high-tech tracking system of some kind. It was bogus, but looked really cool. Not long after it came out, Still President Bush or Donald Rumsfeld was at the Pentagon or similar location in a photo-op in which someone had that screen up for the cameras. Do you know what the site was? If not, I'm looking for a bogus, high-tech, military looking website. Doesn't need to be functional, just look like something the military or Nasa might use with dials, grids, radar kinda looking things. Thanks!
posted by GernBlandston on Nov 7, 2008 - 5 answers

How is paying attention to detail an extremely important skill in the military? I know "why", not doing so can get you or somone else killed, but I don't know "what" people are referring to. [more inside]
posted by sixcolors on Oct 23, 2008 - 20 answers

I'm putting together a large care package box for my boyfriend, located at an FPO AP address. My plan is to fill it a ton of random stuff to keep him surprised and delighted, from funny shirts to little plastic toys to letters and pictures to CDs. It's been ages since I sent anything that required a customs form, and I definitely want this package to survive all scrutiny - how specific do I need to get when I'm listing the box contents, especially if I'm sending such a variety of items? [more inside]
posted by Bakuun on Oct 22, 2008 - 8 answers

Are female officers and soldiers materially affected because they are not allowed to serve in certain combat roles? Concrete data appreciated. [more inside]
posted by muddgirl on Oct 16, 2008 - 13 answers

I'm liberal, non-religious, college-educated, and I think I want to join the Coast Guard through the "Blue 21" direct-to-aviation officer's program. Am I crazy? Is this a viable option? Who can I talk to, other than recruiters? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 - 14 answers

How do you handle names of military technology in writing according to the rules of the Chicago Manual of Style? [more inside]
posted by Foam Pants on Sep 15, 2008 - 10 answers

Tell me about what it's like to be in a military family. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 11, 2008 - 14 answers

The son of a dear friend passed away unexpectedly yesterday, from complications following minor surgery. This young man was serving in the US Navy on a sub, and now we are looking for a Navy-related charity we could make a donation to in memory of this young man. Suggestions?
posted by anastasiav on Aug 29, 2008 - 6 answers

I'm looking for the text of a poem/ statement that was printed on tea towels (where I saw it but could very well also be elsewhere) about how governments are willing to spend millions on armies and navies but schools have to hold cake stalls to provide basic services. The tea towels were popular among my friends' hippy parents in Canberra, Australia in the early- to mid-80s and were possibly printed by the Nuclear Disarmament Party, but just as likely found elsewhere. I've searched with all the terms I can think of but can't find the text. Can you help? Thanks.
posted by goo on Aug 14, 2008 - 6 answers

There seems to be an unusual amount of warplane-related activity in the skies over Chicago. Some sort of display-of-force? I've never seen anything like it. [more inside]
posted by shipbreaker on Aug 14, 2008 - 22 answers

What is a unique or more tangible Air Force or “Support our Troops”-related sympathy gift? [more inside]
posted by texas_blissful on Jun 26, 2008 - 8 answers

Wondering if anyone on the threads has any experience with civilian medical jobs for the military or could point to a resource on the web where people might discuss this. [more inside]
posted by dougiedd on Jun 8, 2008 - 2 answers

This is a 3rd party question and as such I am looking more for general information than specific help. It has to do with the military's policy on being gay while serving. [more inside]
posted by edgeways on Apr 26, 2008 - 13 answers