You’ve probably seen military movies before where the actors portraying military members recite a series of words and numbers that don’t seem to make any sense. You were most likely hearing the Military Phonetic Alphabet, which is an open code used to communicate letters phonetically to ensure the communication is clear.

Military Phonetic Alphabet

Why does the military use the Military Phonetic Alphabet?

Because many letters sound similar when recited over the phone or radio. Think of all the letters that end with a long “E” sound: B, C, D, E, G, P, T, V, Z. These letters can sound similar when run together quickly or over a crackled radio or poor phone connection. When you see the corresponding letter/word combination in the Military Phonetic Alphabet you will see there is very little room for error.

Why use an open code for the Military Phonetic Alphabet?

I know what you’re thinking – What good is a code when everyone knows it? The point of the Military Phonetic Alphabet isn’t to hide communications, it is to communicate more effectively by eliminating errors. The Military Phonetic Alphabet reduces the chances of misinterpreting the verbal communication because each letter/word combination is unique enough that it can’t be confused with another letter, but the sounds of individual letters can be easily confused.

The other thing to remember is that the Military Phonetic Alphabet is most often used in open communications that aren’t necessarily secret, but need to be quickly and accurately understood. Think for example, of an air traffic controller directing an airplane toward to the correct approach or heading. The Military Phonetic Alphabet is also used to label sectors or divisions on a map or encampment. For example, it is easier for everyone if a row of tents is labeled Alpha Row, Bravo Row, etc., than if each row of tents was given a traditional “street name” like Main Street, Maple Lane, etc.

Did you know there are other phonetic alphabets used by other military services? See this list from Wikipedia.

What is the Military Phonetic Alphabet?

• A – Alpha
• B – Bravo
• C – Charlie
• D – Delta
• E – Echo
• F – Foxtrot
• G – Golf
• H – Hotel
• I – India
• J – Juliet
• K – Kilo
• L – Lima
• M – Mike
• N – November
• O – Oscar
• P – Papa
• Q – Quebec
• R – Romeo
• S – Sierra
• T – Tango
• U – Uniform
• V – Victor
• W – Whiskey
• X – X-ray
• Y – Yankee
• Z – Zulu

Having Fun With the Military Phonetic Alphabet

The Military Phonetic Alphabet can be used for inside jokes and “hidden” communications. It can also be found in pop culture, on TV, radio, and even in the name of a record album, such as Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, by Wilco.

This is Romeo Yankee Alpha November Golf, signing off.

Are you are planning on joining the military? If so, you will need to first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) or the equivalent qualifying exam for Officers. It is important to do well on this test, not only because you won’t be able to join the military if you don’t pass, but you may need to reach a minimum score to qualify for certain jobs.

Want to ace the ASVAB? Good. Keep reading!

How to Ace the ASVAB

The main thing is to study and be prepared. You’ll find a number of study guides you can use. Also, learn from others who have taken the test and make sure you learn everything you can so you’re educated on the requirements as well as the contents of the ASVAB.

Here are some things you need to know about the ASVAB, and a few tips on how to ace it.

What is the ASVAB?

The ASVAB is the entrance exam required to join the United States military. If you don’t pass this test you won’t be allowed to enlist in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or any branch of the Reserves. This test is given to everyone who is considering enlisting in the US military.

The ASVAB determines whether you have the mental aptitude required to be in the military branch you’re applying to, and it also determines what job you’re mentally capable of performing.

Which topics does the ASVAB cover?

The test covers four specific areas: Mathematics Knowledge, Arithmetic Reasoning, Paragraph Comprehension, and Word Knowledge.

How to Study for the ASVAB

item photo from Amazon

There are several study guides you can use when you’re preparing for the ASVAB. There are many ASVAB study guides available, some of which are easier to understand than others, so you’ll need to find the one that will work best for you and your learning abilities. Here are some of the top sellers:

• The ASVAB for Dummies
• Master The ASVAB Basics
• 30 Days to the ASVAB
• The Pass Key to the ASVAB

If you want to save money, check out a copy from the library or browse through an edition at the bookstore before buying – that way you know you get the best version for your study habits. You can also search out free online ASVAB practice tests and study guides, which can help you get the hang of how the test works.

How to Pass the ASVAB

The best way to pass the ASVAB is to study for it just like any other test you need to pass. Read through the book, ask the recruiter questions that may come up, talk to others who have taken the test. If you don’t pass, you won’t be able to join, so you need to take this test seriously.

Can you retake the ASVAB?

Yes, you can. You will want to do your best the first time, because let’s face it, no one wants to spend several hours retaking a test! But if you don’t score as high enough to qualify for the military job you want, or if you don’t score high enough to qualify for military enlistment, you can take it again. Be sure to put in some extra study to prepare for your second test, and try some online practice tests if you can find some.

Is the ASVAB required for Commissioning?

Two of the branches (Army and Marine Corps) require you take the ASVAB, but the Navy and Air Force do not requier the ASVAB. The Air Force has a separate officer qualifying test – Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, or AFOQT.

If you want to enlist, you must pass the ASVAB

Anyone who wants to enlist in the US military must take the ASVAB test to help them decide on the career that fits their abilities. When you’re prepared for the questions, you’ll do better and feel better about your results, and that will help you to be more successful, and happier, with the specific military career you select.

Unemployment is a major problem in the US right now. The economic crisis and recession have caused over a million job losses in the past year, and some economists are expecting that number to go as high as 2 million more this year. These are the highest levels of unemployment we have seen in the US in several decades, and the military offers something that people are having a hard time finding right now – a steady paycheck and full benefits for themselves and their family. As a result, more and more people are enlisting or receiving their commission in the US military.

Financial, Career, and Educational Benefits of Joining the US military

Many people are well aware that the US military can be a dangerous profession, but there are also many benefits that people may not be aware of. There are many great benefits for military members in addition to the steady paychecks – 1st and 15th of every month, or the preceding Friday if that day falls on a weekend – and full medical benefits for the military member and his family free of charge. More information about military benefits.

Hi tech training in the military

the military is famous for its high level of training. There are some jobs that don’t translate well into the civilian sector (tank driving and artillery crew members come to mind), but there are plenty of career fields that translate extremely well to the civilian sector: a variety of jobs in the medical and dentistry fields, aircraft and vehicle maintenance, communications, small electronics repair, radar and avionics, air traffic control, military police, firefighters, logistics and supply, pilots and other aviation fields, construction and civil engineering, and more.

Education opportunities in the military

The military provides its members with an excellent Tuition Assistance program, matching up to 100% of your tuition costs (up to a certain dollar limit per course and per year) while you are active duty. Through the military I was able to complete my degree without spending a dime on classes – the only thing I spent money on was my books, which I was able to resell after taking my classes.

The military also offers the Montgomery GI Bill, which gives military members the opportunity to attend school after they have separated from the military. The GI Bill offers veterans a monthly stipend to attend the school of their choice – the amount of money can range from just over a thousand dollars per month to full coverage, depending on which plan you are on. Here is a GI Bill School search tool to help find schools which accept the GI Bill.

Military discounts and other benefits

Many companies at a local and national level offer military members military discounts on various items and services. If you have a military ID card – it never hurts to ask for a discount! Large companies such as Disney and Anheuser-Bush also offer military members free admission to their theme parks.

There are many other military discounts to be had, especially on a local level -many local stores offer military discounts to active duty military members, retirees, veterans, and sometimes their family members.

VA Loan. The VA Loan gives military members the opportunity to purchase a home with no money down, so long as they qualify for the loan. All military members and veterans are eligible for the VA Loan as long as they did not receive a Dishonorable Discharge. Here is more information about the VA Loan.

Keep an open mind regarding military as a career option

The military isn’t for everyone, but you should keep an open mind regarding the military. In addition to he benefits mentioned above, you will grow as an individual, team member, and leader. Many civilian employers look highly upon military veterans because they know that veterans bring certain skills with them that many civilians will never have.

I was recently sent a link to Taking Chance, a new film by HBO that premieres Saturday February 21, 8PM. The film is based on a true story about Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl, a 17 year veteran of the USMC who volunteers to escort the remains of a 19 year old Lance Corporal Chance Phelps, who was killed in Iraq in 2004.

Here is an excerpt from the synopsis of Taking Chance:

Witnessing the spontaneous outpouring of support and respect for the fallen Marine – from the groundskeepers he passed along the road to the cargo handlers at the airport – Strobl was moved to capture the experience in his personal journal. His first-person account, which began as an official trip report, gives an insight into the military’s policy of providing a uniformed escort for all casualties. The story became an Internet phenomenon when it was widely circulated throughout the military community and eventually reached the mainstream media.

‘Taking Chance’ chronicles one of the silent, virtually unseen journeys that takes place every day across the country, bearing witness to the fallen and all those who, literally and figuratively, carry them home. A uniquely non-political film about the war in Iraq, the film pays tribute to all of the men and women who have given their lives in military service as well as their families.

Taking Chance was also an Official Selection of the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. This looks like an excellent movie and a heartwarming story. Unfortunately, I don’t have HBO, so I will have to check with my library to see if they get it in, or check with Netflix to see if they carry it after it becomes available.

I would like to extend a sincere “thank you” to everyone who has served in the armed forces. Without the service and dedication of those like you, our nation would be a much different place, if it even existed at all.

Hopefully most of you get today off so you can enjoy this well earned rest with your families’ and loved ones. There are many others out there who are thankful, and many of them are offering military veteransfree meals and discounts for Veteran’s Day. Hopefully you are able to take advantage of that.

Again, thank you for your service, and doing what you do.

This article is part of Blog Action Day, a day in which bloggers around the world unite to bring attention to a single issue. This year, the issue is poverty.

The US military is known for its ability to strike anywhere at anytime – and the results are almost always effective. While you may think this only applies to death and destruction, this also applies to supporting people around the world – enemies and allies alike. The US military is one of the few organizations in the world with the people, skills, and equipment to respond to any disaster in the world within 12-24 hours – if not less.

How the US Military fights poverty worldwide

Security and structure during emergencies. Many emergency situations are chaotic and lack structure. As one of the first responders to many emergency situations around the world, the US military has a chance to establish order to the relief efforts and provide security to prevent looting, theft, and worse.

Disaster relief. One of the aircraft I worked on during my service time in the USAF was the C-130, a intra-theater cargo aircraft noted for its ability to get in and out of just about any kind of airfiled. When I was serving in the Middle East in support of the War on Terror, we shipped more than just troops and war materials. We flew many humanitarian missions in and out of the Middle East and Africa, commonly shipping food, medical supplies, doctors and technicians, and troops and materials to provide shelter and clean water to areas stricken by war and natural disasters.

Infrastructure. The US military supports infrastructure in many countries that have been ravaged by war, drought, natural disasters and poverty. The Army Corps of Engineers, Seabees, Air Force Civil Engineering, and Marine Corps civile engineering corps build roads, schools, provide fresh water, rebuild damaged structures, and provide shelter for people around the world.

CFC donations. The US military supports charitable organizations through the Combined Federal Campaign. Each year, military members give millions of dollars to charities supported through the CFC.

Donating time and service. Many military members volunteer in their local communities – whether they are stationed in the US or abroad. This selflessness provides a positive impact on many people worldwide.

The US military is not all about destruction

The US military provides a great deal of support around the world, but this isn’t something you hear about often in the mainstream media, where “if it doesn’t bleed, it doesn’t lead.” I can tell you from first hand experience – the US military is a great organization that provides valuable services around the world, and based on my experience, I would say the US military saves and improves many more lives than it destroys.

Here are what some others have to say about poverty:

• Fighting Poverty in America and Abroad.
• Poverty – It’s our responsibility to help.
• blog action day – poverty.
• Blog Action Day: Bloggers Unite Against Poverty and How You Can Help.
• Blog Action Day 2008 – Poverty Around The World And At Home.
• Blog Action Day 2008 – Talking About Poverty.
• War On Poverty (Blog Action Day).
• Reflections on Poverty – Blog Action Day 2008.
• Learning to Give: What *I* Can Do to Fight Poverty.
• Causes Of Poverty – Blog Action Day 2008.
• Blog Action Day 2008: Poverty.
• Blog Action Day: The Little We Do.

A popular question among military members is whether or not they are required to perform jury duty. The quick answer is, yes and no. There is no law that prohibits military members from serving on jury duty, though some states automatically exempt military members from serving on a jury. Military members may also be excused from jury duty service if it affects readiness or operations capability.

The official policy of the Armed Forces is that US military members on active duty should fulfill their civic responsibility by serving on State and local juries, so long as it does not interfere with military duties. However, US military members may not be required to serve as a juror due to state or federal law. (Military members are only eligible to serve on state and local juries and are exempt from serving on federal juries).

All General and flag officers, commanders, and all personnel assigned to the operating forces, in a training status, or stationed outside the United States are exempt from serving on a State or local jury due to interference with mission capability.

According to 32 CFR part 144 – SERVICE BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES ON STATE AND LOCAL JURIES, Sec.  144.4  Policy:

It is DoD policy to permit members of the Armed Forces to maximally fulfill their civic responsibilities consistent with their military duties. For Service members stationed in the United States, serving on a State or local jury is one such civic obligation. Service members are exempt from jury duty, when it unreasonably would interfere with performance of their military duties or adversely affect the readiness of a unit, command, or activity.

What to do if you receive a jury summons

If you receive a jury summons, the first thing you should do is talk with your commanding officer before sending in your completed jury summons questionnaire. It is your CO’s responsibility to determine whether or not you will serve on a jury. Your CO is responsible for notifying the state or local official if you require an exemption from jury duty service.

In some cases your unit CO will have no problem with you serving on a jury, but many times your prolonged absence could affect mission capability. Respond to your jury summons questionnaire accordingly.

If you perform jury duty as a military member

If you serve on a state or local jury, you will still receive full pay and benefits from the military and you will not be charged leave while you serve. Any money earned for jury duty service will be paid to the US Treasury, but military members may keep other payments such as transportation costs, parking, or food reimbursements.

Beware of Jury Duty Scams

Beware of a jury duty scam going on. In this scam, thieves pose as jury coordinators to try and steal your identity. They inform you that you purposefully dodged a jury summons and threaten to issue a warrant for your arrest. After you protest, they request your personal information (DOB, SSN, etc), and pretend to verify your information. In fact, they are taking to steal your identity.

Don’t give in to this intimidation! NEVER give out personal information over the phone!

This Memorial Day my wife and I will be going to a local national cemetery with my grandmother to observe the Memorial Day ceremony. The ceremony usually has a performance buy one of the Air Force bands, speeches given by veterans and local military officials, and it ends with a flyover. Afterward, we will stop by and visit my grandfather’s grave. He proudly served over 20 years in the USAF.

The following is a video from Tops In Blue, which is an Air Force entertainment group comprised entirely of active duty AF members. As part of a one year special duty assignment, they travel around the world and perform shows to entertain the troops and their families, including performing shows in overseas military communities and in war zones. I hope you enjoy it.

To everyone who has either served, loved someone who has served, or otherwise supported our country in any capacity, I salute you. To those who gave the Ultimate Sacrifice, words cannot express what our country owes you.