The Handy Armed Forces Answer Book

The story of the United States military is the story of the country itself. Both have grown and changed over time. Learn about the unique histories, traditions, weapons, leaders, stats, and fun facts of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force, and their roles within the military in this fun and fascinating guide! From the few hundred soldiers in its ranks when it was first established, to the over one million service members today, the U.S. military has grown in power and size over its 250-year history. Its organization and branches have changed to adapt to new technologies and national needs. The Handy Armed Forces Answer Book: Your Guide to the Whats and Whys of the U.S. Military looks at each branch of the U.S. military. It answers some of the most intriguing questions, including ... How is the U.S. military organized? How do the branches work together? Do only Marine officers carry swords? Who said "Retreat? Hell! We just got here!" Who were the Buffalo Soldiers? What made the Browning automatic rifle special? How did Audie Murphy win the Medal of Honor? What happened in "the last great tank battle of the 20th century"? What was the "Brown Water Navy"? What are the Blue Angels? What attack submarines does the Navy deploy? What was Operation Vengeance? What is the most challenging USAF plane to fly? What is "the BUFF"? How does somebody become an Air Force officer? What is the difference between a UAV and a drone? How was the Coast Guard involved in World War I? What is the motto of the Coast Guard? What is the origin of the "racing stripe"? What was "Star Wars"? Who were the first American special forces? Who defends the United States against cyberattacks and other digital threats? The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force are uniquely American, each in their own way. Learn what makes each branch special in The Handy Armed Forces Answer Book! With more than 140 photos and graphics, this fascinating tome is richly illustrated. Its helpful bibliography and extensive index add to its usefulness.