An Air Force Mechanic
Airman 1st Class Laura Lund talks about working as a aircraft engine mechanic at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico.
A Coast Guard Damage Controlman at Work
Petty Officer 1st Class Timothy Florez Adams demonstrates some of his duties as a damage controlman for the Coast Guard.
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Oil Spill Cleanup
Following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Army National Guard helped minimize damage to the Gulf Coast.
The Army Reserve Edge
Army Reserve officers talk about why they joined the Reserve, the flexibility it offers and how the Reserve helps further their civilian careers.
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How to Fold a Parachute
Airman 1st Class Carlos Puga shows how to fold a parachute and explains why it is so important to handle parachutes properly.
An Aeromedical Evacuation Team at Work
Senior Airman Kyle Knox, of the Air Force Reserve's 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, describes his team's crucial mission.
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Mobile Launch Platform
Staff Sgt. William Alston and his unit practice setting up a mobile launch platform for Patriot missiles.
A Military Working Dog Handler
Cpl. Christopher Vogt works as a canine handler and trains his dog, Kepie, to help protect the president of the United States.
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Inside a Navy Submarine
Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Crandall describes his job as a fire control technician on the USS Montpelier, a Navy submarine.
An Air Force Pediatrician
Capt. Ryan McHugh, an Air Force pediatrician, visits with a young patient and his mother at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
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Serving on the USCGC Healy
Seaman Deirdre Gray describes the United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Healy's special scientific and ice-breaking mission.
Winter Work
During extreme snow weather conditions, the Army National Guard is called upon to help rescue stranded motorists and aid in relief efforts.
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Army Reserve CPR Training
Capt. Shawn Tulp, an intensive care nurse for the Army Reserve, trains fellow servicemembers in CPR.
Handle with Care
Staff Sgt. Erik Reichenbach and Tech. Sgt. Kenny Rogers, of the Maryland Air National Guard, discuss their work with munitions systems.
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A Global Positioning Systems Satellites (GPS) Operator
Air Force Reserve Senior Airman Jessica Eastburn works as a Global Positioning Systems (GPS) satellites operator.
Ordnance Disposal
In Hawaii, Sgt. Michael Podemski and his unit dispose of unexploded ordnance by blowing it up.
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Flame Out
Sgt. Ofman Gomez leads Marines in a firefighting exercise held at Marine Corps Base Quantico.
The Role of a Navy Nuke
Petty Officer Alicia Ferrell, a Nuclear Machinist's Mate or "Navy Nuke," discusses her role in the Navy and the training she received for her nuclear energy career.
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The Air Force Band on Tour
Staff Sgt. Bennett Weidemann, manager and drummer for the Air Force rock band, Afterburner, describes the band's role in the Military.
A Ride with the Coast Guard Reserve
Petty Officer 3rd Class Adrien Cheval ensures that a Coast Guard boat is ready for search-and-rescue and maritime law enforcement missions.
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Putting a Town Back Together
The Army National Guard assists local relief crews during the aftermath of a devastating tornado.
Relationship Building in the Army Reserve
2nd Lt. Ingrid Alvarez uses the skills she has developed in the Army Reserve to help people at home and abroad.
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Ready for Takeoff
Senior Airman Nicole Young inspects a KC-135, a refueling aircraft, inside and out, and then she assists with takeoff.
The Importance of Aircraft Maintenance
Aircraft maintainers at Charleston Air Force Base in Charleston, S.C., have the critical role of servicing one of the world's largest cargo and troop transport planes, the C17 Globemaster III.
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Living and Working Abroad
When deployed overseas, Soldiers can expect to interact with local communities.
Marine Aviation Hot Refueling
Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Michael J. Wulf, a bulk fuel specialist, describes how "hot refueling" works.
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A Ministry of Presence
Navy chaplains of various faiths discuss the emotional and spiritual support they provide to servicemembers.
An Air Force Doctor
Capt. Maria DeArman, a family medicine physician in the Air Force, explains why she decided to bring her skills to the Military.
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A Day in the Life of the Coast Guard
The daily duties of the Coast Guard include search-and-rescue missions, environmental protection, drug interdiction and coastal security.
National Guard Members Talk to Students
After grabbing students' attentions by flying a helicopter onto school property, two Army National Guard Soldiers share an important anti-drug message.
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An Army Reserve Civil Affairs Officer
The training that Army Reserve 1st Lt. Bryce Matson receives as a civil affairs officer complements his civilian job.
The Support of Combat Communications
The Air National Guard Combat Communication squadron's mission is to deploy, operate and maintain strategic dispersal of emergency communications anywhere in the world.
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Chaplain Candidates
Chaplain candidates discuss why they chose a career of spiritual counseling in the Air Force Reserve.
A Proud Musical Tradition
Founded in 1922, the United States Army Band — known as "Pershing's Own" — is the premier musical organization of the United States Army.
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Roles in the Corps: Infantry Officer
Capt. Kutilek explains why he wanted to go into the infantry when he joined the Marine Corps.
A Navy Dentist's Journey
Lt. Thu Luu talks about her unique path to becoming a Navy dental officer and the humanitarian work she's done through service.
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The Air Force Nursing Family
1st Lt. Julio Cano, a clinical nurse, describes his workweek.
Search and Seizure
Members of the Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team help secure the crew of a drug-smuggling vessel in the Gulf of Aden.
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Cross-Cultural Weapons Training
Army National Guard Soldiers learn about rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) from the Croatian military.
From the Marine Corps to the Army Reserve
After serving in the Marine Corps, Spc. Luis Estrada joined the Army Reserve because he wanted to try something new.
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Deployment During Hurricane Gustav
The Vermont unit of the Air National Guard deployed to Louisiana in September 2008 to offer support after the devastation of Hurricane Gustav.
Lifelong Learning for Health Care Professionals
Maj. Walter Jackson, a flight surgeon, discusses the training in critical care and leadership he has received through the Air Force Reserve.
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Army Servicemembers in Combat in Iraq
Soldiers deploy to Iraq on a variety of fronts, and the Army has trained them to be ready for any situation.
Marines on Deployment
Deployed Marines review a mission briefing for operations in Iraq.
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Medical Careers in the Navy
The Navy has many opportunities for doctors, nurses, dentists and researchers.
A Focus on Patients
Capt. James Pollock discusses the differences between working as a physician in the Air Force and working as a physician in the civilian world.
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A Coxswain in the Coast Guard Reserve
A Coast Guard Reserve coxswain explains her role as the individual in charge of a boat and everyone on it.
Humanitarian Aid in Afghanistan
Army National Guard Soldiers, along with the Afghan National Army and Police, deliver winter clothes to orphans in Afghanistan.
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A Public Affairs Officer in the Army Reserve
As a public affairs officer in the Army Reserve, Capt. Jennifer Huntsman has been able to apply her talents in a field that she loves.
Trained to Put Out Flames
An Airman in the Air National Guard describes his role as a firefighter. Not only does he help protect the F-16 aircraft, but he also fights fires at the nearby airport.
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The Master of the Cargo
The work of an Air Force Reserve loadmaster involves much more than getting cargo on and off an aircraft.
See You in Court
The Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps are the lawyers of the Army, and have been involved in major moments of international history.
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The Marine Sentries
Four Marines are always on guard at the West Wing of the White House.
A Naval Nuclear Engineer
Navy Lt. Jean Barnwell shares how her passion for math led to an exciting career as a nuclear engineer.
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Responsibility at a Young Age
Senior Airman Clarence Abercrombie Jr. is only 19 years old, but he's already making great contributions to the Air Force.
Lives in Her Hands
Operations Specialist 3rd Class Josefina Martinez handles the radio, including distress calls.
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Agriculture in Afghanistan
Army National Guard Soldiers bring their agricultural knowledge to Afghanistan to help local farmers with irrigation and infrastructure.
The Role of Civil Affairs
Members of the Army Reserve 425th Civil Affairs Battalion prepare to deploy.
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Meet the Dirt Boys
An airman describes his role as one of the "Dirt Boys" on an Air National Guard Civil Engineering team.
Standing Guard
A member of the Air Force Reserve guards the flight line at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii.
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Eyes on the Ground
Find out what a cavalry scout sees when he is sent out on a mission.
Roles in the Corps: Artillery Officer
A Marine Corps captain describes his role as an artillery officer and leader of Marines.
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A Third-Generation Pastor
Navy Lt. David Kim is carrying on a family tradition by serving as a chaplain.
Always Ready
Members of the Coast Guard participate in a helicopter rescue mission and successfully rescue an individual from choppy waters.
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An Army National Guard Infantryman
A sergeant in the Army National Guard describes his role as an infantryman.
A Nurse and a Soldier
Sgt. Marlene Garcia's Army Reserve experience has proven to be very useful as she studies to be a nurse.
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The Fine Art of Refueling
An Air National Guard plane refuels a Navy Blue Angel jet.
Mechanic Works on Air Force Aircraft
Air Force Reserve mechanics play a major role in keeping aircraft in operational condition.
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The Purple Heart
2nd Lt. Michael Mann receives a Purple Heart. Mann was wounded by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while on patrol in Iraq.
Amphibious Marine Landing
Marines provide security for an amphibious landing in Okinawa, Japan.
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Drawn to Service
Lt. j.g. Asif Balbale explains why he became a Muslim chaplain in the Navy.
The Go-To Guy
Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Chris Chambers, a member of the Coast Guard Reserve, participates in many exciting activities while on the job.
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A Cannon Crewmember in the Army National Guard
Cannon crewmembers play a crucial role in combat by providing the infantry and tankers with extra firepower.
A Career Boost
1st Lt. Terrance Wilson discusses how his Army Reserve training has enhanced his career as a civilian project manager.
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Just Like a Fire Department
In case they are needed, members of the Air National Guard are trained to react whenever the alarm sounds.
Inspired by Her Son's Choice
When her college-aged son began to consider the Air Force Reserve, Staff Sgt. Tammi Johnson chose to return to service.
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CBRN Specialist Career Opportunities
Army Spc. Sadie Tollberg describes her role as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist.
Aviation Supply
Marines in Aviation Supply put in place the logistics and communications systems needed by aircrews.
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Diving with a Search-and-Rescue Swimmer
Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Sweeney shows off his rescue-swimmer training.
A Seaman's Day
Seaman Tess Lee has been in the Coast Guard for only a few months, and she's already helping save lives.
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The Universal Language of Yo-Yo
In Baghdad, Iraq, Army National Guard Soldier Spc. Joshua Brister trades yo-yo tricks with a young boy.
From Dream to Reality
The Army Reserve gave 1st Lt. Heather Cupitt the opportunity to achieve her childhood dreams of becoming a pilot.
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Cool in a Crisis
A member of the Air National Guard helps provide water in a disaster situation.
Preparing Patients for Transport
Maj. Lisa Skibar of the Air Force Reserve is a Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility (CASF) nurse.
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Clean Clothes
Spc. Timothy Houston helps keep the Army's uniforms in perfect condition, no matter where Soldiers are stationed.
What Is a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)?
An MEU is made up of ground, aviation and logistics combat elements, all operating under a unifying command element.
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The Navy Assists Quake Victims
The USNS Comfort receives its first patients among those who have been injured in the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
Minding the Store
Storekeeper 3rd Class Anitra Lyle discusses her travels to Africa and life on a boat.
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Breaking Through
During a training exercise, members of the Army National Guard practice breaking down a door.
On Track to a Law Enforcement Career
Staff Sgt. Michael Devaughn trains to become a police officer by attending college and serving in the Army Reserve.
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A Medical Lab Tech in the Air National Guard
A medical lab tech in the Air National Guard describes some of his daily tasks.
Caring for the Critically Injured
Maj. Sylvia Vedder is a critical care nurse in the Air Force Reserve.
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Listen Up
A linguist's job involves not only translation but gathering information that could impact the outcome of a mission.
Navy Band Northeast on Parade
Sailors from Navy Band Northeast march through the streets of Charlestown, Mass., during the Bunker Hill Day parade.
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Double Duty
Petty Officer Michael Paquette, an aviation maintenance technician, describes his day-to-day tasks.
Catching a Wave
Army National Guard Soldiers train for a diving mission.
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Military and Civilian Leadership
Maj. Otto Padron describes how his Army Reserve leadership role has impacted his career.
Keeping Pilots Connected
A staff sergeant with the 158th Communications Squadron splices fiber-optic cable to help set up alert trailers, where F-16 pilots can stay.
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Refueling Without Landing
An Air Force Reserve boom operator performs the important task of refueling an aircraft midflight.
Mentoring in Afghanistan
Members of the Embedded Transition Team work with members of the Afghan National Army (ANA).
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Sailors Aboard the USS Nimitz
Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz man the rails as Nimitz and embarked Carrier Air Wing 11 depart San Diego for a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific Ocean.
Helicopter Help
A crew of Army National Guard Soldiers fly into enemy territory to rescue an injured Soldier.
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Time to Floss
Army Reserve dental professionals go over their findings with a patient.
A Nurse's Drill Weekend
Esther, who is a nurse in the Air National Guard, discusses what happens for her during drill weekend.
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Transporting the Wounded
Health care professionals play an important role in the Air Force Reserve.
Training the Iraqi Police Force
American Soldiers help their Iraqi counterparts learn how to secure their own cities and neighborhoods.
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U.S. Navy Contributes to Hurricane Katrina Cleanup
The Navy can mobilize quickly in the event of disasters that happen on American soil. Capt. David R. Pine of the USS Shreveport details how the Navy responded after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast.
Cleaning Up After a Storm
Two members of the National Guard take chain saws to a tree that has fallen over after a storm.
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A Fresh Perspective on Civilian Life
By serving in the Air National Guard, Esther, a nurse, finds new ways to apply her skills.
Predator Remote Control
Air Force reservists see what an MQ-1 Predator sees at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.
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Inside the Redstone Arsenal
Personnel at the Redstone Arsenal are responsible for the Army's weapons research and development.
Opportunities for Women in the Navy
Female aviation warfare specialists describe their job responsibilities and what it's like being a woman in the Navy.
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Crowd Control
Army National Guard Soldiers hold riot shields.
Calling in the Firepower
Members of the 194th Regional Air National Guard Support Wing discuss their efforts in Afghanistan.
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Keeping an Eye on the Skies
While flying in an E-3 Sentry, members of the Air Force Reserve from the 970th Airborne Air Control Squadron monitor the airspace.
Remote Control
An unmanned aerial vehicle pilot explains why he joined the Army.
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Repairs on the USS Ronald Reagan
Damage Controlman 3rd Class Michael Minotti uses a Portable Exothermic Cutting Unit (PECU) on a damaged lathe, which is used for training purposes, in the machine shop of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.
Heavy-Duty Maintenance
By joining the Army National Guard, individuals gain the opportunity to learn new job skills.
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The Air National Guard in Iraq
The Air National Guard provides air support in Balad, Iraq.
Providing Comfort and Care
An Air Force Reserve flight nurse stays by the side of a servicemember as he is transported to a higher level of care.
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Good Dog
The Army needs animals to help accomplish important missions and relies on the Veterinary Corps to keep them healthy.
Breaking Out the Big Guns
Master-at-arms Melanie Molina describes her weapons training and her daily tasks in the Navy.
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Clearing a Path
An Army National Guard Soldier removes debris from a road so military vehicles can pass.
An Air National Guard Drill Weekend
Esther, a nurse in the Air National Guard, trains and serves during drill weekend.
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An Air Force Reserve Eye Exam
An Air Force Reserve optometrist conducts an examination.
Sending Humanitarian Aid
Soldiers prepare a package of aid supplies to be delivered by helicopter.
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Navy Public Affairs
Chief Petty Officer Paul DeLaughter talks about how Navy Public Affairs supports recruiting by educating the community about the good things happening in today's Navy.
Landing Blackhawks in Tennessee
The Army National Guard offers several exciting possibilities for those who want to become helicopter pilots.
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A Fighter Pilot on the Flight Line
Maj. Windy Hendrick, a fighter pilot with the Air National Guard, describes a typical day on the flight line during drill weekend.
All Systems Go
Two members of the Air Force Reserve work on an aircraft's avionics system at Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass.
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The Army Drill Team
The Army Drill Team is part of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment.
Reading the Manual
Army National Guard Soldiers work on a Humvee. Wheeled vehicle mechanic is one of many jobs available in the Army National Guard.
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Dentistry in the Air Force Reserve
Maj. Lance Kim of the Air Force Reserve evaluates the dental health of servicemembers to make sure they are ready for deployment.
Chaplains Serving in Combat
Unit Ministry Teams (UMTs), composed of chaplains and chaplain assistants, serve Soldiers on the battlefield and at home.
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Ready for Anything
An Army National Guard Soldier is on the lookout for possible trouble during a combat situation.
Working on the Flight Line
Air Force reservists repair and maintain aircraft on the flight line.
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Maintenance and Repair
One of the biggest jobs for Soldiers on post is to keep all equipment in operating condition in case it is needed.
At Work in Bad Weather
An Army National Guard Soldier takes a chain saw to a tree that has fallen after a storm.
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Achieving Goals in the Air Force Reserve
1st Lt. Amanda Gierhart prepares to fly a C-17 cargo carrier. Through the Air Force Reserve, Gierhart was able to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot.
Building Bonds with the Community
Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith works as a human intelligence collector.
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Say Ahh
An Army National Guard Soldier performs a medical evaluation.
Maintaining High Health Standards
Maj. Patrick Hsieh, an Air Force Reserve flight surgeon, describes the special circumstances of keeping servicemembers healthy.
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Practicing Medicine in the Army
Capt. Ana Morgan and Lt. Col. Paul Mayer discuss how the Medical Corps helped them achieve their career goals.
Fighting the Flood
When North Dakota needed help with the flooding Red River, members of the Army National Guard were there.
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Becoming an Air Force Reserve Flight Nurse
Lt. Col. Monsita Faley, a flight nurse, explains her decision to join the Air Force Reserve and attend nursing school.
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A look at daily life in Today's Military.
From the outside, it is hard to imagine what it's like to serve in the Military. There is plenty of news coverage, but it has been difficult to really get a sense of what day-to-day life in service is all about – until now. The videos and images on this site show the variety of experiences servicemembers have every day – from joining and training, to living and working all over the world. Choose a theme or Service from the menus below or choose between "Enlisted" and "Officer" to start exploring.
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