A Civilian’s Guide to the U.S. Military

A Civilian’s Guide to the U.S. Military: A Comprehensive Reference to the Customs, Language, & Structure of the Armed Forces
By Barbara Schading, with Richard Schading, U.S.M.C. and Major Virginia Slayton, U.S. Army, RET
ISBN 1-58297-408-X
Available in December 2006

A Basic Primer on Military Life

This authoritative book fills a long-lasting absence of accessible and affordable military references for civilians. Not only does it provide explanations of military language and protocol, it also breaks down information by branch and includes military slang. Ideal for anyone looking to learn more about the branches, as well as history buffs and military enthusiasts, this is the ultimate all-in-one guide to the armed services.

About the Author

Dr. Barbara Schading is a research scientist with more than 15 years of technical writing experience in university, government, and industry. Barbara’s husband, Richard Schading, is a former Marine who served in Vietnam, and her sister, Virginia Holeman, is a retired Major in the Army. Barbara has numerous close contacts in the military, including a former Air Force One pilot, a Recon Marine, a Naval sonar operator, and an Army bomb specialist. Visit Barbara’s Web site at www.bschading.com.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Colonel Bob Boswell, U.S. Air Force (RET)
Chapter 1. Introduction, Military Rank, and Protocol
Chapter 2. Understanding the U.S. Army
Chapter 3. Understanding the U.S. Navy
Chapter 4. Understanding the U.S Marine Corps
Chapter 5. Understanding the U.S. Air Force
Chapter 6. Understanding the U.S. Coast Guard
Chapter 7. Understanding the U.S. Special Operations Forces
Chapter 8. Interesting Military Facts - Includes Military Law, Decorations and Ribbons, Military Music, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Missing Man Formation, Department of Veterans Affairs, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the United Service Organization
Chapter 9. Changes in the American Military over the Years
Chapter 10. The Geneva Conventions

Glossaries
Glossary A. Terms, Abbreviations and Acronyms Used by the U. S. Military
Glossary B. Slang and Expressions Used by the U.S. Military
Glossary C. Military Equipment

Appendices
Appendix A. Useful Resources for Understanding the U.S. Military
Appendix B. Rank, Pay Grades, and Insignia of the U.S. Military Branches