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Five 9/11 Movies & Documentaries Worth Watching



September 11, 2001 was one of the darkest days in American history. As we know, four planes hijacked by terrorists, flew into the Pentagon, the north and south towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, and into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania killing several thousand people on the planes and on the ground.

Since those tragic events, millions of people have tried to make sense of that day including filmmakers who have applied their talents to making movies and documentaries about 9/11. While movies like 12 Strong, Lone Survivor and American Sniper are certainly related and undoubtedly connected to 9/11, the movies we selected are movies about 9/11 directly.

Here are USAMM’s five 911 movies that are must-see. They aren’t ranked in any particular order.

1. Man in the Red Bandana (the ESPN version)
While there is a full-length version narrated by Gwyneth Paltrow, we picked the ESPN version not only because it is narrated by Edward Burns who played Pvt. Richard Reiben in Saving Private Ryan, but mostly because the ESPN version is so concentrated with raw emotion. Not to mention, the way the story is presented sucks you in from the opening scene which has a camera flying over water and heading into downtown Manhattan. And then you hear Edward Burns ask a powerful question.

The short documentary which runs less than 15 minutes long tells the viewer about Welles Crowther, a young New Yorker finding his way in the world when 9/11 happened. A lacrosse player, he was known as the ultimate teammate while playing at Boston College.

He was known to carry a red bandana his father had given him and it was sort of his personal trademark.

This is probably the best of the 911 movies out there not because it is a cinematic masterpiece, but because it tells a wonderful story, of an incredible human being. We don’t want to give too much away, but if you are looking for 911 movies to watch, start with this one.

Be ready. This probably the saddest of the 911 movies to watch. However, it will make you proud to learn some of the things that went on inside of the World Trade Center on 9/11.

2. World Trade Center
We are always a little partial to movies made by veterans because, well, many of us here at USAMM are veterans and we are a veteran-owned and operated business. World Trade Center, made in 2006, was created by Oliver Stone, a Vietnam infantry veteran, and Bronze Star Medal recipient. He is best-known for his movie, Platoon, but also known for blockbusters like Wall Street.

Starring Nicholas Cage (Code Talkers) and everyone’s favorite World War II tank driver from Fury, Michael Pena, the movie tells the story of two New York Port Authority Police officers who get trapped in the rubble of the World Trade Center after it collapses on them. The movies is based on anecdotes shared with the filmmaker by survivors of the 9/11 attacks.

What makes this movie one of the 911 movies that you have to see is that it is also a true story. While the Man in the Red Bandana includes interviews with real people, Stone’s movie is done with actors, but it still delivers an incredibly moving message about what happened that tragic day and how first responders reacted to it.

Out of all the 911 movies, World Trade Center shows just how gritty the American spirit can be, but it also shows the commitment that the men and women of New York City’s fire and police departments have for each other.

Cage and Pena who aren’t necessarily known for their range as actors to some people are amazing in this movie and they convincingly come across as the heroes they portray. They are able to easily convince viewers that they are the everyday heroes that were involved in the tragedy that day.

There are few 911 movies that include actual people from the attacks. The two main characters played by Cage and Pena, the real-life heroes, are actually in this movie.

It is an exhausting movie to watch because it is hard to imagine the resolve these two men must have had to survive in that rubble. Hard to believe those buildings collapsed on top of them and, spoiler alert, they survived.



3. The Falling Man
Also released in 2006, this documentary by Henry Singer did not do as well as we thought it should, but maybe that is because of the subject matter. This documentary tells the story of a news photo captured by AP News photographer Richard Drew.

The photo shows a man falling to his death from the World Trade Center and Drew captured the man as he fell headlong to the ground. Some found the photo offensive and callous. Others thought it was an incredible piece of photojournalism which captured the horror of 9/11.

What the documentary does is give a face, an identity, to the person known as The Falling Man. The documentary humanizes the victims of 9/11. This is one of three 911 movies that is a documentary in our USAMM list.

The documentary forces the viewers to think, ‘what would I have done?’ It is believed that the man either slipped trying to escape the flames intensely burning in the building, or he jumped, fearing he would burn to death.

What The Falling Man does is make the viewer realize that all of the people who died that day were just going about their business, living their daily lives when the horrific attacks occurred. Nobody could have thought something like this would have happened.

4. United 93
This movie also came out in 2006 and it was made by Paul Greengrass who specializes in making films about historic events. The movie was based on the report created by the 9/11 Commission.

If you’re looking for big name actors, or some mellow dramatic storyline, you won’t find it here. This movie is factually based and that alone makes this movie a must see on our 911 movies list.

As we know, the passengers of United 93 learned that three other planes had been hijacked so when they knew that their plane had fallen into a similar fate, they took matters into their own hands and fought back. The 9/11 Commission later determined that United 93 was supposed to be flown into the U.S. Capitol or the White House by the terrorists.

The tension is tangible, and the use of not-so-famous actors allows the viewer to really invest in the characters since we’ve never really seen them before. We don't get distracted by the fact that we know them from other movies. They become the heroes on that plane.

What is painful to watch is the fact that everyone on that plane must have known that they were going to die and yet, as passenger Todd Beamer said, “Let’s roll,” they fought back and saved the lives of others. The plane hit the ground, upside down at more than 500 m.p.h.



5. Turning Point: 9/11 and the War on Terror
We’re including this one in our 911 movies list even though it is a documentary series because it helps tell the full story of 9/11. While this series can often lean politically depending on the episode, it’s investigation and content is solid.

Created in 2021 for Netflix, this five-part series dives deep into why 9/11 happened and how the United States responded. The key to watching this series is that you have to approach it with an open mind and avoid allowing any bias to influence you as you watch.

Our list of 911 movies is certainly not exhaustive, but if you are looking to reconnect with that horrible day, maybe even just to educate others, you can’t go wrong with watching any of these aforementioned recommended films.

If you have younger family members who are mature enough to handle the subject matter, all of these movies serve as great educational tools to teach others what happened on September 11, 2001 and why it is important to remember not just the day, but all of those that we lost.

Honoring 9/11: Five ways to Remember & Reflect

The attacks of September 11, 2001 forever changed the United States and set in motion a series of events that would impact the U.S. military and millions of service members who served in what would become the Global War on Terror.

Although the deployments have slowed for the U.S. military, and Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom are now in the history books, there are still thousands of U.S. military personnel deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Many U.S. service members continue to deploy to combat terrorism.

Not long after the 9/11 attacks, there was an intense surge of patriotism and Americans posted U.S. flags on their homes, gathered to build care packages for deployed troops, and many flocked to the ranks to enlist and serve. It is hard to believe but many of those who enlisted not long after 9/11 are now eligible for retirement if they continued to serve in the military.

Now, 21 years later, while the day is still very vivid for millions, a growing number of Americans, because of their young age at the time of the attacks, hardly remember the fateful day. Others have simply moved on, tired of watching 20 plus years of war.

But for veterans who served in the nation’s longest war, we never forget. Many of us here at USAMM have worn the uniform and have served, including our CEO who enlisted in the Army because of 9/11. He also served in Iraq. We’ve employed veterans from all branches of service, including combat wounded veterans.

For the families and people who lost a loved one on that tragic day, 9/11 is a day for pause and reflection. Some remember, and others celebrate those who died that day, remembering who they were and what they brought to life.

Honoring 911 shouldn’t require a lot of inspiration if you were alive that day in 2001 and honoring 911 doesn’t have to be cumbersome for it to be meaningful. Here are some ideas.

1. Honoring 911 by Flying the Flag
While many Americans fly the U.S. flag at their homes or places of business, many others don’t, not because they are not patriotic, but they just haven’t thought about it. Honoring 911 can be as easy as flying the U.S. flag.

As previously mentioned, shortly after 9/11, Americans posted the colors in numbers not seen since World War II. There was a surge of national pride.

Certainly, two decades of war can cause the nation to have battle fatigue, but in general, most around the country remember to take out their flags and fly them on 9/11.

Flags are available just about anywhere unlike in the days after 9/11. USAMM is proud to keep flags in stock.



2. Honoring 911 by Sending a Care Package
Millions of U.S. service members deployed overseas to combat terrorists since 9/11. Many of them deployed multiple times. It’s hard to not run into a veteran who hasn’t deployed if they served in the last 20 years.

Not long after 9/11, some Americans felt that honoring 911 could be done by sending care packages. They sent treats, toiletries, books, magazines, coffee, etc.

Today, many Americans believe that the deployments for the Global War on Terror (GWOT) have stopped, but that’s not the case. Active duty, reserve and National Guard personnel continue to deploy overseas in support of anti-terror operations. And while many of the places U.S. troops are deployed are established and have creature comforts, many of the items that American service members crave are usually not readily available. Honoring 911 by sending some troops care packages is a great way to commemorate 9/11.

Some military member favorites are beef jerky, meat sticks, paperback books, magazines, toilet paper, soap, shampoo, razors, shaving cream, batteries, toaster pastries, chips, protein bars, protein powder, rehydration mix, cookies, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, grooming items for men and women, sunscreen, lip balm, and anything else that you can think of that will transport easily without breaking or spoiling.

3. Honoring 911 by Donating to a 9/11 Cause
There are numerous charities and organizations that have sprung into existence after 9/11. Some organizations help first responders who have grown ill from breathing the dust at Ground Zero, and others help the families of fallen veterans who died serving in the GWOT.

Honoring 911 can be as easy and meaningful as finding a good organization to donate to which will help people directly impacted from 9/11. This goes beyond throwing money at something. This is a direct way to impact the lives of those affected by 9/11.

While many of the families directly impacted by 9/11 might have been covered by health and life insurance, sky-high medical expenses are left behind and many of these charities establish funds to help families who lost a loved one or have someone to care for as a result of 9/11.



4. Honoring 911 by Visiting Attack Sites
Everyone should make the trek to see at least one of the 9/11 sites. Whether it is the 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at Ground Zero, or the Flight 93 Memorial. Every American should make the time to visit these solemn grounds and reflect on what happened that day.

The Flight 93 Memorial is managed by the National Park Service. The other two sites are managed by non-profits.

In addition to visiting the sites, donations are accepted for two of those sites which are managed by non-profit organizations. Honoring 911 by visiting the sites and donating money to support their upkeep and awareness programs is a good way to help keep this important moment in American history alive for generations to come.

But beyond donating money, visiting these sites is stirring. It is overwhelming to be at the site where such a horrific human tragedy occurred.

5. Honoring 911 by Sharing
Probably the most important way of honoring 911 is to talk about it, especially to younger generations. Young Americans should be aware of what happened on 9/11 and having discussions with them is far more educational than what can be taught in a history book.

Honoring 911 by talking about where you were, what you were doing, what you saw, how you felt, is far more impactful to a person who is too young to remember 9/11.

The attacks of September 11, 2001 are an important part of American history. Everyday we should honor those who died that day, but we should undoubtedly do something to reflect on September 11th of every year.

Who Were The Buffalo Soldiers? 5 Things to Know

1. Who Were The Buffalo Soldiers?
The Buffalo Soldiers were a part of Army units created from legislation passed in 1866 not long after the end of the Civil War. The U.S. Congress enacted the Army Reorganization Act, and the law increased the size of the U.S. Army, but also created six all-black regiments that could serve during peacetime.

In addition to helping rebuild the nation after the Civil War, these regiments were mostly assigned to duty on the frontier. They helped protect settlers who were part of the nation’s westward expansion and they assisted in the establishment of national infrastructure, but they were also responsible for safeguarding newly protected federal lands that would go on to become the nation’s first national parks.

To answer the question ‘who were the Buffalo Soldiers?’ it is important to understand where their name came from. Sources vary, but some historians believe that the Buffalo Soldiers got their name from Native Americans who fought against the regiments on the western plains. The tribes said that the African American soldiers fought fiercely against them like a buffalo that was being hunted. Other researchers have stated that the Native Americans believed the hair and skin color of the African American soldiers resembled that of the buffalo. The name was revered, in either case, by the Buffalo Soldiers since the buffalo was a sacred animal in the Native American culture.

2. Who Were The Buffalo Soldiers In The Early Days?
One of the most well-known Buffalo Soldiers was Henry O. Flipper who was the first African American to graduate from West Point in 1877. He was commissioned a second lieutenant into the cavalry. He was the first non-white officer to lead Buffalo Soldiers when he joined the 10th Cavalry.

Unfortunately, due to racial issues of the time, Flipper, according to historians, was set up for a crime by saboteurs and eventually found guilty in a court martial, accused of conduct unbecoming and embezzling funds. He was discharged and he would spend the rest of his life trying to clear his name. President Bill Clinton eventually pardoned Flipper and today there is an award presented to West Point cadets who show perseverance during challenging times.

The question ‘who were the Buffalo Soldiers” cannot be answered without inclusion of Cathay Williams. Williams enlisted with the Buffalo Soldiers using the name William Cathay. She pretended to be male in order to serve, but her secret was discovered when she became ill and sought medical care, and doctors discovered she was a female after examination. She was eventually discharged from the U.S. Army, but she became the first African American woman to serve in the U.S. Army.

Similarly, the question ‘who were the Buffalo Soldiers” again, cannot be answered without mentioning Charles Young, who was the third African American graduate of West Point. He rose to prominence as a Buffalo Soldier and went on to become the first national park superintendent. He was also the first African American to reach the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army. It’s important to note that the Buffalo Soldiers served as stewards of the first national parks, protecting the lands from poaching, illegal logging, wildfires, and illicit cattle grazing. In addition, the Buffalo Soldiers built trails, roads, and erected telegraph lines.

3. Who Were The Buffalo Soldiers During The 1900s?
The Buffalo Soldiers served in a variety of campaigns in the southwest and on the Great Plains; more than 175 engagements. They fought against Pancho Villa and several Buffalo Soldiers earned the Medal of Honor in the decades-long war against Native Americans.

As the nation moved into a new century, the Buffalo Soldiers continued their brave service to the nation. They fought in the Spanish American War and in 1918 the 10th Cavalry fought in the Battle of Ambos Nogales where they helped cause the surrender of Mexican forces.

In World War I, segregation policies prevented many of the Buffalo Soldiers from serving in the American Expeditionary Force. The U.S. organized two divisions of segregated men, the 92nd Division and the 93rd Division. The 92nd used the name “Buffalo Soldiers” as their nickname and the 93rd would be known as the “Blue Helmets” because they donned the French helmets while serving with the French.

Much of the 92nd was relegated to logistics and support, behind the front lines and when both divisions arrived in France, General John Pershing sent the divisions to the French army to fight under French command. Some soldiers in the 92nd would see combat action in France and all of the 93rd would fight in combat. Corporal Freddie Stowers and Sergeant Henry Johnson both earned the Medal of Honor for their actions in 1918, but they did not receive the awards for many decades.

Near the onset of World War II, the remaining all-black cavalry regiments were disbanded and many of the troopers were placed into service roles around the U.S. Army. Then in 1942, the 92nd Infantry Division was reactivated and placed into service. Numerous awards for bravery in combat were presented to members of the division. The Medal of Honor was earned by John R. Fox and Vernon J. Baker in Italy in 1944. Both men would not receive the medal until 1997.

4.  Who Were The Buffalo Soldiers At West Point?
Many are not aware that the Buffalo Soldiers were highly experienced in horsemanship. Serving in the cavalry made them experts in riding and in 1907 they started training West Point cadets in military riding and mounted drill. It was a role they filled at the academy for 40 years.

Other American colleges at the time might have been asking ‘who were the Buffalo Soldiers?’ because the horsemanship detachment of the Buffalo Soldiers also represented West Point in several athletic competitions, playing baseball and football, to name a few of the sports.

5. Who Were The Buffalo Soldiers In History?
A common misconception is that a soldier is only considered a Buffalo Soldiers if they were a part of the six original African American cavalry units founded in 1866. In reality, the Buffalo Soldiers got their start in 1866, but all-black Army units would exist until 1948 when President Harry S. Truman issued an executive order and ended military racial segregation. The remaining all-black Army units were dissolved in 1951.

Buffalo Soldiers as a term would be applied to any African American soldier who served in any of the all-black Army units with lineage to the original cavalry units founded in 1866. Eventually, the term would apply to African American soldiers who served in any of the all-black units.

Who were the Buffalo Soldiers? Brave, resilient, visionaries who fought for their right to serve, and then served their nation well.

Buffalo Soldiers Day: Celebrating Black History

The History Behind Buffalo Soldiers Day
The contributions of African Americans to the defense of the United States were overlooked for hundreds of years. In recent decades, American history has shifted and it has started to tell the story of the African American soldier not because the United States is rewriting its history, but because America is finally including the narratives of all Americans.

Over the years, we’ve learned about the bravery of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, the African American U.S. Army unit that fought in the Civil War and secured their place in history by leading a failed, but extraordinarily valiant assault on Fort Wagner in 1863. We also know about the Tuskegee Airmen, the African American airmen of the U.S. Army Air Forces who flew in World War II and destroyed hundreds of enemy planes in Europe. And while we know about the Buffalo Soldiers, most of us are not really aware about the depths of their contributions to our country and our American culture.

Not long after the Civil War ended, and units like the 54th Massachusetts Regiment were disbanded, Congress passed the Army Reorganization Act in 1866 which doubled the size of the U.S. Army and added six all-African-American regiments to the military. More than 180,000 African Americans served, according to the U.S. Army. Three years later the six segregated regiments were consolidated into the 9th and 10th Calvary, and into the 24th and 25th Infantry. These units would become what we know today as the Buffalo Soldiers.

In their early years, the Buffalo Soldiers were responsible for supporting westward expansion of the United States. They protected settlers and helped build roads and national infrastructure. The Buffalo Soldiers also frequently clashed with Native Americans on the plains and it was during these skirmishes that the Buffalo Soldiers earned their nom de guerre and reputation. 

Historical sources differ, but some state that the African American soldiers were called the Buffalo Soldiers because the Cheyenne warriors who fought them considered them fierce in battle, much like a buffalo when it is being hunted. Other sources state that the Cheyenne tagged them as Buffalo Soldiers because they thought the soldiers’ hair was similar to the fur between the horns of the buffalo. Others believe they were called Buffalo Soldiers because their skin color resembled the color of buffaloes. Whatever the reason, the name stuck.

Buffalo Soldiers and National Parks
The first National Park, Yellowstone, was created in 1872, but by the 1890s, three national parks existed and needed protection from illicit logging, cattle grazing, fires, and hunting. The U.S. Army was tasked with the mission to protect the national parks and the Buffalo Soldiers, assigned to the western United States, were given the task.

According to the National Park Service, the well-recognized park ranger hats of today were actually inspired by the hats worn by the Buffalo Soldiers. In addition, former leaders of the Buffalo Soldiers are recognized as some of the national parks’ first superintendents.

Needless to say, Buffalo Soldiers Day is recognized at national parks.

Buffalo Soldiers Day
Buffalo Soldiers Day is July 28 and marks the formation of the first Army regiments comprised of African American Soldiers. In 1992, Congress passed a law designating July 28 as Buffalo Soldiers Day.

Today, Buffalo Soldiers Day is recognized to acknowledge the contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers. Buffalo Soldiers Day has helped raise awareness of the brave men, and one woman, Cathay Williams, of the Buffalo Soldiers. Williams enlisted as William Cathay and served in the infantry until being discovered and later honorably discharged. She was the first African American woman to serve in the U.S. Army and she is the only woman to serve in uniform as a Buffalo Soldier.

Buffalo Soldiers Day has also given Americans the opportunity to learn about how the Buffalo Soldiers fought alongside of Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders. Buffalo Soldiers Day has helped teach Americans that the Buffalo Soldiers served in the Philippines and fought against Pancho Villa during the Mexican Punitive Expedition.

Buffalo Soldiers Day Reflections
In 1948, President Harry Truman signed an executive order eliminating racial segregation in the U.S. military and the last African American units were disbanded during the 1950s, but while they existed, Buffalo Soldiers earned Medals of Honor and participated in numerous campaigns. From their ranks emerged great military leaders including Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., Charles Young, and former slave Henry Flipper, the first African American to graduate from West Point.

It is fitting that in July 1992, the first time Buffalo Soldiers Day was commemorated, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Colin Powell dedicated the National Buffalo Soldier Monument at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas to honor the exceptional legacy of these great soldiers.

A Life of Service

David A. Flynn in army fatigues in front of Humvee

Hoosier David A. Flynn knew early on in his life that the open fields of the midwest would not be able to contain his wanderlust. Beyond the corn fields of Loogootee, Indiana there was a siren’s call; a call to service. The small-town charm that keeps many mid-westerners grounded to their identity would be unable to tether Flynn.

“I always knew from an early age that I wanted to be in the United States Marines,” Flynn said. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps while in college at Indiana State University in Terre Haute. He was commissioned through the Platoon Leaders Course and he attended Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia during the summer, continuing with his university studies in the fall and spring.

“If you pass the first session/summer you return and complete a second summer; then back to the university and upon graduation you are commissioned a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserve,” Flynn said. “After that you go back to Quantico for about seven or eight months and attend the Basic School which all Marine lieutenants complete. After that you are sent to your follow-on school depending on assigned/chosen specialty.”

For Flynn, his assigned specialty was to serve as a Combat Engineer Officer and as a Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) officer. He served in engineer units with the Marine Air Wing and Marine Force Service Support Groups, but he also served in task organized and special forces MAGTF’s as well as with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). After 22 and half years, he retired as a lieutenant colonel only to continue serving the nation in forward areas all around the world as a contractor.

Like many military veterans who literally poured their blood, sweat and tears into serving on the many fronts of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), both as a military officer and later as a contractor, Flynn has opinions about how the wars have been managed, but overwhelmingly and without question, he is positive about the work he’s done during his military career and as a civilian, especially the work he did during the GWOT.

“9/11 was a serious wake up call for me and the country and the world in general, I think,” Flynn said. “For sure it inspired people to enlist and do other things in maybe a more patriotic way as it brought the country closer to the evil that the U.S. military and others deal with and train to deal with on a daily basis.”

After 9/11, Flynn was reassigned to the Marine Corps Training Assistance Group (MCTAG) as a brigade lead advisor to the Royal Saudi Marine Corps in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

“We assisted the Saudi Royal Marine Corps with training and planning and other subjects as well as worked with them on equipment that was sent to them under the Foreign Military Sales Program; things like Tow II missiles, 81mm mortars, A2 HMMWVs, upgraded .50 caliber machine guns and sights.”

Flynn was in Saudi Arabia when the United States invaded Iraq in 2003. Not long after, Flynn was sent back to the states only to be reassigned back to the MCTAG which was putting together a team of U.S. advisors to help rebuild the Iraqi Army and the Iraqi Ministry of Defense. A colonel that had worked with Flynn in Saudi Arabia requested Flynn to be the executive officer for the initial team of forty U.S. advisors. He deployed to Iraq in November 2003.

They would be charged with standing up an entire division, three brigades and nine battalions. Flynn was initially assigned to the Coalition Military Assistance Training Team (CMATT) which would later become Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq. He and his team were at Taji Military Training Base just a short flight from the International Zone in Baghdad. They were a part of an AST (Advisor Support Team), charged with training, equipping and mentoring nascent Iraqi security forces

five army soldiers smiling in front of a Humvee

“The generals and senior officers I worked for in all services were really top-notch,” Flynn said. “They gave you a very big job/order/assignment to accomplish and then set you to it. They used mission orders and let you do it. There is not a lot of written info on how to re-stand/reform a military organization after you just quickly defeated them and disbanded them so the playing field was wide open.”

Flynn was the deputy division advisor to start with, but after six months his colonel transferred back to the states and Flynn became the senior advisor for the 1st Iraqi Infantry Division. Flynn was leading three brigades, nine battalions and a division staff, as well as personnel at the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.

“We were training all the Iraqi military at that time as it had just really started up in a major way after the disbanding of the Iraqi military,” Flynn said. The Iraqi military had been disbanded by American administrators in Iraq and CMATT was charged with rebuilding Iraq’s forces.

“There were other advisors at first, that did not fall under CMATT as they were from units in areas where Iraqi units were at the start and they were training them and trying to integrate them into local defense in whatever area/bases/towns U.S. forces were operating/working,” Flynn said. “CMATT started to get all of them under a bigger umbrella to mirror up things so we did not have six different Iraqi armies.” CMATT standardized training, uniforms, policies, operations, equipment, pay and many other things.

“We had over 15,000 or so Iraqis come through training the almost two years I was involved in the program,” Flynn said. “We started out with one brigade headquarters and three battalions and it grew into a whole division; and then we started two more divisions. We also stood up, trained and equipped the 1st Iraqi Mechanized Brigade which consisted of a brigade headquarters, one tank battalion and two motorized rifle battalions.” A fete that was accomplished before the first Iraqi national elections in 2004.

“We used a lot of their old equipment; weapons, vehicles, tools,” Flynn said. “We issued new cammie uniforms, newer AKs and pistols and stuff that was being filtered in. We got a lot of tents, furniture, computers, weapons, basic gear and load bearing equipment and personal protection equipment from unit/base Defense Reutilization Management Offices and in old Iraqi bases and warehouses that were captured during the war.”

army soldier at desk typing on computer

Flynn credits the supply and finance teams supporting the advisors for their “incredible work” tracking, accounting and managing so much diverse gear/equipment from so many sources. 

When Flynn and his men were due to rotate back, they were asked to stay on board and help stand up, train and equip the mechanize brigade. Flynn would end up staying in Iraq until April 2005.

 “I feel really good about my time in Iraq. It was a billet and assignment that allowed us to really work outside the box and be creative as we were doing a lot of things for the first time at this scale and we were the first bigger group,” Flynn said. He believes the way he and his men did the initial tasks in training, mentoring, teaching and providing different aspects of support were spot on. 

“I think people have to understand that this was a starting point and it was from scratch with people that were culturally different; different religions, norms and practices across everything they do and you had to try and strike a balance with that in some respects,” Flynn said. “Security was paramount as the insurgency was in full swing and growing so that took a lot of dedicated planning, training and thought. You could never let your guard down in any situation. Even with a little so called down time nothing changed with our security posture. We were operating by ourselves for the most part and after a few months we were not on U.S. bases and the Iraqis were all armed so it was not anything you took lightly.”  

Flynn did not only build an Army, he built relationships that have stood the test of time and violence. Many of the Iraqi officers and soldiers he trained still keep in touch with him.

army soldier David Flynn posing with Iraqi Army Officer

“After I retired in early 2006 and started contract work, I was sent to Iraq by my company and worked there the next couple of years,” Flynn said. “We were rebuilding and building new Iraqi military bases and police stations as well as border posts and water wells throughout the country,” Flynn added. “With my contacts I was able to work security details and get support from Iraqi army and police units based on people I had helped train in areas we had formally operated.”

But Iraq was an immensely dangerous place and those contacts would be unable to keep Flynn from getting shot. Something he had avoided for more than 20 years in uniform. 

“When I was wounded in Iraq in 2006, I had only been out of the Marines for about 24 days,” Flynn said. “We were ambushed north of Baghdad in the Sunni Triangle in a town called Tarmiyah which was south of Balad along the way up route Orange.”

“As a contractor I served in Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa for GWOT. There was a lot of travel involved and a lot of time at numerous construction sites,” Flynn said. “In Afghanistan we worked primarily on new base construction for the Afghan Air Force that was standing up as well as work on future Afghan Army bases to include warehouses, maintenance sites and barracks. In Africa I worked all over the continent. We were building a counterterrorism facility/school/base in Gao, Mali when the Tuereg and ISIS/AQ uprising really took hold throughout Mali and led to a coup by their military while we were there. 

“I also worked in training the FARDC (Armed Forces Democratic Republic of the Congo) in the Democratic Republic of Congo at a jungle base camp,” Flynn said. “The U.S. was training battalions and we had built a post at an old Belgium base in the jungle near Kisangani.  We worked multiple tours in Mali, Somalia, Uganda, Kenya, Mauritania, Senegal, Burundi, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Ethiopia, Niger, Rwanda and Djibouti as well on numerous missions for their countries.”

two men in storeroom sorting boxes

In Afghanistan, Flynn served as a contractor. He never deployed to Afghanistan as a Marine. He worked on larger construction contracts helping build Afghan military facility infrastructure in Kandahar, Kabul, Mazi-Al-Sharif and Jalalabad. He is plain-spoken about America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan.

“It makes me sad, frustrated, angry, happy to have survived the whole of it and many other emotions,” Flynn said. “I think everyone knew in one way or another that things were not going to turn out in a good way. Nation building has never been nor never will be a U.S. military function. Sadly, many people in our government can’t see the forest for the trees in front of them and go haphazard into things with no real plan, more like wishes for a better tomorrow, and the reality on the ground is 180 degrees the opposite. 

“We keep doing it from the 1950s on to no real success. As a superpower we should know better. We really have or should have had some set goals and objectives as limited they may really be, go in let the military accomplish those and get out. Sadly enough, we are facing the same issues in Afghanistan now. I think our hearts and wanting to do certain things are in the right place but due to the actual lay of the land, the patience of the U.S. and its partners, the cost in so many areas to include lives of U.S. service men/women, the long term will to really go in and get it done by our government, the world, the U.N. and others; it is just not really there.”

For the past 12 years, Flynn has devoted much of his professional energy to working in Africa. He has worked on multiple construction projects, but also provided aid, equipment and supplies to various nations. He has also provided exercise support and training.

“There is so much going on in the world and as long as I feel that I am capable I will continue to assist where I can,” Flynn said. “As long as I feel able and feel like I have something to contribute I would like to keep going. There is no lack of places we could work and if we can make some baseline and deeper success in some of these places it should help them and us in the longer term.” 

Flynn is able to help bring some semblance of stability to an unstable world because his own world has a solid foundation. His wife of 38 years, Jan, is a teacher and together they raised four children, two boys, two girls, who have all grown and moved away after college. They are working throughout the country. 

 “Both of my daughters are married and have children of their own so I currently have four grandchildren, three girls and one boy to keep me busy with any down time,” Flynn jokes. “Lots of baseball, soccer, dance classes, camps, travel and so much swim time.” Flynn recognizes that without his family’s support, things would be much harder.

“My whole family has been supportive of this type of lifestyle,” Flynn admits. “With being married throughout my time in the Marine Corps and having our children grow up in the military they are all used to the deployments and issues that come with not being around as much as you would like. All of my children travel and have studied overseas and appreciate the bigger view of the world that they get to be exposed to.”

What makes Flynn a little different than other retired officers is that he doesn’t assume the common posture so many officers take as all-knowing, claiming how their dirty boot time was harder than what any future generation will endure.

“I think that like all U.S forces, they (future U.S. forces) will do well and get the job done no matter what the order or what the task,” Flynn said confidently. “We need to use our forces in ways that protect the American people, our country and way of life first. There are other missions but let’s remember and do the important one first.”

As for Marines, Flynn sees changes, but not in the Corps’ identity.  

“While current leadership has swung and given up a lot of our core capabilities, the Marines will always be the nation’s force that is ready to answer the call at the blink of an eye,” Flynn said. “We have U.S. Marines for one reason and that is to be America’s force in readiness. I think Marines will endure and always come out on top.”

As for his service in Iraq, Flynn looks back on it fondly and honestly.

Army Soldier David Flynn posing in classroom with Iraqi children

“I am really proud of my service in Iraq and I am so proud of the women and men who served alongside of me,” Flynn said. “It was not easy and contrary to popular belief I can be hard on people at times. It was high stress and mission accomplishment was a must. There was no room for failure or the ability to adjust and work on quick mission orders and keep everyone safe. The soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, civilians, interpreters were all serious professionals. We had people from the guard, reserves of all forces, active components, retired/civilians and NATO countries all woven together in small groups doing monumental tasks with little support and writing up the training as they went along and came across a new ditch/hurdle. Nothing stopped these teams.” 

Steve Alvarez is an Iraq War veteran. He is the author of Selling War: A Critical Look at the Military's PR Machine published by the University of Nebraska Press (Potomac Books).

Fighter Pilot: What Do They Do?

Male Army pilot in front of A-10 Warthog.

When you hear the words “fighter pilot,” what image comes to mind? Is it the Thunderbirds or Blue Angels and their machine-like precision, or is it Tom Cruise living the rock star life in Top Gun; flying high performance jets, drinking beer, chasing women into bathrooms, singing in piano bars, playing volleyball and riding his crotch rocket?

The truth is while the life of a fighter pilot might seem very adventurous and full of fun, a lot of planning and preparation goes into being a fighter pilot. As the old saying goes, not everything is as it seems and Hollywood has certainly not helped. Sure, Top Gun helped military aviation recruitment, but there is a lot more to being a fighter pilot than just rocking cool sunglasses and a patch-covered jacket.

What is a fighter pilot?
By definition, a fighter pilot is a military aviator who flies tactical aircraft, normally jets, in order to engage in air-to-air or air-to-ground combat. A fighter pilot can also fly electronic warfare fighter aircraft.

The U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps all have fighter pilots that fly a variety of aircraft. Naval and Marine Corps aviators are trained to land on an aircraft carrier. A fighter pilot from those three branches of service receives training in dogfighting and in ground attack. Any fighter pilot, regardless of service, who kills five aircraft in aerial combat is considered an ace.

While the U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard do have pilots (U.S. Space Force does not operate aircraft at the moment), the pilots fly helicopters and fixed wing non-fighter jets and propeller aircraft.

Male pilot in flight suit on a carrier in front of jet.

A routine fighter pilot mission
There is a certain amount of rest a fighter pilot must get before they fly because most duty days for fighter pilots are at least 12 hours long when they are scheduled to fly. Much of the mission isn’t spent in the air, but on the ground.

According to Air Force fighter pilots, 90 percent of the job is preparation. They show up at their units and prepare for the flight by studying or examining mission boards so every fighter pilot is on the same sheet of music.

The mission will get briefed about two-and-a-half hours prior to takeoff. Mission briefs can take about an hour to complete depending on the complexity of the mission. Coordinates, weather and other particulars are covered.

A fighter pilot then will go to the aircrew flight equipment room to put on their gear. From there, they head out to the aircraft where they conduct preflight checks and talk with support staff about the aircraft. This can take about an hour or so.

Finally, they get in, fire up their aircraft and take off. Most flight missions are normally conducted to keep the fighter pilot proficient and to improve the skill of the fighter pilot.

A fighter pilot does not just go to flight school, learn to fly and then just fly when needed. In order to maintain his or her flight status, a fighter pilot must log requisite hours in the cockpit. Like most professions in the military, once earned, a fighter pilot must actively perform to keep his or her rating.

Upon returning from a mission, there is a mission debrief that can last for a couple of hours. By now, the fighter pilot has spent nearly half, if not more, of his or her time on the ground in pre- and post-mission meetings concerning the mission.

Female pilot in flight suit in front of jet.

Non-flying stuff a fighter pilot does
When they aren’t flying, a fighter pilot will have additional or ancillary duties. A unit doesn’t just have air and maintenance crews. In order to function, there are many other functions and operations that need to be tended to by unit members.

For example, members of a flying unit will need to be evaluated on their performance. They will need orders to travel to training schools and they will be decorated for their service. Personnel functions are required of a fighter pilot. While a unit may have a human resources specialist, as an officer, a fighter pilot might have to evaluate and rate other junior members of the unit.

Public affairs officer (PAO) might also be an additional duty that a fighter pilot might fill. Maybe they won’t serve as the unit PAO, but they serve as a liaison for outreach and communications.

In addition, as an officer, there will be required training that a fighter pilot must attend in order to satisfy requirements from his or her service and the U.S. Department of Defense. A fighter pilot is trained not just on how to fly, but how to lead, manage resources and behave while in and out of uniform. Every branch of service has monthly, quarterly and yearly requirements for its personnel and a fighter pilot is not immune to this.

There are many roles in a flying unit that a fighter pilot can fill that are not related to flying, but in addition to being a fighter pilot, there are also aviation related roles that a fighter pilot can fill depending on the fighter pilot’s rank and tenure.

Female pilot in hanger standing in front of jet.

Other stuff a fighter pilot does
There are a lot of shoes to fill in a military unit and a fighter pilot has to carry the load just like everyone else. Professionally, as a military aviator, there are other aviation related roles that a fighter pilot must fill. Below are a few of them.

As a standardization/evaluation officer, a fighter pilot gives check rides to ensure pilots can fly their aircraft. After the flights, there is a lot of documentation to complete to stipulate if a pilot has passed or failed their check ride.

Most units have a safety officer and flying units are no different. A fighter pilot can be a safety officer which requires a lot of proactive defensive posturing to stay ahead of accidents.

A fighter pilot performing duties as a safety officer will keep tabs on what is going on force-wide with his or her aircraft and ensure other aviators are informed about any trends or issues impacting safe flight and operation. Corrective actions are taken to ensure a safe environment, conducting risk assessments and mitigating risk.

By nature, the job of a fighter pilot means mobility or the ability to get up and go somewhere else. A fighter pilot can also perform duties as a mobility/plans officer to ensure the readiness of the unit at all times.

This means a lot of planning. When the fighter pilot is done planning, they plan some more. Most plans officers are experts in overkill, planning for just about any outcome or eventuality to ensure a mission is successful if it is requested.

A life support officer is a fighter pilot responsible for equipment. This job is a critical role for a fighter pilot and it is usually an additional duty for a fighter pilot since most units have specialized officers or non-commissioned officers who manage a unit’s life support gear. This fighter pilot is responsible for gear that can save a pilot’s life; things like oxygen masks, helmets, parachutes, headsets, survival kits, and G-suits.

Imagine getting to an altitude where you need oxygen and your mask doesn’t work. That’s why a life support officer ensures that regular service and inspections are conducted and documented. All equipment must be in good, operational, working order.

A scheduling/training officer is a fighter pilot with an additional duty. This officer ensures that pilots are completing their required training, whether in the air or on the ground, as required by branch and military requirements. For a fighter pilot, this can be a robust duty requiring a lot of agility since many requirements might require the involvement of other moving parts. For example, a fighter pilot might be required to train in aerial refueling. This task not only involves the fighter pilot and his or her unit, but also pilots and tankers from another unit. Coordination can be complicated.

Lastly, a fighter pilot might also perform duties as a weapons or tactics officer. Weapons and tactics officers train pilots to execute in combat, whether in an aerial setting or air to ground.

A fighter pilot has an important role in the U.S. military. They kill aerial targets and destroy enemy targets on the ground using tactical aircraft. Just remember, they are U.S. military officers and therefore have a wide array of responsibilities not just as pilots, but as officers in their respective military branch and in the Department of Defense.

A fighter pilot does a lot more than just fly the world’s most advanced jets.

Three pilots in flight gear walking toward F-16 fighter jets on runway.

Military Spouse Appreciation Day: 5 Ways To Show Your Appreciation

Soldier with wife holding laughing child

Within the ranks, they are anointed with loving monikers: Household 6; Commander, Fort Livingroom; CINC Home, and other affectionate labels. They are military spouses and they are well known for being able to handle anything thrown at them. Raise the kids while their significant other is deployed? Check. Keep the home front running efficiently and effectively while holding down a career. Check. Make sacrifices daily for the good of my country? Check.

It is no wonder we have a Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Military Spouse Appreciation Day was created on May 23, 1984, when then-President Ronald Reagan made a proclamation to recognize the hard work done by military spouses every day. The eventful day is celebrated throughout the United States and on military installations worldwide. Today, Military Spouse Appreciation Day traditionally falls on the Friday before Mother’s Day.    

If you’re looking for ways to celebrate the military spouse in your life, here’s USAMM’s top five ways to show your appreciation on Military Spouse Appreciation Day.

1. Military Spouse Appreciation Day Party
A fun way to celebrate Military Spouse Appreciation Day is to invite over members of your unit and their spouses. This gives you an opportunity to make your military spouses queens/kings for a day. Whether you are active duty or in the National Guard or reserve, having a unit-level celebration can make Military Spouse Appreciation Day more fun and it enables you to get as granular as possible.

For example, inviting the entire company over to your house would likely be impractical, but maybe inviting the members of your squad, platoon or section is more manageable. Also, don’t forget that there are ample parks and open spaces where you can celebrate Military Spouse Appreciation Day in the great outdoors.

Spouses would relish the opportunity to socialize and interact with fellow military spouses and families, but just be sure that you are doing all the work. Help by manning the grill, play bartender or DJ, or be the entertainment committee for all the kids.

US Army female soldier hugging her husband

The point of the Military Spouse Appreciation Day party is to show appreciation to military spouses, not to make them cook, clean or chase kids. Cater to them and pickup the loads they might normally carry in a social setting. It’s their day after all.

2. Attain a personal goal
A great way to make Military Spouse Appreciation Day memorable is to help your military spouse attain a goal, or start on a path to achieve a goal. The mobile and sometimes transient nature of military service means that military spouses usually put their families first before themselves.

Military spouses, focused on supporting their loved one in uniform or raising their families, many times overlook their own needs for self care and sacrifice the attainment of personal and professional goals. Helping them do something for themselves on Military Spouse Appreciation Day is the perfect way to show them how important they are to you. Remember, they are nurturing everyone around them, but who is nurturing them?

Maybe your spouse has always wanted to earn a college degree. Encourage them to sign up for classes or to apply for acceptance on Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Does your spouse want to open a business? You can help them take steps to making that a reality on Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Or maybe they want to run a marathon or just read a book. The point is to identify something that is important to your military spouse and then ensure that steps are taken on Military Spouse Appreciation Day to make them happen.

Remember, this isn’t a fire-and-forget type of thing, some of these goals might require sustained support so be ready to support your spouse for the long haul as they chase these goals. They do it for you daily.

3.The gift of space
The life of a military spouse can be exciting, especially if you live overseas, but life can also drag on especially when dealing with day-to-day domestic life. Kids, commissary, bills, car repairs, home maintenance, laundry, career, you name it; it can get pretty mundane. When you add deployments to the mix, well, you get the idea.

Soldier hugging wife with crowd in background

One of the greatest gifts for Military Spouse Appreciation Day is the gift of time; alone. Some spouses might not want it, but for those who do, determine how much time they need; whether a few hours, days or weeks, and give them some space to get away from the kids (if you have them), their jobs (if they have one), you and the pressure of being a military spouse.

Remember, for those of you who have deployed, your spouse never got a day off if you have children. They were both parents in your absence. 

Simple things like visiting their family back home, a weekend at a spa or playing golf or even just some free time to do what they want is important and healthy for them and you. It doesn't have to break the bank, so work within your budget and if you have to burn some leave to make it happen, it is worth it.

4. Gifts of experience
Another way to show your appreciation on Military Spouse Appreciation Day is to give your military spouse the gift of an experience. As mentioned before, domestic life can be mundane, so if you’re airborne, why not give your spouse the opportunity to see what your professional life is like. Buy them a tandem skydive. If they’re not the adventurous type then maybe they’ve always wanted to go to a local ballet, musical or play?

Maybe they’ve had their eye on a particular restaurant that has a type of food they’ve always wanted to try or there might be a point of interest that you can take them to. The point is, gifts are great, but experiences stick to a person’s soul. Remember, it is about them. Start asking them a few months out, what is something they’ve always wanted to do but they’ve never had the chance. That way when Military Spouse Appreciation Day rolls around, you're ready.

Two female USAF soldiers in camouflage uniform

5. Photos to music
Apps and software make creativity easy these days. Anyone can be a creative director without a lot of technical skills. With that in mind, an extraordinarily thoughtful way to recognize your spouse on Military Spouse Appreciation Day is to gather photos of your life together and set them to music.

It’s important to capture your entire lives together and maybe have music from when you first met, your first dance at your wedding, and then songs that have meant something to you over the years.

This can be a cumbersome process. Going through hundreds if not thousands of pictures can be time consuming, and finding the right songs to play and syncing them to the pictures can also take a lot of time and patience, but the reaction from your military spouse will be worth it and they are definitely worth the effort.

Above all, it will show them that they are truly appreciated on Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Remember that day in, day out, while you are working to support the nation, they are working to support you and they deserve as much as you can give them every day, but especially on Military Spouse Appreciation Day.

Soldier with wife and child holding hands

Military EDC: 10 Essentials To Build A Great EDC

Ask anyone what “EDC” means and you will get about 100 different answers and that’s because EDC, known as Everyday Carry, is personal and as individualized as people themselves. There is no correct answer.

Everyday Carry refers to what a person carries on their person each day to help them with any challenges and those things that may arise that are unexpected. These are items needed by an individual to function in their daily life. EDC for a doctor, let’s say, might be much different than the EDC of a ranch hand.

Along those lines, military EDC might be much different from branch to branch, and military EDC can also be influenced by whether or not a service member is deployed. Nonetheless, we’re going to take a stab at it.

Here’s USAMM’s 10 essential items for a great military EDC in no particular order. 

all weather notebook

Military EDC Essential #1
If you’re in the military, you have a boss. Even the highest-ranking general officer in the U.S. military answers to someone, the president of the United States.

That said, most military personnel learn in basic training or at officer candidate school that it is important to always carry a pen and paper. This shows preparedness and professionalism.

It’s always important to be ready to copy, whether it is a directive from your staff sergeant, a part number for something you’re repairing, or a map grid for you to meet another squad, having the ability to jot stuff down is important. Many military members find small notebooks with pens or mechanical pencils useful. The notebooks are small enough to fit in their uniform pockets and the writing instruments can slide into any compartment in the uniform. Weatherproof notebooks are a plus.

Military EDC Essential #2
A knife or a multitool is a must have for any EDC. Opening boxes delivered to the unit? Bust out the knife and slice through that packing tape easily. Got a loose screw on a piece of protective equipment? Tighten up that sucker with your multitool.

Credit card sized multipurpose survival tool with case

This is one of the most important EDC items for a service person. Downrange or in the field, knives and multitools should be mandated, because of their utility, but they are not. Best part, most attach to your belt and are tucked away unnoticed until you need them.

Military EDC Essential #3
If you work a job that isn’t just during daylight hours, it’s probably a good investment to get a high-quality flashlight. Now, clearly, you don’t want some Paul Revere lantern or something overly heavy or large. Luckily, today’s illumination tools are high-powered and are tough enough to manage the rigors of most environments.

Most of the quality flashlights ideal for a military EDC have LED lights and are made of a non-corrosive metal. Some have added features like a compass or storage, and they also can be carried as part of your military EDC on your belt or in your pocket.

Military EDC Essential #4
A phone is a critical piece of a military EDC. In garrison, a phone can come in handy when you are out of the unit and you need to look up a regulation on the internet or reach out to a fellow soldier to talk about a particular unit matter. The camera can come in handy too to photograph something you are working on or to capture a unit event for social media.

personal solar panel battery charger

In the field, most units do not allow phones for communications and they are not considered tactical comms. However, if you choose to take it, for whatever reason, ensure you bring along a solar panel charger to ensure your phone has enough battery to capture those embarrassing photos of your buddy.

Most phones and chargers can fit in a cargo pocket.

Military EDC Essential #5
Once long ago, there were these things called watches and everyone wore them so they could arrive to places on time. Today, they’ve been replaced by cell phones which display the time and they tell us the time anywhere in the world.

But watches are great for a military EDC because if we are ever without our phones, we know the time and that can matter for shiftwork and relief, reporting times of incidents, and for general awareness. It will also help you stay on time, arriving at meetings and appointments as expected.

Green Smith and Wesson wristwatch with bands

We recommend a wristwatch since pocket watches can be cumbersome.

Military EDC Essential #6
Glasses, for those who have vision problems, can also be considered a critical piece of a military EDC. You won’t be able to read, write, observe, or perform most duties if you cannot see.

Whether they are your government issued “BC” (birth control) glasses or just over the counter readers, make sure they are included in your military EDC. Drop them in your pocket and go.

Military EDC Essential #7
Along the lines of glasses are sunglasses. If you work outside a lot or you are deployed or in the field, sunglasses are a must. Not only do sunglasses reduce glare, making it easier to see, but they also protect your eyes from getting sunburned. Not to mention, the squinting done by most while they are outside can lead to headaches and tired and sore eyes.

Depending on the brand, many of these glasses can fit in a uniform pocket. And some fulfill the requirement for eye protection when on the shooting range. Pew pew!

Military EDC Essential #8
Identification is a huge part of any military EDC. Most of us have been taught from day one in the ranks that our military identification stays on us at all times. It is important because on post, you need to show your ID, when not in uniform, to receive a haircut or shop at the post exchange. But did you know that if you’re in uniform, you are required to have the ID on your possession at all times?

A military ID will also help you gain access to military installations. Therefore, ensure that your information is updated in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) so you don’t run into any hiccups. Along those lines, keep your driver’s license on you when operating a motor vehicle. The same applies to operating government vehicles.

Carry your ID in a clip or in a wallet, but carry it.

Military EDC Essential #9
If there is a group of people who know long days it is those in the U.S. military. Those duty days can drag on and when there is a looming task, it can be hard to find the energy to keep going.

Keeping a light, high-quality snack in a cargo pocket is a great way to be prepared for anything that might pop up and force you to miss a meal. Beef jerky, protein bars, energy bars, fruit or anything that keeps your blood sugar up and provides good energy to your muscles is a good choice and should be a requirement for any military EDC.

MRE packets

Military EDC Essential #10
Last, but certainly not least, is our friend, good old H2O, water. Water is really good for you. It keeps you hydrated and keeps your body functioning properly.

If you’re working outside or in the field, or even worse, if you are forward deployed to one of the many desert environments the U.S. military has been known to frequent, hydration is a critical part of your life.

The military issues canteens that you can fill up and carry. If you’re not a fan of lugging around those old school canteens, then your water can become portable and go where you go if you fill a hydration system and wear it. Just ensure you comply with chain of command directives.

Lastly, you can also simply tuck a water bottle in one of your cargo pockets and drink, and refill it, as needed.

camouflage hydration system

EDITOR'S NOTE: Firearms were intentionally not included in creating this list since most military installations do not allow service personnel to carry their personal firearms on post.

What Is A Blue Star Family? Everything You Need To Know

During times of war, if you’ve ever driven through an American neighborhood, you may have noticed some houses have small flags with a blue star hanging in a window. It doesn’t matter if you’re in Texas, New York, or California, the banners are all the same and they hang quietly, solemnly in house windows.

These Blue Star Banners can have one star or up to five and each blue star represents a loved one serving in the military during time of war. A home with a Blue Star Banner means that family is a Blue Star Family.

What is a Blue Star Family?
A Blue Star Family is the immediate family of a U.S. military member who is serving during war. They are authorized by the U.S. government to hang the Blue Star Banner from their residence for others to see.

What is a Blue Star Family history?
The Blue Star Banner was designed in 1917 by businessman and National Guard officer Capt. Robert L. Queisser. He had two sons serving in World War I and Queisser wanted to show his pride and support.

three modern and older blue star flags

His original and patented design included a solitary blue star to indicate one family member was in military service and in conflict. Individuals who fly the Blue Star Banner are therefore considered Blue Star families.

What is a Blue Star Family eligibility?
According to a U.S. Congressional resolution from 2013, the “…Blue Star Service Flag is the official banner authorized by the Department of Defense for display by families who have members serving in the United States Armed Forces during any period of war or armed hostilities the Nation may be engaged in for the duration of such hostilities.”

Immediate family members are permitted to hang the Blue Star Banner prominently in support of their loved ones. Those people include:

  • Spouses
  • Parents
  • Children
  • Siblings
  • Stepparents
  • Stepchildren, stepsiblings, half-siblings
  • Adopted parents
  • Adopted children and adopted siblings of a United States service member.

What is a Blue Star Family technically?
Some people believe that a Blue Star family is anyone who fits the aforementioned criteria and has a service member in service on active duty or serving in the guard or reserve. Technically, since the Global War on Terrorism has not been formally ended, some families who serve in the military, but are not deployed, consider themselves military families since they have a loved one who is serving in the military during a time of war.

Antique photo of woman putting blue star flag in window

Others believe that the loved one has to be forward deployed, in a combat zone, in order for the family to be a Blue Star family.

Congress and Blue Star organizations do not stipulate that a service member must be forward deployed. They only state that the service member must service during time of war.

What is a Blue Star Family banner specifically?
The War Department during World War II issued specifications for the Blue Star Banner. They clearly outlined when the flag could be hung, by whom and they also issued restrictions on who could wear the lapel pin.

The Blue Star Banner must have an 8.5-inches by 14 inches white field with at least one blue star, and no more than five, sewn onto a red banner.

What is a Blue Star Family compared to a Gold Star Family?
As previously stated, a Blue Star Family is a military family with a loved one who is serving in the U.S. military during a time of conflict.

Antique photo of many women waving american flag

A Gold Star Family is a military family which has lost a loved one during war. If a Blue Star Family has a loved one that dies in combat, that blue star becomes a gold star to show that the family’s loved one was killed.

If the family has multiple service members in the ranks, and one dies, then the highest star on the banner becomes gold and the remaining blue stars are aligned underneath the gold star.

The gold star was approved by President Woodrow Wilson in 1918 at the urging of mothers who had family killed in war. The approval meant that mothers who lost a child in the war could wear a gold star on the traditional black mourning armband. That eventually led to placing a Gold Star on the Blue Star Banner indicating that the service member had died.

What is a Blue Star Family lapel pin?
The Blue Star lapel pin debuted during World War II for wear by family members of those serving in World War II. However, it was not until 1967 that formal guidance was issued by the U.S. Defense Department. The use of the banner and lapel pin was also codified in the U.S. Code.

What is a Blue Star Family non-profit?
There are numerous charities and non-profits that have “Blue Star” in their names. None are officially a part of the U.S. government, but some are chartered by the U.S. Congress and have existed since World War I, including some founded by Gold Star families.

Most of these organizations are open to military families who fit the eligibility to be a Blue Star Family. Many of these organizations help military families and raise awareness of Blue Star family sacrifices.

Modern Blue Star Flag

What is a Blue Star Family today?
The Blue Star movement has made a comeback. After World War II, a war-weary American public lost traction with the Blue Star program. It did not fall completely out of sight, but conflicts in Korea and Vietnam dampened a lot of public support.

During the Cold War, the program grew quiet, but after 9/11 there was a groundswell of support for U.S. military personnel and the Blue Star Banners made a comeback. Today, many families still fly the banners and in addition to lapel pins, there are also automotive decals and other items that can show the public the pride of a Blue Star Family.

What is a Blue Star Family in simple terms?
The families of those protecting America are Blue Star families. They deserve the nation’s respect and admiration.

How To Thank Someone For Their Military Service: 10 Ideas To Make A Difference

There’s a lot of talk these days about whether or not military personnel appreciate being thanked for their service. Like all things, it is an individual thing.

Some veterans, like Vietnam War veterans, might not have been embraced by Americans when they returned from the war. Many of them do not mind being thanked for their service because of the cold reception they may have gotten when they returned home from the war.

More recent veterans of the post 9/11 wars might feel differently. While there are exceptions, more recent military veterans are accustomed to being supported by the American public. At one point in the aftermath of 9/11 the U.S. Defense Department started a program, and website, called America Supports You. Thanking them might make them feel awkward.

In addition to a veteran’s political climate during his or her service, there are also personal values that come into play. Nonetheless, if you’re feeling as if you would like to express gratitude towards a veteran or military service member in your life, here are 10 ideas if you find yourself asking how to thank someone for their military service.

1. How to thank someone for their military service by hiring them
At some point in time, military personnel become veterans. Maybe they completed their military service obligation, retired, or separated from the service for other honorable reasons. Whatever the reason, everyone leaves the military at some point and many require a transition to another job in the civilian sector.

A common misconception about military veterans is that they might be too rigid or that they lack creativity. Many of today’s military members have served in a military that has been in constant war and the environments they have served in required agility, creativity and flexibility.

Many veterans are skilled leaders and they know how to get people to perform and they know how to manage expectations and objectives. They are confident in themselves and in those around them.

Hiring a veteran is a wonderful way to thank someone for their military service because it gives them an opportunity to transition from the ranks into the civilian sector. Hiring a veteran will prove to be a good investment because a company gains a motivated, eager, problem-solver who can think on their feet.

2. How to thank someone for their military service by shopping vet-owned
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are 2.4 million veteran-owned businesses in the United States and veteran-owned businesses employ roughly 5.8 million people.

Many veterans are proud of their service and will prominently share their military veteran status on company ads or social media. A great way to say thank you to a veteran for their military service is to patronize businesses that are veteran owned. Giving your business to a veteran-owned company sends ripples through the community and helps veterans support their families and their communities.

It is a nice way to show appreciation for those who have done so much for our country.

3. How to thank someone for their military service by donating to veteran causes
There are many organizations in need of financial donations to help the less fortunate in their communities. Veteran charities are no different, they simply serve the niche community of those who have served in the military.

A great way to thank someone for their military service is to donate to veteran causes. There are plenty of them to choose from; some focus on wounded veterans, homeless veterans and war veterans. Veterans are a cross section of American society and as such, many are susceptible to the many social issues that plague our society.

Some veterans are thrust into horrible circumstances because of their military service and there are military and veteran-centric causes to help them as well. In most cases you can donate cash or goods, but supporting veteran causes is a great way to say thanks.

4. How to thank someone for their military service by creating a shadow box
If you personally know someone who has served, they might appreciate a shadow box. The bulk of American veterans serve long enough to fulfill their contractual military service obligation and then they leave the ranks. Many do not retire from the military or make it a career.

In some cases, veterans simply don’t think about creating shadow boxes for themselves after they’ve been discharged. They are proud of their service, but most simply are too busy focusing on the transition into the civilian world to worry about whether or not to get a shadowbox.

If you are close to a veteran and have access to their DD Form 214, it can be easy to assemble a shadowbox online and order it. Having access to a veteran’s service records or actual awards and decorations can make things very easy. This is a very personal way to say thanks and these make great gifts on Veterans Day or during National Military Appreciation Month.

If you have a current military member in your life who is still serving and plans to make the military a career, purchasing a large shadowbox is a great way to say thanks so they can add to their box as their careers progress.

5. How to thank someone for their military service by listening
Veterans are living history and many have witnessed some of human history’s most memorable moments. Inviting veterans in your community to speak at a school for Veterans Day or Memorial Day is a touching way to say thanks for your service.

Many veterans are humbled by the opportunity to share their experiences. They don’t have to be war stories or tales of combat. A great majority of veterans have never seen war, but they still have amazing stories to tell. For example, some ferried presidents on Air Force or Marine One, and others maybe helped erect structures in the South Pole.

The key is to give them an opportunity to be heard. If you have a veteran at work, ask them to speak during a lunch-and-learn about their military service. The anecdotes will be great.

6. How to thank someone for their military service by giving of your time as a volunteer
There are numerous veteran-centric organizations that can use help. There are food banks that help military families experiencing food needs and there are organizations that help build customized homes for wounded veterans. It doesn’t take a lot of skill to pack food boxes or follow the instructions of a skilled tradesmen to move some wood from here to there. It does, however, take time.

Volunteering is a great way to thank someone for their military service. Time tends to be the most precious gift of all and helping by donating time doesn’t have to be a huge commitment.

Many organizations understand the time constraints facing adults and most won’t have you commit more than a handful of hours every month. This is also a great way to get your co-workers involved in community service project that might help a veteran.

7. How to thank someone for their military service by donating your expertise
If you’re a human-resources professional, veterans can use your help. You can review their resumes and offer tips or host workshops on interview skills. If you work with investments, offer workshops to veterans on where they should invest their money. If you’re a mechanic, free advice on how to make your car last will go a long way.

The point is, everyone has something to offer and they are knowledgeable about something. Sharing your expertise is a useful way to say thank you to someone for their military service. Posting an informative article or even just a simple post on professional networking social media sites or even just on social media can be helpful. Take advantage of Veterans Day or National Military Appreciation Month by using those hashtags and sharing your knowledge.

8. How to thank someone for their military service by being a mentor
Many veterans are used to having a mentor. First-term enlistees have squad or section leaders to turn to who help guide them on and off duty. When they leave the ranks, there is a mentorship void.

Mentoring a veteran is a great way to say thanks for your service. Maybe you are a third-year college student who knows his/her way around the college registration protocols or maybe you’re a co-worker who sees potential in a veteran, but they need a little guidance.

Stepping up and helping a veteran get acclimated is another way to show gratitude for those who have served. While veterans are resourceful, it doesn’t hurt to be inclusive and bring veterans into those circles where they might be underrepresented and where they can benefit from someone's knowledge.

9. How to thank someone for their military service at work
You don’t have to have military service in your background in order to help veterans. Most workplaces are rich with opportunities to help veterans transition from the ranks.

For example, maybe there is a former infantryman who wants to work in information technology (IT), but they cannot because they have no experience. Instead, they work as a customer service rep.

Helping create a training program where the veteran is allowed to train with IT a few hours per week can not only help retain a quality employee, the veteran, but it is a wonderful way to show appreciation for veterans at your workplace.

10. How to thank someone for their military service
Of course the simplest way to do it is to look them in the eye, say thank you for your service and shake their hands.