Deployment Essentials, LLC

Author: Deployment Essentials

  • 5 Signs You Need Executive Protection

    5 Signs You Need Executive Protection

    If your business is big, you probably want to ensure security. You’re probably also asking yourself why you should choose executive protection.

    Many businesses invest a lot of money in safety. You’re probably wondering why are companies willing to dedicate so much time and spend so much money on safety. We’ve written this article to give you some reasons why you need to take into account some executive security services for your organization.

    The first step you need to take is to conduct a risk analysis. Make sure you take a look in your firm and see who the target might be – most likely those who are really important for the business. Ask some questions, like “Were they ever attacked?”, “do they go to dangerous places?”, “which are the attacks that they are vulnerable at?”.

    After you have identified the persons who need protection, you need to get to know them more – their public and their private lifestyles, in order to help them reduce the risks. You will need to understand all the details about the life of the person, so that person will need to be cooperative.

    After you have learned everything you need to know about that person, you will get a clear picture of the risks you have to face and what are the security factors you need to take. You also need to keep in mind that risks are changing, and you need to establish a level of security for executives, that could be increased at all times if you need to do it.

    The entire analysis should begin with their home life, where they spend most of their time, and in the current crime space from their area. see if they have a home security system.

    However, keep in mind that some of them will not be happy about someone knowing all of the details of their lives, but there is really nothing you can do in this matter. To make things better for everyone involved, you need to demonstrate to that person why he or she is so important for the company and why it is crucial to have them secured. You can do this by simply searching that person’s name on Google.

    You are everywhere on the news

    If you are an important person and you have a huge organization, you are probably everywhere on the news. Most people want to avoid exposure to all kind. Executive protection can help you with that.

    In case you’re attacked

    If you are attacked or harassed, and the threats won’t stop, you’d better get a safety. And if people find out, this might have an impact on your business. If you decide to get executive protection, you will be able to control what the public sees. All the media exposure could be plannedin order to get what you want for the public to see.

    Make the leader a good one

    Being a good leader means everything for your business. It can unify the business. A bad leader would divide it. It’s important to keep a good leader at the helm – it’s crucial for your business’s future.

    The way your business is led can affect your entire organization, especially if we’re talking about a business with large transitions. Security can help in keeping those people in their positions for as long as possible. You can get bodyguards that will help you stop attempts on the lives of the leaders. It’s much more than just alleviating attacks. They can also help in handling medical emergencies. They are the first responders when it comes to a heart attack, stroke or life-threatening situation. This is a huge benefit.

    Classified information

    You probably want your organization to be the best in your field. This means that you need to be higher than your competition. This means that if crucial info leaks, you will lose some of the advantages that you had when it came to your competition.

    Your competition is smart enough to know they need to get to your business leader in order to steal your ideas. If you decide to get executive protection, then you’ll be able to sleep better at night.

    The tools you need for success

    Stress is definitely one of the factors that limit the productivity of the worker. It’s true, you won’t be able to get rid of all the stress, but if you have executive protection, you can reduce the stress by feeling safe.

    For example, when you travel, it is easier to have someone else with you who will make sure you are safe at all times.

    Also, daily errands can be done by your security team, and not by you. This way, you’ll also be able to focus on your tasks and responsibilities.

     

  • 6 Things Event Managers Look for In a Security Company

    6 Things Event Managers Look for In a Security Company

    Do you offer security services? And you want more business? It’s time to rethink your approach. If you are not getting enough business, this doesn’t mean your services are subpar. Its possible you are not marketing yourself in the right way.

    Following, we are giving you six tips to help fix that.

    1.  First Aid

    It’s good if the security officers are well-armed and prepared for anything. But if they know basic healthcare and how to treat injuries, it will give you a competitive edge. In case someone gets injured, the security officer should be able to use emergency first aid until proper help is available.

    Such instances are rare when it comes to event securities, but Frist aid training offers peace of mind.

    2.  Previous Experience

    When it comes to security services, no one is willing to take a change. Therefore, your company should have some previous experience providing security solutions to an industry or an area. Apart from the staffs personal experience on the field, the company must have experience security events.

    This shows potential clients that the company is committed and possess the mental capacity to tackle tough situations.

    3.  Client List

    Apart from experience, your company should offer a diverse client list. It will show you are well-versed in different security issues instead of being a single trick pony.

    In event security, the ideal company should have experience protecting clients from different backgrounds. Yes, they must have protected business magnates, politicians, athletes, celebrities, social activists and much more.

    This shows the company and its team is capable of adapting to any given situation.

    4.  Army Veterans

    The client doesn’t care about the receptionists, or the representative as much as they care about the security officers. If you want the best, make sure your company employs Army Veterans with more than just one duty tour.

    It’s true that not every situation needs you to have armed protection, but you better be safe than sorry. Most clients like to have veterans experienced in combat just in case something goes south.

    5.  Equipment and Uniform

    We are not suggesting you spend a fortune updating your arsenal every year. But at least you can make sure your officers are well equipped for any pending situation.

    Top Event Security Services equip their staff with Polymer Pistols (probably 9mm), Taser, Pepper Spray, First Aid Kits, Protective gear, and clean uniform. These are the mere basics, but they will impress potential clients. No, you don’t need to go berserk and equip Assault Rifles.

    In case you are providing your services in an unstable area, SMGs and Shotguns will suffice. You are not the military.

    6.  Uniform Options

    Well, this doesn’t (or shouldn’t) affect the prowess of your security team but clients love when a security company offers uniform options. It shows they have more control over the team, that’s all.

    So instead of buying all blue or black uniforms, you need to invest in a bit and buy some colors that suit your local region, including night scene. Offering Uniform Option will make you a favorite among event organizers.

  • Parking Space for Combat Wounded Vets

    Parking Space for Combat Wounded Vets

    It is always heartening to see a movement happening to recognize the value of some of America’s very special citizens, and this great nation seems to be stepping forward in yet another campaign, this time in the form of parking space for combat wounded vets. The concept is not all that new – the Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS) based in Nebraska, initiated this movement in 2012, and it has been picking up momentum, slowly but steadily. This group has many activities related to the welfare of combat wounded vets. The campaign for providing parking space for combat wounded vets is yet another initiative of the WWFS. The group supplies these aluminum parking signs that say “combat wounded” to establishments who show interest in erecting these signs.

    The procedure for procuring these signs is quite simple – an email needs to be sent to the WWFS, and it is possible to apply online. Only the shipping and installation costs need to be borne by the establishments, and the signs should be installed in line with local guidelines for handicapped parking signs and should comply with the rules of the Department of Transportation. The distinguishing feature of these parking spots is that purple is used for the boundary line and on the actual signboard, which reflects the color of the Purple Heart which the occupants of these parking spaces would normally be in possession of.

    Am I Eligible?

    Being eligible for parking space for combat wounded vets means that the person should meet the basic criteria of a U.S. soldier who has received some form of disability which falls into the category of a combat-related injury, but there are a few other preconditions that need to be met to be an official combat wounded vet. The individual is usually a recipient of the Purple Heart, but would also need to be in possession of documentation to prove that they have received injuries through armed conflict, simulation war, hazardous service, Agent Orange, mustard gas or Lewisite (yes, they’re still using this out there!) or Gulf War. Under such circumstances, a person is usually likely to have disability plates, which should be sufficient enough to prove eligibility.

    Not all disabilities are visible. A wounded veteran doesn’t only mean a missing limb. There are other less-obvious and sometimes invisible. For instance, a person may have impaired vision, deafness or the something common to many soldiers who have been in active combat – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This aspect is not always understood by many civilians, as in the case of Johanna Thompson of WGU Washington:

    “Today I was accosted by a woman in a walmart parking lot for parking in the wounded warrior parking space, I am a service connected disabled veteran. My husband is also. As I parked a woman ran at me accusing me of being a traitor to my country for parking in that spot. I have disabled plates, but she questioned my military service and whether or not my disabilities were service connected. In the end this crazy woman threatened to get a gun and wound me herself. People need to understand that not all disabled veterans are missing a limb, some of us have injuries you cannot see, like TBI, extreme deafness, PTSD. People if you see someone park in a spot don’t rush to judgment. This woman had me in tears, I served my country and gave a lot, my health, my future and my ability to live the life that I wanted.”

    Where can I find them?

    Since their launch in 2012, these signs have mushroomed all over the country, in the parking lots of businesses, churches, schools and colleges, government, and medical facilities. More recently, Wal-Mart and Home Depot have actively participated in the program by installing these signs in their parking spaces. A spokesman for the Home Depot stated that these signs have been installed in their entire northern region locations.

    The program for parking space for combat wounded vets is a voluntary one, and it is not yet ratified by an act of Congress. Nevertheless, the response to the program has been positive, with several organizations applying to the WWFS for these signs since 2012.

    Charlotte County, Florida received forty signs in 2013. County Veteran Services Officer David Donohew said, “It’s a new program for us, and we are the first in Florida to have these signs…We want to make sure that when they [Combat Wounded Veterans] utilize county services, that it’s as easy as possible for them.”

    Also in Florida, in Citrus County, in November 2015, combat wounded  parking signs have been installed at Lecanto Government Building, the Citrus County Courthouse, and West Citrus Government Center. The move was initiated by students of Lecanto Middle School who made a presentation to the Board of County Commissioners, and the kids even managed to get sponsors for shipping and installing the parking signs.

    Also this month, in the city of Warren, Ohio, the municipal court has had a parking space for combat wounded vets installed. It’s the first of its kind in Warren, but there are now plans to put one in every building, according to city officials.

    Other cities where these parking spaces have now been established are Sugarland, Danvers, Massachusetts and Temecula, and in various locations in the states of Georgia, South Carolina and Texas.

    Opinions

    As is the case with all new programs, there is always a lot of discussion and opinions that get exchanged, and these purple parking spaces are no exception. There are people who are not in favor of them, and then there are those who are.

    Veteran, Major Derek J Plymate, from Las Vegas, Nevada, who has served with the US Armed Forces for 20 years, is modest about his sacrifice as a wounded warrior. Major Plymate feels that his status is no greater than a fireman or police officer, wounded in the line of duty. “We all protect and serve in different ways”, he says.

    The feeling about these parking spaces mostly seems to be positive, however. Stuart Thompson from Georgia feels that instead of complaining, people should just be thankful to organizations like Home Depot and Wal-Mart for promoting this program.

    Engineer Daniel Baca is also all for the purple parking space, and he says that there are more and more of these spaces appearing where he lives.

    Lt. Col. Mike Lovett (Retd.) from Charleston, South Carolina is also all praise for them and says that he was thrilled to find one at a Harris Teeter that he had visited at the Isle of Palm.

    Conclusion

    There are a few naysayers who are not in favor, but the general opinion of people, especially veterans who are best-qualified to comment, are all for this program. The purple parking spaces are definitely proliferating, thanks to the efforts of the WWFS and the organizations that are actively participating in the program, so, it is likely that we will be seeing more and more parking space for combat wounded vets in the near future.

  • VIDEO: Navy’s USS Ponce Uses New Laser Beam to Destroy Stuff

    VIDEO: Navy’s USS Ponce Uses New Laser Beam to Destroy Stuff

    The USS Ponce (LPD-15) fired a laser beam destroying aerial and naval targets for the first time in history. The office of Naval Research conducted the test. Never before has a laser beam of this size been able to do so much damage from a ship.

    The way the weapon works is similar to a video game controller. Just point and shoot. Instantly the target receives a laser beam at the speed of light and the target is destroyed.

    The USS Ponce is a member of the 5th Fleet out of Bahrain, commanded by Captain Dale W. Maxey.

  • OH-58D Kiowa to be Replaced by UH-72 Lakota, AH-64 Apache

    OH-58D Kiowa to be Replaced by UH-72 Lakota, AH-64 Apache

    The Kiowa has played an important reconnaissance and supporting role for the ground troops, Apache Attack helicopters, and commanders on the ground over the past 40+ years when it was initially produced in 1969.  The helicopter continued to be fielded until 1989, then it began a series of upgrades to keep it modern.  The military brass is looking for a more modern air frame that can handle the support requirements of the Army, while trying to cut costs due to the declining budgets and lack of overseas combat missions.

    The OH-58D’s being decommissioned will go to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, AZ where they will either be scrapped, stored, or prepped for sale to civilian law enforcement for local and state support roles. Each Kiowa Warrior cost the Army roughly $5-$6 million initially, and $1.2 million to retrofit with upgrades. Over the years, the maintenance costs from personnel, storage, and parts has been very expensive as well. The true cost to maintain the fleet will never be known, but each helicopter would easily be in the millions over the lifetime of its use. It is also important to note that maintaining a Kiowa is vastly less in cost than maintaining the advanced AH-64D Apache.

    English: The Louisiana National Guards two new...
    English: The Louisiana National Guards two new UH-72 Lakotas touch down for the first time at Esler Field in Pineville, La. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    The first Eurocopter UH-72 Lakotas entered production in 2006 with 300 being made initially. More are on the way and will eventually replace all OH-58Ds for the light scout role, but that is potentially several years out and there is nothing set in stone yet. The AH64-D and AH-64E are the Army’s main attack helicopters, which can also perform a scouting role. So the Army has opted to let the Apache “sub in” for the Kiowa until more Lakotas or another variant can be produced on a larger scale.

    AH-64D Apache Longbow AKA "Saraf"
    AH-64D Apache Longbow AKA “Saraf” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    The Kiowas at Fort Rucker, AL (the Army’s main training base for helicopters) are being replaced by Lakotas right now.

    Parting Thoughts

    Overall, it does not sound like a good plan.  Why would the Army get rid of an entire fleet of helicopters that cost around $5 million and replace their role with an attack helicopter that costs $35 million? Sure there are Lakotas that can help fill the gap, but there are only 300 Lakotas and those can only fill so many gaps of the nearly 2,200 Kiowas that are being phased out. The downsize is premature and a lot of good pilots are having to relearn different air frames. The Army’s primary scout capability via air is non-existent. Sure you can use drones to help fill the gap, but it just isn’t the same as a Kiowa with a rocket or hell fire package that can change the entire battle with one Kiowa team.

    Just look at any scenario where there were Apaches needed to help ground troops – they were not always available. With an asymmetric battlefield and troops in contact in many places in the same day all over the battlefield, the Army needs a light scouting capability via air. With Kiowas, you can send 7 Kiowas for the price of 1 Apache. The Army scrapped the RAH-66 Comanche several years ago, causing even more upheaval in the air requirements. And with congress talking about scrapping the A-10 Warthog, the Air Force’s ground support aircraft, the forecast does not look good.

     

     

  • Fat Valor Thief Taunts Veterans “See You Memorial Day Losers”

    Fat Valor Thief Taunts Veterans “See You Memorial Day Losers”

    WARNING: GRAPHIC LANGUAGE

    This guy who uses Youtube channel johnnyb34434 uploaded a video attacking Don Shipley, founder of Guardian of Valor that runs the “Stolen Valor” Facebook page. In the video, Johnny taunts veterans and makes fun of their service. The entire video he calls his viewers “sheeple”. He says that “Nothing is going to happen to me. Whatever you do, it don’t mean nothing. I will be at Golden Corral for three days. I have my uniform, clean, pressed, and ready to go, see you memorial day losers”.

    Johnny is so big and bad, that he took the video down from his channel. It doesn’t seem to be there any more. At least we couldn’t find it. We had to use the video uploaded by David Avritt. Please see the video below:

  • OOPS! Pro-Russian Fighter’s Kornet Anti Tank Missile Misfires

    OOPS! Pro-Russian Fighter’s Kornet Anti Tank Missile Misfires

    This video shows a battlefield blooper from the front over in Ukraine. Here you will enjoy a misfire from a Russian Kornet Anti-Tank Guided Missile. You will notice a soldier doing something with the tripod but the tube suddenly fires the missile by accident. It is assumed the missile goes into some hillside somewhere or into the ground. Hopefully there wasn’t an unfortunate soul on the receiving end of that. In the United States Army, this would be classified as a misfire and the 15-6 investigation would start immediately.

    However if not misfired, Kornet ATGMs are pretty lethal against heavily armored vehicles. Designed to be tank busters against the American M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank, the Israeli Merkava, or the German Leopard 2, it is important that these devices get removed from the battlefield by air assets or light infantry prior to an armored engagement.  The Kornet can penetrate two armored layers (double layers) on a tank because it has 2 warheads/charges.  The first one detonates on the external layer, and the second explodes inside penetration the remaining armor and killing the crew.  Well, at least with this video, there is one less ATGM the US Army has to worry about.

  • Which is Better – Iraqi Jumping Jacks, Afghani Pushups, or Afghani Jumping Jacks?

    Which is Better – Iraqi Jumping Jacks, Afghani Pushups, or Afghani Jumping Jacks?

    We compiled some of the best Iraq and Afghan PT videos. We need people to choose which one they like the best. Comment below to choose or comment on our social sites.

    Iraqi Jumping Jacks 1

    Afghani Pushups

    Afghani Jumping Jacks

  • VIDEOS: Aerion’s AS2 Supersonic Jet Coming

    VIDEOS: Aerion’s AS2 Supersonic Jet Coming

    Behold what is to be the fastest moving passenger jet in the world. Aerion Corporation (aka Aerion Supersonic) is almost ready to launch Aerion AS2 and it is expected launch the first passenger flight in 2019. However the design is complete and the promotion is on for the world’s fastest supersonic passenger jet which will provide service to businessmen and entrepreneurs to whom the extraordinary speed matters the most. In these videos you will be able to see the design and appearance of the AS2 in detail. Keep in mind that until now, the fastest moving passenger jet was the Concorde, which left service in 2003.

    Using Supersonic Natural Laminar Flow (SNLF) wing technology, Aerion AS2 will be able to transport passengers at a maximum speed of Mach 1.6. However it wouldn’t be able to fly over land with that much speed due to prohibition of supersonic flights due to producing a sonic boom which is very disturbing for residential neighborhoods and office complexes. So over land it will fly at a scaled down performance and speed of Mach .95. Then over water it will jump to Mach 1.6.  With this speed it will be able to reach Tokyo, Japan from the United States in just 6 hours where usually it takes 10 hours 25 minutes now.

  • STOLEN VALOR: Imposter Pretends to be x3 CIB Army Ranger on Black Friday

    STOLEN VALOR: Imposter Pretends to be x3 CIB Army Ranger on Black Friday

    These types of videos really bother me on so many levels. First, you have the fact that the guy is a liar. Then you have the fact that people are probably giving the guy praise all the time, thanking him for his service, for something he didn’t do. Then he is probably getting military discounts and deals at stores for being a fake in uniform.  But the worst crime is that he is pretending to be something that only a select few people in this country are willing to be. Only a fraction of a percent of Americans step up to put their lives on the line for their country. And an even smaller percent step up to be infantrymen, and a more elite group serve in combat as Army Rangers. This person disgusts me. Please spread the word about him and expose him for what he has done.

  • IT’S OVER: FSA Assault Syrian Army Position

    IT’S OVER: FSA Assault Syrian Army Position

    In this video, the Free Syrian Army (FSA) assaults a Syrian Army position. It appears there is a fixed position on the 2nd floor with personnel that just won’t allow themselves to be defeated. The FSA fires multiple machine gun barrages, rifle fire, and even several direct hit RPG shots.

    The war in Syria began in July, 2011, as a result of the Arab Spring in that country that started several months earlier. There are four major factions in the Syrian Civil War – the Syrian Government, the Opposition Government (includes Al Qaeda and the FSA), the Kurdish Force (includes YPG), and ISIS.  Each faction has taken over and controls a portion of Syria and there are rumors that Al Qaeda and ISIS are going to unite to give themselves a stronger joint position. Needless to say, this video is a perfect example of the realities on the ground and the combat that continues on a daily basis in Syria.

  • VIDEO: Boeing Comes Up With Space Taxi

    VIDEO: Boeing Comes Up With Space Taxi

    The American multinational aerospace vehicle designer and manufacturer Boeing recently showcased their first ever commercial space carrier, CST 100, which can carry up to 7 passengers. In this video you can have a detailed look at the design and the technology of this magnificent space craft. The Director of Crew of the company, Chris Ferguson, expresses his hope that within the next twenty years or so space travel is going to be a mainstream phenomenon due to the company’s innovations. Till now Boeing has built 10 satellites and 745 aircrafts. In 2013 Boeing estimated $86.623 billion in sales and it is the 26th on the “World’s Most Admired Companies” list of the same year.

    This space taxi uses state of the art technology and is reusable. Yes, that’s true these space crafts can be literally made ready for another launch. Only the heat shield has to be changed after each journey. CST 100 has modern display technology and can take you to the international space station or any other lower orbit locations and can bring you back on earth safely. The interior of the craft is based upon the commercial Boeing aircrafts and also offers the neat and clean ease of such air crafts and air journey.

  • CLOSE CALL: Sniper Hits US Position, Barely Misses Troops

    CLOSE CALL: Sniper Hits US Position, Barely Misses Troops

    This is a video from the War in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom). Here we can see that a U.S. soldier from 1st ID, 1st Brigade, 2-34 Bravo Co, 3rd PLT REAPERS gets shot by a distant Taliban sniper but shockingly continues his fight. This is a helmet camera footage of the soldier himself that was shot and the incident occurred in Kandahar, Afghanistan in 2011. You can see that after being shot and falling dawn he again rises up and continues to move and fight. This video is a part of an ongoing online archive from Funker530.com. The purpose of the Youtube channel is to show the war through the raw combat footage of the war.

    As a matter of fact, the fighting in Afghanistan began with the Afghan Civil War in 1978, with Soviet (USSR) involvement starting in 1979 and ending in 1989. Then the Taliban took control of the nation in 1994. However Operation Enduring Freedom, which started the US involvement in the country, began after the 9/11 attacks and the initiation of Operation Enduring Freedom by the President George W. Bush in 2001. Most of the US Forces are out of Afghanistan now, with small contingents still pressing on. The 1st Brigade, 1st ID, featured in this video, is stationed in Fort Riley, Kansans and is an Armored Brigade Combat Team usually equipped with M2 Bradleys, M1 Abrams Tanks, and Paladin 155mm Howitzers.

  • Tinker Federal Credit Union (TFCU) – a Credit Union for the Military

    Tinker Federal Credit Union (TFCU) – a Credit Union for the Military

    One of the best things about being in the armed forces is that you get to be a member of several beneficial financial institutions, and the Tinker Federal Credit Union is one such organization. Based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, this financial organization was started by a group of employees of the Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma 68 years ago. Today it has operations at 31 locations in and around the state of Oklahoma. There are 27 branches and an additional four “Express Electronic Service Centers”. The Tinker Federal Credit Union is regulated and authorized by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). The company’s net worth was estimated to be $3.2 billion as of October 2014.

    How to Join the TFCU

    To become a member of the Tinker Federal Credit Union, usually, you or one of your family members should be a member of the US Armed Forces. However, there is also a provision for non-service people to become members, such as, if you are an employee of one of the business partners of the TFCU. If a member of your family is already a member of the TFCU, then you are automatically eligible to become a member.

    On being eligible, you will be required to submit documents for establishing and verifying your identity and will have to fill the form with all your details. Once this is done, you can become a member by opening a share (savings) account with a minimum deposit of $5.00. For further clarifications regarding membership, you can call the Member Service Center at (405) 319-2255 or 1-800-456-4828, ext. 2255.

    Services offered by the TFCU

    There is a wide range of financial services offered by the TFCU. Here are some of the major facilities available to its members:

    The range of checking accounts by TCFU is asunder:

    Click Checking

    Heritage Club Checking

    Classic Checking

    MoneyPlus™ Card

    Savings accounts come under the following heads:

    Loans by TFCU

    A seemingly endless list of categories of loans is available to members:

     

    Not to miss out on an important aspect of the financial market, the TFCU has also some attractive insurance options:

     

    To augment these services, TFCI also offers free insurance consultation.

    Other Facilities

    There are many general facilities offered by the TFCU such as Automatic Transfer Options, insurance of funds held on various accounts. Credit cards are also offered and at an interest rate of 9.11% APY. A “Line of Credit” account can be requested, which is like a revolving account with monthly payments. This is a convenient means of covering for unprecedented emergencies. Overdraft protection is another attractive feature offered by the Tinker Federal Credit Union. You can also opt for the “Direct Deposit” option, to have your paycheck credited directly to a TFCU account of your choice.

    TFCU has well-developed online services. Internet banking can be done in the form of various transactions such as checking balance, setting up electronic account alerts making online payments, transferring money and paying bills online. Mobile banking is also possible. This enables you to do certain transactions from your mobile device, whether it is a cell phone, tablet or laptop.

    You can also avoid paper statements by opting to receive e-statements and e-notices which will be sent securely to your registered email ID.

    Savings Interest Rates

    The Tinker Federal Credit Union offers better savings interest rates than several other financial institutions in the market. The rates can be found on the website and may fluctuate in line with changes in the market conditions. The rates range from .05%-1.49%.  There is Premium Plus, Rate Booster, Term Share, Command Fund, and Click Checking. We talk about Click Checking below in more detail, which seems to be their best interest rate account.

    Click Checking

    The best interest rate comes from the Click Checking, which gets you a 1.49% interest when you do a bunch of transactions through their system. You have to have pay one bill through TFCU online bill pay, make 10 debit card transactions a month, sign up for E statements, and sign up for direct deposit for your paycheck. The interest rate is only good up to $30,000, then it drops down to .10%.

    Tinker Federal Credit Union – What Customers have to say

    Due to its moderate size, the TFCU has managed to impart a personal touch to the way it operates. Bearing testimony to this fact, here’s what a few satisfied customers have to say:

    Rebecka M from Spencer, Oklahoma says, “They always have the nicest employees no matter which location I go to. They have free checking with mobile deposit which I love.”

    Another customer who goes with the online name of “Sixpack Y” says that although the Tinker Federal Credit Union is just like any other bank, this one has much more reasonable charges and is not as pushy as other banks, and he/she says that they even get interest on their checking account. However, “Sixpack Y” goes on to say the best feature of the TFCU is the online bill paying facility which drafts the money much faster that other banks which sometimes incur overdraft fees due to delayed transactions.

    The positive feedback of the Tinker Federal Credit Union is best summed up by Robynn D of Oklahoma City, who makes the following statement, “Always friendly and extremely helpful. They go the extra mile.”

    Final Analysis of the Tinker Federal Credit Union

    In retrospect, it would be fair to consider the TFCU as one of the premier regional financial institutions in the United States. There are several big, national financial organizations which cater to the financial needs of military personnel. However, there is always a need for some companies that operate at a local level, to cater to the specific needs of a particular region.

  • VIDEO: TOW Missile Decimates Russian Made T-72 Tank

    VIDEO: TOW Missile Decimates Russian Made T-72 Tank

    This video showcases a TOW missile blowing up a T-72 tank from three different perspectives with one more added view of a closer slow motion ending. Officially designated as BGM-71 TOW, where T, O and W stands for Tube-launched, Optically-tracked and Wire-guided respectively, is a frequently used anti-tank and anti-fortification weapon in the battle today. It has a unique quality to detonate right above the targeted tank and fires into the target another charge from the top (a vulnerable spot) that blows the T-72 tank up. The more tank rounds inside the tank the larger the boom. You can clearly see the process in this video.

    Primarily designed by the Hughes Aircraft Company; the TOW missiles were first in production in 1970. However in 1997 the Raytheon Company took over the Hughes Aircraft; and now they run the production of the TOW. With further advancements by transitioning the wire guidance system to wireless guidance system and with variations like TOW 2A, TOW 2B Aero, and TOW Bunker Buster missiles Raytheon is serving the U.S. Department of Defense and other international customers with their designed and developed TOW missiles with satisfaction. Till now the manufacturer has served more than 40 international armed forces and have integrated TOWs in more than 15000 platforms worldwide.

  • VIDEO: Free Syrian Army Ambushes Syrian Tanks

    VIDEO: Free Syrian Army Ambushes Syrian Tanks

    The ongoing ISIS movement and its repercussion from the coalition forces have been in the news for some time now and is a very controversial issue in America and in the Middle East today. The spotlight is on Islamic Terrorism and the Syrian Civil War. This video shows one tank being destroyed and another shot with most probably an RPG. This particular video is not ISIS in Iraq, but that of the Free Syrian Army attacking a Syrian government convoy back in 2012.

    Whatever may be the real case behind the scene, the scene sure is one of the rare real life shots captured related to the ongoing Syrian Civil War. The war began in 2011 as a chain reaction to the so called Arab Spring and now being led by the various groups within Syria and Iraq. ISIS, FSA and YPG are three of the major Middle Eastern factions, opposing the present Syrian government, that are involved in the war along with the intervention from the western coalition forces. ISIS is also against the government of Iraq and Iran, causing strange bedfellows. Nontheless, this video of tanks blowing up is great to watch.

     

  • AWESOME: Drone Plane Takes off from Drone Helicarrier!

    AWESOME: Drone Plane Takes off from Drone Helicarrier!

    Enthusiasts from an aerospace community of flight hobbyists named Flite Test has recently developed the first ever successful drone helicarrier from which another drone can easily take off and with more appropriation can even land on it. They published this video on their Facebook page on 4th November 2014 showcasing their developed technology. However this is still in its final developing stage and has been developed to operate on small scale. But the engineers expect that the technology can be implemented in practical field of helicareer and drone development at an international scale. And the developed careers are likely to be able to serve as takeoff grounds for any wartime drone or other aircrafts that till now have to take off from the ground.

    Flight Test offers a meeting place where all those who have a passion for flights, flying and aircraft engineering and development can come together to share their ideas and designs. In this video from them you can see a little toy sized drone taking off from the small rectangular remote controlled helicareer with two rotors on each side. This case study was showcased in the Horizon Indoor Electric Festival earlier this year.

    This technology has major Department of Defense implications. Now that this tech has been dreamed up and put into a prototype, DARPA just might be calling Flite Test for something a little bigger. Or maybe Northrop Grumman, BAE, Boeing, or Lockheed Martin could be called on.

    Post by Flite Test.

  • VIDEO: United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon In Action

    VIDEO: United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon In Action

    Marine Corps has several Drill Platoons specifically dedicated to exhibiting their expertise through ingenious drill movements. These are called exhibition drills. United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon is one such platoon among others. But it is perhaps the most popular among them. Their precision, performance, grace without even a single bit of misplacement justly shows the Marine’s professionalism and consistency. In this video you will be able to see them in action and have the pleasure to be mesmerized by their smooth and soothing drill movements. This video was taken in the year of 2011 at Pepsi Center, Denver.

    The platoon consists of 24 members with a 10.5 pounds M1 Garand rifles each. That’s why they are also known as The Marching Twenty Four. All of the members are selected from the School of Infantry and have to fulfill some requirements. However precision is the key. Primarily designed to be a one time show, the platoon first performed in 1948 and received a huge deal of positive response and because of that it became a part of the routine parades at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C. Since then the platoon displays their presentation worldwide to represent the U.S. Marine Corps.

  • US Marine Guards Canadian War Memorial to Make a Personal “Damn Statement” to Terrorists

    US Marine Guards Canadian War Memorial to Make a Personal “Damn Statement” to Terrorists

    Major Fox Sinke, a highly decorated United States Marine Corps veteran, visited the National War Memorial to prove to everyone that when it comes to fighting the good fight, Canadian and American troops are united as one.

    Corporal Nathan Cirillo
    Corporal Nathan Cirillo

    Major Sinke is decorated with five purple hearts and three bronze stars. He is here to pay tribute in his own special way to Corporal Nathan Cirillo at the Canadian National War Memorial. Cirillo was shot and killed as a guard at the War Memorial on October 22nd, 2014 by terrorist Michael Zehaf-Bibeau.

    Michael Zehaf-Bibeau
    Michael Zehaf-Bibeau

    Here are some quotes from the video made by Major Sinke. This guy is a great American and human being, who understands the tenants of liberty and respect to his fellow comrade. “That young corporal is a comrade in arms”. “We are not intimidated, take your best shot.” “There are those of us who understand what is happening, and by God, we aren’t going to lie down for it. I am here to make my own personal damn statement.” “We are with you, that’s all I am saying. We got your back.”

    Video:

  • Obama Sends Additional Soldiers to Iraq

    Obama Sends Additional Soldiers to Iraq

    President Barack Obama has signed a new deployment directive to send additional soldiers to Iraq. The extra 1500 troops were sent by the Obama administration to serve in Iraq as advisers, security, and trainers. Most of them will reach Iraq by December. This means that the number of US troops will reach up to around 3,000. The president is asking for additional funding from the Congress to send to Iraq – or at least $5 billion to append to the Iraq funds.

    A statement from the White House says that the new troops will not actually be fighting in Iraq, but will be working as supervisors, strategists, and trainers in the field. The troops will be working to assist the military that is already available there who are fighting ISIS / ISIL.

    Many Americans and critics are seeing this as a gradual buildup, similar to the buildup in Vietnam that happened slowly over time. Thinking back to the Korean War, this seems to be like mission creep similar to when General MacArthur changed the mission from driving the North Koreans out of South Korea to conquering North Korea and taking the fight to China with nuclear weapons. China ended up invading and driving the Americans back to the 38th Parallel. With Operation Iraqi Freedom being over, it seems that there is a resurgence to get the US involved over there again.

    If it is going to happen again, it needs to happen with a clear mission, overwhelming force, and approval from congress.

  • Armed Forces Bank – The Military-Minded Bank

    Armed Forces Bank – The Military-Minded Bank

    One of the most frequent requirements in the daily life of an individual is banking, and for members of the US Military, the Armed Forces Bank extends support for a wide range of banking requirements. This bank was founded in 1907 as a family business, with a view to providing exclusive financial services to military personnel and their families. Based in Kansas City, Missouri this bank has several branches all over the United States, as well as in international locations throughout the world.

    The rates are reasonable and affordable with credit and retail banking operations being carried out at locations throughout the United States. Services are available mostly seven days a week, with a wide network of ATM services and 24-hour customer service accessible through a toll-free number. Online and mobile banking services are also offered.

    Services Provided by the Armed Forces Bank

    Some of the services provided by this bank are checking, saving and money market accounts. The bank also offers support by way of wire transfer and check cashing services. The usual credit and ATM cards are also available, with special lines of credit offered for home equity. Customers can also make use of personal loans and residential mortgages. For Customers with special needs, business accounts and loans are also available. The Armed Forces Bank is especially well-known for special interest rates offered to military members and also for its dedicated credit cards services. Here are details of some exclusive services that provided by the Armed Forces Bank:

    Checking Accounts

    The types of checking accounts are:

    • Simple Checking
    • Select Checking
    • Elite Checking
    • Student Checking

     

    A checking account with the Armed Forces Bank has a nil opening balance requirement. If you would like to earn some extra interest, there is a $25.00 minimum opening balance requirement. Otherwise, interest rates on the basis of annual percentage yield range from 0.05% to 0.10%. You get a free visa debit card, and online bill paying and mobile banking services are also free. All the types of checking accounts offer free e-statements. There can be a monthly service fee of $5.00 to $10.00.

    Savings Accounts

    The saving accounts available are:

    • Saving Account
    • Money Market Account
    • Certificates of Deposit
    • Student Savings

     

    Here again, there is a nil opening balance requirement except in the case of Certificates of Deposit where it is $500.00. Standard interest rates apply for all accounts, and monthly service fees can be applied to Saving Accounts and Money Market accounts, but this is not applicable to Certificates of Deposit or Student Savings. The savings account is currently offering a .05% interest rate, where as the money market offers .03% all the way up to .25% for larger deposits.

    A particularly useful facility is Certificates of Deposit, which provide a means to get a guaranteed rate of return on money that is deposited for a fixed period. The CD rates are impressive, starting at .15% for a 30 day CD and going all the way up to 1.3% for a 60 day CD. Student Saving Accounts is another great product which is specially tailored for students with special requirements such as nil minimum balance till age 23, and a free ATM card.

    Business Accounts

    There is a whole suite of business accounts offered to customers by the Armed Forces Bank. The main accounts available are:

    • Deposit Accounts
    • Business Loan Accounts
    • Cash Management and Treasury Accounts
    • Remote Deposit Capture
    • Depository Services

     

    In addition to all these, facilities are provided such as Remote Deposit Capture and e-Business Banking, to minimize the time spent on each transaction with a view to make the entire process for business banking customers more efficient and user-friendly.

    Mortgages

    The mortgages are linked to the VA, hence suitable for all cadres of the US military and their families. The categories of mortgages available from the Armed Forces Bank are:

    • VA
    • Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
    • Conventional
    • Jumbo

     

    Business Objective of the Armed Forces Bank

    Military personnel have unique requirements that go with the job they do. The Armed Forces Bank was formed with the objective of identifying those specific needs and fulfilling them. The main objective of this bank is quite simple – it is to ensure that its customers get access to banking facilities from every corner of the world. The bank further pledges to impart suitable assistance with relevant information to their customers and that every customer should be served with integrity, adding value to each transaction at all times.

    How can I contact the Armed Forces Bank?

    There are several methods of contacting this bank. You can call the bank on the toll-free live customer service number or through telebanking (Interactive Voice Response or IVR). Telebanking is available on a 24/7 basis. There is also an online banking technical support service which is available Monday to Friday from 0800 hrs to 1900 hrs and from 0900 hrs to 1500 hrs (Central Time) on Saturdays. All the contact numbers including those of the online banking technical support service are linked to Skype.

    You can also send written correspondence to:

    The Armed Forces Bank, PO Box 26744, Kansas City, MO 64196

    By clicking on the links given below, you can start a dialogue for the following services:

    Customer Support & Account Inquiries

    Online Banking Technical Support

    Replacement Visa® Debit Card

    Replacement ATM Card

    Report Fraud (phishing, texts, etc.)

    Dispute Transaction

    Overdraft Protection Transfer Agreement

    Opening an Account with the Armed Forces Bank

    The primary requirement, of course, is that you need to be a member of the US military. You should contact the Recruit Checking Department through an email to recruit@afbank.com or by calling the toll-free customer service numbers: (888) 744-3637 x33400. Apart from the usual identification required such as your ID card, passport and so on, you will be informed of the required documents for a specific account that you wish to open. You will also be informed of the application procedure, and given forms that need to be filled in.

    Final Overview

    Like all major banks, the Armed Forces Bank too has its share of dissatisfied customers. It would too optimistic to assume that all the customer complaints get resolved amicably, because they do not. However, there are enough satisfied customers to conclude that this is a bank that works. In the words of one happy customer, Shanon of Pinson, Alabama, “I love Armed Forces Bank! My husband is active duty and we have been using this bank for 14 years! I have used other banks but this bank ranks #1 for us!”

    So, we take the good and the bad. Ultimately, in retrospect, what the Armed Forces Bank offers is rock-solid stability, and it is the only bank that is specially suited to the particular needs of personnel of military personnel and their families.

  • Korean War Vet Revolts Against HOA Over Flag Display

    Korean War Vet Revolts Against HOA Over Flag Display

    Bob and Judy Willits are being told to take down their flagpole, which proudly displays both the American Flag and the POW/MIA flag.  The Willits are adamant that they will not put down the flagpole that they have placed in front of their house. Since the flagpole was placed near the street, the homeowner’s association of their neighborhood has begun asking them to take the flags and the poles away or at least mount them on their own property. The local court says that a case may be placed against the homeowners if necessary.

    Bob Willits served in the Korean War, so his wife Judy is strongly against the homeowner’s association’s movement. Also, Bob’s brother is still MIA in Korea, he has never made it back. She says that her husband deserves the ability to show his patriotism and to show respect for his brother without being discriminated against. Bob Willits is currently suffering from Parkinson’s, so it is mostly Judy who is taking care of the flagpole’s maintenance.

    The Willits assert that the HOA has no right to ask the to take down the flagpole (and ultimately the flags), because of the Flag Act. The flag act dictates that homeowner’s associations actually have no right to dictate any regulations about the presentation of flags unless under specific circumstances. The homeowners association is still pressing the issue because of the flagpole, which they say has nothing to do with flags and that flagpoles violate the HOA rules. Judy Willits and Bob Willits continue to fight for their right to fly the flag. The flag represents so much more to them because of Bob’s military service. And as common sense has it, in order to display a flag, one needs a flag pole.

    You can read more about this on Fox News. Both sides have hired lawyers and are digging in over Old Glory.

  • The Next Sergeant Major of the Army Will be an Infantryman

    The Next Sergeant Major of the Army Will be an Infantryman

    A statement was released concerning the appointment of the 15th Sergeant Major of the Army.

    Command Sergeant Major Daniel A. Dailey, the senior enlisted non-commissioned officer for the Training and Doctrine Command has been chosen to take the position. A lot of the soldiers in the combat arms are pleased to see an infantryman take the job, especially since the infantry do a lot of the front line fighting, especially in battles like Sadr City, the mountains of Afghanistan, and during the Surge of Baghdad. He will be receiving the position from the incumbent Sergeant Major of the Army, Raymond F. Chandler III, on the 30th of January in 2015. The position takes on a number of different roles, the most prominent of which would be his assignment on recommending improvements in the standard of living of soldiers, including enlisted personnel and their families.

    English: Raymond F. Chandler III, Sergeant Maj...
    English: Raymond F. Chandler III, Sergeant Major of the Army (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    The Army Secretary John McHugh expressed great approval in the decision. He said that Dailey would do great in the position, the same way that Chandler was able to handle it. Army seniors have said that Dailey is a great choice for the job, especially because of his great career background. He has been recommended by other seniors knowing that he had gained great experiences in the field that will help him gain wisdom in the execution of his new task. Dailey is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.

  • Fake “Kill ISIS for $500K” Story Exposed

    Fake “Kill ISIS for $500K” Story Exposed

    There is a company, Horner G6S Mercenary Incorporated, who is hiring mercenaries to go kill ISIS members for $500K a piece – so the story goes. Of course this is fake.  All articles from the National Report are works of fiction, much like the Onion or the EU Times. The reason these websites write these tall tails is simple, they make a lot of money on the traffic their exaggerated headlines generate.

    If we were to do a write up about this story, assuming it were true, our write up would look like this:

    The National Report came up with a news item stating that a militant organization out of Phoenix, Arizona, is hiring assassins to kill ISIS members for a cool $500,000. The supposed name of the organization is Horner G6S Mercenary Incorporated. The said company is willing to pay half a million dollars regardless of one’s “killing” experience. G6S is owned by Paul Horner, who is in complete disagreement with the way President Barack Obama has handled the ISIS crisis.

    Gwen Hawkins, one of those who has signed up with the company, has expressly stated that she would like to volunteer as a human time bomb and would like her family to cash out the insurance policy she had taken out in case of her death. Jason McKay, one of the newest members, said that he would be willing to be infected with the Ebola virus and get caught by ISIS so they can be infected as well. Michael Adams, one of the more established assassins, suggested forcing these people to eat bacon would be a good way to disarm them, since it is against their religion.

    There are speculations running around that Ross Perot was the one who founded this organization as a way to start a presidential bid for the elections in 2016.

    You can read more about this satire article here and here.

  • Best Auto Insurance for Military

    Best Auto Insurance for Military

    A person cannot live without being involved with some form of insurance. Today some of the best auto insurance for military personnel is available. However, it is important to be aware of the different aspects that each insurance company has to offer, in order to get a good deal. Insurance is an integral part of an individual’s life.

    After life insurance and health insurance, auto insurance is the next popular form of insurance. Being in the armed forces has several advantages, and one benefit is that of military-friendly insurance companies who offer special rates and discounts for military personnel. Let us take a look at some of the leading insurance companies and what each has to offer. This should help to determine the best auto insurance for military personnel.

    The USAA office in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
    The USAA office in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    United Services Automobile Association (USAA)

    This Texas-based insurance company is also a Fortune 500 Company. Founded in 1924, this company was formed by a group of 25 military personnel at a time when no other insurance companies were willing to insure people from the armed forces. Today, the USAA is the undisputed leader in auto insurance for military members. Some of the key features that this insurance company has to offer are:

    • Special discount up to 15% for military members
    • Average annual savings over $400
    • Accident forgiveness at a nominal monthly premium
    • More flexibility in terms of payment options without additional charges
    • Superior roadside assistance at USAA-approved garages, nationwide
    • Guaranteed renewal

     

    Embed from Getty Images

    The Government Employees Insurance Company (GEICO)

    This insurance company has been around since 1936. The company has an exclusive program for the special needs of military personnel. The salient features of GEICO auto insurance for military personnel can be listed as:

    • Coverage while overseas
    • Up to 15% discount for military personnel
    • Emergency deployment discounts
    • Storage protection plan for a period up to 30 days
    • Dedicated motorcycle insurance program
    • Wide range of third-party insurance coverage options
    • Provision for covering legal charges in case of a lawsuit

     

    Armed Forces Insurance (AFI)

    One of the oldest Military-friendly insurance companies in the United States, this insurance company was started in 1887. The AFI offers a variety of special features specially tailored for members of the armed forces:

    • All members of the armed forces are eligible
    • Loss of wages coverage due to accident and injury
    • Exclusive personal injury protection
    • Comprehensive cover for damage incurred due to non-vehicle related causes
    • Reimbursement for loss from vehicle rental when the vehicle is inoperable
    • Towing charge refund during vehicle breakdown

     

    Navy Federal Credit Union

    • Affiliation to MetLife Auto and Home® Group Insurance, this program allows Navy Federal members to avail of special discounts on auto insurance with those two companies.
    • Bodily injury coverage
    • Personal injury coverage
    • Coverage of loss due to damage of property
    • Collision coverage
    • Coverage for motorists who are uninsured

     

    Esurance Insurance Company

    Here is another military-friendly insurance company which specializes in auto insurance for military personnel. Esurance offers a wide range of choices to its customers. The main features are:

    • Special cancellation and reinstatement terms and conditions for deployed people
    • Provision to add and remove other cars and drivers to the policy
    • Options to change coverage in the middle of the policy term
    • Quick and easy online access to view and maintain policy information
    • Regular alerts and updates through email
    • Automatic policy renewal

    How do I get the Best Auto Insurance for Military?

    Here, there are two aspects to be considered. The first aspect is that of consensus, based on public opinion and the track record of each auto insurance company. Secondly, the specific needs of an individual customer have to be taken into consideration. So, an auto insurance company gets graded on two levels – popularity and specific requirements. Based on these two parameters, we can rank auto insurance companies as follows:

    USAA

    This company is undisputedly one that provides the best auto insurance for military, with the best prices that no other company can seem to beat. When you call other companies for quotes and if you tell them you are a current USAA customer, they pretty much know they can’t beat USAA’s prices. USAA only caters to military personnel and their families, whereas a lot of other military-minded insurance companies also sell insurance nationwide. An inside advantage is that the services of this company can be passed down the family. If your grandfather was in the military and had a USAA auto insurance policy, you are automatically entitled to one. And, as an added bonus, USAA has an extensive and well-trained customer service staff that even refers to you by rank, when you are on active duty.

    GEICO

    The Government Employees Insurance Company (GEICO) could be rated as number two at least in terms of overall popularity in terms of the best value and overall customer service. According to reviews, there were cases where  customers were satisfied with reduced payments for the same coverage and service quicker than expected. One satisfied customer states, “I’ve been with GEICO for 27 years. I get a lot of junk mail to change companies all the time, and all I can do is giggle. GEICO is what I like in an insurance company…reliable, passionate, caring, informative, reasonably priced, and fair.” GEICO is a good second choice, especially if the service member or veteran has had a bad experience or simply does not want to go with USAA.

    Armed Forces Insurance

    Based on its capacity to deliver quality auto insurance services to a niche area, the US Military, the AFI is a clear choice and comes out among the best four companies in the market. Based on the popularity also, this company can easily be ranked at least number four. Says a retired air force Master Sergeant, “Whatever our situation is, Armed Forces Insurance is always there to help us. We get prompt and professional responses, with good advice and information to questions we didn’t even know we needed to ask. We always appreciate the customer service representatives from all the different service departments/areas.”

    Navy Federal Credit Union

    This insurance company is easily among the best five companies and could easily qualify as number three. The company is a well-established and trusted one, but a word of caution – the customer service department is not up to the mark. However, the general impression is a good one, summed up in the words of Scott from Plattsburgh, New York, “Navy Federal has been AWESOME to me and my family!!!!”

    Esurance

    Although not as top notch, Esurance is still a reliable car insurance company and could rate as number five, largely due to the flexible options available to customers. Shannon, a working mother, had a minor accident which was settled (including towing and repairs) within 45 minutes. By the time she reached the Esurance office, all the paperwork was completed, and she just had to sign the documents. Shannon says, “It’s going to be OK, they said, and those are the words that took everything away.”

    Summing it up

    Of course there are also other insurance companies like Travelers, Farmers, Nationwide, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, and several other big names. It is always good to shop around, you never know when one of them may be running a special.

    If you are a member of the US Armed forces, there are lots of options open to you for auto insurance. Here we have highlighted five of the best insurance companies in the United States, which should, we hope, make your task of finding the best auto insurance for military a lot easier. In the end, start with USAA as a reference point, then try GEICO and the other ones mentioned above to get a good understanding of prices and options.

  • Amazing Story of How Sergeant Clifford Wooldridge Received Navy Cross

    Amazing Story of How Sergeant Clifford Wooldridge Received Navy Cross

    Sergeant Clifford Wooldridge was awarded the Navy Cross two years ago for his valor in Afghanistan. The Navy Cross is the second highest honor or military decoration that one can receive in the Navy, for an act of valor while in combat.

    This medal was awarded to him for his actions on June 18, 2010 in Musa Qala, Afghanistan. When Wooldridge’s patrol vehicle came under fire, his team dismounted after he saw 15 fighters preparing to ambush them. Leading his team, he was able to kill eight people with his M249 Squad Automatic Weapon using 5.56mm rounds.

    As his team slowly withdrew from the area, Wooldridge solely covered for his team. He then heard voices from a wall which he bravely faced, and saw two enemies. He managed to kill both. Crouching against the wall to reload his gun, he saw a barrel of a gun appear from the other side of the wall.

    Wooldridge dropped his own weapon and grabbed the barrel of the machine gun. There was a struggle and the enemy reached for the pin of a grenade attached to Wooldridge’s vest. Wooldridge was able to grab the machine gun from the fighter and took a shot. When it did not work, he used the stock of the gun to pummel the insurgent to his death.

    Because of these actions, the Navy awarded Sergeant Wooldridge the Navy Cross. An amazing story.

  • Shock: Inspector General Reports $420 Million in Supplies Missing in Afghanistan

    Shock: Inspector General Reports $420 Million in Supplies Missing in Afghanistan

    The office of the Inspector General has submitted a report of missing military equipment in Afghanistan. The supplies missing are worth an estimated $420 million and include weapons systems, communication equipment, and encryption technology. The missing supplies represent 1.5% of the total number of equipment that is currently in Afghanistan. The report has concluded that the missing equipment was due to lack of accounting and general oversight on the part of the Army officials who were based on the main American bases – Bagram and Kandahar – in Afghanistan.

    The report does not indicate if the aforementioned missing supplies went into the wrong hands. Additionally, the report also said that 133,557 pieces of military equipment has been lost as well, with its value amounting to $238.4 million from 2006 – 2010. Because the military failed to report on these losses right away, it is highly unlikely that these supplies could ever be recovered.

    This report could present a further challenge on the government’s military spending as it winds down its operations in Afghanistan. It has been reported that the Pentagon will still need an additional $7 billion in order to withdraw the US troops and conclude its operations in Afghanistan by the end of this year. Although around 10,000 soldiers are expected to stay behind after December.