HeroBox

HeroBox sends custom care packages to American soldiers around the world. Founder, Ryan Housley, realized the need for customized care packages after receiving requests for specific items from his younger brother who was deployed in Iraq. The standard care packages were not always meeting the troops needs or wants. This was mostly because the soldiers did not have direct input regarding the preparation of their care package. HeroBox allows the soldier to customize their care package so they are receiving exactly what they need and want. What started as a family's simple effort of supporting their Hero, has grown into a non-profit organization supporting all American Heroes in the United States Armed Forces. HeroBox launched their official website on Memorial Day 2008 where soldiers can order and customize their HeroBoxes online.


North American Aerospace Defense Command

North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD ), known until March 1981 as the North American Air Defense Command, is a combined organization of the United States and Canada that provides aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and protection for Northern America. Headquarters for NORAD and the NORAD/United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) center are located at Peterson Air Force Base in El Paso County, near Colorado Springs, Colorado. The nearby Cheyenne Mountain Complex has the Alternate Command Center. The NORAD commander and deputy commander (CINCNORAD) are, respectively, a United States four-star general or equivalent and a Canadian three-star general or equivalent.
Organization.
CINCNORAD maintains the NORAD headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base near Colorado Springs, Colorado. The NORAD and USNORTHCOM Command Center at Peterson AFB serves as a central collection and coordination facility for a worldwide system of sensors designed to provide the commander and the leadership of Canada and the U.S. with an accurate picture of any aerospace or maritime threat. NORAD has administratively divided the North American landmass into three regions:
Both the CONR and CANR regions are divided into eastern and western sectors.
Alaskan NORAD Region.
The Alaskan NORAD Region (ANR) maintains continuous capability to detect, validate and warn off any atmospheric threat in its area of operations from its Regional Operations Control Center (ROCC) at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, Alaska.
ANR also maintains the readiness to conduct a continuum of aerospace control missions, which include daily air sovereignty in peacetime, contingency and deterrence in time of tension, and active air defense against manned and unmanned air-breathing atmospheric vehicles in times of crisis.
ANR is supported by both active duty and reserve units. Active duty forces are provided by 11 AF and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and reserve forces provided by the Alaska Air National Guard. Both 11 AF and the CAF provide active duty personnel to the ROCC to maintain continuous surveillance of Alaskan airspace.
Canadian NORAD Region.
Canadian NORAD Region Headquarters is at CFB Winnipeg, Manitoba. It was established on 22 April 1983. It is responsible for providing surveillance and control of Canadian airspace. The Royal Canadian Air Force provides alert assets to NORAD. CANR is divided into two sectors, which are designated as the Canada East Sector and Canada West Sector. Both Sector Operations Control Centers (SOCCs) are co-located at CFB North Bay Ontario. The routine operation of the SOCCs includes reporting track data, sensor status and aircraft alert status to NORAD headquarters. In 1996 CANR was renamed 1 Canadian Air Division and moved to CFB Winnipeg.
Canadian air defense forces assigned to NORAD include 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta and 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron at CFB Bagotville, Quebec. All squadrons fly the McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet fighter aircraft.
To monitor for drug trafficking, in cooperation with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the United States drug law enforcement agencies, the Canadian NORAD Region monitors all air traffic approaching the coast of Canada. Any aircraft that has not filed a flight plan may be directed to land and be inspected by RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency.
Continental United States NORAD Region.
The Continental NORAD Region (CONR) is the component of NORAD that provides airspace surveillance and control and directs air sovereignty activities for the Contiguous United States (CONUS).
CONR is the NORAD designation of the United States Air Force First Air Force/AFNORTH. Its headquarters is located at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The First Air Force (1 AF) became responsible for the USAF air defense mission on 30 September 1990. AFNORTH is the United States Air Force component of United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM).
1 AF/CONR-AFNORTH comprises Air National Guard Fighter Wings assigned an air defense mission to 1 AF/CONR-AFNORTH on federal orders, made up primarily of citizen Airmen. The primary weapons systems are the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle and General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.
It plans, conducts, controls, coordinates and ensures air sovereignty and provides for the unilateral defense of the United States. It is organized with a combined First Air Force command post at Tyndall Air Force Base and two Sector Operations Control Centers (SOCC) at Rome, New York for the US East ROCC (Eastern Air Defense Sector) and McChord Field, Washington for the US West ROCC (Western Air Defense Sector) manned by active duty personnel to maintain continuous surveillance of CONUS airspace.
In its role as the CONUS NORAD Region, 1 AF/CONR-AFNORTH also performs counter-drug surveillance operations.
United States outside of NORAD: Hawaii, Guam, and the Pacific region.
The United States Pacific Command (PACOM) would make the determination that an inbound missile is a threat to the United States in the Pacific Region. Hawaii is the only state in the United States with a pre-programmed Wireless Emergency Alert that can be sent quickly to wireless devices if a ballistic missile is heading toward Hawaii. If the missile is fired from North Korea, the missile would take approximately 20 minutes to reach Hawaii. PACOM would take less than 5 minutes to make a determination that the missile could strike Hawaii and would then notify the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA). HI-EMA would issue the Civil Defense Warning (CDW) that an inbound missile could strike Hawaii and that people should Shelter-in-Place: "Get Inside, Stay Inside, and Stay Tuned". People in Hawaii would have 12 to 15 minutes before impact. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is not required to be notified for approval to cancel an alert. Signal carriers allow people to block alerts from state and law enforcement agencies, but not those issued by the President. FEMA can send alerts to targeted audiences but has not implemented this as of January 2018. Other states can take as long as 30 minutes to create, enter and distribute a missile alert. The nationwide system for Wireless Emergency Alerts to mobile devices was tested for the first time on 3 October 2018.
History.
The North American Air Defense Command was recommended by the Joint Canadian–U.S. Military Group in late 1956, approved by the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff in February 1957, and announced on 1 August 1957. NORAD's command headquarters was established on 12 September 1957 at Ent Air Force Base's 1954 blockhouse. In 1958, Canada and the United States agreed that the NORAD commander would always be a United States officer, with a Canadian vice commander, and Canada "agreed the command's primary purpose would be…early warning and defense for SAC's retaliatory forces." In late 1958, Canada and the United States started the Continental Air Defense Integration North (CADIN) for the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment air defense network. The initial CADIN cost-sharing agreement between the two countries was signed off on 5 January 1959. Two December 1958 plans submitted by NORAD had "average yearly expenditure of around five and one half billions", including "cost of the accelerated Nike Zeus program" and three Ballistic Missile Early Warning System (BMEWS) sites.
Canada's NORAD bunker at CFB North Bay with a SAGE AN/FSQ-7 Combat Direction Central computer was constructed from 1959 to 1963, and each of the USAF's eight smaller AN/FSQ-8 Combat Control Central systems provided NORAD with data and could command the entire United States air defense. The RCAF's 1950 "ground observer system, the Long Range Air Raid Warning System", was discontinued and on 31 January 1959, the United States Ground Observer Corps was deactivated. The Cheyenne Mountain nuclear bunker's planned mission was expanded in August 1960 to "a hardened center from which CINCNORAD would supervise and direct operations "against space attack" as well as air attack" The Secretary of Defense assigned on 7 October 1960, "operational command of all space surveillance to Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) and operational control to North American Air Defense Command (NORAD)".
The JCS placed the Ent Air Force Base Space Detection and Tracking System (496L System with Philco 2000 Model 212 computer) "under the operational control of CINCNORAD on December 1, 1960"; during Cheyenne Mountain nuclear bunker excavation, and the joint SAC-NORAD exercise "Sky Shield II"—and on 2 September 1962—"Sky Shield III" were conducted for mock penetration of NORAD sectors.
NORAD command center operations moved from Ent Air Force Base to the 1963 partially underground "Combined Operations Center" for Aerospace Defense Command and NORAD at the Chidlaw Building. President John F. Kennedy visited "NORAD headquarters" after the 5 June 1963 United States Air Force Academy graduation and on 30 October 1964, "NORAD began manning" the Combat Operations Center in the Cheyenne Mountain Complex. By 1965, about 250,000 United States and Canadian personnel were involved in the operation of NORAD, On 1 January 1966, Air Force Systems Command turned the COC over to NORAD The NORAD Cheyenne Mountain Complex was accepted on 8 February 1966.
1968 reorganization.
United States Department of Defense realignments for the NORAD command organization began by 15 November 1968 (e.g., Army Air Defense Command (ARADCOM)) and by 1972, there were eight NORAD "regional areas ... for all air defense", and the NORAD Cheyenne Mountain Complex Improvements Program (427M System) became operational in 1979.
False alarms.
On at least three occasions, NORAD systems failed, such as on 9 November 1979, when a technician in NORAD loaded a test tape, but failed to switch the system status to "test", causing a stream of constant false warnings to spread to two "continuity of government" bunkers as well as command posts worldwide. On 3 June 1980, and again on 6 June 1980, a computer communications device failure caused warning messages to sporadically flash in U.S. Air Force command posts around the world that a nuclear attack was taking place. During these incidents, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) properly had their planes (loaded with nuclear bombs) in the air; Strategic Air Command (SAC) did not and received criticism, because they did not follow procedure, even though the SAC command knew these were almost certainly false alarms, as did PACAF. Both command posts had recently begun receiving and processing direct reports from the various radar, satellite, and other missile attack detection systems, and those direct reports simply did not match the erroneous data received from NORAD.
1980 reorganization.
Following the 1979 Joint US-Canada Air Defense Study, the command structure for aerospace defense was changed, e.g., "SAC assumed control of ballistic missile warning and space surveillance facilities" on 1 December 1979 from ADCOM. The Aerospace Defense Command major command ended 31 March 1980. and its organizations in Cheyenne Mountain became the "ADCOM" "specified" command under the same commander as NORAD, e.g., HQ NORAD/ADCOM J31 manned the Space Surveillance Center. By 1982, a NORAD Off-site Test Facility was located at Peterson AFB. The DEW Line was to be replaced with the North Warning System (NWS); the Over-the-Horizon Backscatter (OTH-B) radar was to be deployed; more advanced fighters were deployed, and E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft were planned for greater use. These recommendations were accepted by the governments in 1985. The United States Space Command was formed in September 1985 as an adjunct, but not a component of NORAD.
NORAD was renamed North American Aero"space" Defense Command in March 1981.
Post–Cold War.
In 1989 NORAD operations expanded to cover counter-drug operations, for example, tracking of small aircraft entering and operating within the United States and Canada. DEW line sites were replaced between 1986 and 1995 by the North Warning System. The Cheyenne Mountain site was also upgraded, but none of the proposed OTH-B radars are currently in operation.
After the September 11, 2001 attacks, the NORAD Air Warning Center's mission "expanded to include the interior airspace of North America."
The Cheyenne Mountain Realignment was announced on 28 July 2006, to consolidate NORAD's day-to-day operations at Peterson Air Force Base with Cheyenne Mountain in "warm standby" staffed with support personnel.
In popular culture.
Movies and television.
The NORAD command center located under Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado is a setting of the 1983 film "WarGames" and the television series "Jeremiah" and "Stargate SG-1". In the 1996 science fiction film "Independence Day", NORAD was destroyed by the alien invaders.
NORAD Tracks Santa.
As a publicity move on 24 December 1955, NORAD's predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), informed the press that CONAD was tracking Santa Claus's sleigh, adding that "CONAD, Army, Navy and Marine Air Forces will continue to track and guard Santa and his sleigh on his trip to and from the U.S. against possible attack from those who do not believe in Christmas", and a Christmas Eve tradition was born, known as the "NORAD Tracks Santa" program. Every year on Christmas Eve, "NORAD Tracks Santa" purports to track Santa Claus as he leaves the North Pole and delivers presents to children around the world. Today, NORAD relies on volunteers to make the program possible.


Constrictor (character)

Constrictor is the name of two fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Publication history.
The Frank Payne version of Constrictor made his first appearance in "Incredible Hulk" #212 (1977) and was created by Len Wein and John Romita Sr., then drawn in his first issue by Sal Buscema.
The character went on to feature as a supervillain in "Captain America" #228-229, #231 (1978–1979), "Iron Man" #126-127 (1979), "Power Man & Iron Fist" #66 (1980), "Captain America Annual" #5 (1981), "Power Man & Iron Fist" #78, #84 (1982), "Captain America" #281-283 (1983), #309-311 (1985), "Fantastic Four" #334 (1989), "Marvel Comics Presents" #74, #86-87. #89-92 (1991), "New Warriors" Annual #2 (1992), "The Spectacular Spider-Man Annual" #12 (1992), "Web of Spider-Man Annual" #8 (1992), "Iron Man" #284 (1992), "" vol.3 #36 (1992), "Marvel Comics Presents" #119-120 (1993), "Alpha Flight" vol.1 #121 (1993), "Captain America" #412 (1993), "Sabretooth" #1-3 (1994), "Marvel Fanfare" vol.2 #6 (1997), "Thunderbolts" #24-25 (1999), "Gambit" vol.3 #12 (1999), #16-19 (2000), "Gambit Annual" 2000 (2000), "The Hood" #2-4, #6 (2002), "Agent X" #6 (2003), "Weapon X" vol.2 #26, #28 (2004), "Secret War" #3-5 (2004–2005), "Marvel Team-Up" vol.3 #7 (2005) and "She-Hulk" vol.1 #9 (2005).
Constrictor appeared as a supporting character in "Deadpool" #35 (1999), #38-45 (2000) and #61 (2002). The character went on to feature in "Cable & Deadpool" # 7-12 (2004–2005) and "The Thing" vol.2 #1-3, #8 (2006) in a more heroic role. Constrictor later appeared as a member of the Initiative in "" #1, #4-5, #8, #10, #12-15, #17 (2007–2008) and featured prominently in #20-24, #26-35 (2009–2010) during the Dark Reign and Siege storylines.
Fictional character biography.
Frank Payne.
Frank Payne was an agent of the international espionage organization S.H.I.E.L.D., and the father of an adult daughter, Mia. When S.H.I.E.L.D. needed a costumed "supervillain" to go undercover in the criminal organization called the Corporation, Frank was given a snake-themed costume and a pair of wrist-mounted electrified metal coils. Using the false identity of "Frank Schlicting" from Racine, Wisconsin, and the codename of "Constrictor", he infiltrated the group, only to suffer a nervous breakdown and become a career criminal in earnest. As a result of his defection, S.H.I.E.L.D. allowed his daughter to believe that he had died. As the Constrictor, "Schlicting" debuted in combat against the Hulk, while attempting to assassinate the Hulk's friend Jim Wilson on behalf of the Corporation. The Corporation next sent him to assassinate Captain America; the Constrictor was trapped in a cave-in of S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, and was freed by Captain America.
The Constrictor would remain an independent mercenary, criminal, and assassin after the dissolution of the Corporation. He next battled Iron Man as a member of Justin Hammer's criminal army. He next teamed with Sabretooth to safeguard a stolen jade tiger statuette, and battled Power Man and the Daughters of the Dragon. He teamed with Sabretooth again to help Sabretooth get revenge on Misty Knight. They fought Iron Fist, Power Man, El Aguila, and Misty Knight.
Working for the Viper, he battled Captain America and Nomad. He wound up turning against the Viper. He next joined with other criminals in an attempt to assassinate the hospitalized Thing.
Constrictor was also invited to join the Serpent Society, which he turned down and walked out after the first meeting. He subsequently tried to turn them over to the Avengers, and Anaconda later exacted revenge on him. While in the hospital recuperating from the beating, he was nearly killed by the Scourge of the Underworld disguised as a nurse, but was saved by Captain America.
Constrictor eventually took an assignment to kill the Beast in Belgium by Commander Courage who was impersonating the Red Ghost. Finding out that he had been set up, Constrictor teamed up with Beast to defeat Commander Courage.
He later had a showdown with his common-law stepfather McAvey, who had murdered his mother.
Constrictor has battled numerous heroes over the years, including repeated encounters with Captain America, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Spider-Man, the Thing and even the short-lived character NFL SuperPro. Although Luke Cage and Nick Fury eventually uncovered Payne's former identity, he chose to retain the Schlicting alias and to allow his daughter to believe that her father was dead. During the Acts of Vengeance, Constrictor was one of the many villains that attacked the Fantastic Four.
Constrictor appeared as a supporting character in "Deadpool" wherein he and Titania moved in with him as his roommates. During their uncomfortable living situation, Constrictor was convinced that Titania was actually a man. It would turn out that he was right that she was not what she seemed; but not about her gender as Titania was revealed to actually be the mutant shapeshifter and Deadpool's former lover, Copycat. He was later found to be under the employment of Justin Hammer. When cutbacks forced his supervisor to lay him off, he responded by brutally attacking him.
He did join the seventh incarnation of the Masters of Evil led by Crimson Cowl. During the Deadpool story arc, it was also revealed that Constrictor had been part of a very short-lived rendition of the Wizard's Frightful Four.
At one point he was one of the many mercenaries hired to kill Alex Hayden, who was at this time thought to be Wade Wilson. He works with many unnamed mercs and some notable ones, including Crossfire. In the story it was stated that Wilson was a hard-ass, so Hayden could not be Deadpool. Hayden then broke Constrictor's nose. The Constrictor was later seen in the same issue being used, or rather his vibranium coils were used, to drag the Rhino into a river. Somehow both escaped.
After a severe beating from Hercules, the Constrictor was awarded several million dollars in a lawsuit. Nighthawk, rich himself, convinces the Constrictor that with all his money there was no need to be a criminal anymore, and he has apparently turned over a new leaf and decided to be a hero. He is currently under the employment of S.H.I.E.L.D. as a member of the new Six-Pack. He was most recently seen at an all-superhuman charity poker tournament hosted by the Thing (who also had a hand in the Constrictor's apparent reformation), where Hercules regains at least a large portion of the money he lost to the Constrictor in a non-tournament side game.
Constrictor plays a small role in the "Secret War" crossover event.
The Constrictor was identified as one of the 142 registered superheroes who have registered as part of the 50-State Initiative and joined Camp Hammond's staff. The Constrictor was later revealed to be part of the "Shadow Initiative", a black ops version of the Initiative under the command of Henry Gyrich. He travels with Trauma and Mutant Zero, two other members of the group, into Madison Square Garden; they rescue Initiative recruits from the invading alien forces called the Warbound.
Constrictor saved Gyrich from the clone of MVP known as "KIA", however KIA severed Constrictor's forearms in retaliation. Constrictor was quickly ferried away to safety by fellow team member Bengal. He was given bionic hands which function like his coils, and was also presented with a Purple Heart for his valiant efforts. Following a supervillain ambush outside of Camp Hammond, student hero Butterball washed out the camp, he and fellow instructor Taskmaster give Schaub a photo of himself standing triumphant over the defeated 'villains' as a reward for his efforts.
During the "Secret Invasion," Bengal discovers that the Skrulls have taken over Camp Hammond and summons the rest of the Shadow Initiative to deal with them. They decide to assassinate Queen Veranke, but the attempt fails and they are taken captive.
During a conflict with the initiative and some terrorists as seen in the "Dark Reign," Constrictor helps the Women Warriors, one of the official government hero teams. He stops an out-of-control passenger plane, saving many lives, including that of the hero Diamondback. Constrictor is visibly distressed as civilians thank him for his heroic actions. Soon after, he and Diamondback begin a romantic relationship. Frank later discovers that Diamondback is secretly working for Gauntlet's "Avengers Resistance". He keeps her secret despite knowing the danger this involves for them both; mainly the Initiative head, Taskmaster, would kill them both.
During the Siege of Asgard, Constrictor becomes buried under a pile of falling rubble. Taskmaster digs him out and Constrictor sees Diamondback running towards Captain America. Wrongfully assuming that she has reconciled with and returned to her former lover, Constrictor sorrowfully joins Taskmaster in fleeing the battlefield. The two also begin working as mercenaries and partners in crime.
Constrictor was later recruited by Max Fury to join the Shadow Council's incarnation of the Masters of Evil.
As part of the "Marvel NOW!" in the pages of "Avengers Arena", a flashback experienced by Arcade showed that he had previously acquired the ownership of a bar in Bagalia called the Hole where he catches Constrictor (who previously attended Arcade's birthday party and made fun of him) robbing it. Arcade defeated Constrictor by crushing him with a large hammer-like trap.
During the "Infinity"storyline, Constrictor is among the villains recruited by Spymaster to help him attack the almost-defenseless Stark Tower.
In the pages of "Avengers Undercover", Constrictor was with the Masters of Evil when Baron Helmut Zemo became the new leader following the death of Max Fury. Constrictor becomes the bodyguard of Baron Helmut Zemo. Constrictor is shown to live in a building called the Snakepit in Bagalia which is also the headquarters of the Young Masters.
Frank Payne later retired from crime and moved in with Rachael Leighton. When it was discovered that Frank has a terminal illness, Rachael became Diamondback again and joined Serpent Solutions in order to get the money to help with his medical treatment. It was later revealed that Frank Payne had died.
Frank Payne's son.
When Frank Payne had a brief relationship with Sandy and later left him, Sandy gave birth to a son who hated his father for his abandonment. After Frank Payne died, he left his battlesuit for his son in his will and he became the new Constrictor. The son considered this as a way to get back at his late father.
Constrictor later went to the restaurant Herbie's and attended a supervillain meeting held by Wizard who informed them that Victor von Doom has gone straight. The meeting was crashed by Doctor Doom in his version of the Iron Man armor.
Liwei later hired Constrictor to break into Danny Rand's apartment so that he can obtain for Chosin the Book of the Iron Fist. When Chosin refused to pay Constrictor double and planned to have him tortured, Constrictor summoned the Serpent Society. The fight was crashed by Iron Fist and Sabretooth. Constrictor was poisoned by Rat of 12 Plagues as Chosin starts to get his hands on the Book of the Iron Fist. To honor Frank Payne, Sabretooth took Constrictor to the hospital.
During the "Search for Tony Stark" arc, Constrictor later joined up with Hood's crime syndicate where they attacked Victor von Doom at Castle Doom.
In a prelude to the "Hunted" storyline, Constrictor is among the animal-themed characters that are captured by Kraven the Hunter, Taskmaster, and Black Ant for the upcoming Great Hunt that is sponsored by Arcade's company Arcade Industries. He was watching the fight between Spider-Man and Scorpion until the Hunter-Bots created by Arcade Industries arrive. When the Great Hunt begins, Constrictor is attacked by one of the Hunter-Bots. Surviving the attack, Constrictor and the surviving animal-themed characters met up with Vulture.
Powers and abilities.
The Constrictor's primary weapon is a pair of cybernetically-controlled, electrified, prehensile, wrist-mounted metal coils provided by Justin Hammer. The coils eject and retract from special appliances running from shoulder to wrist. These cables are able to extend to a maximum length of and can be used as whips, capable of rending steel or lesser metals; or as bonds, capable of entwining an object or human being and constricting.
The previous sets of coils were made from an adamantium alloy, then from vibranium. The adamantium coils were traded to Gambit in exchange for a favor and are then subsequently used by Mister Sinister to reinforce an ailing Sabretooth's skeleton. The strength of the coils varies based on their construction, but the adamantium coils were powerful enough to lift and even temporarily restrain the Hulk. The vibranium coils have a contact-based aura that suppresses sound: while the coils are wrapped around a target's throat, the victim's voice cannot be heard.
The Constrictor's costume is lightly armored with partial bulletproofing around the chest and head area and the entire costume is electrically insulated, covering his entire body except for his lower face and chin. Although the Constrictor is a skilled unarmed combatant and street fighter, he usually relies exclusively on his coils in a fight.
After his encounter with KIA, Constrictor is implanted with cybernetic arms, the fingers of which duplicate the abilities of his old coils. His forearms still had the capacity to discharge coils out the wrist like previous.
Other versions.
An alternative version of Constrictor appeared in "JLA/Avengers" #4 (2003), part of the Marvel/DC crossover storyline, as part of Krona's supervillain army. Other versions of the character appear in the What If? storylines "What If?: World War Hulk" #1 (2010) and "What If?: Secret Invasion" #1 (2010) in minor and cameo roles.
House of M.
A version of Constrictor appears in the House of M reality. In "House of M: Masters of Evil" #1-4 (2009–2010), Constrictor is a member of the Hood's incarnation of the Masters of Evil opposing mutants' superior role in society. The character was later killed by Sebastian Shaw during the group's fight with S.H.I.E.L.D.
In other media.
Television.
The Frank Payne version of Constrictor appears in "" animated series, voiced by Cam Clarke in his first appearance and by Troy Baker in the second. In the episode "Breakout, Part 1", Constrictor escapes from the Big House. In "Ultron-5", Constrictor joins the Serpent Society to fight the Avengers and Ultron-5. In "Yellowjacket", Constrictor and the Serpent Society are captured by Yellowjacket and placed in a new Big House, though they later escape.
Video games.
The Frank Payne version of Constrictor appears as a boss, later unlockable playable character, in the Facebook game "".


Joseph Rademacher (soldier)

Joseph Rademacher (born May 2, 1985), is a United States Army staff sergeant. His brother Isaac Rademacher and he were featured in the documentary "Brothers at War", which was directed and produced by their elder brother, Jake. Rademacher grew up in Decatur, Illinois.
Military experience.
Rademacher joined the Army on February 6, 2003. He completed infantry basic training, advanced individual training, and airborne school in June 2003. In mid-July 2003, Joseph Rademacher arrived to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and was assigned to 1st Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division with his older brother Isaac. He was selected to serve in the Battalion Scout Sniper section upon arrival to the unit. Six weeks later, Joe deployed to Fallujah, Iraq, in early September 2003, and completed a seven-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Following the deployment with Isaac Rademacher, he returned to Fort Bragg and graduated from Ranger School in September 2004. Two weeks later, Joe attended and graduated from the Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leaders Course. In January 2005, Joe attended US Army Sniper School and graduated Top Gun (Highest Marksmanship) of his class. In the summer of 2005, he graduated the Static Line Jumpmaster course at Fort Bragg.
In the winter of 2005-2006, Joseph Rademacher deployed to Iraq again with 1-504th PIR for a five-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In August of 2006, Joe transferred units to the 82nd Airborne Division Long Range Surveillance Detachment. There, he deployed a third time in January 2007 to Afghanistan and completed a 15-month deployment.
Rademacher has completed two combat tours in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and one combat tour in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.


Battle of Goodenough Island order of battle

The Battle of Goodenough Island (24 – 27 October 1942) took place in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) during World War II.


58th Brigade (United Kingdom)

The 58th Brigade was a formation of British Army. It was part of the new army also known as Kitchener's Army. It was assigned to the 19th (Western) Division and served on the Western Front during the First World War.
Formation.
The infantry battalions did not all serve at once, but all were assigned to the brigade during the war.


Archibald Sommers

Archibald Sommers (or Summers) was the first member of the United States Marine Corps to be promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major. He joined the Marine Corps in June 1799, was promoted to Sergeant Major on January 1, 1801, and was discharged in June 1802.


List of Roman army unit types

This is a list of Roman army units and bureaucrats.
Sub-units of the Roman legion.
Before the Marian reforms of 107 BC the structure of the legions was as follows:
After the reforms of Gaius Marius, the organisation of the legions became standardised as follows:


Guy Gabaldon

Guy Louis Gabaldon (March 22, 1926 – August 31, 2006) was a United States Marine who, at age 18, claimed to have captured or persuaded to surrender over 1,300 Japanese soldiers and civilians during the battles for Saipan and Tinian islands in 1944 during World War II. Though Gabaldon was recommended for the Medal of Honor, he received the Silver Star, which was upgraded by the Marine Corps to the Navy Cross in 1960.
In 1960, a friend of Gabaldon's with Hollywood connections influenced the industry to make a movie about Gabaldon's version of events on Saipan called "Hell to Eternity". He was called 'Gabby' by his friends, but he became known as "The Pied Piper of Saipan" for his heroism on that island. In 1964, he unsuccessfully ran for US Congressman in his Southern California district. In 1990, he authored a book entitled, "Saipan: Suicide Island".
Early years.
Gabaldon was born in Los Angeles, California. Gabaldon, who was of Mexican descent, was one of seven children. He was raised in East Los Angeles and, as a ten-year-old, he helped his family by shining shoes on Skid Row. Gabaldon became a member of a multi-ethnic gang known as the "Moe Gang". At age 12, he moved out of his home to live with the Nakano family, who were of Japanese heritage and whom he considered his extended family. He attended language school every day with their children and learned to speak Japanese. He also learned about their customs and culture.
World War II.
At the outbreak of World War II the Nakanos, his "adopted" family, were sent to a relocation camp named the Heart Mountain Relocation Center, in Wyoming. He traveled to Alaska to work in a cannery. On March 22, 1943, Gabaldon's 17th birthday, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He received his basic training at Camp Pendleton, completed the Enlisted Marine Japanese Language School at Camp Elliot in San Diego, and was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, as a scout and observer.
The Pied Piper of Saipan.
The capture of Saipan was considered essential for the establishment of airfields which would accommodate the B-29 Superfortress bombers to be used in what was then the planned full-scale invasion of the Japanese mainland. On June 15, 1944, an armada of 535 ships, carrying 127,570 U.S. military personnel which included Marines from the 2nd and 4th Marine Divisions, began the invasion of Saipan. Japanese soldiers seldom surrendered during World War II and, as the American military invasion went badly for the Japanese, they were ordered by their superiors on Saipan to kill seven American Marines or soldiers for every soldier they lost, or commit suicide.
According to Gabaldon, he began taking and bringing in prisoners the night of the first day that he arrived on Saipan. According to Gabaldon:
Gabaldon was reprimanded by his superior officers, and threatened with a court-martial for leaving his post. However, according to him the next night he went out and did it again. He carefully approached a cave, shot the enemy guards outside, moved off to one side of the cave, and yelled in Japanese, "You're surrounded and have no choice but to surrender. Come out, and you will not be killed! I assure you will be well-treated. We do not want to kill you!"
The next morning he says he returned with 50 Japanese prisoners. As a result, Gabaldon was permitted by his commanding officer to act as a "lone wolf" operator.
The next day, on July 8, Gabaldon captured two more enemy guards. He convinced one of them to return to his cave, with an offering of surrender. Shortly thereafter, a Japanese officer showed up. After speaking to Gabaldon, the officer accepted the conditions of surrender—and over eight hundred Japanese soldiers and civilians surrendered to Gabaldon, who turned them over to the U.S. military authorities. For his exploits, according to Gabaldon, he became known as "The Pied Piper of Saipan".
Contrary opinions on Gabaldon's actions on Saipan.
In the book, "One Marine's War: A Combat Interpreter's Quest for Mercy in the Pacific" by Gerald A. Meehl, about USMC Japanese Language Officer Robert Sheeks, who also served on Saipan, Gabaldon is described by Sheeks as a relentless self-promoter who grossly exaggerated his exploits on Saipan and Tinian and that most of the Japanese he captured were civilians, not soldiers as he claimed. The book states that the number of Japanese captured by Gabaldon was likely about half of the 1,500 that he claimed. A total of 15,000 Japanese miliary and civilians and Pacific Islanders were captured or detained by the US during and after the battle. Many others besides Gabaldon were involved in those efforts, but according to Sheeks, Gabaldon minimized the involvement of others when talking about his exploits during and after the battle.
Author Gerald A. Meehl in interviews with Saipan veterans and in other records, found reports of abusive behavior by Gabaldon towards Japanese civilians and soldiers he encountered on Saipan. In one instance, witnessed by Sheeks, Gabaldon struck and broke the jaw of an elderly Japanese civilian who did not answer one of Gabaldon's questions quickly enough.
Tinian.
Gabaldon continued to capture more Japanese people on Tinian. While back on Saipan fighting Japanese guerrillas still on the island, he was seriously wounded in an enemy machine gun ambush. Gabaldon claimed he was credited with the capture of approximately 1,500 Japanese soldiers and civilians on Saipan and Tinian and was recommended for the Medal of Honor by his commanding officer Captain John Schwabe, who noted that Gabaldon single-handedly captured more than "ten times" the number of prisoners taken by legendary Medal of Honor recipient, Sgt. Alvin C. York, in World War I. Despite this recommendation, Gabaldon was awarded a Silver Star Medal.
Post-war.
Gabaldon received an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps as a result of his combat wounds. In 1960, the Marine Corps elevated his Silver Star Medal to the Navy Cross, the second highest US military decoration for valor.
After returning to civilian life, he moved to Mexico and ventured into various businesses such as a furniture store, fishing, and the import-export of Mexican goods. When his first marriage to June Gabaldon ended in divorce, he met the woman who became his second wife, Ohana Suzuki, while working in Mexico.
Gabaldon's World War II exploits became public when in 1957, he was the invited guest of "This is Your Life", a popular television program aired by NBC in the 1950s. Hosted by Ralph Edwards, the show presented the life stories of entertainment personalities and "ordinary" people who had contributed in some way to society. Later, Gabaldon appeared as himself on the September 1, 1960 episode of the CBS game show "To Tell the Truth".
The fact that Gabaldon captured at least 1,500 Japanese prisoners was verified on the national program by Marines Corps intelligence officers Colonel Walter Layer, Colonel John Schwabe, Major James High, and several enlisted men from military intelligence.
Hollywood producers became interested in Gabaldon's story and in 1960 released the film "Hell to Eternity" where his actions on Saipan were memorialized. He was portrayed by actors Jeffrey Hunter as an adult and by Richard Eyer as a boy. Gabaldon himself served as an adviser in the filming of the movie.
Later years.
In 1964, Gabaldon unsuccessfully ran for the United States Congress as a Republican in California.
In 1970, he moved to Saipan with his wife where he established a seafood business and ran a youth camp. He lived there for 20 years. He was an avid pilot and flew small planes all over the CNMI.
In 1990, he authored and self-published a book; "Saipan: Suicide Island", also re-printed as "America Betrayed".
In 1995, he returned to California.
In 2003, he moved to Old Town, Florida.
In September 2004, Gabaldon was honored by the Pentagon, in a ceremony which recognized the contributions of Hispanic American World War II veterans.
Various organizations have requested the Medal of Honor for Gabaldon, but their requests have been rejected. After lobbying by the Hispanic community, the case to upgrade his Navy Cross to the Medal of Honor is currently under review by the Department of Defense.
Death.
On August 31, 2006, Gabaldon died in Old Town, Florida, of heart disease. He was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Gabaldon is survived by his wife, Ohana; his sons Guy Jr., Ray, Tony, Yoshio, Jeffrey and Russell; his daughters Aiko, Hanako and Manya. Two members of his "adopted" family were actor Lane Nakano and his twin Lyle.
Awards and recognitions.
During his lifetime, Gabaldon received many awards and recognitions, including resolutions honoring him from the City of Los Angeles, the City of Chicago, and the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas.
On November 12, 2005, he was the recipient of the Chesty Puller Award from the World War II Veterans Committee, a prominent organization which showcases the veterans of World War II and their history.
On July 7, 2006, he was honored by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles City Council. The Mayor and the city council sent a resolution to the White House requesting the Medal of Honor for Gabaldon. That same year the World War II Veteran's Committee in Washington, D.C., featured Gabaldon on the cover of their quarterly magazine. Also in July, Gabaldon was honored by the National Council of La Raza, a national organization and a leading Latino civil rights advocate.
In addition to the Hollywood movie "Hell to Eternity", which recounted Gabaldon's heroism during World War II, Hollywood producer Steve Rubin made a documentary film about Gabaldon titled "East L.A. Marine: The Untold True Story of Guy Gabaldon". Military artist Henry Godines also unveiled a commissioned portrait, titled "The Pied Piper of Saipan, Guy Gabaldon".
Military awards and decorations.
Gabaldon's military awards include:


Headquarters Allied Force Command Heidelberg

Headquarters Allied Force Command Heidelberg (HQ FC Heidelberg) was a formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) responsible for providing deployable joint staff elements (DJSE) in support of NATO operations worldwide. It was headquartered at Campbell Barracks, Germany, and reported to the Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS). During the War on Terrorism, it provided command and control elements to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). It was disbanded on 1 April 2013.
History.
Cold War.
The Central Army Group (CENTAG) was established in 1952 and assigned to work with United States Army Europe at Campbell Barracks, Heidelberg, Germany. When the Bundeswehr was activated in 1955, some German personnel were assigned to the plans section of CENTAG.
In April 1959, the plans section of CENTAG became Headquarters, Central Army Group and was commanded by an American general. It remained at Campbell Barracks and was charged with defending southern Germany against any prospective Soviet attack. It consisted of the , the German III Corps, the US V Corps, and the US VII Corps.
In August 1961, CENTAG was relocated to Hammonds Barracks, (formerly Loretto Kaserne) Mannheim-Seckenheim, Germany and remained there until December 1980 when NATO determined coordination was better when three headquarters were located on the same installation. CENTAG was returned to Campbell Barracks to be collocated with the Fourth Allied Tactical Air Force (4 ATAF) and the Allied Command Europe Mobile Force-Land (AMF(L)).
Allied Land Forces, Central Europe, 1993-2000.
Structural changes began in June 1993, when CENTAG and the Northern Army Group (NORTHAG), Mönchengladbach, Germany were deactivated and combined to form Allied Land Forces Central Europe (LANDCENT), which was activated in Heidelberg on 1 July 1993.
LANDCENT's mission was to:
At the lower level, all strictly national corps in the central region were superseded, in wartime plans terms at least, by the mid 1990s. All NATO corps, except for the , were then multinational. In the mid-late 1990s there were four multinational main defence corps in NATO's Central Region: one Danish-German (LANDJUT), one Dutch-German (I. GE/NL Corps) and two German-United States (II GE/US and V US/GE). The two German-United States corps were strictly wartime command organisations.
Beginning in 1993, LANDCENT provided troops in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia. In 1995, LANDCENT provided troops for the Implementation Force (IFOR) and later served as the headquarters of the Stabilization Force (SFOR) in Bosnia-Herzegovina. When NATO acted in Kosovo in 1999, LANDCENT began operations in Pristina, Kosovo and Skopje, Republic of Macedonia and would serve as the headquarters for the Kosovo Force (KFOR).
Originally, LANDCENT command was to be rotated between German and Dutch generals. In 1996, The commander of US Army Europe (USAREUR) assumed an additional role as commander of LANDCENT with General William W. Crouch assuming command. The dual command of USAREUR and LANDCENT allowed the continued integration of American forces into NATO's post-Cold War structure. In addition, an agreement was made which set out the arrangements under which the European Corps (Eurocorps), consisting of units from Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Spain, would be made available to NATO in times of crisis.
Twenty-first century.
The departure from the Cold War era brought the implementation of a new NATO Integrated Military Structure and LANDCENT was formally designated as Joint Headquarters Centre (JHQ CENT) in a ceremony held in March 2000. The new structure, which accompanied this designation, included personnel from five additional nations: the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Norway and Poland - making a total of 12 NATO Nations contributing to the Headquarters. In July 2004, JHQ CENT was once again reorganised and designated as Component Command-Land Headquarters, Heidelberg (CC-Land HQ HD).
In 2006, NATO recognised the need for a more flexible command and control structure. To augment the current operational level commands, NATO experimented with the use of Deployable Joint Staff Elements (DJSE). The DJSE allow Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, and Allied Joint Force Command Lisbon to command multiple operations from their home headquarters. CC-Land HQ HD was chosen to test the concept, and was designated Force Command Heidelberg (HQ FC HD) in 2010. The first operation in which the DJSE played a role was commanding the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), Afghanistan.
Headquarters Allied Force Command Heidelberg has been deactivated as part of NATO's transformation. The newly activated Allied Land Command (LANDCOM), located in Izmir, Turkey, has assumed responsibilities from Allied Force Command Heidelberg in Germany as well as Allied Force Command Madrid in Spain. The deactivation was finally completed on March 14, 2013.


Richmond Union order of battle

The following Union Army units and commanders fought in the Battle of Richmond of the American Civil War. The Confederate order of battle is listed separately.
Army of Kentucky.
MG William "Bull" Nelson (w)
BG Mahlon Dickerson Manson (in command until Nelson's arrival)


97 Signal Squadron (Volunteers)

97 (BRITFOR) Signal Squadron (Volunteers) is a Territorial Army squadron in the Royal Corps of Signals in the British Army. The squadron comprises personnel from other TA signals units who have volunteered for an operational tour in support of British Army peacekeeping operations (BRITFOR) in the Balkans under EUFOR Althea and KFOR.
The original deployment was in the winter of 2001, and was the first major deployment overseas of a Territorial Army unit overseas since the second world war.


Cerro Gordo order of battle

The following units and commanders of the U.S. and Mexican armed forces fought in the battle of Cerro Gordo from April 17–18, 1847 during the Mexican–American War. The U.S. 1st Division and 1st Brigade, 3rd Division remained in the rear at Veracruz.
United States.
Army of Invasion: MG Winfield Scott
Headquarters
Mexico.
Gen. div. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
As actually deployed.
Battery on the road – Gen.br. R. Diaz de la Vega-6th Infantry (900 men), Grenaderos Battalion (460 men) and one Art. Battery (7 guns)
el Telegrafo (hill) – Gen.br. C. Vasquez, Col. Lopez Uraga, Col R.Palacios (artillery) – 3d Infantry (Col. Azpeitia 100 men) and one artillery battery (6 guns)
Reserve in Camp at Cerro Gordo- Gen.div. A. Lopez de Santa Ana – 1st, 2d, 3d (Gen. Banenili) & 4th Light (Ligero) (1,700 men), and 4th (Col. Lopez Uraga) & 11th Line (780 men). Artillery reserve (probably one battery of 5 guns),general park, hospital, baggage etc.
Cavalry at Coral Falso – Gen. V. Canalizo -Hussars Squadron, 5th & 9th Line Cavalry, Morelia & Coraceros Regiments, Jalapa, Chalchicomula and Orizava Squadrons. (Juvera and Canalizo Brigades?)
Notes:


American Expeditionary Forces on the Western Front (World War I) order of battle

This is the American Expeditionary Forces on the Western Front order of battle. The American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) consisted of the United States Armed Forces (mostly the United States Army) that were sent to Europe in World War I to support the Allied cause against the Central Powers. During the United States campaigns in World War I the AEF fought in France alongside French and British allied forces in the last year of the war, against Imperial German forces. Some of the troops fought alongside Italian forces in that same year, against Austro-Hungarian forces. Late in the war American units also fought in Siberia and North Russia.
President Woodrow Wilson created the AEF in May 1917, originally appointing Major General John J. Pershing, who was later promoted to general, as commander. Barely any American troops were sent to Europe in 1917, since Pershing ordered all AEF forces to be well-trained before going overseas.
The troop ships used to transport the AEF were, at first, any ships that were available. Cruisers, German ships seized by the Navy, ships borrowed from the Allies, and many other ships were used to ship troops to Europe from ports in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia. By June 1917, only 14,000 soldiers had made it to the front lines, but by May 1918 over two million American troops had reached Europe, with around half of them on the front lines.
The AEF helped the French Army on the Western Front during the Aisne Offensive (at Château-Thierry and Belleau Wood) in June 1918, and fought its major actions in the Saint-Mihiel and Meuse–Argonne Offensives in late 1918. Organized into two field armies (a third was forming as the war ended), it had a total strength of about two million men in Europe by the time of the Armistice. Planned to eventually consist of nine corps, a total of five AEF corps and two unassigned divisions were in the field by September 1918. It was subsequently involved in the Occupation of the Rhineland.
First Army.
The First Army was officially organized and activated by General John J. Pershing on 4 July 1918, although it was technically formed when the United States entered the World War in 1917. It served in the Saint-Mihiel offensive, Lorraine offensive, Champagne offensive, and the Meuse–Argonne Offensive. It was finally demobilized and moved back to the United States on 30 April 1919.
Second Army.
The Second Army was activated on 9 September and was organized by Colonel Stuart Heintzelman. On 12 October 1918, General Robert Lee Bullard took command of the Second Army and Heintzelman became his chief-of-staff. The formation was committed to the Lorraine offensive on 26 October. It attacked in the Lorraine area, and also around Saint-Mihiel, before later recapturing and liberating the Duchy of Luxemburg. It was demobilized on 15 April 1919, after the war had ended.
Third Army.
Following the defeat of Germany, Allied forces occupied the Rhineland under the terms of the Armistice. The United States provided around 240,000 men in nine veteran divisions, nearly a third of the total occupying force, for this task. These troops were organized into the Third Army, which was established by Pershing specifically for the purpose, under the command of Major General Joseph Dickman.
I Corps.
Lieutenant General Hunter Liggett took command of I Corps when it was created, almost one year after the Americans entered the war. It served through most of the battles that the American Expeditionary Forces fought on the Western Front.
Assisted by the French XXXII Corps, I Corps was organized and activated on 15–20 January 1918. I Corps saw its first major action at the Battle of Chateau-Thierry, while seeing its first offensive action several days later at the Second Battle of the Marne. After serving briefly in the defensive sectors of Lorraine and Champagne, I Corps later served in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel and the Meuse–Argonne Offensive. It was finally demobilized on 25 March 1919.
II Corps.
II Corps was organized in January 1918 with its headquarters being located in Montreuil, France. It moved to the Western Front in February 1918, and served in the Second Battle of the Somme and the Third Battle of Albert. It mostly served alongside the New Zealand Division and the Australian Corps. After the Armistice, II Corps was reassigned to the Third Army's control, before being demobilized on 1 February 1919.
III Corps.
III Corps was first organized on 16 May 1918 in Mussy-Ser-Seine, France. It was the third of four newly activated corps of the American Expeditionary Forces, which at that time numbered over 1,000,000 men across 23 divisions. The corps took command of US forces training with the French Seventh Army at the same time that IV Corps took command of US forces training with the French Eighth Army.
It served during the Third Battle of the Aisne, the Aisne-Oise Offensive, the Aisne-Marne offensive, the Meuse–Argonne Offensive, and undertook a short time in the defensive sectors of Lorraine and Champagne. It then marched into Germany from 17 November 1918 to 2 July 1919. It was officially demobilized on 1 July 1919.
IV Corps.
IV Corps was first organized on 10 June 1918, during World War I as part of American Expeditionary Forces at Western Front, as "Headquarters IV Army Corps", with its headquarters located in Neufchateau, France, which also was the headquarters of I Corps. Later, on 21 June, IV Corps was ordered to replace I Corps in the French VIII Corps area.
It participated in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel and in the defensive sector in Lorraine from 20 August 1918 to 11 September 1918. It moved into Germany from 17 November to 17 December 1918, before being demobilized in the Weimar Republic on 11 May 1919.
V Corps.
V Corps was organized over the period 7–12 July 1918 in France as a Regular Army formation within the American Expeditionary Forces. By the end of World War I, the corps had fought in three named campaigns: the Battle of Saint-Mihiel, the Meuse–Argonne Offensive, and the Lorraine Campaign.
Activated and organized by Lieutenant General William M. Wright under orders by Pershing, its headquarters was formed in Remiremont, France. It was assigned to the First Army when it was created on 15 August 1918. It held command of the French 15th Colonial Infantry Division for a short period of time in 1918. It was later demobilized on 2 May 1919 in Camp Funston, Kansas.
VI Corps.
VI Corps was activated and organized by Omar Bundy on 26 July 1918. Charles C. Ballou, Charles T. Menoher, and George Bell Jr. all assumed command at some time before the armistice. VI Corps served with the First United States Army in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel and the Meuse–Argonne Offensive. VI Corps was then stationed in Belgium and Luxemburg from 19 December 1918 to 11 April 1919, when it was finally demobilized.
VII Corps.
On 16 August 1918, Major General William M. Wright was designated as VII Corps' temporary commander. Three days later, the formation was designated an administrative organization and tasked with commanding training efforts in the French XXXIII Corps and the French XL Corps areas, relieving V Corps of the command. It saw no combat action in World War I. It marched into Germany from 22 November to 12 December 1918. It was finally demobilized on 11 May 1919, with its remnants becoming part of the Third Army.
VIII Corps.
Activated and organized by Major General Henry T. Allen on 18 November 1918, VIII Corps was ordered to train and supervise troops of the First Army that were withdrawing from the Meuse-Argonne theater to American training areas in France. It saw no combat during World War I, as it was formed after the Armistice. It was demobilized on 20 April 1919.
IX Corps.
IX Corps was organized and activated by Brigadier General William K. Naylor on 16 November 1918, although Major General Adelbert Cronkhite assumed command on 18 November, after which Naylor became his chief-of-staff. It constituted the left flank of the Second Army on the front between Jonville and Fresnes-en-Woevre. It supervised the activities of formations (such as police duties), due to the armistice, when it was in the area. It was finally demobilized on 5 May 1919.
Unassigned divisions.
These divisions were unassigned to any corps in the AEF during World War I at the time of the Armistice.


Sympathy for the Devil (audio drama)

Sympathy for the Devil is a Big Finish Productions audio drama based on the long-running British science fiction television series "Doctor Who". The "Doctor Who Unbound" dramas pose a series of "What if...?" questions. The play is set during the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong.
Plot.
What if... the Doctor had not been UNIT's scientific advisor?
The Doctor arrives on Earth for his exile, not in the 1970s but in 1997, on the eve of Hong Kong's handover to the Chinese government. He finds a world that has faced some three decades of alien invasions and other incidents without him to help, and old friends and enemies bitterly transformed.
It is revealed that under the alias Ke Le, The Master defected to China and used a machine with alien parasites (as in "The Mind of Evil") to brainwash political prisoners into the zombie-like Ke Le Division soldiers.
Cast.
"Other parts played by members of the cast."


Larry Zierlein

Larry Zierlein (born July 12, 1945) is a long-time American football coach at high school, college, and NFL.
Biography.
Zierlein grew up in Lenora, Kansas. After spending two years in the Marines from 1966 to 1968, including a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1967, he attended Fort Hays State College. He played defensive end for Fort Hays State in 1969 before graduating in 1971.
Coaching career.
Zierlein embarked on his coaching career as a graduate assistant and linebackers coach at his alma mater in 1970. After two years coaching at Fort Hays State, he spent the following six seasons (1972–1977) as a high school assistant in Texas. In 1978, he returned to the college game at the University of Houston where he served as offensive line coach for nine seasons.
In 1987, he got his first professional experience as an assistant with the Washington Commandos of the Arena Football League. When the Commandos went on hiatus the next year, Zierlein took a job at Tulane where he worked the next three seasons before returning to the pro ranks with the New York/New Jersey Knights of the National Football League's development league, the World League of American Football. With the Knights he held the title of offensive coordinator under Mouse Davis as well as coaching the offensive line. When the Knights folded in 1992, Zierlein once more headed back to college, this time at LSU.
Zierlein spent two years at LSU, coaching the offensive line under head coach Curley Hallman. In 1995, he returned to Tulane, this time for what would be a two-year stint under Tommy Bowden. In 1997, he moved on to the University of Cincinnati as the running game coordinator and offensive line coach under Rick Minter.
In 2001, Zierlein gained his first NFL experience with the Cleveland Browns. He served for four seasons as the Browns' offensive line coach under the Butch Davis regime. Zierlein's current Pittsburgh Steelers colleague Bruce Arians served as the offensive coordinator for the first three of Zierlein's seasons at Cleveland. He returned from a one-year absence from football in 2006 as the assistant offensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills under Dick Jauron.
When Mike Tomlin was hired as the Steelers new head coach in 2007, he brought Zierlein to Pittsburgh to coach the offensive line. Tomlin and Zierlein had previously worked together in 1999–2000 with the Cincinnati Bearcats. Steelers assistant special teams coach Amos Jones was also a member of that Bearcats coaching staff. Zierlein was relieved of his duties with the Steelers on January 6, 2010.
E-mail gaffe.
Zierlein gained unwanted notoriety in 2007 when he mistakenly forwarded an e-mail to a large number of high-level NFL employees, including commissioner Roger Goodell. The e-mail, which Zierlein had received from Steelers pro personnel coordinator Doug Whaley, contained an inappropriate video. Zierlein apologized for the gaffe, but was not disciplined by the team or the league.
Personal life.
Zierlein and his wife, Marcia, have three children and several grandchildren. Their son Lance is a sports talk radio host at Houston's "Sports talk 790" and a writer for "NFL.com". Their son Mike (Lance's brother) is the assistant football coach at Cypress Ridge High School in Houston, Texas.


Field army

A field army (or numbered army or simply army) is a military formation in many armed forces, composed of two or more corps and may be subordinate to an army group. Likewise, air armies are equivalent formation within some air forces. A field army is composed of 100,000 to 300,000 troops.
Specific field armies are usually named or numbered to distinguish them from "army" in the sense of an entire national land military force. In English, the typical orthographic style for writing out the names field armies is word numbers, such as "First Army"; whereas corps are usually distinguished by Roman numerals (e.g. I Corps) and subordinate formations with ordinal numbers (e.g. 1st Division). A field army may be given a geographical name in addition to or as an alternative to a numerical name, such as the British Army of the Rhine, Army of the Niemen or Aegean Army (also known as the Fourth Army).
The Roman army was among the first to feature a formal field army, in the sense of a very large, combined arms formation, namely the "sacer comitatus", which may be translated literally as "sacred escort". The term is derived from the fact that they were commanded by Roman emperors (who were regarded as sacred), when they acted as field commanders. While the Roman "comitatensis" (plural: "comitatenses") is sometimes translated as "field army", it may also be translated as the more generic "field force" or "mobile force" (as opposed to "limitanei" or garrison units).
In some armed forces, an "army" is or has been equivalent to a corps-level unit. Prior to 1945, this was the case with a "gun" (軍; "army") within the Imperial Japanese Army, for which the formation equivalent in size to a field army was an "area army" (方面軍; "hōmen-gun"). In the Soviet Red Army and the Soviet Air Forces, an army was subordinate in wartime to a front (an equivalent of army group). It contained at least three to five divisions along with artillery, air defense, reconnaissance and other supporting units. It could be classified as either a combined arms army (CAA) or tank army (TA); and while both were combined arms formations, the former contained a larger number of motorized rifle divisions while the later contained a larger number of tank divisions. In peacetime, a Soviet army was usually subordinate to a military district.
Modern field armies are large formations which vary significantly between armed forces in size, composition, and scope of responsibility. For instance, within NATO a field army is composed of a headquarters, and usually controls at least two corps, beneath which are a variable number of divisions. A battle is influenced at the field army level by transferring divisions and reinforcements from one corps to another to increase the pressure on the enemy at a critical point. NATO armies are commanded by a general or lieutenant general.


Courland Cuff Title

The Courland Cuff Title, or Courland Cuff Band, () was a World War II German military decoration awarded to Wehrmacht servicemen of Army Group Courland who served in the Courland Pocket.
Creation and eligibility.
During the German retreat on the Eastern Front Wehrmacht forces were cut off on the Courland Peninsula in Latvia from July 1944. Renamed Army Group Courland on 25 January 1945, it held out until the end of the war in May 1945.
The cuff title was approved on 12 March 1945 by Adolf Hitler, on the recommendation of the commander of the Army Group Courland. It was the last German award to be instituted in World War II. Distribution began in late April 1945.
To qualify, a member of Army Group Courland would have to, between 1 September 1944 and 8 May 1945:
Those qualifying included personnel serving with rear services, including Organisation Todt, provided they served in the pocket for at least three months.
Design and wear.
The regulation design of the cuff title was a 40mm wide silver-grey fabric band with a decorative black border, embroidered in black cotton thread with the word "KURLAND" between two shields. The left-hand shield bore a cross ending in fleurs de lys – the arms of the Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights – while the shield to the right showed the moose head coat of arms of Mitau, the Courland capital. Due to difficulties in transporting supplies to the Courland Pocket, the award was manufactured locally, initially on hand looms and later by machine. This led to variations in the detail of the design. Printed versions also exist.
The band was worn on the lower left sleeve of the uniform jacket. Where two or more campaign cuff titles were awarded, the earliest qualified for was correctly worn above later awards, although this regulation was not always followed.
Nazi era decorations were banned after the war. The Courland Cuff Title was among those re-authorised for wear by the Federal Republic of Germany in 1957. While many awards were re-designed to remove the swastika, the original cuff title could be worn unaltered as it did not bear this symbol. Members of the Bundeswehr who were qualifying veterans wore the award on their ribbon bar, represented by a small replica of the cuff design on a white ribbon with decorative black edges, similar to the original cuff design.


Spotsylvania Court House Union order of battle

The following Union Army units and commanders fought in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House (May 8–21, 1864) of the American Civil War. The Confederate order of battle is listed separately. Order of battle compiled from the casualty returns and the reports.
Forces operating against Richmond May 8–16, 1864.
LTG Ulysses S. Grant, General-in-Chief, Union armies
Escort:
IX Corps.
MG Ambrose E. Burnside
Army of the Potomac.
MG George G. Meade
General Staff:
General Headquarters:
Provost Guard: BG Marsena R. Patrick
Engineer Troops:
Guards and Orderlies:
II Corps.
MG Winfield S. Hancock
Escort:
V Corps.
MG Gouverneur K. Warren
Provost Guard:
VI Corps.
MG John Sedgwick (k)

BG Horatio G. Wright

Escort:
Cavalry Corps.
MG Philip H. Sheridan
Escort:
Artillery.
BG Henry J. Hunt
Forces operating against Richmond May 17–21, 1864.
LTG Ulysses S. Grant, General-in-Chief, Union armies
Escort:
IX Corps.
MG Ambrose E. Burnside
Army of the Potomac.
MG George G. Meade
General Staff:
General Headquarters:
Provost Guard: BG Marsena R. Patrick
Engineer Troops:
Guards and Orderlies:
II Corps.
MG Winfield S. Hancock
Escort:
V Corps.
MG Gouverneur K. Warren
Provost Guard:
VI Corps.
BG Horatio G. Wright

Escort:


Erford Gage

Erford Holmes Gage (April 5, 1912 – March 17, 1945) was an American actor. He was active in film between 1942 and 1944.
Personal life.
Gage served as a staff sergeant in the 20th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army during World War II and was killed in action during the Battle of Luzon on March 17, 1945. During his service, he was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, and Purple Heart. He is buried at Manila American Cemetery.


Richard A. Snelling

Richard Arkwright Snelling (February 18, 1927August 13, 1991) was an American businessman and politician. He was most notable for his service as the 76th and 78th Governor of Vermont from 1977 to 1985 and from January 10, 1991 until his death.
A native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Snelling was educated in Allentown and served in the United States Army at the end of World War II and during the post-war occupation of Germany. He graduated from Harvard University in 1948 and embarked on a business career, working for companies in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. After settling in Vermont, he founded Shelburne Industries, a maker of ski racks and other ski equipment. He also became active in politics as a Republican and served a term in the Vermont House of Representatives (1959–1961), in addition to running unsuccessful campaigns for the Vermont Senate (1956), lieutenant governor (1964), and governor (1966). In 1972, Snelling was again elected to the Vermont House. He was reelected in 1974, and served from 1973 to 1977. In his second term, Snelling was chosen to serve as the majority leader.
In 1976, Snelling was the successful Republican nominee for governor. He was reelected three times, and served from 1977 to 1985. In 1986, Snelling was the unsuccessful Republican nominee for the United States Senate, and was defeated by incumbent Democrat Patrick Leahy. In 1990, he was the successful Republican nominee for governor. He was inaugurated in January 1991, and served until his death. Snelling's family was also prominent in Vermont politics; his wife Barbara served as lieutenant governor and a member of the state senate. His daughter Diane succeeded her mother as a state senator. In addition, his son Mark was an unsuccessful candidate for lieutenant governor in 2010.
Early life.
The son of chemist Walter O. Snelling and Helen Marjorie Gahring, Snelling was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on February 18, 1927. He was educated in public schools of Allentown and graduated from Allentown High School in 1944, completing the requirements six months ahead of his classmates as part of an accelerated program for young men intending to enter the military during World War II. During his high school years, Snelling was a member of the National Honor Society, as well as the school's track, swimming, and wrestling teams. He briefly attended the University of Havana and Lehigh University before transferring to Harvard University. While at Lehigh, Snelling played football and was a member of the wrestling team. While at Harvard, Snelling was on the dean's list, played on the varsity football team, was president of the Harvard Conservative League, and taught swimming and aquatic safety.
Military service.
In October 1944, Snelling enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps Reserve. When the program was discontinued in early 1945, he transferred to the Army Enlisted Reserve Corps. In May 1945, Snelling entered Army active duty at the New Cumberland Defense Depot. He served at the end of World War II and in the post-war occupation of Germany, and carried out assignments as an investigator and information bulletin editor. He attained the rank of technician fifth grade and was discharged at Fort Dix, New Jersey in October 1946. He then returned to Harvard, where he received a bachelor's degree in government and economics in 1948. For several years after moving to Vermont, Snelling was active in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Career.
After graduating from college, Snelling was employed at Joseph Breck & Sons, a Boston wholesaler of kitchen and garden supplies. Within a year, he had advanced from working in the company's warehouse to assistant to the company's president. He then moved to Philadelphia, where he led a venture to take over the bankrupt Henry A. Dreer, Inc., a retail and wholesale distributor of plants and seeds. Snelling, his management team, and the Dreer employees who remained soon restored the company to profitability. In 1953, Snelling moved to Vermont to take the position of assistant to the president of Colonial Motors, a Burlington car dealership. In 1955, Snelling became manager of Green Mountain Television Corporation, an early Cable television proponent, of which he became president.
A longtime resident of Shelburne, in 1957, Snelling founded Shelburne Industries, a maker of wire and metal products that later specialized in ski racks and other ski equipment. The venture proved successful and made Snelling a millionaire. In addition to heading Shelburne Industries, he served on the boards of directors for several other companies. His business affiliations include the Young Presidents' Association, the Chief Executives Organization, and the World Business Council. He was director of Ski Industries of America and Associated Industries of Vermont.
In 1956, Snelling ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the Vermont Senate. Snelling served in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1959 to 1961. He was a delegate to Republican National Conventions in 1960, 1968, 1980, and chairman of Chittenden County Republican Party Party and a member of Vermont Republican State Executive Committee from 1963 to 1966.
He was the unsuccessful Republican nominee for lieutenant governor in 1964, and for governor in 1966. In 1972, he was again elected to the Vermont House, and he served until 1977. During his final term, Snelling was the House's majority leader.
In 1976, Snelling was elected governor. He was reelected three timesin 1978, 1980, and 1982and served until January 1985. Snelling was not a candidate for reelection in 1984. He ran for the U.S. Senate in 1986 and lost to incumbent Patrick Leahy. In 1990 Snelling was once again elected governor.
Death and legacy.
Snelling died of a heart attack at his home in Shelburne on August 13, 1991. He was succeeded by Howard Dean. Snelling was interred at Shelburne Village Cemetery.
The Snelling Center for Government at the University of Vermont was named in honor of Richard and Barbara Snelling.
Family.
On June 14, 1947, he married Barbara Weil. They were the parents of four children—Jacqueline, Mark, Andrew, and Diane.
After Snelling's death, his wife served as lieutenant governor and as a member of the Vermont Senate.
His daughter Diane B. Snelling served in the Vermont Senate after being appointed to succeed her mother in 2002. She resigned in 2016 to accept appointment as head of the Vermont Natural Resources Board.
Snelling's son Mark was an unsuccessful candidate for the 2010 Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor.


Generalarzt

Generalarzt (short: GenArzt or GA) is the designation of a military rank as well as the official title in German speaking armed forces. It is equivalent to the "Admiralarzt" / "Generalapotheker" and Brigadegeneral / Flottillenadmiral.
Bundeswehr.
Generalarzt, Admiralarzt, Generalapotheker, and Admiralapotheker are the lowest general ranks of the Joint Medical Service or the military medical area of the Bundeswehr.
Promoted to that senior rank might be assignments or appointments as follows:
Equivalent to this one-star rank (NATO-Rangcode OF-6) are Brigadegeneral (en: Brigadier general) of the Heer or Luftwaffe, and the Flottillenadmiral (en: Flotilla admiral) of the Marine.
Address.
The manner of formal addressing of military surgeons with the rank Generalarzt" (OF6, one-star), "Generalstabsarzt" (OF7, two stars) or "Generaloberstabsarzt" is, „Herr/Frau Generalarzt“. At the other hand, military surgeons with the rank "Admiralarzt" (OF6, one-star), "Admiralstabsarzt" (OF7, two stars) or "Admiraloberstabsarzt" is, „Herr/Frau Admiralarzt“. Military persons with the rank "Generalapotheker" (OF6, one-star), will be addressed „Herr/Frau Generalapotheker“, and with the rank "Admiralapotheker" (OF6, one-star), will be addressed „Herr/Frau Admiralapotheker“. "
Rank insignias.
On the shoulder straps (Heer, Luftwaffe) there is one golden star in golden oak leaves and the career insignia (de: Laufbahnabzeichen) as symbol of the medical standing, or course of studies. Regarding the Marine, the career insignia is in the middle of both sleeves, tree cm above the cuff strips, and on the shoulder straps between strips and button.
Wehrmacht 1933 – 1945.
"Generalarzt" of the "Wehrmacht" was comparable to the Generalmajor (OF-6, one star), as well as to the Brigadeführer and Generalmajor of the Waffen-SS.
In line to the so-called Reichsbesoldungsordnung (en: Reich's salary order), appendixes to the Salary law of the German Empire (de: Besoldungsgesetz des Deutschen Reiches) of 1927 (changes 1937 – 1940), the comparative ranks were as follows: C 3
Comparative military ranks.
Kriegsmarine.
Rank designations of the Kriegsmarine as to Match 30, 1934, are contained in the table below.
Germany before 1933.
In Germany before 1933 "Generalstabsarzt" was normally the chief of the medical service of an Army corps (Corps surgeon, de: Korpsarzt), and in some cases of a Division (Division surgeon, de: Divisionsarzt).
In Prussian Army "Generalarzt", in sense of "general surgeon" as a staff position, was a senior military official (de: oberer Militärbeamter) with a definite rank, in the first instance Major (OF3). Since 1856 he could rise to Oberstleutnant (OF4) or even to Oberst (OF5). Senior "Generalstabsärzte" were often promoted to Generalmajor.
Equivalent authority, mandate and competence were with the "Admiralarzt" of the Imperial German Navy. Regular assignments to that staff position were the "Medical Offices" on Baltic Sea and North Sea, e.g. Kiel and Wilhelmshaven. An Admiralarzt of the Navy's Medical corps could normally be promoted up to the OF5-rank Kapitän zur See.


Brandy Station Confederate order of battle

The following units and commanders fought in the Battle of Brandy Station of the American Civil War on the Confederate side. The Union order of battle is shown separately. Order of battle compiled from the army organization during the battle.


Vice President of Ivory Coast

The Vice President of the Republic of Ivory Coast, officially the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, is the second-highest executive official in Ivory Coast. The vice-president is appointed by the president, with the consent of the Parliament, composed of the National Assembly and the Senate. The Ivorian Constitution of 2016 initially provided for the vice-president to be elected at the same time as the president by direct universal suffrage, as running mate of the presidential candidate. A constitutional revision announced by Ouattara before the 2020 presidential election, confirms the designation of the vice-president, appointed by the president with the consent of Parliament.
The Vice President is the first person in the presidential line of succession and would ascend to the presidency upon the death or resignation of the President, or an absolute vacancy in the office. President Alassane Ouattara appointed Daniel Kablan Duncan as Vice President in January 2017 after the 2016 Constitution was enacted.
History.
The office of Vice President was first created in 1980, but it was abolished in 1985. The adoption of a new constitution in 2016 recreated the office of Vice President.
Eligibility.
The same provisions of the 2016 Constitution for the President apply to a candidate for election as Vice-President.
Duties.
The duties of the Vice President of Ivory Coast are:


List of vice-admirals of Lincolnshire

This is a list of people who have served as Vice-Admiral of Lincolnshire.


Band sergeant major

Band sergeant major (BSM) is the appointment held by the senior playing musician in a British Army band, who holds the rank of warrant officer class 2 (except for the senior band sergeant major of the Guards Division, who is a warrant officer class 1).
The BSM also functions as the band's second senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) after the bandmaster and has various administrative duties. Formerly, in smaller regimental bands commanded by a bandmaster, the BSM was the senior NCO. Prospective BSMs attend a special three-week course at the Royal Military School of Music, one of which is run every year.
The equivalent appointment in the Household Cavalry is band corporal major. The band sergeant in Royal Air Force bands, although holding the lower rank of flight sergeant, has similar responsibilities. The WO2 in a Royal Marines band, like the WO1, holds the appointment of bandmaster.


Flieger (rank)


Belmont Confederate order of battle

The following Confederate Army units and commanders fought in the Battle of Belmont of the American Civil War. The Union order of battle is listed separately.
Confederate Forces.
First Division, Western Department.
MG Leonidas Polk


Direct commission officer

A direct commission officer (DCO) is a United States uniformed officer who has received an appointed commission without the typical prerequisites for achieving a commission, such as attending a four-year service academy, a four-year or two-year college ROTC program, or one of the officer candidate school or officer training school programs, the latter OCS/OTS programs typically slightly over three months in length.
Civilians who have special skills that are critical to sustaining military operations, supporting troops, health and scientific study may receive a direct commission upon entering service. These officers usually occupy leadership positions in the following areas: law, science, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nurse corps, intelligence, supply-logistics-transportation, engineering, public affairs, chaplain corps, oceanography, merchant marine affairs, and others.
The U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard have more extensive active and reserve component DCO programs than the other three U.S. armed services.
The U.S. Marine Corps does not offer a DCO program anymore; Navy officers provide medical, legal and chaplain services, and chief warrant officers (CWO) and limited duty officers (LDO) serve as occupational field experts.
The U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps exclusively use a DCO program to commission their officers.
Depending on the specialization and duty-status of the officer, "DCOs" as they're called, will attend either Officer Indoctrination School (OIS), Officer Development School (ODS), or Direct Commission Officer School (DCO School) which vary from two weeks duration for certain Reserve DCOs to five weeks duration for Active Duty DCOs.
U.S. Army Active and Reserve Direct Commission Officers.
Active United States Army direct commissions are available in the medical, legal, chaplain corps, and cyber . Each branch will rank the officer candidate upon completion of Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC). The United States Army Reserve uses the DCO program to bring specialized skills and backgrounds, and to fill critical shortages in the Army Reserve commissioned officer corps. A majority of the people obtaining direct commissions in the Army Reserve are prior-enlisted personnel. However, there have been instances when qualified civilians were directly commissioned as well. The general requirements for a direct commission in the Army Reserve are: 60 semester hours of college credit; the ability to get and maintain a "secret" clearance; be physically qualified (obtain and pass a medical evaluation); an open slot or "billet" in an Army Reserve unit; three recommendation letters from commissioned field-grade officers; and a recommendation from a direct commissioning board. Once selected, the applicant signs the oath and is sworn in by another commissioned officer. At that point the newly commissioned officer will then need to attend the Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC) in their assigned area of concentration (AOC) before becoming fully qualified.
Direct commission officers in the Army Reserve can serve in the same specialities and hold billets as ROTC, OCS, and USMA graduates. Direct commission officers may be promoted to flag officer rank and hold command within their specialty of work.
U.S. Navy Direct Commission Officers.
The United States Navy has an extensive DCO program. , the Navy consolidated its two-week reserve training program (Direct Commission Officer Indoctrination Course, DCOIC) with its five-week Active Duty training program (Officer Development School, ODS), also at Newport, Rhode Island. Officer Candidate School (OCS), the 12-week program that college graduates wishing to join the U.S. Navy as active duty line officers must complete, is also located at Newport.
Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) of 2005 decreed that the Navy Reserve officer DCO School be relocated from Naval Aviation Schools Command at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida to Naval Education and Training Center Newport, Rhode Island effective January 2007. As a result of BRAC and other budgetary-driven actions, the U.S. Navy consolidated many of its schools at NETC, Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island.
The Navy is currently considering merging DCO School, Limited Duty Officer School, and Mustang University into one contiguous officer training program—all located in Newport, Rhode Island. all Navy Reserve DCO, LDO and CWO Officers attend the same two-week course of instruction in Newport.
The U.S. Navy Reserve Direct Commissioning Program allows university-educated professionals, between ages 19 to 35 (or older, in some cases), the opportunity to be appointed as an officer in the Navy Reserve. Most DCOs hold advanced degrees (MAs, MBAs, MSs, JDs, MDs, DOs, PharmDs and Ph.Ds.) and/or significant civilian work experience. In recent years, the number of direct commissions offered by the Navy Reserve has increased due to the need for skilled officers to serve as Individual Augmentees (IAs) in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Direct Commissioning Program serves the expanded needs of the Navy in certain officer skill areas listed below in alphabetical order by category:
Unrestricted Line Officer
Restricted Line Officer (including Special Duty Officer)
Staff Corps Officer
Limited Duty Officer (Various specialties)
Warrant Officer (Various specialties)
Some skill areas may not have openings each year. Each year, skill area recruiting quotas are promulgated for recruiters to fill. Upon completion of their training regimen, DCOs serve on nearly every type of ship in the fleet and at shore establishments around the globe. Navy DCOs are forward deployed and are currently serving on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are an integral part of the Navy's role in the War on Terror.
U.S. Coast Guard Direct Commission Officers.
The United States Coast Guard uses the DCO program to bring specialized skills and backgrounds into the Coast Guard commissioned officer corps. The DCO course is conducted by the Officer Candidate School, located at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Depending on program and background, the course is three, four, or five weeks long.
There are seven Direct Commission Officer programs:
Some DCO programs may not have openings each year. While DCOs are expected to fill specific specialty areas, they are not specifically precluded from crossing into other operational or support billets in follow-on assignments.
U.S. Public Health Service (Commissioned Corps) Direct Commission Officers.
The PHSCC Direct Commissioning Program allows university-educated professionals, between ages 19 to 45 (or older, in some cases), the opportunity to be appointed as an officer in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. All candidates must complete a two-week Officer Basic Course (OBC) before entering active duty. Most PHSCC DCOs hold advanced degrees (DDSs, DMDs, MSs, MDs, DOs, PharmDs and Ph.Ds.) and significant civilian work experience, and the minimum in many programs is a master's degree from a duly accredited program. One of the fields requiring only a baccalaureate degree is engineering. The Direct Commissioning Program serves the expanded needs of the PHS in certain officer skill areas listed below:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Commissioned Officer Corps) Direct Commission Officers.
The NOAA Corps Direct Commissioning Program allows university-educated professionals, between ages 19 to 35 (or older, in some cases), the opportunity to be appointed as an officer in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps. All must complete a 19-week basic officer training class (BOTC), at the United States Coast Guard Officer Candidate School, before entering active duty. Many NOAA Corps DCOs hold advanced degrees (MS, MAs and Ph.Ds.) and significant civilian work experience, though the minimum requirement is a baccalaureate degree. The Direct Commissioning Program serves the expanded needs of the NOAA Corps in certain officer skill areas listed below:


Military ranks of the Dominican Republic

The Military ranks of the Dominican Republic are the military insignia used by the Armed Forces of the Dominican Republic.
Commissioned Officers.
The rank insignia for commissioned officers for the army, air force, and the navy, respectively.
Enlisted.
The rank insignia for enlisted personnel for the army, navy and air force respectively.


Immunes

The immunes were Ancient Roman soldiers who possessed specialized skills. They were exempt from the more tedious and dangerous tasks other soldiers were required to do, such as ditch digging and rampart patrol.
Becoming an Immune.
Prior to becoming an immune, men were required to serve as "miles gregarius" (also known as "munifex"), a non-specialist regular soldier. These men were the soldiers that made up the bulk of the legions, liable to perform guard duties, labour work and other less than desired duties. "Milites" would usually have to serve for several years before becoming eligible for training to become immunes.
Immune status within the army was achieved either through selection or through promotion.
If not possessing the specialist skills that could see a soldier chosen to become an immune, the legionary who wished to become one would have to undergo a period of specialist training, during which time they would be known as "discens". The discens received the same basic pay and board as the non-specialists until he qualified for immune status.
Typical duties.
Engineers, artillerymen, musicians, drill and weapons instructors, military police, carpenters, hunters and medical staff were among the multiple specialized jobs immunes provided for the Roman army. Immunes also received better pay than the regular troops.


Gushnaspdad

Gushnaspdād, known in Byzantine sources as Gousanastadēs (), was a Sasanian nobleman, who was "kanarang" during the reign of Balash (r. 484-488), and Kavad I (r. 488–531).
Biography.
Gushnaspdad first appears in 496, as one of the supporters of Jamasp. After Balash's accession, Gushnaspdad urged the Sasanian noblemen to execute Kavad I, the brother of Jamasp. He is reportedly said to have told the Sasanian noblemen while holding a knife: "You see this knife, how extremely small it is; nevertheless it is able at present time to accomplish a deed which, be assured, my dear Persians, a little later two myriads of mail clad men could not bring to pass."
However, the Sasanian nobles declined the decision, and instead had Kavad imprisoned; however, he later managed to escape and took refugee in Central Asia. In 498/9, Kavad returned to Iran with the aid of the Hephthalites. Kavad then captured Ctesiphon, restored his rule, and had Gushnaspdad executed. Gushnaspdad was replaced by Adergoudounbades as "kanarang".


Military ranks of Spain

The military ranks of Spain are the military insignia used by the Spanish Armed Forces.
Army.
The military ranks of the Spanish army are as follows below. For a comparison with other NATO ranks see Ranks and Insignia of NATO. Ranks are wore on the cuff, sleeves and shoulders of all army uniforms, but differ by the type of the uniform being used.
Navy.
The officer ranks of the Spanish Navy are as follows below, (for a comparison with other NATO ranks, see Ranks and Insignia of NATO). Midshipmen are further divided into 1st and 2nd Classes and Officer Cadets 3rd and 4th Classes respectively.
The article Spanish Navy Marines shows the detailed insignia of this component of the Navy.