Military Definitions - A

A to Z Blogging Challenge.  My topic is MILITARY DEFINITIONS.

A – Alfa [or Alpha]

Morse code - dot dash

Active duty — full-time duty in active military service of the United States, including members of the Reserve Components serving on active duty or full-time training duty. Does not include full-time National Guard duty.  My son is active duty in the US Navy.

Admiral – the highest ranking officer of the US Navy and the US Coast Guard. 

Air Force - the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces. Initially part of the United States Army, it became a separate branch in September 1947. The U.S. Air Force provides air support for surface forces and aids in the recovery of troops in the field. The stated mission of the USAF today is to "fly, fight, and win in air, space, and cyberspace." Yes, I noticed cyberspace also. That was a big surprise to me. My son, with true Navy solidarity, calls this branch of service the "Chair Force."  The guest speaker at his high school graduation was retired Air Force.  After the ceremony, my son asked him about his job.  He replied "I flew a desk."

Alpha Charlie – slang for a$$ chewing, a verbal reprimand. 

Amphibious vehicle – a vehicle that can be used as transport on both land and water. 

Army - the largest and senior branch of the United States Armed Forces. Performs land-based military operations. Authorized in the United States Constitution. After the Revolutionary War, the Congress of the Confederation created the United States Army in June 1784, to replace the disbanded Continental Army. The mission of the U.S. Army is "to fight and win our Nation's wars, by providing prompt, sustained, land dominance, across the full range of military operations and the spectrum of conflict, in support of combatant commanders." 

ASVAB - the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a multiple choice test, administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command [MEPS]. The test is used to determine qualification for enlistment in the United States Armed Forces. The highest score is 99. Scores are normalized and are not straight percentages. For example, a score of 75 does not mean the test-taker answered 75% of the questions correctly. It means the test-taker scored better than 75% of all examinees. My #1 son took this test at age 18. He scored 99. 

As you were - return to what you were doing.