Dear Brother,I know you're here because you're driven by a burning desire to push yourself beyond what you ever thought possible. You’re not just dreaming of becoming a Special Forces Operator—you’re actively preparing for it.The journey ahead is tough, no doubt, but you're tougher. Remember, it’s not just about surviving the pain, it’s about thriving in it.Fear is real, and so is doubt. But know this: these are the very things that forge the steel inside you. Every night you lie awake questioning your limits, every grueling ruck, every time you push beyond your breaking point—you are building something unbreakable.This guide is more than a roadmap—it's your blueprint to success. It's designed to meet every challenge you'll face head-on, equipping you with what you need to not just pass SFAS, but to excel. This isn’t just for the battlefield; this is for your life, your family, your mission.Here’s what you’ll find inside:Family Care Plan: Strategies to ensure your family is supported while you’re on this journey.Tactics and Strategies: Proven methods that’ll keep you ahead in the game.Mental Toughness: Exercises to build the unyielding resilience needed to stay in the fight.Physical Program: A tailored regimen to push your body to peak performance.Discipline: The routines and habits that will anchor your success.Leader’s Plan: How to develop leadership skills that set you apart from the rest.Downloadable Bonus: Extra resources to enhance every aspect of your preparation.This guide is your weapon. Use it well, and there will be no limits to what you can achieve. The road is hard, but the reward is unparalleled. You’re not alone in this—we’re in this together.Now, ruck up and move out.With strength and respect,A Brother in Special ForcesLogan “Alpha” Wright Read more

In the early 16th century, the Vatican stood at the crossroads of critical change, both spiritually and politically. The Roman Catholic Church, though a bastion of spiritual guidance and authority, found itself increasingly vulnerable in a Europe that was rife with political upheaval, territorial disputes, and the burgeoning power struggles of the Renaissance. This period was characterized by an intense rivalry between emerging nation-states, each vying for dominance, and the Vatican was not immune to the consequences of such turbulence.The Holy See, with its dual role as a spiritual leader and a temporal power, faced threats from various fronts. The Papal States, a collection of territories in the Italian Peninsula under the direct sovereign rule of the Pope, were particularly susceptible to the ambitions of external forces. The Vatican's lack of a strong, permanent military presence meant that it was often dependent on external alliances and mercenaries for its defense. This reliance, however, carried its own risks, as mercenaries were known for their loyalty to coin rather than cause, and alliances were notoriously fickle.Pope Julius II, who ascended to the papacy in 1503, was acutely aware of the precarious position in which the Vatican found itself. Known as the "Warrior Pope" for his assertive approach to church politics and military matters, Julius II understood that the Vatican required a reliable and dedicated force to protect its interests. The need for a loyal and steadfast military unit became an imperative, not only to safeguard the physical sanctity of the Vatican but also to assert the independence and authority of the Papacy amidst the shifting sands of European politics.The geopolitical landscape of Europe during this era was one of alliances and enmities, where the interests of the Papal States often clashed with those of powerful neighbors such as France, the Holy Roman Empire, and the burgeoning Spanish Empire. The Italian Wars, a series of conflicts involving major European powers over control of territories in Italy, underscored the volatility of the region. The Vatican, situated at the heart of these disputes, was in urgent need of a force that could ensure its protection and sovereignty.It was within this context of political instability and the urgent necessity for security that the idea of the Swiss Guard was conceived. Switzerland, at the time, was known for its formidable mercenary soldiers. Swiss mercenaries were highly sought after for their discipline, martial prowess, and reputation as fierce warriors. Their mountainous homeland, characterized by small, independent cantons, had cultivated a tradition of military excellence and neutrality, making them ideal candidates for the type of impartial and devoted force the Vatican needed.The Swiss themselves had a storied history of martial engagement, often fighting as mercenaries in the service of various European powers. However, their reputation was not only built upon their combat skills but also their loyalty and integrity. These qualities made them particularly appealing to Pope Julius II, who sought a force that would be unwavering in its dedication to the Papacy.In 1505, Julius II initiated negotiations with the Swiss cantons to recruit a dedicated corps of soldiers to serve as the personal bodyguards of the Pope and the protectors of the Vatican. The Swiss cantons, recognizing the prestige and honor associated with serving the Holy See, were amenable to the proposal. An agreement was reached, and the Swiss Guard was formally established in 1506, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the Vatican's history—one that would intertwine Swiss martial traditions with the defense of the spiritual heart of Catholicism. Read more

Una visión global y actualizada de las armas y los uniformes de ambos bandos en la Guerra Civil: la Aviación, el Ejército de Tierra, la Marina. Sus aviones y barcos, carros de combate y fusiles, completamente ilustrados a través de casi mil fotografías. Read more

The life of the average soldier at the onset of the American Revolution in words and photographs.In 1775, at the beginning of the American War of Independence, the men who stood up to the British Regulars were men and boys, farmers, laborers, and artisans. Most procured their own weapons and fought without pay against overwhelming odds. Th is book offers modern readers a colorful glimpse into the day-to-day conditions of an average soldier through photographs of actual artifacts and exacting, historically accurate reproductions of soldiers’ clothing, supplies, and equipment.While other books examine the American Revolution from a political, military, or tactical perspective, this book focuses on day-to-day life and the human experience of the Revolutionary War soldier, the everyman who fought and won freedom for us all. Read more

The riveting story of the nineteenth-century rise of the Prussian army—a key factor in the unification of Germany—with maps and illustrations.   On July 3, 1866, a Prussian force overwhelmed and defeated an Austrian army near the fortress city of Königgrätz in a bloody battle that lasted all day. At a stroke, the foremost power in Germany and central Europe had been reduced to a second rate player.   The event caused anxiety and alarm in the capitals of the western world. How was an upstart country like Prussia able to upset the balance of power in Europe? Only sixteen years before, it had been put in its place by Austria with the treaty of Olmütz. Its performance as an Austrian ally had been less than stellar in the Second Schleswig War of 1864, despite its defeat of the Danes at Düppel. Yet within five years, a Prussian-led army would humble France and a Prussian king would be crowned emperor of a united Germany. The history of the world would be changed forever.   This book tells the story of this army, chronicling its growth from the end of the Napoleonic Wars to the reforms of the 1860s, then offering a full account of the wars against Denmark in 1864 and Austria in 1866. The author shows how the confluence of three men’s lives—King William I, Helmuth von Moltke, and Otto von Bismarck—provided the essential ingredients that created this victorious army. The growth and influence of the General Staff is examined, along with the recruitment and training of officers and men. Powell fully describes the organization of the army and the fledgling navy, as well as the weapons with which they fought. Read more

The Handbook On German Military Forces is an indispensable primary reference source for historians and enthusiasts. In 1945 the Allies were still engaged in bitter fighting against stiff resistance from the German armies in the west. The US War Department was determined to do its best to equip the US forces fighting the Germans in the field with as much knowledge as possible. March 1945 saw the issue of an astonishing document entitled the Handbook On German Military Forces. This was a truly remarkable work of intelligence gathering which formed a vast compendium of all the relevant knowledge amassed on the German Wehrmacht.Amazingly accurate and comprehensive, the Handbook ran to over six hundred pages and was designed to equip commanders in the field with everything they were likely to need to know about the German forces. The Handbook remained classified until 1953 and then slipped into obscurity.This new paperback reprint rescues this great work from obscurity, covering the psychology, organisation, tactics and operational aspects of the German forces. The weapons, machines, aircraft and uniforms of the German forces are also documented within the Handbook.The Handbook On German Military Forces is a fascinating primary reference source for historians and enthusiasts alike, providing an invaluable insight into the detail of the German Army which is still an unrivaled source of information today. Read more

Sturmgeschtz III was originally designed as an assault weapon, but as war progressed it was increasingly used in a defensive role and evolved into an assault gun and tank destroyer. By 1943 its main role was providing anti-tank support to the units in its area of operation. This consequently led to many StuGs being destroyed in battle. Nonetheless they were very successful as tank killers and destroyed, among others, many bunkers, pillboxes and other defenses. While not considered to be a true tank because it lacked a turret, the gun was mounded directly in the hull, with a low profile to reduce vehicle heights, and had a limited lateral traverse of a few degrees in either direction. Thus, the entire vehicle had to be turned in order to acquire targets. Omitting the turret made production much simpler and less costly, enabling greater numbers to be built. Most assault guns were mounted on the chassis of a Panzer III or Panzer IV, with the resultant model being called either a StuG III or StuG IV respectively. The StuG was one of the most effective tracked vehicles of World War II, and over 10,000 of them were eventually produced. Read more

Why this series of books, and is it for you? For serious researchers or dedicated hobbyists, there is a great deal of information about the Revolutionary War available at the retail level– a regimental history here, a package of letters by a celebrity there – but there are not many one-stop resources. This series is that resource, and this first volume is the gateway to the rest of the series. Outside those few hundred semi-professionals in this field, most readers who are simply curious about the American Revolution are Americans, and their interest is largely in the American forces. In Britain and France, the other major players in the war, much greater wars and greater triumphs or defeats emerged only 20 years later in the Napoleonic Wars, and since that time very few European historians have engaged in studying a distant war conducted by small forces so long ago. As with any one-sided conversation, it quickly becomes the case that our understanding of what really did happen and why it happened is severely limited by all the things we know that just aren’t so. Perhaps as a result of this first volume, museums and textbooks will come to life for the more casual reader, in which case the other volumes will provide the details that go along with a deeper interest. The full series includes: I. History and Glossary, also including a comparison of some common practices such as unit sizes and staff arrangements. II. Regiments and Uniforms of the American Line and Patriot Militia III. British and Loyalist Regiments and Uniforms IV. German Regiments and Uniforms V. French and Spanish Regiments and Uniforms This volume contains the information specific to the British and Loyalist fighting to retain the colonies under British control and provides great detail on the regimental uniforms. Due to the somewhat arcane language of such details, it may be necessary to refer to volume I in the series for the glossary; that volume also provides the order of battle information identifying which regiments were present at specific engagements. This volume, focusing as it does on the fine details of uniforms, equipment and regiment-specific history, is most useful for experienced researchers, dedicated re-enactors and authors. The series comes in multiple editions to suit varying needs and budgets: • A pocket-size (6”x8") edition of the book printed in black-and-white to make it more affordable. If you have that version, you may see the color illustrations through the link at the publisher's website. • A full-size (8”x11”) physical desk reference, making up for its lesser portability with the most readable tables and larger images. • A complete electronic version of all 5 of the series volumes, to serve as an accompaniment to the physical book when portability is necessary. About the author Ben Brown served in the Korean War and then enjoyed a varied and fascinating career as an international businessman and diplomat in Africa, the Middle East and Europe. He lives in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, almost within walking distance of the Brandywine battlefield. He also write "Imperial Colours", the ultimate cross-reference in the terminology of the ornate uniforms of the British, French and German military uniforms of the 1800s. Read more

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This is an engaging narrative of the journey of Bartholomew Rader Smithwick, a Marine who fought valiantly during the War of 1812, incorporating naval operations, ground battles, and his personal evolution. Read more

The horrific series of conflicts known as the Thirty Years War (1618-48) tore the heart out of Europe, killing perhaps a quarter of all Germans and laying waste to whole areas of Central Europe to such a degree that many towns and regions never recovered. All the major European powers apart from Russia were heavily involved and, while each country started out with rational war aims, the fighting rapidly spiralled out of control, with great battles giving way to marauding bands of starving soldiers spreading plague and murder. The war was both a religious and a political one and it was this tangle of motives that made it impossible to stop. Whether motivated by idealism or cynicism, everyone drawn into the conflict was destroyed by it. At its end a recognizably modern Europe had been created but at a terrible price.Peter Wilson's book is a major work, the first new history of the war in a generation, and a fascinating, brilliantly written attempt to explain a compelling series of events. Wilson's great strength is in allowing the reader to understand the tragedy of mixed motives that allowed rulers to gamble their countries' future with such horrifying results. The principal actors in the drama (Wallenstein, Ferdinand II, Gustavus Adolphus, Richelieu) are all here, but so is the experience of the ordinary soldiers and civilians, desperately trying to stay alive under impossible circumstances.The extraordinary narrative of the war haunted Europe's leaders into the twentieth century (comparisons with 1939-45 were entirely appropriate) and modern Europe cannot be understood without reference to this dreadful conflict. Read more

Between 1933 and 1939, the strength and influence of the SS grew considerably with thousands of men being recruited into the new ideological armed formation, many into units known as the SS-Verfgungstruppe (Special Disposal Troop). These troops saw action in Poland before switching to the Western Front in 1940. Out of this organisation the SS Das Reich Division was created.This book, with its extensive text and over 250 rare and unpublished photographs with detailed captions describes the fighting tactics, the uniforms, the battles and the different elements that went into making the Das Reich Division such a formidable fighting force. The chapters reveal the Division as it battled its way through Poland, the Low Countries, the Balkans and the Eastern Front. Finally the Das Reich defended Normandy before falling back to Germany.The Division gained its fearsome and notorious reputation for its fighting ability, often against vastly numerically superior forces, as well as its fanatical zeal. Read more

A history of the uniforms worn by the United States Army from 1872 to 1902 Read more

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Gabriele Esposito presents a detailed overview of the military history of Colonial North America during its earliest period, from the first colonial settlement in Jamestown to the end of the first continental war fought in the Americas. He follows the development of organization and uniforms not only for the British Colonies of North America but also for the French ones of Canada. Every colonial unit formed by the Europeans in the New World, as well as the regular troops sent to America by Britain and France, is covered in detail: from the early militias of the Thirteen Colonies to the expeditionary forces formed during the War of the Spanish Succession. Great military events, like King Philips War or Bacons Rebellion, are analyzed and the evolution of tactics employed in this theater are discussed, showing how much warfare was influenced by the terrain and conditions in North America. Dozens of illustrations, including color art works, show the first military uniforms ever worn in North America, as well as interesting details of weaponry and equipment used. Read more

Learn What to Expect and How to Succeed at Recruit Training Command Today! Who this book is written for? Those interested in enlisting in the US Navy Currently awaiting to leave for Boot Camp and want to get an EDGE Parents interested in learning what their child will be doing while in Recruit Training Command I wrote this book because I went through Boot Camp myself in 2015. In less than 3 weeks, my division lost so many good people because they were either mentally or physically unprepared. I was angry for losing people who I built a bond with and it was snatched away in an instant. This is my way of helping future sailors realize what there is to expect and how to prepare for it. Thank you for your service. Here Is A Preview Of What You'll Learn... Week 1 through 8 OverviewPreparing for Boot CampMajor Events while in Boot CampResponsibilities and Leadership OpportunitiesGraduation DayDifferent Test taken in RTCMuch, much more! This book will help you understand and learn what boot camp is all about. As you well know, fortune favors the prepared and there is no tool better to help prepare for Boot Camp than this book. Take action today and download this book! Tags: Navy Bootcamp, Recruit Training Command, US Navy. Read more

TRANSFORM YOUR ASVAB PREPARATION FROM A CHALLENGING TASK INTO A REWARDING JOURNEY!Are you seeking a robust foundation for your ASVAB exam preparation? Do you need an authentic practice resource that truly mirrors the actual exam? Are you aiming to master effective strategies for complex questions and time management? If your answer to any of these is 'yes', then continue reading.This comprehensive guide is designed to provide you with exhaustive coverage of all ASVAB topics. It allows you to build a solid foundation of knowledge, equipping you with the essential skills to tackle the exam confidently. This guide is more than an ordinary manual; it's a well-crafted roadmap leading you through the intricate labyrinth of the ASVAB syllabus, making your prep time productive and less stressful.This resource goes a step further by providing you with authentic ASVAB practice tests. These tests are carefully designed to mimic the actual exam format, helping you familiarize yourself with the exam structure. It also offers you the opportunity to refine your test-taking strategies, boosting your confidence and performance. By practicing with these tests, you will be able to identify and improve your weak areas, increasing your chances of acing the ASVAB on your first try.In addition to the theoretical knowledge and practice tests, this guide also arms you with effective strategies to handle complex questions and manage your time better. It delves deep into key concepts and problem-solving techniques, keeping pace with the latest ASVAB trends. The guide also includes handy stress management techniques to keep you calm and focused during the exam. This approach ensures you are not just prepared for the ASVAB, but also well-equipped to handle the pressures that come with it.In this book you will find: Specialized Content: This guide's detailed content is tailored to align with the latest ASVAB trends, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve.Insider Tips: Unlock exclusive tips and tricks that have been proven to enhance test performance.Career Guidance: The guide provides insights into military career opportunities and how to leverage your ASVAB score for a successful military career.Leadership Development: It also focuses on fostering leadership qualities, preparing you for advancements in the military.Transition Advice: It offers guidance on transitioning smoothly from military to civilian life, ensuring you are prepared for all stages of your military career.Downloadable practice testsAnd much more…!This guide is not just about acing your ASVAB test; it's about preparing you for a successful and rewarding career in the Armed Forces. It provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the military structure and the opportunities available to you. With a special emphasis on leadership development, the guide equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to advance and thrive in the military.Moreover, it understands that a military career is not only about serving but also about transitioning back into civilian life. Hence, it includes valuable advice on managing this transition smoothly. This ensures that you are well-prepared for all stages of your military career, from recruitment to retirement.Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers. Your future in the Armed Forces is waiting for you. Click on the BUY NOW button! and take the first step towards achieving your military career dream today! Read more

Revised in 2011. After years of searching, I came to the inevitable conclusion that there simply was not a book out there that detailed the history of the rank insignia worn by the U.S. Army since its creation in 1775. So, I decided to write one. After three years of exhaustive research and the compilation of over 100 different sources, here it is! This book covers the history of the grade insignia worn by officers, enlisted personnel and cadets of the U.S. Army throughout history, uniform change to uniform change since the beginning. The text describes the changes and innovations throughout history and is supported by beautifully detailed color plates of the insignia. Included are the grade insignia of the Confederate States Army from 1861 t0 1865, the Republic of Texas Army from 1836 to 1845, the grade insignia of the U.S. Military Academy (West Point) cadets, army ROTC and JROTC cadets as well as the branch insignia and branch colors currently used in the Army. Read more

A collection of primary documents that explore the many facets of the American military from the colonial period to the presentThe second edition of American Military History offers an exceptional collection of primary documents relating to history of the military of the United States from 1607 through the present. The writings offer insight into the armed forces in relation to the social, cultural, economic, political, and territorial development of the United States. Several documents comment on strategic initiatives, combat operations, force structure, public policy, and home fronts. The writings also present firsthand testimony of extraordinary men and women in uniform and most of the documents explore the connections between combatants and the societies that produced them.From the beginnings of the war against the natives through the tragedy of the Civil War and up to the current Global War on Terror, American Military History offers a chronological account of the evolution of the United States military. This vital text:Includes writings that explore the diversity of the armed forcesExplores leadership in America’s military affairsTraces America's ways of war beginning in 1607 through the presentExamines the patterns of design and purpose of the American military over timeReveals the vitality of civil-military relations in the United StatesWritten for academics and students of military history, American Military History is an important text that draws on primary sources to explore the many facets of America's military history. Read more

In an anthology chock-full with revealing poetry and prose, more than 50 emerging and established military writers unpack their stories of sacrifice, hardship, joy, and laughter in uniform!Contributors to Things We Carry Still: Poems & Micro-Stories about Military Gear were challenged to capture their narratives in 300 words or less, or few lines of poetry!“Inspired by a prompt from writer and activist-veteran Vicki Hudson, the uniforms, objects, and souvenirs we found in closets, shoeboxes, and footlockers revealed not only anecdotes and war stories, but also threads of history,” says project co-editor Randy Brown. “We discovered that stories from recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began to interweave with those from the Vietnam War, deployments to Korea and other countries, and even family stories from World War II.”To motivate other writers, veterans, and readers, the anthology includes a special section of 10 discussion-starters and prompts, for use in literary and history workshops, book clubs, and veterans-appreciation activities!Lisa Stice is an award-winning poet based in North Carolina. Her work often centers on family life and parenting adjacent to the U.S. Marine Corps. She is the author of four collections, including FORCES and Permanent Change of Station, and the editor at multiple literary journals and presses worldwide. She is a past winner in the Col. Darron L. Wright Memorial Writing Awards, administered annually by the Chicago-based literary journal Line of Advance.Randy Brown is a journalist and poet, and a 20-year retired veteran of the Iowa Army National Guard. He is the author of Welcome to FOB Haiku: War Stories from Inside the Wire, as well as a co-editor of Why We Write: Craft Essays on Writing War. He is a three-time finalist in the Col. Darron L. Wright Memorial Writing Awards.Vicki Hudson is a rugby coach, literary activist, and retired U.S. Army veteran based in Northern California, where she lives with her wife, two kids, and a failed service dog. She is the author of No Red Pen: Writers, Writing Groups & Critique. Read more