How Body Armor Works

Body armor is essential for many people in high-risk professions. The strange thing is, the most common armor is actually a high-tech, soft netting. Learn how modern armor technologies stop bullets.

How Gas Masks Work

Companies are reporting waiting lists for gas masks. Learn how these devices work and what they can actually protect you from.

How Liquid Body Armor Works

Body armor is about to undergo the biggest change in centuries -- new liquid formations are making Kevlar much lighter and more flexible to wear. Find out about this new technique for making body armor more wearable.

How Military Camouflage Works

Camouflage is critical in military operations. Learn about different types of camouflage and see how the art of blending in is keeping up with modern detection systems.

How Military Snipers Work

There's a lot more to being a sniper than lining up your target in the crosshairs and pulling the trigger -- try lying in the same position for several days at a time.

How MREs Work

Coalition troops have been surviving mainly on MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) for most of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Learn what these portable, adaptable and absolutely essential pieces of military technology are all about.

Is there a torture manual?

While it says it doesn't participate in physical torture, the United States government has a manual of techniques designed to make prisoners talk. But is it torture?

Technology of War

Modern warfare is a formidable display of technological expertise. These articles examine some of the weapons and defenses that play a prominent role in modern combat, as well as some pieces of technology that could play a role in the future.

Was there a covert CIA prison system?

After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, members of al-Qaida began to "disappear" from locations around the world. Were they taken to covert CIA prisons?

What are the five most prevalent forms of torture and why?

Watchdog groups that monitor prisons where torture is suspected rely on a handbook that describes prevalent forms of physical and psychological torture. What forms of torture are most common, and who uses them?

What will the additional 21,000 U.S. troops be doing in Iraq?

If the dire state of affairs in Iraq can be attributed at least in part to U.S. mistakes, the military will have to use the influx of troops wisely to regain ground.

When is torture legal?

Torture isn't legal under the normal rules of war, but what about in the nontraditional rules of the War on Terror? The answer may surprise you.

What does tear gas do?

It is pretty common to hear someone on the news say, "The crowd was dispersed with tear gas." What is tear gas? What does it do?

What is an MRE?

I've seen how the U.S. Army's food now comes in plastic pouches called MREs. Is this real food? How does it taste?