Soldiers
Ever wondered what it's like to be a soldier? This section defines the people, technology and science used to equip soldiers. Articles here range from the technology of war and military snipers to gas masks and body armor.
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If Torture Doesn't Work, Why Do Governments Use It?
Torture was formally abolished in Europe in the 19th century, but reared its ugly head again in the 20th century. Why did it reappear and what is its future?
U.S. Military Hopes To Save Injured Soldiers by Copying Tardigrades
Could a tiny creature called a tardigrade hold the key to slowing biological time, giving soldiers more opportunity to recover from life-threatening injuries?
Why a Draft Would Weaken the U.S. Military
Most experts agree that the all-volunteer military is what makes the U.S. armed forces the best in the world. Would that change if the draft was reinstated?
Ghost Tape No. 10: The Haunted Mixtape of the Vietnam War
In one of its more bizarre moments, the U.S. Army created voice tapes of allegedly wandering souls to depress Viet Cong morale.
U.S. Lawmakers Ask Whether It's Time for Women to Register for the Draft
With military combat roles opening to all, should women have the responsibility to register for the draft at 18 like men? A bill aims to catalyze the conversation.
Why are drone pilots leaving the military?
Why the skies aren't exactly so friendly for drone pilots.
Does the U.S. military have rules about tattoos?
Tattoos and the military seem to go together. Many U.S. soldiers get ink to commemorate their service or fallen comrades. And the tattooed Navy sailor is part of American folklore. But can a tattoo actually prevent you from serving your country?
How Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Works
Formerly known as "shell shock," research into post-traumatic stress disorder began intensely after Congress requested a study of how Vietnam veterans were readjusting to civilian life in 1983. What have we learned since then about PTSD?
5 Technical Innovations in the War on Terrorism
War often leads to great innovation as opponents strive to outsmart one another, and the war on terror has catalyzed countless technological innovations.
How are conventional and unconventional warfare different?
The U.S. Navy SEALs exemplify unconventional warfare. Find out how conventional and unconventional warfare differ in this article.
How War Dogs Work
Was a dog really the first to encounter bin Laden? We may never know, but we do know that man's best friend has been serving in wars for centuries, getting soldiers smokes, sniffing out bombs and patrolling borders. Why do canines make such good soldiers?
Is war murder?
Wars and murders have much the same result -- by the end, someone will be dead. One is condoned, while the other is punished. Why is that? What makes the two so different from each another?
When and why did we invent war?
People have been fighting with one another longer than humans have recorded their history. Conflicts are unavoidable. But can anyone say for sure when the first war broke out? Why did we invent wars, anyway?
Can high-tech military gadgets improve safety for soldiers and civilians in combat?
The U.S. military spends a lot of time and money developing cutting-edge gadgetry to help keep soldiers and civilians alive in the heat of battle. How are these gizmos changing the art of war?
Top 5 Gadgets on the High-tech Soldier
Soldiers rely on all kinds of high-tech gadgets to help them get their jobs done. Some of them are specially designed for military use, while others are gizmos you might have in your pocket right now.
Do gamers make good soldiers?
There are lots of video games about war, and manipulating game controllers can build hand-eye coordination. But does playing video games prepare you for real-life combat?
How are terror alert levels determined?
The U.S. national terror alert level is yellow today. Does that mean you can ignore that suspicious ticking package resting by the bus stop or should you report it to the authorities?
How The Citadel Works
Once you pass through this school's gates, you leave your civilian clothes and ordinary life behind and join the South Carolina Corps of Cadets. It's a far cry from the adventures of a typical, clueless college freshman. So what's knob life like?
Top 10 Game-changing Military Technologies
These 10 technologies changed war and the course of history as we know it. Some of these battlefield innovations, like adding grooves to gun barrels, are surprisingly simple. So what else made our list?
Why do I have to join the French Foreign Legion under an assumed name?
Have you always thought of yourself as more of a Jean-Pierre than a Jon? Good news, you can still be that guy, provided you're willing to fight for France for five years.
How Transparent Aluminum Armor Works
Bullet-resistant glass seems flimsy once you compare it with transparent aluminum armor. Will this new heavy-duty material soon be shielding soldiers and police officers?
How Game Theory Works
Game theory isn't about people scratching their heads over a never-ending game of Monopoly. Serious theorists, like Henry Kissinger, used it to form war strategies.
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?
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 are the 10 most prevalent forms of torture and why?
Somewhere in the world, a prisoner likely is enduring torture right now. Human rights organizations have made it their mission to report these crimes against men, women and children. Here are 10 of the most common ways torture is perpetuated in modern society.
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