The army reserves – a proud long tradition

The Army Reserves can trace its beginning back to 1908 when the Army was authorized by Congress to establish a reserve corps of medical officers.  This was that nation’s first federal reserve and within four years, a regular Army Reserve would be authorized, as well.

The first time that the Army Reserve would be called to service was during the 1916 tensions between Mexico and the United States. The purpose of the call up was to provide additional strength in numbers. This first mobilization was a very important development and showed the potential for the Army Reserve.

The National Defense Act of 1916 would establish the Officers and Enlisted Reserve Corps, as well as the Reserve Officers Training Corps. When America entered World War I, there are over 50,000 reservists. Just one decade earlier, there had been none. By the end of the war, the reservists who served would number over 170,000. Since that time, Army Reservists have participated in every major conflict involving the United States. Only about 11,000 couldn’t serve, with some being too old or serving as Congressmen and judges.

There were many Army Reservists who would become well known for their military services. Theodore Roosevelt was the first general to land on D-Day. Ronald Regan would serve during World War II, but his fame would come later in life. By the end of the war, over half of the soldiers fighting would be from the Army Reserve.

During the Korean War, almost a quarter of a million Reservists would be called to duty. While this war was still ongoing, Congress started changing the structure of the Army Reserve. There would now be three types of Reservists – the Ready Reserve, the Standby Reserve, and the Retired Reserve. The President would have the authority to call up one million Reservists – from all branches of the Armed Forces – to active duty when necessary.

Vietnam would see the smallest numbers of Reservists called up, but there were still 33 Reserve units deployed to this conflict. The next major call up would be in 1990, with the invasion of Kuwait. Over 84,000 Army Reservists were called up and supported all branches of the Armed Forces in locations around the world. Since that time, the Army Reserve has almost always been engaged somewhere around the world. Deployments have included Iraq, Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia, and Yugoslavia. Currently, there are thousands of Army Reservists serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

If you or a loved one has served in the Army Reserve, then you should consider honoring that service with an Army ring. One of the best things about these rings is that they can be customized for each individual soldier. You can choose between several precious metals, semi-precious stones, insignia and emblems, and even engraving on the inside of band. It’s easy to order an Army ring online and you can have it shipped almost anywhere in the world. There is no better gift for a loved one whose service, dedication, and sacrifice have helped keep this country safe.

Army military intelligence: collection, analysis, processing, and dissemination of information

The USAICoE stands for the United States Army Intelligence of Excellence. It’s the Army’s school for training their military intelligence personnel. It has been located at Fort Huachuca, Arizona since 1993 after moving from Fort Devens, MA. Any enlisted personnel or officers who are in the military intelligence field attend this school, as well as many international students in military exchange programs. AIT students who attend school here become Human Intelligence Collectors, Intelligence Analysts, and UAV controllers. Other personnel may be a member of the Military Intelligence Corps.

Military Intelligence utilizes a number of different information collection and analysis mediums to commanders in order to help guide and offer direction in the commander’s decisions. Available data is used to determine a course of action or to provide an answer to focused questions. The commander’s specific needs for intelligence are considered and then incorporated into the intelligence collection process, as well as the analysis and dissemination of the information.

There are several different types of military intelligence – strategic, operational, and tactical. Strategic intelligence deals with political assessments, economics, and foreign nations’ intentions and military capabilities. It could be tactical, technical, scientific, diplomatic, or sociological, but all of the information is used in conjunction with known facts, such as demographics, geography, and industrial capacities.

Operational intelligence is more focused on support for an expeditionary commander. Tactical intelligence supports operations on a tactical level. Personnel in this area of military intelligence are usually attached to headquarters. Current threat levels are scrutinized and this information is then passed onto those that will be out into hostile territories.

Intelligence tasking will focus on a number of different variables, with the common goal to be the collection, analysis, processing, and dissemination of information that will ultimately influence planning and operational strategy. A great deal of information is available to the public, such as the tonnage and weaponry of most capital ships. The same is true for aircraft. Photographs can project speed and range, maps can be used for various information gathering tactics, and counter-intelligence services make sure that some information available to our enemies will lead them down a misrepresented path. However, the media continues to be a primary source of information, as well.

Many people have a common misconception when it comes to the Army Military Intelligence Group. It is not full of spies and James Bond-like gadgets. Information gathering comes from a number of simple and complex sources, each of which must be verified for its authenticity. Today’s Army military intelligence is one of the most impressive units in the United States Military. It helps protect our country against threats, both foreign and domestic.The USAICoE stands for the United States Army Intelligence of Excellence. It’s the Army’s school for training their military intelligence personnel. It has been located at Fort Huachuca, Arizona since 1993 after moving from Fort Devens, MA. Any enlisted personnel or officers who are in the military intelligence field attend this school, as well as many international students in military exchange programs. AIT students who attend school here become Human Intelligence Collectors, Intelligence Analysts, and UAV controllers. Other personnel may be a member of the Military Intelligence Corps.

Military Intelligence utilizes a number of different information collection and analysis mediums to commanders in order to help guide and offer direction in the commander’s decisions. Available data is used to determine a course of action or to provide an answer to focused questions. The commander’s specific needs for intelligence are considered and then incorporated into the intelligence collection process, as well as the analysis and dissemination of the information.

There are several different types of military intelligence – strategic, operational, and tactical. Strategic intelligence deals with political assessments, economics, and foreign nations’ intentions and military capabilities. It could be tactical, technical, scientific, diplomatic, or sociological, but all of the information is used in conjunction with known facts, such as demographics, geography, and industrial capacities.

Operational intelligence is more focused on support for an expeditionary commander. Tactical intelligence supports operations on a tactical level. Personnel in this area of military intelligence are usually attached to headquarters. Current threat levels are scrutinized and this information is then passed onto those that will be out into hostile territories.

Intelligence tasking will focus on a number of different variables, with the common goal to be the collection, analysis, processing, and dissemination of information that will ultimately influence planning and operational strategy. A great deal of information is available to the public, such as the tonnage and weaponry of most capital ships. The same is true for aircraft. Photographs can project speed and range, maps can be used for various information gathering tactics, and counter-intelligence services make sure that some information available to our enemies will lead them down a misrepresented path. However, the media continues to be a primary source of information, as well.

Many people have a common misconception when it comes to the Army Military Intelligence Group. It is not full of spies and James Bond-like gadgets. Information gathering comes from a number of simple and complex sources, each of which must be verified for its authenticity. Today’s Army military intelligence is one of the most impressive units in the United States Military. It helps protect our country against threats, both foreign and domestic.

If you or a loved one have served in the Army’s Military Intelligence Division, then consider honoring this service with a beautiful Army ring. Show off the insignia of your unit by having it engraved on the side of one of the many styles of Army rings or even under a semi-precious stone on the top. These Army rings are gorgeous reminder of the service and sacrifice of all soldiers and will likely become a treasured family heirloom.

If you or a loved one have served in the Army’s Military Intelligence Division, then consider honoring this service with a beautiful Army ring. Show off the insignia of your unit by having it engraved on the side of one of the many styles of Army rings or even under a semi-precious stone on the top. These Army rings are gorgeous reminder of the service and sacrifice of all soldiers and will likely become a treasured family heirloom.

The 8th marine regiment: ground pounding infantry

Based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the 8^th Marine Regiment is under the command of the 2^nd Marine Division. This infantry regiment was formed in 1917 in Quantico, Virginia during World War I. While in training for this war, the command was actually transferred to Fort Crockett, Texas. Its duties included guarding the Mexican Oil Fields. The 9^th Marines joined the men of the 8^th Marines and formed the 3^rd Marine Brigade. It was the first Advance Base Force of World War I. Because of this designation, these Marines did  not see action during World War I, but were tasked with defending naval bases in the West Indies should this action be need. In 1919, the 8^th Marines were deactivated.

A year later, the 8^th Marines were reactivated and deployed to Haiti to fight the Cacos bandits. Through patrols and some intermittent clashes, the 8^th was able to eliminate these bandits that had been in place for over a hundred years. Once this mission was finished, the 8^th Marines were deactivated yet again in 1925. This time it would be fifteen years before they would be reactivated again.

In 1940, the 8^th Marines were deployed Samoa for jungle training. These brave men would travel to Guadalcanal to assist the 1^st Marine Division and earn their first Presidential Unit Citation. The second citation would come after the 8^th Marines seized New Zealand after 76 hours of some of the bloodiest and deadliest fighting in American history. This battle effectively opened the door to Japan. After this deployment, the 8^th Marines would travel to Saipan and Tinian, which resulted in the capturing of these key bases. This lead to an effective air war against Japan.

During the 1980s, the 8^th Marines would participate in Operation Urgent Fury, which resulted in the rescue of American students in Grenada. From 1990 to the present, the 8^th Marines have participated in every operation in the Persian Gulf, including Desert Storm, Iraq Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. The 8^th Marines would be responsible for securing many of the cities in Iraq and Afghanistan. This led to the elections in Iraq, a great turning point for the Iraqi people. Currently, the 8^th Marines are deployed to Afghanistan and that current deployment is expected to last until 2012.

If you have a loved one serving in the 8^th Marines, what better way to show your support than with one of the many styles of Army rings? A fantastic visual reminder of your loved one’s service and dedication, the insignia of the 8^th Marines can be highlighted on the either side of the ring. You can also have the insignia placed under the semi-precious stone. These Army rings are certain to be well-received and you can easily personalize this Army ring with an engraved message inside the band. Ordering online is easy and you can have the Army ring shipped almost anywhere in the world. Imagine the surprise when your Marine opens up that box and sees his or her personally designed Army ring!

The History of the Signal Corps

The Signal Corps owes its origins to Albert James Myer. This Army doctor invented a unique visual communication system, known as the “wigwag” when he was serving in Texas during 1856. This system of flags and torch lights would be put to use during the Civil War when it was used to direct the bombing of Confederate positions at Fort Calhoun. In 1863, Congress finally authorized the Signal Corps as an active unit until the end of the war.

In 1870, the Signal Corps took on another role as a national weather service. By 1880, this weather service would garner international acclaim. The weather service would remain under the command of the Signal Corps until 1891, when the Department of Agriculture took it over. The Signal Corps would still be in charge of military meteorology.

The Spanish-American War of 1898 would see the Signal Corps used much more than it was during the Civil War. However, the Signal Corps did much more than just use flags and torches to convey messages. In addition to those visual signals, they were tasked with supplying telegraph and telephone lines, integrating the use of telephones in combat situations, and used photography for combat purposes. After the war ended, the Signal Corps were responsible for bringing the first wireless telegraph system into the Western Hemisphere.

In 1907, the Chief Signal Officer was put in charge of an Aeronautical Division. The Wright brothers conducted several test flights of the first airplane the Army used and it was built to the specifications lined out by the Signal Corps. In 1918, the Army turned over this Aeronautical Division to the Army Air Service.

By World War 1, the Signal Corps were developing radiotelephones. These were infinitely superior to the radiotelegraphs, the telegraph and telephone were the main means of communications during World War 1. In 1937, the then-director of the Signal Corps patented the first radar used by the Army. Before World War II, there were already two sets of radar units in mass production. By the Vietnam War, the Signal Corps provided radio links that could communicate more than 200 miles apart.

Today, the motto for the Signal Corps remains the same as it was over a hundred years ago: “Watchful for the Country.” New developments in technology and innovation continue every year. The Signal Corps fulfill the need for effective, reliable communication in all areas of the military. They have come a very long way since using flags during the daylight hours and torches at night. The Signal Corps laboratory is one of the most advanced for the development of communications, radar, mapping, and photography technology.

For those that are assigned to the Signal Corps, the assignment comes with pride and honor, as well as responsibility. A fantastic way to recognize this service and dedication is with one of the beautiful Signal Corps rings that are available. A Signal Corps ring will become a treasured heirloom that is sure to be passed on to children and grandchildren.

The Long, Proud History of the Army Ranger

The term “Ranger” was first used in what would become the United States back in the 17^th century. The first Ranger Companyofficially began in 1676. Rangers fought in many different wars, including the American Revolution, The War of 1812, and every war the United States was involved in afterwards. What most people consider to be “today’s” Army Rangers were authorized in 1942 by General Marshall. There are currently six Ranger battalions and they have played an important role in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. They were also vital to the successes of other conflicts like Grenada and Panama.

The long and proud history of the United States Army Rangers officially began when George Washington ordered Thomas Knowlton, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, to personally select men for reconnaissance missions. This unit was called Knowlton’s Rangers, but it actually was more centered on gathering intelligence than for combat. This group of Rangers became the Military Intelligence Branch.

During the Civil War, two units of Rangers, one for the Confederate Army and one for the Union Army would become somewhat famous. Mosby’s Rangers often raided deep within Union territory, capturing high-ranking officers and disrupting supply lines. The Union’s Mean’s Rangers were best known for capturing a Confederate ammunition train. Eventually, Mean’s Rangers captured part of Mosby’s Rangers after a long, hard fought battle.

The next century would see two World Wars and multiple conflicts which would put the Army Rangers to the test. From the beach at Normandy to the jungles of Vietnam, there have been a number of different Ranger Battalions. During Vietnam and Korea, the Ranger units were organized as companies and were part of larger units. These were considered special operations units. During the Korean War, the Rangers patrolled, scouted, and attacked the North Korean enemy. During the Vietnam War, the Rangers were tasked with the same duties, but were paramount in the success of reconnaissance behind enemy lines. They planned and directed air strikes, conducted ambushes, assessed the damage from frequent bombing in enemy territory, and provided snipers where needed.

By the end of the Vietnam War, it was evident that the United States Army needed an elite, rapid response light infantry. The 1^st and 2^nd Ranger Battalions were created. This combination of elite airborne infantry and special operations is highly trained, very flexible, and can be deployed anywhere in the world within a matter of hours. Today, the Army Rangers are deployed on the War on Terror, with units in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 75^th Ranger Regiment is one of only a handful of units that has had members continuously deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq.

There is no doubt the Army Rangers are an important part of the United States Armed Forces. One of the best ways to say thank you for their service, dedication, and sacrifice is with one of the many styles of Army Ranger rings. These rings are a beautiful visual reminder of what it means to be an Army Ranger.

The Never-Ending Style of Gold Military Rings

Throughout history gold has been used to enhance beauty and display wealth.
Gold military rings enhance skin tones and looks good on everyone.
Formerly gold jewelry was worn only by royalty and noblemen as an exhibit of their wealth and power.
In more recent times it has become accessible to the common man
through the technologies of alloys and plating.
Although the value of gold rises and falls over the short term,
its limited quantity in the world assures that its value will continue to go up over the long term

Gold military rings have been kept as an investment for centuries for members of the armed forces worldwide.  Women have hidden away their gold jewelry in the event of their husbands’ demise or inability to provide.
Wealthy investors have collected gold, melted it into bars and secreted it in strongholds until the price rose.

Gold jewelry’s value is determined by a couple factors.  The first is the skill and reputation of the designer. 
The second is the actual amount of gold used in creating military rings. Gold is a very soft metal.  If pure gold is used in jewelry, it would dent and scratch very easily during the course of a normal day of wear.  Therefore, gold is usually mixed with harder metals before being fashioned into jewelry.  The percentage of contained gold is stamped on all jewelry containing real gold.  It is called a karat weight and is signified by the numbers 10K, 12K, 14K, 18K and 24K, with 24K being pure gold and the most expensive.  In the United States it is important to note that any of these designations can be labeled, “solid gold,” as long as it is an alloy and not a gold-plated item.  In other words, “solid gold” does not equate to “pure gold.”

Gold Military Rings

Colored gold is made by mixing gold with other metals.  White gold is derived from gold mixed with palladium or nickel.  Rose gold is made by adding copper to gold.  A greenish tint can be obtained by adding white silver.  Attractive braids and other intricate and beautiful patterns are achieved by using several tints in one piece of jewelry.

Gold plating is the layering of gold over another metal.  This gives the appearance of expensive gold jewelry without the expense.  It’s real gold, but not solid; the gold doesn’t go all the way through, so it costs less.  The biggest problem with gold plating is that it doesn’t last.  With use the gold rubs away exposing the less valuable and less attractive base metal.  It is often purposefully and deceptively sold as solid gold, so be sure not to get duped!

Gold jewelry runs the gamut between small, delicate and reasonably priced to big, elaborate and impossibly expensive.  Find an affordable spot in that range and invest in some beautiful and valuable gold military rings.  It will provide beauty when worn and increase in value at the same time plus you will create a master piece for a family heirloom.

Army Jewelry Honors Dedicated Soldiers, Past and Present

The U.S. Army is the world’s strongest military force, bar none.
Hundreds of thousands of men and women currently serve in this powerful branch of the military.

Lets not forget U.S. Army

Although many soldiers are stationed within the U.S., many others are currently deployed in dangerous combat zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
The lives of these soldiers are on the line every day.
And even the active-duty soldiers, members of the National Guard and Reservists that are stationed within the United States could be sent into battle on very short notice, putting them at risk, too.

Let’s not forget about the men and women who served in the U.S. Army in the past, either.
When their time in the service was up, these Army veterans and retirees received honorable discharges for good reason, having serving honorably and with distinction in war and peace.

Army jewelry lets us honor our soldiers

Army jewelry lets us honor our soldiers, and many want to wear something more attractive to connect them to the Army than just the standard-issue dog tags that identify them.
Army men and women love wearing Army jewelry because it lets them show their pride in themselves, their buddies and their units.
But they love it even more when their family and friends give them Army jewelry, because these gifts show that their service is honored by the people they care for.

All of our soldiers are well trained and dedicated to protecting our freedom at home and abroad.
They have a unique combination of physical strength, mental toughness and superb equipment.
And above all, they have a sense of purpose.
When called upon, they consistently respond with the speed, courage and discipline we associate with the U.S. Army.  Army jewelry, with its beautiful but powerful appearance, perfectly captures the spirit of our soldiers.

No matter when or where a soldier has served, Army rings, tie tacks, lapel pins, necklaces, pendants, watches, cuff links and other pieces of Army jewelry can commemorate his or her service.
Many types of Army jewelry can be personalized with a soldier’s name, initials, dates of service or other details.

Army jewelry can incorporate a wide assortment of Army:

• emblems
• logos
• insignia
• slogans.

The design of Army jewelry can reflect a man or woman’s service in the Army in a general way, or it can show membership in a specific battalion, regiment, division or other Army unit.  Army jewelry can also indicate a man or woman’s service in a specific war or armed conflict, including deployment in Iran, Afghanistan, Vietnam and other combat theaters.

Some pieces of Army jewelry, especially Army rings, tie tacks, lapel pins, cuff links, pendants, and necklaces, are made of gold or sterling silver.
Many include precious or semi-precious gems in their designs, while others are brightly colored with gorgeous enamels.
But no matter what Army jewelry is made of or how it is designed, Army jewelry is a powerful symbol of a soldier’s service.