Editorial Team

Soldiers receive military awards to recognize their achievements. They may receive medals, badges, or service ribbons. There is a long list of military awards and decorations, but most of them are only given to members of the armed forces.  TLDR – Civilians may receive public service awards from the Army or Air Force. Most departments […]

War crimes are horrendous acts that violate the laws of war. Acts such as torture, enslavement, murder, sexual violence, and imprisonment may be considered war crimes under international law. They are often committed during a military conflict, which leads people to associate war crimes with soldiers. So, can civilians commit war crimes? TLDR – Civilians […]

When the American flag or a soldier passes by, civilians may be tempted to give a salute. Many people assume that a salute is considered a gesture of respect. However, there is specific etiquette when it comes to rendering a salute, whether you are a veteran, active service member, or civilian.  TLDR – Civilians should […]

Many hikers have had their treks through National Parks interrupted by the sounds of helicopters flying overhead. These helicopters are typically flown by the aviation branch of the National Park Service. So, what are these helicopters doing and where are they going? TLDR – Helicopters are primarily used in National Parks for resource and wildlife […]

People have flown on planes that are decades old, and they would never know the difference. Sometimes, old school is the best school, and after having a look at this collection of the oldest commercial passenger planes still in service, it’s hard to disagree. Older model airplanes were designed at a time when oil was […]

Everyone knows that airplanes have devices called “black boxes.” A black box captures flight data and sound. In the event of a crash, investigators can use data from the device to determine the cause. So, do helicopters have black boxes too? TLDR – Helicopters rarely have black boxes. The FAA does not require flight recorders […]

The amounts of money being spent on military developments particularly by the United States are incredible. One fighter plane can cost somewhere in the hundreds of millions of dollars. And militaries around the world operate thousands of them. These are the 11 priciest fighters… In an air battle, having a better fighter plane gives a […]

Most people recognize the sound of a helicopter when they hear it, thanks to the distinct “whoop-whoop” noise of the blades. When a helicopter flies low enough, it may even produce harmful levels of noise. The blades are partially responsible for the noise, but there is much to consider.  TLDR – Helicopters are so loud […]

There are more than 50,000 commercial flights in the air on any given day, but commercial airliners represent only a small fraction of the aircraft types currently flying. Add military jets, private planes, helicopters, drones, gliders, and the newest eVTOL air taxis, and the full picture of what humanity puts into the sky runs to […]

During the Vietnam War, it was not uncommon to see photos of soldiers with their feet dangling from a Huey. War movies also promote this image, with soldiers ready to jump from the helicopter as soon as it lands. So, how do those soldiers keep from falling out? TLDR – Soldiers do not fall from […]