Common military education was the lifeblood of the armies, navies, and air forces of the British Empire. It permeated every aspect of the profession of arms and was an essential ingredient for success in both war and peace. Yet much military history overlooks external factors and influences such as education, which shape armed forces.…

With the large number of National Guard members and reservists being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, public educators find themselves endeavoring to support the emotional and academic needs of military children and their families. Military children may exhibit behavioral and emotional difficulties during these deployments. Educator awareness of…

This teacher's guide helps teachers plan a class program for Veterans Day. The guide contains the following components (many with activities): "History of Veterans Day"; "Veterans Day National Ceremony"; "Suggested Veterans Day Programs"; "America's Wars (Statistics)"; "Fly Your Flag Regularly and…

The major policy debate touched off by President Reagan's March 1983 speech announcing the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) was the reopening of one that had begun 35 years before. Then and now the ultimate question is what kind of strategic posture is most likely to contribute to mutual strategic stability? The answer is central to national…

Discusses problems with military documentation during the Vietnam War. Reports poor record keeping practices, destruction of permanent files, and mislabeled and missing records. Describes the National Archives' Vietnam project that organized and preserved the remaining military records. Concludes that the Vietnam War was better documented than the…

Discusses the influx of Black soldiers into the Union army following the Emancipation Proclamation. Concentrates on the case of Private Spotswood Rice. Provides a short history of Rice, including copies of Rice's letters to his enslaved daughters, the daughter's slaveholders, and an angry retort from the slaveowner to the federal commander in…

This teacher's guide on leadership for U.S. Air Force lieutenants presents two lessons which are part of a larger "Need and Accountability for Leadership Development" program. The lessons include objectives and corresponding procedures with their associated issues and are intended to take about 30 to 50 minutes. The overall curriculum of…

Discusses the state of Germany's armed forces in World War II. Describes Germany's progress from inferior weaponry and unprepared military at the beginning of the war to superior weapons and fighting. Stresses heavy German dependence on horse drawn supply. Credits Germany's defeat to human attrition accelerated by Hitler's operational leadership.…

Discusses the impact of a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation documentary, "The Valour and the Horror." Asserts that, although the presentation caused controversy in English-speaking Canada, it received little interest in Quebec. (CFR)

In April 1917, President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress to declare war on Germany. Under the powers granted to it by the U.S. Constitution, Congress passed the Selective Service Act of 1917. Among the first regiments to arrive in France, and among the most highly decorated when it returned, was the 369th Infantry, more gallantly known as the…

Asserts that the expansion of the United Nations' peacekeeping commitments has strained the organization's ability to intervene in violent local conflicts before they get out of hand. Discusses efforts to create a permanent peacekeeping force early in United Nations history and how such a force might operate. (CFR)

Presents two interviews with soldiers assigned to United Nations peacekeeping efforts. Outlines nine steps in any UN peacekeeping operation. Includes 13 quotes gathered from soldiers and UN officials involved in peacekeeping in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. (CFR)

Information on educational assistance and opportunities for family members of active duty, retired, or deceased Army service members is provided. Eligibility and types of benefits and programs described are grouped in the following categories: educational financial aid for family members of veterans; educational opportunities for active duty…

Asserts that the writers and producers of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's documentary, "The Valour and the Horror," failed to assess Canadian Air Force actions in light of Allied war aims. Argues that the documentary series distorted the era and produced a false view of history. Gives specific examples of these claims. (CFR)

Presents excerpts from the draft Statement of Claim filed by Canadian World War II veterans against the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and others associated with the making of the documentary series, "The Valour and the Horror." Includes an overview and two examples of what the plaintiffs claimed were historical errors. (CFR)