Tuesday, January 31, 2012

History of the Boeing AH-64 Apache Helicopter

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_W_Byrd]Michael W Byrd
The Boeing AH-64 Apache Helicopter was originally designed by Hughes in the 1970s to meet an Army requirement for an advanced attack helicopter. Production was not authorized until 1982. The first Apache helicopter deployed in 1986 and the AH-64 became the Army's primary attack helicopter. A total of 824 helicopters were put into Army service.
The Apache helicopter can react quickly to engage in close combat to destroy, disrupt or hold up enemy forces. The primary weapon on the helicopter is the AGM-114A Hellfire anti-armor laser-guided missile of which 16 can be carried. The Apache can also carry unguided 2.75 inch rockets for use against softer targets and is equipped with a 30mm M230 Chain Gun for self-protection. Some versions can launch air-to-air missiles. The helicopter can be transported in the C-5, C-141, and C-17 airplanes allowing it to be deployed anywhere in the world.
The Apache Helicopter was deployed in substantial numbers during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Critics claimed that the performance of the helicopter would be unacceptably low were proven wrong. Instead, it achieved a readiness rate of about 90 percent. Such was the effectiveness of the Apache that, as soon as the Iraqis realized that they were being targeted, most of them hurriedly exited their tanks and armored personnel carriers and surrendered. The Iraqis named the Apaches the "Black Death."
By the end of war, the AH-64 Apache had been credited with the destruction of over 500 tanks plus hundreds of other vehicles. A substantial force of Apaches remained in the Middle East to maintain a protection force for Operation Northern and Southern Watch.
The AH-64 Apache has also been involved in numerous other operations, including the NATO efforts to find peace in the former Republic of Yugoslavia and Bosnia, and during the second Gulf War of 2003.
A program to significantly improve the capability of the helicopter has led to the   rel=nofollow [http://www.hoveringhelicopter.com]AH-64D Longbow Apache Helicopter. The new model features a large and distinctive radar housing mounted above the main rotor disk. This houses a millimeter-wave fire control radar (FCR) which is part of the target acquisition system. The Longbow Apache can detect, classify and prioritize over 128 targets and transmit data to any other aircraft to coordinate a precision attack - all in just 30 seconds. In addition, the helicopter is fitted with more powerful engines, more advanced sensors including Pilot Night Vision Sensor (PNVS) and an integrated Helmet and Display Sighting System (HADDS) worn by the Pilot and co-pilot/gunner, and a fully integrated cockpit with improved communications and navigation. A further benefit of the upgrade is increased crashworthiness.
Following the modification of six prototypes from AH-64As, the first AH-64D Longbow Apache was delivered in October 1998 and a program is underway to modify all surviving examples. During some of the trials the AH-64A and AH-64D were given similar tasks. It was concluded that the AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter had 400 percent more lethality and was 720 percent more survivable.
To learn more about helicopters, please visit [http://www.hoveringhelicopter.com]http://www.hoveringhelicopter.com. I have articles, news and videos about all types of helicopters on my website.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?History-of-the-Boeing-AH-64-Apache-Helicopter&id=6538296] History of the Boeing AH-64 Apache Helicopter

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Prepare For War! (5)

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_Agbo]Gabriel Agbo
"I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked me. Then Michael, one of the archangels came to help me,... Soon I must return to fight against the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia, and then against the spirit prince of the kingdom of Greece... (There is no one to help me against these spirit princes except Michael, your spirit prince...)"
- Angel Gabriel
The role of the angels
The role of the angels in our battles is very critical. In fact, you cannot conclude a message on warfare without mentioning the role of these unseen forces in determining the outcome of conflicts. What happens behind the scene (that is in the spirit real) is often more important and critical than the actions we see. It is the spiritual that controls the physical. If you win the war in the spirit, then you become a victor in the physical. The angels are involved in all the battles we do as Christians. You may or may not see them, yet they are always actively involved. They are like the arms of God. The carry out instructions and commands from His throne. They wait on God and minister to us. They insure that the will of God is carried out throughout of the universe. They aid the righteous in the battle against evil and evil forces. These innumerable, special, holy and very powerful spirit beings are in different categories and also perform different duties. Sometimes, you distinguish them by their character, duties or glory. Like, there are some that receive worship, while others don't. Some go on very special duties. Others act as messengers, etc. The one that receives worship or is called the Angel of the LORD is believed to be the appearance of God (or Jesus Christ). Angels are in hundreds of millions. One angel can kill hundreds of thousands of soldiers in a day, as we have variously seen in the scriptures. But, let me also be quick to say that in discussing the spirit real, one can only limit him/herself to the things already revealed by the word of God. This is very important because that realm is very vast and no mortal can claim to know it too well.
The angels of God as revealed in the scriptures include: the archangels, the Angel of the LORD, the angels. You also have the extremely powerful cherubim and seraphim, the four Living Creatures and the 24 elders. That is in the kingdom of God. In the kingdom of Satan (darkness), it also has its own structure: Satan, fallen angels, principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, demons. Satan is a fallen cherub. There are also other extremely wicked fallen angels that the book of Jude told us that God chained and kept in the prison of darkness, waiting for the day of judgement. I keep imagining what will happen if these guys are released now. Maybe, they have the capacity to make this place uninhabitable? I don't know. This structure of satanic command (directly and through their human agents) constantly fights against Christians and the will of God on earth. They desperately make every effort possible to ensure that they oppose everything that is godly and holy. This contrasting position of these two kingdoms wholly explains the conflicts you see in the world, in the society and in our life.
We had a peep into these activities in the book of Daniel chapter ten and from verse twelve. After Daniel learnt about the plan of God to deliver the people of Israel from the captivity in Babylon, he began to pray and fast for its actualisation. God immediately sent angel Gabriel to bring answers to him. But, a very powerful demonic principality called the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked Gabriel from reaching Daniel with the divine message of freedom. Then another archangel Michael; the spirit prince of Israel had to rush in to help Gabriel after the 21 days delay in battle, and that was when Gabriel was able to go and deliver the message to Daniel, promising to return to continue the fight against that demonic principality. Wow! Can you see that? But it is there in the bible. The forces of heaven supported Daniel's prayer for Israel to be delivered from captivity, but the kingdom of darkness didn't want such to happen. And it resulted in the fierce battle between the angelic beings ruling (or guarding) over those nations and interests. There are angelic beings guarding every nation, society and every individual. You must dislodge them for you prayers to have any effect on those they oversee. (Sorry, we cannot treat all these in details here. It is a very vast but interesting subject).
So, when you go into a battle as a Christian or you are fighting for a godly cause, the kingdom of God mobilises the necessary angels to fight for you. Like I said earlier, you may not see them, but they are always there for you. Yes, Daniel didn't know, until after 21 days, that from the first day he started praying that God sent Gabriel to attend to him. Thank God he continued until an answer eventually came. When we pray, when we get involved in the battles of life (spiritual and physical), let's always be assured that there are very powerful, mighty angels sent from God to help us. You can also request God to send them to you if you feel like. They will come. I have tried it even in very critical and dangerous ministrations and I received instant interventions. I remember once asking God to send me archangels to help me in a very dangerous deliverance ministration. The demonic principality was virtually resisting every command until the reinforcement came. It was indeed a very strange and dramatic experience that I will never forget. Jesus actually said that he could tell his father and He would send legions (a legion is about 6,000 troops) to defend Him. Please, note that you ask God to send them. Don't go and worship angels or spirit beings. Direct your prayers to God, and then He would send them to attend to you. They are ministering spirits to us. They involve in every aspect of our life. They are attracted and empowered by a life of holiness and prayer. They are involved in all the battles we face in life.
It was angels that shut the mouths of lions and made the devourers sudden friends to Daniel. Angel came and transmuted the blazing heat into a cooler when Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the furnace. It was the angel of God that dislodged Pharaoh and led the children of Israel out of Egypt in a 'commando' night operation. Ask God to send His angels to assist you in that your current battle. Have you given your life to Jesus Christ? Do that immediately. Till next week, God bless!
  rel=nofollow http://www.authorsden.com/pastorgabrielnagbo
Share this message. http://www.authorsden.com/pastorgabrielnagbo
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Prepare-For-War!-(5)&id=6548865] Prepare For War! (5)

Friday, January 27, 2012

Get Confidence Up With PVC Morale Patches

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Fabiola_Delgado_De_La_Flor]Fabiola Delgado De La Flor
Morale patches are often given to military personnel to help inspire, build morale and motivate. They may also be given to employees, members of civic organizations, sports teams and even students for the same reason.
PVC morale patches are made from a soft and pliable plastic called Polyvinyl chloride. They can be manufactured in any color and crafted into just about any shape imaginable.
Many organizations that purchase PVC morale patches instead of woven or embroidered patches tend to do so because of the durability and versatility characteristic of PVC patches. They can be manufactured with either a 2D or 3D design, are the perfect backdrop for simple designs and specially those that are more intricate.
PVC morale patches can be made with a single color or many, small lettering or large lettering. They can be worn anywhere, even in the elements of the weather, such as, rain, humidity or sunlight, without fear of subsequent damage. This is one of the reasons why they are given to military personnel, who tend to spend a substantial amount of time outdoors.
Embroidered and woven patches have a long history and continue to be popular. At one time, they were the only types of patches used on military uniforms. However, this has changed in the past years and PVC patches are being used with increased frequency. This is in part, due to the durability of PVC patches. They also don't fray or fade like embroidered or woven patches tend to. The ability to create more intricate designs with PVC than with other materials is another reason why they have become increasingly popular.
PVC morale patches provide a visible acknowledgment of a person's achievements which subsequently, helps to raise morale. They can work just as effectively in any setting. Sports coaches may find that they can help to create a similar response among their athletes. They could be worn on uniforms, hats, sports jackets or bags. On the other hand, leaders of civic organizations, where uniforms are also often worn, might find morale patches beneficial for strengthening their organization as well.
PVC morale patches are frequently sewn into uniforms and so are considered permanent. However, they don't have to be. If preferred, they can have a Velcro backing, which allows for their removal.
When patches are needed, an organization or club can hardly go wrong with ones made from PVC. It is a durable material that can be used to create patches with rich, varied color and intricate designs. PVC patches can stand up to the wind, rain and sunlight and you can have the peace of mind that they won't fade or fray overtime.
PVC Emblems is a manufacturer of [http://www.pvcemblems.com/p/pvc-patches/]Custom PVC Patches and [http://www.clothinglabelsandtags.com/pvc-labels.html]PVC Labels of the highest quality and offers free artwork with your order, our experienced graphic designers will work with you to create the perfect design for your project.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Get-Confidence-Up-With-PVC-Morale-Patches&id=6558622] Get Confidence Up With PVC Morale Patches

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Unqualified Government Leaders: A Taxpayer's Burden

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Harroll_Ingram]Harroll Ingram
Taxpayers have a right to adequate leadership. Government leaders, especially those who have direct influence over how taxpayers' money is spent, should be selected by properly credentialed teams/individuals using properly developed selection procedures. Many federal, state, and local governments empower teams to select leaders. Selecting inadequate/unqualified leaders can prove to be a major burden on taxpayers. To ensure taxpayers receive adequate leadership, selecting officials should develop and closely follow selection criteria representing the requirements of the position being filled. Inadequate leaders tend to make poor decisions that often lead to lawsuits that are eventually settled using taxpayers' dollars.
A school board President in a city in Michigan was selected as President by his peers, but was viewed by many taxpayers as unqualified for the position. One citizen stated the school board President "can't write". The President, himself, admitted his writings were sub-par; his history supported accusations that he was educationally challenged. The school board leader progressed from being a fourth grade special-education student to graduating from high school with a 1.8 GPA. The leader was not able to pass an English exam in college which delayed his graduation until the requirement to pass the exam was lifted a decade later. The leader was elected as President of the school board by his colleagues because they liked him. Within five months, the leader had exposed the city to a lawsuit and resigned from his post. He cited "poor judgment" as the reason for his resignation. Although some might fault the former leader, much of the blame could be placed on the city and the board members who elected the former leader to be President of the school board. Taxpayers' burdens stemming from unqualified leadership extends from cities to nations. Many countries facilitate taxpayer burdens by selecting unqualified military and civilian leaders.
The United States Government reports that it uses selection criteria to choose its leaders. In some cases, having military experience influences those leader selections. Although formally serving as a military leader can be beneficial for a new civilian leader, leading civilians requires more patience and consideration of opposing views than leading military units. If former military leaders show impatience when leading civilians and ignore the views of civilian government employees, productivity losses and costly lawsuits that burden taxpayers can result. Perhaps former military leaders should be required to wait a year before being considered for civilian government leadership positions. A year would allow time for the former military leader to acclimate to the civilian world and accept that civilians respond to orders differently than military units. Burdens to taxpayers might improve if military leaders are not rushed into civilian leadership positions. Many military leaders are promised civilian government leadership positions before they retire from the military. Like General/Mr. Petraeus, many simply remove the military uniform and put on a suit--all in a week's time.
Civilian government leaders (sometimes referred to as public leaders) should be prepared to utilize proven leadership skills in an effort to meet the openly stated mission of the organization. In order to use proven leadership skills, civilian leaders should have knowledge of those skills obtained via leadership education. Leadership education prepares public leaders to use leadership styles such as Situational Leadership, Transactional Leadership, and Transformational Leadership in an effort to reduce taxpayer burdens. Civilian government leaders who are not knowledgeable concerning proven leadership styles (i.e., who are unqualified to lead government civilians) are usually forced to follow the lead of one of their military associates (e.g. a military Commander). Because military commanders are trained in the art and science of warfare, leadership practices gleaned from military commanders often result in the misuse of force/power. Power misuse increases taxpayer burdens due to subordinate disloyalty, productivity issues, and lawsuits.
The majority of taxpayers are unaware of the qualifications of government leaders. Taxpayers assume their leaders are qualified to carry out duties effectively and in a way that shows concern for taxpayer burdens. Unfortunately, many civilian government leaders are not qualified to lead. Some leaders lack basic leadership skills while others are ethically challenged. One Army procurement official was found to have improperly steered contracts to a defense industry contractor and arranged jobs for her daughter with the same contractor. There are many other civilian leaders who misuse the system and likely increase taxpayer burdens. The decision makers in government organizations, in the interest of the taxpayers they serve, should make sure they hire and promote leaders who are qualified to lead. Taxpayers have a right to adequate leadership-especially when those leaders have influence over how taxpayers' money is spent.
Harroll Ingram is a Computer Engineer for the Federal Government and holds a Doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership. Dr Ingram also runs a proofreading and editing company called H.I. Enterprises http://hienterprises.biz
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Unqualified-Government-Leaders:-A-Taxpayers-Burden&id=6556304] Unqualified Government Leaders: A Taxpayer's Burden

Monday, January 23, 2012

A Marine Hero

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gerald_Gillis]Gerald Gillis
Today former Marine Corps Corporal Dakota Meyer was presented the nation's highest military award for combat valor, the Medal of Honor, by President Obama in a White House ceremony. Corporal Meyer's Medal of Honor award is the first to a living Marine since the Vietnam War.
Disobeying an order to remain clear of a deadly ambush zone, Corporal Meyer moved forward in a Humvee driven by a fellow Marine to provide covering fire and to also evacuate several wounded against what was right on the verge of being an overpowering enemy force. Corporal Meyer entered the lethal space four separate times in the process of rescuing 36 Afghan and American troops, several of whom he personally carried to the Humvee for evacuation to the rear. After already performing well above the normal call of duty, Corporal Meyer learned that four of his mates were still in the ambush area. Making a fifth trip, Corporal Meyer again braved withering fire only to find that his three fellow Marines and a Navy corpsmen had been killed in the vicious firefight. "It's what Marines do," he replied when asked why he moved forward when others stayed back.
At the time, Corporal Meyer was 21 years old.
Like other Medal of Honor awardees, Corporal Meyer insists he is hardly a hero. He says he will accept and wear the medal to honor the Marines he served with, especially his four buddies who died. "The worst day of my life," he says of his profound sense of loss. "I feel like I failed them and failed their families."
My gosh. A failure?
This young man made five trips into what was a hot combat hell, with 36 men alive today based directly upon what he did. He drove out under the threat of likely violent death five different times. He tore into the enemy with the ferocity of an enraged United States Marine, the flashing of his weapon the last sight many of his Taliban ambushers probably ever saw. He left his position several times to bring wounded to his vehicle. He himself was wounded. He left no one on the field. All of this after having been ordered to stay put.
A failure?
No. A warrior.
One hears the term "warrior" these days to describe athletes and others who play games. The word's use is widespread and gratuitous, much like the young use "amazing" to describe anyone or anything only slightly above ordinariness. To see an NFL wide receiver thumping his chest after a routinely "amazing" play and hear him characterized as a "warrior" is ludicrous when compared to a real warrior like Corporal Dakota Meyer.
That our nation produces such courageous, selfless people as Dakota Meyer should make us ALL better. You have the gratitude of this former Marine for what you did and who you are.
Semper Fi, my young brother.
Gerald Gillis is the author of the award-winning historical novel "Shall Never See So Much." Gerald is available for consulting and event-speaking engagements. You can visit his website at http://www.geraldgillis.com and his blog at http://geraldgillis.blogspot.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Marine-Hero&id=6564501] A Marine Hero

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Why Marines Love USMC Shirts

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Adam_Primes]Adam Primes
USMC -- The Toughest Fraternity
"Send in the Marines" is a phrase that has brought a sigh of relief from our country and its leaders with the knowledge the situation would soon be well in hand for over 200 years. Our journey started on 10 November 1775 and wound its way though Tripoli, Mexico City, Belleau Wood, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, the Chosin Reservoir, Khe Sanh, Hue City, Beirut, Kuwait, Somalia, Fallujah, and Garmsir - anyplace in the world that American lives, property, interests, or security were in danger, Marines came to the rescue.
We've been called many names over the years - Devil Dogs, Leathernecks, Jarheads, and Gyrenes, but few things can strike fear into the hearts of our foes like seeing the initials USMC coming over the hill. We're the finest fighting force on the face of the Earth and when you're the best, it can sometimes be hard to be humble.
Our personal journeys started at Parris Island, San Diego, or Quantico and by the time we graduated, we were United States Marines - members of the toughest fraternity in the world. Is it any wonder that one of the first things we all did was rush out to the PX and buy Marine shirts to show off in front of our families and friends? We were no longer individuals - we were members of the USMC brother and sisterhood and proud of our accomplishment. "Once a Marine Always a Marine" isn't just a saying or slogan - it's a truth and a way of life.
Wearing Marine shirts announces to the world that you're a member for life of a fraternity that has dues paid in sweat and sometimes blood - a fraternity that can hold its head high in any part of the world and handle any crisis.
Be the Envy of Friends, Family, and Other Service Branches
When it comes right down to it - everyone fantasizes about being a U.S. Marine at some point in their lives - who wouldn't want to be part of our legendary fighting force, the ultimate warriors? But as we all know, there's a big difference between fantasy and proving you have what it takes to be the best - a U.S. Marine. So rub it in a little, show your friends, family, and those other service branches that you didn't just talk the talk - you walked the walk. Wear your Marine shirts with pride - you earned it.
It's a USMC Family
Those of us who are currently serving in the USMC or have done our duty in the past know that support from our families is a vital part of the Marine experience. While we're keeping our country safe in faraway places with hard to pronounce names, our wives, husbands, children, mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers are holding down the home front.
They're just as much a part of the USMC family as we are as they make do without their father, mother, son, daughter, husband, wife, sister, or brother and free our minds from worry by banding together to shoulder additional responsibilities during our frequent absences. Who deserves to wear Marine shirts more than them? Let them show their classmates, neighbors, and friends that they're a part of the USMC family and serving their country in an important way.
It's Hard to be Humble
Some might call it arrogance and others may say we're vain, but it's not boasting when you can back it up. We have 236 years of tradition that prove we're the finest fighting force on the planet and we've earned the right to hold our heads high. We don't back down from any challenge or run from any fight - we're the USMC - lifetime members of the toughest fraternity around. So wear your Marine shirts with pride, wear them with the knowledge that you've done what few can do - you're a U.S. Marine.
Show your Pride with [http://www.marineshirtshq.com]Marine shirts!
Let everyone know you love your [http://marineshirtshq.com/index.cgi/marineshirtshq.marineshirtshq-529699039+womens-fitted-t-shirt-dark.html]Marine!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Marines-Love-USMC-Shirts&id=6552524] Why Marines Love USMC Shirts

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Remapping Thomas Barnett's Discourse

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joseph_D_Mapue]Joseph D Mapue
Thomas Barnett's conception of the contemporary world as an ecosystem of states that belong to either one of two groups - the Core and the Gap - and his proposed military solutions in the context of this ecosystem are insightful and may partially constitute a working model for strategic planning but are unfortunately flawed in some fundamental aspects.
Let's review some of the professor's assertions in the lecture.
First, he defined the two clearly demarcated groups of states in terms of how much these states embrace the globalization of commerce and culture. The Core includes nations in North America, Western Europe, Northeast Asia, Russia, India, China, and other industrially advanced states that have become active players in the dynamics of globalization. According to Barnett, nations that belong to the Core developed mutual dependence among themselves and are, consequently, interconnected. Meantime, the Gap is the fulcrum where "the new security paradigm shift" emerges. Comprised by states or pseudo-states that have willfully prevented or are unable to adapt to the inflow of globalization within their borders, Gap countries include Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Somalia. It is the "disconnectedness" of these states that lies at the core of Professor Barnett's proposition: disconnectedness defines danger.
To Barnett, a disconnect poses a real danger to the Core and, if the threat is imminent, should be acted upon with a strong, long-term military campaign, where the guiding purpose is not only to neutralize the disconnect but to ultimately "shrink the Gap." As a result, countries in the Gap - at least in Barnett's cosmology - become the new theaters where conflicts are resolved almost always by armed forces.
This is what occurred in Iraq, as Professor Barnett stated in the first part of the lecture. The Iraqi invasion, he contended, is just not about disarming Saddam Hussein's repressive regime but a jump point from which the United States can assume the leading role in providing global security in the new paradigm. As it turned out, this is what actually happened - at least in some areas. Years of bitter conflict prodded on even after Saddam Hussein has already been uprooted and executed and Iraq became a forward base of operations for American anti-terrorist campaigns elsewhere.
Certainly, the bitterness was felt on both sides of the Gap. And here lie some of the flaws in Barnett's premise. There are two "disconnects" in the narrative. The disconnect which Barnett used to describe the daunting challenge of assimilating peoples long influenced by conditions in the Gap into the rule sets imposed by the Core; and the clear disconnect between the official justifications for the invasion and the what appears to be the unanimous Iraqi, US, and global public opinion against it.
Barnett's position that the United States should assume the mantle of the world's super policeman is also in question, and likely to be assailed not only by states in the Gap but also and most assuredly even by nations in the Core. Recall the series of troop withdrawal among the different nations that fielded the Coalition forces late in the war effort until only the US and its staunchest ally, the United Kingdom are the only countries that maintained substantial contingents to man the gates. In all likelihood, there will also be clear expressions of doubt, both in terms of American material resources and its moral right to wage a unilateral crusade against perceived targets [re: terrorists, rogue states, drug cartels, etc]. In fact, even at the zenith of its strength, the American war chest is already hard-pressed financing its current campaigns in the Middle East and Central Asia and will certainly groan uncomfortably when it is called to fund another major campaign.
Core countries with much longer-established interests in specific locales in the Gap also constitute a real challenge when the United States do decide to impose the Core's rule sets in these areas. North Korea, for example, has long been the diplomatic regime of the Chinese Communist Party and the US unilaterally engaging the impoverished but nuclear-capable rogue state is dangerously unpalatable to China. Similarly, Gap countries in North Central Asia may not be "assimilated" without Russia's consent and active involvement.
In summary, I admire Thomas Barnett's distillation of the contemporary world into the Core, the Gap, and Connectivity. However, the simplifications that make this mapping valuable as a strategic tool also makes it vulnerable to reproach: how do we classify states like Costa Rica for example, which doesn't fit both the molds of Barnett's Core and Gap countries? And do we really force non-belligerent nations into the folds of globalization even if they really prefer not to join? Lastly, the notion that the rest of the world need American military muscle to feel secure is constructed on tenuous ground.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Remapping-Thomas-Barnetts-Discourse&id=6566757] Remapping Thomas Barnett's Discourse

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Prepare For War! (Conclusion)

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_Agbo]Gabriel Agbo
All the wars, conflicts, bombings, terrorism, crimes, famine, disasters, diseases, Satanism, betrayals, enmity, sexual immorality, occultism, etc, you see in the world, as we have said, are part of the bigger war between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness led by Satan. Man was just caught in the cross-fire. The trouble began when Satan thought of taking the position of God and he was discovered and chased down from heaven with his army of rebellious angels. They came and rendered the earth formless, chaotic and in gross darkness. Prophet Isaiah caught exactly what happened to Satan and his ungodly ambition in chapter fourteen and from verse twelve. Then, God began creation and made man in the process.
Now, some of the instructions He gave to man were to subdue, dominate and take over they earth. He didn't want to leave the earth in the hands of these fallen angels. But the Devil will have none of these, so he quickly came in his usual subtle and deceitful way to lure man into sin (disobedience). Through that singular sinful action, he succeeded in straining the perfect relationship that had existed between God and man. And from then, man's troubles began.
Man's disobedience and subsequent fall removed him from the position that God had placed him, and also attracted severe curses from Him. Adam and eve were cursed. The ground was cursed. The devil that deceived them into disobedience was also cursed. And this was just the beginning of all the trouble that man is going through today. From then, man (human race) would struggle to make a living. He would sweat to produce food. He would go through pain to have children. The ground would grow thorns and thistles because of him. After all these, he was also banished from the garden (the presence of God). This is exactly what sin does to us. It cuts you off from having a good relationship with God. But something strange also happened here; God made clothing from the animal skin for Adam and Eve, to cover their nakedness. He is indeed ever-merciful! We will connect to this later.
The manifestation of the fall and the consequent curses continued to the children of Adam and Eve, and so it will go on until the final redemption of all things. We saw hatred and envy that eventually resulted in Cain murdering his brother Abel. More curses were also release upon Cain. And the chain continued. Man continued in those sins and disobedience, and also invented new ones. Idolatry, occultism, prostitution, homosexual, lesbianism and other sexual sins, betrayal, suicide, stealing, war, smoking, etc, were soon to be added to the list. The depravity continues today. Man, with the leading of Satan and the demonic world, has virtually done everything to provoke God's anger. Just look at the areas of occultism and sexual sin, nothing is left. Men now sleep with fellow men. Women sleep with women. And rape. Don't even talk of the kind of sexual interactions that go on in the demonic world. People sleep with beasts and even demons for power, fame, security, wealth, etc. Others lure our young ladies and force them to sleep with snakes and other demonic representations. Some of these ladies unfortunately die after there demonic encounters. Today, idolatry and occultism have also advanced. People proudly come out to advertise that the are Psychics, mediums, fortune-tellers, etc. Others boost of belonging to different powerful and dangerous secret societies and cults. Others call themselves Satanists. Yet, some have also totally denied the existence of God. Who is behind all these ungodliness? Satan!
The Final Battle
In all generations and dispensations, this war of the two kingdoms has continued. The devil, like himself, wants to make man an enemy of God. He wants man to share with his eternal doom. For sure, he knows his eternal fate. As we saw from our main text in the book of revelation chapter twenty, after rapture, second coming of Jesus, millennium rule, and sign and wonder done in haven and on earth, Satan still has the temerity to mobilise forces to fight God and His people. Yes, the devil does not give up easily. But, as predicted, he met his waterloo. Fire came down and consumed his army. Then, himself, the beast and the false prophet were caught and thrown into the lake of fire that burns with sulphur. There, they will be tormented day and night forever. This will be the fate of Satan, the fallen angels, demons, and all those that refuse the gospel of Jesus Christ. They will have their place in this lake of fire; where they will be tormented day and night forever. What a terrible end!
Escape Route
What must we do about this? To avoid having the same fate as the Devil and all his followers, we must accept the redemption plan of God. Remember, at the Eden, He used the skin of an animal to cover man's nakedness - sin. Through out the historical records of the patriarchs, the books of the law, the prophets, they were all pointing to the plan of God not just to temporally cover the sin of man, but to permanently resolve the issue. Even prophets like Isaiah clearly told us that a virgin will bear a son and will call him Emmanuel - 'God is with us'. He further said that the government will rest on his shoulders and that he shall be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Ever-lasting Father, Prince of Peace, and he shall rule forever from the throne of his ancestor David. Now these were clearly talking about Jesus Christ. Even the other religions (including Islam) acknowledged His virgin birth and that He was actually sent from God. He came and settled the issue of man's sin by dying on the cross. He paid the total price. If you will accept Him, turn away from your sins and make Him your Lord and Saviour, you will sure escape this impending eternal doom - the lake of fire, the perpetual torment, weeping and gnashing of teeth, that will be the fate of all sinners, Satan, fallen angels and demons. Will you? Do that now. Immediately! You can write for further counselling.
Till next week, God bless!
  rel=nofollow http://www.authorsden.com/pastorgabrielnagbo
Share this message. http://www.authorsden.com/pastorgabrielnagbo
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Prepare-For-War!-(Conclusion)&id=6563723] Prepare For War! (Conclusion)

Sunday, January 15, 2012

The Importance of Education in the Military

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ross_O_Irvine]Ross O Irvine
From the greenest Private to the saltiest General education has proven itself to be central to success in the military. Without the foundation of knowledge displayed by military leaders throughout history there would be no reason to recount the many victories in war won by gifted strategists. For war would be little more than randomness and chaos. But this has not been the case. Since the earliest times of ancient battle, those who took the time to prepare and learn have fared better, without regard to the lot to which they were assigned in life. There has always been a direct correlation between some form of education and success in the military field.
If the need for education and preparation has changed, it has increased. The advent of the internet, acceleration of technological development, and increased inter-connectedness of the world makes thorough preparation essential for any sustained military activity. This fact must be understood and accepted by every military member, since each service member plays a pivotal role in the success of every one of their unit's military endeavors. For instance, the military supply clerk may feel unnecessary or perhaps unimportant when the unit's mission is infantry-based operations but, those assumptions are wrong. His diligence in accurate record-keeping, organization, shipping, and storing is the only reason the infantry operations can continue. He must see this and continue with proper diligence as the rest of the service is depending on him. Every service member is an essential link in the chain. It is incumbent on every service member to pursue higher education and thereby maximize their contribution to their service and their country.
Pursuing education while serving in the military is not easy, it requires considerably more effort than waiting to be spoon-fed information by superiors. If a military member wishes to set himself apart from his peers he must pursue additional learning as though his life depended on it, for in many cases it may. The methods with which he chooses to learn will vary depending on his current situation; the constant is that his path is one of self-directed study. He must be both the instructor and the student. He must be willing to forego times of amusement and instead dedicate himself to his books. He has to be willing to be ostracized and ridiculed for his singular focus on improving himself. The service member who wishes to pursue higher education must steel his skin and be prepared to stand alone, because he knows that through his study, he is winning the war.
Read more from Ross Irvine about Military Education at [http://www.militaryeducationhq.com]http://www.militaryeducationhq.com, your guide to education in the military!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Importance-of-Education-in-the-Military&id=6568236] The Importance of Education in the Military

Friday, January 13, 2012

Returning Soldiers and a Little Girl Taught Me About the Power of Love

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_Petras]Michael Petras
I've never served in the US armed forces.
I've never gone to sleep at night with a loaded weapon by my bedside or experienced sheer terror.
I've never lived with the knowledge that just wearing the uniform of our great nation makes me a terrorist target.
Unlike prior eras, military personnel today are instructed to not travel in their uniform. So I was quite surprised to look up from seat 8E on my flight from Chicago to Boston to witness 6 soldiers dressed in full uniform boarding our flight.
They all looked so young.
I wondered where they were going and where they had been. I tried to imagine them just two years earlier...perhaps still in high school getting ready for a date, and asking dad if they could borrow the car...or asking mom if she could loan them $20 bucks.
As they filed by my seat, it didn't surprise me that all of them were polite, dignified, and patient as they slowly made their way to the back of the airplane.
I felt more secure with them on the plane, and yes, it bothered me they were sitting in the back of the plane. I muttered to myself: "They should be sitting in First Class."
Just as the boarding process was complete, our flight's Captain chimed in:
"Welcome aboard American flight 876 to Boston. It's a perfect day to fly and we expect a smooth flight to Boston today. I'd especially like to recognize and welcome several members of the US Army who are returning home from active duty in Afghanistan. Thank you for your service."
The plane erupted in applause and cheers.
Two hours later our flight gently touched down in Boston and the deplaning process began. As usual, everyone seemed in a big hurry and the isles were jammed with people gathering up their belongings.
As the passengers began to shuffle towards the exit, one of the flight attendants announced: "To those US soldiers on this flight, your families are waiting for you at the end of the ramp. There's quite a gathering out there!"
My thoughts: "Are you kidding me?! First they make our heroes sit in the back of the plane...and now, after a year of fighting in Afghanistan...we make them wait until everyone else has exited the plane!
Shouldn't it be the other way around?
But as I exited the plane, I realized that everything happens for a reason...and I was about to witness the divine hand of providence at work in a powerful way.
Upon entering the terminal, I saw about 30 people closely gathered outside our gate anxiously looking to see their loved ones come into view.
My eyes were drawn to a 4 year old boy standing in front holding a sign that was almost as big as him that read:
WELCOME HOME, DADDY!!
I saw young women dressed to the nines...just like they were going out on their first date. I saw fathers and mothers unable to hold back tears of joy while they waited for the first glimpse of their son...perhaps after more than a year.
I heard children squealing with excitement and nervous laughter as the anticipation mounted.
Then it hit me.
Many of the passengers, including myself and my wife, had quietly become part of the welcoming group. Total strangers from all walks of life, were now gathered together in a large semi-circle. After all, these are our sons too!
I felt a special spirit in a place not familiar with this kind of uncommon love and kinship.
After what seemed like an eternity, each soldier made his entrance into the light. As you can imagine, children rushed into their father's arms, families embraced, and tears of joy flowed. All of us clapped and cheered...and wept.
It was a wonderful moment that I will cherish for a long, long time.
As I looked around the room, there wasn't a dry eye in the terminal. Even people waiting at adjacent gates were caught up in this special reunion.
As we parted ways and slowly made our way through the terminal, my feelings of joy soon turned to anxiety for these young men. Will they be able to find rewarding jobs in this crazy economy? Will some of their youthful innocence and optimism remain after witnessing the horrors of war?
I hope the love and gratitude they felt from all of us this day will linger with them.
Fast forward 48 hours.
My wife and I were still in Boston. We hopped on the Green Line of the subway which was packed with people. In the rush, a cute little 6 year old girl had been separated from her mother who was only seated 4-5 rows ahead.
But to this girl, it probably looked like a mile.
My wife signaled to the mother that she was watching over her daughter, and not to worry. The mother seemed relieved even though we were total strangers.
The little girl stood patiently next to my wife, smiled often, and talked with my wife like she was her favorite aunt. As the train came to a stop and everyone filed out the door, this little girl affectionately looked up at my wife and said: "I love you!"
My wife said, "I love you too."
Everyone around us, who minutes earlier were suspiciously looking over their shoulders, felt something powerful connecting all of us...thanks to the example of this beautiful young child. At that moment, my mind went back to the reunion in the airline terminal.
I suddenly felt optimistic about the future...and the future of those young soldiers.
Michael Petras is an author, career advisor, and veteran executive recruiter of fifteen years. To learn more about the author and his work, go to his [http://www.job-interview-wisdom.com/aboutme.html]About Me page on his popular website.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Returning-Soldiers-and-a-Little-Girl-Taught-Me-About-the-Power-of-Love&id=6569193] Returning Soldiers and a Little Girl Taught Me About the Power of Love

Monday, January 9, 2012

Body Armor Can Save Your Life

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rusty_Solomon_Russell]Rusty Solomon Russell
When nearly all of us discover the word "body armor" our minds quickly conjure an image of the clanking metal that may well have been seen on battlefields in ancient periods. But actually, the body armor business is alive and well, and currently being propagated by groups of specialists equipped with sewing devices, as opposed to the blacksmiths of old!
This really is so due to the fact today's bulletproof vest is usually designed from particular, very tolerant "advanced" materials, that you could actually depend on to preserve your life in a difficult spot.
Individual ballistic safety is regretfully, more and more used by regular individuals to safeguard them throughout the course of their business in busy metropolitan areas. The sort of nylon textile used to protect users started its evolution in the flak jackets that had been first put on in the Vietnam and Korea battle fields.
Now, the most recent in soft body defense is textile that will efficiently shield the individual against stabbing and shooting. This kind of soft body armour has even passed the "California ice choose check." You will find diverse ranges of defense from ballistic attacks; level I, level II, degree IIIA, degree III and also degree IV.
Go For The most Protection Since these items of protection are really pricey, it does seem that while you're at it, you might also get the most efficient sort you can afford! Naturally, the a lot more effective a protective garment is, the thicker or more considerable it is going to be. The much less obtrusive components of body armor are the ones that can only protect you against a grade I threat. Since the thicker grade III garments are usually needed, it makes sense to ensure that the product you purchase suits you completely so you may be as at ease as you possibly can. Soft body armor is as much as Level IIIA and only guards against handguns, for Level III and IV particular plates should be inserted inside the front and back pockets of the bullet proof vests. Level III and IV safeguard against rifle/machine gun fire while Level IV defends against armor piercing ammunition and Degree III does not.
Body armour currently is a much more superior topic than it had been in instances gone by. The two light-weight and adaptable, it could almost pass for regular clothing. When you happen to be in a tight spot, the idea of the protection it's going to provide would make it quite straightforward to dress yourself in indeed.
The Body Armor Vest
As was the situation back when armor was truly designed, you can get distinct things for diverse circumstances and diverse components of the body. The most commonly put into use piece of body armour today is the vest, and this can be generally utilized by many distinct varieties of people; the military, law enforcement, and all types of protection personnel to name some. Much less general items of body armor consist of difficult helmets, shields (as may possibly be used by riot police for example), as well as comprehensive riot suits.
In times of emergency or uncertainty, even people in politics and high profile people from a lot of countries are definitely suggested to think about wearing some type of protection.
More info about [http://www.engardebodyarmor.com]Bulletproof Vest, or about [http://www.engardebodyarmor.com]Body armour, can be found at engardebodyarmor.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Body-Armor-Can-Save-Your-Life&id=6579377] Body Armor Can Save Your Life

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Modern Body Armor

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rusty_Solomon_Russell]Rusty Solomon Russell
When getting body armor one of the most essential issue to look at is what level of ballistic safety you are obtaining for your funds. Graded from I to IV, protection degrees aren't cheap. In addition, the appropriate garment will likely be thicker and bulkier since the degree of protection increases. Degree Iii is really a great maximum to go for unless you're going to become in active combat someplace.
You might wonder how mere fabric can actually supply ballistic protection against a range of modern day weapons. The idea is really simple truly.
Upon impact, the textile just assimilates the impact and distributes it, to ensure that instead of becoming concentrated in 1 little location, it really is dispersed over a a lot greater place. It really is the identical principle that works for snow shoes, essentially.
Raising Stages of Ballistic Security
There are numerous different producers creating material intended for some sort of ballistic protection now. Among the leaders in the market is Dupont, who produce Kevlar. This is the material of choice for several official US security organizations at the same time as military and law enforcement agencies.
Its record is outstanding in the safety arena, and Dupont functions continually to update their items based on the latest industry developments. Another crucial manufacturer is Honeywell with its Spectra.
Keep in mind that if a garment offers ballistic defense, it doesn't necessarily supply defense against a stab or puncture wound. It is vital if you feel you're going to need this kind of protection that you simply request to get a garment which is specially created to provide both sorts of defense. Furthermore, some body armour garments are outfitted with ceramic attachments, which will even shield against a sub machine gun.
Naturally, such safety comes at a price and these garments are considerably much more bulky than their less protective competitors, but peace of thoughts is precious!
Fresh technological innovation allows Spectra to be pressed and to offer you a quality bullet proof vest. Please be aware that Spectra may be the name of the fiber inside the USA and Dyneema could be the name in Europe and Asia. But we are speaking in regards to the very same materials. This final results is inserts that are much lighter, more shock absorbing and which have a much better multi-hit capacity. These inserts are much more expensive even so.
More info about [http://www.engardebodyarmor.com]body armor, or about [http://www.engardebodyarmor.com]bullet proof vest, can be found at engardebodyarmor.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Modern-Body-Armor&id=6579339] Modern Body Armor

Thursday, January 5, 2012

The Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church Brief History

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Frances_E_Hathaway]Frances E Hathaway
St. Bartholomew's Church RNAS Yeovilton
The Royal Navy (Fleet Air Arm at Yeovilton) has enjoyed a close friendship with the parish church of St. Bartholomew since 1940 with the commissioning of RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron). During 1940-42 fifteen victims of air accidents were buried in the churchyard before the opening of the Naval Cemetery on its southern boundary in 1942. In 1988, much of the church structure having become unsafe, it was made redundant. It was then that the often discussed idea of using St. Bartholomew's as the Anglican Church for RNAS Yeovilton was put into action. The Royal Navy seized the opportunity and bought the 'job-lot' for �1 in 1992. This triggered a series of national and international appeals to restore the church to its former glory under the guardianship of the newly formed Trustees.
An Order in Council signed by the Prince of Wales and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother formally sealed this process. St. Bart's, (as it has come to be affectionately known) passed from the local Diocese of Bath and Wells to assume the mantle of the Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church - effectively a private church housing the Fleet Air Arm Roll of Honour and a fitting focal point for those lost in conflict and other events. On 11 November 1993, after much restoration work, it was dedicated for use as such. Its appeal is world-wide and many visitors are struck by the beauty and upkeep of the place. St. Bart's is primarily used for worship and this makes a profound difference between a living community and a dead monument. Historically it might be argued that St. Bart's is the oldest of all military church buildings, having its roots in Saxon times.
Like all ancient buildings, the roots lie in deep history, but St. Bart's has undergone some major changes in its long life. In many ways, it is an honest place, allowing the visitor to glimpse some of its historical background. Its change of ownership has not only allowed the church to adapt in a new way, but has also enabled a very important building to be saved which otherwise would have been lost. Sympathetically cared for, many of the features were saved from destruction and neglect.
The Saxon church on this site was rebuilt by the Normans and the earliest tangible evidence of this Norman church, which was destroyed by fire, can still be seen; fragments of these earlier churches, turned pink by the heat of the fire, can be seen around the church walls with some fine examples of carved moulding set into the external south chapel wall. The nave of the present church was built in the late 13th century and the chancel in the early 14th century with the tower being added in 1486 by Richard Swanne, the Rector and also architect to Bishop Beckyngton. In 1872 the south wall was largely rebuilt and the south vestry (now the Fleet Air Arm Memorial Chapel) added. Medieval features can still be seen including the fifteenth century octagonal font, the piscina showing a fine example of local carving, carved heads either side of the Chancel wall and original wooden bosses displayed on the wagon roof. The north porch contains a water stoup and two lights; the single light probably formed part of the Norman church while the double light is of Saxon origin. St Bart's has a rarely seen stone altar and bread oven with external chimney; many churches had their stone altars destroyed after the reformation but this one was carefully hidden away for nearly five hundred years.
The Royal Navy bears the responsibility of repair under the lease, and in return enjoys a rent-free church. The Trustees are very proud of their achievements and encourage as many people as possible to come and see for themselves. With this in mind, a Custodian is employed to welcome our visitors, maintain the Fleet Air Arm memorial books and also to keep a very firm hand on the state of the building. We are clearly more fortunate than most, in that repairs are carried out efficiently and effectively. St. Bart's has captured the imagination of many and it remains a gem of a place. For the bereaved it is a place of focus, for the Fleet Air Arm it is the place to celebrate baptisms, weddings and funerals but more than that, it has an extraordinary sense of the Holy and that is what draws so many people back.
The act of maintenance is to balance the needs of a modern community with a sympathetic eye to the original vision of the medieval builders. Every age must contribute something if the building is to be alive and active and used for the purpose for which it was designed. An inspired addition to St. Bart's has been the inclusion of a stained glass window made of quality English glass for the east light, replacing some dreary 100 year old over-leaded windows, lacking in colour or imagination. The Chancel is now filled with a blaze of coloured light that the medieval builders would have understood. This new window, created by local craftsman, John Yeo to celebrate the Millennium, is called 'Resurrection Light.'
The main changes made during the initial renovations in 1992 were the removal of a temporary plastic chancel screen, the old organ and pulpit, repositioning of the font, the conversion of the south vestry into the Fleet Air Arm Memorial Chapel and the provision of a new vestry and bell ringing platform in the base of the tower. At the front of this platform is a screen bearing two glass engravings by Captain Chester Read presented by the Telegraphists and Air Gunners Association and the HMS Victorious Reunion (1941-1945) Association.
The Memorial Chapel houses the Fleet Air Arm Roll of Honour listing all those who have died serving in or with the Fleet Air Arm. The Roll was dedicated on November 10 1995. The Chapel is lit by a stained glass window given by HMS Daedalus to commemorate the dedication of the church and includes the crests of the Royal Naval Air Stations in commission at that time. The chapel is enclosed by an oak and glass screen presented by the New Zealand Fleet Air Arm Association. Its New Zealand crest was also engraved by Captain Chester Read.
Other major donations include the chandeliers and porch gates made at HMS Daedalus, the communion table and other wooden furniture made locally, the embroidered kneelers, the wooden gate at the road and the stone cross of the Naval Chaplaincy Service atop the porch. Funds for the renovation project were raised by donations from many sources including individuals and the various Associations who have links with St. Bartholomew's. Later the same year the church commissioned a stone statue of our patron Saint, Bartholomew, and this was installed in its original inverted niche at the base of the tower. Also in 2001, the font was relined by kind donation of the Eastbourne Fleet Air Arm Association in memory of Major Cheesman. Details of all donations to the church are listed in the Book of Benefactors, displayed in the Memorial Chapel.
St. Bart's is one of the few military churches to house a very fine ring of six bells. The Treble bell, the latest, was a gift in 1993 from the Royal Naval Guild of Bellringers; the second, from Roger Perdue of Closworth in 1628; the third of John Kingston of Bridgwater in 1820; the fourth made in Exeter is the oldest of 1435. Robert Wiseman is mentioned on the fifth in 1591 and the tenor was made by Petter's of Yeovil in 1872. Petter founded a heavy industrial plant, which eventually became Westlands, and subsequently GKN Westland. The fourth bell, known as the Maria bell, bears the inscription 'Protege Virgo Pia Quos Convoco Sancta Maria' - 'Holy Mary blessed Virgin, protect those whom I summon.'
It is not unusual to see a microcosm of church history in the bells, for whilst they are noisy for some, their detail remains a mystery in a tower locked away for hundreds of years. St. Bart's is no exception. The bells and tower, which were designed to allow the sound to carry across the fields, saw some poor advice given in the 1990's by a national heritage advisor. To preserve rotting beams, the bell frame was lowered by some 20 feet, and the sound has lost most of its medieval glory. Needless to say it would now be expensive to restore the original vision. Improvements to the ringing chamber in 2000 included removal of the old ladder access and opening up a doorway onto the turret stairs.
The steps from the pavement to the porch were removed and a new path and retaining wall were laid. In 2001 an extension to the Naval Cemetery was purchased by the Ministry of Defence, and landscaped through the generosity of Sir Donald Gosling. The stone wayside shrine and armillary sphere were added in 2002 by private donation. The old Queen's Colour is laid up in the Memorial Chapel and in the Chancel there are several memorial plaques, including one for those lost in the Falklands campaign. At the rear of the Nave, in front of the organ, is the memorial to the Palembang nine who died in Japanese hands in World War II.
During 2002 a new sanctuary lamp and baptismal ewer were presented to the church by former members of 809 and 835 NAS, respectively. Then on September 4th of the same year, the FAA Association's old Colour was laid up in the memorial chapel.
In 2009, to mark the 100th anniversary of Naval flying, a plaque dedicated to the four winners of the Naval Aviation Victoria Cross was placed in the Nave. Also a new chancel floor made from local Blue Lias stone was laid and the medieval stone altar, which had been preserved under the chancel floor, was restored to its rightful place.
Flying above the tower are the constant reminders of a busy air station and like a beacon, the church calls people home, often from dangerous missions. The Royal Naval cemetery, beautifully maintained by HMS Heron and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, are a poignant reminder of what St. Bart's is all about - commemorating the proud history of the men and women of the Fleet Air Arm.
I am employed as the Custodian of the Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church at RNAS Yeovilton. Known as St Bart's, the church is open to visitors Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons from 1330 to 1545. Please visit the website for more information: http://faamc.co.uk
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Fleet-Air-Arm-Memorial-Church-Brief-History&id=6576202] The Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church Brief History

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Napoleon - The Ultimate Revolution

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Neil_Killion]Neil Killion
We're going back in time and I want you to experience the whole thing. Put on an overcoat, line up some toy soldiers, put your hand inside your shirt, play some military music and turn your baseball cap sideways. Now look at yourself in the mirror. Yes, you are Napoleon! I want you to feel what he felt. He is the embodiment of Life Cycles. Once you know his story you will forever know the theory.
It's 1805 and Napoleon turned 36 on 15th August. So we're concerned with events taking place from then till 15th August 1806. Now who knows their history? If I was to have talked with Napoleon on 20th October 1805 he would have told me of his grand plan to break the British naval blockade and then to mount a huge invasion across the English Channel and so capture the island nation and rule the seas. He was in fact so confident of victory he had commemorative medallions struck beforehand. His combined French and Spanish fleet under Admiral Pierre Villeneuve was numerically superior. It would take a bold move by the British to put it under pressure.
But this is no ordinary year for him. No, he is in his major mid-life year of Revolution and upheavals and surprises are the order of the day. What happened next was extraordinary. At 11.00am on 21st October Admiral Nelson ordered his ships drawn up in two parallel columns, which was an unorthodox manoeuvre. Outnumbered and outgunned 30,000 men to 17,000 and with six less ships, they produced the greatest British naval victory ever at the Battle of Trafalgar. The French-Spanish fleet lost 22 ships without a single British ship lost.
Napoleon would never rule Britannia or the seas. He wasn't aware however that his enemies Russia and Austria were preparing an assault on France, if he had taken his army across the Channel. This defeat now left him the chance to adjust his strategy and turn on Britain's allies instead. A lesser man would have been crushed, but Napoleon was a military genius.
Can you not see how 'out of control' of events he was even though he quickly saw an opportunity. This is the Revolutionary upheaval par excellence. What happened next was even more extraordinary than Trafalgar.
Now we flash forward to Dec. 2nd 1805, and Napoleon and his grand army are facing the combined forces of the Austrian and Russian Emperors at Austerlitz in modern day Czech Republic. Days before he had given the impression his army was weak and that he desired a negotiated peace. He deliberately weakened his right flank to encourage an attack. Meanwhile he ordered troops march 110 kms (70 miles) from Vienna in 48hrs. for support, which proved crucial. The Allies marched right into his trap. As soon as they left the Pratzen Heights, Napoleon ordered his troops waiting in the valley below under cover of a thick fog to advance. As he passed by, his troops waved their hats at the ends of their bayonets and their shouts of "Vive L'Empereur" gave the signal for the battle to begin. Suddenly the sun burst through the fog at 8.00 am to reveal Napoleon's troops on top of the enemy. This was the famous "Sun of Austerlitz". Books have been written just about this. Check it out some time.
It was to be Napoleon's greatest moment. What followed next was something very rare in military history:-a complete and total defeat of one army by another in one day. It would scare many a foe from ever taking the field against him. It effectively handed control of Europe over to him with the surrender of the Austrian Emperor and the flight of the Russian Emperor. Never a more career-defining moment than this!
Now consider this. With Life Cycles I don't require you to believe in what I'm saying. It's a well-established fact. It all happened at age 36 in his important year of Revolution. I have the theory based on other case histories, but I substantiate it against well proven historical and sometimes recent facts.
Why do I write of Napoleon? "What has this got to do with me?" I hear you ask. "Nothing - that's what! I didn't conquer Europe, I wasn't defeated by Admiral Nelson! I live in the real world for God's sake." Well I'm here to tell you're wrong! You better believe it. Every life has a 'Sun of Austerlitz' and a 'Trafalgar' moment in it. We all triumph from the ashes in our own way. I wouldn't say it if I couldn't find supporting evidence from a confidential survey of my friends and associates given in Chapter Ten. Their stories are your stories if you know what I mean. I'll share my story with you next month. Yes true as you are reading this I say that you will be "swept away" twice in a symbolic sense in your Year of Revolution. I say it clearly:- "You are Napoleon and he is you!"
And this wasn't because Napoleon was a bombastic Leo with this and that angle in the heavens. It wasn't because he had a life path number of 1 or because he manifested the outcome in a 'Law of Attraction' manner. They all require you to accept the unprovable. Do constellations affect our personality? Are numbers really magic? Can you simply wish it or will it so? You'll never get any proof!
I am a voice from the wilderness. I am new and I am different. I only exist because I offer you proof. OK, so if we examined Napoleon's previous year of Revolution at age 24 would we find evidence of a related kind:- namely a superior strategic military victory? You bet I can! And not only was it similar but it happened around the same time in that year as it did in his 36th year. If you ask me I'll do a separate blog on this.
No-one and I repeat no-one has ever analysed life this way before. Keep tuned in to the blog that will one day change the course of history. Next month I'm going to draw this together and may even talk about myself a bit. Until then:- "May the cycles always bring you good fortune."
See author's two blogs:- Life Cycles-The Truth and The Evidence http://www.lifecycles-by-neil-killion.blogspot.com and The Story Behind Life Cycles http://www.lifecyclesstory-neil-killion.blogspot.com Fascinating follow-up book 'The Life Cycles Revolution' is being prepared for publication.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Napoleon---The-Ultimate-Revolution&id=6592803] Napoleon - The Ultimate Revolution

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Why Do You Need To Use A Bullet Proof Vest?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rusty_Solomon_Russell]Rusty Solomon Russell
Some individuals search for the extended security of body armor jackets. These usually have sleeves, or at least are continued over shoulders, to ensure that they give more protection than standard ballistic vests.
The addition of bulletproof inserts to bullet resistant fabric garments is nonetheless the main factor to individual security when confronted with a ballistic assault of any sort. Though study carries on at a pace to supply members of safety forces along with the public with a much more practical, easy to put on type of defense, a lot of people in all parts of society are nonetheless content to put on clothes with these bulky bulletproof inserts.
Presently you happen to be just as likely to seek out a civilian wearing body armour as you are a soldier or police officer. Individuals everywhere have discovered that these garments can supply a substantial degree of security even though they are going about their organization.
They use them with pride due to the fact they realize that as far as protection from gunfire is concerned, bulletproof inserts are just the best we have appropriate now. Inserts produced from 1 of the substantial technological innovation clothes such as Dyneema or Spectra, can quit~(blank)} even a high pace rifle bullet dead in its tracks. The apparent tactical difficulty is, will you have the ability to cover adequate of one's body to provide an effective obstacle?
An Option to Bulletproof Inserts
For a period of time investigation into this subject has focused on producing a whole-body protective covering that will not entail using bulky bulletproof inserts. To date, probably the most promising study is the fact that being performed by Dupont, the creators of Kevlar. They are functioning on something they name liquid armor. This special liquid they've made can be soaked into bullet resistant textile, which can be then formed, molded and sewn as common.
Without the use of bullet proof vest, this new cloth enables for body armor that's lighter, far more adaptable and less difficult to wear. Additionally it is inexpensive to create. It produces armor by becoming rigid on impact with any projectile. Though not accessible just but, it's anticipated that quite quickly, bullet proof inserts will probably be a issue of the past.
Fresh technologies permits Spectra to be pressed and to offer you a quality bullet proof vest. Please be aware that Spectra may be the name of the fiber inside the USA and Dyneema could be the name in Europe and Asia. But we're talking in regards to the exact same material. This results is inserts that are much lighter, more shock absorbing and which possess a considerably greater multi-hit potential. These kind of inserts are far more expensive nevertheless.
More info about [http://www.bodyarmornews.com/bullet-proof-vest.htm]Bullet Proof Vest, or about [http://www.bodyarmornews.com]Body Armor, can be found at bodyarmornews.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Do-You-Need-To-Use-A-Bullet-Proof-Vest?&id=6588758] Why Do You Need To Use A Bullet Proof Vest?