At a time when the question of war and what it means to serve our country is especially relevant, this essential reference provides a comprehensive, authoritative look at the American armed forces. Written by a well-known military historian, this two-volume set is divided into four sections, each devoted to one of the four major branches of the U.S. military - the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Air Force. Approximately 1,200 entries cover history; command organization; heroes and leaders; mission and role; equipment, weapons, and uniforms; life and traditions; and special terminology. Each volume is organized in an easy-to-use, A-to-Z format. An essential reference for the study of the four branches of the American armed forces, Encyclopedia of the American Armed Forces is an invaluable reference for any high school, college, or public library, as well as a perfect addition to any personal collection. Entries include aviation, bayonet, Civil War, Continental Army, court martial, Barbary Wars, boot camp, Desert Storm, dog tags, insignia, jungle warfare, Korean War, Curtis LeMay, Medal of Honor, mutiny, Chester Nimitz, nuclear war, nurse corps, Pearl Harbor, Purple Heart, ranger, Seventh Army, Special Forces, uniforms, and weapon systems.