Armed Forces Day On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department -- the Department of Defense. Each of the military leagues and orders was asked to drop sponsorship of its specific service day in order to celebrate the newly announced Armed Forces Day. The Army, Navy and Air Force leagues adopted the newly formed day. The Marine Corps League declined to drop support for Marine Corps Day but supports Armed Forces Day, too. Interestingly, President George W. Bush has nominated the first Marine, General Peter Pace, as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In addition to books about all of the armed services, we have added more about the Marine Corps since this nomination is bound to increase interest in that branch of the service. The following books celebrate members of the various services and some of their major campaigns. Reviews The Armed Forces Geoffrey M. Horn    Part of the government's executive branch, our armed forces include the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Reserves, National Guard, and Army Corps of Engineers. Every year the Department of Defense employs approximately 200,000 new recruits. About 3 of every 4 of our one million plus active duty troops are normally stationed in the U.S. Historical perspective is provided, like the establishment of the Army on June 14, 1775, and the progression of the Navy from ironclads to carriers to nuclear subs. Subjects like the role of mercenaries, the meaning of "separation of powers," and the historic and contemporary roles of African Americans and women in the military are touched on. The book ends with a discussion of military budget expenditures and battlefields of the future (i.e., bioterrorism, dirty bombs, and cyber warfare). Charts list numbers of active duty armed forces and war casualties throughout history. Seven chapters in forty-eight pages also feature numerous illustrations, a timeline, a glossary, suggestions for further research, and an index. The first four titles in the "Library of American Government" series include Congress, The Presidency, and The Supreme Court. This is a fine basic series for a school library or classroom. 2003, World Almanac Library, $26.60. Ages 9 up. Chris Gill (Children's Literature) ISBN: 083685456X ISBN: 0836854616 Count On Us: American Women in the Military Amy Nathan    This account of the remarkable evolution of women in the American military opens on a scene at Arlington National Cemetery in the fall of 1997. A crowd is gathered to dedicate the first memorial to honor the nearly two million women serving the U.S. armed forces throughout our nation's history. It is an unprecedented event marking the long struggle to achieve the privilege of defending America. Why would any woman willingly leave her traditional place in society to face danger and discrimination? One quote prominently displayed at the memorial encapsulates the answer. "It isn't just my brother's country or my husband's country, it's my country as well." It is, according to one veteran, a matter of women "taking their rightful place in society." This National Geographic Society publication displays a panoramic and extraordinary view of women's societal journey through time. It is a primer of details, explanations, true slice-of-life stories and interviews. Award-winning author Amy Nathan anticipates not only the expected questions from readers, but also the unexpected queries that might be sparked by some small fact or short account. She has achieved a style of writing that will appeal to a wide audience. It is neither too sophisticated for the young reader nor too patronizing for the more mature. The book is well punctuated with black and white pictures, illustrations and vignettes to control the pace of the story. If choosing only one book to tell the story of women in the military, make it this one. 2004, The National Geographic Society, $20.50. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Francine Thomas (Children's Literature). Best Books: School Library Journal Book Review Stars, March 2004 ; Cahners; United States ISBN: 0-7922-6330-8 Life of an American Soldier in Afghanistan Diane Yancey    For over two years, thousands of American servicemen and women have served in Afghanistan. Fighting a war that combines modern weaponry with an ancient rugged land, the life of a soldier in Afghanistan is far different than that which he or she is used to. In this illustrated volume in "The War on Terrorism" series, Yancey traces the day-to-day efforts of American armed service personnel in a nation that many of them hardly knew of prior to their rotation of service. This book is structured in such a way that readers will gain a clearer understanding of the political and military events that continue to make up the conflict in that Asian nation. The book describes the soldiers' daily routine, including the problems of hygiene, diet, shelter, and climate. The author also does an excellent job of describing weapons and combat situations. On a darker note, Yancey does touch on subjects such as the posttraumatic stress of being in combat, friendly fire casualties, and "collateral damage" among civilians. This is a fine book and one that youngsters with an interest in either current events or military history will enjoy. 2004, Lucent Books, $27.45. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-5901-8329-0 Navajo Code Talkers Andrew Santella    Usually, people who risk their lives for their county are honored. However, this has not been true for the Navajo Code Talkers. This group of Native Americans was indispensable to the United States during World War II. Without them, the war in the South Pacific would have been lost. The Navajo culture was at risk of dying out. Navajo schools, run by the government, were not even allowed to teach the Navajo language. During the war, however, it was this language that saved many US soldiers. Navajo Marines used the English alphabet and Navajo words to construct an indecipherable code. This allowed American troops to pass messages without fear of interception. This book in the "We the People" series examines this little known group. This book is easy to read and visually interesting. The text has a good balance of simple language and complex ideas. It is illustrated with historical photographs and graphs explaining the code. While the glossary is very small, the other reference tools are very informative. It even has a web site that will help with additional research. This is an excellent book, especially for struggling readers. 2004, Compass Point Books, $22.60. Ages 8 to 11. Reviewer: Heather Robertson (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7565-0611-5 Operation Iraqi Freedom Sheila Rivera    At this very moment, American and coalition soldiers are engaged in an ongoing war in Iraq. As both troops and Iraqi civilians feel the effects of continued military conflict, it may be reasonable to look back at the events that led to the current war. In "Operation Iraqi Freedom," author Sheila Rivera affords younger readers a brief history of the events of the first months of the American-Iraqi War. This illustrated volume begins with an analysis of the reasons for the United States invasion of Iraq. Discussion centers upon President Bush's fears that Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein, possessed and would use weapons of mass destruction as part of a global terrorist campaign. Rivera then shifts her literary focus to the initial clash of battle and the humanitarian issues that continue to be part and parcel of this conflict. In closing, the author of this fair and balanced study of an event that continues to evolve before our eyes relates some of the painful issues that appear to be dogging American efforts. Only time will tell what the endgame in Iraq will be, but Sheila Rivera has provided reasonable information for youngsters about a topic that they are probably bombarded with on a daily basis. 2004, ABDO & Daughters, $17.95. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-5919-7496-8 United States Coast Guard Bruno Lurch    Every day the United States Coast Guard patrols the nation's harbors, waterways, and shores. Originally designed as a branch of the service that had a combined mission of protection and interdiction, the modern Coast Guard is also a vital force in maintaining homeland security. Coast Guardsmen and women serve in various capacities in an organization that has fought wars, coordinated rescues, and engaged in police work. In this volume of the "United States Armed Services" series, Bruno Lurch outlines the history and function of the Coast Guard. Lurch describes the Coast Guard in a thematic manner and offers readers fact-filled snapshots of the history of this organization. Individual jobs, biographies of Coast Guard personnel, discussions of equipment, and information about specific accomplishments of the Coast Guard are among the subjects covered in this illustrated book. The author sprinkles "pop-up" inserts of interesting minutia throughout the book. While not the most exciting read available, this book does offer readers sound information for understanding how an important but relatively little known branch of the United States armed services operates. 2004, Heinemann Library, $27.07. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-40344-550-8 ISBN: 1-40344-556-7 United States Marine Corps Bruno Lurch    Did you realize that the term "leatherneck," which is a nickname for a United States Marine, derives from the stiff, leather collar once part of their basic uniform? Were you aware that the red stripe that runs down the pants leg of a Marine's dress uniform is actually a "bloodline" that symbolizes all the blood shed by Marines? Did you know that the Marines were known as "devil dogs" by the Germans in World War One because of the fierceness of their fighting capabilities? These and many other revealing facts about the United States Marine Corps are shared in Lurch's illustrated study of that branch of America's armed services. United States Marine Corps is part of a multi-volume series entitled "United States Armed Services." As with other books in this series, this volume combines text, illustrations, sidebars, and resource information for further study. The text is organized in a thematic manner with topics that include equipment, women in the Marine Corps, African-American contributions, and the roles of Marines in various wars. While the text is somewhat dry it does include a great deal of information about a group of fighting men and women who are part of an elite force. Readers with an interest in military history will find nuggets of information in this book as well as a solid introduction to the subject at hand. 2004, Heinemann Library, $27.07. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-40344-551-6 ISBN: 1-40344-557-5 The U.S. Air Force David Jordan    The United States Air Force stands as one of the elite armed service branches in the world. Its pilots fly some of the most sophisticated military machines ever invented. The men and women who pilot planes such as the F-16, B-52, or Stealth Fighters are responsible for handling equipment that only a few decades ago would have seemed alien. The story of this branch of the armed services begins by briefly touching upon the roots of the modern day U.S. Air Force and then it discusses the way in which aircraft were used in the First and Second World Wars. The focus of the narrative then shifts to the Cold War era struggles in Korea and Vietnam, and finally to the use of air power in the two Gulf Wars. The history of the U.S. Air Force then closes with a concise look at some of the most important planes presently in use within the American military forces. All in all, David Jordan has done a good job of presenting his subject in a readable and interesting manner. Part of the series "America's Armed Forces," this is a book that will be well-received by readers who are interested in military history and hardware. 2005, World Almanac Library, $22.50. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-83685-679-1 ISBN: 0-83685-686-4 U.S. Army at War Terri Sievert    In a world where terrorism and conflict seemingly threaten on a daily basis it is wise to ponder the way in which America's largest fighting force, the Army, is organized. The American Army remains the most effective military force in the world. Beginning with humble origins during the Revolution, the American Army has been called upon to shoulder enormous burdens. Events such as the Civil War and the two World Wars have tested the mettle of American soldiers, in both our own and far off lands. In this concise look at the role and history of the U.S. Army, the author attempts to provide a general overview of the men and women who defend America. The illustrated book discusses Army history, past accomplishments, current roles and future directions. While the book is very short and should be considered no more than an introductory text, it does provide some useful information. Readers who are interested in military fare will find this to be both an interesting and informative experience. Hopefully, it will inspire them to seek out more in-depth selections to expand their knowledge about the proud and painful history of the U.S. Army. Part of the "On the Front Lines" series. 2002, Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7368-0922-8 U.S. Army Special Operations Forces Jeremy Roberts    Beginning with the history of the U.S. Army Special Operations, this title in the "U.S. Armed Forces" series presents units such as the Rangers, Special Forces, 160th SOAR, PSYOP, Civil Affairs, and SOSCOM. These mostly-secret organizations often work out of sight, in small, tightly-focused groups, with specific tasks. Chapters deal with recruitment, training, and life within special ops--which begins: "There is no 'typical day' for special operations soldiers." A page on uniforms, another on typical army gear, a spread on insignias and what they indicate, a structural chart, and a timeline all provide concise information the interested reader may explore. Color photographs show men and women of many hues in many roles, although the text states that women are not assigned combat positions in this command. (It is rumored, however, to have a special group of female soldiers.) The sidebars are a particularly compelling feature as they are substantial enough for the general reader but short enough to assist less able readers. End matter includes a glossary, timeline, biographical sketches of famous people in this service, further reading, bibliography, related websites, and an index. All in all, it is informative coverage of a high-interest topic, with a presentation that is sure to satisfy high school-aged potential recruits, as well as anyone else interested in the nuts and bolts of this branch of the armed forces. 2005, Lerner, $26.60. Ages 12 to 16. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8225-1646-2 The U.S. Army Matt Doeden    The American Army is the most powerful military force in the world. Over the years, America has depended upon it to repel invasion, assist in world wars, conduct peace-keeping missions, and be prepared to act with a moment's notice. The tradition of the American Army is a great one and it stretches back to the days of General Washington. The life of an American soldier is addressed in this title in "The U.S. Armed Forces" series. This short work uses a series of photographs of American troops operating in the Middle East to illustrate some of the basic tasks carried out by the army. Photographs of infantrymen and tankers operating in combat or on the march highlight some of the jobs soldiers do. Yet, while the imagery in the book is crisp and the text carefully tailored it is not one that appears to have great value; as a picture book aimed at primary- to lower-intermediate aged children, it appears misdirected. In many ways the sanitized version of war portrayed could well mislead children. Thus, this particular work seems more like an early-age recruiting poster than a picture book suitable for use in school or at home. 2005, Capstone Press, $19.93. Ages 7 to 9. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7368-2736-6 U.S. Marine Corps Jason Cooper    Semper Fi! The Marines have a special role to play in the U.S. Armed Forces. The first troops sent into a battle zone, they are trained for every kind of enemy environment. Tough, dangerous jobs are their specialty. Trained to fight on land, they are the only service to do so after arriving by sea. Because of this unique role, they work closely with the U.S. Navy. They arrive using the Navy's ships, help protect the Navy's bases and fly the same type of aircraft as the Navy. Dramatic and exciting? Yes. And that is reinforced by the use of official photos on almost every page. Historical examples are used throughout, possibly spurring a student with a passing interest in the Marine to additional learning. One of six titles in the "Fighting Forces" series, this book describes the role, work, command, weapons, lifestyle and history of today's Marine Corps. Laid out like a mini-textbook, the book includes a glossary of terms, an index, an age-appropriate bibliography, and a website list. A word of caution: this book is promoted as being appropriate for students in grades one to four. While the sentence structure and vocabulary is relatively simple, the text is a bit advanced for new readers, especially those in the earlier grades. 2004, Rourke Publishing LLC, $20.50. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Kris Sauer (Children's Literature) ISBN: 1-5895-2715-1 The U.S. Marine Corps Matt Doeden    The United States Marine Corps is one of the elite military units in the world and has served the American people since the Revolutionary War. One need only think of places such as Iwo Jima, Tarawa, and The Meuse Argonne to recall the sacrifices in battle that U.S. Marines have made for their country. The life of a U.S. Marine is one marked by vigorous training, comradeship, and the potential for violence. Part of the series "The U.S. Armed Forces," this title is aimed at youngsters in primary to intermediate grades. This work is, in fact, a picture book that substitutes photos of marines disembarking from amphibious vehicles, firing assault rifles, or flying jets for the illustrations normally found in books aimed at this age level. Unfortunately, the book tends to sanitize the life of a marine in combat and presents this censored version of war to an audience too young to understand the implications involved. The very limited text makes no mention of the human cost of war or why marines fight in them. One is left with only the image of men with determined faces running and using modern weaponry. Thus, this book appears to be more of an early-age recruiting poster than a work that is appropriate for young children. 2005, Capstone Press, $19.93. Ages 7 to 9. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7368-2739-0 The U.S. Marine Corps Hunter Keeter    With more than 200,000 members, the United States Marine Corpsis one of the most elite military organizations in the world. Marines are trained in a thirteen-week module that is specifically designed to exceed the expectations of other armed services. Marines are proud of their heritage and the camaraderie that is instilled into them by their officers and NCO's. The history, scope, and nature of the U.S. Marine Corps are the subjects addressed by this title in the World Almanac Library's "America's Armed Forces" series. This compact, illustrated work of forty pages is an excellent introduction to the topic. Starting with its origin in the American Revolution and up through current military actions undertaken by Marines in Iraq, the author portrays the efforts of these fighting men and women in a sound fashion. Along with the historical narrative, he also touches on subjects such as women's role in the Marine Corps, race relations, and the political role played by the Corps. The presentation of this subject in such a concise yet capable manner gives young readers a place to learn about a vital military force. 2005, World Almanac Library, $22.50. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-83685-683-X ISBN: 0-83685-690-2 The U.S. Marine Corps Michael Benson    Beginning with the history of the U.S. Marine Corps (up to the coalition remaining in Iraq in 2004), this title in the "U.S. Armed Forces" series provides information for the casual browser, the person considering joining up, boat and sea warfare buffs, and report writers. Four sections are included: History, Recruitment, Training, and Life in this particular branch. The recruitment section includes the specifications and preparation for admission to all levels of the Corps and includes descriptions of what happens in each level, who pays for what, obligations upon finishing, and roles various people may take on. A page on uniforms, another on typical Marine gear, a spread on insignias and what they indicate, a structural chart, and a timeline all provide concise information for the interested reader. Color photographs show men and women of many hues and in many roles. The sidebars are a particularly compelling feature as they are substantial enough for the general reader but short enough to assist less able readers; topics include the reason why Marines are called "leathernecks" (because of a leather collar added in the early 1800s to protect from sword cuts), double Medal of Honor winner Daniel Daly, the words to the "Marine's Hymn," and African-American marines. End matter includes a glossary, timeline, biographical sketches of famous people in this service, further reading, bibliography, related websites, and an index. All in all, it is informative coverage of a high-interest topic, with a presentation that is sure to satisfy high school-aged potential recruits, as well as anyone else interested in the nuts and bolts of this branch of the armed forces. 2005, Lerner, $26.60. Ages 12 to 16. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8225-1648-9 The U.S. Marine Corps at War Melissa Abramovitz    Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature).During the Revolutionary War the Federal Government commissioned the enlistment of specially trained infantrymen to defend ships engaged in combat with the British. These troops were considered naval personnel and were uniformed in a way that included the provision of a high leather collar. This collar was designed to help ward off sword cuts and became the source of the ongoing nickname for men and women who served in that branch of service over the next two centuries. The U.S. Marines, sometimes referred to as "leathernecks," are still considered one of the elite fighting units in the world. A specialized force, the Marine Corps is most famous for its amphibious landings. In the Pacific during World War Two, in the Korean War, in Vietnam, and as part of the Gulf War, Marines were part of amphibious assaults that helped achieve major military goals. Using ample illustrations, the author provides a very brief overview of the history, role and future of the Marine Corps. Designed as an introductory text, this book will put readers in touch with a fascinating subject. Using this concise book as a starting point for further study into the proud and, at times, tragic history of the U.S. Marines will be a wise decision. Part of the "On the Front Lines" series. 2002, Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7368-0923-6 The U.S. Marine Expeditionary Units at War Michael Green and Gladys Green    It is December 2001, and a Marine from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) patrols an airport in Afghanistan. It is his job to keep the airport safe from an enemy terrorist group. But who are the MEUs? What special training did they receive for missions such as this? This book takes a brief look at the history of the Marine Expeditionary Units, from the formation of the Marine Corps Expeditionary Force in 1933 during the First World War, to the present fighting in the Middle East. It includes a list of important dates, information on equipment used by the MEUs and close-up photographs on each page. The authors assume readers have some understanding of military lingo and acronyms, and for those who do not, the sparse writing littered with references to F-35B Strike Fighters and CH-46E Sea Knights may be frustrating. A brief glossary is included along with a list of resources for finding more information on the Marine Expeditionary Units. This book is a part of the "On the Front Lines" series by Capstone Press. 2004, Capstone High Interest Books/Capstone Press, $ 22.60. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Rebecca Watson (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-7368-2157-0 The U.S. Navy David Jordan    Over 300,000 men and women serve in the U.S. Navy and it is their collective story that is ably told by David Jordan in this title in the World Almanac Library's "America's Armed Forces" series. In this illustrated book, the U.S. Navy is presented from a historical perspective stretching from the American Revolution to the modern day. Throughout the text, the key leaders and campaigns of the U.S. Navy are presented in a way that will inform and interest readers. The later portions of the book addresses topics such as technological advancements within the Navy, the role of women, and future naval trends. The book includes a wide variety of photographs, illustrations, and other visual aides designed to amplify the reader's experience. This is a fine introduction to a subject that retains its relevancy in an era of ongoing warfare and global security concerns. 2005, World Almanac Library, $22.50 Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-83685-684-8 ISBN: 0-83685-691-0 The U.S. Navy at War Melissa Abramovitz    Since the American Revolution, men and women serving in the United States Navy have striven to defend this nation. Over the past two hundred and twenty five years the American Navy has also greatly expanded, as has its mission. Beginning with a handful of wooded vessels, the U.S. Navy now operates a vast armada of modern ships. Aircraft carrier attack groups sail across the oceans of the world carrying more destructive power than whole armies of the past. Nuclear submarines traverse the seas in a clandestine world. Surface ships armed with Tomahawk Missiles are capable of striking at targets over a thousand miles away with high accuracy. The story of the American Navy is introduced in this illustrated, short history of that branch of the U.S. military services. Starting with the Persian Gulf War, the author briefly touches upon a variety of themes related to the Navy. This high interest book should appeal to young readers who are interested in military history and weaponry. Part of the "On the Front Lines" series. 2002, Capstone Press, $21.26. Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-7368-0924-4 While You Are Away Eileen Spinelli Illustrated by Renée Graef    Told in the voices of three children whose parents are away serving in the US Military this picture book paints a tender and poignant portrait of life separated from a parent. In the first vignette, the boy misses his Daddy who serves on a Navy ship at sea. The boy says all the things he misses, like "baking brownies, hunting for salamanders, collecting river rocks." He wonders about what his Daddy is eating, where he is sleeping, and he sends his father a care package. The second vignette is told from a voice of a girl whose mother flies airplanes in the military. The girl wraps herself in her mother's "old green sweater" and she dances with her pillow. At night she blows kisses for her mother to catch. In the third vignette a boy misses his father who drives a jeep. He wants his father to know he is taking care of the garden and remembers what his father has told him about doing his homework and giving his mother hugs. In the last picture spread the day has come that all of the children had waited for--the day their parents return home. The illustrations are warm and soft, comforting readers and bridging the distance. This is a timely book for children whose parents are away in military deployments domestically and abroad. 2004, Hyperion Books for Children, $14.99. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Valerie O. Patterson (Children's Literature) ISBN: 0-7868-0972-8 Visit http://www.defenselink.mil/afd/military/history.html where this introductory text appears and learn even more about this holiday which will take place on May 21, 2005. To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here. Added 4/30/05