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Experience

A curving beam of light illuminates a dark blue sky as a rocket launches. - An Atlas V rocket carrying a Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit satellite for an Air Force mission lifts off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Jan. 19, 2018. Photo courtesy of United Launch Alliance

Interactive

America’s Nuclear Triad

A soldier shakes hands with a resident. - Texas National Guard soldiers assist residents dealing with flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Aug. 27, 2017. Army National Guard photo by Lt. Zachary West

Interactive

Helping Hands

Watch: 60 Second Snapshot

His own country wanted him dead, so he left the only home he ever knew in 1994 for the United States. Years later, he gave back to the nation that saved his life by joining the U.S. Army.
Giving Back Through Service
1:00
A tortoise walks along the desert next to branches and grass.
Protecting the Desert’s Little Tanks
1:00
A service member speaks into a microphone from behind a radio station control board.
Goooooood Morning, Tokyo!
1:00
Amanda Agana has made a name for herself as a runner, but as a midshipman 2nd class at the United States Naval Academy, she runs toward a greater purpose: serving in the military.
Midshipman Runs Toward Purpose
1:00
Aerial refueling has more than one meaning for Air Force Senior Airman Jordan Smith. In addition to operating the boom that refuels Air Force jets, he makes the treats that refuel his on-board crew. Pizza is his specialty.
Refueling Crew Embraces 'Pie in the Sky' Idea
1:00
Col. Kyle Clement wears the Air Force uniform, but he’s got a not-so-secret stash of uniforms he’s been collecting for years. Some date all the way back to the first World War.
Preserving a Uniform Past
1:00

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Know Your Military

Discover more about the men and women who serve in your military — who they are, what they do and why they do it.

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Observe: Top Photos

Airmen work together to build a frame for a shelter.
Shelter Construction
Service members in yellow shirts and blue shorts do pushups in a circle on a grass field.
Birthday Brawn
A navy ship refuels another navy ship.
Replenishment at Sea
Three firefighters spray water on an aircraft engulfed in flames, illuminating the night sky with orange light.
Fire Drill
Two soldiers sit on a ridge and fire a large anti-tank missile.
Missile Launch
A plane lines up mid-air with a refueling pump attached to another plane.
Range Refueling
A sailor peers out over the open sea at night.
Standing Watch
A solder places an antenna on a stand in a field.
Antenna Setup
A sailor wears a breathing mask while another sailor waves a burning stick near the mask.
Protective Gear
A Marine lays on top of the end of an aircraft clearing rust, over the open ocean.
Cleaning and Clinging
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