No comments about The National Guard and Reserve: A Reference Handbook (Contemporary Military, Strategic, and Security Issues).

2 comments about McGraw-Hill's ASVAB with CD-ROM, Second Edition (McGraw-Hill's ASVAB (W/CD)).

1. I am very pleased w/ this guide. It is very thorough and well written. I would recommend it to anyone in the market for an ASVAB study guide. I haven't tested yet since reading this book, so I can't tell you how well it worked. I did, however, take the test right out of high school and I expect to do better after using this guide.



2. i ordered this book for my grandson who is going into the military. he says it has been very helpful

3 comments about Saber's Edge: A Combat Medic in Ramadi, Iraq.

1. Anyone interested in modern American military operations will enjoy this book. But I especially recommend it to the everyday American who wonders what it's actually like to be fighting on the front lines of the Global War on Terror. This story is told straight from the shoulder. It's easy to pick up and read, and you don't have to be a veteran, a techno-geek, or a military historian to understand it. Mr. Middleton describes what it's like for the iconic American citizen-soldier--not a Regular Army man, but a workaday civilian who in "real life" is a nurse, a salesman, a teacher, etc.--to be called to 18 months of active duty to defend his country in a combat zone far from home. Middleton, a combat medic and a religious Catholic, describes movingly his own reactions to the realities of the combat experience, both the ugly and the sublime. He describes suspenseful combat actions conducted by the Vermonters, but also the daily tedium of serving far from home in a strange, hostile, and uncomfortable environment. The Vermont Brigade fought under the 2nd Marine Division during the long battle for Ramadi, the city which insurgent leader Al-Zarqawi, now dead, had declared to be the "Capital of Al Qaeda in Iraq." The Guardsmen's triumphs in battle, and even more so, their reputation for fair dealing earned day by day from the tribal chiefs of Ramadi, contributed significantly to the Al Anbar Awakening, which is what turned the tide of the war in Iraq. I fully expect Mr. Middleton's fine story will find a valued place in the popular literature describing the history of our American citizen-soldiers at war.



2. SABER'S EDGE: A COMBAT MEDIC IN RAMADI, IRAQ offers a memoir of a national Guardsman called upon to fight in Iraq, documenting how a middle-aged Vermont firefighter was called to war. In a few weeks Thomas Middleton changed from a suburban father to a combat medic in the front lines of war: his story offers a unique perspective of a mature guardsman during conflict.



3. Saber's edge is Tom Middleton's chronicle of his experiences as a Firefighter/Paramedic/Nurse National Guardsman from Vermont taking the fight to the enemy in the chaotic and violent city of Ramadi Iraq in 2005. Tom gives a detailed account of day-to-day activities as well as the pivotal battles and encounters with the enemy where he was forced to reconcile his role as a combat medic with an infantry platoon.
   
   As a paramedic I appreciated Tom's detailed accounts of how he applied his lifesaving skills to friends and foes. I also appreciated his sharing the turmoil he faced healing those that had just been attempting to harm him and his companions, but the importance to the greater mission to show compassion.
   
   Tom also explores how his spirituality and catholic religious beliefs were strengthened as he prayed and discussed the justness of war, killing combatants, death and injury to non-combatants, and the importance of staying true to a strong set of moral principles to avoid the urges of vengeance and evil.
   
   Taking the fight to the enemy was a frequently used phrase used throughout the book to both express the frustration of the mission as well as the reward of getting out of the forward operating base and seeking out the enemy before more harm was caused.
   
   Listen to an interview with Tom Middleton on the Medical Author Chat podcast, [...]

5 comments about Storm Watch (Harlequin Blaze).

1. After being deployed during hurricanes like Katrina and Rita and a nasty flood in the Midwest that took out his best friend Matt, National Guardsman Jason Mauer returns to his home in Santa Rey on the mild central California coast. He plans to rest from the difficult rescue mission and enjoy his rare time home renovating with his brother Dustin their place of business.
   
   Another devastating storm leaves ER nurse Lizzy Mann barely reaching an evacuation area while unable to reach her pregnant sister Cece. She tries to reach Dustin for help, but the cell phone failed though Jason did hear a woman whispering for help. Jason soon realizes it was Lizzy who he knows from high school and thought she was a hot babe back then, but now she is even hotter; he offers to help, but she says no. However, with the horrific weather so bad, Lizzy knows Cece's needs come first.
   
   This is a tense romantic thriller starring two fascinating heroes. Lizzy's constant rejections of Jason's offers of help will drive readers dizzy as she makes no sense since he is a professional rescue expert just what she needs at this moment even if she remembers him as Mr. Ass the bane of her high school existence. Still fans will enjoy this taut tale as Mr. Ass and Miss Prissy fall in love.
   
   Harriet Klausner



2. I bought Storm Watch expecting a decent read. I ended up loving it! The story between the main characters is cute and very hot! The chemistry is explosive. I was pleasantly surprised by Storm Watch. I was also pleased by how Shalvis was able to develop the characters, despite the book's short length. I definitely recommend Storm Watch!



3. Jill Shalvis pens another red hot read in Storm Watch.
   
   National Guard member Jason Mauer is finally back home for a much needed break after losing a close friend during a disaster. He just wants food, sleep and sex, doesn't matter in what order. But before he can do anything he gets a SOS from an old high school classmate, Lizzy Mann. Seems Lizzy needs to get through a raging storm to get to her very pregnant sister CeCe.
   
   ER Nurse Lizzy Mann gave up her dreams years ago to be a doctor when her parents were killed. She dedicated her life to raising CeCe. When CeCe needs her Lizzy will do anything to help her sister. Used to depending on no one, she accepts Jason help to get t her sister.
   
   Lizzy always had a crush on Jason back in the day, seeing him all grown up only intensifies her feelings. With him willing to put his life on the line for her and her sister makes him one in a million.
   
   Jason Mauer didn't have the heart back on high school to tell Lizzy how he really felt. Seeing her as an adult he isn't going to let it go without telling her. He is going to show her that he is the man for her to depend on through thick and thin.
   
   Storm Watch delivers a superb and sexy story that one comes to expect from author Jill Shalvis. Lizzy and Jason set sparks afire during the terrible storm. They both have things they need to work out but together they can handle anything that comes their way. The secondary romance of CeCe and the man who helps her is special in its own right. Ms. Shalvis packs a fast paced, sexy and caring story into blaze novels. I always say you can't go wrong with Jill Shalvis books.



4. I got hooked on Shalvis through her Sky High Air series and have been reading her ever since! Storm Watch is an above average read for a series romance.
   
   Jason Mauer is a search and rescue national guard member on a leave who meets up with old classmate Lizzie Mann who is a nurse. Their last names both start with "M" so they grew up together in school sitting near or next to each other. Both had secret crushes on one another and now that they are together again, sparks fly. And together is rushing to help Lizzie's very very pregnant single sister during one of the worst storms of the century. Flooding, torrential rain, and blocked streets from swirling debris challenge them as they race to make sure Cece isn't in labor. But of course she is and she ends up not needing them as her sexy just moved in next door neighbor is there to save the day. The story takes place over a 24 hour day and there is a lot of action both between Lizzie and Jason and of course the battling of the storm!
   
   My one criticism of the book is that Lizzie's character seemed to be rather annoying in her actions - she would push Jason away because she was afraid he'd break her heart. I felt more empathy towards Cece who, in the 24 hours, grew up while Lizzie seemed to be a bit of a stagnant character! Plus Cece actually didn't need Lizzie as she found her own hunk and he was, to me a more interesting hero than Jason!



5. I've read several of this author's books and have enjoyed them, but this one was disappointing. I couldn't get past the fact that although the heroine was trying to reach her pregnant sister who was very possibly stranded in a raging flood and near going into labor, the heroine and hero indulged in several passionate make out sessions - this after seeing each other for the first time since High School. The story line seemed drawn out and predictable - the hero had just lost his best friend who drowned in a flood, and the same thing nearly happens to the heroine. Not one of this author's best.

5 comments about Afghan Journal: A Soldier's Year In Afghanistan.

1. If you want to understand what the War on Terror is really about, forget reading the news headlines or watching CNN. This should be required reading for those of us in the US who tend to dismiss Afghanistan as some sort of remote "irritant" that is best relegated to academic debate.
   
   This guy looks at what it means to be an in-the-trenches soldier from all dimensions - mental, emotional, physical, spiritual. It isn't always pretty - but it's real. It also helps you get inside the head of someone who's willing to do the tough work of showing up - when most of us "back home" are focused on our own personal priorities.
   
   If you want to understand what it means to put your life on the line in Afghanistan - or any war - this is the book for you.



2. This is a touching, thought-provoking story of one man's mission to make a difference in the world - by sacrificing his typical suburban life in the US to help empower the Afghan people to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan. If you've ever struggled to choose between personal and professional demands, while aiming to serve a higher purpose, you'll relate to this story.
   
   I learned SO MUCH by experiencing this soldier's tour of duty through his eyes! We see not just how difficult it is to wage war successfully under the Army's current constraints (lack of budget and attention paid to operations in this part of the world) - but also we discover really interesting aspects of the Afghan culture, as well as life in a desolate military setting.
   
   Now that violence and terror in that region are escalating again, this should be required reading for any of us in the West who assume that terrorism isn't "relevant" to our everyday lives.



3. A 50ish senior non-commissioned officer in the Illinois Army National Guard deployed to Afghanistan in January 2007 as a member of a training team supporting the Afghan Border Patrol for one year. "Afghan Journal" is his diary from that year complimented with some background material on the reality of Army life in the first decade of the twenty first century.
   
   Sergeant First Class Courter recorded the course of his deployment, from receiving the warning to his return in great detail. It is an excellent first hand perspective of the conflict in Afghanistan. SFC Courter describes the complexities of dealing with the Afghan federal forces and offers glimpses of the life of the people of that country, while providing candid snapshots of day to day life in the Army in training and at war.
   
   His thoughtful reflection on the effect of his faith on his actions and perceptions and the war on his faith and a human depth to this book, but don't overwhelm the retelling of his experiences. His maturity allows for a much more considered and detailed text than often found in similar works.
   
   His book is a first rate account of the conflict in Afghanistan in 2007, and I fully expect to see it cited in historical bibliographies in fifty years time.
   
   E.M. Van Court



4. Courter gives the reader a personal look at the "global war on terror" from its point of origin -- Afghanistan. Courter's account is raw and unabridged, allowing the reader to learn not just about the many faces of war, but also much about the history of Aghanistan, its people, its cultures and the devastation caused by the Taliban forces. Against a backdrop of faith in God and a commitment to supporting "Operation Enduring Freedom", Courter's personal insights extend well beyond the combat zone to provide readers with spiritual perspectives that can apply to our daily lives. Afghan Journal: A Soldier's Year In Afghanistan



5. Lets you feel the heart torn effects of being a soldier with a family, the joys of successful missions, challenges of day to day survival, the joys of watching your Afghan counter parts grow as a nation and the grief of losing a brother or sister in arms.
   RIP SSG Thomas McGee, SFC Collin Bowen and God Bless our soldiers.
   
   SSG Rock

5 comments about As You Were: To War and Back with the Black Hawk Battalion of the Virginia National Guard.

1. This book provides fascinating insight into today's Citizen Soldiers...and the motivations/experiences of a handful of National Guard men/women who chose to serve, even while knowing that they would likely be shipped overseas in war-time, their lives disrupted and forever changed.
   I got the book after hearing the author describe what happens to the various realife "characters" on Diane Rehm 's NPR show whose stories were as interesting as fiction. Hearing him mention that one of the guards"men" was from a chapter of my sorority (KD) at William & Mary I was curios to learn more about this girl who could've been me--if only I'd had her courage, drive, intelligence, patriotism, seriousness when I was her age. But of course, like the other 99 percent of American's who don't serve, I DO NOT!! I wanted to learn more about how/why she had to leave mid-semester and how she tried to finish her classes via independent study from Iraq, w/ her computer shutting down once when they were under attack and losing her homework in a chapter entitled "the terrorists ate my homework"... hearing him describe the vast difference between her college life and Nat Guard training weekend stints (which instead of sharing this interesting part of her life, she inexplicably kept secret from most classmates/sorority sisters) --and about her experiences after "winning" a coveted spot as a gunner on a blackhawk helicopter ... the line one of her sorority sisters "but I thought only poor people had to go to war" was so sad and clueless yet personified what I think is wrong with -- the chicken hawk cliches --old white men in washington sending other people's kids to die in war overseas ...
   But I remember my own cluelessness about politics and world affairs when I was too busy studying and having fun in college, It was interesting how many of his characters questioned the war, yet answered the call anyway and came to resent the anti-war rhetoric, even as they also questioned the war.
   It's an important book with interesting profiles, I'm surprised it only has 11 reviews. Unfortunately, Iraq fatigue had set in by the time it was published. But the story goes on, with drawdown in Iraq, but buildup in Afghanistan it will be sadly interesting to see if they will still keep going back to the National Guard "well" with extended tours ... no good deed goes unpunished, voluteer and you're "rewarded" with extensions...never mind PTS, broken relationships, etc etc
   
   Note to Publisher/Davenport: If it comes out in paperback, it should include PHOTOS! It educates so well on an important topic, because it reads like good fiction in tradition of Alex Hailey (Wheels, Moneychangers, etc)...but since these are REAL people, readers should get to see their photos!



2. It reads like a novel, but it's actually a deeply researched and empathetic account of the challenges faced by some real people serving in Iraq, and their readjustment to civilian life upon their return. Very readable; quite moving.
   
   Disclosure: I'm personally acquainted with the author.



3. I decided to read this book after hearing the author's interview on NPR. I am glad I decided to read this book as my first introduction to military non-ficiton. The book woke me up to certain issues that I was not aware of and now appericate the wealth of knowledge this book has given me. I know deeply appericate all the hard work and years citizens-soliders have given their country. I think I have become a better citizen, because I read this book.



4. This book gave a lot of insight into the personal aspects of our military personnel. The emotional requirements of serving in Iraq are huge. Many of our soldiers are scarred for life. Going to war is the end of their lives as they know them. The book gave me even more reason to admire and respect our brave soldiers.



5. I first heard of this book through a review written by the Army Times. I had been home from Iraq for one year and had found many setbacks. I was astounded at the experiences each soldier had. I saw so many similarities between their experiences and my own. I wish I had read this book when I first returned.

5 comments about A Family's Guide to the Military For Dummies.

1. Sue Hoppin hits the ultimate mark with her book "A Military Family Guide for Dummies". As a military spouse and Gateway Talent Management and Corporate Development Manager for the "Military Spouse Corporate
   Career Network" (MSCCN), I know first hand that job readiness can only be accomplished when a military member and their families have control over their military life.
   
   Sue Hoppin takes the military member completely through the military life cycle in her book, something most "military-minded" books never do.
   This book is absolutely complete! For instance in Chapter 11 of the Military Family Guide for Dummies, Sue Hoppin provides resources and guidance which assists job seeking military applicants maneuver the many pitfalls of a job search, and maps out meaningful real life employment solutions for military families stretched to the max due to multiple deployments. Once the military life is managed - a job search can be organized in short order. The MSCCN recommends this book to ALL military members and corporations alike when trying to understand the nuances of military life, job readiness and force protection at it's best.
   
   Kate Midden, MSCCN



2. I grew up with both of my parents being career Army and have now joined myself. This book offers indispensible information- even things my parents didn't know after 30+ years of service! There are great overviews that explain military customs, benefits, how and why to get a power of attorney, etc. It is definately worth the $13 list price.



3. I'm sorry to disagree with the above reviews, but I just could not stay quiet. My son entered boot camp in January of 2008, and he recently deployed to Afghanistan as a combat medic with the 82nd Airborne Division. As soon as he began considering the enlistment process, I went on a mission, researching everything I could find, everywhere I could find it, so we, as a family would be better educated and more capable of offering him the best support we could.
   
   There is NOTHING in this book that I had not already found myself with a few very simple clicks on many a search engine, not to mention several phone calls, conversations with his recruiter, and acquaintances of ours who were happy to help.
   
   The book is WAY too general, never offering specifics on things such as specific dollar amounts when it comes to pay grade, etc. Almost without exception, the most pertinent information a reader would be looking for was followed by a link, which they could have easily found themselves for free without paying the $15 or so for the book.
   
   I also found many comments insulting and condescending, as when suggesting couples to be flexible with each other 'during this tough time' and remembering to email and call to remind each other how important they were to the other. For real???????
   
   Some of the information was just a plain JOKE. The section that states that military families can use military aircraft for their air travel is just about as possible as winning the lottery. Believe me, I've had friends who've tried. There were other examples of this as well. Military families on limites budgets need the TRUTH.
   
   To me, as a mom of a son defending our great country (I have 2 cousins in the Army also) this was insulting. It made it sound like the proper way to dress and speak at a garden party was of the utmost importance, rather than how to dig in, circle the wagons, and prepare yourselves for one of the most difficult, joyous, and sometimes heartwrenching time of your life. Not to mention that the main author of this book was a Financial Advisor????? Oh my goodness.
   
   In conclusion, save your money. the internet is free and there are many helpful people out there, active and past military included who will give you honest and up-to-date information you can count on. This book just was not worth the paper it was printed on.



4. As military wife of many many years, and the very proud mother of a former soldier, this book really hit the important points. For a "newbie", I'd highly recommend it as a great starting point, as a reference to finding the information you need and places to get more information. Sue doesn't try to be all things to everyone, she gives a choice of links/hints and educates on some of the finer points that are often forgotten or never told to the newest members of this little world. Believe it or not, there are still "teas" and "balls" and dining ins/dining outs - all of which have their rules, and if you flub that one, your servicemember WILL hear about it later.
   
   Knowing that information in the military is often changeable, and fluid, she give you links to find out those important things, pay, BAH, etc. Sue "translates" the jargon, she reminds you of the "little things" that are sometimes overwhelmed by the day to day life of a deployment, or training. This book doesn't sugarcoat our lives, doesn't wave the flag or denigrate the service, which is all too common in books about the military life. There is no judgment, no placing the military on a pedestal or dragging it through the mud - but her pride in this lifestyle shines through.



5. I find myself going to this book as a reference guide at least once a week, and we have been in service for ten + years now!!!
   Great book! I highly recommend to anyone, whether a single soldier to a vet and their family!

5 comments about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Your Military and Veterans Benefits.

1. As a former U.S. Marine (Semper Fi), I was curious if I had any Veterans' benefits left after 31 years since my discharge. I was surprised to learn from this book that I did. Mr. Webber and Ms. Webber have done current and recently discharged Veterans a great service with their research and authorship of this book.
   
   I highly recommend this book as a guide and assistant in understanding Veterans' benefits and to help get through the bureaucracy surrounding them.
   
   Many thanks to all U.S. Servicemen and Servicewomen everywhere.



2. This is a great supplement to the 2008 Vet Benefits Guide put out by the VA. It is written so even an 8 year old can understand what a military vet's benefits are and aren't, depending on whether you are separating or retiring.



3. My husband is active in the USMC and I have found it very difficult to get information out of anybody! It didn't matter what it pertained too but it was like I was asking them to unseal a confidential envelope just for me!
   
   This book has helped so much with basic info. such as insurance, websites and phone numbers. It even goes into details about vacation spots off of each particular Military base and the prices! It is a must have for anyone in the Military!



4. Today, any book on military benefits in out-of-date six months after it is published. Veterans benefits and active-duty military benefits are changing very rapidly due to the constant state of war that the United States has been involved with since October 2001. Thankfully, Congress can't do enought for our military men and women today and therefore, the internet is the best place to go to find out about the current and changing nature of veterans benefits.
   
   Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense web sites for additional information on veterans benefits.



5. I think most of what is in this book can be gotten on the VA web site. I didn't read it much so my review isn't in depth. Although copyrighten in 2008, much of the income and asset thresholds were obsolete due to legislation in Jan 2009.

No comments about McGraw-Hill's ASVAB Basic Training for the AFQT, Second Edition (McGraw-Hill's ASVAB Basic Training for the Afqt (Armed Forces).

2 comments about Veterans Benefits For Dummies.

1. This book has served as a great tool to navigate the confusing and frustrating world of VA benefits. I strongly recommend this to any retired or current service member. The book gives detailed explanations to VA benefits such as mortgages, medicine, disability, etc. It has saved my family thousands of dollars and was truly money well spent.



2. After 20 years in the military retirement transition assistance was a two week "awareness" event with almost more rumor and deception than fact.
   This book has tons of facts never exposed or explained. And just the savings exposed through the (FREE!) Armed Forces Vacation Club in a one night stay pays for the book 5 times over.
   Super for the four year enlistee and the 36 year retiree.