Law Enforcement & Military
The Medal of Honor: America’s Highest Military Decoration
Twenty-five years ago, the United States Congress established March 25 as "National Medal of Honor Day" to "foster public appreciation and recognition of Medal of Honor Recipients." The date was chosen because it was on March 25, 1863, that the very first Medals of Honor were presented to six members of Andrews' Raiders during the American Civil War. To date, just 3,536 Medals of Honor have been awarded to 3,517 recipients, with only 63 recipients still living.
The U.S. Navy’s Last Line of Defense: The Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS)
On January 30, 2024, a Houthi anti-ship cruise missile came within a mile of the United States Navy's Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Gravely (DDG-107) – mere seconds from striking the warship. Fortunately, the Phalanx Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) was able to destroy the missile in flight.
Ukrainian Sniper Claims to Break Historical Record
A Ukrainian sniper has claimed to have recently eliminated a Russian combatant from a record 12,470 feet, breaking the record for the longest confirmed sniper hit in history.
The Newhall Incident: Hard Lessons
This and similar incidents helped promote a train-like-you-fight mentality, which revolutionized police and even civilian training.
National Coastguard Day: What They Do and The Guns They Carry
Today is National Coastguard Day. Take just a moment to remember and thank those who serve in the United States Coast Guard. They have a unique story that most people don't know about. Let’s look at who they are, what they do, and the guns they carry.
The LVAW: JSOC’s Micro Sized Blaster
The LVAW isn’t your everyday, average service rifle but a precision instrument designed for specific missions. It’s often unclear where, why, or how the gun is used, but like many tools, it’s versatile.
History of the 187th Rakkasans
With five Presidential Unit (Army) Citations and many other awards, the 187th Rakkasans is one of the most decorated units in the U.S. Army.
The Barricade and The Long Gun: Training for the Unexpected
Three days before Thanksgiving in 2017, I responded to a burst of gunfire a couple of blocks from me. Another officer and I located the residence where the shots originated from and, as we approached, the armed gunman exited the house and opened fire on us. After an exchange of gunfire, he ran inside and took cover in the basement. After a nearly two-hour standoff, the wounded gunman surrendered. I’ve taken a lot of lessons from that night – good and bad.
Women’s History Month: Lyudmila Pavlichenko AKA “Lady Death”
Born near Kiev, Ukraine, in 1916, Lyudmila Pavlichenko was the deadliest of the 2,000 or so female snipers deployed by the Soviet Red Army, a former ally, in World War II. Despite an archaic "less-than-equal" view of women in war, Pavlichenko was truly an amazing inspiration for future female warriors and the world wouldn't be the same without her.
North Hollywood Shootout: 44 Minutes That Changed Law Enforcement
On February 28, 1997, the North Hollywood Shootout left its indelible mark on law enforcement and tactics. Here's the story.