What qualities does it take to walk up to an unexploded bomb or mine, and coolly and calmly examine it? To slowly and painstakingly remove the cover and attempt to defuse it? To be completely alone while everyone else has taken cover? The rise of terrorism in the 21st Century and the evolution of car bombs and other improvised explosive devices mean that bomb disposal officers are in high demand once again in places as far apart as Northern Ireland and Afghanistan. This book looks at life as a bomb or mine disposal officer, and covers what sort of person becomes a bomb disposal officer: a day in the life; training; types of devices; and the history of bomb disposal from WW1 to the present day in Iraq, Israel, and Afghanistan.
“Victory or Death” — the famous and stirring words of William Barrett Travis were written in a letter from the Alamo to the people of Texas in February 1836. This and other brash and brave letters, first-hand accounts, and documents are skilfully deconstructed in this detailed examination of The Battle of the Alamo, a last stand that proved to be a turning point in Texas’ War of Independence from Mexico. Readers will learn about the events leading up to and after the battle, be able to separate fact from myth, and better understand the perspectives of both the Texans and Mexicans.
This interesting book examines the events and people who were involved in the War of 1812 between the United States and what would later become Canada. Unusal for a war, the conflict ended with friendly relations established and no major loss of territory for either country. However, an examination of primary and secondary source materials reveals the War of 1812 is remembered differently in each country, as well as by the Indigenous peoples whose territory and dreams of an independent nation east of the Mississippi River vanished.
Using speeches, photos, and paintings of the time, as well as material that addresses historical context, The Civil War guides readers in critically examining primary and secondary source materials. Discussions include how emerging technologies such as photography and the telegraph affected the messages being conveyed, and how ideologies of the era shaped what was seen, as well as whose voices were heard—and whose were not. Readers will gain an understanding of the sad and brutal aspects of a war whose echo continues to have an impact even today.
Tech to Protect explores many of the incredible technological innovations that are occurring in the defense industry, including weaponry and military hardware, as well as surveillance and cybersecurity programs. Robots and drones are replacing humans in combat situations and police officers and soldiers are being equipped with “superhuman” abilities through x-ray vision and exoskeletons. Young readers will also learn about the controversies some of these innovations are creating, including concerns over privacy.
Entrepreneurs who work and create businesses related to military services are instrumental in ensuring duty members—and civilians—are able to stay safe and protect themselves. From medical training methods to smart military vehicles and robotic technologies, this exciting title introduces readers to the ways entrepreneurs innovate in the military field. Detailed case studies of successful entrepreneurs and a hands-on project help readers understand the principles of entrepreneurship.
Meet the knights of the Age of Chivalry. This exciting title explores the work of a knight, from jousting tournaments and codes of honor to battlefields and life on campaign. Also examined are the legends surrounding Robin Hood and the Knights of the Round Table, as well as the very real battles between the British king Richard the Lionheart and the sultan Saladin, as well as the political maneuvering of Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Go on campaign in the Middle Ages and live through castle sieges and the fierce battles that changed history, including the Wars of the Roses and the Crusades. Castle defenses, life on campaign, medieval weaponry, and great warriors such as Genghis Khan and Joan of Arc will also be examined.
The outcome of the Civil War hinged on several pivotal battles in 1862-63. This volume covers the strategy, tactics, leadership, and outcomes of the key battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Vicksburg, Gettysburg, and Chattanooga. The short- and long-term consequences of each battle are explored for each army, and discussed in the greater context of the war.
This captivating graphic novel recounts three historic land battles in the Middle East and Africa during World War I: Attack on the Hejaz Railway, September 16, 1917; The Charge on Beersheba, October 31, 1917; and Gallantry at Tel-el-Sheria, November 7, 1917.
This exciting graphic novel recounts three historic land and air battles in Europe during World War II: duel in the skies, the Battle of Britain, September 24, 1940, the desperate air battle told from the perspective of a young British fighter pilot; surviving Omaha Beach, D-Day, June 6, 1944, the Normandy Landings as experienced by a U.S. infantryman; and crossing the bridge at Remagen, the invasion of Germany, March 7, 1945.
This compelling book follows the events of the first few years of World War I. After the assassination of Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand, war was declared by Europes five great powers. Readers will learn that, although it was a European war, the fighting spread outward to the colonies of the countries involved. Colonies also had to supply forces for European battles. Opposing countries, equally matched in fighting power, relied on naval and U-boat, or submarine, blockades, and dug in for a new kind of long-term fighting called trench warfare. Find out what life was like for soldiers in the trenches at such famous battles as Ypres where deadly mustard gas was first used, Verdun, the Somme, and Gallipoli.
Children will delight in learning about military tanks. Mighty Tanks introduces readers to the different parts that make up a tank and explains how these mighty armored vehicles move over rough terrain.
For kids who love airplanes, it doesn't get any more exciting than fighter jets! Young readers will be fascinated to learn about the different kinds of modern fighter jets, how they operate, and their purpose during wartimeto fight the enemy in the air and control the skies.
Young readers will be amazed by the photos of armored fighting vehicles, or AFVs, in this informative book. Military vehicles protected with plating, such as tanks, artillery, and personnel carriers, are featured along with explanations of how they work and how their armor plating protects them.
Dynamic photos and simple text explain the different roles helicopters play in the military. Young readers will discover which kinds of helicopters are used by the military for rescue, to carry personnel, and to carry out missions. The special features of each kind of helicopter are described.
What does it feel like to live in a pressurized metal tube 1000 feet (300 m) under the ocean, and only steps away from lethally dangerous nuclear fissile material? Nuclear submariners know. In wartime, theirs is an unenviable task - to hunt other submarines and destroy them before they themselves can be hunted down. Nuclear power allows these submarines to operate at high speed for long durations without having to surface frequently. Nuclear submarines never need to be refueled throughout their 25-year life-span. This fascinating book looks at what life is like for the men who live and work together on these boats; what the inside of a nuclear submarine looks like and how it works; how the sea gives the submariners all the air they need to breathe while under water; and how they "fight" the boat while they hunt other submarines.
Piloting experimental aircraft is more dangerous than most other types of flying. Test pilots are generally military aviators who fly new and modified aircraft, allowing the results to be measured and the design to be evaluated. In the 1950s, test pilots were being killed at the rate of about one a week, but the risks have shrunk to a fraction of that, thanks to the sophistication of aircraft technology, better ground-testing, and simulation of aircraft performance. Despite their image as fun-loving daredevils, these pilots have to be ruthlessly precise and professional when flying. This intriguing book looks at what type of people become test pilots, how they train, what the job includes, how it feels to be the first person to fly a new design, the aircraft they fly, and how they analyze and report on each flight.
When the heat gets turned up in a conflict, support helicopter pilots are called upon to bring in additional troops and equipment or even provide battle support from the air. In modern warfare, the helicopter's agility and hovering ability have made it indispensible to the army, navy, air force, and marines for tactical support. This book describes the different missions support helicopter pilots undertake and the dangerous circumstances they must usually fly under.
These army pilots fly the most demanding helicopter in existence, a machine so complex to operate that its known as Riding the Dragon. Only 3% of existing army helicopter pilots qualify to fly it. Trainees have to learn to train their eyes to work independently of each other while the right eye sees flight and weapons information in the helmet's monocle, the left eye is free to look outside the aircraft and scan for threats and other obstacles. And, flying the helicopter is only half the battle - its purpose is to provide firepower from the air to protect soldiers on the ground. This book lifts the lid on what life is like for these men and women: their training; the aircraft; the missions, and what its actually like to be under fire while flying.
The backbone of any army, infantry soldiers seem to get all of the action but none of the glory. Trained for the very physical and aggressive work of engaging the enemy on the ground, the infantry's main focus is to advance on the enemy, take control of territory, and hold it. Not surprisingly the infantry tends to take high casualties because they are usually sent to the hottest spots in combat. This book looks at the high-risk jobs of the infantry soldier, including attack, defense, patrol, and intelligence gathering.
This fascinating title chronicles the U.S. bombing of these Japanese cities during World War II. Topics include the development of the atomic bomb, Truman's decision to drop the bombs, and the long-term consequences of this historical event. Primary source accounts present reactions from both sides.
On December 7, 1941, Americans woke up to find World War II had landed harshly at their doorstep. This amazing book describes the surprise air raid by Japan on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, that shocked the United States into joining the war in Europe. This gripping account describes events leading up to the attack, the preparation made by the Japanese military, the chaos of the attack, and the unleashing of the atomic bomb afterward on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
This title provides a factual and in-depth look at one of the bloodiest battles in American history. Features include a day-by-day breakdown of events, profiles of major figures, and a detailed review of President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, one of the most important speeches in American history.
This gripping title describes the events of June 6, 1944 and explains how the Normandy landings had a momentous effect on the outcome of the war.
