10 Military iPad Apps
Last March leaders from the U.S. Army met with folks over at Apple to investigate ways our military can make use of iPhone and iPad technology during combat.
Maj. Gen. Nick Justice of the Research, Development and Engineering Command said the Army is moving away from big-green-box solutions and toward more adaptable commercial gadgets.
Because of its larger size, the iPad might not be the most easy-to-carry tool when entering a warzone. It also has substantially less available apps ready for download. But we were curious: What iPad applications are out there for the military?
U.S. Army Survival Guide - $1.99
Keeping a 1,400-page manual in your back pocket isn't really an option. What this app does is create that document into easy-to-read digital pages from the U.S. Army Survival field manual. With a manual that large, it's only natural to expect extensive coverage on topics such as field weapons, weather prediction, water procurement, poisonous plants and loads more.
Sun Compass - $.99
You need some direction. Doesn't everybody? Using this app, point the iPad either north or to the sun, press the corresponding button and shazam! You now have direction.
Find My Phone - Free
Losing your iPhone is easy, but your iPad? Not so much. If you misplace either, log on to this app on any iPhone or iPad using a MobileMe subscription (60-day free trial available). It will then quickly pinpoint the missing gadget on a map. Even program your lost device to make sounds, to lock up data or even permanently erase all top-secret information.
U.S. Army Ranks HD - $.99
Navigating uniform insignia has never been easier. High resolution images display the differences between enlisted ranks such as private and sergeant as well as officer ranks and general ranks. Aye aye, sir!
Army Ranger Handbook - $2.99
Enter the mind of an Army Ranger. This is your guidebook to those warriors of the sky. Thirteen chapters on leadership to demolitions give an in-depth view on the rigors of warfare. Already familiar with the Army Ranger's world? This app is still a nifty reference guide.
Army First Aid - $1.99
Emergencies happen when you least expect it. Often you won't have time to flip through a 600-page manual to learn how to help. When you do, employ the U.S. Army's official First Aid handbook. From the basics to specifics, it will give you the know-how to save a life or two—and potentially your own.
Army OneSource Services - Free
Discover neighboring Army programs, services and resources by searching your zip code on this app. It might just help you uncover a support network you never knew existed. Kinda like finding a $20 bill in your pocket, right?
Survival Pocket Ref - $.99
Five hundred pages of information-packed survival tips include techniques on first aid, fire building and navigation. If you're more of an outdoors type and not looking for a strictly-military survival guide, Survival Pocket Ref is the perfect choice.
U.S. Armed Forces - $1.99
An amalgamation of documents, manuals, lists and codes, U.S. Armed Forces is the ultimate reference application for the military. Keep Franklin Roosevelt's Pearl Harbor speech or George W. Bush's Sept. 11 address in your back pocket; read up on Army combat training on the go.
Marine Martial Arts - $1.99
While close range combat doesn't happen too often, when it does, there's no time to hesitate. From timing to distance to balance, the fundamentals of martial arts can certainly come in handy during the preparation period—probably not so much once you're already entangled in a physical struggle.
Have you used any of these apps? Or is there a military-related iPad app we forgot? Let us know.
Weekly Drill Down: New Camo, Combat Hikers and More
- Had enough of the iPhone 4? Watch above as a retired Navy Seabee takes it out with a sniper. (Under the Radar)
- Find out why soldiers are trading in traditional combat boots for technical hiking boots. (Gear Scout)
- The Army is on the lookout for three different types of camo. (Kit Up!)
- Southern Living features a military blogger as its Mamma blogger of the Week. (Milblogging)
- Best army training ever – a recap. (Red Bull Rising)
- Spice of your vehicular ambiance with a MOLLE visor panel. (ITS Tactical)
- What's the true meaning of the Fourth of July? (A Soldier's Perspective)
- Quick, get me the bat hook! A new Batman-inspired tool for the Air Force. (Under the Radar)
- Did Marines get into World Cup fever? (Line of Sight)
How to Stretch Your Military Boots
There's nothing more frustrating than a boot that fits perfectly in all but one area. However, there are steps you can take (comfortable ones, we promise) to ensure your feet's well being.
If the overall fit works for your feet, you'll want to try a boot stretch. There are several options on how to acquire a boot stretch: You can buy one, take your boots to a shoe repair shop or make your own boot stretcher.
There's an assortment of stretchers that are used for shoes, heels, and boots, so be sure you pick up the correct one. If you know exactly what area needs stretching, you can even find specific models for either men or women that can both widen and lengthen the boot in different areas.
Have a lot of boots that need stretching?
You can purchase your own shoe or boot stretcher for $20 to $60. The only downside is that you can only stretch one boot at a time—so it will take about 48 hours to get both boots up to snuff. But if you roll up to a shoe repair shop, it will cost on average $25 to $30 for the same service.
In the video below, Joe Siracuse from Shoe Care Supplies demonstrates how to stretch a cowboy boot, which is similar to stretching a combat boot. Before you do any stretching, use an aerosol shoe stretch spray or a shoe stretch liquid on the desired spots of the boot.
Once you fit the stretcher completely in the boot, crank the lever until it gets snug. Be sure to crank it three or four more times after that, too. Set it aside over night, and you're on your way to better-fitting boots in no time.
Have you ever stretched your military boots before? What's your secret to improving a boot's fit? Share your experiences and tips!
(Image via)
Covert Threads: Specialty Combat Socks
In order for battle footwear to do its job, it's essential to be equipped with breathable socks that prevent blisters and promote comfort.
Sure, there are somewhat expensive socks on the market that can claim all of the above and more. However, none are as strategically designed as Covert Threads.
Founded by a former U.S. Marine and a sock designer, the business grew from meeting the need for a comfortable hot-weather sock. Since its initial sock—the Sand Military Boot Sock (pictured on the right)—the company has grown to carry more than six kinds of socks as well as various military garments.
The best part about the socks? They're fairly affordable.
With a price range of $6 to $20, the socks come in a variety of styles based around a certain climate. For example, the Rock Sock was created for those going on long-distance treks or carting around a lot of gear.
Most of the Covert Threads socks contain the following features:
- Achilles heel protection with extra padding or abrasion-resistant nylon.
- Blister prevention with special friction-reducing wool.
- Silver lining wards off infections and foot fungus.
- Built in arch support
- Instep Flexzone keeps socks from bunching.
- Specialty "Y"-shaped heel that fits the foot's contour.
Meanwhile, the Swiss are hard at work on high-tech "Sweat Management" socks for the military. The prototype wool and synthetic socks, which are said to absorb sweat and prevent blisters, were recently tested on 60 recruits.
Israeli soldiers are also playing guinea pigs for another type of socks—ones that can be worn for two weeks without smelling. Something tells us there's probably a market for those socks outside of military wear.
10 Must-Listen Military Podcasts
The term "podcasting" was first used in 2004, and soon every Tom, Dick and Harry with an MP3 player began to record and listen to audio and video snippets across the Internets. Six years later, podcasters are still doing their thing, and us, the listeners, are still enjoying the end product.
Unfortunately during that time many podcasts ceased to exist and therefore won't be bringing you something new to listen to daily, weekly or even monthly. We weeded those ones out, and present to you the best military podcasts still in existence.
Military Channel Video Podcast – While there hasn't been an update in 2010, this behind-the-lines view of war stories throughout time is an excellent video podcast.
Military History Podcast – As history repeats itself, war is often a common theme. This podcast explores those wars from the beginning of time through our current conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Military Spouse Talk Radio – If you're a mil-spouse and feeling all alone, this radio show podcast is here to help. They cover everything from how to make supportive spouse friends to the latest military news.
Military Times – A weekly rundown of the top Military Times stories will help you stay on top of breaking news and current events.
The History Network – This bi-weekly show also covers military history. Its last episode recounted The Battle of Actium in ancient Rome.
Pritzker Military Library Podcast – From a library in Chicago that hosts an extensive collection of military history and fiction, this podcast is meant to build awareness of the importance of military in society.
Secrets and Military Programs – Time to break out those tin foil hats! This podcast might not be essential but it might be entertaining since it speculates on secret projects and policies that may or may not be taking place in our government.
War News Radio – If you're tired of the current news coverage of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, War News Radio offers an alternative with in-depth reporting, historical perspective and personal war accounts.
You Served - A weekly fill of military news and views from host CJ Grisham, founder of A Soldier's Perspective. Politics, history and current events are all game for discussion.
Veterans Chronicles – An hour-long podcast that recounts the lives of great American heroes in their own words, including eyewitness accounts from D-Day, Iwo Jima, Bagdad and more.
(Image via Flickr)
Bates New C3 Boot
Back in January, Bates Footwear launched its C3 boot at the 2010 SHOT Show. C3 stands for Cross Channel Circulation and is supposed to keep feet cooler and more comfortable.
Temperature control and comfort are two qualities often sought in any military or work boot. Bates brings to the table a patented technology that forces air through the boot's construction as the wearer walks about. The new boot also has cushioned EVA midsoles, moisture-wicking lining and flexible cement construction.
"Comfort and footwear breathability remain high priorities for the law enforcement profession," said Ron Woznick, vice president and general manager of Bates Footwear, in a prepared statement.
"We are looking forward to seeing this new technology on the streets where it will provide noticeable comfort differences in the everyday lives of men and women in law enforcement," he added.
Not familiar with Bates? While the company does produce an awful lot of police-geared footwear, the Michigan-headquartered manufacturer also makes military boots and work boots. Another feature in some Bates boots is an Individual Comfort System, which allows you to adjust heel cushioning with a dial system built right into the sole of the boot.
Weekly Drill Down: SHOT Show Swag, milBook’s Social Networking Secrets and More
- Guess what the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen does to stay in tune with young soldiers … he tweets! Watch him talk about Twitter in the video above. (Milblogging)
- ITS Tactical holds another reader appreciation contest, and it's a doozy. Find out how to get your hands on some SHOT Show swag. (ITS Tactical)
- Ever see a $40,000 gun? Now you have. (Gun Values Board)
- There's a new satellite Internet service for military personnel in Afghanistan. (Bouhammer)
- Heard of milBook? Take a peek at the Facebook for DoD folks. (Not Your Average Brooklynette)
- Top 10 Videos from SHOT Show 2010. (Tactical Pants Blog)
- CJ's battle with the Huntsville City School's continues. (A Soldier's Perspective)
- U.S. Military to remove biblical citations from Trijicon sights. (Defense Tech)
- Here are some man-on-the-street opinions about the Bible scopes -- straight from The Onion. (Vet Voice)
- What was the coolest thing at SHOT Show? Find out. (Soldier Systems)
- Pin-up girl raises money for Vets with a 2010 calendar. (OPFOR)
- The time has come … to pay for The Times? (Line of Departure)
- Carry your dog in a canine assault vest? It's now possible. (Gear Scout)
Weekly Drill Down: ‘Merry Christmas from Afghanistan’ Song, Best of 2009 Lists and More
- "Merry Christmas from Afghanistan" takes original singer/songwriter/warrior to a whole new level. (Bouhammer)
- Discover the top stories in the milblogosphere of 2009. (Milblogging)
- Fight terrorism. Get paid? That's what the Christmas day plane bomb hero did. (Hearts And Minds)
- Sad, sad news in 2009 is a painful reminder of the realities of war. (Stars and Stripes)
- C.J.'s gives us a rather straight-forward year in review (with an even more straight-forward illustration). (A Soldier's Perspective)
- Abu Muqawama slips out of daily blogging retirement to share this. (Abu Muqawama)
- Take a real shot to ring in 2010 from the inventor of the AK-47 assault rifle. (Danger Room)
- It's a bird; it's a plane. No, it's Russia to the rescue?! (Defense Tech)
- Boeing expecting $31 billion in defense business from India. (DoD Buzz)
- Can you guess what the top 3 Soldier Systems shockers were for 2009? Didn't think so. (Soldier Systems)
- Tis the season for … snow camo! (Strike – Hold!)
- Oh, and lots of holiday cheer from ITS Tactical, General Petraeus and OPFOR.
Rihanna’s Military Look
Counterculture groups like punks and goths have always embraced combat-style boots and dress. The look possesses that very extreme, fight-the-man edge, which typically scares the bejesus out of any little old lady crossing the street.
And then every so often the traditional soldier appearance mixes in with these extreme fashion statements, and it injects its sexed-up self into the mainstream. Such is the case in R&B star Rihanna's new music video for "Hard." She explained the music video's concept to MTV as "couture military. ... We have tanks, we have troops, we've got helicopters, we've got explosions."
In the video, the controversial singer sports an army-green mesh helmet and fatigues, aviator sunglasses, high-waist hot pants, military boots and what appears to be black Sonic the Hedgehog shoulder pads. While some of her outfits are very loosely based on modern soldier uniforms, the gold bikini, which appears later in the video, seems more likely inspired by Xena Warrior Princess or Princess Leia's infamous metal bikini.
What do you think of her Lady Gaga-esque military look? Would anyone serving our country actually wear any of these styles? We're gonna have to doubt it.
Weekly Drill-Down: ‘Empty Boots,’ Tactical Coffee and More
- "Empty Boots" provides powerful imagery to remind us of those who won't be spending the holidays with their families. (A Soldier's Perspective)
- Protect the troops from cancer-causing gun lubricants. (Army Technology)
- So sad, but so true: Women veterans struggling for acceptance. (Associated Press)
- An Australian Navy shipbuilder spices things up for its 2010 calendar. (Danger Room)
- First there was tactical teddy bears and tactical Snuggies … and now tactical coffee!? When will the madness end! (Tactical Gearhead)
- U.S. Army makes the list of 10 Biggest Social Media Stories of 2009. (Milblogging)
- Don't miss Heroes Week on Wheel of Fortune! Episodes featuring military personnel will run through Dec. 18. (Scoop Deck)
- Ever seen a split barrel before? Now you have. (Line of Sight)