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.