New cap badges for CF chaplains

This news release describes the new cap badges that will be used by Canadian Forces Chaplains. Instead of one for all they now have different badges for chaplains of different religions.

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In his own words

The Telegraph has a book excerpt where Victoria Cross winner Private Johnson Beharry describes the events for which he was awarded the medal. Beharry, who was awarded the medal for his actions in Iraq in 2004, was the first living person awarded the VC since 1965.

Beware of birds

The Chronicle-Herald has a background article on the work required to keep birds away from military runways.

Rooftop landing

Snopes.com has an article about a picture that has been making the rounds on the net. The photo shows a Chinook helicopter with its rear ramp resting on a rooftop and its front end still hovering.

Weapon safety

The Washington Post has an article about an American effort to reduce accidental firings of soldier's personal weapons. In the new programs recruits in basic training carry their weapons with them all of the time, as they would in the field, instead of just on the range.

Cheyenne Mountain to be mothballed

The Washington Post reports that NORAD's Cheyenne Mountain complex is being "idled". Built more than 1000 feet beneath the mountain during the cold war, the reduced threat of nuclear attack means that the extra protection is no longer necessary.

The entrance to the complex is well known from movies like WarGames and tv shows like Stargate SG1.

Modernizing the CF-18s

The Chronicle-Herald has an article about the modernization plans from the Canadian Forces' CF-18 jet fighters.

Israeli helmet covers

Slate has an article on the floppy helmet covers worn by Israeli troops. They are called mitznefet and their purpose is to obscure the regular outline of the helmet.