The Guadalcanal Campaign was the beginning of the Allies offensive to push back the Japanese in the Pacific. By retaking islands with strategic importance (islands near trade routes, with airfields, etc.) and letting others "wither on the vine", the Allies could retake a maximum amount of territory and expend a minimum amount of men and material. The invasion of Guadalcanal began on August 7, 1942, and by August 12 the Marines had already captured the strategically important airfield named Henderson Field. Despite this progress, the Japanese were tenacious defenders; they would often fight to the last man, or launch late-night banzai attacks against the Marines front lines. The Japanese Navy would regularly bombard the island, and the surrounding water became known as "Ironbottom Sound". The Marines were persistent; however, and on January 14, 1943 the Japanese realized they were beaten, and began Operation Ke, their plan to withdraw from the island. The evacuation was completed on February 7, and the momentum had shifted in the Pacific.

Learn when and how one wears the camoflauged Army Combat Uniform or the dressy blue Army Service Unifrom as well as approved hair, tattoos, jewelry, and other aspects of personal appearance by clicking the above image.

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) determines if you are eligible to join and what jobs you qualify for. Click the image to read more about the ASVAB and test your knowledge with the two practice tests.

For Department of Defense personnel and others authorized to access Army Knowledge Online (AKO), you will need to click on the above image to find links on how to access AKO or obtain assistance with your official AKO account.

Don't be the poor guy at boot camp that salutes a sergeant or casually walks up to a captain. Click the above image to take a look at all of the enlisted, warrant officer, and officer ranks and memorize them.

The US Armed Forces uses a phonetic alphabet to help when communicating. It will prove to make your life better than "OK." In fact, if you click the above image and memorize this system, you'll find life to be "Oscar Kilo."

Save yourself some push-ups from your drill sergeant at basic training by clicking the above image to read and memorize the Seven Core Army Values (LDRSHIP), General Orders to all soldiers, and the Soldier's Creed.