10 Unique US Military Facts

Today is Veterans Day in the United States. I would like to Thank all Military Veterans everywhere who served their country. Since I am from the US, an especially HUGE Thank you to the Veterans here. I have posted 10 unique US Military Facts for this occasion, if you wish to see 48 interesting facts then please click here.

• The United States Department of Defense is considered the largest employer in the country, with over 3 million employees. In second place is Walmart, with 1.3 million employees, and 3rd is Exxon-Mobil with 950,000 employees.
• In the 1960s, the United States Air Force created functional robots that stood over 26 feet high and were able to carry up to 2,000 lbs. Called the “Beetle,” the robots were designed to change out nuclear materials, payloads, and irradiated parts in situations that were too dangerous for a human. The Beetle never saw any official use in the US Military as the missions they were designed for were cancelled.
• Non-lubricated condoms are Standard Issue in Parachute Pack Survival Kits for the US Military. Not only do they offer an option for safe sex practices, but the condoms also work as an emergency water canteen, capable of holding a liter of water.
• The 3rd US Infantry Regiment, also known as “The Old Guard,” is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the army. Began in 1784, the infantry is an official ceremonial unit and escort to the president of the United States, and is also in charge of the “Changing of the Guard Ceremony” at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Currently, the US Military has deployed 2,700 Military Working Dogs (MWDs) worldwide to 600 war zones. In the five years between 2005 and 2010 in Iraq and Afghanistan, MWDs found 12,500 lbs of explosives. It is estimated that each dog is responsible for saving anywhere from 150 to 1,800 lives.
• The US Military has created a top secret quiet Velcro that is 95% quieter than traditional Velcro.
• The budget for the Department of Defense was $601 billion in 2015, which is the largest military budget in the world. China has the second largest at $216 billion, and Russia is third at $84.5 billion. The military budget also makes up 16% of the total budget of the United States government making it the largest budget, with Education in second with a budget of $102.3 billion.
• From 1972 to 1995, the US Military funded paranormal research called “remote viewing” for the Stargate Project. The project gathered psychics to perform parapsychic intelligence and research operations. In 2009, a movie based on a 2004 book about the project was released, entitled The Men Who Stare at Goats.
• The United States has formally declared war on 5 occasions; the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II. However, the US Armed Forces have been sent abroad over 300 times for “other than normal peacetime purposes,” including for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Veteran’s Day, recognized every November 11, honors America’s Veterans for their service to their country. The day was chosen to recognize Armistice Day, or the end of World War I, which occurred on the 11th month on the 11th day at the 11th hour.

Photo by Ian B from Pexels