A Soldier, submitting a packet requesting transfer to the Individual Reserve (IRR), or another reserve component, must submit a memorandum. This memorandum must reference the applicable Army regulation that supports the Soldier’s justification for requesting transfer.

The following is an example of a memorandum requesting transfer to the IRR; this request is for hardship reasons. This example was hastily generated. You want to generate a memorandum that makes a solid case. This is just an example that provides an idea of how to craft the IRR transfer request memorandum.

MEMORANDUM FOR Commander, 1-23 Basket Weaving Unit

SUBJECT: Individual Ready Reserve Transfer Request for SSG DRILL N. MORE

PURPOSE: Request Transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve due to Dependency Hardship.

1. Per AR 140-10, Chapter 4, Paragraph 4-9f, Paragraph 4-11b(4), and Paragraph 4-13, voluntary reassignment for dependency or hardship; request reassignment from the Troop Program Unit (TPU) to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Per Paragraph 4-13b(1)(e), I’ve completed IET, have been awarded an MOS, and am not within 3 months of ETS.

2. My specific hardship involves my recently incapacitated son, Trampled S. More. During the Christmas season, Trampled S. More saved my mother-in-law’s life. Both got overran by sled pulling reindeers. Neither saw or heard these reindeers coming; they just landed from nowhere. Without my son’s heroic efforts, my mother-in-law would have passed away. Unfortunately, he sustained permanent physical injuries. Although he recovered enough to sing about the event, his injuries left him physically disabled and unable to live independently.

3. My wife, Purchasa M. More, is unable to address his needs, by herself, in the long run. Our nearest relative lives 500 miles away. The local Human Services Department is unable to find alternative living arrangements, assisted living, group homes, or sponsored residentials, that could assist Trampled S. More’s quality of life. Those services now fall on Purchasa and me.

4. I’ve included affidavits from Doctor Justin E. Time, family physician; Doctor Justa O. Quack, specialty doctor; Alwise S. Nosing, social worker; and Excessive Lee Grimacing, physical therapist; to substantiate this dependency hardship IRR transfer request. I’ve also included affidavits from CPT Whip U. Work-Meister, detachment commander and SFC Constantine F. Hammer, detachment NCOIC, who know my family situation and who have followed this hardship’s development.

5. Point of Contact for this memorandum is the undersigned at 1 (222) 333-4444 or [email address here].

* Signature Block:

Example:

[First Name] [Last Name]

[Rank] [Enlisted branch official abbreviation]

DRILL MORE

SSG PO

Tips:

Refer to AR 140-10, Army Reserve Assignments, Attachments, Details, and Transfers, for details on requesting dependency or hardship IRR transfers.

* Refer to AR 25-50, Preparing and Managing Correspondence, for composition and placement of signature block. This reference also annotates how to address enclosures.

References:

AR 140-10 Army Reserve Assignments, Attachments, Details, and Transfers

AR 25-50 Preparing and Managing Correspondence

I love the Chinese Army, but why? I am a Quaker, so am a pacifist who actively dislikes military engagement and military thinking. Collaboration is the way. Is it that I am biased in some way? Perhaps. I love Tai Chi, Chi Gung and Chinese medicine, but that surely is not enough?

Ah, then again I have my eldest son; now that strikes nearer the heart. My first wife was Thai, but ethnically Chinese, so I have blood that is Chinese, and he has three children, so that’s an even deeper level of commitment. But to love the Chinese Army? What have they ever done for me?

To be precise: nothing. You see it’s like this. Two years ago I went into hospital with a near fatal cancer. I had at the time a terrible dream where I was trapped and being dragged down to my doom – and when I suddenly awoke I knew something bad was happening or going to happen to me. In hospital they cut the tumour out but it was malignant. But what has this got to do with the Chinese Army?

Well, the other night I had another strange dream, only this felt very different. I dreamt I was in a large square, or rather grand rectangular area, like one in a city centre (Tiananmen? I have no idea) and there were hundreds, maybe thousands of people, and I was one of them. Suddenly I became aware of this massive and aggressive disruption. As I looked I could see these strangely dressed Chinese people, but in large overcoats and furred hats, and the coats had a strong bluish tint and the tail-ends were reddish. They were causing mayhem and they seemed to have weapons, although in the dream I could not make out what the weapons were.

I knew I was in danger myself, certainly I if were to approach near to them, so I hid back amongst the crowd of other panicking bystanders who were rushing off in all directions. Then all might have been lost, but out of nowhere an army appeared, a Chinese army. And they were all in order, phalanxed and disciplined. They faced the disrupters and called out for them to surrender; but they weren’t going to. However, the presence of the soldiers seemed to inhibit them; they neither seemed so numerous or so dangerous now. The phalanxes surrounded them – their number, their order, their sense of purpose intimidating and curtailing the excess in front of them.

Then, as one, the army paused, or seemed to pause, but simply placed their rifles vertically and attached bayonets. I knew what they were going to do, but was not permitted to see it in the dream. Without words, they closed in and bayoneted the rioters to death – they went in and in, jabbing and doing their grisly business relentlessly till it was done. And I watched them from afar.

Somehow I had to hold back and not rush in to see the carnage, which I knew was there, but I knew in my heart of hearts that the job was done. The Chinese Army had entirely destroyed these looters, these freeloaders, these rioters, this rabble of destruction and I awoke and was so glad. This was necessary. This was not like the dream before.

For I realised at some deeper level what this dream was about. The Chinese Army is my – and your – immune system. And mine had been sluggish and ineffective for far too long. Now it had been activated and it had spotted those tumour cells – those rogue anarchists who seek to undermine the realm, the kingdom of myself. But the army – millions of them – were now back in action and they were deadly, as they should be. What were these tumours compared with the Red Army, my red army?

So as I go forward into 2014 I bless the Chinese Army, confident in the belief that my tumours are dead, and that this metaphor is a lesson for us all. We need to mobilise or own inner resources, and powerful metaphors are a key.

This is a sample DA 4856 (Developmental Counseling Form) for a Soldier transferring to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) with at least three years of active duty, or at least two years of active duty + three years of Troop Program Unit (TPU) time. These soldiers transfer to the IRR control group for reinforcement.

Soldiers in this control group are not required to do annual training. Since policies change, some of the items listed below may change as this article gets older.

Note: if you do not have the minimum three years of active duty, or two years of active duty +3 years of TPU, you’d be requesting transfer to the IRR, Control Group-Training. You would have an AT requirement each year in the IRR.

The Soldier in this scenario has completed his or her six-year contractual obligation in the TPU. He or she wishes to complete the balance of his or her eight-year initial military obligation in the IRR.

Applicable sections of the Army Developmental Counseling Form for a Soldier transferring to the IRR, Control Group Reinforcement:

DA 4856: Purpose of Counseling:

Event Oriented Counseling: You are being counseled on your decision to submit an Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) transfer request.

You declared your intention to complete the remainder of your contractual obligation in the IRR.

Your Contractual Obligation ends [DFAS date format]. Your Statutory Obligation ends [Actual ETS date, DFAS date format]. Despite your transfer from the TPU into the IRR, you’ll still be a member of the Ready Reserve. You are not “out” or “discharged” from the military. Although your transfer into the IRR will allow you to keep many ready reserve benefits, some key benefits of being in the TPU will end. As the [title of counselor], it’s my responsibility to ensure that you understand the options that are available to you.

DA 4856: Key Points of Discussion:

– As a member of the TPU, you are eligible for the following benefits: Common Access Card (CAC), military pay for IDT and AT/ADT; SGLI; Tuition Assistance; TSP; Montgomery GI Bill (Ch 1606); the appropriate TRICARE coverage, reserve military pension if you complete 20 qualifying years, etc. If you chose to continue into the IRR, some of these benefits will discontinue. However; you’ll be eligible for the remainder of your military benefits while in the IRR. You still need to earn 50 points for retirement each year in the IRR for that year to qualify for retirement eligibility. You must also surrender your CAC upon IRR transfer.

– As a member of the IRR, you are eligible for the following benefits: DD Form 2, reserve ID card (Green). Military pay for AT/ADT/mobilization; reserve military pension if you complete 20 qualifying years; PX/Commissary privileges; the appropriate TRICARE dental coverage, a green military ID (IRR) card, and other benefits. However; in order to maintain these benefits, you have to continue to participate satisfactorily in the IRR by responding to HRC’s correspondence, attending annual musters (paid), and by doing any other point gaining activity you’re authorized to do.

– HRC will mail muster orders to you each year. Your annual musters will take place 1 day a year, and will range from 2 to 8 hours. If you’re receiving VA disability compensation, you will receive both muster and disability pay. Ensure that HRC has your latest/accurate contact information. Since you have at least [3 years active duty ___ (or) 2 years active duty +3 years TPU__], you will be transferred into the IRR Control Group, Reinforcement. You will not have an AT requirement during IRR; however, you may request such training.

– You can earn your points from days on mobilization/active duty, AT/ADT, funeral duty, IDT/Drill (points only), and participation points (PP). The maximum inactive points (IDT + PP) that you could get in a retirement year is 130 points. You get one active point for every day on active duty. The maximum active points you could get in the year is the number of days that year has. You can also drill for points only, not pay, while in the IRR.

– As a member of the IRR, you’ll be entitled to a military ID card (IRR/green). You’ll still have access to a military installation’s DEFAC, PX, Commissary, MWR facilities, physical fitness facilities, etc. Your SGLI will expire per instructions on your IRR orders. If you’re a veteran (prior active service/deployment), you may be eligible for VGLI. If TRICARE was your only medical insurance, you may need to make arrangements with a commercial health insurance provider.

– HRC will maintain your records. They’ll work with you to schedule your AT or to get you onto mobilization orders. Here’s the Army’s website, MOBCOP, you could use to volunteer for mobilization while in the IRR: [Volunteer for mobilization website address.]

– If you fall short of 50 points in a retirement year, those years will not count towards the 20-year minimum to be eligible to retire with pay. Within 3 months of your ETS, or sooner, notify HRC of your intention to ETS in order to receive ETS orders.

– The unit cannot make any guarantees towards approval or disapproval of your IRR request.

– You feel that you’re unable to continue with the TPU due to [Reason explained below].

DA 4856: Plan of Action:

– Consider the above advantages of remaining in the TPU, and consider the possibility of enlisting into a new TPU contract.

– The unit will initiate and process an IRR transfer request. Maintain communication with the unit and assist with the IRR packet process. Provide additional documentation if requested. Be available to sign revised documents.

– Until you receive your IRR orders, keep the unit updated if you experience a change in address, phone number, email, etc.

– You’re responsible for drilling with the unit until the transfer date on your IRR orders.

– If you must RST before your transfer date, submit an RST request form and supporting documentation through your chain of command.

– Out-process with the Supply SGT, Motor SGT, Operations NCO, UA, UAT, 1SG, CDR, DARN, and other applicable unit sections.

– Download a copy of the IRR handbook from the Internet, or obtain it from a Soldier that has already downloaded it.

– Familiarize yourself with the above mobilization opportunity websites.

– Upon transfer to the IRR, surrender your CAC card at the nearest military ID card office, and obtain your DD Form 2, Reserve ID card (Green).

– Understand that while in the IRR, you’re not “out” of the military. You’re still in the ready reserve, subject to annual muster and subject to mobilization.

– Continue to engage in physical fitness to help maintain your deployable status.

– Strive to achieve a minimum of 50 retirement points for each retirement year in the IRR.

– Answer HRC correspondences to you requiring a response. Store HRC information correspondences in a specific folder for future reference.

– Fully read and understand your HRC muster orders, and report for muster as instructed in these orders. Bring requested documentation.

– Surrender your Reserve ID card in the event of your reenlistment with the TPU or Active Duty; receive a CAC in its place.

– You can drill with this or another unit if you need points, but not for pay, while in the IRR status. The Career Counselor has details on how you can accomplish this.

– At the end of your MSO, with no reenlistment, surrender your DD Form 2, Reserve ID card (Green).

– Understand that the day after your MSO ends, you may automatically end up in the Militia of the United States and of the state/territory you reside in. Federal law identifies able bodied males from 17 to 45, state law identifies similar or different age ranges. Some states include women in that category. This means that after your MSO ETS, if you’re in this group, you’re subject to militia muster by orders of the president or your governor.

– Effective your transfer into the IRR, the IRR unit patch becomes your unit patch. You’ll also use the IRR regimental badge in place of [current unit badge] on your ASUs.

– While in the IRR, maintain communication with HRC and update them with your latest address, phone, email, job, medical status, etc., changes.

DA 4856: Session Closing:

– I understand the options and current SRIP incentives available to me for continuing with the TPU. I will lose TPU specific benefits while maintaining IRR specific benefits once I’m officially in the IRR. While in the IRR, I’m eligible to earn at least 50 retirement points for that year to count toward retirement. I may get those points via mobilization, HRC issued AT orders, etc. I may be subject to an APFT at the beginning of an HRC issued AT order. I will keep HRC posted on address, phone number, and email changes while I’m in the IRR. I will surrender my CAC and obtain a DD Form 2 (Reserve) green ID card upon transfer into the IRR. At the end of my MSO, I Will surrender this green ID card at the nearest ID card office. I will continue to drill and maintain communication with the unit until the date on my IRR transfer orders. After my transfer into the IRR, I’ll maintain communication with HRC. I will familiarize myself with the key points of discussion, and carry out the courses of action.

– Despite what has been discussed above, I wish to request transfer to the IRR. I understand that there’s no guarantee regarding this packet’s approval or disapproval.

References:

AR 140-10 Army Reserve Assignments, Attachments, Details, and Transfers

AR 140-185 Training and Retirement Point Credits and Unit Level Strength Accounting Records

I saw a vast army of women walking with resolute determination on their faces. They were 10 to 15 women wide in a very long line. They were not quite marching but walking firmly and covering quite a bit of ground. I approached one of the women and said: “I would like to honor you for your work as an intercessory army.” The woman I approached seemed to be in her 50’s but she just looked at me with a very stern and resolute face. She did not say anything with words but communicated almost fiercely “This is not a time to receive honor or give honor. That will be a distraction from what we are called to accomplish at this very moment!”

They approached what appeared to have once been a magnificent complex training and deployment grounds. It was surrounded by a vast iron barred fence and powerful gates. The fence and gates, however, were now bent and leaning over in places with weeds and ivy covering vast portions. The iron-barred gates were ajar and leaning and the army just marched in.

You could see what were once magnificent buildings were now in much neglect and beginning to show even structural failure. There were scores and scores of these buildings each one magnificent in their day and uniquely different from each other. Coming from these buildings were old, thin and emaciated women with white hair and wrinkled faces. They walked very feebly but came right towards this army of intercessors to welcome them.

Then suddenly between the old women and the intercessors lay a long and wide pond of black gooey tar. It was clear that this black tar is what had kept others from gaining entrance to what was once the “University of Intercessors”!

Clearly, there had been other armies that had come to revive this University who had gotten through the gates only to be engulfed in the black tar pits and were swallowed up before they could accomplish their mission. I want to ask you a question. What do you think these tar pits that have kept God’s intercessory army from reclaiming their magnificent training and deployment center represent? More importantly, how can we avoid them?

A Swiss Army knife is one of the most important essentials for Boy Scouts because it is still, and will always remain, a go-to tool. They are so advanced today, that you’ll find more than tools, a can opener and knife. You can find such knives with a flash drive, flash light, scissors, corkscrew, saw, and flint and steel combinations. Whatever it is, there is a knife that’s perfect for people of all personalities.

It’s a useful tool to keep around, even if you’re a Boy Scout or not. By keeping one around, you can make a quick repair, upload some important files, shed some light in a dark space or start a fire. It’s also a good tool to keep around for defensive purposes.

If you buy such knives, it’s important that you have the necessary accessories that come with it, too. To have a good knife is to protect it at all costs. It has been known to help armies of people in different situations.

No one wants to be stranded somewhere without a Swiss Army knife or a damaged Swiss Army knife. It literally could be the difference between life and death. Many people today carry it around on their key chain while some carry it in a pouch attached to the pants. Either way, it’s important to carry around a knife and keep it in good condition.

If you go online to buy your Swiss Army knife, you can find a number of varieties and sizes.

The Indian army as we know it today was the British Indian army and traces it origin to the beginning of the days of the rule of the East India Company. In 1947, the prefix British was dropped and it became the Indian army, but in all aspects it remained as the British had left it. It was basically a higher caste army and was recruited on the basis of caste and religion. Thus the infantry regiments were all caste based. The lower castes and the untouchables were never recruited by the English. This was a continuation of the old Hindu caste system that forbade Shudras to muster arms on pain of death. The British accepted this Hindu concept, but brought in a few of their own.

The British divided the populace at large into martial and non-martial races. This distinction was made on the basis of their own experience in battle and also a study of the socio-economic history of India. The British were of the view that races who had faced perpetual wars were martial. Here they accepted the Hindu theory and division between Kshatriyas( Warriors) and non -kshatriyas.

The British were impressed by the fighting prowess of the Sikhs, Jats, Rajputs, Gurkhas, and Mahrattas and classified them as martial races. Of these the Sikhs, Punjabi Muslims and Gurkhas had pride of place because in battles with them the British had a tough time.

The British first tasted a tough challenge during the Anglo-Gurkha wars of 1815-15. The Gurkhas fought bravely and though defeated won the admiration of the British. Again in the Anglo-Sikh wars of 1846-49, the English would have been defeated, but for traitors in the ranks of the Sikhs. The Prime Minister and his general Labh Singh were in league with the East India Company and conspired to defeat the Sikh army. However at Mudki and Chillianwala, the British tasted defeat. The East India Company won the war, but their admiration for the Sikhs as a martial race was engraved in their mind and at any given time the Sikhs with a population of 2%, yet constituted 33% of the British Indian army.

The British also had a healthy respect for Punjabi Muslims and Pathans, which was a result of the 3 Anglo-Afghan wars, where the British were hard pressed. The British were convinced that the hardy tribes of the North West frontier were martial as they had been continuously facing invasion right from the time of Alexander the great, a period of 2000 years.

Were the British right in this differentiation of martial and non-martial races? The taste of the pudding lies in its eating and the British were proved right as the regiments of the British Indian army helped win 2 World Wars and also fought for the Raj from places as far as China and Singapore. How many know that the Boxer rebellion in Peking in China was subdued by Sikh and Punjabi troops of the British Indian army? Tibet was conquered by the Indian army in the famous expedition led by General YoungHusband.

In 1947, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Gandhi decided that the caste-based regiments be retained. This was a practical step as these regiments had their own war cries and food and religious habits. Gandhi has gone on record so many times to say that he favored the Varna system of caste as it was the bedrock of Hindu society. He did not wish this caste system of the army, which was all higher castes be broken up. One cannot comment whether this was right or wrong as now more than 6 decades have passed and the caste-based recruitment continues.. Though the new regiments are broad-based, the core of the Infantry regiments remains as it was during the days of the Raj.

Many Troop Program Unit (TPU) Soldiers are unfamiliar with the Standby Reserve. Soldiers with a dependency hardship, employment conflict, or other issue prohibiting effective participation in the TPU, may request a transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).

The Standby Reserve is also available. Where the IRR offers a deconflicting solution for long-term drilling incompatibilities; the Standby Reserve offers a deconflicting solution for short-term drilling incompatibilities.

For example, if a soldier has a dependency hardship that is permanent, or prolonged, he has the option to transfer to the IRR for dependency or hardship. However, if this dependency hardship is short-term, the soldier can transfer to the Standby Reserve until the issue is resolved.

Soldiers in the Standby Reserve maintain their military affiliation. It’s one of the three main Army Reserve components. The other two being the Ready Reserve (TPU/IMA/IRR) and the Retired Reserve. The Standby Reserve has two categories. They’re the Active Status List and the Inactive Status List.

Chapter 8, AR 140-10, Army Reserve Assignments, Attachments, and Details, covers the Standby Reserve.

Active Status List:

Soldiers on this list are able to earn retirement points. They can drill for points only, and they are eligible for promotion. The highest promotion that can be achieved in this component is Colonel (O-6). Soldiers on this list include key employees, temporary hardship, temporary medical, theological students, overseas residency, missionary, HIV positive, and secretarial determination.

Key Employees:

Soldiers in this group are crucial to their employment and organization. The Soldier’s absence negatively impacts the employer’s operations. Usually, the time lag between losing the Soldier for mobilization, and getting a replacement for the Soldier’s position, is enough to harm the employer’s long-term mission. The Soldier generally possess skills unique to the employer’s operation; finding a replacement isn’t easy.

Details for what constitutes “key employee” are listed in 32 CFR Appendix A to Part 44, Guidance. Also included in this Code of Federal Regulations is a letter format that the employer could use to request that a certain Soldier, occupying a key employee position, be removed from the Ready Reserve.

Temporary Hardship:

Soldiers with short-term hardships that are resolvable within a year or two. These Soldiers desire returning to the Ready Reserve when the temporary hardship is resolved.

Temporary Medical Disqualification:

These are Soldiers who have a medical condition, or profile, that prohibits full engagement in the Ready Reserve. This medical condition is temporary in nature; the Soldier expects to recover in a short period of time. Time period ranges from one through two years. Soldiers may transfer to the Standby Reserve until this medical issue is resolved. Once the medical disqualification is resolved, and the soldier is medically qualified to participate in the TPU, he or she has the option to return to the Ready Reserve.

Theological Students:

Soldiers engaged in ministry studies with an accredited school that provides theological or divinity training. These Soldiers may remain in the active list for the duration of their studies.

This option isn’t available for Soldiers involved with the military versions of this training.

Overseas Residency or Missionary Obligation:

Troop Program Unit Soldiers with a legitimate nonmilitary requirement to participate in an overseas residency, or on a missionary mission, may transfer to the Standby Reserve. The maximum time allowed, for this category, is 30 months. This has to be a temporary residency or temporary missionary obligation.

HIV positive:

If a Soldier tests positive for HIV, this Soldier may transfer to the Standby Reserve.

Secretarial Determination:

The Secretary of the Army may decide that a Soldier’s transfer to this component is in the best interest of the Army. Soldiers may remain on this list for up to 2 years.

After these 2 years, the Soldier must transfer to the IRR, request transfer to the Retired Reserve if eligible, or request discharge. If a Soldier still has to complete his Military Service Obligation, this Soldier will be transferred to the IRR.

Standby Reserve-Inactive Status List:

Unlike the Soldiers on the Active Status List, Soldiers in the Inactive Status List aren’t able to earn retirement points. Consequently, they’re not able to train for points or pay, and they’re not eligible for promotion.

Two categories of Soldiers transfer to the Inactive Status List: Key employees and general officers.

Soldiers may be removed from the Ready Reserve and placed into the Standby Reserve. If these Soldiers don’t request to be assigned to the Active Status List, they’re assigned to the Inactive Status List.

General officers, not occupying positions associated with their rank, may request transfer to the Inactive Status List.

Standby Reserve list screening:

Soldiers on the Active and Inactive Status lists are subject to regular screening. The screenings involve a review of the Soldier’s qualifications for remaining in this component. Soldiers can either be removed or they can be given the option to remain if qualified.

Soldiers that meet the removal requirements listed in AR 140-10, section I of chapter 7, will be removed.

If a Soldier still needs to complete his or her military service obligation, and if he or she qualifies for transfer to the IRR, that Soldier will be transferred to the IRR.

A Soldier that no longer has a military obligation has one of three options:

* The Soldier may choose to transfer to the IRR.

* If eligible, the Soldier may choose to transfer to the Retired Reserve.

* The Soldier may also choose to be discharged from the Army Reserve.

If a Soldier qualifies for reenlistment, and he or she is in the reenlistment window, he or she may reenlist to remain in the Standby Reserve, or reenlist with concurrent reassignment to the TPU, IMA, or IRR.

Tips:

Refer to the references below for guidance on qualifications for, and on initiating, a transfer to the Standby Reserve.

References:

32 CFR Appendix A to Part 44, Guidance, Key Employee

AR 140-10, Army Reserve Assignments, Attachments, Details, and Transfers.

AR 140-111, U.S. Army Reserve Reenlistment Program

World War II is behind us, though it's not many years back. To be precise the Second World War ended in 1945 and it's just about 70 years back. This is not a long period as far as world history is concerned. The Great War had two distinct theaters, namely the European theater where the Germans and their ally the Italians fought against the Allies and the second was the Asian theater, where the Imperial army faced the Americans at sea and the British in South East Asia.

The Japanese entered the war in the early thirties when they invaded China and occupied the mineral-rich Manchuria. They propped up a puppet regime led by Pu Yi, who was crowned emperor of China. Pu Yi was a yes man, with no independence and the last straw was when his wife was impregnated by a Japanese Officer. A lot of credit is given to the Imperial army in its battles in China, where they defeated the Chinese military decisively.

A saner analysis of the Japanese campaign against the Imperial army in China brings out the fact that the army was fighting its battles against an ill-equipped force which was also untrained. The Chinese army lacked aircraft and had no heavy guns and tanks, which were available with the Japanese. Hence the Japanese had overall military superiority. The Chinese military devoid of air cover were sitting ducks and Douhet's principle of air war as a decisive factor held true.

One should not read much into the Japanese conquest of Manchuria, which cannot be construed as a barometer for a professional conduct of war. The Japanese also used terror tactics and killed millions of Chinese by beheadings and firing squads. Raping Chinese girls was a favorite pass time of the Imperial army soldiers. Such barbaric tactics were not authorized by the Imperial General Staff led by General Hideki Tojo, yet for some inexplicable reason, the Japanese army ran berserk against a weak opposition.

In 1941, the Japanese turned their attention to the Philippines and SE Asia including Burma and Malaya. Here also in a swift campaign, the Japanese overran entire SE Asia. A look at the conduct of the battle in these areas is worthwhile.

The Japanese first attacked Indo- China, which was a French colony. At that time France itself was a defeated nation and was occupied by the Germans after the 40-day war in 1940. The French had no worthwhile force to counter the Imperial army which almost had a walkover.

The Japanese now struck against the Dutch colony of Indonesia. The Dutch had been defeated and occupied by Germany and had hardly any troops to defend Indonesia, except some irregular forces. These were soundly trounced by the Imperial army with superior firepower. It was an unequal conflict. The Japanese now turned on the British.

At that time England stood alone against the Germans and all resources were concentrated to halt an imminent invasion of England. Hitler had 'Operation Sea Lion "ready. No troops were available for the defense of the British possessions in SE Asia. Most of the British Indian army was fighting under Wavell and later Montgomery in North Africa, where a life and death struggle was on.

The Japanese thus faced a weak opposition and attacked Singapore after subduing Siam. The British did have 2 capital ships, including the most modern battleship Prince of Wales, but the Japanese attack came from Malaya and Singapore was captured without much of a battle.

The Japanese now swept into Burma, where a weak British Indian army was pushed back. The Japanese had the greater numbers and by end 1944, the Imperial army had reached the gates of India at Kohima and Imphal.

The campaign of the Imperial army was against sub-standard opposition and is not a gauge of the professionalism of the Japanese army. As an example, the Andaman islands were guarded by some 200 Sikh militia. The Japanese threw in over 2000 troops and a dozen warships including a battleship. In such a situation a Japanese victory was a foregone conclusion and the Sikh militia surrendered,

One can thus see that for 2 entire years the Japanese won against the weak opposition. This was a golden time for the Japanese to consolidate their position, but they failed to capitalize and people longed for the return of the English.

The first real test for the Imperial army came in late 1944 when the British commander Field Marshal William Slim had a sufficient number of Indian troops and equipment available. At that time Rommel had been hit for a six out of North Africa and the Allies had landed at Normandy.

The Japanese had superior forces and had laid siege to Imphal and Kohima. They failed to strike as reinforced troops of the Indian army now free from North Africa made a determined stand. It was the first time the Imperial army faced real resistance and a counter attack. In such a scenario they were found wanting and broke ranks against the assault of the Indian army. The Indian troops consisting of Sikhs, Jats and Punjabi Musalmans, broke the back of the Japanese army. It was then one headlong retreat as the Japanese were pushed back and lost Rangoon, Mandalay, and Singapore. Despite having fortified positions on islands close to Akyab, they were pushed back into the swamps to be eaten by crocodiles.

Their performance against the Americans in the Philippines and far east against the Americans was also not much to talk off as the Americans captured island after island as the Imperial Naval fleet had been annihilated in the Battle of Midway.

The Japanese were brave, but when they faced a professional army like the British Indian army they were found wanting. There earlier victories were against weak and ill-equipped forces and one should not read much into them.

The Indian army covered itself with glory and the push through Burma is a feather in its cap. Subhas Bose for all talk was in real terms a cipher. His INA was almost like a ragtag force of some 40,000 who surrendered. The Japanese are thus greatly overrated, as an analysis shows that when faced with a determined resistance from well-armed forces high on morale, they suffered a defeat. This is history and cannot be negated. Their earlier victories were when the British were weak as they faced a rampaging Hitler in Europe, but after Stalingrad, it was a different story.

The Law of Polarity states that everything has an opposite. For every bad situation there is something of equal or greater good or benefit on its way.

After about 7 years into our marriage my husband started having a feeling like there was more, we should be doing in life. We were comfortable, had a nice home and were just floating through life. Well about a week or 2 after voicing to me that he felt there was more for us to do he just was not sure what. He received notice that his job was being dissolved and he had about 2 weeks to find something else. I was a very panicked because I don’t like unknowns but I knew I could pick up more shifts at the hospital if needed. My husband is very resourceful and he found a new job within a week of finding out he was out of a job. But this transition required a move to a new state, and I had to start working full time to make up for the loss of income. We lived in a small trailer with 2 of our children for 4 months while we relocated and worked out all the logistics of finding a home. And because of the move I had to let go of my oldest son who was 13 at the time. He chose to stay in Utah and live with his dad rather than move with us. Life got harder and harder for us as we lived in Las Vegas, at least for me they did. At the time I just could not understand why our lives had to change so much for the worse. Working in Las Vegas as an ICU Nurse was very tough and stressful for me. I would go 3-4 days a week in a row without seeing my family, due to the long hours I worked. I remember feeling so depressed and angry that our life had come to this. We were not living we were just surviving. After 2 years of this strenuous life style we got word that my husband was to deploy for a year. By this point I was so exhausted and worn down and adding the upcoming deployment was too much so we started making arrangements for me to move to Utah to live with my mom and she would help me raise the boys while my husband was gone. My husband had been applying to come on board with the Army full time for about 7 years and was always passed up, but every year he faithfully put in his application, in hopes of coming on board. Well just before his Unit was to deploy, he got word that he was being picked up full time and we would be moving to North Carolina within the month. My husband did not deploy and I was able to quit my job right away. Those 2 years in Las Vegas were tough but just as the Law of Polarity states, as things are tough there is equal or greater blessings. We were able to learn so many life lessons in those 2 years that we lived in Las Vegas that have helped us immensely and have prepared us for other experience’s that we have had. I did not know at the time all the things I was being prepared for and I did not understand why life was so hard. I always kept moving and have been very blessed now to be able to be home and raise my children. We have also had the opportunity to move and live in some fun places like New York and Hawaii. I am always grateful for the difficult times because I know there is an upswing and there is something from the difficult times that can become good every time. The quicker I remember this the easier it is to tolerate the bad times.

Forget lions, tigers, and bears. When it comes to the art of war, army ants are among the most frightening creatures on earth. With powerful mouth parts, these fighters can skillfully cut creatures much larger than themselves into pieces. Acting together in great numbers, army ant colonies succeed at making tens of thousands of such kills each day. Their capabilities do have limits, though. Contrary to popular belief, they almost never take down large animals or people.

One of the best places to observe army ants is Barro Colorado, an island in a lake created by the Panama Canal. The island is home to as many as 50 colonies of Eciton burchellii, the most studied army ant in the world. It is one of 150 types of army ants in the New World; more than 170 other types live in Asia, Africa, and Australia.

The colonies of this army ant are huge, ranging from 300,000 to 700,000 ants. They never stay in one place long, moving from nest site to nest site. Linking legs together, they use their own bodies to form enormous nests called bivouacs, which they hang beneath a fallen tree. There they stay for about 20 days as the queen lays as many as 300,000 eggs.

When the ants go hunting, as many as 200,000 of them leave the nest in a group that broadens into a fan as wide as 14 meters. This swarm raid takes a slightly different course each day, allowing the hunters to cover fresh ground each time.

Protecting the ants wherever they go are the soldiers, recognizable by their oversized jaws. If their frightening looks don’t scare enemies away, soldiers also have a powerful bite — and the attack is often suicidal. Because their jaws are shaped like fishhooks, the soldiers can’t pull them out again. Amazonian tribes have used soldier ants to close wounds, breaking off the bodies and leaving the heads in place.

Eciton burchellii are blind and can’t see what’s ahead of them, but they move together in such great numbers that they easily kill the non-army ants, insects, and other small creatures.

In Japanese the word ant is written by linking two characters: one meaning “insect,” the other meaning “loyalty.” Indeed, individual ants are completely loyal to their fellow ants. They display many examples of selfless cooperation that, while certainly extreme, can’t fail to win human admiration.