Before you head off to basic training, you should be familiar with a few basic items, such as military ranks, chain of command, and military time. You also want to make sure that you know the rules of being sentry.Ranks of the military branchesDifferent branches have different military ranks. Here’s a list to help you prepare, whether you’re heading off to basic training for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps.

If your family is embarking on a military career, your life could be unpredictable, stressful, and ever-changing. You'll want to keep your military family happy, ease the stress of making frequent moves, and connect with other military families. To further minimize your stress, learn to manage your monthly finances and the time away from your deployed spouse.

The military is all about being on time. Of course, when you arrive at basic training, you need to learn to tell time in a whole new way — the military way! Master this list, and you’ll have no reason to ever be late! Time Military Time Equivalent Midnight (12 a.m.) 0000 hrs 1 a.m. 0100 hrs 2 a.m. 0200 hrs 3 a.

When you’re sentry in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps, it’s important to take your responsibility seriously. Follow these 11 rules, no matter which military branch you’re in, and you’ll never go wrong! Take charge of this post and all government property in view. Walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert, and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.

Different branches have different military ranks. Here’s a list to help you prepare, whether you’re heading off to basic training for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps. Enlisted: Army: E-1 Private, E-2 Private, E-3 Private First Class, E-4 Corporal/Specialist, E-5 Sergeant, E-6 Staff Ser

In the military, you need to know who is in charge — in essence, the military chain of command. You should always go directly to your superior (and not your superior’s superior!). This handy guide lets you know who reports to whom. Branch Chain of Command Army Recruit, Drill Sergeant, Platoon Leader, Company

You should review your finances any time your family starts on a new career path, and the military is no exception. Know how much money you really need to purchase essentials for your family — food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and insurance. Most of these required expenses are provided by, or supplemented by, the military.

When your spouse is deployed with the military and you can watch the news 24 hours a day, it’s easy to let your imagination run wild. Technology’s a great thing, but sometimes enough is enough and you need to unplug. You’re going to have to find ways to manage your separation anxiety or you’ll find yourself coming apart.