Taylor Baldwin Kiland – författare

Although armored tanks have been in use since World War II, they have undergone changes in recent years. Used all over the world, the armored tank has become a standard military weapon. Readers learn how they work, what they do, and why they are so effective from the soldiers who operate them.

Fighter planes were made famous by the movie Top Gun, but they were first used during World War I and have become a standard symbol for the military. Through first-hand interviews, readers learn about the development and evolution of fighter planes, when and how they are used, and what it''s like to be the pilots who fly them and the engineers who fix them.

The military uses helicopters for many reasons. Each chopper is designed for its specific purpose: transporting goods and troops, sending rockets and missiles at the enemy, or some combination thereof. Readers learn about the different kinds of military helicopters from the men and women who use them every day.

Armored, weaponized, and able to navigate different terrains, the Humvee has been used by the U.S. military since the 1970s and continues to be a standard vehicle used in military operations. Soldiers in the field tell readers what it''s like to operate Humvees in the field, and introduce them to the newest military vehicle, the MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected).

First invented by the Chinese thousands of years ago, the rifle has changed as warfare has evolved. First-hand interviews with soldiers in the field give readers insight as to how these rifles work, what military rifle training entails, and what it''s like to use these high-powered weapons every day.

Submarines have been in use for centuries, but it wasn’t until the late 1800s that they were commonly used in the military. Today submarines are invaluable weapons in most navies. Through interviews with engineers and soldiers, readers learn how they work and what it''s like to live and work underwater.

The United States Coast Guard is often the first line of defense against attacks at sea. They are also the first call if there is a hurricane or a flood. A career in the coast guard promises adventure, and working with diverse groups of people as well as equipment, technology, and transportation. Through interviews and history, readers will discover what it means to have a career in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Marines are known for being the first to fight in a battle. They are highly trained and are prepared at all times. In addition to being soldiers, marines are also code-breakers, engineers, transporters, charity workers, and musicians. Readers will dive into this book to discover what it means to be a U.S. Marine.

Navy men and women are specialists, tech analysts, engineers, humanitarians, and relief workers, as well as boatswains and captains. Through reading personal accounts and interviews, readers discover what it means to be a part of the proud tradition of the U.S. Navy.

Students will meet a modern-day drone pilot and learn about the combat missions he performs. They will read about the history of UAVs, such as the use of pilotless balloons during the Civil War, and how these unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, are used in military operations today. Full-color photographs highlight the technology behind drones and fact boxes detail how to prepare for a career as a UAV pilot.

GPS technology is used in everything from car satellite systems to iPhones to FitBits. How does GPS actually work? Who takes care of the vast constellation of satellites that are needed to make these systems work? Enhanced with full-color photographs and fact boxes, this book showcases current military technology and tools, historical accounts leading to today''s global systems, and tips to prepare for a career in the military.

Cyber technology and counterterrorism are a hot topic today, and this book details how criminals, terrorists, and enemy governments attempt to use technology against the United States. How can we counter this threat? What training is our military and government using to prevent or repel cyberattacks? Students will learn about the cyber warriors who protect our nation’s information networks. Historical accounts include narrative about the codebreakers during World War II. Full-color photographs, engaging text, fact boxes, and information about how to prepare for a career in cybersecurity in the military round out this fascinating book.

In the twenty-first century, a new kind of conflict has arisen. Dubbed the War on Terror, this confrontation uses many fighting techniques first implemented centuries ago alongside high-tech weaponry. This book explores the history behind today''s conflicts and the inventions that are being created both on and off the battlefield.