Military Websites

U. S. Department of Defense
https://www.defense.gov

US Military Entrance Processing Center
https://www.mepcom.army.mil/

Official Army site
https://www.army.mil

Official Navy site
https://www.navy.mil

Official Air Force site
https://www.af.mil

Official Marine Corps site
https://www.marines.mil

Official Coast Guard site
https://www.uscg.mil

Official Space Force site
https://www.spaceforce.mil

Recruiting

Official Army Recruiting Website
https://www.goarmy.com
This site is designed for someone interested in joining the Army and provides information about contacting a recruiting office.

Official Navy Recruiting Website
https://www.navy.com
This site is designed for someone interested in joining the Navy and provides information about contacting a recruiting office.

Official Air Force Recruiting Website
https://www.airforce.com
This site is designed for someone interested in joining the Air Force and provides information about contacting a recruiting office.

Official Marine Corps Recruiting Website
https://www.marines.com
This site is designed for someone interested in joining the Marine Corps and provides information about contacting a recruiting office.

Official Coast Guard Recruiting Website
https://www.gocoastguard.com
This site is designed for someone interested in joining the Coast Guard and provides information about contacting a recruiting office.

Official Space Force Recruiting Website
https://www.spaceforce.com
This site is designed for someone interested in joining the Space Force and provides information about contacting a recruiting office.

Other Military Websites

Official Military One Source Website
https://www.militaryonesource.mil
This site is designed to provide support for military personnel and their families. It requires a signup and has phone apps that can help in researching issues.

DEERS access
milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil
Website to set up and check on your DEERS registration needed for TRICARE medical.

RAPIDS
idco.dmdc.osd.mil/idco
Website to enter and check on ID card registration

MyPay
mypay.dfas.mil
Allows you to manage your pay including tax deductions, and allotments.

Beyond Boot Camp

Your Essential Guide to Success in the Military During Your First Enlistment

Reference Material

Movies About the Military

The Sand Pebbles
1966 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060934/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
A historical war drama set in 1920s China, following Jake Holman, a rebellious U.S. Navy engineer stationed aboard a gunboat navigating political turmoil and personal conflicts. It offers a powerful portrayal of naval life, the complexities of duty, and the moral dilemmas that arise in times of international tension, emphasizing the sacrifices and challenges service members face.

Fail Safe
1964 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058083/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
A gripping Cold War thriller that follows a technical malfunction causing a U.S. bomber group to mistakenly receive orders to nuke Moscow, triggering a tense standoff between American and Soviet leaders. As time runs out, the U.S. president faces an unthinkable decision to prevent all-out nuclear war, leading to a chilling and tragic conclusion.

Ernest in the Army
1998 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0129908/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
Follows the lovable but bumbling Ernest P. Worrell as he joins the U.S. Army Reserves and unexpectedly finds himself deployed to a Middle Eastern conflict. It offers a lighthearted and exaggerated look at basic training, highlighting the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, even in challenging or unexpected circumstances.

Education

COOL program

Army COOL
www.cool.osd.mil/army

Navy COOL
www.cool.osd.mil/usn

Marine Corps COOL
https://www.cool.osd.mil/usmc

Air Force COOL
afvec.us.af.mil/afvec/Public/COOL

Coast Guard COOL
www.cool.osd.mil/uscg

Books

General

The Essential 55
Ron Clark
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00413QB3W/
Learn how to behave in a group setting. Understand proper behavior, eating and while in the classroom. Some things are not applicable for boot camp, as looking at someone in the eye. But this is easy to skim over and understand how your behavior may cause a problem.

How to win friends and influence people
Dale Carnegie
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0912CMYHD/
This is a timeless self-help classic that offers practical advice on building lasting relationships, improving communication skills, and influencing others positively through empathy and genuine connection.

Games People Play: The Psychology Of Human Relationships
Eric Berne
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005C6E76U/
Explores the hidden psychological dynamics of human interactions, revealing how individuals unconsciously engage in "games" that influence their relationships and behaviors.

The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Done
Atul Gawande
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030V0PEW/
This book highlights the power of checklists in managing complexity, ensuring consistency, and achieving success in various fields, from medicine to business.

Meet Maslow: How Understanding the Priorities of Those Around Us Can Lead To Harmony And Improvement
Landon T. Smith
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B071CWVYT9/
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory that outlines a five-tier model of human needs, ranging from basic physiological necessities like food and shelter to higher-level needs such as self-esteem and self-actualization, with each level building upon the fulfillment of the one below it.

Own the Room: Discover Your Signature Voice to Master Your Leadership Presence
Amy Jen Su, Muriel Maignan Wilkins
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BAH7PQY/
This book provides practical strategies for developing authentic leadership presence, boosting confidence, and effectively communicating to inspire and lead others.

A Family's Guide to the Military For Dummies
Sheryl Garrett, Sue Hoppin
https:// www.amazon.com/dp/B001QAP34Q/
This comprehensive guide covers such key topics as introducing military life to readers new to the armed forces, financial planning, relocation, deployment, raising kids alone while a partner is away, and taking advantage of the available benefits.

Free eBooks

Amazon
https://www.amazon.com
Search for Free eBooks by either typing in “0.00” or “free kindle eBooks”.

BookBub
Website: https://www.bookbub.com/ebook-deals/free-ebooks
Free and discounted eBook deals, curated by genre and reading preferences, require an email signup for daily alerts

BookRunes
https://bookrunes.com/
A selection of free & bargain books. Search by genre.

eReaderGirl
http://ereadergirl.com/
Check daily for free eBooks, including Kobo, NOOK, and Kindle versions.

Feedbooks Public Domain Section
https://www.feedbooks.com/publicdomain
Well-formatted classics in multiple file types (ePub, PDF, Kindle), easy to download and read offline

Free-Ebooks.net
https://www.free-ebooks.net/
Free membership gives access to 5 free downloads per month, fiction, nonfiction, and academic categories

Google Books
https://books.google.com/
Search for books with “full view” access, many public domain titles available to read/download

Internet Archive
https://archive.org/
Millions of books, audio books, and other media, includes scanned versions of older and out-of-print books

Kobo eBook Store
https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/p/free-ebooks
Offers a list of Free eBooks

Libby / OverDrive
https://www.overdrive.com/
Borrow eBooks from your local library for free, requires a library card. It is accessible via app or web browser

Libby app
https://help.libbyapp.com/en-us/6103.htm
Free eBooks, digital audio books, and magazines from your library. All you need is a library card.

ManyBooks
https://manybooks.net/
Thousands of free and discounted eBooks, wide selection of genres, clean interface and user-friendly

Open Library
https://openlibrary.org/
Part of the Internet Archive that offers millions of eBooks, including recent titles, free borrowing with account signup

Project Gutenberg
http://www.gutenberg.org/
Offers over 75,000 free eBooks: choose among free ePub books, free kindle books, download them or read them online.

Smashwords
https://www.smashwords.com/
Independent authors and publishers, many books available for free or with “reader sets the price” option

Story Cartel
http://storycartel.com/
All books on Story Cartel are completely free, but in return you support authors by leaving your honest review, whether good or bad, of the book you downloaded.

The Fussy Librarian
https://www.thefussylibrarian.com/
The Fussy Librarian offers two email newsletters catered to your particular interests: Bargain books or free eBooks! Pick one or both, delivered on the days you pick.

Free Audio Books

LibriVox
https://librivox.org/
Volunteer-read public domain audio books, huge selection of classic literature, free to stream or download, no account needed

Internet Archive: Audio books & Poetry
https://archive.org/details/audio_bookspoetry
Thousands of free audio books, both volunteer and professional recordings, includes classic and out-of-print books, also includes old-time radio and poetry

Loyal Books (formerly Books Should Be Free)
https://www.loyalbooks.com/
Offers public domain audio books in MP3 format, categories like adventure, children, fiction, non-fiction, etc., also includes eBook versions

Open Culture Audiobooks
https://www.openculture.com/freeaudiobooks/
Curated list of hundreds of free audiobooks, links to external sources like YouTube, Spotify, and LibriVox, includes classic fiction, philosophy, and historical texts

Storynory
https://www.storynory.com/
Audiobooks for children, original fairy tales, myths, and educational stories, great for bedtime or classroom use

Spotify
https://www.spotify.com/
Search for free audiobooks by title or genre, many classics are available as playlists, requires a free account

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/
Many full-length audiobooks are posted, especially classics. Look for reputable channels like “Greatest AudioBooks” or “Audiobooks Unleashed.” Free to listen, no download required

Lit2Go
https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/
Educational audiobooks from the University of South Florida, Includes text and reading activities (great for students) Stream or download in MP3 format

Audiobook Treasury
https://www.audiobooktreasury.com/free-audiobooks/
Directory of free audiobooks from various sources, Focus on classic and genre fiction

Digitalbook.io (formerly Librophile)
https://www.digitalbook.io/
Aggregates free eBooks and audiobooks Search by title, genre, or narrator Links to LibriVox, Project Gutenberg, and more

Resource for Change of Stations

Army Benefits
https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/
Additional Information

Army Regulation 600-8-10, Leaves and Passes
https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/ DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN30018-AR_600-8-10-000-WEB-1.pdf
PDF download

Army Regulation 600-8-11, Reassignment
https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/ DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/r600_8_11.pdf

Joint Travel Regulations (JTR)
https://www.travel.dod.mil/Policy-Regulations/Joint-Travel-Regulations/
The JTR is published on a monthly basis; however, policy changes may occur at any time during the month.

DFAS-Travel Pay
https://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/ travelpay/checklists/
Provides many answers to questions about travel pay.

DFAS-Claim Status
https://www.dfas.mil/militarymembers/ travelpay/information/
Information about travel pay.

Weight Allowance Calculator
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/pcs-entitlements/
Help with your entitlements when moving.

Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT)
https://www.dfas.mil/militaryMembers/ travelpay/armypcs/malt/
Help with your entitlements when moving.

Personally Procured Move (PPM) Estimator
https://www.ustranscom.mil/dp3/weightestimator.cfm
Allows you to download a tool to estimate your move.

“It’s Your Move” Armed Forces Members Guide
https://www.ustranscom.mil/dtr/part-iv/dtr_part_iv_app_k_1.pdf
PDF to download

Attachment K3 Shipping you POV
https://www.ustranscom.mil/dtr/part-iv/dtr_part_iv_app_k_3.pdf
PDF to download

Military One Source Article About PCS
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-pcs/
PDF to download

Army Community Service
https://www.armymwr.com/programs-and-services/personal-assistance/army-community-service
Help from the Army MWR when relocating.

DoD 7000.14 R, Volume 7A, Chapter 26
https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/documents/fmr/archive/07aarch/07a_26a.pdf
PDF to download

Housing Online User Services
https://www.housing.army.mil/
This is the Army's official website for Soldiers and Families to look for information regarding Army Family Housing (Privatized & Government Owned), Unaccompanied Housing (UH), or Off-Post Housing.

HOMES.MIL (Off-Post Housing)
https://www.homes.mil
HOMES.mil is a service designed to connect Service members and their Families with community housing rental listings located near U.S. military bases.

Joint Service Transcript
https://jst.doded.mil
The Joint Services Transcript (JST) is an official document that records a service member’s military training, experience, and education in a format recognized by civilian colleges and employers.

Commercial Websites

Military Information

Army Study Guide
https://www.armystudyguide.com
A comprehensive resource with study materials, practice tests, and forums for those preparing for military exams.

National Veterans Foundation
https://nvf.org
Offers support and resources for veterans and their families, including transition assistance and counseling services.]

Marine Corps Parents
https://rp.marineparents.com/
Support organization

Military career information
https://myfuture.com/military/

Veteran TV
https://www.veterantv.com/

Veteran Community
https://veteran.com/

Coast Guard Recruit
https://www.forcecom.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/FORCECOM-UNITS/TraCen-Cape-May/Training/RecruitTraining/
Recruiting information for the Coast Guard run by the DoD:

Today’s Military
https://www.todaysmilitary.com/
The Today’s Military website is produced by the United States Department of Defense as a resource for young adults, parents and educators curious about military service. TodaysMilitary.com is not intended to promote any one branch of the U.S. Military.

Article about Air Force COOL program
https://protrainaf.theknowledgebase.org/

Online Communities and Forums

Reddit military group
https://www.reddit.com/r/Military/
A message board where you can ask questions and get advice from current and former military members.]

Facebook Groups
https://www.facebook.com/groups/
Various Facebook groups offer a space to connect with other recruits, share experiences, and seek advice.

Airborne Forums
https://www.airborneforums.com
This group is about Army airborne and special forces where you can discuss training issues.

Stars and Stripes
https://www.stripes.com/
The semi-official news for the military

Podcasts and YouTube Channels

Mentors for Military Podcast
https://mentorsformilitary.com/
Features interviews with veterans, active-duty military, and experts on topics related to military service and preparation.

YouTube–Nate Talks To You
https://www.youtube.com/user/NateTalksToYou
Offers candid advice and insights on boot camp, military life, and what to expect from a veteran’s perspective.

YouTube–Life Is A Special Operation
https://www.youtube.com/user/specialopslife
Covers physical and mental preparation for military life, with a focus on special operations training.

YouTube–Boot Camp-Making a Sailor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDwLsrmDBF0

YouTube-All Hands Magazine
https://www.youtube.com/@AllHandsMagazine
Videos from the official All Hands Magazine

Certification Programs

Google IT Support Professional Certificate
https://grow.google/certificates/it-support/

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification Program
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/ certifications/microsoft-office-specialist-expert-2019/

Microsoft Certified: Fundamentals
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/ credentials/certifications/fundamentals

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)Excel and Project
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/ certifications/mos-excel-expert-2019/

Project Management Professional (PMP)
https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
https://www.pmi.org/certifications/certified-associate-capm

Certified Manager (CM)
https://icpm.net/certifications/certified-manager-certification/

Google Project Management Certificate
https://grow.google/certificates/project-management/

Lean Six Sigma Certifications
https://www.sixsigmacouncil.org/six-sigma-certifications/

OSHA 10-Hour and 30-Hour Safety Certifications
https://www.osha.gov/training/outreach

Certified Welder (CW)Theory Only Online
https://www.aws.org/certification-and-education/professional-certification/certified-welder-program/?step=1

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Entry-Level Certifications
https://www.ase.com/entry-level

Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)
https://www.msscusa.org/certified-logistics-technician-clt/

Red Cross CPR
https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr
Offers classes and certification in CPR

Colleges

University of Phoenix
www.phoenix.edu/
Offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs online.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
www.snhu.edu
Known for its flexible online programs across multiple disciplines, including business, healthcare, and liberal arts.

Capella University
www.capella.edu
Offers competency-based education programs for undergraduate and graduate students.

Western Governors University (WGU)
www.wgu.edu
A non-profit university offering online degrees with a focus on competency-based education in fields like business, IT, and education.

None-degree Schools

Udemy
www.udemy.com
Offers a wide range of courses in areas like programming, business, marketing, and personal development, with courses for all levels.

Coursera
www.coursera.org
Provides online courses from universities and companies, covering topics such as technology, business, health, and arts, with both free and paid options.

LinkedIn Learning
www.linkedin.com/learning
Offers courses on business, technology, creative skills, and personal development, with a focus on practical skills for career growth.

Skillshare
www.skillshare.com
Specializes in creative and business skills, offering courses on topics like graphic design, photography, writing, and entrepreneurship.

Pluralsight
www.pluralsight.com
Focuses on technology-related training, offering courses in software development, IT, data science, and cybersecurity for professionals looking to advance their technical skills.

edX
www.edx.org
Provides free courses from top universities and institutions around the world in a variety of subjects like computer science, business, and humanities. You can access the content for free, but a certificate may require payment.

Khan Academy
www.khanacademy.org
Offers free educational courses in subjects ranging from math and science to history and economics. It's ideal for students of all ages.

Coursera
www.coursera.org
While Coursera primarily offers paid courses, many of its courses can be audited for free. You get access to the content without receiving a certificate unless you pay.

Google Digital Garage
learndigital.withgoogle.com
Offers free online courses focused on digital skills, from online marketing to career development and data analysis, designed for anyone looking to improve their digital presence.

MIT OpenCourseWare
ocw.mit.edu
Provides free access to course materials from a wide range of MIT’s courses, allowing learners to study everything from engineering and computer science to economics and humanities.

Academic Earth
https://academicearth.org/
A free online education platform offering video lectures and courses from top universities in subjects ranging from business to engineering.

Internet Archive
https://archive.org/
A nonprofit digital library that provides free access to millions of books, movies, software, music, and websites.

Big Think
http://bigthink.com/
A knowledge-sharing platform featuring short videos and articles from leading thinkers and experts across various disciplines.

Brightstorm
https://www.brightstorm.com/
An educational resource offering high school students video lessons and study guides primarily in math, science, and English.

CosmoLearning
https://cosmolearning.org/
A free educational website offering courses, documentaries, and lectures on a wide range of academic and professional subjects.

Futures Channel
http://thefutureschannel.com/
A media platform connecting classroom learning with real-world careers through short films and lesson plans.

Howcast
https://www.howcast.com/
A video tutorial site that provides practical, step-by-step guides on everything from cooking and fitness to technology and lifestyle.

Khan Academy
https://www.khanacademy.org/
A nonprofit educational platform offering free online courses, lessons, and practice in subjects like math, science, economics, and test prep.

Index
military websites

recruiting

other military websites

resources for change of station
commercial websites

military information

online communities and forums

podcasts and YouTube channels

non degree schools
Index
Movies about the military
education

cool program

books

general

free ebooks

free audibooks

certificaiton programs

colleges