James Holloway

A comprehensive comparison of the two dominant Western tank designs.

The systems, processes, and decisions that determine what happens to military equipment when it leaves active service.

Logistics, sustainment, and organization often matter more than individual weapons systems.

Why military size doesn't guarantee victory in modern warfare.

Why forces continue operating decades-old platforms alongside cutting-edge systems.

A comprehensive guide to military readiness, what it measures, and why it matters.

The M1 Abrams dominates the battlefield with its 120mm cannon, advanced composite armor, and 1,500-horsepower turbine engine, making it one of the most feared tanks in the world.

The B-21 Raider combines next-generation stealth technology, advanced networking capabilities, and nuclear delivery capability to become America's most formidable strategic bomber.

The F-105 Thunderchief was the largest single-engine fighter ever built, delivering more bombs over North Vietnam than any other aircraft while enduring devastating losses in the most dangerous skies of the Cold War.

An A-10 Warthog costs approximately $18.8 million per aircraft, with an hourly operating cost of around $6,000, making it one of the most cost-effective combat aircraft in the U.S. inventory.

The A-10 Warthog carries 1,174 rounds of 30mm ammunition for its legendary GAU-8 Avenger cannon, the most powerful aircraft gun ever mounted on a production aircraft.

In a dogfight, the F-15 Eagle's superior speed, radar, and twin-engine power typically prevail, though the lighter F-16 can exploit its agility advantage in close-quarters combat.

In a pure dogfight, the F-22 Raptor's superior speed, maneuverability, and thrust vectoring give it a decisive edge over the F-35, though real combat involves far more variables.

The F-35 earned the unofficial nickname 'Fat Amy' from critics who view its larger fuselage and higher weight as drawbacks compared to sleeker fourth-generation fighters.

To join the US Marines, applicants must be 17-28 years old, pass the ASVAB with a minimum score of 32, meet strict physical fitness standards, and clear medical and background checks.

Joining the US military requires US citizenship or legal residency, age 17-39 depending on branch, high school diploma, passing ASVAB scores, and meeting physical and medical standards.

The F-35 Lightning II honors the legendary P-38 Lightning of WWII, connecting Lockheed Martin's newest stealth fighter to one of aviation's most iconic aircraft.

The F/A-18E/F earned the 'Super Hornet' name because it represents a significantly larger, more powerful evolution of the original F/A-18 Hornet while maintaining the same basic design philosophy.

The F-15 Eagle earned its iconic nickname from the bald eagle, symbolizing American air superiority, strength, and the aircraft's distinctive wing design that resembles an eagle in flight.

The F-22 Raptor takes its name from birds of prey known as raptors, reflecting the aircraft's role as an apex aerial predator with unmatched stealth, speed, and lethality.

The F-15EX Eagle II is the most advanced F-15 variant ever built, combining 50 years of proven airframe design with cutting-edge avionics, electronic warfare systems, and the ability to carry 22 air-to-air missiles.

The B-1 Lancer is a supersonic swing-wing bomber built for speed and payload, while the B-2 Spirit is a subsonic flying wing designed for stealth penetration of defended airspace.

The F-22 Raptor costs approximately $334 million per aircraft including development, with a $150 million unit cost and $70,000 per flight hour, making it the most expensive fighter ever built.