The SURCOUF submarine met disaster on the night of Feb. 18, 1942. As a result, 130 people died. At the time, it was the worst submarine disaster ever. But decades later, people continue to argue about what happened to the mammoth submarine, which belonged to the free French. Written by Capt. Julius Grigore Jr., the foremost expert on the disaster, this scholarly work examines details about how $245 million in gold may have played a role in the disaster; questions about a possible double agent who may have plotted to block the Panama Canal and blow up SURCOUF; events that led President Roosevelt to threaten to deploy a battleship against SURCOUF; roles that women played before and after the disaster. Learn the real story behind one of the most misunderstood submarine disasters in history. Written for history buffs, servicemen and servicewomen, and anyone interested in a good mystery, "The SURCOUF Conspiracy" examines one of the strangest submarine stories of all time.

The United States Navy's guide to bugling remains a useful text for aspiring players of the instrument, and for musicians considering naval service - this edition includes every illustration and piece of musical notation. Bugles have been an important feature in military tradition for centuries: on the battlefield as a method of signalling a charge or withdrawal; in the training of soldiers in sounding the times in barracks; and as a ceremonial instrument during military parades, celebrations, funerals and other such events. It was the Navy's hope that many Americans - enlisted or otherwise - would learn the bugle through this guidebook. Over 150 musical notations are printed in this book. Generally speaking, they become more advanced in terms of phrasing and notation as the reader proceeds through the pages. The program lays out a time frame upon which the player should advance his abilities and teaches the basics of musical theory such as the staves, reading notation, and the timing of play.

FEBRUARY 1943

1. This Motor Torpedo Boat Manual (short title--Motorprons Two) is approved and issued to the service for use. This manual is RESTRICTED, may be issued to officers and petty officers of the Navy, and for instruction of naval personnel. It shall not be carried in aircraft for use therein.

2. Although motor torpedo boats are a relatively new weapon, considerable operating experience has been accumulated. Peacetime operation promoted valuable experimental work and the development of tactical, administrative, and operative procedures. Wartime operation against the enemy in the Pacific, to date, has already greatly added to the total experience gained. As new squadrons are commissioned and sent to outlying bases, the importance of passing on the benefits of operating experience to new personnel needs no elaboration..

3. Each commanding officer shall keep a record of issue of this manual within his command. When no longer required or when its destruction is ordered, it shall be destroyed by burning. No report of destruction is required.

Public domain content transcribed and formatted for HTML by Larry Jewell & Patrick Clancey, Hyperwar Foundation.

North American's A-5 Vigilante served for nearly two decades as an all-weather supersonic strike aircraft and reconnaissance platform. An outgrowth of studies begun in 1953, the prototype first flew in 1958. Originally designed to operate as a nuclear delivery system, the Vigilante was at the time of its introduction the largest and most complex aircraft to operate from a carrier. Carrying a crew of two, the Vigilante was equipped with two General Electric J-79 turbojets, and utilized a single tailfin. It featured a high-mounted swept wing with aluminum-lithium alloy skins and no ailerons. The Vigilante featured cutting-edge technology and was one of the first aircraft to use fly-by-wire systems and a heads-up display, as well as inertial navigation among other advanced systems. The Vigilante's bomb bay was located between the aircraft's engines, giving it a streamlined appearance and making the large aircraft surprisingly agile. As a result of shifts within the Navy's nuclear strategy brought on by the advent of the nuclear ballistic missile submarine, the A-5 never served in a strategic role. Instead most were converted to the RA-5C reconnaissance platform. Beginning in 1964, Vigilantes flew missions in Vietnam. Although extremely fast and maneuverable, the RA-5C's combat record was far from stellar. Difficult and expensive to maintain in the field, the Vigilante also compiled a dubious loss record. Out of 156 built, 18 aircraft were lost in combat and nine more succumbed to accidents during the Vietnam conflict. After 1974, a phase out of the Vigilante began with smaller, less complex fighter aircraft taking on the recon role. The RA-5C was deployed for the last time in 1979. Originally printed by the U.S. Air Force, this A-5A Vigilante flight operating manual taught pilots everything they needed to know before entering the cockpit. Originally classified "Restricted," this manual was declassified long ago and is here reprinted in book form.

This manual meets the first aid training needs of individual service members. Because medical personnel will not always be readily available, the nonmedical service members must rely heavily on their own skills and knowledge of life-sustaining methods to survive on the integrated battlefield. This publication outlines both self-aid and aid to other service members (buddy aid). More importantly, it emphasizes prompt and effective action in sustaining life and preventing or minimizing further suffering and disability. First aid is the emergency care given to the sick, injured, or wounded before being treated by medical personnel. The term first aid can be defined as "urgent and immediate lifesaving and other measures, which can be performed for casualties by nonmedical personnel when medical personnel are not immediately available." Nonmedical service members have received basic first aid training and should remain skilled in the correct procedures for giving first aid. This manual is directed to all service members. The procedures discussed apply to all types of casualties and the measures described are for use by both male and female service members. This publication is in consonance with the following North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) International Standardization Agreements (STANAGs) and American, British, Canadian, and Australian Quadripartite Standardization Agreements (QSTAGs).

Striking, beautiful, and haunting, UNCOMMON GRIT takes a unique, unprecedented look at the toughest training in the military -- and the world -- from the vantage point of someone who lived through it. Retired Navy SEAL Darren McBurnett, includes vivid descriptions of both the physical and mental evolutions that occur as a result of the immensely challenging SEAL training process. His stunning photographs, partnered with his compelling insights and sharp sense of humor, allow the reader to laugh, cringe, gasp, and even envision themselves going through this extraordinary experience.