Introduction Medal inflation is a term used by the media particularly in the United States to describe the increase in the number of medals awarded to the armed forces in recent times and a perceived devaluing of medals because of this. It has been discussed since at least 1979 when a book was published relating… Read More
Introduction Military awards and decorations are distinctions given as a mark of honour for military heroism, meritorious or outstanding service or achievement. A decoration is often a medal consisting of a ribbon and a medallion. While the United States Government does not consider all its military awards and medals as being “decorations”, other countries tend… Read More
Introduction Phaleristics, from the Greek mythological hero Phalerus (Greek: Φάληρος, Phaleros) via the Latin phalera (‘heroics’), sometimes spelled faleristics, is an auxiliary science of history and numismatics which studies orders, fraternities, and award items, such as medals, ribbons, and other decorations. Definition The subject includes orders of chivalry (including military orders), orders of merit, and… Read More
Events 1054 – Siward, Earl of Northumbria, invades Scotland and defeats Macbeth, King of Scotland somewhere north of the Firth of Forth. 1189 – Friedrich Barbarossa arrives at Niš, the capital of Serbian King Stefan Nemanja, during the Third Crusade. 1202 – Georgian–Seljuk wars: At the Battle of Basian the Kingdom of Georgia defeats the… Read More
Introduction United States (US) military ribbons are presented to service personnel serving in a Department of Defence (DOD) component, through the DOD Military Decorations and Awards Programme. The objective of the awards programme is to “provide tangible recognition for acts of valor, meritorious service or achievement under combat conditions, exceptional service or achievement, special skills… Read More
Events 657 – First Fitna: In the Battle of Siffin, troops led by Ali ibn Abu Talib clash with those led by Muawiyah I. 811 – Battle of Pliska: Byzantine Emperor Nikephoros I is killed and his heir Staurakios is seriously wounded. 920 – Rout of an alliance of Christian troops from Navarre and Léon… Read More
Introduction A political demarcation line is a geopolitical border, often agreed upon as part of an armistice or ceasefire. Examples Africa Moroccan Wall, delimiting the Moroccan-controlled part of Western Sahara from the Sahrawi-controlled part Americas The Line of Demarcation was one specific line drawn along a meridian in the Atlantic Ocean as part of the… Read More
Boot Camp & Military Fitness Institute 