You can hear it echoing from the hallowed halls of Fort Benning, Ga.'s Infantry Center to the ranges at Fort Lewis, Wash. It is uttered at award ceremonies, bellowed from formations, and repeated before, during and after training missions. You can hear it shouted by Air Force Security Forces, Pararescue, and Combat Controllers. The word is thundered out by Navy SEALs, and by United States Marines (who pronounce it OohRah!). So, where did the term originate?

Many military members have the choice to live on-base or off-base. So, which is better? There is no clear answer. It depends on your branch of service, the base you're assigned to, the policies of your base/command, whether you are married or single, and whether you are a junior member or have a few years of service under your belt.

My father served in the Army during the Korean War and told me that many of the soldiers he served alongside with were in the Army as an alternative to prison. Several Vietnam-era vets have told me they've served with military members who were told by a judge, "Join the Military, or go to jail."

Can courts still do that? Can a criminal court judge sentence a person to military service as an alternative to jail. Can a prosecutor mandate that someone join the military as an alternative to criminal prosecution?

The U.S. Army Parachute Team known as the Golden Knights is now seeking candidates for its 2009 assessment and selection, which will begin Sept. 8. Soldiers interested in trying out for the elite parachute team are encouraged to submit applications immediately; deadline for submission is July 24.

To be selected to the team, a Soldier must be on active-duty status, have completed 100 free-fall parachute jumps and have a good military and civilian record. Applications are available at www.usarec.army.mil/hq/goldenknights.