The different terms and abbreviations in the Army vernacular can sometimes seem like an entirely different language! From "K.I.A." to "blackout," these terms can be confusing for civilians and even Armed Forces newbies. <br><br> We've composed a list of some commonly used terms you may hear on <i>Married To The Army: Alaska</i> to help everyone brush up on their Military lingo. <br><br> Plus, we want to hear from you! Post comments with words and phrases you want to learn about below and check back each week as we add more definitions. <br><br> <b>Blackout:</b> When communications are shut down (internet and phone), likely due to a death, so that an official representative can contact the family before they hear of the incident from another source. <br><br> <b>Brigade:</b> A large body of troops made up of a headquarters and supporting units. <br><br> <b>Cadence:</b> A rhythmic sequences of sounds in language, nature or music. <br><br> <b>Chaplain:</b> A clergyman attached to a branch of the military. <br><br> <b>K.I.A./M.I.A.:</b> Killed in Action and Missing in Action. <br><br> <b>R&R:</b> Stands for Rest and Recuperation. This refers to the soldier's free time, including the leave program that allows them to go home for up to 15 days during their deployment. <br><br> <b>Taps:</b>The final bugle call at night to signal lights out. Also played at military funerals and memorials. <br><br>

Does watching the inspiring stories of <Married To The Army: Alaska</i> motivate you to get involved in aiding the Military? Check out the charities listed below to find out how you can help members of the Armed Forces and their families. <ul> <li><a href="http://www.fisherhouse.org/"> target="_b"> Fisher House</a> <li><a href="http://www.uso.org/"> target="_b"> USO</a> <li><a href="http://woundedeodwarrior.org/" target="_b"> Wounded Warrior Foundation</a> <li><a href="http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/" target="_b"> Wounded Warrior Project </a> <li><a href="http://www.redcross.org/" target="_b"> American Red Cross</a> <li><a href="http://www.ausa.org/Pages/default.aspx" target="_b"> AUSA </a> <li><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/joiningforces" target="_b"> Joining Forces</a> <li><a href="http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/warriors-to-work.aspx" target="_b"> Warriors to Work Program</a> <li><a href="http://www.armymwr.com" tagret="_b"> FMWR</a> <li><a href="http://www.avbi.org/" target="_b">American Veterans with Brain Injuries</a>

Eli Williamson, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan who is also a member of the Oprah's Angel Network community started an organization to help other veterans with their educational debt.

They were five ordinary women armed with ice axes, oxygen, doubt, fear, and butterfly stomachs. Would they become the first all-female U.S. team to summit Mount Everest?

Life on the Fort Richardson Army base was a huge adjustment for the seven wives of <i>Married To The Army: Alaska</i>. In a community entrenched in a tradition of proper etiquette, rank structures and its own unique terminology, there's a lot to learn about being an Alaskan Army wife (Not to mention learning to navigate the challenging Alaskan Environment!). For civilians and new Army spouses alike, we've created a few pages of Basic Training. <br><br> Click on the images below for more information about the Armed Forces and life in Alaska, including Army term definitions, rank structures, answers to frequently asked questions and more.