SLJ Review of Military Careers

Career paths of members of the armed forces are presented in these simple but factual volumes. Young readers learn that air traffic controllers guide pilots, army intelligence experts gather information, the Coast Guard includes maritime enforcement specialists, and the Marine Corps employ explosive ordnance disposal specialists. Some will be surprised that microbiologists are in the Navy to track infectious diseases. Combat and rescue jobs are also briefly explored. Photographs reflecting the diversity of today’s U.S. military complement the texts. These titles provide introductions to various military jobs and will be considered informative; however, greater detail will be needed by those doing research. The specificity of the content might deter selectors whose limited budgets will attract them to more comprehensive books on the armed forces.

VERDICT: Though attractive and factual, the narrow content of these titles makes them additional purchases.