The military welcomes men and women who are healthy and willing to defend their country.  Usually these men and women are fairly young, but not as young as the latest boy to make an entrance on a military base in Afghanistan.  A soldier in the British army delivered a baby boy on the base Tuesday - just four days after the base was raided by well trained Afghan insurgents dressed in U.S. military garb.

It is not known whether the soldier knew she was pregnant, but British military does not allow pregnant women to deploy. Also, the military is not releasing the woman's name or the name of the child.  It is suspected, however, that the woman was working as a gunner.  "Mother and baby are both in a stable condition in the hospital and are receiving the best possible care," the ministry said in a statement. It said a team of doctors would fly out to Afghanistan in the coming days to help the soldier and her son return safely to Britain.

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I'm thinking of going into the army and very strongly at that. I was wondering about the benefits and things like that about the Army and I'd love if someone could give me some insight I'm kinda clueless because i've never thought of going into the army but now, I want to join it Please help if you can, thanks!

Ashley Ackley's life has changed dramatically in the last few years.  Not only has she changed her hair and updated her wardrobe, she changed her gender.  Ashley was born John Ackley and, until recently, lived a much different life.  John served in Iraq and once he returned home, he began hormone therapy and took the process to legally become female.  She also said she thought the military would have a hard time accepting her decision to transition, but was proven wrong.  "I figured there would be boards and I would have to talk to people all the way up the chain of command. But no, they were fine with it," she said.

Now Ashley says she is much happier in every way but one.  Ashely wants to re-enlist in the military, but this time, as a woman.  She says she misses the structure, discipline, training and the people involved in military life.   On her quest to re-enlist, Ashley has become the "darling" of the GLBT community.  Even so, the challenge to become part of the military again isn't easy.  The Army's medical fitness regulations state that anyone who has undergone or attempted to change their gender is unfit for enlistment because of medical reasons.

Do you think Ashely should be able to re-enlist as a woman?

John Pre-Op

For anyone who's not in the military, much of their opinions on what it's like come from "Pearl Harbor" or "Jarhead".  In fact, Hollywood has taken some liberties with depicting the way the military operates and how it feels to be a soldier.  Like with any Hollywood adaptation, they're bound to get a few things wrong.  Here are some of those brought to you by Cracked.

1. Myth One - Boot camp is like "Full Metal Jacket."  In fact, the first two weeks of boot camp is learning how to wear and care for your uniform.  Also, because of rules and regulations, commanders cannot be quite as verbally abusive as they appear in the films.
2. Myth Two - War = Combat.  The truth is there is a lot that goes into war besides the actual fighting.  Machines need upkeep, intel needs to be uncovered, and people need to be healed.  On top of those positions, there are dozens of other positions besides actual combat.
3. Myth Three - Veterans are just waiting to die - In truth, veterans, like everyone else in the military, aren't necessarily old and their time in the military affects them all differently.  Not every vet will have PTSD and not all will be missing limbs. 
4. Myth Four - Everyone in the miliary has a strong un-breakable bond.  While it is true that many military men and women have a tight, unique bond, the truth is on a day-to-day basis, not everyone will get along.  These people are your coworkers and when you're with someone that much, there's a tendency to get on each other's nerves.
5. Myth Five - You go to war, and then you come home.  In the movies, re-deployment isn't usually a thing but in real life, it's a very real possibility. 

When else is military life not like the movies?

The military is only successful because of the dedication of the troops and the constant update of technology.  In fact, the newly tested and used technology of weapons and the constant evolution of gear to keep the military men and women safe is integral to the military's success.  It is this need to stay on the cutting edge of military technology that has led to the invention of a grenade throwing robot.

The Shipboard Autonomous Firefighting Robot (or SAFFiR for short), is actually designed to aid in fighting fires on naval ships and will reduce the danger for the troops and reduce equipment.  According to CNN, this device is "armed with cameras and a gas sensor, the battery-powered SAFFiR will be "capable of activating fire suppressors" and throwing "propelled extinguishing agent technology (PEAT) grenades."

What do you think?

The house has voted 404-0 to pass a bill which will give preferential treatment to troops at the airport.  The military would vet the troops before they arrive at the airport and due to that, once the troops arrive they will have an easier time getting through security.  One representative said that it takes longer for men and women in uniform to pass through security because of their gear, medals on their uniforms and boots that must be unlaced. Allowing them through security more quickly would speed up the waiting time for those not part of a preference program.  He also said that he hopes Homeland Security will establish the new preferential system that would allow troops to either go to the front of the line or have a separate line created.

The military personnel will just have to provide proof that they were vetted before arriving at the airport.  In addition, the TSA already makes some accommodations to service members.in uniform with a proper identification card.

Do you like this idea or should the military have to do the same procedure as everyone else?

In honor of Veteran's Day, many popular restaurant chains all over the country will be giving out free meals or sides to honor our service men and women.  Just for tomorrow, active military, veterans, and their families, are going to be celebrated and appreciated all over the country.  Here are some of the restaurants that are participating and what you can get.

1. APPLEBEE'S - Applebee's is offering a free meal for veterans and active duty military on November 11 in honor of Veterans Day. More information
2. CHILLI'S - Chilli's is offering a free meal for veterans on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The restaurant is offering a choice of seven entrées. More information
3. GOLDEN CORRAL - Golden Corral is offering a "thank you" dinner to anyone who has served in the U.S. Military as part of their 2011 Military Appreciation Monday. The dinner will be held Monday, November 14 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. More information
4. HOOTERS - All veterans and active duty military personnel can receive 10 free boneless or traditional wings, with purchase of a drink, all day Friday, November 11. Several locations in Hampton Roads will be offering this special. More information
5. OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE - Outback Steakhouse is thanking veterans and active duty military by offering a free Bloomin' Onion and Coca Cola from November 7-11, in honor of Veterans Day. More information
6. TEXAS ROADHOUSE - Veterans and active duty military can select a free entrée and a choice of a free Coca Cola product, iced tea/sweet tea, or coffee on Friday, November 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information
7. T.G.I. FRIDAYS - Buy one entrée, get one free, for all U.S. military personnel and veterans on Friday, November 11. The special is valid only at participating locations. More information
8. 7-ELEVEN - Free, small Slurpee drinks will be given to active, veteran, and retired members of the military and their immediate families at participating 7-Eleven stores on Friday, November 11. In addition, to thank active troops for their service, slurpee trucks will arrive at Norfolk Naval Base on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. as part of 7-Eleven, Inc.'s 'Operation Thank You.

Are you going to go?