Stephen Ruiz

Stephen Ruiz is an associate editor and content writer for Military.com. He previously worked for more than 30 years as a copy editor, writer and online producer for various newspapers, including the Orlando Sentinel. His writing also has appeared in Reserve & National Guard, Military Families and Military Influencer magazines. In his spare time, Stephen enjoys running, playing with his dog, Holly, and rooting on his hometown New Orleans Saints.

Latest Articles

'Keep It Gucci:' The Precise Art of Being an Air Force In-Flight Refueler

In-flight refuelers, also known as boom operators, can pump more than tens of thousands of pounds of gas at a time.

Capt. Julia Flores is member of Army JAG Corps.

What It Takes to Become a Member of the Military JAG Corps

The Judge Advocate General's Corps handles matters of military justice and military law, and acceptance requires a four-year...

Army cadet performs task at Cadet Field Training

'I Cannot Believe I Just Did That': What Goes on at West Point Cadet Summer Training

Summer is not a restful period at West Point. Every class there is involved in some exercises during Cadet Summer Training.

Virginia representative congratulates student on West Point nomination

How to Apply for a Service Academy Nomination from Congress

You want to attend a service academy, but you need a letter from a member of Congress. Here’s how to apply for a service...

Army future soldier March2Success online test prep platform

March2Success Helps Army Recruits Get Their Best ASVAB Scores

Since it was began in the 1990s, March2Success has been a beneficial tool for the military, the U.S. Army Recruiting...

U.S. Army New York City Recruiting Battalion recruiter shakes hands with new recruit

Recruiters Share Personal Stories to Show Applicants How the Military Can Benefit Them

When recruiters open up to potential enlistees, they humanize themselves, put an applicant at ease and increase the chance...

Admissions liaison officer promotes Air Force Academy

Admissions Liaison Officers Play an Important Role in the Service Academy Pipeline

Admissions liaison officers act as a mentor, sounding board and guiding light rolled into one, and every service academy...

'Did I Make the Right Decision?' How to Take the Guesswork out of Army Basic Training

The goal of basic training is to transform a recruit into a soldier. It's as much about constructing the proper mindset as it...

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Most Popular Military News

Medical students at the Uniformed Services University perform drills.

Storm Brewing over Departure of US Military's Medical School President

Supporters say the non-renewal of the president's contract is a political move, and they are raising concerns over the pick...

The Sierra Nevada MC-145B Wily Coyote, which is similar to the Air Force’s C-145 Combat Coyote pictured here, is one of five candidates for the Armed Overwatch program. (Senior Airman Blake Wiles/U.S. Air Force)

Special Operations Command Eyes Four Squadrons of Armed Overwatch Aircraft

SOCOM commander Gen. Richard Clarke said each squadron would be made up of 15 aircraft, and he expects one would be deployed...

Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley answers questions from the media.

Joint Chiefs Chair Dodges Questions on Trump, Coup Concerns and Nazis

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark Milley refused to address a book alleging he was concerned that Donald Trump might...

Sign for Lincoln Military Housing at Camp Pendleton. (U.S. Marine Corps/ Lance Cpl. Michelle S. Mattei)

Check Your Policy: A Marine Family's $14K Bill for Base Housing Damage

A major insurer has changed its policy on liability coverage for military housing tenants after a Camp Pendleton family...

Brig. Gen. Stephen J. Maranian delivers a speech.

Army Reinstates War College Commandant After Sexual Contact Investigation

Latest Military Videos

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A Belarusian Yak-130 jet crashed killing the two pilots onboard.

Amazon to Hire 100,000 Veterans and Military Spouses by 2024

Amazon announces its plan to hire 100,000 vets and military spouses by 2024 which could help a lot of...

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Army News

U.S. Army Reserve 1st Lt. Amber English qualified for the 2020 Olympic Games Skeet Event

Army Shooter Is First US Service Member to Win Gold Medal at Tokyo Olympics

First Lt. Amber English, a logistics officer and member of the Army Marksmanship Unit, bested Diana Bacosi of Italy, the 2016...

Premier: Iraq Doesn't Need US Combat Troops

Mustafa al-Kadhimi said Iraq will still ask for U.S. training and military intelligence gathering.

Black Rifle Coffee Company aspires to help you live the life of your dreams.

Black Rifle Coffee Distances Itself from Extremists, Including Some Who Loved Their Brand

The company had to deliberately state what kind of followers wouldn't be tolerated: extremists.

Navy News

Iranian frigate "Sahand" of the Southern Fleet of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy.

Russia Marks Navy's 325th Anniversary, Iranian Ship Joins In

Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the main parade of more than 50 vessels in St. Petersburg.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke returns home after completing a six-month deployment providing air defense support in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brittney Cannady/U.S. Navy photo)

Senate Defense Bill Would Add $2 Billion for Shipbuilding, Including Another Destroyer

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Freed Guantánamo Inmate with Moroccan Family After 19 Years

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Air Force News

Frank Kendall III, President Joe Biden's nominee to be secretary of the Air Force, appears for his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, May 25, 2021. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)

Senate Confirms Frank Kendall to Lead Air Force

Despite facing several holds during the confirmation process, senators ultimately voted to confirm Frank Kendall as the 26th...

In this Jan. 6, 2021, file photo, rioters try to break through a police barrier at the Capitol in Washington. (John Minchillo/AP Photo File)

Yes, an Air Force Recruit with Ties to a Hate Group Is Out. But the Military’s Extremism Problem Isn’t Fixed.

The Air Force has kicked out a man who belonged to the white nationalist group Identity Evropa months after reporters...

Defense Department police officer Richard Martinez, a patrol officer with the 673d Security Forces Squadron, turns on a new body camera during a routine stop Jan. 8, 2021, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. (Senior Airman Crystal A. Jenkins/U.S. Air Force)

Air Force Suspends Using Body Cameras for Its Security Personnel

The service estimates 13 units actively employed body cameras; nine had bought the equipment but had not activated them for...

Marine Corps News

Army Reserve sergeant stirs chili at Bagram Airfield.

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Energy drinks and tobacco became hot commodities as residents at Bagram Airfield hunted for diminishing supplies before the U...

Former Marine Thae Ohu joins the ranks of service members whose stories have grown to be rallying cries in the struggle for change in the way the military treats mental health and handles sexual assault. (Michael Hinesley)

'They Choose Not to Listen': Thae Ohu Speaks for the First Time on Her Experience in the Marines

Former Marine Thae Ohu's story became a very public symbol of the way military commanders can fail those under their care.

Check Your Policy: A Marine Family's $14K Bill for Base Housing Damage

A major insurer has changed its policy on liability coverage for military housing tenants after a Camp Pendleton family...

Coast Guard News

That is one Semper Paratus game face. (U.S. Coast Guard)

5 Combat Victories the Coast Guard Scored Against America’s Enemies

To honor the Coast Guard's August 4th birthday: five stories to remind you the Coast Guard punches way above its weight.

The remaining military aviation unit at the Former McClellan AFB, Calif., is home to Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento which operates four HC-130 Hercules fixed-wing aircraft with 189 personnel assigned to the unit. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Sheriff: Florida Man Stole Car, Got into Coast Guard Plane

The suspect went into a Coast Guard C-130 aircraft and made it to the cockpit, where he was arrested.

A duck boat that sank in Table Rock Lake in Branson, Missouri, is raised.

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Rides on the lake in modified former World War II vehicles once were a popular draw in the Branson area.