LITTLE ROCK — It has been 40 years since I turned in my M-16 and took the freedom bird out of sunny Southeast Asia for the misty environs of the Pacific Northwest.
That was a much cooler (literally) location to finish out my military career.
I may have left the military after four years to return to Arkansas and graduate school, but I’m not alone in believing that part of the military never leaves you.
For those who have a fascination with military history and related stuff, there’s the aptly named Military Channel. It’s home to a wide range of programs designed for the inner warrior. It’s also nice to indulge that interest from the comfort and safety of the den couch.
My father was in the 2nd Armored Division (“Hell on Wheels”) in World War II and maybe that’s the reason I’m so fascinated by the Military Channel’s Greatest Tank Battles.
GTB has just kicked off its second 10-episode season with more explosions, more nifty computer graphics and more dramatic tales of mechanized warfare.
Each episode contains first-person testimony and/or expert analysis and deals with the strategy and action of the 20th century’s most gripping battles.
The commentary includes key technological advances and background on the circumstances that led up to them.
The computer-generated images may seem like a video game to some, but they are integral to understanding how the battles unfolded. They also allow viewers to experience the action from perspectives never before possible.
Greatest Tank Battles airs at 9 p.m. Wednesdays, but don’t fret if you miss an episode. Military Channel repeats this and all its programs many, many times.
Here are some future tank battle episodes on the schedule.
“WWI,” Jan. 25. In 1916, the British debuted the tank in hopes of breaking the stalemate on the Western Front.
“Tunisia,” Feb. 1. By 1942, the Afrika Corps had been pushed back to Tunisia just as the brash new U.S. tank force landed in North Africa.
“Korea,” Feb. 8. In 1950, North Korea launches a massive armored assault into South Korea.
“Italy,” Feb. 15. In 1943, tanks of the Canadian Armored Corps made their combat debut on the European mainland.
“Six Day War,” Feb. 22. In 1967, Israel launches a preemptive strike against Egypt in the Sinai.
“Stalingrad,” Feb. 29. By late 1942, the German offensive begins and the Soviets make their stand in Stalingrad.
“October War,” March 7. Egypt launches a surprise attack against Israel in October 1973.
“Baltics,” March 14. German tankers struggle to hold off the Soviets in 1944.
In addition to all this action, the Military Channel has as its mission to present “compelling, real-world stories of heroism, military strategy, and significant turning points in history.”
The network offers personal stories of servicemen and women and explorations of military training, aviation technology and weaponry.
WHAT ELSE? Animated series.
Unsupervised, a new series from the gang behind It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, debuts at 9:30 p.m. today on FX.
The series follows the adventures of two friends navigating the minefield of their teenage years. Warning: It may be a cartoon, but it’s not for the kiddies. But you probably knew that already.
The animated Archer kicks off its new season at 9 p.m. on FX.
Return dates. Fox’s American Idol returned Wednesday and is on again at 7 p.m. today. Here are the announced midseason return dates for some of your other favorite programs.
Friday: Shark Tank (ABC).
Feb. 3: Who Do You Think You Are? (NBC).
Feb. 5: The Voice (NBC).
Feb. 12: The Walking Dead (AMC); Celebrity Apprentice (NBC). Feb. 19: Eastbound & Down (HBO); The Amazing Race (CBS). Feb. 29: Psych (USA). March 11: Bob’s Burgers (Fox). March 19: Dancing With the Stars (ABC). Note: USA has already renewed Psych for a 16-episode Season 7 set for later this year.
The TV Column appears Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. E-mail:
mstorey@arkansasonline.com
Weekend, Pages 31 on 01/19/2012