Courage is a key element. When soldiers face great danger without hesitation, like the soldiers in the Battle of Iwo Jima who climbed the volcanic cliffs under heavy fire. Their fearless actions make the story great.
One great military dog story is about a dog named Chips. During World War II, Chips attacked an Italian machine - gun nest, helping the Allied soldiers. He was initially a family pet but showed great courage in battle. Another is about Cairo, a military dog in the SEAL team. Cairo participated in the mission to take down Osama bin Laden, playing a crucial role in the operation.
One of the best military short stories is 'An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge' by Ambrose Bierce. It tells a gripping tale of a man about to be hanged during the Civil War and his vivid hallucinations. Another great one is 'The Red Badge of Courage' by Stephen Crane. It follows a young soldier's journey through the chaos of battle and his struggle with fear and courage. And 'The Man I Killed' from Tim O'Brien's 'The Things They Carried' is also very powerful, exploring the psychological impact of war on a soldier.
One of the best is the story in 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare' series. It often portrays complex military operations and the struggles of soldiers in a realistic setting. For example, the storylines involving international conflicts and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters make it very engaging.
One of the best military stories is that of the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae. A small force of Spartans held off a much larger Persian army for days. Their courage and tenacity in the face of overwhelming odds became a symbol of military heroism.
The story of the USS Hornet is quite famous. It's a decommissioned aircraft carrier that is said to be haunted. People have reported seeing apparitions of sailors who served on the ship. There are also strange noises like the sound of machinery that was once used on the ship, even though it's no longer operational.
Sure. 'The Things They Carried' by Tim O'Brien is a must - read. It's a collection of short stories that vividly portray the physical and emotional burdens of soldiers in the Vietnam War. Another good one is 'All Quiet on the Western Front' which gives a brutally honest account of the experiences of German soldiers in World War I.
One military ghost story is about a haunted barracks. Soldiers would often hear strange footsteps at night when no one was supposed to be there. They also reported seeing a shadowy figure in the hallway. Some believe it was the spirit of a soldier who died in a training accident long ago.
Well, 'Old Man's War' by John Scalzi is among the top military sf novels. It tells the story of an old man who enlists in the military to fight in space. Then there's 'The Expanse' series by James S. A. Corey. It has great military aspects as it portrays the conflicts between different factions in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system. And 'Gateway' by Frederik Pohl is also a good one, with its unique take on military - like exploration in space.
Another great fictional military general is Ender Wiggin from 'Ender's Game'. He was a child prodigy in military strategy. He was able to think several steps ahead of his opponents and adapt quickly to new situations. His victory in the simulated battles against the Formics showed his extraordinary skills as a military leader, despite his young age.