Teens considering a career in the armed services, or those seeking information about the branches of the service will find The Armed Forces Encyclopedia (Tammy Gagne, Abdo, 2024, 192 pages, $36.95) a treasure trove. Each branch, including the new U.S. Space Force, has a thorough discussion including its history, current expectations and how to join.

Each of these comprehensive volumes provides information of the jobs, vehicles, weapons, and wars of the United States military. In The Armed Forces ­Encyclopedia readers learn about requirements for each branch and the many jobs in the military. The Military Vehicles ­Encyclopedia introduces the many ­vehicles employed by the military including fighter jets, tanks, and submarines. The Military Weapons Encyclopedia explains the ­development and uses of bayonets, missiles, mines and more. The War ­Encyclopedia features succinct accounts of American conflicts from the American Revolution to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Colorful illustrations, mostly photographs, complement the texts. The narratives are straightforward and informative but also dry; only the most ardent enthusiasts will choose to read. However, the books may prove ­useful to report writers. VERDICT Though these volumes contain factual and useful information, they are recommended as a secondary purchase.