Mil Cct Joins:
Standard Join:
Join via 'Initials' - on extended centreline of active runway, about 3nm back from threshold. Run in deadside (ie keeping clear of any cct traffic liveside) at cct height, adjusting position where you turn downwind to fit in with traffic in the cct.
Run and Break:
Much like the standard join, but running in lower and faster than standard join, then using the break up (often to cct height) to help bleed the speed off. Break position again adjusted to fit in with existing traffic.
Of course, one can also position at hi-key for the active runway for a PFL or join downwind. Downwind leg is indeed parallel to the runway.