Also you might try supersets. Do the same as described above (although I'd say 5-7 reps to failure), but each time you get to failure immediately drop some weight and continue to failure. Do this for 3-4 different weights/sets all in a row.
E.g. curl 45 lb dumbells to failure (5-7 reps) , immediately grab 40 lb dumbells and rep to failure, immediately grab 35 lb dumbells and rep to failure, and do the same down to 30 (if you can stand the pain). The top weight you start with should be the one that you can just do 5-7 reps with, of course.
Do 3 sets of "supersets" if you can stand it. It ends up being much more strenuous than 9-12 regular sets. For benchpress/military/etc, you'll need a partner to help drop weights off quickly - don't rest between them or you lose the burn/effects.