In Yokota, Defense Secretary Ash Carter reported progress in talks with Japanese officials on the U.S.-Japan Defense Guidelines for Defense Cooperation and on a proposed regional regulatory and investment treaty called the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Story | Special
The United States must maintain technological superiority over potential adversaries and competitors, and the latest iteration of the Defense Department’s Better Buying Power initiative is designed to maintain that edge, Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work said. Story | Transcript
U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter speaks with service members during a troop event on Osan Air Base, South Korea, April 9, 2015. It is Carter's first trip as secretary to the Asia-Pacific region to strengthen ties and reaffirm commitment to the rebalance. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Hurt
U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter signs the cast of a military child on Yokota Air Base in Japan, April 9, 2015. Carter hosted a town hall with service members and their families in observance of Month of the Military Child. Carter is on a visit to the Asia-Pacific region to strengthen ties and reaffirm commitment to the rebalance. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Hurt
Defense Secretary Ash Carter begins his first trip as secretary to the Asia-Pacific region to strengthen and modernize alliances as a priority for 21st Century defense and sustaining U.S global leadership.
Vice President Joe Biden speaks on U.S. policy in Iraq at National Defense University on Fort McNair, April 9, 2015. DoD photo by EJ Hersom
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jordan Barfield uses tungsten inert gas to weld a nitrogen cart booster stand on Aviano Air Base in Italy, April 8, 2015. Barfield is an aircraft metals technology journeyman assigned to the 31st Maintenance Squadron. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Areca T. Wilson
A Marine fires downrange on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, April 8, 2015. The Marine is a scout sniper assigned to Sniper Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Julian Temblador
Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work briefs reporters during a news conference on innovation and Better Buying Power 3.0 at the Pentagon, April 9, 2015. Work and Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Frank Kendall conducted the briefing. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Adrian Cadiz
Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Frank Kendall hosts a news conference on innovation and Better Buying Power 3.0 at the Pentagon, April 9, 2015. Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work also participated. DoD photo by Air Force Master Sgt. Adrian Cadiz
Airman 1st Class Luke Locken helps a child try on flight gear during a 4th Fighter Wing Pilot for a Day event on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina, April 3, 2015. Locken is an aircrew flight equipment technician assigned to 4th Operations Support Squadron. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ashley J. Thum
Sailors transfer cargo crates during a replenishment at sea aboard the USS John C. Stennis in the Pacific Ocean, April 3, 2015. The ship is undergoing an assessment of its abilities to conduct combat missions, support functions and survive complex casualty control situations. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ignacio D. Perez
The Defense Department is taking a stand against sexual assault in the military in an effort to maintain the well-being of U.S. service members and their families. Check out Defense.gov’s special coverage, which includes information about resources dedicated to preventing and appropriately responding to this crime.
U.S. soldiers calibrate a Javelin missile launcher's Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System before the start of field operations for Saber Junction 15 in Hohenfels, Germany, April 6, 2015. The soldiers are assigned to 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Caleb Barrieau
Military children make up a very special part of our nation's population. Although young, these brave sons and daughters stand in steadfast support of their military parents through moves and deployments. To honor their unique contributions and sacrifices on behalf of our country, each April is designated the Month of the Military Child.
Left to right: U.S. Army Spc. Simon Saliba, 1st Lt. David A. Poole and Sgt. Timothy Dehaas obtain tactical security positions as fellow soldiers move toward their objective during a live-fire exercise in Romania, April 8, 2015. The purpose of the exercise is to demonstrate unit capabilities to Romanian military counterparts in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve-South. The soldiers are assigned to 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. William A. Tanner
Joshua Andrew, 28, an Army veteran who’d served in Iraq and Afghanistan, knew from a tender age what his calling in life would be, as he played "soldier" with his golden Labrador retriever in the woods behind his grandparents’ house in the state of Washington. Story
The Army announced a new initiative to reduce sexual assault and harassment by giving responsibility for zero tolerance to first-line squad leaders. Story | Photos | Special
The Defense Department observes April as the Month of the Military Child, and also recognizes this time of year as it pertains to a more sobering topic: National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Story | Special
The Defense Department takes pride in its readiness to defend the nation against military threats, and also in its role as a partner in emergency and disaster response, a DoD official said. Story | Special
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Defense Department office, has selected 150 employers as semifinalists for the 2015 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, ESGR officials said in a news release. Story
