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Defense Secretary Ash Carter

In Japan, Carter Reports Progress on Major Issues

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

Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work

Work: Better Buying Power 3.0 Strives to Enhance U.S. Tech Edge

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

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Lead Photos

Photo: CARTER IN OSAN

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

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Special ReportsMore »

Defense Secretary Ash Carter is kicking off a national discussion on building The Defense Department is working with FEMA to bolster U.S. preparedness for hazards of all types to strengthen our collective security, resilience and readiness. The president authorized U.S. Central Command to conduct targeted airstrikes to protect U.S. personnel in Iraq. He also authorized a humanitarian effort to save thousands of Iraqi civilians on Mount Sinjar from the threat posed by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorists. Dozens of wounded, ill and injured service members, as well as military retirees, compete in the annual Warrior Games, which will be held June 19-28 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, travels to California, Japan and South Korea.The Defense Department salutes our nation's heroes on National Medal of Honor Day, March 25, 2015. Created in 1861, the Medal of Honor is the United States' highest military decoration.The president’s fiscal year 2016 budget request of $534 billion protects America today, while positioning the U.S. military to face the threats of tomorrow. The budget funds ongoing strategic priorities including the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific and sustaining a global approach to countering violent extremists.The United States is demonstrating its continued commitment to collective security through a series of actions designed to reassure NATO allies and partners of America's dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region, in light of the Russian intervention in Ukraine.The nation's top defense leaders are urging Congress to move now to prevent major, across-the-board spending cuts that are scheduled to take effect Oct 1, 2015.The Defense Department named cyberspace a new domain of warfare in 2011. Today, U.S. Cyber Command, the services, and U.S. partners and allies are working together to make that inherently collaborative, adaptable environment a suitable place for military command and control.Given today's globalized access to knowledge and the rapid pace of technology development, innovation, speed, and agility have taken on a greater importance. The Department of Defense serves as an innovative leader in developing technology to protect Americans and troops – on and off the battlefield.Navy Adm. James. A. Winnefeld Jr., vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is hosting his third USO tour, traveling with athletes and celebrities to visit deployed service members around the world. The tour runs through March 9, 2015.President Barack Obama urged Americans to recognize every spouse, parent, sibling, child, and loved one who stands with our service members. Obama said One person has the power to teach resilience, recognize warning signs, intervene, chat, or make a call; it only takes one person or one act to save another person's life. The Department of Defense, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, has launched the 2014 Year is Photos is a special report featuring some of the best images captured by Defense Department photographers during the year, as they provided a rich visual record of U.S. troop activities around the world.

Features

Face of Defense

Joshua Andrew Army Wounded Warrior Enjoys Athletics, Camaraderie

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

In The Spotlight

General Ray Odierno Army Launches New Initiative to Counter Sexual Assault

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

Military Children

Preventing Child Abuse is Everyone’s Duty

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

Disaster Response

Disaster Preparedness Mirrors Military Readiness, Official Says

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 Freedom Award

DoD Announces 'Freedom Award’ Semifinalists

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

Twitter Activity

#SecDef Carter gave an engraved keepsake to S. Korea's Minister of National Defense with the US-ROK alliance motto http://t.co/2KkAFGNs1k
#SecDef Carter and Defense Minister Han Min-Koo held a joint press conference to discuss common goals #Rebalance http://t.co/QIMiw3amq8
#SecDef Carter signs the guest book at the Korean Ministry of National Defense. http://t.co/fnste80hJV
Next time, bring samples! RT @padmalakshmi: I could tell you more, but I'd have to kill you... http://t.co/SjplPO27gb
#TBT in 1865, Robert E. Lee surrenders his troops to Ulysses S. Grant, ending the #AmericanCivilWar http://t.co/fFtg8WwBHJ
RT @DoDNews: #SecDef Carter and Japan’s Defense Minister Conduct Alliance Talks. http://t.co/31fJ5qi27R
A U.S. soldier and a S. Korean soldier load a mortar round into a mortar system on Warrior Base, S. Korea #rebalance http://t.co/ttZ8lqdT83
"Security is like oxygen. If you have it you don't think about it. If you don't, it's all you think about." #SecDef http://t.co/tACBn1hc3X
RT @VP: Happening at 12:30 PM ET today → VP Biden delivers remarks on U.S. policy in #Iraq. Follow along at https://t.co/n5Q3bA6ENs
"You're the priority. It's important that we continue to attract & maintain the best #forceofthefuture." - #SecDef http://t.co/nbTOCbl3O2

Facebook Activity

As a token of his appreciation and gratitude, #SecDef Carter gave an engraved keepsake to South Korea's Minister of National Defense with the US-ROK alliance motto


Today, SecDef Carter visited the Cheonan Memorial with South Korea's Minister of National Defense and laid a wreath for the 46 ROK Navy sailors who lost their lives in the 2010 torpedo blast


Secretary of Defense Ash Carter shakes hands with President of the Republic of Korea Park Geun-hye at the Blue House in Seoul, Korea April 10, 2015. Carter is on a visit to the U.S. Pacific Command Area of Responsibility to make observations for the #forceofthefuture and the rebalance to the Pacific. DoD photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Hurt


#TBT: In 1865, Appomattox, Virginia - Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrenders his 28,000 troops to Union General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the American Civil War.

This painting by Don Troiani depicts Union soldiers drawing up their weapons in salute as the surrendered Confederates march past. (Image courtesy of Don Troiani, Historical Art Prints)


Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Frank Kendall will brief the press on the implementation of Better Buying Power 3.0

Watch LIVE at 3 p.m. EDT at www.defense.gov/live


Live Stream from DoD News Broadcasting
www.defense.gov
A U.S. soldier and a South Korean soldier load a mortar round into a mortar system during Foal Eagle 2015 on Warrior Base, South Korea, March 16, 2015. #rebalance

U.S. Army photo by Specialist Steven Hitchcock


"Security is like oxygen. If you have it you don't think about it. If you don't, it's all you can think about. You permit us to breathe freely." -#SecDef Carter


"You are the priority. It is important that we continue to attract and maintain the best #forceofthefuture" -#SecDef Carter


#SecDef Carter held a town hall event for servicemembers and their families at Yokota, Japan today, where thanked not only troops but their families and kids.

Secretary Carter reminded everyone that April is the #monthofthemilitarychild and emphasized how much the support of military kids means to him. #KidsServeToo


#SecDef Carter has breakfast with U.S. Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy before he departs Tokyo, Japan.


More than 200 Airmen from the 140th Wing, Colorado Air National Guard, land at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, as part of a rotational Theater Security Package, Feb. 12, 2015. For three to four months, the “Redeyes” will integrate their operations with the 8th Fighter Wing Wolf Pack and the Republic of Korea Air Force 38th Group to augment U.S. Armed Forces stationed across the Asia-Pacific region. #Rebalance

United States Air Force photo by Senior Airman Katrina Heikkinen


A CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter lands on the USS Germantown in preparation for Exercise Blue Chromite 2014 off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 31, 2014. The Marines are assigned to 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division,3rd Marine Expeditionary Force. Blue Chromite demonstrates the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps' amphibious and expeditionary capabilities from the sea. #rebalance

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Wes Lucko


Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work delivers the Keynote Address — "International Security and Future Defense Strategy" at 8:30 am EST today. Watch live at http://www.carlisle.army.mil/live/bliss.cfm


Live Stream from DoD News Broadcasting
www.defense.gov
During his first trip to Asia as Secretary, Dr. Ash Carter met with Japanese leaders to affirm defense relationships and build upon key initiatives of the U.S. strategic rebalance to the region.


#SecDef Carter and Defense Minister Nakatani are greeted with an honor guard ceremony before their meeting and press conference in Tokyo, #Japan


What is the Trans-Pacific Partnership #TPP and why is it important for the U.S.? Learn more by visiting DOD Live: http://go.usa.gov/3D4T9 #Rebalance


Rebalancing the Asia-Pacific Alliance: Why It’s So Important | DoDLive
www.dodlive.mil
National and economic security are undeniably linked, so there’s no better way to make sure both remain strong than to reaffirm relationships with some of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Admiral William Gortney will brief on the latest actions of U.S. Northern Command. Watch LIVE at 2 p.m. at http://www.defense.gov/live/


ADM Gortney will brief on ways they plan to advance and sustain the bi-national military command, gain and maintain all-domain situational awareness, and advocate and develop capabilities in our core mission areas to outpace all threats. Follow the conversation on Twitter @DODNews


Live Stream from DoD News Broadcasting
www.defense.gov
U.S., Japanese and Australian military aircraft fly in formation during Cope North 15 off the coast of Guam, Feb. 17, 2015.U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jason Robertson #rebalance


Japan and ROK to receive US Defense Secretary Carter on his first Asia Trip

As Carter prepared to depart from the US April 6 for Japan and Korea on his first trip to Asia as defense secretary, he reiterated that the United States is a Pacific power and will remain one, adding that this is in the best interests of Asian nations and of the United States.

More on the #rebalance here: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=128528


Defense.gov News Article: Carter: Demographics, Economics Boost Asia’s Global Profile
www.defense.gov
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2015 – Demographic changes in Asia will make the region more important to the United States, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said at the State Department recently.
SecDef spoke to students at the McCain Institute at Arizona State University on the topic of the Asia Pacific rebalance. The region is experiencing economic growth and the United States must take advantage of these new markets, the Secretary said.


SecDef Carter's trip to ASU
SecDef spoke to students at the McCain Institute at @[23680344606:274:Arizona State University] on the topic of the Asia Pacific rebalance. The region is experiencing economic growth and the United States must take advantage of these new markets, the Secretary said.
Today, #SecDef Carter spoke to Arizona State University about the economic importance of the Asia Pacific rebalance and highlighted the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) as an essential component of the strategy


#SecDef Carter will speak at Arizona State University at 10:30 a.m. MST, today. Watch live on http://www.defense.gov/live/ #ForceoftheFuture #Rebalance


Live Stream from DoD News Broadcasting
www.defense.gov
Today, #SecDef Carter will visit Arizona State University to discuss the rebalance to the Pacific, and highlight initiatives, like the U.S. Army's Pacific Pathways program, that support our peacekeeping missions in the region. #rebalance


U.S. Army award recipient Cavan McIntyre-Brewer of Duncannon, Pennsylvania, founded Socks for Vets, which collects socks and other donated items for wounded warriors.


Month of the Military Child 2015 Profile of Cavan McIntyre-Brewer
www.defense.gov
Cancer affects millions of people a year across the globe, and it doesn't skip over military members and their families.


Cancer in the Military: It Happens, But There’s Help | DoDLive
www.dodlive.mil
Operation Homefront announced six award recipients -- one from each military service and one, for the first time, from the National Guard -- of its 2015 Military Child of the Year Award.
Follow us each Sunday morning in April as we highlight the award winners. #KidsServeToo


Operation Homefront Announces Military Child Award Recipients
www.defense.gov
WASHINGTON, March 13, 2015 – Nonprofit organization Operation Homefront yesterday announced six recipients -- one from each military service and one, for the first time, from the National Guard -- of its 2015 Military Child of the Year Award.
Yesterday, #SecDef Carter wore a teal ribbon as a reminder that sexual assault awareness and prevention is something that matters not just in April, but all year.
The DoD theme for this year's #SAAPM is "Eliminate Sexual Assault: Know Your Part. Do Your Part."
http://www.defense.gov/Speeches/Speech.aspx?SpeechID=1928


Blogs

Airman’s Photography Career Embodies Force of the Future
Airman’s Photography Career Embodies Force of the Future U.S. Air Force SSgt. Larry Reid Jr. is a great example of the Force of the Future, an initiative that's inspiring the best and brightest to serve our country.   More
10 (Awesome) Careers That Serve Your Country, Too
10 (Awesome) Careers That Serve Your Country, Too The Defense Department focuses on the force of the future and highlights several career opportunities that may provide satisfaction while offering an opportunity to serve the nation.    More

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