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Operation Enduring Freedom Draws to Close

President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel each issued statements today marking the end of the combat mission in Afghanistan. Story | Statement

Nations to Share Info on North Korean Threats

The South Korean and Japanese defense ministries and the U.S. Defense Department have finalized a trilateral information-sharing arrangement concerning threats posed by North Korea. Story

Airman during training in South Carolina

Defense.gov Launches Year-in-Review Sites for Stories, Photos

The Defense Department launched its annual Year in Review and Year in Photos microsites on the Defense.gov home page. Story

Battaglia speaks at the 2014 Military Bowl

Battaglia Praises Military Medical System at Military Bowl Festivities

Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, praised military medicine during festivities for the 2014 Military Bowl. Story | Photos

Photo EssaysMore »

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Lead Photos

Photo: PAYING RESPECTS

A U.S. soldier kneels at the memorial for Army Sgt. 1st Class Ramon Morris and Spc. Wyatt Martin on Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Dec. 23, 2014. The soldier is assigned to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Vance Trenke

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Special ReportsMore »

2014 Year in Review is a special report highlighting 10 of the Defense Department's most critical issues during the year, from budget concerns at home to emerging threat around the world.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.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. 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 CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 150 CFC national and international campaigns raising millions of dollars each year. Defense Department employees nationwide have the opportunity to give to the DoD campaign from Sept. 1, 2014 to Dec. 15, 2014. In his memo, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel expressed his unwavering support for the campaign and strongly encouraged members of the workforce to participate in any way they can. 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.Defense Department leaders and their spouses extend holiday wishes to U.S. troops and their families around the world.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.The fiscal year 2015 defense budget request works to square priorities with resources, Defense Department officials said while calling for a 1 percent pay raise for the military.

Features

Warrior Care

Mobile App to Diagnose Head Injuries Scores FDA Clearance

The new Defense Automated Neurobehavioral Assessment is a mobile phone-based application designed to help medical providers identify cases of traumatic brain injury in almost any setting. Story

Face of Defense

Air Force Airman Dimas Bernacchia Career Dreams Come True for Italian-Born U.S. Airman

Dimas Bernacchia, who was born in Italy, now lives his dream by serving as an American airman. Story

In The Spotlight

Priya Butler, director of operations, USO Southwest Asia USO, Friends Help Bring Christmas to U.S. Troops in Baghdad

More than 7,000 presents have been donated to service personnel deployed in Iraq by groups wanting to show their support for the troops during the holiday season. Story

Experts Scan World Horizons for Biothreats

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency is working to advance its biosurveillance capabilities with a goal of increasing global health security. Story | Special

Science and Technology

Scientists Work to Improve Disease Diagnostics

Defense Department scientists are working around the world to improve disease diagnostics with many supporting the U.S. Ebola response in West Africa. Story | Special

‘Armed With Science’ Recognized Among Top 50 National Blogs

The Defense Department’s “Armed with Science” blog has been honored for the second consecutive year as one of the nation’s top 50 “must-read” information technology blogs. Story | Blog | Special

Twitter Activity

RT @DoDNews: 2014 Year in Review highlights Afghanistan - See training & security in action http://t.co/E3eim67KTm http://t.co/3WBGKLNDnW
#Airman, aboard a C-5M Super Galaxy, deliver humanitarian supplies in Nicaragua http://t.co/S9o9xi3ytz @usairforce http://t.co/g6QRuFoMIX
RT @PentagonPresSec: US Navy destroyer USS Sampson being sent to assist in search efforts for Air Asia Flight 8501.
RT @PentagonPresSec: US military airstrike conducted in Somalia today against senior al-Shabaab leader. Still assessing results. No sign of…
RT @DoDNews: The Indonesian government has requested U.S. assistance in the search for AirAsia Flight 8501, http://t.co/FldxoBcbnU.
RT @PentagonPresSec: #DoD ready to help search for Asia Air Flight 8501, working request frm Indonesia. Could provide air, surface & sub-su…
RT @PentagonPresSec: Today in 1812, USS Constitution captures HMS Java. British frigates no longer allowed to engage US frigates alone. htt…
RT @usairforce: Thirty F-16Ds Fighting Falcons return to operational status at @LukeAFB. http://t.co/GcXEyh4tQ8 #AirForce
RT @USEmbassyFrance: [Video] via @USNATO - ISAF ends and Resolute Support Mission begins in #Afghanistan: http://t.co/BLTMPotlhZ
RT @DoDNews: From #Afghanistan to #Ebola and #ISIL, the DoD highlights its 10 most critical issues of 2014. http://t.co/DCJy2U3EKx http://t…
RT @USMC: #MondayMotivation 4 days after his son paid the ultimate sacrifice in 2010 Gen. Kelly had this to say. http://t.co/bSlebvuCiI
RT @DoDNews: http://t.co/FDsfQaKRCr launches 2014 year-in-review microsites. Check out DoD's work and accomplishments here: http://t.co/zsO…
#Marine fires an M777 A2 howitzer during a live-fire exercise on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. @USMC http://t.co/Cl8jfCnjJ0

Facebook Activity

Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby on Today's Airstrike in Somalia

The U.S. military conducted an airstrike in Somalia today against the al-Shabaab network. The target of the strike was a senior al-Shabaab leader. The strike took place in the vicinity of Saakow, Somalia. At this time, we do not assess there to be any civilian or bystander casualties. We are assessing the results of the operation and will provide additional information, when appropriate, as details become available.
BREAKING: Indonesia Requests U.S. Help in Search for Missing Aircraft

DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Dec. 29, 2014 – The Indonesian government has requested U.S. assistance in the search for AirAsia Flight 8501, according to a Defense Department statement released today.

“The details of that request, which was made through the U.S. State Department, are still being coordinated but could include some air, surface and sub-surface detection capabilities,” Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said in the statement. “We stand ready to assist in any way possible.”

The flight, which was scheduled from Surabaya, Indonesia, to Singapore, went missing Sunday.
The Department of Defense highlights some of the best military athletes in the 2014 Year in Review.

For more photos of military athletes click here: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2014/1214_yip/


The 2014 Year in Review special report highlights the Department of Defense's most critical issues from domestic budget concerns to emerging threats around the world.

Read more: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=123880


Defense.gov Special Report: 2014 Year In Review
www.defense.gov
This special report highlights the Defense Department's 10 most critical issues, from budget concerns at home to emerging threats around the world. As U.S. troops responded to such events, they also continued to train, conduct operations, compete as athletes and assist with disasters to keep America…
The Department of Defense launched its annual Year in Review and Year in Photos special reports on its flagship website today to showcase the work and accomplishments of the department’s military and civilian workforce in 2014.

Click the link for some of the best photos from Afghanistan in 2014.

For more photos: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2014/1214_yip/


Air Force Airman 1st Class Johnny Lamb signals to a KC-135R Stratotanker pilot to stop on McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., Dec. 22, 2014. Lamb is assigned to the 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Victor J. Caputo

http://www.defense.gov/homepagephotos/leadphotoimage.aspx?id=100017


Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, praised military medicine yesterday during festivities for the 2014 Military Bowl. Read more here, http://oak.ctx.ly/r/293e7 .



ISAF to RS Change of Mission Ceremony

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Change of Mission Ceremony from International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to Resolute Support Mission was held in Kabul on 28 December 2014.ISAF was created in accordance with the Bonn Conference in December 2001 and it’s mission closes on 31 December 2014. It is now replaced with a smaller non-combat mission – Resolute Support Mission – which will provide further support for the continued development and sustainment of the Afghan security forces and institutions post-2014
President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel each issued statements today marking the end of the combat mission in Afghanistan. Read more here, http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=123887.

F-35 Lightning II Program Meets Aircraft Production Goal for 2014 | F-35 Lightning II
www.f35.com
The official website of the F-35 Lightning II. The Joint Strike Fighter is the next generation fighter to support the US Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, United Kingdom and defense partners in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, and Turkey.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. JaLissa Farr provides security while conducting a patrol during exercise Steel Knight 15 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 14, 2014. Farr is a motor transport operator assigned to Headquarters, Battalion Security Platoon, 1st Marine Division.

U.S. Marine Corps photograph by Lance Cpl. Adrianna R. Lincoln


Marines guide an M1A1 Abrams tank during a combined arms exercise on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 11, 2014. U.S.

Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos

For more photos: http://www.defense.gov/photoessays/photoessays.aspx#


U.S. Army Maj. Juli Fung provides a medical screening for a Honduran child during a Medical Readiness Training Exercise in the Department of Gracias a Dios, near Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. Dec. 17, 2014. Fung is assigned to Joint Task Force-Bravo’s Medical Element, which provided medical care to more than 1,500 Honduran citizens during the two-day operation. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Tedesco



Timeline Photos
USS Donald Cook to Enter Black Sea. Read more here http://cne-cna-c6f.dodlive.mil/uss-donald-cook-to-enter-black-sea-2/
Marine Corps Cpl. Kuamutsua Xiong moves under the concealment of smoke during a combined arms exercise on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 17, 2014. Xiong is a radio operator assigned to Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos


Check out the latest issue of Airman magazine http://oak.ctx.ly/r/28z1o showcasing some of the best visuals of 2014 from around the Air Force.

Apple: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/28z1r
Android: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/28z1s
Kindle: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/28z1u

No tablet? Click to read from your PC/Mac: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/28z1v


100th year of naval photography celebration continues. All Hands salutes Navy photographers, past and present. From the photo gallery of http://oak.ctx.ly/r/28ym8 All Hands Magazine brings you the best photos submitted in 2014. Take a look at their Facebook page: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/28ymg


Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr. and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald visited with wounded service members at the Center for the Intrepid.

http://www.army.mil/article/140514/


A sailor greets his family on the pier after completing a six-month deployment in Everett, Wash., Dec. 19, 2014. The sailor is assigned to the USS Rodney M. Davis, which returned from its final deployment to the Pacific and Indian oceans. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin A. Johndro


The guided-missile destroyers USS Kidd, left, and USS Wayne E. Meyer display their lights during Naval Base San Diego’s third annual Holiday Lights Open House in San Diego, Dec. 19, 2014. During the event, the public was invited to drive through and observe the decorated ships along the base's waterfront.
U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Amanda Chavez


"It’s worth the effort to have a happy holiday. No matter where you are, or what you’re going through." oak.ctx.ly/r/28pqt



Timeline Photos
Silent Night Deployed #3ID Soldiers gathered with the Bagram Airfield community for the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service in Afghanistan. (U.S Army Photo by Sgt. 1st Class David Wheeler, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs) #DogFaceSoldiers #ROTM #SilentNight #ChristmasEve
Pfc. Tamiesha Scriven presses the switch during the Joint Forces Command – United Assistance tree lighting event in Monrovia, Liberia, Dec. 18, 2014. Although away from family for the holidays, Scriven and other Soldiers find ways to stay connected: http://oak.ctx.ly/r/28v27
Soldiers magazine http://oak.ctx.ly/r/28v2a wants to know how have you stayed connected with your friends and family while deployed for the holidays?
(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Rashene Mincy)


Happy Holidays from Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and his wife Lilibet! oak.ctx.ly/r/28uo1


Happy Holidays from Chuck & Lilibet Hagel

Holiday greetings for troops and families from Chuck & Lilibet Hagel.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel today called service members taking part in U.S. operations around the world to wish them a Merry Christmas, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby. Read more here, http://oak.ctx.ly/r/28ue6.
"Merry Christmas everybody!" —President Obama and @FLOTUS in the weekly address: http://go.wh.gov/y4DgKx
cc: The White House


Weekly Address: Happy Holidays from the President and First Lady

In this week’s address, the President and First Lady wished Americans a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, and thanked our brave troops for their service.

Blogs

New Test Range Helps Create Cyber Warriors
A unique mix of training technologies sponsored by the Office of Naval Research is preparing front-line warfighters to conduct cyber and combat operations simultaneously, as Marines demonstrated during a recent amphibious exercise off the coast of Virginia.   More
Loving My Not-So-Happy Holidays Each Year
Blogger Jessica L. Tozer shares her story about her life-long (but not intentional) tradition of having not-so-happy holidays, and why she still thinks it’s a day worth celebrating.   More

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