Hagel Stresses Leadership To New Army Officers
DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
Character and courage still are the “indispensible requisites of both life and leadership,” Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told the graduates of the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., during his commencement speech, May 25, 2013. Hagel noted that his time in the Army forever shaped him. “You’ve made a courageous decision to offer yourself for a very purposeful life,” he said.
Dempsey Meets, Speaks With Families of Fallen
DOD photo by D. Myles Cullen
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he “can’t even conceive" what the family members of the fallen feel when they receive d a folded flag at the end of burial ceremonies. During a speech at the National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp in Arlington, Va., May 24, 2013, Dempsey told family members that during Memorial Day weekend, the “The Star-Spangled Banner” will be uniquely their song.
Obama Urges New Officers to Set Example
U.S. Naval Academy courtesy photo
President Barack Obama urged new officers to become models of discipline and honor during graduation and commissioning ceremonies at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., May 24, 2013. Obama told the Class of 2013 that despite financial uncertainties, he will fight to ensure a strong, ready military the U.S. can rely on.
International Naval Exercise Promotes Regional Security
U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Sandberg
Ships of the 5th Fleet are active in promoting stability in their area of responsibility, which includes the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the coast off East Africa. They are currently participating in International Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2013, which includes navies from more than 40 countries promoting regional security through mine countermeasure operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
Donley, Welsh Urge Congress to Act on Budget
DOD photo by Glenn Fawcett
Sequestration has hit the Air Force hard, affecting force structure, readiness, and modernization, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley said during his last scheduled Pentagon press briefing, May 24, 2013. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, urged Congress to act so the service can ground its planning in reality. Donley is scheduled to step down as the service secretary June 21.
U.S. Marines Conduct Combat Logistics Patrol in Helmand
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Anthony L. Ortiz
U.S. Marines fastened a damaged mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle after conducting a combat logistics patrol to combat outpost Shir Ghazi in Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 19, 2013. The Marines, assigned to Rolling Thunder 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, conducted the logistics patrol to deliver supplies in support of Regimental Combat Team 7 and base realignment and closure operations.
Hagel Initiatives Combat Sexual Assaults in Military
DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has launched new initiatives to eradicate sexual assault in the military. The multidisciplinary approach addresses sexual assault prevention from the command to the recruiting levels, and will increase reporting and improve victim care. Hagel also appointed an independent panel to make recommendations on legal reforms to hold sexual offenders accountable.
