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Face of Defense

  • Technology Brings Family Closer Together

    Michelle L. Smoak, in North Carolina, was able to watch with pride as her husband Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Derek Smoak was promoted during a ceremony while serving in Afghanistan with the help of modern video chat technology.

    Story

Science and Technology

  • Web Portal Keeps Marine Families Connected

    Marines and their families assigned to Marine Corps Recruiting Command now have a new tool at their disposal designed to help them stay up-to-date with the latest family readiness information available.

    Story | Special
  • Navy to Test Electromagnetic Railgun Launcher Prototype

    The Office of Naval Research is set to being testing on a new electromagnetic railgun launcher prototype that will provide sailors with a 50-220 nautical mile target range and the capabilities to engage in naval surface fire support, missile defense and surface warfare.

    Story | Special

Family Matters

Lead Photos

Photo: COMMAND BRIEF

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, the commander of Afghanistan Regional Command East, briefs Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, before exiting a C-130 and touring Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan, Feb. 10, 2012. DOD photo by D. Myles Cullen

News

Top News

U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey flies in a Black Hawk helicopter over Kabul, Afghanistan, Feb. 9, 2
Feb. 9, 2012

Dempsey Arrives in Kabul for Meetings

U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in Afghanistan to meet with senior military leaders and service members as he seeks updated first-hand information on the current situation on the ground there. Story | Special | Photos

Feb. 9, 2012

Military Expands Career Paths for Women

Military women, particularly soldiers, will see more than 14,000 new job or assignment opportunities because of Defense Department personnel policy changes. Story

Feb. 9, 2012

New Policies Reflect Modern Warfare

New Defense Department policies that open more jobs to women reflect both women’s increased roles in and out of combat and the fact that war is no longer linear, senior officials said. Story

Feb. 9, 2012

General: President, Military Worked Closely on Strategy-driven Budget

The new defense strategy guidance laid out by Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta last month is a blueprint for the budget proposal President Barack Obama will announce next week, the vice commander of U.S. Special Operations Command said. Story

Feb. 9, 2012

Campaign Aims to Improve Troops' Health

First Lady Michelle Obama visited an Arkansas military base to join in the launch of a "groundbreaking" Defense Department campaign to raise awareness about obesity and nutrition and improve the health of troops, veterans and their families. Story

Feb. 9, 2012

Army Pushes for Consistent PTSD Diagnoses

The Army is investigating how post-traumatic stress disorder is diagnosed to ensure consistency at all service hospitals in identifying and treating the condition, the service’s surgeon general told Congress. Story

File photo: Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III
Feb. 9, 2012

Pacom Nominee Calls Regional Allies Bedrock of Strategy

Japan, South Korea and other traditional allies will remain the bedrock of U.S. strategy in the Pacific even as the nation reaches out to others, Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, President Barack Obama’s nominee to lead U.S. Pacific Command, told a Senate panel. Story

Feb. 9, 2012

Defense Department Leads in Clean Energy

The Defense Department continues to develop innovative methods of creating and using clean energy to power its buildings and installations, as well as serve as a test bed for the civilian community. Story

File photo: Pentagon Press Secretary George Little
Feb. 8, 2012

U.S., Japan Affirm Plans To Move U.S. Marines

Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said the U.S.-Japan joint defense posture statement affirms both nations are committed to relocating U.S. Marines within Okinawa, and also to moving some of those forces to Guam. Story

Feb. 8, 2012

Commander: Forces Have Right Afghan Plan

Afghan national security forces and the International Security Assistance Force have the right plan, the momentum and the will to succeed in the country, said Army Lt. Gen.Curtis M. Scaparrotti, the commander of ISAF Joint Command. Story | Video | Transcript

Feb. 8, 2012

Taliban Killings Rose in 2011, General Says

The Taliban are responsible for the rising civilian death toll in Afghanistan, said Army Lt. Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, commander of ISAF Joint Command. Story | Video | Transcript

More »

Military

Feb. 9, 2012

Auto Show Honors Active Duty Troops, Vets

The staff of the 2012 Washington Auto Show recently rolled out the red carpet to pay tribute to the nation's active duty service members and veterans by hosting a Military Day reception in their honor. Story

Feb. 8, 2012

Contracting Remains Growth Area for Army

While the U.S. military will shrink in the coming years, the contracting career field will buck the trend and grow, U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center officials said. Story

Feb. 7, 2012

Women, Men Suffer Same Deployment Ills

It once was thought that servicewomen neither were exposed to the same combat situations as men nor developed the same psychological injuries. But officials now recognize otherwise and are working to address those injuries in women. Story

Feb. 3, 2012

First Lady, Dr. Biden Praise Finalists

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, have announced the 20 finalists that will compete for top honors in the Joining Forces Campaign's Community Challenge. Story | Special

Feb. 3, 2012

U.S. Troops Gear Up for Super Bowl XLVI

Maintaining morale is an essential aspect of any service member's life. To keep spirits high, American Forces Radio and Television Service will broadcast Super Bowl XLVI to service members worldwide so they can root for their favorite team on game day. Story

Feb. 3, 2012

Council Offers Tax Tips for Service Members

The director fo the Armed Forces Tax Council explains how the Thrift Savings Plan's new Roth option can help save troops money, and he also provides tips for making the most of their military tax benefits. Story

Feb. 3, 2012

Digital Partnership Improves Vet Health Care

Part of the demobilization process for Reserve and National Guard troops has gone digital with a partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Eligibility Center and First Army Division East. Story

Feb. 2, 2012

Health Official Calls for Courage, Teamwork

On the final day of the 2012 Military Health System Conference, the Defense Department’s top health affairs official called for more collaboration, transformation and organizational courage to carry on the system's reputation for excellence. Story

Feb. 2, 2012

DOD Begins Prorating Imminent Danger Pay

Service members now will receive imminent danger pay only for days they actually spend in hazardous areas, Pentagon officials said. The change came as a result of the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, which was signed into law Dec. 31. Story

Feb. 2, 2012

Program Director Sees Avenues for Growth

Six months after arriving at the R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center to help train Air Force medical personnel in trauma care, its program director already sees potential to expand the training experience and ensure airmen develop stronger skill retention. Story

Feb. 1, 2012

DOD Drug Screening Program Expands

The Defense Department’s drug-testing program is expanding to add screening for the prescription medications hydrocodone and benzodiazepines to the range of legal and illegal drugs it currently detects. Story

Feb. 1, 2012

Agency Sends Super Bowl Food to Troops

When U.S. military forces serving in Afghanistan watch the New England Patriots and New York Giants battle it out in this year’s Super Bowl, they can enjoy a wide variety of American finger foods, thanks to the efforts of the Defense Logistics Agency. Story

Feb. 1, 2012

Austin Becomes 33rd Army Vice Chief of Staff

Army Secretary John M. McHugh swore in Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III as the new service vice chief of staff during a ceremony on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Va. Austin replaces Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, who retired after 40 years of service. Story

Feb. 1, 2012

USO Promotes Healing of ‘Invisible Wounds’

The USO has adapted to the needs of service members and their families throughout its 71-year history and continues to serve America’s troops as it works to educate others about the invisible wounds of war, a senior executive of the organization said. Story

Feb. 1, 2012

Leaders Urge Troops to Register to Vote

Federal officials are urging military members, their families and other Americans living outside the United States to register to vote and request an absentee ballot. Story

More »

Afghanistan

Feb. 9, 2012

Coalition Force Captures Taliban Facilitator

An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator and detained another suspected insurgent in the Nawa district of Helmand province. Story

Feb. 8, 2012

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leaders

An Afghan and coalition security force captured two Taliban leaders during an operation in the Lashkar Gah district of Helmand province. Story

Feb. 7, 2012

Security Force Captures Taliban Leader

An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province. Story

Feb. 6, 2012

ISAF Helicopter Crew Survives Crash

An International Security Assistance Force helicopter crew have been safely recovered and moved to a nearby base after their aircraft crashed in eastern Afghanistan. Story

Feb. 3, 2012

Combined Force Seizes Taliban Leader

An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader and detained one additional suspected insurgent during an operation in the Nahr-E Saraj district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province. Story

Feb. 2, 2012

Force Captures Taliban Commander

An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader and detained an additional suspected insurgent during an operation in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province. Story

Feb. 1, 2012

Security Captures Leader, Detains Insurgents

An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader and detained multiple suspected insurgents during an operation in the Kandahar district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province. Story

Jan. 31, 2012

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader

During an operation in the Afghanistan’s Helmand province, an Afghan-led and coalition-supported security force captured a Taliban leader responsible for conducting attacks against Afghan forces and directing kidnapping missions. Story

Jan. 30, 2012

Patrols Capture al-Qaida Facilitator in Paktia

An Afghan and coalition security force captured an al-Qaida facilitator in the Gardez district of Paktia province. Story

Jan. 27, 2012

Force Captures Taliban Facilitator

A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator and detained several suspected insurgents during an operation in the Lashkar Gah district of Helmand province. Story

Jan. 26, 2012

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader

An Afghan-led and coalition-supported security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province. Story

Jan. 25, 2012

Security Force Kills Several Insurgents

A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader in the Kot district of Faryab province. Story

Jan. 24, 2012

Forces Kill 5 Insurgents, Detain 8 Suspects

Afghan and coalition forces killed five insurgents and detained eight suspects during multiple operations in eastern Afghanistan. Story

Jan. 23, 2012

Combined Patrols Find Drugs in Afghanistan

A combined patrol in the Panjwai district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province found about 660 pounds of marijuana, while a combined force in the province's Dand district discovered roughly one ton of hashish. Story

More »

About the Secretary

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta addresses sailors stationed aboard the USS Blue Ridge on Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, Oct. 26, 2011. DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey

Photo EssaysMore »

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Special ReportsMore »

  • Travels with Dempsey

    Special: Travels with Dempsey - Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

    U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, travels to Afghanistan to meet with senior military leaders and service members.

    Special »
  • African-American History Month

    Special: African-American History Month

    During African-American History Month, the Defense Department takes time to honor the rich legacy of African-Americans in military service. This AFPS special report highlights their contributions in defense and support of the United States.

    Special »
  • Military Family Support

    Special: Joining Forces

    A new whole-of-government approach is designed to bring the federal government’s vast reach to help strengthen millions of service members and their families. This ongoing AFPS special report provides regular updates on the efforts to help improve the lives of military families.

    Special »
  • DOD Science & Technology

    Special: DOD Science & Technology News

    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 DOD serves as an innovative leader in developing technology to protect Americans and troops.

    Special »

The Pentagon ChannelMore »

  • Video Thumbnail: Streaming Live!

    Streaming Live!

    "Serving Those Who Serve" with anytime, anywhere access to military news and information.

  • Video Thumbnail: Women in Service Review Briefing

    Women in Service Review Briefing

    Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy Vee Penrod and Principal Director for Military Personnel Policy MG Gary Patton brief the Pentagon press corps on results of the department’s Women in Service Review.

  • Video Thumbnail: Health System launches Obesity and Nutrition Awareness campaign

    Health System launches Obesity and Nutrition Awareness campaign

    Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Jonathan Woodson looks to a leaner, more ready force. He says the DoD's focus will be on restoring and sustaining the health of troops and their families, not just on treatment.

  • Video Thumbnail: Help available for service members having mortgage problems

    Help available for service members having mortgage problems

    Changes have been made in lending rules to make it easier for servicemembers to get relief from their mortgage problem.

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