Special Reports

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  Travels With Work - April 2016: Work Visits Sweden, Belgium

  Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work is on a weeklong trip to meet with U.S.-Nordic-Baltic leaders and his NATO counterparts. His stops will include Sweden and Belgium, where he is visiting military facilities, discussing security challenges and delivering remarks to the European Policy Centre about the Third Offset Strategy. Special | Travel Archive
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  Travels With Dunford - April 2016

  Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is traveling overseas to meet with military leaders and foreign dignitaries to discuss issues confronting the United States and its allies, including efforts to accelerate the lasting defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Special | Travel Archive
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  Travels With Carter - April 2016: Carter Travels to Asia-Pacific, Middle East

  Defense Secretary Ash Carter travels to India and the Philippines to help advance regional security and solidify the rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region with allies and partners. Carter also will visit the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to help accelerate the lasting defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and participate in the U.S. Gulf Cooperation Council defense meeting. Special | Travel Archive
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  National Preparedness - America's PrepareAthon! Spring 2016

  America's PrepareAthon! is a yearlong national campaign of action to increase preparedness and resilience through heightened awareness of the hazards that threaten our communities and to increase the practice of preparedness actions to minimize vulnerabilities. The campaign culminates in the spring and fall to further amplify the importance of taking action to prepare. Special
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  Travels With Work - April 2016: Work Visits Oregon, Washington State

  Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work travels to Oregon and Washington state to participate in a christening ceremony for a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency technology demonstration vessel and to discuss work underway for the department with aerospace industry leaders. Special | Travel Archive
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  Month of the Military Child

  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. To honor their unique contributions and sacrifices on behalf of our country, each April is designated the Month of the Military Child. Special
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  Sexual Assault: Awareness and Prevention

  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. Special
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  Travels With Carter - March 2016: Carter Visits Florida, Texas and Massachusetts

  Defense Secretary Ash Carter is traveling to Florida, Texas and Massachusetts on a wide-ranging trip that will focus on the Counter-ISIL campaign and the secretary’s commitment to innovation. Special | Travel Archive
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  Travels With Dunford - March 2016: Dunford Visits U.S. Southern Command

  Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is visiting the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility to meet with military leaders and foreign dignitaries. Special | Travel Archive
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  Travels With Dunford - March 2016: Dunford Visits Afghanistan

  Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is traveling overseas to meet with senior military and civilian leaders on a variety of topics. He also attended the Resolute Support and U.S. Forces Afghanistan change-of-command ceremony, highlighting the importance of the continuing U.S. mission in Afghanistan. Special | Travel Archive
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  Travels With Carter - March 2016: Carter Visits Tech Leaders, Troops

  Defense Secretary Ash Carter travels to the West Coast to discuss technology and cybersecurity initiatives with members of the nation's top innovative industries. He also plans to meet with service members who use advanced technologies to keep America safe and prepared for every challenge over the horizon. Special | Travel Archive
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  Women's History Month 2016

  Each March the Defense Department highlights the accomplishments and contributions of women to the nation. In proclaiming Women's History Month, President Barack Obama urged Americans to remember the trailblazers and to "honor their legacies by carrying forward the valuable lessons learned from the powerful examples they set." Special
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  Medal of Honor: Heroes of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

  The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest military decoration. Eleven service members have received the Medal of Honor since the global war on terror began following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. Special
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  Brain Injury Awareness Month 2016

  The purpose of Brain Injury Awareness Month is to demonstrate the Defense Department's commitment to traumatic brain injury, or TBI, awareness, and to educate and provide resources about brain injuries to service members, veterans, family members and health care professionals. Special
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  The Battle for Iwo Jima - 71st Anniversary

  Seventy-one years after the Battle for Iwo Jima, the Defense Department remembers the courage and sacrifice of the service members who fought on the Pacific island, and those who gave their lives there. Special
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  Travels With Carter - February 2016: Carter Visits NATO

  Defense Secretary Ash Carter travels to Brussels to meet with NATO defense ministers on the European Reassurance Initiative and funding for a full deterrence posture in Europe. He also will discuss the military campaign countering the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant with coalition defense ministers. Special | Travel Archive
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  FY2017 Defense Budget Proposal

  Evolving challenges drive the Defense Department’s planning for its $582.7 billion fiscal year 2017 budget request, including Russian aggression in Europe, the rise of China in the Asia Pacific, North Korea, Iran, and the ongoing fight against terrorism, especially the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Special
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  National Black History Month 2016

  The Defense Department observes National African American History Month in February by honoring the contributions of African Americans who work to keep the country safe. As the nation marks the 40th year of the observance, President Barack Obama issued a proclamation to urge Americans to reflect on the sacrifices African Americans have made for generations. Special
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  Elections 2016: Americans Can Vote - Wherever They Are

  Election Day, Nov. 8, 2016, is fast approaching. No matter where you are stationed, registering to vote and getting your absentee ballot is simple, fast and easy. Special
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  Travels With Dunford - January 2016: Chairman Attends NATO Meetings

  Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is traveling to Europe for discussions with NATO chiefs and defense leaders regarding the Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan and the counter-ISIL fight. Special | Travel Archive
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  Travels With Carter - January 2016: Carter Visits Paris, Davos

  Defense Secretary Ash Carter is traveling in Europe to meet with defense leaders in Paris to discuss the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and attend the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Special | Travel Archive
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  Travels With Carter - January 2016: Carter Visits Bases, Southcom

  Defense Secretary Ash Carter travels to U.S. bases to update the counter-ISIL campaign and attend the U.S. Southern Command change-of-command ceremony. Special | Travel Archive
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  Travels With Dunford - January 2016: Visit With U.S. Military Leaders

  U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is traveling overseas to meet with U.S. commanders on a variety of topics including the Counter-ISIL campaign and NATO's approach to Russian aggressions. Special | Travel Archive
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  2015 Year in Review

  This special report highlights some of the Defense Department's most critical issues, including its fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and new initiatives to build the force of the future, seek breakthrough technologies and open opportunities for women. The department also continued missions in the Asia-Pacific region, Eastern Europe and Afghanistan, and emerged from budget uncertainty with a multiyear deal. Special
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  2015 Year in Photos

  The men and women of the U.S. military train and conduct operations around the world. But they also are regular people with a range of interests. In this review, we turn to military photographers to show compelling images of troops as they serve, sacrifice and engage in life. Special
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  Pearl Harbor: 74th Anniversary of the Attack

  As the nation observes the 74th anniversary of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the Defense Department honors the men and women who sacrificed their lives, and those who fought to preserve the nation's freedom. Special
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  Veterans Day: Honoring our Nation's Veterans

  President Barack Obama praised the men and women in uniform for their service and sacrifice to America throughout the decades, and proclaimed Nov. 11, 2015, as Veterans Day to “reflect on the immeasurable burdens borne by so few in the name of so many." Special
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  DoD Focus on Asia-Pacific Rebalance

  Defense leaders remain focused on efforts to strengthen relationships and modernize U.S. alliances in the Asia-Pacific region as a priority for 21st century security interests and sustaining U.S. global leadership. Special
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  Warrior Care Month 2015

  During Warrior Care month, the Defense Department honors the courage of wounded, ill or injured service members, and highlights the programs that support their return to duty or transition to the civilian community. Special
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  National American Indian Heritage Month 2015

  Since the Revolutionary War, Native Americans and Alaska Natives have played a vital role in our country's freedom and security. The Defense Department honors the many contributions and accomplishments of American Indians and Alaska Natives during National American Indian Heritage Month as we remember their legacy and celebrate their vibrant culture and heritage. Special
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  Military Family Support

  In proclaiming November as Military Family Month, President Barack Obama urged Americans to show enduring gratitude to military families and their loved ones for contributing to the nation's legacy. Obama said "their courage serves as a model of character and distinction, and their devotion to our country must be met with the recognition it deserves." Special
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  America's Continued Commitment to European Security

  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. Special
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  National Disability Employment Awareness Month

  Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. Special
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  2015 Military World Games

  Military members across the globe unite on the playing field to promote world peace and friendship through sport during the Conseil International du Sport Militaire’s Military World Games, the second largest multisporting event in the world. Special
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  Defense Department Addresses Potential for Government Shutdown

  Defense Secretary Ash Carter keeps the Defense Department updated on budget uncertainty in an Oct. 1 memorandum to the workforce. Special
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  DoD Bids Farewell to the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey

  As the top U.S. military officer from Sept. 30, 2011, to Sept. 25, 2015, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey advised the nation's leaders on wartime and postwar missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, reaffirmed U.S. ties to allies and partners around the globe and provided counsel and perspective on the strategy to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. On the homefront, Dempsey focused on military families, veterans and service members returning from war overseas. Special
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  National Hispanic Heritage Month 2015

  Hispanic Heritage Month marks a time to showcase and honor the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made to the Defense Department and the nation. Special
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  Remembering September 11, 2001 - 14th Anniversary

  Defense leaders honor the memories of those who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks that occurred at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pa. Special
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  Suicide Prevention: The Power of 1

  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 "Power of 1" campaign in observance of DoD Suicide Prevention Month, September 2015. Special
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  The Annual Combined Federal Campaign

  The Combined Federal Campaign is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign. Defense Department employees worldwide have the opportunity to give to their favorite charities from Sept. 1, 2015 to Dec. 15, 2015. In his memo, Defense Secretary Ash Carter expressed unwavering support and strongly encouraged members of the workforce to participate in any way they can. Special
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  Hurricane Katrina: The Defense Department Looks Back

  In this special report, the Defense Department marks the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, one of the most devastating storms in U.S. history. More than 60,000 troops and DoD civilians provided disaster assistance to New Orleans and Gulf Coast residents in Katrina's immediate aftermath, and have worked to help communities recover in the decade since. Special
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  2015 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award

  The Defense Department honors 15 businesses and government organizations with the 2015 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest honor the department gives to employers for support of National Guard and Reserve employees. Special
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  Force of the Future

  Defense Secretary Ash Carter is kicking off a national discussion on building "the force of the future" and what the Defense Department must do to change and adapt to maintain its superiority well into the 21st century. Special
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  Operation Inherent Resolve
  Targeted Operations Against ISIL Terrorists

  The president has authorized U.S. Central Command to work with partner nations to conduct targeted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria as part of the comprehensive strategy to degrade and defeat the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Special
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  The Department of Defense Cyber Strategy

  The Defense Department's cyber strategy guides the development of DoD's cyber forces and seeks to strengthen cyber defense and cyber deterrence posture. It focuses on building cyber capabilities and organizations for DoD's three primary cyber missions. Special
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  Department of Defense Warrior Games 2015

  The Department of Defense Warrior Games 2015 will feature eight sporting events with approximately 200 athletes representing teams from the Army, Navy Marine Corps, Air Force and U.S. Special Operations Command. Adaptive sports and athletic reconditioning activities play a fundamental role in the recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration of our service members. The events embody the spirit of the members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and celebrate the triumphs, personal courage and inspirational attitude of our wounded, ill and injured service members. Special
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  Feds Feed Families

  The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the seventh annual Feds Feed Families campaign, which extends throughout the government. The Defense Department will play a vital role in the fight against hunger. Special
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  Department of Defense Laboratory Review

  The Defense Department has ordered a comprehensive review of DoD laboratory procedures, processes, and protocols associated with inactivating spore-forming anthrax. Special
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  Department of Defense Science & Technology

  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 Defense Department serves as an innovative leader in developing technology to protect Americans and troops - on and off the battlefield. Special
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  Sequestration:
  Across-the-Board Budget Cuts Could Threaten National Security

  The nation's top defense leaders are urging Congress to move now to prevent major, across-the-board spending cuts. Special
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  Proliferation Security Initiative

  The Proliferation Security Initiative is a global effort to stop trafficking of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems and related materials to and from actors of proliferation concern. U.S. involvement stems from a national strategy which recognizes the need for more robust tools to stop proliferation and identifies interdiction as an area of greater focus. Special
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  Quadrennial Defense Review

  The Quadrennial Defense Review, or QDR, is a legislatively-mandated review of Defense Department strategy and priorities. The QDR will set a long-term course for DoD as it assesses the threats and challenges that the nation faces and re-balances DoD's strategies, capabilities, and forces to address today's conflicts and tomorrow's threats. Special
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  Nuclear Posture Review

  The Nuclear Posture Review is a legislatively-mandated review that establishes U.S. nuclear policy, strategy, capabilities and force posture for the next five to ten years. Special
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  Ballistic Missile Defense Review

  The Ballistic Missile Defense Review, or BMDR, is a review conducted pursuant to guidance from the president and the secretary of defense, while also addressing the legislative requirement to assess U.S. ballistic missile defense policy and strategy. The BMDR will evaluate the threats posed by ballistic missiles and develop a missile defense posture to address current and future challenges. Special
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  Space Posture Review

  The Space Posture Review, or SPR, is a legislatively-mandated review of U.S. national security space policy and objectives, conducted jointly by the secretary of defense and the director of national intelligence. The Defense Department and intelligence community have concluded the SPR by releasing a National Security Space Strategy. Special
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  National Security Space Strategy

  The National Security Space Strategy, or NSSS, is a pragmatic approach to maintain the advantages derived from space while confronting the challenges of an evolving space strategic environment. It is the first such strategy jointly signed by the secretary of defense and director of national intelligence. The themes of the NSSS are reflected in the DoD Strategic Guidance and are being implemented by DoD space policy and other efforts. Special