United States Department of Defense United States Department of Defense

Top Links

Special Reports

Featured Special Reports

NATO 25th Summit Meeting - May 2012

Representatives from 60 countries and organizations are participating in the 25th NATO summit in Chicago - the largest ever. The top issues to be discussed at the summit include keeping Afghanistan secure, ensuring NATO's capability in the 21st century and enhancing the alliance's global network of partners. Special

U.S. European Command

Using the new defense strategic guidance as its roadmap, officials at U.S. European Command have fixed their compasses on four basic priorities: maintaining ready forces, completing a successful transition in Afghanistan, sustaining strategic partnerships and countering transnational threats. Special

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - May 2012

During the month of May, the Defense Department takes time to recognize and honor the dedicated service and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, both past and present, through military service in defense of our nation. Special

Military Rider 2012

The Defense Department marks the start of prime motorcycle riding weather by designating each May as Motorcycle Safety Month. This special report highlights DOD and service-related efforts to enhance the safety and overall riding experience for service members and veterans through training, mentorship and education. Special

2012 Warrior Games

Wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans from the Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Special Operations Command, will compete for the gold in seven events during the 2012 Warrior Games. Special

Travels with Panetta:
South America

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta began a five-day trip to South America, where he will meet with military officials in Brazil, Colombia and Chile, to discuss cooperation and security issues. Special

Travels with Dempsey

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff traveled to Amman, Jordan, to visit his Jordanian counterpart and to meet with officials at the U.S. Embassy. Special

Travels with Panetta:
Meetings with NATO Leaders

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta traveled to Brussels to attend a NATO ministers conference in April 2012 to discuss the way forward in Afghanistan and the transition to Afghan security-led operations. Special

Travels with Winnefeld: USO Tour

U.S. Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr., vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is traveling with a USO troupe to bring a taste of home to troops stationed throughout Europe and Southwest Asia. Special

Month of the Military Child

Military children make up a very special part of our nation’s population. These young, brave, unsung heroes stand in steadfast support of parents who risk their lives to protect American freedom. In their honor, April is designated as the Month of Military Child to celebrate the unique contributions, commitment, and sacrifices military children make on behalf of our country. Special

Travels with Dempsey

U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited the U.S. Southern Command in Miami and then traveled to Colombia. Special

Travels with Panetta

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta travels to Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan to meet with government leaders and U.S. service members there. Special

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury is one of the invisible wounds of war, and one of the signature injuries of troops wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq. This American Forces Press Service special report highlights the Defense Department’s efforts to care for wounded warriors suffering from this condition while promoting research to improve diagnosis and treatment. Special

Travels with Panetta

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta began a two-day trip to deliver remarks on leadership and public service at the University of Louisville, Ky., before visiting troops on Fort Campbell. Special

'A Nations Gratitude' - White House Hosts Dinner to Thank Iraq Veterans

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and the nation’s top defense leaders are honoring 78 service members - active duty, National Guard and Reserve - for their service in Iraq with a White House dinner on Feb. 29, 2012. Special

Women's History Month 2012

The Defense Department supports the continuing education and empowerment of military women as they risk their lives to protect our nation. This American Forces Press Service special report takes a closer look at the contributions of women in the U.S. armed forces as they continue to lead our nation’s defense into the future. Special

Travels with Carter

Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter travels to Afghanistan on a multiday trip to meet with Afghan and International Security Assistance force leaders, and to thank U.S. and coalition troops for their service. Special

FY 2013 Defense Budget Proposal

Defense officials unveiled a new budget strategy for FY 2013 that will reduce the military's end strength by 5.5 percent over five years, while preserving military pay and benefits for current members and investing in technology and system to counter future threats. Special

Travels with Dempsey

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

Travels with Panetta

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta traveled to Brussels, Munich to attend a NATO ministers conference in February 2012 to discuss the transition to Afghan security-led operations and other common defense issues. Special

Military Family Support

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

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

Travels with Panetta

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta began a two-day trip to visit troops, military families and local dignitaries on Fort Bliss near El Paso, Texas. Special

70th Anniversary of World War II:
The Attack on Pearl Harbor

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941, marked the United States' entry into World War II. In this 70th anniversary special report, the Defense Department honors those who gave their lives on the "date which will live in infamy." 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 Department of Defense serves as an innovative leader in developing technology to protect Americans and troops – on and off the battlefield. Special

Medal of Honor: Heroes of the
War in Iraq and Afghanistan

The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest military decoration. Ten servicemembers have received the Medal of Honor since the global war on terror began following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. Special

Cybersecurity

America's growing dependence on information technology has given rise to the need for greater protection of digital networks and infrastructures. Special

Cyber Strategy

The Defense Department has adopted its first strategy for operating in cyberspace, marking a milestone in the fight to protect the nation from potentially devastating network attacks. Special

DOD Goes Green

The Defense Department is investing in energy conservation, from wind power to golf carts for base transportation, to save the earth and save money. Special

Operational Energy Strategy

DOD’s Operational Energy Strategy will guide the department to a more strategic use of energy resources in the fight today and in plans for the future by lowering risks to our warfighters, saving money for American taxpayers, and allowing the department to shift more resources to other warfighting priorities. Special

National Security Space Strategy

The National Security Space Strategy is a pragmatic approach to maintain the advantages derived from space while confronting the challenges of an evolving space strategic environment. Special

Joining Forces: Supporting
America's Military Families

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden launch a nationwide initiative, called “Joining Forces.” This campaign aims to bring together every sector of this nation to support and honor service members and their families. Special

Don't Ask Don't Tell

The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, which barred gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military, has been repealed." Special

Latest Features

Latest News