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Wounded Warriors

  • Wounded Warriors Find New Freedoms with Hockey

    Wounded warriors from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center recently took to the ice at Rockville Ice Arena, Md., to play a competitive game of adaptive sled hockey for the first time as part of their rehabilitation.

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Family Matters

Lead Photos

Phoot: VETERAN JOB INITIATIVE

President Barack Obama, flanked by firefighters, national park employees and police officers, talks about his new Veteran Job Corps initiative to replenish the nation’s first responders at Fire Station #5 in Arlington, Va., Feb. 3, 2012. Obama chose Fire Station #5 because its firefighters were first responders to the Pentagon during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.

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President Barack Obama speaks about his Veteran Jobs Corps initiatiave in Arlington, Va., Feb. 3, 20
Feb. 3, 2012

Obama Announces New Hiring Program for Vets

President Barack Obama continued his commitment to improving employment among veterans by introducing an initiative to hire them as the country’s first responders during an event held in Arlington, Va. Story | Remarks | Video

Nurses at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center listen to U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta at the
Feb. 3, 2012

Panetta Pays Tribute to U.S. Military Nurses

Some 150 U.S. service members gathered at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, to join U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta as he honored the service and sacrifice of U.S. military nurses. Story | Photos | Special

U.S. Defense Secretary speaks to troops on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Feb. 3, 2012.
Feb. 3, 2012

Secretary Outlines ‘State of DOD’ to Troops

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta paused between a NATO defense ministerial and the annual Munich security conference to visit with U.S. service members at Ramstein Air Base and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. Story | Photos | Transcript | Special

Feb. 3, 2012

Official Sums Up NATO Defense Meetings

The NATO defense meetings that concluded in Brussels were “very productive” on alliance issues ranging from Afghanistan to Kosovo to smart defense, a senior defense official told reporters. Story | Photos | Special

Feb. 3, 2012

Air Force Leaders Chart Service Changes

During a Pentagon press conference, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz detailed force structure changes that will be made in the service over the next year. Story | Video

Feb. 3, 2012

Inspector General Testifies on Cemetery

Within the last two years, Arlington National Cemetery has seen much progress in correcting gravesite deficiencies, increasing customer service, and instituting effective computer recordkeeping, the Army’s inspector general told members of Congress. Story

Feb. 3, 2012

DOD Supports Antarctica Research Mission

Operation Deep Freeze, the Defense Department’s support mission in Antarctica, is beginning to wind down after another successful season of transporting millions of pounds of cargo and thousands of passengers to the icy destination. Story

Feb. 3, 2012

Students Learn About Defense IT Jobs

High school students got an inside look at Defense Department information technology jobs during a Pentagon event that showcased the wide variety of opportunities available in the field. Story

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta addresses the traveling press at the conclusion of meetings of NAT
Feb. 2, 2012

Panetta, NATO Commit To Afghan Transition

NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels this week agreed on a clear message: they are committed to a transition to Afghan security force control, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said. Story | Related | Photos | Special | Transcript

File photo: James R. Clapper Jr.
Feb. 2, 2012

Intel Leaders Urge Action on Cyber Laws

The threat to U.S.-based computer networks is one of the country’s most pressing security problems, and Congress needs to act on it soon, the director of national intelligence told a congressional panel. Story

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Military

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

Jan. 31, 2012

USO Innovates to Better Support Troops

The USO has served America’s troops and their families for seven decades, and thanks to innovations and adaptability, that service is better than ever, said Sloan D. Gibson, the organization’s president. Story

Jan. 31, 2012

Exercise Helps Sustain Amphibious Ops

As the Navy and Marine Corps continue “Bold Alligator,” their largest joint, multinational amphibious assault exercise in 10 years, it is important that both services sustain amphibious operations, said Navy Adm. John C. Harvey Jr., the commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Story

Jan. 30, 2012

Program Supports Ready Reserve Soldiers

The Army Reserve, the Army Human Resources Command and the Army National Guard have joined to provide Individual Ready Reserve soldiers and their families a way to connect with the military community. Story

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Afghanistan

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

Force 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

Jan. 20, 2012

Security Force Kills Taliban Leader

A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed a Taliban leader who was responsible for constructing roadside bombs, planning attacks and distributing bomb-making materials during an operation in the Achin district of Nangarhar province. Story

Jan. 19, 2012

Insurgents Use Bomb to Attack Airfield

International Security Assistance Force and Afghan security troops are investigating a recent insurgent attack that injured and killed multiple civilians when a vehicle-borne bomb was detonated outside an entry control point at Kandahar Airfield. Story

Jan. 18, 2012

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader

A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in the Panjwai district of Kandahar province. Story

Jan. 17, 2012

Airstrike Kills 2 Insurgents in Afghanistan

A combined Afghan and coalition security force called in an airstrike that killed two insurgents in the Manduzai district of Afghanistan’s Khost province. Story

Jan. 13, 2012

ISAF Commander Condemns Video

The commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan has joined other senior Defense Department officials in expressing outrage over an Internet video that shows four U.S Marines apparently urinating over three enemy corpses. Story

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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 Panetta

    Defense.gov Special Report: Travel With Panetta - February 2012

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

    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: Air Force Briefing

    Air Force Briefing

    Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen Norton Schwartz brief the Pentagon press corps on Air Force strategic choices and budget priorities.

  • Video Thumbnail: Women vets face new risks at home

    Women vets face new risks at home

    This preview of the latest episode of Recon looks at growing challenges facing female veterans -- from homelessness to eating disorders to binge drinking.

  • Video Thumbnail: Air Force Secretary offers up service's Strategic Guidance response

    Air Force Secretary offers up service's Strategic Guidance response

    Air Force Secretary Michael Donley announces efforts by the Air Force to meet the goals of the new Strategic Guidance.

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