An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Photos

Snapshots of what’s happening in the Defense Department.

Jagged, rocky and barren mountains make up the rugged terrain that surrounds Firebase Maholic as U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter visits forward bases in Afghanistan, May 14, 2013.

Jagged, rocky and barren mountains make up the rugged terrain that surrounds Firebase Maholic as U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter visits forward bases in Afghanistan, May 14, 2013.

Jagged, rocky and barren mountains make up the rugged terrain that surrounds Firebase Maholic as U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter visits forward bases in Afghanistan, May 14, 2013.

Photo Gallery