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.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Warren Sparks prepares his gear before loading onto a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter on Camp Leatherneck for a mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 18, 2014. Sparks is a squad leader assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Warren Sparks prepares his gear before loading onto a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter on Camp Leatherneck for a mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 18, 2014. Sparks is a squad leader assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Warren Sparks prepares his gear before loading onto a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter on Camp Leatherneck for a mission in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Aug. 18, 2014. Sparks is a squad leader assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment.

Photo Gallery