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. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates meets with U.S. Army soldiers at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, Sept. 17, 2008. Gates was in Afghanistan to meet with local leaders and receive an operational update.

SOLDIER'S HANDSHAKE

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates meets with U.S. Army soldiers at Kabul International Airport, Afghanistan, Sept. 17, 2008. Gates was in Afghanistan to meet with local leaders and receive an operational update.

Photo Gallery