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.

Afghan National Army Battalion Commander Muhabat Zada Barrat, right, and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Burton Shields, center, meet with Afghan teachers at the Suri Elementary School in Suri Bazaar, Zabul province, Afghanistan, Nov. 14, 2009. Shields is commander of the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment.

TEACHER TALK

Afghan National Army Battalion Commander Muhabat Zada Barrat, right, and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Burton Shields, center, meet with Afghan teachers at the Suri Elementary School in Suri Bazaar, Zabul province, Afghanistan, Nov. 14, 2009. Shields is commander of the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment.

Photo Gallery