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

TO THE POINT

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates teaches a political science class at the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. April 23, 2010.

The Department of Defense provides the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation's security.

Photos