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 congratulates U.S. Army soldiers after presenting them with Purple Hearts and other awards on Command Outpost Senjaray, Afghanistan, Sept. 3, 2010. The soldiers are assigned to the 101st Airborne's 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment.

AWARD HANDSHAKE

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates congratulates U.S. Army soldiers after presenting them with Purple Hearts and other awards on Command Outpost Senjaray, Afghanistan, Sept. 3, 2010. The soldiers are assigned to the 101st Airborne's 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment.

Photo Gallery