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.

Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addresses reporters at the Pentagon, Jan. 28, 2011, on the progress of the new policy to allow gay men and lesbians to serve openly in the military. Clifford Stanley, left, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, joined Cartwright.

POLICY UPDATE

Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addresses reporters at the Pentagon, Jan. 28, 2011, on the progress of the new policy to allow gay men and lesbians to serve openly in the military. Clifford Stanley, left, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, joined Cartwright.

Photo Gallery