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 speaks with U.S. Army 1st Lt. Mike Viti, an International Security Assistance Force member and platoon leader, on Combat Outpost Kowall in Afghanistan, March 8, 2011.

KOWALL WELCOME

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates speaks with U.S. Army 1st Lt. Mike Viti, an International Security Assistance Force member and platoon leader, on Combat Outpost Kowall in Afghanistan, March 8, 2011.

Photo Gallery