WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Defense Department is rolling out a new set of guidelines for the treatment of mild traumatic brain injury among service members in combat areas.
Continue reading "New Protocol to Provide Early Brain Injury Detection" »
Users of unclassified .mil computers are now allowed to access social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter — subject to local control if bandwidth demand or web integrity become issues.
Today the Department of Defense released a policy memorandum regarding the safe and effective use of Internet-based capabilities, including social networking services (SNS) and other interactive Web 2.0 applications.
Marines and Afghan border police recently seized more than six tons of illegal drugs during operations in southern Afghanistan.
Continue reading "6 tons of illegal drugs seized in Afghanistan" »
In the eight years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, American troops have deployed almost 3.3 million times to Iraq and Afghanistan, according to Defense Department data.
Continue reading "2 million troops have deployed since 9/11" »
The Pentagon announced Monday that 8,500 additional Marines will deploy to Afghanistan, including 1,500 by the end of the month as part of battalion task force headed by Camp Lejeune, N.C.-based 1st Battalion, 6th Marines.
Continue reading "Numerous Lejeune units to deploy in surge" »
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Oct. 28, 2009 – U.S. Postal Service officials have announced recommended mailing dates for delivery by Christmas to U.S. servicemembers serving in Afghanistan and other overseas locations.
Continue reading "Postal Service Announces Holiday Mailing Guidelines" »
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2009 – Pentagon officials today announced additional replacement units scheduled to deploy next year to Afghanistan as part of the requirement to maintain the current level of security efforts there, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said today.
Continue reading "Pentagon Officials Announce 2010 Afghanistan Deployments" »
ALEXANDRIA, Egypt, Oct. 14, 2009 – U.S. Marines and sailors were part of a four-nation coalition that stormed the beaches near here during a major amphibious assault demonstration Oct. 12.
Continue reading "Marines, Sailors Join Coalition in Exercise" »
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Oct. 14, 2009 – Marines here have brought new meaning to the expression “goat rope” by helping local farmers with free veterinary care for their goats, sheep and cows.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2009 – American Forces Press Service, the Defense Department’s vehicle for news and feature content on the Defense.gov Web site, has unveiled a “widget” for photographs.
Continue reading "Defense Department Launches Photography Widget" »
WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2009 – Checks for up to $3,000 soon will be available to students who have applied for Veterans Affairs educational benefits and who have not yet received their government payment
Continue reading "VA to Provide Emergency Checks to Students Awaiting Benefits" »
WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates used the strongest terms in trying to persuade the Associated Press to refrain from running a graphic picture of a Marine taken shortly after the service member was wounded in southern Afghanistan, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said here today.
Continue reading "Gates Objects to News Photo of Dying Marine" »
Defense Secretary Robert Gates is objecting “in the strongest terms” to an Associated Press decision to transmit a photograph showing a mortally wounded 21-year-old Marine in his final moments of life, calling the decision “appalling” and a breach of “common decency.”
WASHINGTON, Aug. 12, 2009 – Hours into the new Operation Eastern Resolve II in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, defense officials report that U.S. Marines and Afghan soldiers are confronting “some resistance” as they work to secure the area for the Aug. 20 elections.
Continue reading "Effort Aims to Secure Southern Afghanistan for Elections" »
WASHINGTON – The Pentagon is reviewing the use of Facebook and other social networking sites on its computers with an eye toward setting rules on how to protect against possible security risks.
Continue reading "Pentagon reviews social networking on computers" »
WASHINGTON, May 7, 2009 – Tanya Queiro, a former Marine Corps noncommissioned officer, was named the 2009 Military Spouse of the Year at a ceremony held here today.
Continue reading "Former Marine NCO Takes Military Spouse of the Year Honors" »
New GI Bill Transfer Rules Give Members More Control
Servicemembers nearing the end of their careers will find it easier than first thought to transfer new Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to their spouse or children, under Department of Defense regulations.
WASHINGTON, April 14, 2009 – A former Marine sergeant turned country-music artist is using his newfound fame to urge Americans to do more to support the men and women returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Singer Uses Stage to Bring Attention to Servicemembers’ Sacrifices" »
WASHINGTON, April 1, 2009 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has approved a policy change that, under strictly delineated conditions, allows media filming of dignified transfer operations of fallen servicemembers’ remains at Dover Air Force Base, Del.
Continue reading "Gates Signs Policy Change for Dignified Transfer Operations at Dover" »
Pursuant to President Obama’s decision today, Secretary Gates ordered the deployment of two additional combat units, totaling more than 12,000 troops, to Afghanistan. The 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), from Camp Lejeune, N.C., with approximately 8,000 Marines will deploy to Afghanistan in late Spring 2009.
Continue reading "DoD Announces Afghanistan Force Deployment" »
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2009 – Sixteen million new toys were distributed to 7.6 million children over the Christmas holiday through the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.
Continue reading "Toys for Tots Successful Despite Slow Economy" »
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2009 – A series of educational assistance programs administered by the Veterans Affairs Department, commonly called the GI Bill, have helped servicemembers pursue post-secondary learning for decades.
Continue reading "New GI Bill Carries Different Eligibility, Benefits" »
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2009 – Stephen Cochran was a normal 19-year-old with a dream of making music his life when the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks led him down an unplanned path to the Marine Corps.
Continue reading "Face of Defense: Country Music Star Earned Stripes in Iraq, Afghanistan" »
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2009 – A civilian journalist received a top Navy honor in Iraq on Jan. 24 for his heroism in saving a Marine’s life while in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Navy Honors Civilian Journalist for Saving Marine’s Life" »
TRIANGLE, Va., Jan. 27, 2009 – The National Museum of the Marine Corps here has maintained its position as a top Virginia attraction, with more than 500,000 visitors recorded in 2008, museum officials said.
Continue reading "Marine Corps Museum Attracts Half-million Visitors in 2008" »
ARLINGTON, Va. — U.S. troops serving in Morocco and Burkina Faso or who are helping share intelligence with Turkey are eligible for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 24, 2008 – The highest-ranking U.S. military officer often says he learns as much from the troops as he does from commanders.
Continue reading "Mullen Uses Trip to Assess Situation in Afghanistan" »
The pilot for a new, jointly-developed DoD-VA disability evaluation system (DES), set to expand from five to 22 military bases by May, does much of what proponents hoped it would.
Continue reading "Disability reforms bring higher ratings, faster pay" »
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2008 – Military Family Appreciation Week begins tomorrow, and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, issued a message today noting the observance.
Continue reading "Chairman Notes Military Family Appreciation Week" »
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2008 – Recent changes to the Family and Medical Leave Act will extend the period of unpaid, job-protected leave that eligible family members can take to care for wounded warrior spouses, Labor Department officials said.
Continue reading "Changes to Leave Act Benefit Wounded Warriors, Families" »
Eighteen months after banning access to YouTube and other social networking and entertainment sites on Defense Department computers, the Pentagon has launched a site where troops and families can upload and share videos.
Continue reading "Pentagon launches its own version of YouTube" »
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2008 – A troop-support group that provides education on the brain’s and body’s natural responses to stress launched its redesigned Web site yesterday.
“Our Web site is completely redesigned to power our mission of providing the best education, training and resources for supporting strength and resilience in all areas of military life,” said Elizabeth Hawkins, executive director of “One Freedom.”
Continue reading "Troop Support Group Launches New Web Site" »
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said a new handbook is another step in improving the care and support wounded, ill or injured troops and their families deserve. The handbook compiles the myriad information they need in one succinct, easy-to-read publication.
Troops and family members are invited to join a live Oct. 20 Webcast of a Pentagon summit meeting that will explore the best ways to support families of service members who are killed, seriously wounded or become ill or injured.
Continue reading "DoD to hold family support summit Oct. 20" »
The Department of Defense has announced free family memberships for many servicemembers and their families at participating YMCAs. The new program is effective immediately.
Continue reading "DOD, YMCA team up to offer free memberships" »
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2008 – Overseas-deployed servicemembers and other troops serving outside their home states need to fill out and forward their absentee ballots so their votes can be counted as part of the Nov. 4 federal and state elections, Defense Department officials said today.
Continue reading "Officials Urge Military Voters to Send in Absentee Ballots" »
Up to 2,000 Marines will deploy to Afghanistan in November to replace the 3,400 leathernecks scheduled to return home in the coming months, the Defense Department announced Monday.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2008 – The Defense Department announced today the deployment of two additional units to Afghanistan, following up on President Bush’s announcement last week that he will beef up the U.S. presence there while reducing it in Iraq.
Continue reading "Defense Department Announces New Forces for Afghanistan Mission" »
FORT LESLEY J. MCNAIR, D.C., Sept. 9, 2008 – The United States will continue to reduce its troop strength in Iraq, but will increase its footprint in Afghanistan, President Bush said here today.
SCHINNEN, Netherlands, Sept. 5, 2008 – With the Democratic and Republican national conventions now behind us, the 2008 presidential campaign enters the home stretch as Americans look toward Election Day, Nov. 4.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2008 – After being medically retired from the Army last year as a result of mental wounds he suffered in Iraq, Michael Bradley faced a daunting challenge that would later prove pivotal in his recovery: holding down a job in the civilian world.
Continue reading "Afflicted Soldier Exemplifies ‘America’s Heroes at Work’" »
WASHINGTON, Aug. 12, 2008 – Servicemembers traveling for official business, including deployments, will continue to receive full reimbursement for reasonable, authorized excess baggage fees, defense officials said.
Continue reading "Official Travelers Can Claim Reimbursement for Excess Baggage Fees" »
WASHINGTON, June 13, 2008 – Tomorrow the United States observes National Flag Day, an annual tribute to the American flag, the ideals it stands for and the sacrifices made to preserve them.
WASHINGTON, May 5, 2008 – Military spouses embody the courage, nobility of duty, and love of country that inspire every American. On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to the husbands and wives who support their spouses in America's Armed Forces during times of war and peace.
The legacy of military spouses began when colonial Americans were fighting for independence. Martha Washington boosted the morale of her husband's troops by visiting battlefields and tending to the wounded. Since then, members of our Armed Forces have served our Nation accompanied by the steadfast love and support of their spouses and families.
Continue reading "President's Proclamation Honors Troops' Spouses" »
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2008 – As a means of combating identity theft, the Defense Department will issue identification cards without full Social Security numbers printed onto them, a senior official said here today.
Continue reading "Department to Phase Out Full Social Security Numbers on IDs" »
WASHINGTON, March 16, 2008 – A new award administered by troop support groups and sponsored by a major corporation aims to recognize the sacrifices made by military moms.
The Operation Homefront Military Motherhood Award will provide the winner with $5,000 and a free trip to the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Continue reading "America Supports You: Award Honors Military Moms" »
BRYAN WHITMAN (deputy assistant secretary of Defense for Public Affairs): Yeah, let's go for it. It is 9:00. Let me thank you all for returning this week and see if we got General Kelly, if he can hear me okay. General Kelly, it's Bryan Whitman at the Pentagon. How are you?
Continue reading "DoD News Briefing with Maj. Gen. Kelly from Iraq" »
Rows of hot line operators with muted voices mask the desperation of incoming calls on a recent afternoon: a soldier back from Iraq with a drinking problem and a broken marriage; an Army recruiter in the throes of depression; a Marine in Iraq eager to reach his wife after the birth of his son.
Continue reading "DoD: Hot line calls rise 40 percent every year" »
WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2008 – The deployment of 3,200 U.S. Marines to Afghanistan this spring represents a one-time troop movement that partially fulfills a long-time request by NATO commanders for additional forces, a senior Pentagon spokesman said here today.
Continue reading "Marine Deployment to Afghanistan ‘One-Time Deal,’ Official Says" »
This holiday season, the American Red Cross will make sure holiday greetings generically addressed to wounded servicemembers at military medical facilities around the country will find a home.
Continue reading "Red Cross to Deliver Holiday Cards to Wounded" »
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2007 – When people ask him why the U.S. military should be helping Iraq establish a free and stable society, Marine Gunnery Sgt. Jeremy M. de Vries cites how France helped the American colonies gain their independence from Great Britain during the Revolutionary War.
Continue reading "Why We Serve: U.S. Helping Iraqis to Achieve Freedom, Marine Says" »
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2007 – The new Military Advanced Training Center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here represents “an evolution in how we embrace, treat and honor,” wounded warriors, the Army vice chief of staff said at yesterday’s opening ceremony.
Continue reading "New Center Makes Good on Military’s Commitment to Wounded Warriors" »
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2007 – Army National Guard Spc. Marco Robledo wants to go home to Arkansas in November standing on his own two feet. A roadside bomb claimed the combat engineer’s left leg and arm in Iraq in May. Since then, he has been recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here.
Continue reading "New Amputee Care Center Opens at Walter Reed" »
WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2007 – The Dallas Songwriters Association is inviting aspiring songwriters who happen to wear a military uniform to enter their original tunes in its 2007/2008 “Songs from the Soul of Service” contest.
Continue reading "America Supports You: Troops Invited to Submit Original Songs" »
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2007 – President Bush has nominated Marine Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis to receive his fourth star and to lead U.S. Joint Forces Command, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced yesterday.
Continue reading "Bush Nominates Mattis to Lead U.S. Joint Forces Command" »
WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2007 – The Senate confirmed Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen and Marine Corps Gen. James E. “Hoss” Cartwright as chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, respectively, Aug. 3.
Continue reading "Senate Confirms Mullen, Cartwright for Top Military Positions" »
WASHINGTON, May 14, 2007 – The Defense Department is blocking access to many popular Internet sites from department-owned computers due to bandwidth issues, U.S. Strategic Command officials said today.
Continue reading "Defense Department Blocks Internet Sites to Protect Grid" »
The Department of Defense announced today a program to recognize service members who deploy or mobilize beyond the established rotation policy goals. The goals for the Active and Guard/Reserve units are one year deployed to two years at home station (1:2) and one year mobilized to five years demobilized (1:5) respectively.
Continue reading "DoD Announces Program to Recognize Frequent Deployment" »
The Department of Defense, together with Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration, has partnered to pursue an interoperable network for sharing electronic medical information. This marks the first time that DoD has formed a network with and a non-federal entity to share electronic medical records.
WASHINGTON - The Marine Corps is recalling 1,800 reservists to active duty, citing a shortage of volunteers to fill some jobs in Iraq.
Continue reading "Marine Reservists Involuntarily Recalled" »
WASHINGTON, March 26, 2007 – Over the next week, 1,800 Individual Ready Reserve Marines will receive notice from the Marine Corps that they are needed in Iraq, an official announced today.
Continue reading "Marines to Alert 1,800 Individual Ready Reservists for Reactivation" »
WASHINGTON, March 23, 2007 – Defense Department officials have launched an investigation into recent computer hackings of servicemembers’ home computers that compromised personal information and led to the redirection of funds from their military pay accounts.
Continue reading "DoD Investigates Hacking of Troops’ Personal Computers" »
WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2007 – “The Marines,” a PBS documentary highlighting the history and heart of the smallest branch of the U.S. armed services, airs tomorrow on PBS stations nationwide at 9 p.m. Eastern Time.
Filmmakers given access to Marine Corps training facilities in Parris Island, S.C.; Quantico, Va.; and Twentynine Palms, Calif., aimed to capture how a warrior culture and ethos is instilled at the Marine Corps the moment a recruit arrives at boot camp.
Continue reading "PBS Documentary ‘The Marines’ Captures Corps’ Values" »
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2007 – Twelve U.S. soldiers were killed when the Blackhawk helicopter in which they were riding crashed northeast of Baghdad Saturday afternoon, Multinational Force Iraq officials reported today.
Initial reports erroneously claimed that 13 individuals were killed, officials said.
Continue reading "12 U.S. Soldiers Die in Helicopter Crash" »
WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2007 – The second servicemember to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in the Iraq war was inducted into the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes today.
Continue reading "Medal of Honor Recipient Honored at Pentagon" »
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2006 – The Defense Department’s top civilian welcomed the Marine Corps’ new commandant today during a change-of-command ceremony at the Marine Barracks here.
Continue reading "Rumsfeld Welcomes New Marine Corps Commandant" »
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2006 – President Bush officially declared this week National Veterans Awareness Week and urged all Americans to honor veterans who “stepped forward when America needed them most.”
Continue reading "President, Senate Recognize National Veterans Awareness Week" »
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII (Aug. 28, 2006) -- This year’s Summer Reading Program, coordinated by Marine Corps Community Services here, and the Base Library, officially came to end Aug. 12 during an official Wrap Up Party held in the Reading Room of the library. The festivities began at 1 p.m. and ended at 2 p.m.
Continue reading "Summer Reading Program wraps up with 'Pirate' party" »
WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2006 – The United States will provide funding and other assistance to support a U.N. plan to end warfare between Lebanon-based Hezbollah guerrillas and Israel, President Bush said here today.
Recently passed U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 has authorized a 15,000-strong international force to deploy as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah. A brokered cease-fire has reduced fighting between the two antagonists after they fought a month-long trans-border battle using rockets, mortars and ground troops.
Continue reading "Bush: U.S. Will Assist U.N. Stabilization Plan In Lebanon" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – (Aug. 18, 2006) -- Before “blogging” was a household word, Marines and sailors used word-of-mouth, underground newsletters or television interviews to discuss concerns and state their sentiments for their beloved Corps. Today, some service members are using Web blogs on the World Wide Web to converse on several topics, including personal views on the war and opinions about their chain of command. Devil dogs and seamen must know the guidelines just released by the Department of Defense before typing their next blog entry.
The U.S. Navy will christen Makin Island, the newest and last ship in the Wasp-class of amphibious assault ships, on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2006, during a 10 a.m. CDT ceremony at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in Pascagoula, Miss.
Continue reading "Navy Christens New Amphibious Assault Ship Makin Island" »
The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that a U.S. Marine missing in action from World War II has been identified and is being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
The Navy will christen the newest San Antonio Class Amphibious Transport Docking ship Green Bay at 10 a.m. CDT on Saturday, July 15, 2006, during a ceremony at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems – Avondale Operations, Avondale, La.
Continue reading "Navy Christens Amphibious Transport Dock Ship Green Bay" »
MIAMI - The nation's top general testified emotionally Monday about the importance of immigrants in the military, recalling his father's struggles as an Italian immigrant and his own service in Vietnam.
Marine Gen. Peter Pace paused several times as he spoke at a Senate committee hearing on immigration and appeared choked up as he discussed his parents' hardships and his siblings' success now.
Continue reading "Pace Talks About Immigrants in the Military" »
The Department of Defense announced today the eligibility determination period for the new TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) program, and as a result, every member of the selected reserve will now have the option to purchase their health coverage from TRICARE.
Continue reading "DoD Makes Changes to Qualifications for TRICARE Reserve Select" »
U.S. NAVAL HOSPITAL, GUAM — Like most other military and Guam governmental agencies, Guam’s military school system awaits details to begin planning the major construction and staffing increases needed as 8,000 Marines come to the island.
WASHINGTON, June 26, 2006 – A new display commemorating the service of military chaplains was dedicated June 23 in a ceremony at the Pentagon.
David S.C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, speaks during an exhibit dedication ceremony to military chaplains at the Pentagon, June 23. The display is the first in the Pentagon to specifically honor chaplains. It consists of four backlit panels that highlight the accomplishments and service of military chaplains. It is located on the fifth floor of the building's A ring
Continue reading "Pentagon Display Honors Military Chaplains" »
WASHINGTON, June 21, 2006 – Seven Marines and a sailor were charged today with kidnapping, murder and conspiracy in connection with the death of an Iraqi civilian in Hamdania, Iraq, in late April.
Continue reading "Marines, Sailor Face Charges in Iraqi Civilian's Death" »
The Department of Defense announced today the formation of a congressionally-directed task force to examine matters related to mental health and the Armed Forces.
Continue reading "DoD Establishes Mental Health Task Force" »
GEN. HAM: Good afternoon. ..
...And with that, I'd be glad to take your questions. Please, sir.
Q General, President Bush said today that Iraqi and U.S. forces are working to restore security in Ramadi. Could you tell us specifically what's being done in Ramadi? Also, the U.S. military death toll is nearing 2,500, and could you give us your thoughts on the mounting toll?
BAGHDAD, June 8, 2006 – Jordanian terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi died in an air strike north of Baghdad yesterday evening, U.S. officials have confirmed.
Continue reading "Coalition Forces Kill Top Terrorist in Iraq" »
HIT, Iraq, June 6, 2006 – The soldiers and Marines here put up with more adversity in their deployment than most Americans will see in a lifetime. And they do it with a great attitude.
Continue reading "Commentary: Soldiers, Marines Drive on Through Adversity" »
HIT, Iraq, June 4, 2006 – Bringing the Iraqi army to the lead in the country's beleaguered Anbar province is a tough assignment. But Marines assigned to the military transition team at Firm Base 4 here have taken it on.
Continue reading "Marine Adviser Building Iraqi 'Super Company' in Hit Region" »
Culinary specialists assigned to the amphibious transport dock USS Ogden (LPD 5) are cooking four daily meals aboard Iraq 's Al Basrah (ABOT) and Khawr Al Amaya (KAAOT) Oil Terminals for the Sailors assigned to Mobile Security Detachment (MSD) 71.
On May 29, President Bush signed the Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities (HERO) Act, which amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow service members to still exclude their military compensation from federal income tax, but also contribute to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) while serving in a combat zone tax exclusion area.
Continue reading "President Signs New Tax Legislation for Military Personnel" »
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2006 – Eight Marines and a sailor died in two separate incidents in Iraq yesterday. Three servicemembers also are missing after a vehicle accident in floodwaters, military officials reported today.
A U.S. Marine Corps 7-ton truck rolled over in a flash flood near Asad, resulting in five Marines dead, one injured, and two Marines and one sailor missing. The vehicle was on a combat logistics convoy in Anbar province with eight Marines and one Navy corpsman on board.
Continue reading "Eight Marines, One Sailor Killed in Iraq Incidences" »
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2006 – The 8th Iraqi Army Division now has responsibility for military operations across two large provinces, a senior U.S. military officer told reporters in Baghdad yesterday.
Continue reading "Iraqi Army Division Takes Security Lead in Two Provinces" »
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., Jan. 27, 2006 – Just one day after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, nations around the world mobilized and formed a military coalition. Their goal: to combat global terrorism.
Continue reading "International Coalition Strong Heading into Fifth Year" »
WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2006 – The Marine Corps Special Operations Command, the newest addition to the special operations community, will be a complementary force that will ease the strain on other services' elite units and will contribute to the nation's readiness in the global war on terror, the new unit's commander said here today.
Continue reading "Marine Corps Special Ops Will Add to Military Capability, Commander Says" »
As the United States confronts terrorism, military personnel have to make a cultural shift as they fight what officials now call "the Long War," senior DoD officials said.
Army Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, the assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in an interview that the generation of servicemembers entering the military today must focus on how the United States will deal with extremist networks that threaten America and its allies.
Continue reading "Military Culture Must Change for 'Long War'" »
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2006 – Humanitarian efforts continue in Afghanistan as coalition forces helped remove snow from impassable roads and built "hygiene facilities" at a small school. In addition, international diplomats visited a provincial reconstruction team Jan. 21.
Continue reading "U.S., Coalition Efforts Helping Improve Afghanistan" »
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2006 – Wounded servicemembers have an extra helping hand thanks to Operation First Response, a group specializing in providing them supplies and funds during their recuperation.
Continue reading "America Supports You: Virginia Group Supports Wounded Troops, Families" »
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2006 – President Bush said today he will listen to military ground commanders, not polls or focus groups, when making decisions about force levels in Iraq.
Continue reading "Bush: Progress Continues in Terror War, But Threat Remains" »
FORWARD OPERATING BASE HIT, Iraq, Jan. 23, 2006 – Eight days of back-breaking searches through villages and fields along the western Euphrates River Valley have yielded thousands of pieces of ordnance as Iraqi soldiers and U.S. Marines continue Operation Koa Canyon in Iraq's Anbar province. (22nd MEU)
Continue reading "Iraqi, Coalition Forces Continue Operation Koa Canyon" »
BROOKE ARMY MEDICAL CENTER, Texas, Jan. 23, 2006 – "Hey doc, when am I going upstairs? Hey doc, this bed is uncomfortable, when am I going to be admitted?"
Continue reading "Commentary: Bond of Wounded Warriors Crosses Generations" »
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2006 – When not appearing on the CBS show "CSI: New York" as Detective Mac Taylor, actor Gary Sinise devotes much of his time to raising support for U.S. troops.
Sinise, who is planning his third trip to Iraq with the United Service Organizations, appeared on ABC's "This Week" today to talk about his new venture to help the children who have felt the effects of the war in Iraq.
Continue reading "Actor Discusses Support for Troops, Iraqi Children" »
OPSEC- great thing to reaccquaint yourself with.
Continue reading "Operations Security and Internet Safety" »
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2005 – Quitting in Iraq before the mission is finished would be an invitation to more terrorist violence against the United States, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said today.
Continue reading "Rumsfeld: Quitting Is No Option in Iraq" »
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2005 – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has changed the way it administers contracts for rebuilding Iraq, officials said.
Continue reading "Corps of Engineers Restructures Contracting Support in Iraq" »
WASHINGTON, Dec. 4, 2005 – The U.S. is already on the road to complete victory in Iraq, the president's national security adviser told Sunday talk show hosts today.
Continue reading "National Security Adviser Outlines Progress in Iraq" »
WASHINGTON, Dec. 4, 2005 – Two U.S. CH-47 Chinook helicopters involved in combat operations made emergency landings today in separate locations in southern Afghanistan, injuring five U.S. soldiers and one Afghan National Army soldier.
Continue reading "Emergency Landings Injure Six in Afghanistan" »
WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2005 – Operation Shank wrapped up today, officials in Iraq announced.
Continue reading "One Iraq Operation Ends, Another in Final Stages" »
President Bush remembered America's deployed servicemembers who he said are "serving the cause of peace" during the Dec. 1 Christmas Pageant of Peace and lighting of the national Christmas tree here.
Continue reading "Bush Salutes Troops During Tree Lighting" »
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2005 – The success of joint Iraqi and coalition operations in Iraq will ensure a safe voting environment for Iraqi national elections, a senior military official in Iraq said today.
Continue reading "Iraqis Will Have Secure Voting Environment, General Says" »
ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 30, 2005 – A team of eight U.S. soldiers is engaged by a larger enemy force behind unfriendly lines. The team is hit by three rocket-propelled grenades and three improvised explosive devices, yet they still fight, killing 35 enemies.
Continue reading "Gaming is More Than Just Play for Military Services" »
The Department of Defense announced today the implementation of traumatic injury protection insurance under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program as enacted by section 1032 of Public Law 109-13.
Continue reading "DoD Announces Implementation of Traumatic Injury Protection" »
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2005 – Two Task Force Baghdad soldiers were killed when their patrol struck a roadside bomb north of Baghdad today, military officials reported.
Continue reading "Two Soldiers Killed, One Injured in Separate Incidents" »
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2005 – U.S. and coalition initiatives to create well-trained and -equipped Iraqi security forces are paying off, with Iraqis taking on more of the fight, a U.S. Central Command general said Nov. 28 at the Heritage Foundation here.
Continue reading "Iraqi Security Forces Steadily Improving, But Still Need Support" »
WASHINGTON, Nov. 27, 2005 – A U.S. Marine engaged in combat operations against enemy forces near Camp Taqaddum, Iraq, was killed in an improvised explosive device attack Nov. 26, officials in Iraq announced today. (3/7 / 2nd MAW)
Continue reading "Marine Killed, Operation Tigers Continues in Iraq" »
WASHINGTON, Nov. 26, 2005 – A soldier assigned to the 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), was killed in an improvised explosive device attack while conducting combat operations against the enemy in Hit, Iraq, Nov. 25, military officials reported today
Continue reading "Soldier Dies in Roadside Bomb Explosion" »
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2005 – The U.S. military is not a "poor man's force."e
Continue reading "Military Demographics Representative of America, Officials Say" »
American Forces Press Service
Continue reading "General Links Security at Home to U.S. Role in Iraq" »
American Forces Press Service
Continue reading "Zarqawi Probably Alive, Ground Forces Commander Says" »
American Forces Press Service
Continue reading "Operation Steel Curtain Concludes Along Iraq-Syria Border" »
American Forces Press Service
Continue reading "Terrorists Fire Dud in Attempt to Disrupt Tikrit Ceremony" »
The Department of Defense achieved a major milestone with the launch of AHLTA, its global electronic health record system, at a ceremony hosted by Dr. William Winkenwerder, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, and attended by Michael O. Leavitt, secretary of health and human services, at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda today.
American Forces Press Service
Continue reading "Iraqi Police, U.S. Soldiers Help Children Hurt in IED Attack" »
American Forces Press Service
Continue reading "More Military Funds Committed for Pakistan Quake Relief" »
American Forces Press Service
Continue reading "Tips From Citizens Lead Iraqi Soldiers to Weapons Cache" »
American Forces Press Service
Continue reading "Joint Iraqi-American Operations Keep Terrorists on the Defensive" »
American Forces Press Service
RCT 2 and RCT 8 Marine KIAs
Continue reading "U.S Troops Recognized for, and Die in, Combat Action" »
American Forces Information Service News Articles
Continue reading "2005 Veterans Day Message From the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff" »
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2005 – Military.com is taking its mission of connecting veterans to their benefits one step further with the official launch of the online Veteran Career Network on Nov. 11.
Continue reading "Military.com Launches Career Resource for Veterans" »
DOD Press Article
American Forces Press Service
Continue reading "Operation Steel Curtain Moves Into Husaybah" »
While the bombs used against them keep getting bigger and the development of the next best vehicle may still be five more years away, officials say the Marines who drive Iraq's deadly roads in the meantime can at least count on having the best available armor on all of their Humvees by next month.
Continue reading "Marines' Iraq Humvees to be 'up-armored' by December" »
DOD Press Article
American Forces Press Service
Continue reading "Surge in IED Attacks Coincides With Iraqi Political Progress" »
No. 1127-05
IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 2005
Secretary of Defense Approves Marine Special Operations Command
Continue reading "DOD Secretary of Defense Approves Marine Special Operations Command" »
DOD Press Article
American Forces Press Service
Continue reading "Marine Corps to Join U.S. Special Operations Command" »
DOD Press Release
American Forces Press Service
Washington OCT 22, 2005
Continue reading "Four U.S. Troops Die in Iraq; Insurgents Killed, Captured" »
DOD PRESS RELEASE
ARMED FORCES PRESS SERVICES
FORT LEE, Va., Oct. 21, 2005 – Commissary shoppers looking for a different kind of gift for friends or family at home or abroad can now shop online at the "Virtual Commissary."
DOD PRESS RELEASE OCT 21
AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
Continue reading "Five U.S. Troops Killed in Three Iraq Operations" »
The Department of Defense will showcase its anti-drug awareness and educational activities throughout America during the 15th annual "Red Ribbon Week" at the Pentagon, Oct. 24-26 to focus attention on the destructive effects drugs have on the nation.
DOD RELEASE
AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2005 – Afghanistan is NATO's No. 1 mission, the alliance's supreme allied commander for operations said during a Pentagon interview today.
Continue reading "Afghanistan NATO's Top Mission, Commander Says" »
DoD Press Release on Hurricane Wilma
Continue reading "DoD, Guard, Services Watch Hurricane Wilma" »
WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2005 – The Department of Defense today debuted a new joint, national awareness campaign aimed at encouraging parents, and other influencers of youth, to be prepared for what can be a tough conversation, a defense official said.
Continue reading "New, Joint DoD Ads Urge Parent-to-Kid Talks About Military" »
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2005 – A group of civilian business professionals and politicians embarked Oct. 17 on a weeklong trip meant to familiarize them with the military.
Continue reading "Conference Introduces Influential Civilians to Military" »
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2005 – Two Marines assigned to Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), were killed by small-arms fire near Rutbah, Iraq, Oct. 17.
Continue reading "Two Marines Killed in Combat Operations in Iraq" »
WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2005 – America's employers are inextricably linked to the nation's defense, and their support is essential to fighting and winning the global war on terrorism, the secretary of the Army said here Oct. 15 at a banquet honoring the year's most supportive employers of National Guard and Reserve servicemembers.
Continue reading "Banquet Honors Top Guard, Reserve Employers" »
WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2005 – The Fisher House organization uses more than a million frequent flyer miles per week in distributing free round-trip airline tickets to families of war-wounded servicemembers being treated in military and Veterans Affairs medical facilities across the country.
Continue reading "America Supports You: Fisher House Distributes Airline Tickets" »
WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2005 – A case concerning colleges' right to receive federal funding but bar military recruiters from campuses because of disagreements over homosexual policy is scheduled to be argued before the Supreme Court this session.
Continue reading "Supreme Court to Hear Case on Military Recruiters' Access to Colleges" »
WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2005 – All Americans enjoy their freedoms today "because there are thousands and thousand of troops protecting us," the U.S. military's top general said at the National Italian American Foundation's annual awards dinner here Oct. 15.
Continue reading "Pace Salutes U.S. Troops At Italian-American Event" »
WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2005 – A Marine assigned to Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), died when his vehicle was attacked with an improvised explosive device in Saqlawiyah, Iraq, on Oct. 15.
Continue reading "Marine Dies in Attack; Forces Capture Weapons, Kill Terrorists" »
The Department of Defense announced today the issuance of a policy and
procedures for reimbursing members of the armed forces for privately purchase
protective, safety or health equipment for Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring
Freedom or Iraqi Freedom as required by Public Law 108-375, section 351.
Continue reading "DoD Announces Issuance of Reimbursement Policy" »
WASHINGTON -- Under pressure from Congress, the Pentagon on Wednesday issued overdue regulations for reimbursing soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan for body armor and other gear they bought to protect themselves.
Continue reading "Pentagon Releases Body Armor Payback Plan" »
WASHINGTON--The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) has announced a group burial at 9 a.m. at Arlington National Cemetery, near Washington, D.C., for U.S. servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, whose remains were identified earlier this year.
Continue reading "Vietnam MIAs finally layed to rest in Arlington" »
CONROE - A 22-year-old Marine, who joined the military shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, died when he drove a military vehicle over a roadside bomb during combat, his family said Tuesday.
Pentagon has still not acted to pay back parents a year after Congress 'demanded action.'
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2005 – Al Qaeda terrorists hope to drive American influence from the Middle East and install a global Muslim leader in Saudi Arabia, Army Gen. John Abizaid said today.
Continue reading "Abizaid Details al Qaeda's Long-Term Goals" »
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (Sept. 29, 2005) -- All Department of Defense contractors working full-time aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico are now authorized to play golf at the Medal of Honor Golf Course.
Continue reading "DoD contractors approved to use Quantico's Medal of Honor Golf Course" »
A Senate committee plans to apply new rules for the activation of National Guard troops during a natural disaster as part of the 2006 defense appropriations bill.
Continue reading "Senators draft new rules for Guard activation" »
Focus: National Security
Focus: Hurricane Relief
Continue reading "President Discusses War on Terror and Hurricane Preparation" »
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2005 – Military units are gearing up today to react to Hurricane Rita's expected landfall late Sept. 23 or early Sept. 24, even as its response to Hurricane Katrina continues.
At the Pentagon today, President Bush praised military relief efforts in Mississippi and Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
Continue reading "Military Prepares Response to Hurricane Rita" »
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2005) -- As the face of modern warfare continues to evolve, military technology and training must also seek new and unique avenues of approach in their teachings.
Continue reading "Oct. 1 means new rifle range for Pendleton Marines" »
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (Sept. 22, 2005) -- Schools in the Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools system will spend the rest of this school year testing a new computer-aided reading program designed to ensure kindergarten through second-grade students are reading at the appropriate grade level by the time they enter third grade.
Continue reading "New reading-enhancement equipment being tested in DDESS schools" »
WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2005 – U.S. military forces in the Horn of Africa are working to win the hearts and minds of the people and are preventing the spread of terrorism throughout the region, the area's U.S. commander said today.
Continue reading "Horn of Africa Force Seeks to Win Friends, Prevent Terrorism" »
The Department of Defense announced today plans to award 17 grants totaling $4.4 million to 15 Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs)
Continue reading "DoD Selects Hispanic Serving Institutions for Grants" »