Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Story by Jim Garamone
Date09.02.2010
KABUL, Afghanistan - There are now enough resources in Afghanistan to deliver "tangible and lasting results," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during a joint news conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai here Sept. 2.
Continue reading "Gates, Karzai Discuss Way Ahead in Afghanistan" »
02 Sep 2010 17:02:34 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Jim Wolf
WASHINGTON, Sept 2 (Reuters) - Insurgents in Afghanistan's Helmand province, the Taliban's opium-producing heartland, are operating with less than half the cash they had a year ago, the commander of coalition forces in the area said Thursday.
Continue reading "Afghan insurgents' opium earnings cut-U.S. general" »
by Daphne Benoit Daphne Benoit – September 2, 2010
KABUL (AFP) – US Defence Secretary Robert Gates arrived in Kabul Thursday on a surprise visit following a trip to Iraq, where he attended ceremonies to mark the formal end of the American combat mission there.
Continue reading "US defence chief Gates on surprise Afghan visit" »
by James Rosen
Published September 02, 2010
JAMES ROSEN: Mr. Secretary, thank you for this honor. I’m told by my friend, Geoff Morrell, I only have seven to ten minutes for this.
Continue reading "TRANSCRIPT: FOX News Interview with Defense Secretary Robert Gates" »
Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date08.31.2010
WASHINGTON - A senior insurgent leader believed to be responsible for coordinating the movement of fighters across three provinces in Afghanistan was captured by Afghan-led security forces, military officials reported, Aug. 31.
Continue reading "Officials Confirm Capture of Insurgent Leader" »
Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Story by Jim Garamone
Date08.31.2010
MILWAUKEE - The U.S. military has fought two separate wars in Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the American Legion here today.
Continue reading "Gates: Commanders Have Resources to Win in Afghanistan" »
31 Aug 2010 09:52:58 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Paul Tait
KABUL, Aug 31 (Reuters) - The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan from next July will begin with a general "thinning out" of forces rather than any large-scale drawdown, the commander of U.S. and NATO forces said on Tuesday.
Continue reading "Afghan withdrawal won't be a "hand-off" - Petraeus" »
By MATTHEW DALY, Associated Press Writer - Mon Aug 30, 5:46 pm ET
WASHINGTON – A Democratic congressman, just back from Afghanistan, criticized Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Monday for failing to stem corruption infesting his country's government.
Continue reading "Congressman calls meeting with Karzai disturbing" »
by Shaun Tandon Shaun Tandon – Fri Aug 27, 12:06 pm ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) – Faced with mounting criticism over Afghanistan, US President Barack Obama is leaving a persistent -- and, some say, strategic -- ambiguity about a July 2011 goal to start withdrawing troops.
Continue reading "Under attack, Obama holds cards on Afghan pullout date" »
By Sue Pleming and Phil Stewart
WASHINGTON | Thu Aug 26, 2010 4:43pm EDT
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States expects the Taliban to increase attacks in next month's parliamentary elections, including in Afghanistan's north where insurgents have made inroads, a senior U.S. defense official said on Thursday.
Continue reading "U.S. concerned over Afghan voter turnout, violence" »
From correspondents in Washington
From: AFP August 26, 2010 4:48AM
WIKILEAKS today released a CIA memo analysing the risks of terrorists operating from the United States, but the document offered no dramatic revelations of government secrets like the website's earlier leaks.
Continue reading "WikiLeaks posts 'classified' CIA document " »
Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
Date08.26.2010
CHICAGO - At last night's Major League Baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and the Baltimore Orioles here, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff couldn't help but notice the difference between the nation's support for today's service members and veterans and the reception returning servicemembers received when they came home from Vietnam early in his military career.
Continue reading "American Support Boosts Troop Morale, Mullen Says" »
By the CNN Wire Staff
August 25, 2010 1:32 p.m. EDT
Washington (CNN) -- In what would mark a major shift in counter-terrorism strategy, the Obama administration is considering adding military assets to the fight against al Qaeda in Yemen, a U.S. official said Wednesday.
Continue reading "Official: U.S. may refocus counter-terrorism fight on Yemen" »
By BRIAN KNOWLTON
Published: August 25, 2010
WASHINGTON — A top Pentagon official has confirmed a previously classified incident that he describes as “the most significant breach of U.S. military computers ever,” a 2008 episode in which a foreign intelligence agent used a flash drive to infect computers, including those used by the Central Command in overseeing combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Continue reading "2008 Attack on Military Computers Is Confirmed" »
by Tom Bowman
August 24, 2010
For more than 200 years, the Marine Corps has prided itself on dramatic amphibious landings.
Continue reading " Marines Need To Regain 'Maritime Soul,' Gates Says" »
By Walter Pincus
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 24, 2010; 8:43 PM
The commandant of the Marine Corps said Tuesday that Taliban leaders may be misleading their own forces into believing that they only have to keep fighting through the middle of next year, when U.S. troops are slated to begin pulling out of Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Taliban may be misleading its forces on U.S. timetable, U.S. general says" »
24 Aug 2010 15:14:23 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Phil Stewart and Sue Pleming
WASHINGTON, Aug 24 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's July 2011 date to start withdrawing troops from Afghanistan has given a morale boost to Taliban insurgents, who believe they can wait out NATO forces, the top U.S. Marine said on Tuesday.
Continue reading "Obama's Afghan withdrawal date bolsters enemy-Marines" »
By ANNE FLAHERTY , Associated Press
Last update: August 24, 2010 - 9:19 AM
WASHINGTON - Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway says it will probably be a "few years" before Afghanistan will be secure enough for the Marines to leave.
Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date08.23.2010
WASHINGTON - Numerous insurgents were killed or captured in recent operations in Afghanistan, military officials reported.
Continue reading "Operations in Afghanistan Result in Insurgents Killed, Captured" »
23 Aug 2010 21:20:23 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Sue Pleming
WASHINGTON, Aug 23 (Reuters) - High drop-out and illiteracy rates mean it will take until late October 2011 to build up Afghanistan's police and military so they can take the lead in more areas, a senior U.S. commander said on Monday.
Continue reading "Afghan security force training faces big hurdles" »
Published: Aug. 23, 2010 at 9:04 AM
WASHINGTON, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Al-Qaida might play a larger part in the war in Afghanistan than previously believed, The Washington Post reported.
Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date08.20.2010
WASHINGTON - Insurgents launched an unsuccessful attack on International Security Assistance Forces at Forward Operating Base Bostick, located in the Nari District of eastern Afghanistan's Kunar province Aug. 20, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command officials reported.
By PAULINE JELINEK
Associated Press Writer
Posted: Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010
WASHINGTON The Pentagon is denying it had direct contact with WikiLeaks and says the military is not interested in helping the website review classified war documents to post online.
Continue reading "Pentagon denies WikiLeaks talks about documents" »
Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date08.18.2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Defense Department officials today released a letter the Pentagon's top lawyer sent to a man purported to be an attorney for the WikiLeaks website, which published tens of thousands of classified documents last month and is threatening to release 15,000 more.
Continue reading "Pentagon Releases Letter Sent to Purported WikiLeaks Attorney" »
16 Aug 2010 14:59:40 GMT
Source: Reuters
NEW YORK, Aug 16 (Reuters) - The former U.S. Army commander of forces in Afghanistan who was fired for making disparaging comments about his civilian superiors has been hired to teach at Yale, one of America's top universities.
Continue reading "Ex-U.S. commander in Afghanistan to teach at Yale" »
16 Aug 2010 14:22:01 GMT
Source: Reuters
WASHINGTON, Aug 16 (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates will retire sometime in 2011, CNN reported on Monday.
Continue reading "U.S. Defense Secretary Gates says to retire in 2011" »
15 Aug 2010 14:34:55 GMT
Source: Reuters
WASHINGTON, Aug 15 (Reuters) - The new U.S. commander in Afghanistan said he sees "areas of progress" in the war but meeting President Barack Obama's goal of beginning a pullout of U.S. troops in July 2011 will depend on conditions at the time.
Continue reading "Petraeus sees 'areas of progress' in Afghan war" »
By ANNE FLAHERTY
Associated Press Writer
Aug 15, 2010
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Progress in Afghanistan only began this spring and needs time to take root, Army Gen. David Petraeus said in comments broadcast Sunday that were aimed at shoring up American support for the war.
Continue reading "Petraeus: Progress in Afghanistan will take time" »
‘We did not have the organizations that are required,’ U.S. commander says
msnbc.com
August 15, 2010
U.S. military leaders inherited a faulty strategy for the war in Afghanistan at the end of the Bush administration and are still working to “refine the concepts,” the U.S. commander said in an interview airing Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Continue reading "Petraeus cites Bush-era shortcomings in Afghanistan" »
Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date08.13.2010
Location:AF
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases
WASHINGTON - Afghan and coalition security forces captured several Haqqani terrorist network and Taliban leaders in Afghanistan this week during 48 separate operations, military officials reported.
Continue reading "Operations in Afghanistan Net Haqqani, Taliban Leaders" »
Associated Press
August 13, 2010
WASHINGTON – The new U.S. commander in Afghanistan says the goal of starting an American pullback by July 2011 will depend on conditions at the time.
Continue reading "Petraeus hedges on July 2011 Afghan pullback goal" »
Acknowledging concerns among current and former Marines that the Corps has evolved into another ground combat force, the Defense secretary aims to define the service's future path.
By David S. Cloud, Los Angeles Times
August 12, 2010
Reporting from San Francisco —
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is ordering a review of the future role of the Marine Corps amid " anxiety" that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan had turned the service into a "second land army."
Continue reading "Defense chief Gates orders review of Marines' role" »
Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
Courtesy Story
Date08.12.2010
Location:WASHINGTON, DC,
WASHINGTON - Partnered Afghan and coalition forces continue to put pressure on insurgents in Afghanistan, military officials reported.
Continue reading "Afghan, Coalition Forces Keep Pressure on Insurgents" »
12 Aug 2010
Source: Reuters
SAN DIEGO, Calif., Aug 12 (Reuters) - The Pentagon on Thursday told WikiLeaks it would be the "height of irresponsibility" if it went through with a new threat to publish outstanding documents it had on the Afghan war.
Continue reading "Pentagon cautions WikiLeaks over new document dump" »
WASHINGTON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Targeted strikes by U.S. special forces against insurgents around Kandahar are yielding results, but war planners expect tough fighting ahead and more casualties, a U.S. military official said on Wednesday.
Continue reading "US braces for Kandahar fight, anti-corruption battle" »
The Department of Defense announced today that Ibrahim al Qosi was sentenced to 14 years in confinement for conspiracy and providing material support to al Qaeda.
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 11, 2010 – The USS Peleliu will provide helicopter capabilities to aid Pakistan as the government there works to combat floods that are affecting 14 million people.
Continue reading "USS Peleliu to Provide Helos for Pakistan Relief" »
12 Aug 2010
By Phil Stewart
WASHINGTON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Targeted strikes by U.S. special forces against insurgents around Kandahar are yielding results, but war planners expect tough fighting ahead and more casualties, a U.S. military official said on Wednesday.
Continue reading "CORRECTED-US braces for Kandahar fight, anti-corruption battle" »
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The Associated Press
By ANNE GEARAN AP National Security Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States expects heavy fighting around the key Afghan city of Kandahar through this fall, one Pentagon official said Wednesday, dimming hopes for big gains in the war ahead of U.S. elections and a White House review of its war strategy.
Continue reading "US military sees heavier fighting in fall" »
KABUL, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Afghan President Hamid Karzai will set a deadline for disbanding all private security firms, his office said on Tuesday, but the U.S. military played down the announcement and said no decision had yet been reached.
Continue reading "Afghanistan says time running out for security firms" »
Marine Gen. James Mattis will be sworn in as commanding general of U.S. Central Command at a Wednesday evening ceremony.
KABUL, Afghanistan - International Security Assistance Force Joint Command officials have provided details on numerous recent operations throughout Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Officials Provide Details of Afghanistan Operations" »
WASHINGTON — The Defense Department plans to shed one of its 10 major military commands as Defense Secretary Robert Gates tries to pare billions from the Pentagon budget, Gates said Monday at a news conference.
With an Oct. 21 deadline approaching to apply for a $500 monthly stop-loss allowance, the Defense Department appears to have exhausted most conventional means of trying to contact eligible veterans and is now asking current service members to get involved by calling any buddies who may be eligible.
Continue reading "DoD to troops: Tell buddies about stop-loss pay" »
WASHINGTON— An online whistle-blower’s threat to release more classified Pentagon and State Department documents is raising difficult questions of what the government can or would do, legally, technically or even militarily to stop it.
Continue reading "Can the government actually plug the WikiLeak?" »
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon demanded Thursday that a website that solicits leaked government secrets cancel any plan to publish more classified military documents and pull back tens of thousands of secret Afghan war logs already posted on the Internet.
Continue reading "Pentagon demands return of leaked documents" »
WASHINGTON - It can't be shot, it can't be destroyed with a mortar or rocket-propelled grenade, and most of the time it can't even be seen. But corruption within police and military units is one of the biggest threats facing the Afghan national security forces.
Continue reading "Corruption Battle Continues in Afghanistan" »
WASHINGTON — Bombs planted by insurgents have killed 75 percent more Afghan civilians this year than in 2009 as the Taliban increasingly target villagers in a campaign of intimidation, according to military reports provided to USA Today.
The top commander in Afghanistan on Wednesday issued updated rules that limit the use of artillery and airstrikes but recognize the right to use firepower in self-defense.
WASHINGTON, Aug 4 (Reuters) - A Senate panel on Wednesday voted to confirm General James Mattis as the new head of the U.S. military command overseeing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Continue reading "US Senate panel confirms Mattis as Centcom commander" »
WASHINGTON - Coalition and Afghan forces have detained more than 50 insurgents in Afghanistan in recent days, including a senior Taliban explosives expert and an arms and drug trafficker, military officials reported.
Continue reading "Coalition, Afghan Forces Capture Taliban Leaders, Others" »
By Anne Gearan - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Aug 4, 2010 14:42:09 EDT
WASHINGTON — The author of the Rolling Stone article that ended the military career of Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the former top commander in Afghanistan, has been denied permission to join U.S. troops fighting in Afghanistan, the Pentagon said Tuesday.
Continue reading "Rolling Stone writer denied embed permission" »
WASHINGTON - For anyone who has served in the U.S. military, whether in uniform or as a family member, the concept of sharing lessons learned is a familiar one. A new Defense Department blog that launches today seeks to bring those lessons to an accessible online platform.
Continue reading "Defense Department Launches 'Lessons Learned' Blog" »
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Aug 2, 2010 17:52:24 EDT
A Marine veteran in Congress wants to lift new restrictions on tobacco being sent through the mail so that families and friends can continue to send cigarettes and smokeless tobacco to troops in combat.
Continue reading "Hunter seeks loophole to let troops get smokes" »
WASHINGTON, July 30 (Reuters) - U.S. officials are worried about what other secret U.S. documents the whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks may possess and have tried to contact the group without success to avoid their release, the State Department said on Friday.
Continue reading "U.S. worried more secret documents may be released" »
By Kate Brannen - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Jul 30, 2010 17:22:21 EDT
Soon after the new Afghan counterinsurgency guidance issued by Army Gen. David Petraeus went up on two Internet sites, it was pulled off again. But it is not expected to change drastically when it is rereleased publicly.
Continue reading "Petraeus COIN guidance put online, taken down" »
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Jul 30, 2010 14:47:49 EDT
WASHINGTON — The Army says a soldier charged with leaking U.S. war secrets to the Wikileaks website would be tried at a military installation in the Washington area if a general court-martial is ordered.
Continue reading "Soldier accused of leaks would be tried in U.S." »
The Taliban has issued a warning to Afghans whose names might appear on the leaked Afghanistan war logs as informers for the Nato-led coalition.
Continue reading "Wikileaks Afghanistan: Taliban 'hunting down informants'" »
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Jul 30, 2010 8:49:47 EDT
The Defense Department’s top civilian and military officials blasted the leak and subsequent publication of 91,000 pages of classified documents this week relating to the war in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Gates, Mullen: Leakers are endangering troops" »
WASHINGTON, July 29 (Reuters) - The whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks may have blood on its hands, the Pentagon said on Thursday, warning its unprecedented leak of secret U.S. military files could cost lives and damage trust of allies.
Continue reading "WikiLeaks may have blood on its hands, U.S. says" »
By Kimberly Dozier - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Jul 29, 2010 9:27:24 EDT
WASHINGTON — Call it the big information chill, looming across the military and intelligence communities. After the massive Afghan war data spill by WikiLeaks, some veteran intelligence officers and experts are calling for a tightening of access to information and more monitoring in the spy community's lower levels.
Continue reading "WikiLeaks may cause tighter access to secrets" »
WASHINGTON, July 28 (Reuters) - Richard Holbrooke, the top U.S. envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, sought on Wednesday to allay growing concerns in Congress over the course of the war, saying the task is difficult but can succeed.
Continue reading "Holbrooke tries to ease lawmakers' Afghan war fears" »
WASHINGTON - The classified military documents released by the group WikiLeaks.org could not only threaten the lives of U.S. troops, but the Afghan civilians with whom they work, a top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan said July 28.
Continue reading "Document Leaks Could Endanger Afghan Civilians" »
WASHINGTON, July 27 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's pick to lead the U.S. military command overseeing operations in Afghanistan and elsewhere said on Tuesday he wanted top leaders of two major insurgent groups designated as terrorists.
Continue reading "US general wants Afghan militants branded terrorists" »
By Anne Flaherty - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jul 27, 2010 17:46:44 EDT
WASHINGTON — The general chosen to lead U.S. Central Command said Tuesday that victory in Afghanistan was possible and expressed optimism that troops would start coming home in a year.
Continue reading "Victory in Afghanistan is possible, Mattis says" »
By Ishtiaq Mahsud - Associated Press Writer
Posted : Sunday Jul 25, 2010 14:10:08 EDT
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan — Unmanned U.S. aircraft fired missiles at houses in two different parts of northwestern Pakistan on Sunday, killing at least 12 militants in attacks that occurred hours apart, intelligence officials said.
Continue reading "US drones kill 12 militants in NW Pakistan" »
By Anne Flaherty - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Jul 23, 2010 21:38:49 EDT
WASHINGTON — Gen. Stanley McChrystal ended his 34-year career as an Army officer Friday in an emotional retirement ceremony at his military headquarters here, marking the last chapter of his swift and stunning fall from grace.
Continue reading "McChrystal retires in military ceremony" »
WASHINGTON — Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal retired on Friday with the full pageantry of a 17-gun salute, an Army marching band and an emotional send-off from the secretary of defense, but with his own acknowledgment that he was not leaving the military on his own terms.
Continue reading "McChrystal Ends Service With Regret and a Laugh" »
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Jul 21, 2010 11:58:03 EDT
The My Career Advancement Accounts tuition program for military spouses will reopen to new enrollees Oct. 25, with some major restrictions on eligibility and funding, defense officials announced Tuesday.
Continue reading "DoD officials explain new spouse tuition rules" »
WASHINGTON - Numerous insurgents were killed or captured during recent Afghan-coalition operations conducted across Afghanistan, military officials reported.
Continue reading "Numerous Insurgents Killed, Captured in Afghanistan" »
WASHINGTON - The influence of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps in the development of Afghanistan's military forces is possibly most apparent in its training regimen.
Continue reading "Better NCO Training Boosts Afghan Army's Capabilities" »
WASHINGTON - The global air community relies on English as the standard language in the cockpit, which poses a big challenge for getting the Afghan air force off the ground quickly.
Continue reading "Language Lab Helps Afghan Air Force Take Off" »
SASEBO NAVAL BASE, Japan — The future of a smoking ban in the U.S. military remains uncertain a year after it was proposed.
Continue reading "DOD yet to proceed on proposed smoking ban" »
The new military commander in Afghanistan and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee are urging the State Department to add to its terrorist list some Afghan insurgent commanders who operate from hiding places in neighboring Pakistan.
WASHINGTON —
The new military commander in Afghanistan and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee are urging the State Department to add to its terrorist list some Afghan insurgent commanders who operate from hiding places in neighboring Pakistan.
Continue reading "Petraeus wants Taliban in Pakistan on terror list" »
WASHINGTON - Military officials have provided details on numerous recent operations in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Officials in Afghanistan Describe Recent Operations" »
By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Jul 9, 2010 14:10:51 EDT
Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis has been recommended by the Defense Department to lead U.S. Central Command.
Continue reading "Pentagon picks Mattis to take over CENTCOM" »
WASHINGTON - NATO Training Mission Afghanistan is developing a system that will help integrate training provided to Afghanistan's security forces and civil servants.
Continue reading "Command Works on Integrated Training for Afghan Forces" »
WASHINGTON - Afghan and international security forces conducted combined operations in Afghanistan's Ghazni, Helmand and Logar provinces last night, detaining a Taliban commander and several suspected insurgents, military officials reported.
Continue reading "Forces Conduct Operations in Three Afghan Provinces" »
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Jul 2, 2010 14:22:15 EDT
Commandant Gen. James Conway has given Marine acquisitions officials approval to buy hundreds of 5.56mm infantry automatic rifles, Marine officials said, but it still isn’t assured the weapon will be widely fielded.
Continue reading "Conway eyes additional testing for auto-rifle" »
By Gina Cavallaro - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jul 1, 2010 12:16:23 EDT
The Marine Corps will gain two more three-star generals with the promotions announced Thursday by Defense Secretary Robert Gates
By Aamer Madhani - USA Today
Posted : Friday Jun 18, 2010 10:27:35 EDT
The U.S. government, which is pressing Iraqi and Afghan leaders to get tough on internal corruption, is doing the same in its ranks.
Continue reading "War zone corruption allegations rise sharply" »
ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT — U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is trying to soothe the put-out authoritarian leader of Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic that helps move supplies and soldiers to the war in landlocked Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Gates courts put-out Azerbaijan, a key Afghan hub" »
By Anne Flaherty and Pauline Jelinek - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jun 1, 2010 17:25:28 EDT
WASHINGTON — The U.S. military has stopped refueling tanker planes at its Manas air base in Kyrgyzstan as the U.S. renegotiates fuel prices with the Kyrgyz government, officials said Tuesday.
Continue reading "U.S. stops refueling tanker planes at Manas" »
By Anne Gearan - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday May 29, 2010 10:33:38 EDT
WASHINGTON — In the make-or-break struggle for Kandahar, birthplace of Afghanistan’s Taliban insurgency, U.S. commanders will try to pull off the military equivalent of brain surgery: defeating the militants with minimal use of force.
Continue reading "Battle for Kandahar will be non-traditional" »
By Robert H. Reid - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday May 28, 2010 9:06:07 EDT
KABUL, Afghanistan — The American military death toll in Afghanistan surpassed 1,000 at a time when President Barack Obama's strategy to turn back the Taliban is facing its greatest test — an ambitious campaign to win over a disgruntled population in the insurgents' southern heartland.
Continue reading "U.S. toll passes 1,000 deaths in Afghanistan" »
WASHINGTON — Shortly after the president of Afghanistan walked among the graves of American military who died for his country, the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan said Thursday the success or failure of a push for control of an area considered key to winning the war can’t be judged until the end of the year.
Continue reading "McChrystal: Months to see results in Kandahar" »
The top general in Afghanistan said Thursday he believes the concept of “courageous restraint” should be recognized but that a new medal to do so isn’t the answer.
Continue reading "McChrystal: No need for a different medal" »
WASHINGTON - Changing the perceptions of the Afghan people about the coalition, their own government and the Taliban will be key to success in that nation, the commander of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. forces in Afghanistan said here, March 13.
Continue reading "Afghan Perceptions Key to Success, McChrystal Says" »
For the next “five to 10 years,” the military likely will remain engaged in the same kinds of conflicts it has been fighting since 2001, said Marine Corps Gen. James Cartwright.
Continue reading "Cartwright: Expect war for 5-10 more years" »
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Strategic Command officials are urging renewed vigilance against Internet-based identity theft after detecting a widespread "phishing" expedition against service members.
Continue reading "Officials Warn of 'Phishing' Scams Targeting Troops" »
WASHINGTON - The Pentagon Channel, the Defense's Department's broadcast vehicle for the latest Defense Department news, has unveiled its latest "widget" for podcasts.
Continue reading "Defense Media Activity Launches Podcast Widget" »
WASHINGTON — Not nearly enough trained Afghans are available to take control of key Taliban strongholds like Marjah after the military has pushed out the enemy, U.S. officials told a Senate panel on Thursday.
Continue reading "US says too few Afghans to take control in Marjah" »
WASHINGTON, May 5, 2010 – President Barack Obama signed legislation today to improve health care for veterans and to recognize the important role that family caregivers play in the recovery of wounded personnel.
Continue reading "Obama Signs Veterans, Caregivers Legislation" »
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., May 3, 2010 – The types and numbers of Navy ships will change, but the quality of the sailors and Marines aboard those ships and serving ashore must endure, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.
Continue reading "Navy, Marines Need Adaptable People, Gates Says" »
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., May 3, 2010 – The Navy and Marine Corps are going to have to question some embedded thinking, such as whether the Navy needs 11 carrier battle groups or whether the Marines ever will launch another amphibious landing, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.
Continue reading "Gates: Sea Services Must Question Embedded Thinking" »
The U.S. military has sent so many of its 6,500 UAVs to the Middle East that other operating theaters are going without, says Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Glenn Walters, deputy director for resources and acquisition for the Pentagon’s Joint Staff.
Continue reading "Afghan surge strips UAVs from forces elsewhere" »
FORT CARSON, Colo. – The All-Marine Warrior Games Team training camp kicked off with a dinner for athletes and staff April 27, at the Colorado Inn. The team, guests and staff celebrated the beginning of the training, as well as the mark of a new tradition when the games commence May 10 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.
CAMP BASTION, Afghanistan, April 20, 2010 – An Afghan National Army Air Corps C-27A Spartan cargo aircraft took off from Kabul International Airport to conduct an International Security Assistance Force mission transporting weapons and cargo for Afghan National Police.
Continue reading "Face of Defense: Father, Son Serve in Afghanistan" »
Equipment and supplies for the 30,000 U.S. ground troops surging into Afghanistan is there waiting for them as a result of an all-out logistics effort, senior military officials said Wednesday.
Continue reading "Afghanistan war readiness forces tradeoffs" »
ABOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT, April 13, 2010 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates expressed confidence today that political upheaval in Kyrgyzstan won’t cause the United States to lose use of an air base that’s critical to supplying operations in Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Gates Expresses Confidence in Continued Manas Access" »
One from each branch honored with annual award
WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates Friday announced the winners of the 2010 Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence.
WASHINGTON, April 8, 2010 – The number of improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan has doubled. So has the number of American casualties.
Continue reading "Counter-IED Organization Concentrates on Afghanistan" »
WASHINGTON, April 8, 2010 – U.S. Joint Forces Command has developed a computerized training program that immerses ground troops in the sights, sounds and smells of war, officials there say.
Continue reading "Immersion Training Prepares Troops for Reality of War" »
WASHINGTON - In the lead-up to the summer fighting season in Afghanistan, the Defense Department is focused on helping troops counter the threat of makeshift bombs, employing among other things, cameras to catch insurgents in the act of planting explosives, a senior department official said last week.
Continue reading "Department Employs Cameras in Counterinsurgency Fight" »
U.S. forces in Afghanistan are using a controversial tool in their efforts to hold the ground recently captured from the Taliban. It is the work of civilian anthropologists and other social science researchers, who advise military commanders on how to win the hearts and minds of local people.
Continue reading "Marines Tap Social Sciences In Afghan War Effort" »
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - In order to develop a more secure environment for the people of eastern Afghanistan, Afghan national security forces and coalition forces encourages Afghans to participate in the Department of Defense's Rewards Program.
ARLINGTON, Va. - The Department of Defense (web) has unveiled a new weapons system that'll be used on the ground in Afghanistan. The Gunslinger Package, as it's known, is designed to help give soldiers an extra set of eyes and ears when it comes to distinguishing friend and foe in a warzone.
KABUL - The coalition record on civilian casualties has improved significantly as a new strategy has gone into place in Afghanistan, but American leaders continue to hammer home how important it is to avoid killing civilians.
Continue reading "Chairman Emphasizes Eliminating Civilian Casualties" »
The U.S. Defense Department says efforts to seize control of the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar are well underway in advance of what is expected to be a major military operation in June against militants in southern Afghanistan.
Continue reading "Pentagon: Operations Underway Against Taliban in Kandahar" »
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" »
Note: DoD and MilitaryHOMEFRONT do not endorse the organization sponsoring this donation and do not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer. Please see detailed Disclaimer statement below.
MilitaryHOMEFRONT is pleased to announce "NEW INFORMATION" about the NFL Players Donation that is available to all Armed Forces personnel, including members of the Reserves, Active Duty, and their families. The program has been extended to military families and veterans for a fourth consecutive year. Through the Victory Sports Group (VSG) sponsorship, and NFL players associated with VSG, military personnel can obtain SAT/ACT Standard Power Prep program(s) for only shipping and handling costs. The SAT/ACT Standard Power Prep programs normally cost $199.00. The SAT/ACT Power programs are available as a DVD ROM set. Families may now use the program for an entire year even if the program is requested the last day of the sponsorship.
Continue reading "MilitaryHOMEFRONT NFL Players Donation: Privacy Advisory" »
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" »