Armed Forces Press Service

All Veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards during military service – at home or abroad – will be eligible for VA health care beginning March 5 -
At the direction of President Biden, VA is expanding health care eligibility to millions of Veterans – including all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other combat zone after 9/11 – years earlier than called for by the PACT Act   More...

Veterans Month Events - Nov. 3, 2020
There's no shortage of observances, parades, events, and workouts to join online! Here's some of the largest Veterans Day events or scroll down to see the entire list.  More...

Veterans Benefits Newsletter - Sept. 3, 2020
Build Your Future with the GI Bill...Give Your Pension a Boost...Your Guide to VA Appeals...Find Your Career With VA...  More...

TOP Prime Remote Overview Briefing - May 28, 2020
This briefing is for TOP Prime Remote beneficiaries. The following topics will be covered:  More...

Commissaries are requiring customers to wear some form of face coverings - April 29, 2020
Commissaries are requiring customers to wear some form of face coverings to enter the building. This policy falls in-line with the 5 April 2020 DoD guidance mandating all individuals on DoD property, installations, and facilities to wear face coverings when they cannot maintain 6 feet of social distance in public areas or work centers.  More...

Take steps to protect yourself - Apr. 01, 2020
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.  More...

Coronavirus: Be informed and call your provider if symptoms develop - Feb. 26, 2020
If you have symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath, please call your local VA medical center and select the option to speak to a nurse before visiting the facility. Tell them about your symptoms and any recent travel.  More...

Seeking individuals who served in the military! - Jan. 27, 2020
We invite you to participate in a study focusing on your health behaviors and life experiences as a Veteran.  More...

Action Alert: Tell Congress to End the Widow's Tax Now! - May 2, 2019
More than 65,000 surviving military spouses and dependents are unjustly penalized because their loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  More...

DACOWITS Releases 2018 Annual Report - Mar. 11, 2019
DACOWITS provides the secretary of defense with recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment, retention, employment, integration, well-being, and treatment of women in the U.S. armed forces via a comprehensive annual report. The report is available online and includes detailed reasoning supporting each recommendation addressed by the committee.   More...

Before New Year's, Update DEERS - Dec. 20, 2018
Is your information current in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)? Before the year ends, be sure you and your family's information is up to date and correct. Incorrect information in DEERS can cause problems with TRICARE claims and other health care benefits. To remain eligible for TRICARE coverage, you must keep your information up to date in DEERS.  More...

Retired Electronic 1099R Available on myPay - Dec. 18, 2018
Your electronic 1099R for 2018 is available on myPay at...  More...

DOD Releases 2019 Basic Allowance for Housing Rates - Dec. 14, 2018
The Department of Defense released the 2019 Basic Allowance for Housing rates today. BAH rates will increase an average of 2.55 percent when the new rates take effect on January 1, 2019. An estimated $21 billion will be paid to approximately one million service members.   More...

Statement by Secretary Robert Wilkie on Forever GI Bill Housing Benefit Payments - Nov. 30, 2018
To clear up any confusion, I want to make clear that each and every post-9/11 GI Bill beneficiary will be made 100 percent whole – retroactively if need be  More...

​All Your Open Season Questions Answered - 11/8/2018
Open season begins next week, Nov. 12 to Dec. 10. TRICARE Open Season is for enrollment in a TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select health plan. Federal Benefits Open Season is for vision coverage or retiree dental coverage through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).  More...

TRDP is Ending: What to Look for in a New Retiree Dental Plan - 11/7/2018
The TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) ends on Dec. 31, 2018. Beginning in 2019, new retiree dental coverage will be available through the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). If you're eligible to enroll in a FEDVIP dental plan, you must enroll in FEDVIP during the Federal Benefits Open Season, which runs from Nov. 12 to Dec. 10, 2018. Your dental coverage will begin on Jan. 1, 2019. Now is the time to explore your new dental coverage options and make a choice.  More...

VA and DOD Senior Leaders Commit to Aligned Electronic Health Records System Rollout - Oct. 10, 2018
The U.S. Secretaries of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Defense (DOD) signed a joint statement Sept. 26 pledging that their two departments will align their plans, strategies and structures as they roll out a new electronic health records (EHR) system that will allow VA and DOD to share patient data seamlessly.   More...

New DoD Policy Prohibits GPS-Enabled Devices in Deployed Settings - Aug. 6, 2018
WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2018 - Deployed service members are going to have to ditch their “geolocation devices” in response to a new memo from Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick M. Shanahan.  More...

Soldier Amputees Have More Options for Continued Service - July 25, 2018
ARLINGTON, Va., July 25, 2018 - Thanks to advances in modern medicine and the availability of sturdier prosthetics, soldiers who are able to redeploy after amputation have a number of possible options for continued military service.  More...

Eligible Veterans Can Seek Refund for Taxes on Disability Severance Payment - July 16, 2018
WASHINGTON, July 16, 2018 - The Defense Department has identified more than 130,000 veterans who may be eligible for a refund for taxes paid on their disability severance payment, a DoD tax expert said.  More...

Mattis: New Policy Cracks Down On Force Deployability - Feb. 18, 2018
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2018 - The Defense Department has a “higher expectation” of deployability by its forces, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis said yesterday.  More...

Pentagon Releases New Policy on Nondeployable Members - deploy-or-be-removed - Feb. 16, 2018
WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2018 - The Defense Department has released a new policy on military retention for nondeployable service members as it seeks to provide more ready and lethal forces, the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness told Congress yesterday.  More...

Free Tax Filing Software Available to Military Members - Jan. 18, 2018
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2018 - 'Tis the season -- for taxes!With the new year bringing a new tax season, Military OneSource has launched its free tax software to support military members and their families in the annual task of filing.  More...

Trump Signs Order to Improve Mental Health Resources for Transitioning Veterans - Jan. 9, 2018
WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2018 - Transitioning service members and veterans can now receive up to a year of mental health care from the Veterans Affairs Department after discharge from the service, according to an executive order President Donald J. Trump signed today.  More...

Blended Military Retirement System to Take Effect Jan. 1 - Dec. 19, 2017
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2017 - One of the most wide-reaching and significant changes to military pay and benefits over the last 70 years goes into effect Jan. 1 with the implementation of the Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System, known as BRS.  More...

Honorably Discharged Vets Now Have Online Exchange Shopping Privileges - Nov. 14, 2017
DALLAS, Nov. 14, 2017 - Some 18.5 million honorably discharged veterans now have a lifetime benefit enabling them to shop online at ShopMyExchange.com, marking the first expansion of military exchange privileges since 1990.  More...

Attention all retirees and annuitants - Nov. 14, 2017
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service's addresses changed effective May 1, 2017. The old addresses are being discontinued and will be replaced by addresses in Indianapolis. The new addresses are:   More...

AAFES to Open Online Shopping to Veterans - Oct. 23, 2017
DALLAS, Oct. 23, 2017 — With less than a month until the much-anticipated official launch of the veterans online shopping benefit, more than 225,000 honorably discharged veterans have already been verified to shop at online military exchange websites when the sites open to veterans Nov. 11.  More...

DoD Releases Clarifying Guidance to Veterans Regarding Discharges and Military Records - Aug. 28, 2017
The Department of Defense today released clarifying guidance for discharges and military records reviews. In the past few years, the department has issued guidance for consideration of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) but there remained some questions about how the guidance applied to sexual assault, sexual harassment, or mental health conditions other than PTSD. This guidance fills in the gaps and resolves any confusion that veterans or the review boards may have had, and it ensures a fair and equitable review of separations for all veterans. The guidance has been forwarded to a number of Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and Military Service Organizations (MSOs) in order to spread the news to as many veterans as possible.  More...

DoD Announces New Outreach Efforts to Veterans Regarding Discharges and Military Records - Dec. 30, 2016
The Department of Defense today announced a renewed effort to ensure veterans are aware of the opportunity to have their discharges and military records reviewed. Through enhanced public outreach, engagement with Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), Military Service Organizations (MSOs), and other outside groups, as well as direct outreach to individual veterans, the department encourages all veterans who believe they have experienced an error or injustice to request relief from their service's Board for Correction of Military/Naval Records (BCM/NR) or Discharge Review Board (DRB).   More...

Absentee Voter Tips for Military, Overseas Citizens - Sept. 26, 2016
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26, 2016 - With less than two months until the general election on Nov. 8, absentee voters are beginning to receive their state ballots.  More...

President Proclaims Sept. 11 Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance - Sept. 9, 2016
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2016 - This Sunday is a time for all Americans to “honor all who lost their lives in the heartbreaking attacks of Sept. 11 and all who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in the years that followed,” President Barack Obama said in his proclamation issued today declaring Sept. 11, 2016, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance.  More...

President Proclaims National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week - Aug. 20, 2016
WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2016 - Calling upon all Americans to join him in expressing thanks to the members of the National Guard and Reserve and their civilian employers, President Barack Obama yesterday signed a proclamation declaring August 21 through August 27, 2016, as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week.  More...

DoD Program Aids Military Members, Civilian Employees With Disabilities - July 27, 2016
WASHINGTON, July 27, 2016 - Yesterday marked the 26th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the landmark civil rights legislation that has removed barriers for millions of Americans and serves as a gold standard around the world.  More...

Tax Changes Could Affect Service Members, Families - Feb. 23, 2016
WASHINGTON, February 23, 2016 - Several tax law changes could significantly affect how service members and their families file their 2015 income tax returns.  More...

Service Members Should Register and Request Absentee Ballots Now - Jan. 25, 2016
WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2016 - Defense Department personnel and their families who plan to vote by absentee ballot in the upcoming presidential primaries and the general election in November should complete a registration application and request their ballots now, according to a Federal Voting Assistance Program release.  More...

Licenses From 5 States No Longer Accepted at DoD Bases - Jan. 20, 2016
WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2016 - Defense Department installations will no longer accept driver's licenses from Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico and Washington as proof of identity, DoD officials said.  More...

Pentagon Announces Changes to Military Decorations and Awards Program - Jan. 7, 2016
WASHINGTON Jan. 7, 2016 - The Pentagon has made a number of changes to the military decorations and awards program to ensure service members receive appropriate recognition of their actions, according to a statement released today.  More...

The Affordable Care Act, your taxes and you - Dec. 9, 2015
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all Americans including all military members (active duty, retired, Selected Reserve, or Retired Reserve) and their eligible family members must have health care coverage that meets a minimum standard called minimum essential coverage or pay a fee. Your TRICARE coverage meets the minimum essential coverage requirement under the ACA.   More...

Carter Opens All Military Occupations, Positions to Women - Dec. 3, 2015
WASHINGTON Dec. 3, 2015 - Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced today that beginning in January 2016, all military occupations and positions will be open to women, without exception.  More...

Veteran Unemployment Rate Lowest in Nearly 8 Years - Dec. 2, 2015
WASHINGTON December 2, 2015 - A concerted national effort to hire veterans, coupled with their sought-after essential skills training, likely had an effect on making October's veteran unemployment rate the lowest since April 2008, a Defense Department official said Nov. 30.  More...

President Asks Nation to Reflect on Service on Veterans Day - Nov. 6, 2015
President Barack Obama saluted the service and sacrifices of America's service members -- past and present -- and proclaimed Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2015, a day to "reflect on the immeasurable burdens borne by so few in the name of so many, and we rededicate ourselves to supporting those who have worn America's uniform and the families who stand alongside them."  More...

Employers Commit to Hiring Military Spouses - Oct. 29, 2015
WASHINGTON October 29, 2015 - Thirty-seven new companies and organizations were formally inducted into the Military Spouse Employment Partnership during a ceremony in Alexandria, Virginia, yesterday, bringing the total number of partners to 297.  More...

No Cost Flu Shots for Enrolled Veterans - Oct. 15, 2015
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The Affordable Care Act, your taxes and you - Oct. 14, 2015
​Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all Americans including all military members (active duty, retired, Selected Reserve, or Retired Reserve) and their eligible family members must have health care coverage that meets a minimum standard called minimum essential coverage or pay a fee. Your TRICARE coverage meets the minimum essential coverage requirement under the ACA.   More...

The Power of 1: A Single Person Can Save a Life - Sept. 22, 2015
WASHINGTON September 22, 2015 - As part of ongoing Defense Department and Department of Veteran's Affairs efforts to continue to combat suicide, Pentagon officials recently emphasized the powerful role of individuals -- as well as peer support and other resources -- in suicide prevention.  More...

Defense Officials Praise Troops' Actions in Train Attack - Aug. 22, 2015
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2015 — In a statement released today, Defense Secretary Ash Carter praised three Americans for their actions yesterday on a train outside of Brussels, Belgium.  More...

Department of Defense Issues Final Military Lending Act Rule - July 21, 2015
After nearly three years of study, the Department of Defense today issued the final Military Lending Act (MLA) rule.   More...

Shootings in Tennessee Leave Four Marines Dead - July 16, 2015
WASHINGTON, July 16, 2015 - Four Marines were killed and another service member was wounded in two separate shootings in Chattanooga, Tennessee, today, military officials confirmed.  More...

Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on DOD Transgender Policy - July 13, 2015
Over the last fourteen years of conflict, the Department of Defense has proven itself to be a learning organization. This is true in war, where we have adapted to counterinsurgency, unmanned systems, and new battlefield requirements such as MRAPs. It is also true with respect to institutional activities, where we have learned from how we repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," from our efforts to eliminate sexual assault in the military, and from our work to open up ground combat positions to women. Throughout this time, transgender men and women in uniform have been there with us, even as they often had to serve in silence alongside their fellow comrades in arms.  More...

DoD Sends Blended Military Retirement Proposal to Congress - June 10, 2015
WASHINGTON, June 10, 2015 - A Defense Department proposal submitted to Congress today would create what Pentagon officials called a "blended defined benefit and defined contribution" military retirement system.  More...

President Proclaims Memorial Day as 'Day of Prayer' - May 22, 2015
WASHINGTON, May 22, 2015 - President Barack Obama today saluted the service and sacrifices of America's military members -- past and present -- and proclaimed Memorial Day, May 25, 2015, "as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11:00 a.m. of that day as a time during which people may unite in prayer. I also ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day."  More...

Marines Killed in Nepal Helo Crash Identified, Recovered - May 17, 2015
KATHMANDU, Nepal, May 17, 2015 - Joint Task Force 505 officials today identified the six U.S. Marines who were killed along with two Nepalese soldiers when their UH-1Y Huey helicopter went down in the mountains of Nepal May 12.  More...

Helicopter Crew Recovery Efforts Continue in Nepal - May 16, 2015
KATHMANDU, Nepal, May 16, 2015 - The recovery of a UH-1Y Huey helicopter that went missing May 12 and was later discovered on May 15 has resumed today, 8 miles north of Charikot, in the Dolakha district of Nepal.  More...

Missing Helicopter Found in Nepal, Investigation Ongoing - May 15, 2015
OKINAWA, Japan, May 15, 2015 - Joint Task Force 505 personnel today identified the wreckage of a missing Marine Corps UH-1Y Huey helicopter that went missing May 12 in Nepal.  More...

Obama Sends Pay, Retirement Commission Recommendations to Congress - May 1, 2015
WASHINGTON, May 1, 2015 - President Barack Obama sent the recommendations of the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission to Congress yesterday.  More...

DoD Authorizes Medals for Operation Freedom's Sentinel - March 12, 2015
WASHINGTON, March 12, 2015 - Operation Freedom's Sentinel is now a qualifying operation for award of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, according to a Defense Department news release.  More...

Searchers Seek 7 Marines, 4 Soldiers After Helicopter Accident - March 11, 2015
WASHINGTON, March 11, 2015 - Search and rescue teams are looking for seven Marines and four soldiers this morning after an accident near Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.  More...

Troops to Receive Millions Under Service Members Civil Relief Act - Feb. 9, 2015
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2015 - The Justice Department announced today that under its settlements with five of the nation's largest mortgage servicers, 952 service members and their co-borrowers are eligible to receive over $123 million for non-judicial foreclosures that violated the Service Members Civil Relief Act.  More...

Coalition Continues Airstrikes Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq - Jan. 26, 2015
SOUTHWEST ASIA, Jan. 26, 2015 - U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.  More...

Operation Inherent Resolve Airstrikes Continue in Syria, Iraq - Jan. 24, 2015
SOUTHWEST ASIA, Jan. 24, 2015 - U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.  More...

Fewer Air Targets as ISIL Terrorists Hide, Change Tactics - Jan. 23, 2015
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2015 - Success in the effort to degrade, defeat and destroy the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant shouldn't be considered simply in terms of a body count or how much land has changed hands, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said today.  More...

DoD Launches Child Care Website to Ease Moving Transitions - Jan. 28, 2015
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2015 - As military families move frequently and face a host of concerns, finding child care can be one of the greatest challenges, Barbara Thompson, director of military community and policy's office of family policy/children and youth/special needs, said yesterday.  More...

Super Bowl Participants to Troops: 'You're the Real Heroes' - Jan. 27, 2015
GLENDALE, Ariz., Jan. 27, 2015 - With the National Football League's all-star game in the rear-view mirror, anticipation for the league's championship -- the final pro football game of the year -- begins.  More...

Army Releases Report on Fort Hood Shooting Investigation - Jan. 23, 2015
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2015 - Army officials today released the results of a months-long investigation into a shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, that left four people dead, concluding that there was nothing in the assailant's background, medical or military profile that might have provided an early warning for potential violence.  More...

TRICARE Patients Must Attest to Health Care Coverage (When filing taxes) - Jan. 15, 2015
WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2015 - As tax season begins, Defense Department officials want to remind TRICARE beneficiaries of changes in the tax laws, which require all Americans to have health care insurance.  More...

NORAD Tracks Santa's Christmas Eve Journey - Dec. 22, 2014
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2014 - Now a 59-year tradition, the North American Aerospace Defense Command in Colorado Springs, Colorado, will follow Santa Claus's Christmas Eve travels using radar, satellites, jet fighters and special cameras, said Air Force Master Sgt. Chuck Marsh, spokesman for the NORAD Tracks Santa program.  More...

Hagel Authorizes Up to 1,300 Additional Troops to Deploy to Iraq - Dec. 19, 2014
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2014 - Up to 1,300 more U.S. troops, including approximately 1,000 soldiers from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, will begin to deploy to Iraq in late January, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said today.  More...

Rescue Mission 'Quick, But Thorough' Official Says - Dec. 6, 2014
ROTA, Spain, Dec. 6, 2014 - The operation to rescue a U.S. hostage in Yemen was quickly but thoroughly planned, a senior U.S. military official said here today.  More...

Inherent Resolve Airstrikes Continue in Syria, Iraq - Nov. 24, 2014
TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 24, 2014 - U.S. and partner-nation military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq over the last three days, U.S. Central Command officials reported today.  More...

New Allotment Rule Protects Troops From Lending Scams - Nov. 21, 2014
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2014 - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has directed a policy change in new paycheck allotments to prevent unscrupulous commercial lenders from taking advantage of troops and their families, Pentagon officials said today.  More...

Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq - Nov. 14, 2014
TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 14, 2014 – U.S and partner nation military forces continued to attack Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria Nov. 12 to 14 using bomber, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct 19 airstrikes against ISIL, U.S. Central Command officials reported, and one U.S. airstrike against a network of veteran al-Qaida operatives, sometimes called the “Khorasan Group.”  More...

Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq - Nov. 5, 2014
​TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 5, 2014 - U.S. military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria Nov. 3 through today, using attack and fighter aircraft to conduct four airstrikes, U.S. Central Command officials reported.  More...

Obama Designates November as Military Family Month - Oct. 31, 2014
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2014 - Noting that the selflessness of military families "tells a story of unfailing duty and devotion," President Barack Obama today signed a proclamation declaring November as Military Family Month.  More...

Australia Joins the Fight Against ISIL - Oct 9, 2014
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has confirmed an Australian Super Hornet has made the country's first strike on an ISIL target in Iraq.  More...

Obama Administration Proposes New Regulations to Expand Important Financial Protections for Military Families - Sept. 26, 2014
The Obama Administration remains committed to supporting our service members and their families. Today, as part of the Administration's ongoing commitment, the Department of Defense (DoD) is proposing regulation changes that would reduce predatory lending practices, significantly expand the protections provided to service members, close loopholes in current rules, and help to ensure military families receive the important consumer protections they deserve.  More...

U.S. Begins Airstrikes Against ISIL in Syria - Sept. 22, 2014
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2014 - U.S. and partner nation forces have begun airstrikes inside Syria against terrorists from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Adm. John Kirby said in a statement today.  More...

Tricare Beneficiary Publications Updates - Sept 15, 2014
The TRICARE Beneficiary Publications Office has updated several facts sheets  More...

Preventing Suicide: The 'Power of 1' Could Save a Life - Sept. 8, 2014
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2014 - As Suicide Prevention Month and year-long Defense Department and Department of Veteran's Affairs efforts continue to combat suicide, Pentagon officials emphasize the importance of the power of one, peer support and resources.  More...

U.S. Airstrikes Hit ISIL near Amirli and Mosul Dam - Aug. 31, 2014
​TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 31, 2014 - U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq, using fighter and attack aircraft to conduct two airstrikes today, one near the Mosul Dam and the other near Amirli.  More...

U.S. Continues Airstrikes Against ISIL in Iraq - Aug. 20, 2014
WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2014 - U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in support of Iraqi security force operations, using fighter, remotely piloted and attack aircraft to conduct 14 airstrikes in the vicinity of the Mosul Dam, according to a U.S. Central Command news release issued today.  More...

U.S. Conducts More Airstrikes Near the Mosul Dam - Aug. 18, 2014
TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 18, 2014 - U.S. Conducts More Airstrikes Near the Mosul Dam  More...

U.S. Aircraft Conduct Targeted Airstrike in Northern Iraq - Aug. 8, 2014
WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2014 - The U.S. military conducted a targeted airstrike today against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in northern Iraq, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said in a statement.  More...

Obama Signs Act to Give VA New Money, Authorities - Aug. 7, 2014
WASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2014 – President Barack Obama today signed into law the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014 during a ceremony at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.  More...

VA Fights Against Veteran Identity Theft - August 5, 2014
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced that it has launched a new campaign to educate Veterans about identity theft prevention. The new campaign, titled More Than a Number, references the personally identifiable information that VA encourages Veterans to protect.  More...

American General Killed in Afghanistan Insider Attack - Aug. 5, 2014
WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2014 - An American general was killed today in Kabul, Afghanistan, when an individual believed to be a member of the Afghan security forces fired into a group of coalition troops, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby told reporters.  More...

VA Proposes Removal of Employees Who Manipulated Data - July 29, 2014
WASHINGTON - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today proposed a series of disciplinary actions against six employees at Department facilities in Cheyenne, Wyo., and Fort Collins, Colo. These actions are a part of VA's effort to rebuild the trust of America's Veterans.​  More...

Bureau Gets Service Members Debt Relief From Predatory Lender - July 29, 2014
WASHINGTON, July 29, 2014 - The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and 13 state attorneys general obtained about $92 million in debt relief from Colfax Capital Corp. and Culver Capital LLC, also collectively known as "Rome Finance," for about 17,000 U.S. service members and other consumers harmed by the company's predatory lending scheme.  More...

World War II Veteran Gets Hero's Welcome - July 26, 2014
WASHINGTON, July 26, 2014 - The oldest living female World War II veteran, 108-year-old Lucy Coffey, received a hero's welcome here yesterday.  More...

Military Mail Changes Will Save $4 Million Annually, Official Says - July 24, 2014
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2014 - Changes to military postal operations will save the Defense Department $4 million annually while providing services comparable to those of any U.S. Postal Service office, a senior Military Postal Service Agency official told DoD News.  More...

Face of Defense: Soldier Stays Grounded While His Star Rises - July 23, 2014
HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga., July 23, 2014 - When 21-year-old Army Pfc. Paul Ieti was in Afghanistan, he and a friend made a video of him singing 'Stay' by Rihanna. And like a million young dreamers before, they posted it on YouTube.  More...

TRICARE Nurse Advice Line Offers Health Care Guidance - July 22, 2014
BETHESDA, Md., July 22, 2014 - TRICARE beneficiaries in the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii can now access the Nurse Advice Line to receive health care guidance and advice.  More...

President Awards Medal of Honor to Former Army Staff Sergeant - July 22, 2014
WASHINGTON, July 22, 2014 - President Barack Obama awarded the Medal of Honor to former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan M. Pitts during a White House ceremony yesterday.  More...

Bergdahl Returns to Regular Duty - July 14, 2014
WASHINGTON, July 14, 2014 - After nearly five years as a prisoner of suspected Haqqani network terrorists, Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl has returned to regular duty at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren said today.  More...

Additional Troops Sent to Bolster Security at US Embassy in Baghdad - June 30, 2014
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2014 - President Barack Obama has ordered the U.S. military to deploy an addtional 200 personnel to reinforce security at the American Embassy in Baghdad and other U.S. facilities as well as at the city's international airport.   More...

Obama to Award Medal of Honor to Former Soldier - June 23, 2014
WASHINGTON, June 23, 2014 - President Barack Obama will award the Medal of Honor on July 21 to former Army Staff Sgt. Ryan M. Pitts for conspicuous gallantry in Afghanistan, White House officials announced today.  More...

MWR Summer Recreation Activities Open to Troops, Families - June 24, 2014
WASHINGTON, June 24, 2014 - With summer just beginning, Defense Department officials want to remind service members and their families that low- to no-cost fitness and recreation opportunities exist to maintain military family readiness, a morale, welfare and recreation official said today.  More...

Obama Announces Military Advisers Heading to Iraq - June 19, 2014
WASHINGTON, June 19, 2014 – President Barack Obama today announced plans to send up to 300 military advisers to Iraq to help the government in Baghdad combat a rapid advance by Sunni-led insurgents who have taken over towns and cities and routed Iraqi troops in the north and west of the country, a situation which the president said threatens to plunge Iraq into civil war.  More...

VA Moves to Secure New Scheduling System - June 18, 2014
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) announced it is continuing the process to replace its medical appointment scheduling system through an acquisition process. Today, VA is hosting pre-solicitation “Industry Day” meetings with technology vendors to discuss the Department's upcoming scheduling system acquisition.  More...

Pentagon Announces Capture of Key Figure in Benghazi Attacks - June 17, 2014
WASHINGTON, June 17, 2014 - In cooperation with law enforcement personnel June 15, the U.S. military captured a key figure in the September 2012 attacks on U.S. facilities in Benghazi, Libya, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said today.  More...

Hagel Orders Amphibious Transport Dock Ship to Gulf - June 16, 2014
WASHINGTON, June 16, 2014 - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel today ordered the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde into the Arabian Gulf, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said.  More...

Hagel Orders Carrier USS George H.W. Bush Into Persian Gulf - June 14, 2014
WASHINGTON, June 14, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush to move today from the North Arabian Sea into the Arabian Gulf, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said.  More...

President Accepts Shinseki's Resignation as VA Secretary - May 30, 2014
WASHINGTON, May 30, 2014 - President Barack Obama said today that "with considerable regret" he has accepted the resignation of Eric K. Shinseki as secretary of veterans affairs.  More...

Hagel Orders Comprehensive Military Health System Review - May 28, 2014
WASHINGTON, May 28, 2014 - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered a comprehensive review of the Military Health System.  More...

Obama Visits U.S. Troops, Leaders in Afghanistan - May 25, 2014
WASHINGTON, May 25, 2014 - President Barack Obama marked Memorial Day with a visit to U.S. leaders and service members at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.  More...

President Obama Issues Memorial Day Proclamation - May 23, 2014
WASHINGTON, May 23, 2014 - President Barack Obama today proclaimed Memorial Day, May 26, 2014, as a day for all Americans to "never forget" the service and sacrifices of U.S. military members in defense of the nation and to "pray for and hold close the families of the fallen."  More...

Bivouac Of The Dead - May 23, 2014
Portions Of This Haunting Poem Are Inscribed On Placards Throughout Arlington, As Well as On The McClellan Gate There   More...

Retired Marine Corporal to Receive Medal of Honor - May 20, 2014
WASHINGTON, May 20, 2014 - Retired Marine Corps Cpl. William "Kyle" Carpenter will receive the Medal of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry in Afghanistan from President Barack Obama at a June 19 White House ceremony, according to a White House news release issued yesterday.  More...

Hagel Issues Armed Forces Day Message - May 16, 2014
WASHINGTON, May 16, 2014 – Tomorrow is Armed Forces Day, and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has issued the following message to service members, veterans and their families to mark the occasion:  More...

President Presents Medal of Honor to Former Army Sergeant - May 14, 2014
WASHINGTON, May 14, 2014 – Former Army Sgt. Kyle Jerome White was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony yesterday, making him the sixth living Army recipient and the 14th from all services to earn the medal in either Iraq or Afghanistan.  More...

President Obama Proclaims Military Spouse Appreciation Day - May 8, 2014
WASHINGTON, May 8, 2014 - President Barack Obama has proclaimed May 9, 2014 as Military Spouse Appreciation Day.  More...

VA Statement on Allegations Regarding the Phoenix VA Health Care System - April 25, 2014
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cares deeply for every Veteran we are privileged to serve, and we are committed to delivering the highest quality care. We take any allegations about patient care or employee misconduct very seriously, which is why the Department invited the independent VA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to complete a comprehensive review at the Phoenix VA Health Care System as quickly as possible. VA also sent a team of clinical experts to Phoenix to review appointment scheduling procedures at that facility and the existence of any delays in care.   More...

White House Launches One-stop Shopping for Vets Seeking Jobs - April 23, 2014
WASHINGTON, April 23, 2014 - First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, today launched the Veterans Employment Center, the first online one-stop shopping tool for veterans, transitioning service members and spouses in search of employment.  More...

Pentagon Program Succeeds in Matching Military Spouses With Jobs - April 23, 2014
WASHINGTON, April 23, 2014 – Despite a national unemployment rate hovering at just under 7 percent, a Pentagon program intended to help unemployed military spouses find jobs -- including positions with Fortune 500 companies -- is surpassing its goals, connecting more than 60,000 military spouses with 220 private- and public-sector partners since the program began three years ago.  More...

Obama to Award Medal of Honor to Former Soldier for 2007 Actions - April 15, 2014
WASHINGTON, April 15, 2014 – President Barack Obama will award the Medal of Honor to former Army Sgt. Kyle J. White in a May 13 White House ceremony for conspicuous gallantry while serving in Afghanistan's Nuristan province Nov. 9, 2007, White House officials announced today.  More...

Russian Aircraft Flies Near U.S. Navy Ship in Black Sea - April 14, 2014
WASHINGTON, April 14, 2014 – A Russian attack aircraft repeatedly flew near the USS Donald Cook in international waters in the Black Sea on April 12, a Pentagon spokesman said today.  More...

Officials Focus on Cause of Fort Hood Shooting - April 3, 2014
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2014 - The Defense Department and the Army are working to determine why a soldier killed three others and wounded 16 before taking his own life yesterday at Fort Hood, Texas, a Pentagon spokesman said here today.  More...

Soldiers Killed at Fort Hood Identified - April 4, 2014
WASHINGTON, April 4, 2014 – The three soldiers killed in the April 2 shootings at Fort Hood, Texas, have been identified while the search continues for answers that might explain the motive for the killings.  More...

​ VA Disability Claims Backlog Drops by 44 Percent - April 1, 2014
WASHINGTON, April 1, 2014 - One year after the backlog of pending disability compensation claims peaked at over 611,000 in March 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs has reduced that number by approximately 44 percent to 344,000 claims -- a reduction of more than 267,000 -- while at the same time improving the accuracy of the decisions being made on veterans' disability claims.  More...

Gunman Kills 3 Fellow Soldiers at Fort Hood, Takes Own Life - April 2, 2014
WASHINGTON, April 2, 2014 – A soldier killed three fellow soldiers and wounded 16 more before killing himself at Fort Hood, Texas, officials said tonight.  More...

TRICARE Service Centers to 'Go Virtual' April 1 - Mar. 24, 2014
FALLS CHURCH, Va., Mar. 24, 2014 - Walk-in service at TRICARE service centers in the United States is ending April 1.  More...

Obama Presents Long-overdue Medals of Honor to 24 Soldiers - March 19, 2014
WASHINGTON, March 19, 2014 – Twenty-four U.S. Army veterans from three wars -- World War II, Korea and Vietnam -- received upgrades to the highest military decoration for uncommon bravery and gallantry at a White House ceremony yesterday.  More...

Social Security Launches Expedited Veteran Disability Process - Mar. 18, 2014
WASHINGTON, Mar. 18, 2014 - Social Security claims from veterans with a Veterans Affairs Department disability compensation rating of 100 percent permanent and total have a new process that will treat their applications as high priority and issue expedited decisions.   More...

U.S. Forces Board 'Morning Glory' Tanker Ship - Mar. 17, 2014
WASHINGTON, Mar. 17, 2014 - American forces yesterday boarded and took control of a commercial tanker ship that was seized earlier this month by three armed Libyans, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said in a Defense Department news release issued today.   More...

Report: Some Military Consumers Not Seeing Earned Protections - Mar. 6, 2014
WASHINGTON, Mar. 6, 2014 - Service members, veterans and their families who complained to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau about financial products or services have recovered more than $1 million, but some military families are not receiving the added consumer protections they have earned, CFPB officials said today.  More...

​ Beware of fake SmartDocs e-mail. - Mar. 7, 2014
Recently some myPay users received a fake e-mail asking for the answers to myPay security questions. You should NEVER share the answers to your myPay security questions with anyone. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service, myPay, or SmartDocs will never ask you for this information. By sharing the answers to your myPay security questions you may allow someone to access your myPay account.  More...

Hagel Discusses Ukraine, Budget on "Face the Nation" - Mar. 2, 2014
WASHINGTON, Mar. 2, 2014 – Appearing on CBS' "Face the Nation" today, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel urged a diplomatic approach to resolve what he described as a "dangerous situation" in Ukraine.  More...

Contingency Plans Begin for Possible Full Afghanistan Withdrawal - Feb. 25, 2014
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2014 - President Barack Obama today informed Afghan President Hamid Karzai that because the Afghan leader has demonstrated that it is unlikely that he will sign the bilateral security agreement on a U.S. military presence in Afghanistan beyond this year, he has asked the Pentagon to ensure that it has adequate plans in place to accomplish an orderly withdrawal by the end of the year should the United States not keep any troops in Afghanistan after 2014.  More...

TRICARE For Life Begins Notifications for Pharmacy Pilot Program - Feb. 18, 2014
FALLS CHURCH, Va., Feb. 18, 2014 – TRICARE For Life beneficiaries soon will receive letters guiding them to TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery or a military pharmacy for some prescriptions as part of a congressionally mandated pilot program, officials of the military health care plan said.  More...

My Army Benefits' Website Scam Targets Soldiers, Families - Feb. 7, 2014
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2014 – The Army's Criminal Investigation Command is warning about a new website scam in which criminals are attempting to take advantage of soldiers and their families.  More...

Labor Department Awards Grants for Homeless Vet Reintegration - Feb. 4, 2014
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2014 - The Labor Department has awarded two grants totaling $900,000 to fund services provided by the department's Veterans' Employment and Training Service, Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez announced yesterday.   More...

Salute to Troops Show to Air Super Bowl Sunday - Jan. 31, 2014
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2014 - An hour-long television salute to service members will be broadcast on Super Bowl Sunday on AFN and the Pentagon Channel.   More...

Super Bowl Competitors Thank Troops for Service - Jan. 31, 2014
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2014 - Players in this year's Super Bowl set aside time before Sunday's game to thank members of the U.S. military, particularly those who are deployed and stationed abroad, for their sacrifices while defending the nation.  More...

Military Brings Spectacle, Security to Super Bowl - Jan. 31, 2014
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2014 - The Defense Department will provide security and entertainment for the Super Bowl at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Feb. 2, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren said today.   More...

Federal Agencies Partner to Protect Veterans, Service Members and Their Families Using GI Bill Education Benefits, Launch New Online Complaint System - Jan. 31, 2014
The Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense, Education and Justice, along with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission announced today the launch of a new online complaint system designed to collect feedback from veterans, service members and their families who are experiencing problems with educational institutions receiving funding from federal military and veterans educational benefits programs, including benefits programs provided by the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the DOD Military Tuition Assistance Program.  More...

Dempsey: No Plans to Close Military Commissaries - Jan. 28, 2014
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2014 - Contrary to some news reports, there are no plans to close military commissaries, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.  More...

Nine Soldiers Officially Named to 2014 U.S. Olympic Team - Jan. 27, 2014
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Jan. 27, 2014 - Nine soldiers in the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program are members of the U.S. Olympic Team that will compete at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, scheduled for Feb. 7 through 24 in Sochi, Russia.  More...

U.S. Will Help With Olympics Security If Needed, Hagel Says - Jan. 24, 2014
WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2014 – Top Defense Department officials have offered the Russian government U.S. help with security during the Feb. 7-23 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, but have received no requests, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said this afternoon.  More...

DOD Releases New Religious Accommodation Instruction - Jan. 22, 2014
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2014 - The Defense Department today released a new instruction that details its updated policy on making religious accommodations requested by service members, Pentagon spokesman Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nathan J. Christensen said today.   More...

Military OneSource Offers Free Tax Services - Jan. 15, 2014
WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2014 - If it hasn't arrived yet, your 2013 W-2 wage and tax statement likely is on its way, and with it the countdown toward the April 15 tax filing deadline.   More...

TRICARE Ends Walk-in Admin Services at 189 Facilities - Jan. 13, 2014
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2014 - TRICARE military health plan service centers will end administrative walk-in services in the United States on April 1, Pentagon officials said today.  More...

VA Offers $600M to Support Services for Homeless Vet Families - Jan. 14, 2014
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2014 - Veterans Affairs Department officials today announced the availability of about $600 million in grants through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program for nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives that serve very low-income veteran families occupying permanent housing.  More...

New Law Brings Changes to Uniform Code of Military Justice - Jan. 8, 2014
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2014 - The National Defense Authorization Act passed last month requires sweeping changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, particularly in cases of rape and sexual assault.  More...

Marines Evacuate More U.S. Embassy Personnel from South Sudan - Jan. 3, 2014
WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2014 - Marines evacuated about 20 U.S. Embassy staff members from the deteriorating security situation in Juba, South Sudan, on the same day the State Department announced it will add $49.8 million to humanitarian assistance the United States has provided to help victims of the conflict there.  More...

DOD Announces Recertification Of Imminent Danger Areas - Jan. 3, 2014
Today, the Defense Department announced the recertification of some locations as imminent danger pay areas while discontinuing that designation for others.   More...

Attention Army Retirees who use AKO Email - Jan 2, 2014
The U.S. Army will close all retirees' and family members' Army Knowledge Online (AKO) accounts between Jan. 31, 2014 and Mar. 31, 2014.  More...

Military Blood Program Director Urges Generosity - Jan. 2, 2014
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 2014 - Air Force Col. Richard H. McBride wants all service members to be part of a new arms race.  More...

Cost of Living Adjustment for 2014 - Dec. 13, 2013
Based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index, there will be a 1.5 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for retired pay and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities effective Dec. 1, 2013. Most retirees will see the change in their Dec. 31, 2013 payment. Annuitants will receive it Jan. 2, 2014.  More...

Obama-signed Bill Provides Military Pay, Bonuses - Dec. 26, 2013
WASHINGTON, Dec. 26, 2013 - President Barack Obama today signed House Resolution 3304, which provides pay and bonuses for U.S. service members, enhances counterterrorism efforts overseas, builds security capacities of key U.S. partner-nations, expands efforts to prevent sexual assault and strengthens protections for victims.  More...

National Guard (In Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of December 26, 2013 - Dec. 26, 2013
The Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve announced this week a decrease in activated National Guard members and reservists, while the Coast Guard Reserve announced an increase of activated reservists. The net collective result is 415 fewer activated National Guard members and reservists in comparison to last week.  More...

Medal of Honor Recipient, Korean War Veteran Rudy Hernandez Dies - Dec. 23, 2013
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2013 – An Army veteran who earned the Medal of Honor for heroic actions while stationed with G Company, 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team near Wontong-ne, North Korea, May 31, 1951, died Dec. 21 in Fayetteville, N.C.  More...

Ground Fire Injures 4 U.S. Troops in South Sudan - Dec. 21, 2013
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2013 - Four U.S. service members were injured today when their aircraft came under ground fire in South Sudan during a mission to evacuate American citizens in Bor, according to a statement issued by U.S. Africa Command.  More...

TSA Precheck Formally Expands to Members of the Military at More Than 100 Airports - Dec. 19, 2013
As the result of the ongoing partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will officially extend tomorrow TSA Precheck expedited screening benefits to all U.S. Armed Forces service members. Service members, including those serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, reserves and National Guard will be able to enjoy the benefits of this expedited screening program at more than 100 participating airports when flying on nine major U.S. airlines.  More...

Officials Announce 2014 Military Housing Allowance Rates - Dec. 17, 2013
WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2013 - The 2014 basic allowance for housing rates for service members released today represent an average increase of 5 percent, or up to $75 to $80 per month, the Defense Department's BAH program manager said.  More...

DOD Adds Synthetic Marijuana to Random Drug Testing - Dec. 13, 2013
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2013 - The Defense Department has expanded its zero tolerance for the use of illicit drugs to include synthetic marijuana, also known as "spice," the director of DOD's drug testing and program policy said here today.  More...

Syracuse Career Transition Program Now Includes Spouses - Dec. 12, 2013
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2013 - The Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University in New York has expanded eligibility to enroll in its Veterans Career Transition Program to spouses of eligible veterans and active duty service members.  More...

VA Warns of Marketing Scam - Dec. 6, 2013
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2013 - The Department of Veterans Affairs recently posted an alert on its Facebook page warning of a marketing scam targeting veterans.  More...

President Issues Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Proclamation - Dec. 6, 2013
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2013 - President Barack Obama issued a proclamation declaring Dec. 7, 2013, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.  More...

Prepare Now for Tax Season, DOD Official Advises - Dec. 3, 2013
WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2013 - With a month left before the start of tax season, service members should begin gathering documentation to file their 2013 taxes, the director of the Pentagon's office of family policy and children and youth said.  More...

Stolen Valor Tarnishes Service Members' Sacrifices - Dec. 2, 2013
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2013 - Soldiers in every war have risked their lives to defend America. In many cases, their valor has been above and beyond the call of duty. For their service, they receive Purple Heart Medals for wounds, and for valor they might earn Bronze Star Medals, Silver Star Medals or others.  More...

U.S. Ambassador Thanks Troops for Aid to Philippines - Nov. 29, 2013
USS GERMANTOWN At Sea, Nov. 29, 2013 - U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines Philip S. Goldberg visited sailors and Marines aboard the USS Germantown on Thanksgiving Day as the ship steamed through Leyte Gulf.  More...

NBC Universal launches job site for military veterans - Nov. 11, 2013
NBC Universal has partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to launch that supplies an array of nimble tools and ready resources to veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses, leading them into employment and educational opportunities.  More...

Congress Passes Bill Reopening Federal Government - Oct. 17, 2013
WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2013 – President Barack Obama signed legislation late yesterday night bringing federal employees back to work after Congress finally resolved the budget logjam that led to a 16-day shutdown.  More...

Statement by Secretary Hagel on the Pay Our Military Act - Oct 5, 2013
Today I am announcing that most DoD civilians placed on emergency furlough during the government shutdown will be asked to return to work beginning next week.   More...

Obama: Strike Syrian Regime, But Have Congressional Debate, Vote - Aug. 31, 2013
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2013 - President Barack Obama said today he supports a U.S. military strike against Syrian regime targets in response to the regime's use of chemical weapons against its own people, but he called on Congress to debate and vote on how America should react to "the worst chemical weapons attack of the 21st century."  More...

Obama Announces Steps to Advance Surveillance Debate - Aug. 9, 2013
WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2013 - President Barack Obama today announced four steps that he said would move the public debate forward about classified government surveillance programs that gather data about the telephone records of Americans and others.  More...

Experts Recover Military Personnel Records 40 Years After Fire - July 12, 2013
WASHINGTON, July 12, 2013 - Forty years ago today, an enormous fire erupted at the National Personnel Records Center in suburban St. Louis. Burning uncontrollably for almost 24 hours, it destroyed some 16 million to 18 million military personnel records including official documents veterans need to apply for the benefits they've earned.  More...

Combined Force Arrests 2 Extremists in Nangarhar Province - June 21, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 21, 2013 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested two extremists during a search for a senior Taliban leader in the Khugyani district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Coalition, Afghan Forces Arrest Extremists in Paktia Province - June 20, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 20, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested three extremists during a search for a senior Haqqani network leader in the Zurmat district of Afghanistan's Paktia province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force in Kandahar Arrests Taliban Leader - June 19, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 19, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and another extremist in Kandahar City, the provincial capital of Afghanistan's Kandahar province, today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan Forces Take Security Lead for Entire Nation - June 18, 2013
WASHINGTON, June 18, 2013 - Afghans now are in the lead for security throughout their country, and this inflection point points the way toward a stable nation, the commander of NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan said today.  More...

Transition Opens New Opportunities in Afghanistan, Region - June 18, 2013
TAMPA, Fla., June 18, 2013 - Afghan forces formally assuming the lead in security operations throughout their country today and U.S. and coalition forces continuing their drawdowns in Afghanistan is opening new opportunities for the United States to engage more broadly, not just in Afghanistan, but across the region, the top policy and planning officer at U.S. Central Command said.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Extremists in Paktia Province - June 18, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 18, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed two extremists during a search for a senior Haqqani network leader in the Zurmat district of Afghanistan's Paktia province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Arrest Extremists During Search - June 17, 2013
WASHINGTON, June 17, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested two extremists during a search for a Taliban leader in the Sar-e Pul district of Afghanistan's Sar-e Pul province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Makes Arrest During Search for Facilitator - June 14, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 14, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested an enemy operative during a search for an al-Qaida facilitator in the Behsud district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Extremists in Kunduz Province - June 13, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 13, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed five extremists after being fired upon during a search of a senior Taliban leader in the Archi district of Afghanistan's Kunduz province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Extremists in Wardak Province - June 12, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 12, 2013 - An combined Afghan and coalition security force killed four extremists and wounded another during a search for a senior Taliban leader in the Sayyidabad district of Afghanistan's Wardak province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Extremists in Nangarhar Province - June 11, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 11, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed five extremists during a search for a senior Taliban leader in the Khugyani district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Extremists During Search for Taliban Leader - June 10, 2013
WASHINGTON, June 10, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed two extremists during a search for a senior Taliban leader in the Warduj district of Afghanistan's Badakhshan province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Haqqani Leader - June 6, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 6, 2013 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani leader and three other insurgents during an operation in the Matun district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Enemy Fighters in Helmand Province - June 5, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 5, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed three extremists and arrested a Taliban facilitator and another extremist in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Enemy Fighters in Kunduz Province - June 4, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 4, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed five enemy fighters who opened fire on them during a search for a senior Taliban leader in the Archi district of Afghanistan's Kunduz province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan Force Kills 20 Enemy Fighters in Paktika Province - June 3, 2013
WASHINGTON, June 3, 2013 - An Afghan quick-reaction force killed 20 enemy fighters and detained another while responding to an attack on a local police checkpoint in the Orgun-e district of Afghanistan's Paktika province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator in Balkh Province - May 31, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 31, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator in the Chimtal district of Afghanistan's Balkh province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Insurgents in Kunduz - May 30, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 30, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed three insurgents who opened fire during a search for a senior Taliban leader in the Archi district of Afghanistan's Kunduz province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Insurgent in Kandahar - May 29, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 29, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested an insurgent during a search for a Taliban facilitator in Kandahar province's capital of Kandahar today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Security Force Arrests Haqqani Network Leader - May 28, 2013
WASHINGTON, May 28, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani network leader and seven other insurgents during an operation in the Gardez district of Afghanistan's Paktia province today, military officials reported.  More...

Special Report: Memorial Day 2013 - May 25, 2013
WASHINGTON, May 25, 2013 - In his proclamation setting May 27, 2013 as Memorial Day, President Barack Obama called on Americans to honor the sacrifice of the fallen and "strive to be a nation equal to their example".  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Arrest Insurgents in Baghlan Province - May 23, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 23, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force in Baghlan province's Baghlan-e Jadid district arrested six insurgents today during a search for a Taliban facilitator, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader in Helmand Province - May 22, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 22, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and four other insurgents in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Wounds Taliban Leader, Arrests Insurgent - May 21, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 21, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force wounded a senior Taliban leader and arrested another insurgent in the Zharay district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Arrest Insurgents in Khost Province - May 20, 2013
WASHINGTON, May 20, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested three insurgents today during a search for an insurgent leader with ties to the Taliban and Haqqani terrorist networks in the Sabari district of Afghanistan's Khost province, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader in Baghlan Province - May 17, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 17, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a senior Taliban leader in the Baghlan-e Jadid district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Insurgent in Paktia Province - May 16, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 16, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force in the Zurmat district of Afghanistan's Paktiya province today killed an insurgent and arrested four others during a search for a Haqqani network leader who participates in kidnappings throughout the province, military officials reported.  More...

Special Ops Task Force Helps Shift Afghanistan Trend Line - May 15, 2013
WASHINGTON, May 15, 2013 - As U.S. and coalition conventional forces in Afghanistan prepare to draw down, the quiet professionals of the special operations community remain committed to a variety of missions there through the end of 2014 and beyond, the commander of U.S. and NATO special operations forces in Afghanistan said today.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Wound Taliban Leader, Kill Insurgents - May 15, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 15, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force wounded a Taliban leader and killed two other insurgents in the Qush Tepah district of Afghanistan's Jowzjan province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Taliban Leader in Kunduz Province - May 14, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 14, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed a mid-level Taliban leader in the Khanabad district of Afghanistan's Kunduz province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force in Kandahar Province Arrests Taliban Leader - May 13, 2013
WASHINGTON, May 13, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and two other insurgents in the Dand district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Haqqani Facilitator in Logar Province - May 9, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 9, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani network attack facilitator and another insurgent in the Pul-e Alam district of Afghanistan's Logar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader in Kandahar Province - May 8, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 8, 2013 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and three other insurgents during an operation in the Panjwa'i district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader in Helmand Province - May 7, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 7, 2013 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and three other insurgents during an operation in the Lashkar Gah district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Insurgent During Search Operation - May 6, 2013
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force in the Nahrin district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province killed an insurgent today during a search for the district's ranking Taliban leader, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Security Force Kills Senior Insurgent Leader - May 3, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 3, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force in the Burkah district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province today killed Jamal, a senior insurgent leader who had ties to both the Taliban and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Haqqani Network Leader in Paktia Province - May 2, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 2, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed a Haqqani network leader and another insurgent during an operation in the Zurmat district of Afghanistan's Paktia province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Makes Arrests in Helmand Province - May 1, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 1, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and two other insurgents in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Arrest Insurgents During Searches - April 22, 2013
WASHINGTON, April 22, 2013 - Combined Afghan and coalition security forces arrested seven insurgents yesterday during searches for Taliban leaders in two of Afghanistan's provinces, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Insurgents After Firefight - April 19, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, April 19, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained a senior Taliban leader and several other insurgents in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Insurgents, Detains Taliban Leader - April 17, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, April 17, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents and detained a senior Taliban leader and three other insurgents today in the Marjah district of Afghanistan's Helmand province, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Insurgent Leader in Ghazni Province - April 15, 2013
WASHINGTON, April 15, 2013 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a senior Lashkar-e Tayyiba leader and detained a number of other insurgents during an operation in the Andar district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province today, military officials reported.  More...

President Awards Army Chaplain Posthumous Medal of Honor - April 12, 2013
WASHINGTON, April 12, 2013 - Yesterday at a White House ceremony, an Army chaplain, Capt. Emil J. Kapaun, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic and selfless actions during the Korean War.  More...

Combined Afghan, Coalition Force Arrests Facilitator - April 8, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, April 8, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan facilitator Juma Khan in the Ishkamish district of Afghanistan's Takhar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force in Helmand Arrests Taliban Leader - April 5, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, April 5, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a senior Taliban leader and detained another insurgent in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Troops Arrest Taliban Facilitator - April 4, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, April 4, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator in the Dand district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan Leader - April 3, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, April 3, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader in the Burkah district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Haqqani Facilitator in Paktia - April 2, 2013
WASHINGTON, April 2, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani network facilitator today in the Zurmat district of Afghanistan's Paktia province, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Senior Taliban Leader - April 1, 2013
WASHINGTON, April 1, 2013 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a senior Taliban leader and several other insurgents during an operation the in Pul-e 'Alam district of Afghanistan's Logar province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Senior Taliban Leader - March 29, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 29, 2013 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a senior Taliban leader and detained one other insurgent during an operation in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Operation Yields Arrests in Wardak Province - March 22, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 22, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force today arrested a senior Taliban leader and two high-profile attack facilitators and detained two other insurgents in the Jalrayz district of Afghanistan's Wardak province, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Weapons Broker in Kandahar - March 21, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 21, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban weapons facilitator and detained another insurgent in the Arghandab district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator in Kandahar - March 20, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 20, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator in the city of Kandahar in Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Hagel: U.S. Bolstering Missile Defense - March 15, 2013
WASHINGTON, March 15, 2013 – The United States will add more ground-based ballistic missile interceptors to its arsenal to guard against increased threats from North Korea and Iran, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced today.  More...

Iranian Jet Fails to Intercept Unmanned U.S. Aircraft - March 14, 2013
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2013 - An Iranian military jet tried to intercept an unarmed American MQ-1 remotely piloted aircraft over international waters March 12 but it was discouraged from accomplishing that mission, Pentagon officials said today.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator - March 15, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 15, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator and detained another insurgent in the Kandahar district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Haqqani Network Facilitator in Khost Province - March 13, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 13, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani network facilitator and another insurgent in the Tanai district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader in Helmand Province - March 11, 2013
WASHINGTON, March 11, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and detained another insurgent in the Nawah-ye Barakzai district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator in Kandahar - March 5, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 5, 2013 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator and detained two other insurgents during an operation in Kandahar City in Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Haqqani Leader - March 4, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 4, 2013 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani leader during an operation in the Nadir Shah Kot district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.  More...

President Awards Medal of Honor to Afghanistan Veteran - Feb. 12, 2013
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2013 - President Barack Obama placed the Medal of Honor around the neck of former Army Staff Sgt. Clinton L. Romesha during a ceremony yesterday in the East Room of the White House.  More...

Combined Force Searching for Taliban Leader Detains Insurgents - Feb. 11, 2013
WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force in the Maiwand district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today detained four insurgents while searching of a senior Taliban leader, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Explosives Expert in Takhar Province - Feb. 8, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 8, 2013 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader during an operation in the Yangi Qal'ah district of Afghanistan's Takhar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator - Feb. 6, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 6, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator in the Panjwai district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Troops Arrest Taliban IED Facilitator - Feb. 4, 2013
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator in the Nad-e Ali district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban IED Attack Leader - Jan. 29, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 29, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in the Arghandab district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

U.S. Patriots Set To Begin NATO Missile Defense in Turkey - Jan. 25, 2013
WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2013 - The first elements of U.S. Patriot missile batteries deployed to Turkey earlier this month are expected to reach initial operating capability this weekend, a senior NATO officer reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader - Jan. 25, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 25, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader during an operation in the Hahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Africom Commander Addresses Concerns, Potential Solutions in Mali - Jan. 24, 2013
WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2013 - The commander of U.S. Africa Command today shared lessons learned from what he called shortcomings in the U.S.-Malian training program which have contributed to turmoil in the African nation.  More...

Panetta: DOD 'Ready' Against North Korea, Africa Threats - Jan. 24, 2013
WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2013 - As always, the U.S. military stands ready to deal with any provocation North Korea's leaders offer, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said today.  More...

Defense Department Rescinds Direct Combat Exclusion Rule; Services to Expand Integration of Women into Previously Restricted Occupations and Units - Jan. 24, 2013
Today, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Martin Dempsey announced the rescission the 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule for women and that the Department of Defense plans to remove gender-based barriers to service.   More...

Combined Force Arrests Haqqani Network Facilitator - Jan. 24, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani network facilitator in the Sabari district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.  More...

Official: Pentagon to Lift Rule Excluding Women From Combat - Jan. 23, 2013
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2013 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are expected to announce the lifting of the direct combat exclusion rule for women in the military, a senior defense official said today.  More...

Actions in Afghanistan Earn Medal of Honor for Army Veteran - Jan. 11, 2013
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2013 - A former Army staff sergeant will become the fourth living recipient of the nation's highest award for battlefield gallantry in Iraq or Afghanistan, White House officials announced today.   More...

Afghan, Coalition Force Arrests Taliban Leader in Baghlan - Jan. 11, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 11, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in the Burkah district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Enemy Facilitator - Jan. 10, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 10, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan facilitator Mazlum Yar today in the Ishkamish district of Afghanistan's Takhar province, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Taliban Leader in Ghazni Province - Jan. 7, 2013
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2013 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader, and detained a suspected insurgent in the Andar district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province today, military officials reported.  More...

Obama Signs $633 Billion Defense Authorization Act - Jan. 3, 2013
WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2013 - President Barack Obama signed the $633 billion fiscal 2013 National Defense Authorization Act into law yesterday.  More...

Security Force Arrests Taliban Leader in Kandahar Province - Jan. 3, 2013
KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 3, 2013 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader during an operation in the Shah Wali Kot district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader, Seizes IED Materials - Jan. 2, 2013
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 2013 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in the Shah Wali Kot district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Panetta Signs Order to Deploy 400 U.S. Personnel to Turkey - Dec. 14, 2012
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey, Dec. 14, 2012 – Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has signed an order that will deploy 400 U.S. personnel to Turkey to support the deployment that NATO agreed to recently of Patriot missile capability there, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today.  More...

Combined Force Arrests 15 Insurgents in Afghanistan - Dec. 20, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 20, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested 15 insurgents in the Bati Kot district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province during a search for a Taliban facilitator today, military officials reported.  More...

Insurgents Attack Near Kandahar Airfield - Dec. 13, 2012
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2012 - Insurgents detonated a vehicle bomb today near Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator - Dec. 11, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 11, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator and detained two suspected insurgents during an operation in the Nad 'Ali district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Haqqani Leader - Dec. 7, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani leader during an operation in the Mota Khan district of Afghanistan's Paktika province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader in Kandahar Province - Dec. 4, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 4, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader during a security operation in the Maiwand district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader in Balkh Province - Dec. 3, 2012
WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested the senior Taliban leader for eastern Chimtal district in Afghanistan's Balkh province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests 2 Haqqani Insurgents - Nov. 30, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 30, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani leader and a Haqqani facilitator in Afghanistan's Logar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests District-level Taliban Leader - Nov. 29, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 29, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a district-level Taliban leader in Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Haqqani Leader - Nov. 28, 2012
WASHINGTON, Nov. 28, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a local Haqqani leader in the Sabari district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains 3 Insurgents in Kunduz Province - Nov. 27, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 27, 2012 - An Afghan-led, coalition-supported security force detained three suspected insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader in the Archi district of Afghanistan's Kunduz province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Bomb Expert - Nov. 26, 2012
WASHINGTON, Nov. 26, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban bomb expert in Afghanistan's Logar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader - Nov. 23, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 23, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in Afghanistan's Kandahar province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Several Insurgents - Nov. 21, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 21, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents during a search for a high-ranking Taliban leader and weapons facilitator in Afghanistan's Logar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Operative - Nov. 19, 2012
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban suicide attack operative in Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Insurgents in Search for Taliban Leader - Nov. 16, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 16, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition force in Afghanistan's Helmand province arrested several suspected insurgents today during a search for a Taliban leader who facilitates the transfer of weapons and is involved in ambush attacks targeting Afghan and coalition forces, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Bomb Facilitator - Nov. 15, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 15, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force in Afghanistan's Kandahar province today arrested a Taliban leader suspected of distributing bomb components to insurgents and facilitating ambushes and attacks, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Weapons Facilitator - Nov. 14, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 14, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban weapons and ammunition facilitator in Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials said.  More...

Veterans Awarded Overdue Bronze Star Medals - Nov. 9, 2012
FORT MEADE, Md., Nov. 9, 2012 - As the nation approaches Veterans Day, observed Nov. 11, two former service members -- one from World War II, the other from the Vietnam War -- were awarded their long-awaited Bronze Star medals in a ceremony at the Defense Information School here today.  More...

Iranians Attacked U.S. Drone Over International Waters - Nov. 8, 2012
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2012 - A recent Iranian attack on a U.S. drone occurred over international waters, but the aircraft suffered no damage and returned safely to base, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Senior Taliban Leader - Nov. 5, 2012
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban senior leader in Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator - Nov. 1, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 1, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator in Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader - Nov. 2, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 2, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Taliban Leader - Oct. 31, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 31, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed a Taliban leader in Helmand province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Attackers During Search for Taliban Leader - Oct. 29, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 29, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents during a security operation to arrest a Taliban leader in Afghanistan's Ghazni province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Fighter - Oct. 23, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 23, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban fighter in Afghanistan's Kunduz province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Insurgents, Seizes Afghan Uniforms - Oct. 22, 2012
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader - Oct. 19, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 19, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in Kunduz province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Force Arrests Taliban Leader - Oct. 18, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 18, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader today in Afghanistan's Kandahar province, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan-led Security Force Arrests Taliban Leader - Oct. 17, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 17, 2012 - An Afghan-led security force, supported by coalition troops, arrested a Taliban senior leader in Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Haqqani Leader in Ghazni - Oct. 15, 2012
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani network leader in Afghanistan's Ghazni province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Haqqani Leader - Oct. 12, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani leader in Paktiya province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Insurgent Leader - Oct. 11, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 11, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan financial facilitator yesterday in Afghanistan's Kunduz province, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Several Insurgents - Oct. 10, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 10, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed several armed insurgents during an operation to arrest a Taliban leader in Afghanistan's Sar-e Pul province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan-led Force Arrests Taliban Facilitator - Oct. 9, 2012
WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2012 - An Afghan-led security force, supported by coalition troops, arrested a Taliban facilitator and improvised explosive device producer in Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Would-be Suicide Bombers - Oct. 5, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 5, 2012 - Afghan and coalition forces killed several would-be suicide bombers and detained additional insurgents during a security operation in the Jaghatu district of Afghanistan's Wardak province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Taliban IED Cell Leader - Oct. 3, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 3, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed the leader of a Taliban improvised explosive device cell in the Alisheng district of Afghanistan's Laghman province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Multiple Insurgents - Sept. 28, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 28, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed multiple armed insurgents during an operation to arrest a senior Haqqani facilitator in the Gelan district of Ghazni province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Insurgents, Seizes Narcotics - Sept. 27, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 27, 2012 - A combined security force detained several suspected insurgents during an operation to arrest a Taliban facilitator in the Washer district of Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills 2 Insurgents, Seizes Heroin - Sept. 24, 2012
WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents and seized several pounds of heroin during an operation in search of a Taliban leader in the Zharay district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Arrest Taliban, Haqqani Leaders in Afghanistan - Sept. 21, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 21, 2012 - Afghan and coalition security forces arrested a Taliban leader, as well as a Haqqani chief, during a security operation in the Sayyid Karam district of Pakitya province today, military officials reported.  More...

Force Arrests Taliban Leader Linked to Bastion Attack - Sept. 18, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 18, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force today arrested one of the Taliban leaders behind the Sept. 14 Camp Bastion attack, military officials reported.  More...

Airstrike Kills Insurgent Transporting Weapons - Sept. 13, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan , Sept. 13, 2012 - A precision airstrike in the Mota Khan district of Afghanistan's Paktika province yesterday killed an armed insurgent transporting weapons, military officials reported.  More...

Airstrike in Helmand Kills Taliban Attack Cell Leader - Sept. 7, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 7, 2012 - A precision airstrike killed a Taliban cell leader yesterday during a security operation in the Nad-e Ali district of Afghanistan's Helmand province, military officials reported.  More...

Taliban Leader Arrested in Kandahar - Sept. 6, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 6, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban network leader in the Kandahar district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Airstrike Kills Taliban Leader Involved in Aug. 7 Attack - Sept. 5, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 5, 2012 - One of the Taliban leaders behind an Aug. 7 attack on a coalition base in Afghanistan's Logar province was killed by Afghan and coalition security forces in Logar's Pul-e Alam district yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Suspected Taliban Explosives Dealer - Sept. 4, 2012
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2012 - An Afghan special operations unit, supported by coalition troops, arrested a suspected Taliban explosives dealer during an operation in the Zharay district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Suspected Taliban Explosives Dealer - Sept. 4, 2012
WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2012 - An Afghan special operations unit, supported by coalition troops, arrested a suspected Taliban explosives dealer during an operation in the Zharay district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

President Pledges Support for Service Members, Vets - Aug. 31, 2012
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2012 - As the United States draws down in Afghanistan it remains committed to its military members, veterans and families by providing the support services they may need and opportunities to transition to meaningful civilian careers, President Barack Obama said today at Fort Bliss, Texas.  More...

Obama: Improve Mental Health Access, Care for Military, Vets - Aug. 31, 2012
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2012 - President Barack Obama today signed an executive order that provides increased access to mental health services for service members, military families and veterans.  More...

Combined Force Detains Several Suspected Insurgents - Aug. 31, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 31, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition force detained several suspected insurgents during an operation to arrest a Haqqani bomb maker in the Pul-e 'Alam district of Afghanistan's Logar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Weapons Supplier - Aug. 29, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 29, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban weapons supplier during an operation in the Andar district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province today, military officials reported.  More...

Helicopter Makes Forced Landing in Eastern Afghanistan - Aug. 28, 2012
WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2012 - An International Security Assistance Force helicopter made a forced landing in eastern Afghanistan today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader, Insurgents - Aug. 22, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 22, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader today in the Panjwai district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province, military officials reported.  More...

Airstrike Kills Insurgents in Kunar Province - Aug. 21, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 21, 2012 - An airstrike in the Watahpur district of Afghanistan's Kunar province yesterday killed several insurgents, including an al-Qaida affiliated Taliban leader, military officials reported.  More...

Rocket Attack Hurts 2, Damages Aircraft at Bagram - Aug. 21, 2012
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Aug. 21, 2012 - A rocket attack slightly injured two Air Force maintainers and damaged a C-17 aircraft here overnight, officials said.  More...

Combined Forces Arrests Taliban Leader, Seizes Weapons, Drugs - Aug. 17, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 17, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in the Alisheng district of Laghman province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Taliban Leader, Detains Insurgents - Aug. 16, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 16, 2012 - In the Muqer district of Ghazni province today, a combined force searched for, engaged and killed Taliban leader Jihadmal, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Weapons Dealer - Aug. 14, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 14, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban weapons dealer and detained two suspected insurgents in the Panjwai district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Senior Insurgent Leader - Aug. 13, 2012
WASHINGTON, Aug. 13, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a senior Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan terrorist group leader in the Chahar Darah district of Afghanistan's Kunduz province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Numerous Suspected Insurgents - Aug. 10, 2012
WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained numerous suspected insurgents during an operation to arrest a Haqqani leader in the Shwak district of Afghanistan's Paktiya province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban-affiliated Insurgent - Aug. 9, 2012
WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2012 - In the Andar district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province, an Afghan and coalition security force today arrested a Taliban-affiliated insurgent responsible for acquiring and emplacing improvised explosive devices along Highway 1, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Arrests Taliban Leader - Aug. 8, 2012
WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Airstrike Kills Several Insurgents in Afghanistan - Aug. 6, 2012
WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2012 - A coalition airstrike killed several insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader in the Achin district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Several Suspected Insurgents - Aug. 2, 2012
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation to arrest a Taliban leader in the Andar district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains 2 Taliban Insurgents - Aug. 1, 2012
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected Taliban insurgents and seized explosives during an operation in the Pul-e Khurmi district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province today, military officials reported.  More...

Airstrike Kills Several Insurgents in Afghanistan - July 31, 2012
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force called in an airstrike that killed several insurgents during an operation to arrest a Taliban leader in the Muqer district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills 1 Insurgent, Detains 2 - July 30, 2012
WASHINGTON, July 30, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed one insurgent and detained two drug dealers during a counter-narcotics operation in the Nad 'Ali district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Coalition Airstrike Kills 2 Insurgents - July 27, 2012
WASHINGTON, July 27, 2012 - A coalition airstrike killed two enemy fighters during a search for an al-Qaida-associated insurgent leader in the Gelan district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains 2 Suspected Insurgents - July 24, 2012
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents during an operation to arrest a Taliban leader in the Baraki Barak district of Afghanistan's Logar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Insurgents, Detains Others - July 23, 2012
WASHINGTON, July 23, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents after coming under attack today while searching for an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan senior leader in the Chahar Darah district of Afghanistan's Kunduz province, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Several Insurgents - July 13, 2012
WASHINGTON, July 13, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents and detained multiple suspected insurgents during an operation to apprehend a high-level Haqqani network leader in the Giyan district of Afghanistan's Paktika province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Taliban Weapons Dealer - July 12, 2012
WASHINGTON, July 12, 2012 - In the Maidan Shahr district of Afghanistan's Wardak province, an Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban weapons dealer and seized 110 pounds of explosives today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan-Coalition Force Captures Weapons Smuggler - July 11, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, July 11, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban weapons smuggler in the Zharay district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan-Coalition Force Captures Weapons Smuggler - July 11, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, July 11, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban weapons smuggler in the Zharay district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Several Insurgents - July 10, 2012
WASHINGTON, July 10, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents during a search for the leader of a Taliban attack cell in the Chimtal district of Afghanistan's Balkh province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Haqqani Leader - July 9, 2012
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Haqqani network leader in the Terayzai district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Several Suspected Insurgents - July 6, 2012
WASHINGTON, July 6, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents during a search for a Taliban improvised explosive device expert in the Ghorak district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Taliban Leader - July 2, 2012
WASHINGTON, July 2, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader in the Panjwa'i district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Haqqani Leader - June 29, 2012
WASHINGTON, June 29, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force apprehended a Haqqani leader in the Sabari district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Taliban Leader - June 28, 2012
WASHINGTON, June 28, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader during an operation in the Kandahar district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Taliban Weapons Facilitator - June 27, 2012
WASHINGTON, June 27, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban weapons facilitator in the Zharay district of Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Taliban Explosives Expert - June 25, 2012
WASHINGTON, June 25, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban explosives expert in the Gardez district of Afghanistan's Paktia province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Haqqani Leader - June 20, 2012
WASHINGTON, June 20, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Haqqani leader in the Tsamkani district of Afghanistan's Paktiya province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - June 19, 2012
WASHINGTON, June 19, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Taliban Leader in Helmand - June 18, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 18, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force in the Nad-e Ali district of Afghanistan's Helmand province detained one of the senior Taliban leaders for the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Haqqani Commander - June 15, 2012
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed Haqqani commander Eid Mohammad and multiple insurgents during an operation in the Sharan district of Afghanistan's Paktika province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Taliban Leader - June 14, 2012
WASHINGTON, June 14, 2012 - An Afghan-led, coalition-supported security force killed the Taliban commander, Fayez Jan, and one additional insurgent during an operation in the Daman district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Forces Seize Large Hashish Caches - June 13, 2012
WASHINGTON, June 13, 2012 - Combined Afghan-coalition forces seized 1,180 pounds of hashish during operations conducted over the past two days in the Panjwai district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province, military officials reported.  More...

PROTECT YOURSELF ONLINE - June 8, 2012
In today's world, protecting yourself online is almost as important as protecting yourself at home. Attempts to steal your identity, financial information and account numbers require everyone who uses email, shops online or transacts business with banks, credit card companies or other financial agencies to be aware and protect themselves.  More...

Combined Force Detains Taliban Leader - June 8, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 8, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader during an operation in the Wali Muhammad Shahid Khugyani district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Several Insurgents - June 7, 2012
WASHINGTON, June 7, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents during a firefight while searching for a Haqqani leader in the Tsamkani district of Afghanistan's Paktiya province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan-led, Coalition-supported Force Detains Taliban Leader - June 5, 2012
WASHINGTON, June 5, 2012 - An Afghan-led, coalition-supported security force detained a Taliban leader and several suspected insurgents in the Kandahar district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Several Insurgents - June 4, 2012
WASHINGTON, June 4, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained several insurgents during a search for a Haqqani facilitator in the Khost district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.  More...

Two Students Earn Spots in National Bees - June 1, 2012
WASHINGTON, June 1, 2012 - Two middle school students from Defense Department schools received a coveted spot on the stage of this year's National Spelling Bee and National Geography Bee.  More...

Combined Force Detains Taliban Leader - May 31, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 31, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader as well as multiple other insurgents and seized more than 700 rounds of ammunition during an operation in the Panjwai district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

VA Partnership Aims to House 10,000 Homeless Veterans - May 30, 2012
WASHINGTON, May 30, 2012 - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced today that it will collaborate with the "100,000 Homes" campaign and its 117 participating communities to help find permanent housing for 10,000 vulnerable and chronically homeless veterans this year.  More...

Combined Force Kills Several Insurgents - May 30, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 30, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents during an operation to detain a Taliban facilitator in the Sayyidabad district of Afghanistan's Wardak province today, military officials reported.  More...

ANSF, ISAF Counterparts Kill Senior al-Qaida Leader - May 29, 2012
WASHINGTON, May 29, 2012 - Afghan National Security Forces and their International Security Assistance Force partners killed a senior al-Qaida leader in Kunar province May 27, a senior Defense Department spokesman told reporters at the Pentagon today.  More...

Combined Force Kills 2 Insurgents in Firefight - May 29, 2012
WASHINGTON, May 29, 2012 - A combined force killed two insurgents and seized several AK-47 rifles and some ammunition magazines during a search for a Haqqani leader in the Gomal district of Afghanistan's Paktika province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan-led Security Force Captures Insurgent Facilitator - May 24, 2012
WASHINGTON, May 24, 2012 - An Afghan-led, coalition-supported security force detained an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan facilitator and several other insurgents during an operation in the Argo district of Afghanistan's Badakhshan province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Taliban Leader - May 23, 2012
WASHINGTON, May 23, 2012 - An Afghan-led, coalition-supported security force detained a Taliban leader during an operation in the Dasht-e Qal'ah district of Afghanistan's Takhar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Haqqani Facilitator - May 22, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 22, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Haqqani facilitator and several additional insurgents during an operation in the Bak district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Seizes Opium Cache - May 18, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan , May 18, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache of opium during a patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Insurgents Killed in Firefight, Airstrike - May 17, 2012
WASHINGTON, May 17, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force engaged in a firefight and called in a close-air-support strike that killed multiple insurgents in the Jaji district of Afghanistan's Paktia province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - May 16, 2012
WASHINGTON, May 16, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader during an operation in the Nad 'Ali district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

President Awards Posthumous Medal of Honor to Vietnam-era Soldier - May 16, 2012
WASHINGTON, May 16, 2012 - President Barack Obama paid tribute today to a man who died defending his fellow soldiers 42 years and six days ago, and who the commander-in-chief said represents a generation's honorable and undervalued service.  More...

Service Members, Families, Get Free Pass to National Parks - May 15, 2012
WASHINGTON, May 15, 2012 - Service members and their families will be able to enter all of America's national parks free of charge for a year under an initiative announced today.  More...

Program Offers Paid Training for Unemployed Veterans - May 15, 2012
WASHINGTON, May 15, 2012 - Unemployed veterans ages 35 to 60 can apply for up to 12 months of paid training through a new program sponsored by the Departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs.  More...

Combined Force Detains Taliban Facilitator - May 10, 2012
WASHINGTON, May 10, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban facilitator and another suspected insurgent in the Arghistan district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Multiple Insurgents - May 9, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan , May 9, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained multiple suspected insurgents during an operation to capture a Taliban leader in the Zharay district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghans Lead Operation to Capture Taliban Leader - May 8, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 8, 2012 - An Afghan-led and coalition supported security force detained a senior Taliban leader in the Almar district of Afghanistan's Faryab province today, military officials reported.  More...

Prince Harry Calls for Unity in Supporting Wounded Warriors - May 8, 2012
WASHINGTON, May 8, 2012 - Great Britain's Prince Henry of Wales, commonly known as Prince Harry, urged the U.S. and British publics last night to unify in supporting wounded warriors and families of the fallen, particularly as the drawdown of military operations in Afghanistan takes the media spotlight off their continuing needs.  More...

Afghan-led Security Force Detains Taliban Leader - May 7, 2012
WASHINGTON, May 7, 2012 - In operations around Afghanistan yesterday: An Afghan-led security force supported by coalition troops detained a Taliban leader in Kandahar province's Arghistan district yesterday, military officials reported. The leader conducted roadside bombings against Afghan and coalition troops in Kandahar City and was responsible for moving explosive devices into the city from Zabul province, officials said.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - May 4, 2012
WASHINGTON, May 4, 2012 - An Afghan-led, coalition-supported security force detained a Taliban leader and two additional insurgents during an operation in the Imam Sahib district of Afghanistan's Kunduz province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan-led Force Detains Insurgent Leader - May 3, 2012
WASHINGTON, May 3, 2012 - An Afghan-led, coalition-supported security force detained an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan terrorist group leader in the Iman Sahib district of Afghanistan's Kunduz province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan Forces Contain Taliban Attack in Kabul - May 2, 2012
WASHINGTON, May 2, 2012 - Afghan security forces led a capable and quick response in containing a Taliban attack in Afghanistan's capital of Kabul today, military officials reported.  More...

Some Reserve, Guard Members Must Pay Dental Premiums Directly - May 1, 2012
WASHINGTON, May 1, 2012 - Beginning this month, some National Guard and reserve members will need to pay dental premiums directly rather than through payroll deduction, a senior official of the TRICARE military health plan said today.  More...

Combined Force Detains Taliban Leader May 1, 2012 - May 1, 2012
WASHINGTON, May 1, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader and several other suspected insurgents in the Washer district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Taliban Facilitator - April 30, 2012
WASHINGTON, April 30, 2012 - An Afghan-led and coalition-supported security force detained a Taliban facilitator, detained two additional insurgents and seized multiple weapons in the Daman district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Haqqani Leader - April 27, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, April 27, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani leader during an operation in the Nadir Shah Kot district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Insurgent Facilitator - April 26, 2012
WASHINGTON, April 26, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan facilitator, killed one insurgent and detained two other insurgents during an operation in the Sayyidabad district of Afghanistan's Wardak province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan-led Force Kills Haqqani Leader - April 25, 2012
WASHINGTON, April 25, 2012 - An Afghan-led security force killed Namat, a Haqqani leader, during an operation conducted in the Nadir Shah Kot district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Capture Insurgent Leaders - April 24, 2012
WASHINGTON, April 24, 2012 - Afghan and coalition forces captured multiple insurgents in eastern Afghanistan today, including three who were leaders in the Taliban and Haqqani networks, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Several Insurgents - April 23, 2012
WASHINGTON, April 23, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured several insurgents during an operation to capture a senior Haqqani facilitator in the Baraki Barak district of Afghanistan's Logar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghanistan Helicopter Crash Claims 4 Service Members - April 20, 2012
WASHINGTON, April 20, 2012 - Four International Security Assistance Force service members died in a helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill 13 Insurgents, Detain 6 Others - April 19, 2012
BAGRAM, Afghanistan, April 19, 2012 - Afghan and coalition forces killed 13 insurgents and captured six suspects during operations in eastern Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill 1 Insurgent, Detain 5 Others - April 18, 2012
BAGRAM, Afghanistan, April 18, 2012 - Afghan and coalition forces killed one insurgent and detained five suspects during operations in eastern Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Vietnam War Hero to Receive Posthumous Medal of Honor - April 17, 2012
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2012 - Army Spc. 4 Leslie H. Sabo Jr., a rifleman with the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War, will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor in a May 16 ceremony, White House officials announced yesterday.  More...

Airstrike Kills Insurgents in Afghanistan - April 17, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, April 17, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force called in an airstrike that killed several insurgents in the Nerkh district of Afghanistan's Wardak province today, military officials reported.   More...

Afghan Forces Respond to Coordinated Attacks - April 16, 2012
WASHINGTON, April 16, 2012 - Afghan forces responded to a series of attacks in the Afghan capital of Kabul and in a few outlying provinces yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - April 13, 2012
WASHINGTON, April 13, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force today captured a Taliban leader who was planning a suicide attack against an upcoming gathering of local Afghan civilians in Afghanistan's Kunduz province, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - April 11, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, April 11, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader in the Spin Boldak district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Facilitator - April 10, 2012
WASHINGTON, April 10, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Seizes Explosives Cache - April 9, 2012
WASHINGTON, April 9, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force seized more than 2 tons of a roadside-bomb ingredient and detained several suspected insurgents in the Zurmat district of Afghanistan's Paktia province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

U.S., Afghan Forces Sign Special Operations Agreement - April 8, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, April 8, 2012 - An agreement signed here today begins a process for Afghan national security forces to take the lead on special operations in Afghanistan.  More...

Combined Force Captures Insurgent Facilitator - April 6, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, April 6, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan facilitator during an operation in the Kishim district of Afghanistan's Badakhshan province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Insurgent, Captures Another - April 3, 2012
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed an insurgent and detained another during an operation to capture an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan bomb-making expert in the Kunduz district of Kunduz province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan-led Force Captures Haqqani Leader - March 30, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 30, 2012 - An Afghan-led security force captured a Haqqani leader during an operation in the Khost district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.  More...

Troops Kill Terror Group's Senior Leader in Afghanistan - March 28, 2012
WASHINGTON, March 28, 2012 - An Afghan special unit and coalition troops killed the senior Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader in Afghanistan during a March 26 operation in the Shirin Tagab district of Faryab province, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - March 27, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 27, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in the Maidan Shar district of Afghanistan's Wardak province today, military officials reported.  More...

Vietnam Wall Turns 30 as Officials Plan Education Center - March 26, 2012
WASHINGTON, March 26, 2012 - Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial groundbreaking here today, officials of the memorial's fund announced the development of an education center to inform younger generations about the war's history.  More...

Afghans, Coalition Work to Avert 'Insider' Attacks - March 26, 2012
WASHINGTON, March 26, 2012 - Afghan and coalition leaders are working to limit "insider threat" killings in Afghanistan, the commander of U.S. and NATO forces there told reporters here today.  More...

Afghan Security Forces Improving Quickly, Allen Says - March 26, 2012
WASHINGTON, March 26, 2012 - Afghan forces are improving faster than coalition leaders or they themselves anticipated, the commander of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force said here today.  More...

Combined Force Detains 2 Insurgents - March 26, 2012
WASHINGTON, March 26, 2012 - An Afghan-coalition security force detained two insurgents during an operation to capture an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader in the Shirin Tagab district of Afghanistan's Faryab province today, military officials reported.  More...

Coalition Airstrike Kills Taliban Bomb Expert - March 23, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 23, 2012 - A coalition airstrike killed a Taliban expert bomb maker and wounded another insurgent in the Baghlan-e Jadid district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province today, military officials reported.  More...

Coalition Force Finds Opium Cache - March 22, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 22, 2012 - A coalition security force found 1,300 pounds of opium in the Nad-e Ali district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Deadline to Apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Extended - March 22, 2012
The deadline for eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP) has been extended to Oct. 21, 2012, providing those eligible more time to apply for the pay under the program guidelines.   More...

Coalition Airstrike Destroys Bomb-making Facility - March 21, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 21, 2012 - A coalition airstrike destroyed an improvised explosive device-making facility in the Sangin district of Afghanistan's Helmand province March 19, officials reported today.   More...

President Proclaims 'National Day of Honor' - March 19, 2012
WASHINGTON, March 19, 2012 - On the ninth anniversary of U.S. forces moving into Iraq, President Barack Obama has proclaimed today to be "A National Day of Honor."  More...

Combined Force Kills 4 Insurgents - March 19, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 19, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed four insurgents March 17 during a search for an insurgent leader of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan in the Shirin Tagab district of Afghanistan's Faryab province, military officials reported.  More...

Goals in Afghanistan Remain the Same, Dempsey Says - March 17, 2012
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2012 - While recent incidents have challenged U.S. operations in Afghanistan, the long-term objectives there remain the same, Army Gen. Martin Dempsey told Charlie Rose.  More...

Army Identifies Afghanistan Shooting Suspect - March 17, 2012
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2012 - The Army has identified the U.S. soldier accused of killing Afghan civilians in a March 11 rampage as Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, according to a statement released here last night.  More...

Afghan Mission Maintains Momentum, Spokesman Says - March 16, 2012
WASHINGTON, March 16, 2012 - Despite tragic incidents over the past several months in Afghanistan, the security strategy in that nation is working and coalition and Afghan forces are committed to its successful end, a Pentagon spokesman said here today.  More...

Commander Outlines Afghanistan Campaign Objectives - March 16, 2012
CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan, March 16, 2012 - Coalition troops and their Afghan partners have a new initiative and momentum going into this year's fighting season, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Curtis "Mike" Scaparrotti, commander ISAF Joint Command, said here yesterday.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - March 15, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 15, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader and detained an additional suspected insurgent in the Baghlan-e Jadid district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province today, military officials reported.  More...

Military Flies Shooting Suspect Out of Afghanistan - March 14, 2012
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2012 - The military today airlifted out of Afghanistan the U.S. soldier accused of going on a shooting rampage targeting Afghan civilians earlier this week, a Pentagon spokesman said.  More...

Obama Promises Full Investigation of Afghanistan Shootings - March 13, 2012
WASHINGTON, March 13, 2012 - President Barack Obama today said the United States takes seriously the March 11 murder of Afghan civilians and promised Afghan leaders a full investigation into the incident.  More...

Combined Force Captures Haqqani Network Leader - March 13, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 13, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network leader during a March 11 operation in the Sabari district of Afghanistan's Khost province, military officials reported.  More...

Officials Believe Gunman Acted Alone, Press Secretary Says - March 12, 2012
WASHINGTON, March 12, 2012 - Officials believe a lone service member was involved in the shooting deaths of 16 civilians in Afghanistan's Kandahar province over the weekend, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today.  More...

Combined Force Captures 2 Haqqani Leaders - March 12, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 12, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured two Haqqani network leaders and five additional suspected insurgents during a March 10 operation in the Pul-e Alam district of Afghanistan's Logar province, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Several Taliban Leaders - March 9, 2012
WASHINGTON, March 9, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured several Taliban leaders during an operation in the Maidan Shahr district of Afghanistan's Wardak province today, military officials reported.  More...

Air Weapons Team Kills Several Insurgents - March 7, 2012
WASHINGTON, March 7, 2012 - A coalition air weapons team killed several insurgents in the Asadabad district of Afghanistan's Kunar province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Statement from Secretary Panetta on Housing Relief to Veterans and Service Members - March 6, 2012
I applaud the steps President Obama announced today to provide significant housing relief to thousands of service members and veterans who have faced wrongful foreclosure or been denied a lower interest rate on their mortgages.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Insurgents - March 6, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, March 6, 2012 - Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Taliban weapons supplier during an operation in the Aliabad district of Afghanistan's Kunduz province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - March 5, 2012
WASHINGTON, March 5, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader March 3 in the Chahar Darah district of Afghanistan's Kunduz province, military officials reported.  More...

Coalition, Afghans Work Together to Capture Insurgents - Feb. 27, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 27, 2012 - Coalition and Afghan forces have worked together throughout Afghanistan in recent days, capturing several insurgent leaders who led attacks against them and killing one in self defense, military officials said.  More...

Man in Afghan Army Uniform Shoots ISAF Members - Feb. 23, 2012
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2012 - A man wearing an Afghan army uniform turned his weapon against International Security Assistance Force service members in eastern Afghanistan today, killing two service members, military officials reported.  More...

Coalition, Afghans Capture Taliban Leaders in Helmand - Feb. 22, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 22, 2012 - Coalition and Afghan security forces captured three Taliban leaders and multiple other insurgents in Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

U.S., African Forces Mitigate Terror Group's Impact - Feb. 22, 2012
WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2012 - U.S. special operations forces are helping four Central African nations reduce the size and lethality of the Lord's Resistance Army, a group that has terrorized the region for 25 years, U.S. officials said today.  More...

Combined Force Captures 2 Taliban Leaders - Feb. 14, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 14, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured two Taliban leaders and a suspected insurgent during an operation in the Maidan Shar district of Afghanistan's Wardak province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - Feb. 13, 2012
WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader in the Maiwand district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Facilitator - Feb. 9, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 9, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator and detained another suspected insurgent in the Nawa district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Taliban Killing of Afghans Rose in 2011, General Says - Feb. 8, 2012
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2012 - The Taliban are responsible for the rising civilian death toll in Afghanistan, a top military commander in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force said here today.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leaders - Feb. 8, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 8, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured two Taliban leaders during an operation in the Lashkar Gah district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - Feb. 7, 2012
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Seizes Taliban Leader - Feb. 3, 2012
WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader and detained one additional suspected insurgent during an operation in the Nahr-E Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Commander - Feb. 2, 2012
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader and detained an additional suspected insurgent during an operation in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - Feb. 1, 2012
WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader today in the Kandahar district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - Jan. 31, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 31, 2012 - An Afghan-led and coalition-supported security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures al-Qaida Facilitator - Jan. 30, 2012
WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured an al-Qaida facilitator in the Gardez district of Afghanistan's Paktia province today, military officials reported.  More...

Statement by Secretary Panetta on Hostage Rescue Operation in Somalia - Jan. 24, 2012
Last night U.S. Special Operations Forces conducted, by order of the President of the United States, a successful mission in Somalia to rescue two individuals taken hostage on October 25, 2011. Ms. Jessica Buchanan, an American citizen employed by the Danish Demining Group, and her Danish colleague, Mr. Poul Thisted, were kidnapped at gunpoint by criminal suspects near Galcayo, Somalia.  More...

Combined Forces Kill 5 Insurgents, Detain 8 Suspects - Jan. 24, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 24, 2012 - Afghan and coalition forces killed five insurgents and detained eight suspects during operations in eastern Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Taliban Leader - Jan. 20, 2012
WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed a Taliban leader and two of his associates during an operation in the Achin district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Insurgents Use Vehicle Bomb to Attack Kandahar Airfield - Jan. 19, 2012
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2012 - Insurgents detonated a vehicle-borne bomb outside an entry control point at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - Jan. 18, 2012
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in the Panjwai district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Kabul Airport Shooting Probe Determines Gunman Acted Alone - Jan. 17, 2012
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2012 - The Air Force's investigation into an April 27 shooting incident that left eight U.S. airmen and a civilian contractor dead at the Afghan air force headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan, determined that the gunman acted alone.  More...

Airstrike Kills 2 Insurgents in Afghanistan - Jan. 17, 2012
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force called in an airstrike that killed two insurgents in the Manduzai district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.  More...

Coalition Force Captures Taliban Leader - Jan. 11, 2012
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2012 - An Afghan-led and coalition-supported force captured a Taliban facilitator in the Ghazni district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province today, military officials reported.  More...

Security Force Kills 7 Insurgents, Captures More than 30 - Jan. 10, 2012
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2012 - An Afghan-led and coalition-supported security force killed seven insurgents and captured more than 30 others during a search for a Taliban leader in the Charhar district of Afghanistan's Balkh province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Forces Capture Taliban Leaders in Afghanistan - Jan. 9, 2012
WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2012 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured two Taliban facilitators and detained a suspected insurgent in the Khugyani district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Forces Capture Insurgent Leaders - Jan. 6, 2012
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2012 - Combined Afghan and coalition security forces captured two insurgent leaders in Afghanistan today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Taliban Leader - Jan. 5, 2012
KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 5, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed a Taliban leader in the Mazar-e Sharif district of Afghanistan's Balkh province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Capture Insurgents, Weapons, Drugs - Jan. 3, 2012
WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2012 - Combined international and Afghan forces captured two Taliban leaders in Afghanistan today, military officials reported.  More...

Force Captures Taliban Leader in Helmand Province - Dec. 28, 2011
WASHINGTON, Dec. 28, 2011 - An Afghan-led and coalition-supported security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Facilitator - Dec. 27, 2011
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27, 2011 - An Afghan-led and coalition-supported security force captured a Taliban facilitator during an operation in the Pul-e 'Alam district of Afghanistan's Logar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Seizes Weapons Cache - Dec. 20, 2011
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a weapons cache during a patrol in the Deh Yak district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Taliban Leader - Dec. 16, 2011
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed Malawi Sahib, a Taliban leader, during an operation in the Baraki Barak district of Afghanistan's Logar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - Dec. 14, 2011
WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in the Kandahar district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Finds Hashish Cache in Afghanistan - Dec. 13, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 13, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force found a drug cache in the Maiwand district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Haqqani Leader - Dec. 12, 2011
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani terrorist network leader, detained several other suspected insurgents, and seized multiple firearms in the Ghazni district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Seizes, Destroys Drug Cache - Dec. 8, 2011
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force confiscated a drug cache containing about 10,000 pounds of hashish during a patrol in the Zurmat district of Afghanistan's Paktiya province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Facilitator - Dec. 7, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator and detained seven suspected insurgents during an operation in the Qalat district of Afghanistan's Zabul province today, military officials reported.  More...

Nation Remembers Pearl Harbor Dead, Salutes Attack Survivors - Dec. 6, 2011
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2011 - Pearl Harbor survivors represent the best of America and serve as role models for the current generation that responded to another deadly surprise attack, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said in a message issued today to Pearl Harbor veterans.  More...

Combined Forces Destroy Explosives-laden Building - Dec. 5, 2011
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents and destroyed an explosives-laden building during a search for a Taliban leader in the Wali Muhammad Shahid Khugyani district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province Dec. 3, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - Dec. 1, 2011
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in the Khugyani district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Troops Capture Haqqani Network Leader - Nov. 30, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 30, 2011 - A Haqqani network leader was captured by a combined Afghan and coalition security force in the Pul-e 'Alam district of Afghanistan's Logar province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Haqqani Network Leader - Nov. 29, 2011
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network leader during an operation in the Sabari district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - Nov. 28, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 28, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader and some suspected insurgents in the Marjah district of Afghanistan's Helmand province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Patrol Detains 2 Suspects, Seizes Weapons - Nov. 25, 2011
WASHINGTON, Nov. 25, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition patrol yesterday detained two suspected insurgents and seized a weapons cache in the Khost district of Afghanistan's Khost province, military officials reported.  More...

First Lady: Program Makes it Easy to Send Troops Holiday Thanks - Nov. 24, 2011
WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2011 - On this Thanksgiving holiday, Americans can take advantage of a new program that makes it easy to send online messages of support to troops and veterans everywhere, First Lady Michelle Obama said today.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - Nov. 23, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 23, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force today captured a Taliban leader and four associates in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province, military officials reported.  More...

MilConnect is New Online Portal for DOD Beneficiaries - Nov. 23, 2011
WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2011 - A range of information about Defense Department benefits information and eligibility is now available online, the director of the Defense Manpower Data Center said yesterday.  More...

Coalition, Afghans Seize Weapons, Capture Insurgents - Nov. 21, 2011
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2011 - Coalition and Afghan forces today seized weapons and drug caches in southern and eastern Afghanistan following two days of multiple engagements with insurgent fighters, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Several Insurgents - Nov. 18, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Nov. 18, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained multiple suspected insurgents during an operation in the Nawah-ye Barakzai district of Afghanistan's Helmand province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leaders - Nov. 15, 2011
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured two Taliban leaders and detained several suspected insurgents in the Musa Qalah district of Afghanistan's Helmand province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - Nov. 14, 2011
WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during a security operation in the Maiwand district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Secretary Calls on Nation to Honor Veterans - Nov. 10, 2011
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2011 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta today extended his thanks to troops and veterans in his 2011 Veterans Day message.  More...

U.S., Afghan Soldiers Partner in Eastern Afghanistan - Nov. 10, 2011
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2011 - American and Afghan soldiers met here recently at this eastern Afghanistan outpost to discuss battlefield support operations and training needs.  More...

Veterans Day Honors Service, Sacrifice - Nov. 9, 2011
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2011 - Until the 1960s, veterans groups used the red poppy as the symbol of Veterans Day. In Great Britain, it still is.  More...

Restaurants Offer Military Members, Vets Thank-You Meals - Nov. 8, 2011
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2011 - A variety of restaurants and fast-food chains are offering free or discounted meals to active-duty, reserve and retired military members and veterans in thanks for their service this Veterans Day.  More...

Forces Continue Offensive Against Insurgents - Nov. 7, 2011
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2011 - Coalition forces continued their offensive against the Haqqani network and other insurgents in Afghanistan, detaining numerous enemy fighters in recent days, military officials reported.  More...

Proactive Response to Recent Data Breach Announced - Nov. 4, 2011
The Department of Defense announced today that the TRICARE® Management Activity (TMA) has directed Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) to provide one year of credit monitoring and restoration services to patients who express concern about their credit as a result of a data breach that occurred in Texas and was reported to TMA on Sept. 14, 2011. Approximately 4.9 million patients treated at military hospitals and clinics during the last 20 years may have been affected by the breach. Potentially affected patients are being notified by letter.  More...

Combined Force Captures Haqqani Network Leader - Nov. 4, 2011
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network leader and detained suspected insurgent during an operation in the Zarghun Shahr district of Afghanistan's Paktika province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Forces Kill 3 Insurgents, Detain Another - Nov. 3, 2011
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Nov. 3, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed three insurgents, detained one suspect and seized two weapons caches during operations in eastern Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

New Phase Applies to Afghanistan Campaign Medal - Nov. 2, 2011
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2011 - An additional campaign phase has been approved for the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Pentagon officials announced yesterday.  More...

Combined Force Kills 2 Insurgents, Detains Suspect - Nov. 2, 2011
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2011 - An Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents and detained one suspect while searching for a Haqqani network leader in the Yahya Khel district of Afghanistan's Paktika province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Forces Kill 3 Insurgents, Detain 8 Suspects - Nov. 1, 2011
BAGRAM, Afghanistan, Nov. 1, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed three insurgents, detained eight people, and seized three weapons caches in operations across Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Forces Kill 10 Insurgents in Afghanistan - Oct. 31, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed 10 insurgents, detained one suspect and seized three weapons caches during operations across Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Report Cites Security Progress in Afghanistan - Oct. 28, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2011 - Coalition and Afghan forces made tremendous progress over the past three months in Afghanistan, according to the Report on Progress Toward Security and Stability in Afghanistan that was submitted to Congress today.  More...

Report Shows Afghanistan Plan is Working, Official Says - Oct. 28, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2011 - The Defense Department's latest report to Congress on Afghanistan details steady progress and shows the plan there is working, a senior defense official speaking on background told reporters here today.  More...

NATO Commander Cites Continued Progress in Afghanistan - Oct. 28, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2011 - After a three-day trip to Afghanistan, the top U.S. European Command and NATO military officer reported positive security trends and continued momentum in transitioning security responsibility to Afghan forces.  More...

Combined Forces Kill 11 Insurgents, Detain 15 Suspects - Oct. 28, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed 11 insurgents, detained 15 suspected individuals and seized a weapons cache during operations across eastern Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Insurgent, Detains Suspects - Oct. 27, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed an armed insurgent and detained several suspects during a search for a Taliban leader in the Zurmat district of Afghanistan's Paktia province yesterday, military officials reported.   More...

Insurgents Face Unrelenting Pressure in Afghanistan - Oct. 27, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2011 - Insurgents fighting against the Afghan government and people can end their violent ways and rejoin their communities or face unrelenting pressure, a senior International Security Assistance Force commander said today.  More...

Military Post Offices in Iraq to Close Nov. 17 - Oct. 26, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2011 - Because U.S. forces are coming home from Iraq by the end of the year, the U.S. Postal Service will stop accepting mail addressed to military post offices in Iraq starting Nov. 17, Defense Department officials said today.  More...

Combined Force Captures Haqqani Network Leader - Oct. 26, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network leader in the Sabari district of Afghanistan's Khost province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Insurgent Facilitator - Oct. 25, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a facilitator for the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan terrorist organization, along withtwo other suspected insurgents, in the Bangi district of Afghanistan's Takhar province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Official: Troops in Central Africa for Months, Not Years - Oct. 25, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2011 - About a hundred U.S. troops being deployed to Central Africa will be there for months -- not years -- and only until the national armies of the region are capable of dismantling the terrorist group known as the Lord's Resistance Army, a senior Pentagon official told Congress members today.  More...

U.S., Iraq Move Toward Normal Military Relations - Oct. 24, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2011 - U.S. and Iraqi officials are working toward the kind of standard military-to-military relations that the United States has with many other countries around the world, a Pentagon spokesman said today.  More...

Airstrike Destroys IED Facility in Afghanistan - Oct. 24, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2011 - Coalition forces called in an airstrike to destroy an insurgent compound in the Sangin district of Afghanistan's Helmand province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Obama: All U.S. Troops Out of Iraq by Year's End - Oct. 21, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2011 - All U.S. service members will leave Iraq by the end of the year, President Barack Obama announced today.  More...

Numerous Insurgents Killed in Afghanistan Airstrike - Oct. 21, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2011 - A precision airstrike killed numerous insurgents today during a combined Afghan and coalition operation in the Tarnek wa Jaldak district of Afghanistan's Zabul province, military officials reported.  More...

Obama: Gadhafi's Death Marks End of Painful Era for Libya - Oct. 20, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2011 - The death of Moammar Gadhafi marks the end of a long and painful era for the Libyan people, President Barack Obama said today.  More...

Officials Seek DOD-wide Tuition Assistance Plan - Oct. 20, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2011 - Pentagon officials are reviewing the Defense Department's tuition assistance policy, and no DOD-wide decision has been made to change benefits, officials said today.  More...

Combined Force Detains Multiple Insurgent Suspects - Oct. 20, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force today detained multiple suspected insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader in the Wali Muhammad Shahid Khugyani district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills, Detains Numerous Insurgents - Oct. 19, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed numerous insurgents and detained several suspects during a search for a Taliban facilitator in the Kajaki district of Afghanistan's Helmand province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Operations Target Insurgents, Weapons Drugs - Oct. 18, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces worked together in various recent operations to kill and capture insurgents, uncover their weapons stockpiles and seize drugs that generate funds for enemy fighters, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force in Helmand Kills Insurgents - Oct. 17, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents and detained several others during an operation in search of a Taliban facilitator yesterday in the Kajaki district of Afghanistan's Helmand province, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Detain Insurgents - Oct. 13, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 13, 2011 - A combined Afghan and International Security Assistance Force team detained multiple suspected insurgents during an operation in search of a Taliban leader in southern Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Campaign Wants 'Veteran' Put Back in Veterans Day - Oct. 13, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2011 - A new campaign is working to put the "veteran" back into Veterans Day and to rally public awareness of the sacrifices made by injured veterans and their caregivers.  More...

Force Captures Insurgent Leaders in Afghanistan - Oct. 12, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2011 - Combined Afghan and coalition forces captured insurgent leaders, detained suspected insurgents and seized weapons in numerous operations throughout Afghanistan in recent days, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Kill Insurgents in Eastern Afghanistan Firefight - Oct. 6, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 6, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed three insurgents in a firefight yesterday in eastern Afghanistan's Paktika province, military officials reported.  More...

Airstrike Kills Haqqani Leader, Associates - Oct. 5, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed a senior Haqqani terrorist network leader and two of his associates with a precision airstrike in the Musa Khel district of Afghanistan's Khost province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Kill, Capture Senior Taliban Fighters - Oct. 4, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 4, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed a Taliban leader in a firefight yesterday and captured another in a separate operation, military officials reported.  More...

Force Captures Senior Haqqani Leader in Afghanistan - Oct. 3, 2011
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured the Haqqani network's senior leader in Afghanistan during a security operation in the Jani Khel district of Afghanistan's Paktia province, military officials reported.  More...

Panetta: Awlaki Airstrike Shows U.S.-Yemeni Cooperation - Sept. 30, 201
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2011 - A U.S. airstrike that killed Yemeni-based terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki early this morning is a testament to the close cooperation between the United States and Yemen, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said today.  More...

New TRICARE Prime Enrollees Pay Adjusted Annual Fees - Sept. 30, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2011 - Military retirees enrolling in the TRICARE Prime health plan after Oct. 1 will begin paying slightly higher annual fees, Pentagon officials announced yesterday.  More...

Iraq Makes First Payment for 18 F-16 Fighters - Sept. 29, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2011 - The Iraqi government has transferred its first payment for 18 F-16C fighter aircraft, bringing Iraq closer to independently securing its airspace, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said yesterday.  More...

Combined Force Captures Two Taliban Leaders - Sept. 29, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured two Taliban leaders, detained several suspects and seized hundreds of pounds of heroin in the Ghorak district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Airstrike Kills Key Taliban Fighter in Afghanistan - Sept. 27, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 27, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces used a precision airstrike to kill a key Taliban leader in Afghanistan's Wardak province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Pressure Insurgents in Eastern Afghanistan - Sept. 26, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2011 - Insurgent networks have been severely disrupted over the past two months by Afghan and coalition forces' operations in the border areas of eastern Afghanistan, military officials said.  More...

Reality Show 'Joins Forces' With First Lady to Aid Veteran - Sept. 22, 2011
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C., Sept. 22, 2011 - A TV reality show recently joined forces with first lady Michelle Obama and hundreds of military and civilian volunteers here to transform the life of a Navy   More...

Combined Force Detains 7 Suspected Insurgents - Sept. 22, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained seven suspected insurgents during a search for an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan suicide bomber in the Imam Sahib district of Afghanistan's Kunduz province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Deadline Nears to Apply for Special 'Stop Loss' Pay - Sept. 21, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2011 - Only a month remains for eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay.  More...

Force Kills Taliban Leader, Detains Insurgents - Sept. 21, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 21, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed a Taliban leader and several insurgents, detained others and seized weapons throughout Afghanistan in recent days, military officials reported.  More...

McHugh Cites Major Improvements at Arlington National Cemetery - Sept. 20, 2011
Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh today released publicly a "Report to Congress," updating improvements made at Arlington National Cemetery more than a year after he ousted the cemetery's leadership and made sweeping changes in its structure and oversight.  More...

Education Officials Seek Feedback to Shape Way Ahead - Sept. 20, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2011 - Defense Department officials are inviting military and community members to share their thoughts on the quality and continuity of education in DOD schools and their suggestions for improvements.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Troops Detain Insurgents Across Afghanistan - Sept. 20, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 20, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces have captured numerous insurgent fighters throughout Afghanistan in recent days, and have killed several others in fire fights, military officials reported.  More...

Obama Proposes TRICARE Changes - Sept. 19, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2011 - Military retirees would pay an annual fee for TRICARE-for-Life health insurance and TRICARE pharmacy co-payments would be restructured under the deficit reduction plan President Barack Obama released today.  More...

Troops Kill, Detain Insurgents, Seize Cache - Sept. 19, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed one insurgent, detained one suspect and seized a weapons cache during separate operations across Regional Command East in Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Additional Budget Cuts Would Devastate Military, Spokesman Says - Sept. 15, 2011
ABOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT EN ROUTE TO SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 15, 2011 - Nearly $1 trillion in defense cuts that the 2011 Budget Control Act could require would devastate the military and the defense industrial base, and could add 1 percent to the nation's unemployment rate, the Pentagon press secretary said today.  More...

President Presents Medal of Honor to Marine - Sept. 15, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2011 - President Barack Obama today draped the pale blue ribbon suspending the Medal of Honor around the neck of Marine Corps Sgt. Dakota L. Meyer, the first living Marine to receive the award for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan.  More...

Combined Force Captures Suspects in Kabul Attacks - Sept. 15, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2011 A combined Afghan and coalition security force today captured a Taliban leader in Afghanistan's Paktiya province, military officials reported.  More...

Allen: Kabul Attack Shows Enemy Desperation - Sept. 14, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2011 - Warning of the likelihood of more high-profile attacks like yesterday's on the U.S. Embassy in Kabul as insurgents grow increasingly desperate, the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan declared the attack a military failure as he praised the Afghan security force's response to the raid.  More...

Combined Forces Conclude Response to Kabul Attack - Sept. 14, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 14, 2011 - Afghan National Security Forces, supported by coalition forces, successfully concluded an operation early today against a small group of insurgents who'd earlier attacked several locations in Kabul city, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Detain 3 Suspects, Find Cache - Sept. 12, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces detained three suspects and seized a weapons cache yesterday during operations in the Regional Command East region of Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

Operations Continue at Outpost After Attack - Sept. 11, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 11, 2011 - Two Afghan civilians were killed and scores of International Security Assistance Force service members and Afghan civilians were injured in a vehicle-bomb attack yesterday at Combat Outpost Sayed Abad in Afghanistan's Wardak province.  More...

President Marks 9/11 Anniversary in Weekly Address - Sept. 10, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2011 - President Barack Obama used his weekly address today to mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and pay tribute to the first responders, the nation's military members, and those who lost their lives Sept. 11, 2001.  More...

Report: Afghan Reporter's Death Was Accidental - Sept. 9, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2011 - The International Security Assistance Force has released the findings of a U.S. Army report of the investigation into the death of an Afghan reporter who was killed during an insurgent attack in Afghanistan's Uruzgan province, military officials said.  More...

Pentagon Observes 10th Anniversary of 9/11 - Sept. 9, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2011 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta asked others to renew their commitment to keeping the nation safe as the Pentagon held a ceremony to honor the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks here today.  More...

Combined Forces Detain Multiple Insurgents - Sept. 8, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents and wounded one yesterday while searching for a Taliban leader in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan.  More...

Combined Patrol Kills Insurgents, Seizes Weapons - Sept. 7, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2011 - An Afghan and coalition patrol killed two insurgents, detained numerous suspects and seized enemy weapons yesterday while searching for a Taliban leader in the Sayyidabad Abad district of Afghanistan's Wardak province, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Forces Kill, Detain Several Insurgents - Sept. 6, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 6, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed four insurgents, detained six suspects and seized a weapons cache yesterday during separate operations in Regional Command East in Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

Military Retiree Pay Dates to Change - Sept. 6, 2011
CLEVELAND, Sept. 6, 2011 - Paydays for military retirees and those who receive portions of retired pay are changing for the months of September and December, as the Defense Finance and Accounting Service changes its pay schedule to comply with the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act.   More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - Sept. 2, 2011
WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force yesterday detained a Taliban leader and an associate during an operation in the Marjah district of Afghanistan's Helmand province, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Haqqani Leader - Aug. 31, 2011
WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force yesterday detained a Haqqani network leader and two of his associates during an operation in the Musa Khel district of Afghanistan's Khost province, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Forces Kill, Detain Multiple Insurgents - Aug. 30, 2011
WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2011 - Afghan and coalition security forces yesterday killed and detained multiple insurgents during separate operations targeting a Haqqani terrorist network attack cell in eastern Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Taliban Insurgent - Aug. 29, 2011
WASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force yesterday killed a Taliban insurgent and detained another during an operation in the Kunduz district of Afghanistan's Kunduz province, military officials reported.  More...

TRICARE: People Should Be Prepared for Emergencies - Aug. 27, 2011
WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2011 - As Hurricane Irene bears down on the East Coast, a senior TRICARE official said the storm highlights the importance for people to practice emergency preparedness before such potential natural disasters occur.  More...

Dual-status Commanders to Support Irene Relief Efforts - Aug. 28, 2011
WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2011 - Defense Department officials today announced the appointment of four dual-status commanders in support of Hurricane Irene relief efforts, marking the first time the dual-commander concept has been implemented in support of a natural disaster.  More...

Combined Afghan, Coalition Force Kills Taliban Chief - Aug. 24, 2011
WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force yesterday killed a senior Taliban leader and a subordinate during a security operation in the Ghormach district of Afghanistan's Faryab province, military officials reported.  More...

'Doomsday Mechanism' Would Devastate Budget, Panetta Says - Aug. 23, 2011
MONTEREY, Calif., Aug. 23, 2011 - Citing the myriad threats facing the United States, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said today that one of the biggest challenges to U.S. national defense is the so-called "doomsday mechanism" that will trigger across-the-board budget cuts if Congress doesn't make the decisions necessary to avert it.  More...

Coalition Troops Provide Aid for Injured Afghans - Aug. 23, 2011
WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2011 - Coalition forces today administered first aid to injured Afghans and then transported them for further medical treatment following a Taliban attack that killed five civilians in the Nadir Shah district of Afghanistan's Khowst province, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force in Khost Province Kills Insurgents - Aug. 22, 2011
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents and detained a Haqqani terrorist network facilitator in the Nadir Shah district of Afghanistan's Khost province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Panetta Discusses Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan - Aug. 19, 2011
WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2011 - Even as deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan draw down, American service members will continue to deploy in the future, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said here today.  More...

Governance, Development Efforts Continue in Afghanistan - Aug. 18, 2011
WASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2011 - Corruption and insurgent violence remain serious issues, but Afghan community members and leaders are strengthening their local governments "from the bottom up," a senior Defense Department civilian serving in Afghanistan said today.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Pursue Insurgents - Aug. 15, 2011
WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces have been heavily engaged in Afghanistan's southeastern region in recent days, killing and detaining numerous insurgent fighters there, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Force Kills Insurgents - Aug. 12, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 12, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition force killed two insurgents and detained several more yesterday during a security operation targeting a Taliban facilitator and his suicide-attack network in the Baghlan-e Jadid district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province, military officials reported.  More...

Marine's Gallantry Earns Highest Military Honor - Aug. 13, 2011
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Aug. 13, 2011 - Removed from an ambushed platoon of Marines and soldiers in a remote Afghan village on Sept. 8, 2009, his reality viciously shaken by an onslaught of enemy fighters, Marine Corps Cpl. Dakota Meyer simply reacted as he knew best - tackling what he called "extraordinary circumstances" by "doing the right thing -- whatever it takes."  More...

DOD Identifies Service Members Killed In CH-47 Crash - Aug. 11, 2011
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of 30 servicemembers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Aug. 6 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when their CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Capture Insurgents - Aug. 11, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 11, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces detained multiple insurgent fighters in security operations throughout Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Prevent Mosque Attack - Aug. 10, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 10, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces yesterday prevented a planned enemy explosion of a mosque in southern Afghanistan and killed a Taliban leader who led insurgent operations in the north, military officials reported.  More...

Officials Plan to Release Chinook Casualties' Names - Aug. 10, 2011
WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2011 - The Defense Department will officially identify the 30 American servicemen killed Aug. 6 aboard a Chinook helicopter in Afghanistan, a Pentagon spokesman said today.  More...

ISAF Airstrike Kills Insurgents Who Caused Helicopter Crash - Aug. 10, 2011
WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2011 - Coalition forces used a precision airstrike to kill Taliban insurgents involved in the Aug. 6 downing of the helicopter carrying 30 U.S. service members and eight Afghans, the commander of U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan said today.  More...

Combined Force Kills Insurgent, Detains Suspects - Aug. 9, 2011
WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed an insurgent and detained two suspects yesterday while searching for a Taliban leader in the Dowlatabad district of Afghanistan's Faryab province, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force in Kandahar Kills Insurgents, Detains Suspects - Aug. 8, 2011
WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2011 - A combined Afghan and International Security Assistance Force patrol killed several insurgents and detained numerous others in the Mya Neshin district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Statement from the Secretary of Defense - Aug. 6, 2011
I am deeply saddened by the loss of many outstanding Americans in uniform and of their Afghan counterparts earlier today in Afghanistan.  More...

Leaders Offer Condolences in Wake of Helicopter Crash - Aug. 6, 2011
WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2011 - Senior U.S. leaders today extended condolences to the families of American and Afghan forces lost in an International Security Assistance Force helicopter crash in eastern Afghanistan.  More...

Combined Force Kills Taliban Leader - Aug. 5, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 5, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition force yesterday killed a Taliban leader and one suspected insurgent during a security operation in the Baraki Barak district of Logar province, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Force Detains Haqqani Leader - Aug. 4, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 4, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained a Haqqani network leader yesterday during a security operation in the Sperah district of Afghanistan's Khost province, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Force Kills 2 Insurgents - Aug. 3, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 3, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents during a search for an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan facilitator in the Khanabad district of Afghanistan's Kunduz province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Detain Suspected Insurgents - Aug. 1, 2011
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents during an operation in the Washer district of Afghanistan's Helmand province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Insurgents, Seizes Weapons - Aug. 2, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 2, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained multiple suspected insurgents while searching for Haqqani terrorist network leader in the Mata Khan district of Afghanistan's Paktika province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan-led Force Kills Insurgents, Frees Captive Family - July 29, 2011
WASHINGTON, July 29, 2011 - An Afghan-led security force killed several insurgents and freed a local family that had been taken hostage during an operation in the Dilah wa Khoshamand district of Afghanistan's Paktika province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

ISAF Condemns Insurgent Attacks in Afghanistan - July 28, 2011
WASHINGTON, July 28, 2011 - The International Security Assistance Force joined Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai and the country's Ministry of Interior in condemning today's insurgent attacks in the Tarin Kot district of Afghanistan's Uruzgan province that, according to initial reports, killed and wounded more than 50 people.  More...

Afghan-led Force Kills Taliban Insurgents - July 26, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, July 26, 2011 - An Afghan-led security force killed two Taliban insurgents today during a search for a roadside bomb expert operating in the Qush Tepah district of Afghanistan's Jowzjan province, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan-led Force Kills Insurgents, Detains Suspect - July 21, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, July 21, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents and detained a suspected insurgent while searching for a Taliban leader in the Alisheng district of Afghanistan's Laghman province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan-led Patrol Kills Haqqani Insurgents - July 20, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, July 20, 2011 - An Afghan-led security patrol killed numerous Haqqani network insurgents and detained two suspects while conducting a clearance operation in the Bermal district of Afghanistan's Paktika province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Security Force Detains Taliban Leader - July 19, 2011
WASHINGTON, July 19, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader and killed several armed insurgents in the Zharay district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan-led Force Finds Enemy Mortars in Kandahar - July 18, 2011
WASHINGTON, July 18, 2011 - An Afghan-led combined security force in the Kandahar district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today found and destroyed a cache of 103 mortar rounds, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Detains Suspects, Seizes Bomb Materials - July 15, 2011
WASHINGTON, July 15, 2011 - An Afghan-led combined security force detained several suspected insurgents and confiscated roadside bomb materials while searching for a Taliban facilitator in the Khugyani district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Security Force Kills Several Insurgents - July 14, 2011
WASHINGTON, July 14, 2011 - An Afghan-led combined security force killed six Haqqani network fighters including one armed adult female insurgent during an operation in the Khost district of Afghanistan's Khost province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

ISAF Needs to Maintain Momentum in Afghanistan, General Says - July 13, 2011
WASHINGTON, July 13, 2011 - NATO's International Security Assistance Force has a "realistic chance" to meet its goals in Afghanistan if member nations maintain current efforts there, an ISAF leader said today.  More...

Afghan-led Security Force Detains Insurgents - July 13, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, July 13, 2011 - An Afghan-led combined security force detained a Haqqani network leader and one suspected insurgent in the Terayzai district of Afghanistan's Khost province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Security Force, Air Assault Team Kill Insurgents - July 12, 2011
WASHINGTON, July 12, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed numerous insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader in the Azrah district of Afghanistan's Logar province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Patrol Kills Insurgents, Seizes Weapons - July 11, 2011
WASHINGTON, July 11, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition patrol killed several insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader during an operation in the Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Coalition Patrol Destroys Weapons Cache - July 8, 2011
WASHINGTON, July 8, 2011 - Coalition forces found and destroyed a large weapons cache during a search in the Muhammad Aghah district of Afghanistan's Logar province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Kills Insurgents, Seizes Weapons - July 7, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, July 7, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents, detained several suspected insurgents and destroyed a large weapons cache in the Sayyidabad district of Afghanistan's Wardak province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Detain Haqqani Leader in Eastern Afghanistan - July 6, 2011
WASHINGTON, July 6, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained a Haqqani network leader during an overnight operation in eastern Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Security Forces Kill, Detain Several Insurgents - July 5, 2011
WASHINGTON, July 5, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents and detained several others during an overnight security operation yesterday targeting an insurgent leader responsible for directing attacks against Afghan forces in the Sherzad district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Security Force Kills Several Insurgents - July 1, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, July 1, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents and detained one suspect yesterday during an operation in the Charkh district of Afghanistan's Logar province, military officials reported.  More...

Officials Continue Arlington Cemetery Investigation - June 30, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2011 - The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command will continue its inquiry into any potential crimes or other improprieties committed at Arlington National Cemetery, a spokesman for CID announced yesterday.  More...

Haqqani Network Leader Dies in Airstrike - June 30, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2011 - The International Security Assistance Force today confirmed the death of a Haqqani network leader who's linked to the June 28 suicide-bomb attack on the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul, Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

DOD Announces Iraq, Afghanistan Campaign Stars - June 30, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2011 - Bronze campaign stars are now authorized for service members who have served in Iraq since Sept. 1, 2010, or in Afghanistan since Dec. 1, 2009, Defense Department officials announced today.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - June 27, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 27, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during an overnight security operation in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Insurgents - June 24, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 24, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents and detained several suspects yesterday while searching for a Taliban leader in the Sar-e Pul district of Sar-e Pul province, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan Drawdown Not Precipitous, Obama Tells Soldiers - June 23, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 23, 2011 - President Barack Obama assured 10th Mountain Division soldiers today that the drawdown in Afghanistan is not precipitous, and that gains made there will be sustained.  More...

Obama Announces Troop Reductions, Way Forward in Afghanistan - June 22, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 22, 2011 - Thanks to the tremendous progress U.S., coalition and Afghan troops have made, the United States will draw down the number of troops in Afghanistan by 10,000 this year and 33,000 by the end of summer 2012, President Barack Obama said here tonight.  More...

Force Kills Insurgents, Captures Taliban Leaders - June 22, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 22, 2011 - An Afghan-led combined security force killed two armed insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader in Afghanistan's Laghman province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Force Kills Terrorists - June 21, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 21, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents, including a senior Haqqani leader, during a nighttime security operation in the Zurmat district of Paktiya province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Security Force Captures Taliban Suspects - June 17, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 17, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained numerous suspected Taliban insurgents during an overnight security operation in the Sabari district of Afghanistan's Khost province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Force Kills, Captures Insurgents - June 16, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 16, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed two armed insurgents and detained several suspects during a nighttime security operation in the Mota Khan district of Afghanistan's Paktika province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Commander Outlines Situation in Southwest Afghanistan - June 16, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 16, 2011 - Key areas in Afghanistan's Helmand and Nimroz provinces are likely candidates for the second or third rounds of transition to Afghan security, the U.S. commander there said today.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader - June 15, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 15, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader and one of his associates during an intelligence-driven operation in the Spin Boldak district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Security Forces Kill, Capture Insurgents - June 14, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 14, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed numerous insurgents and detained five others after they were attacked in Paktika province's Omnah district yesterday.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader in Paktika - June 13, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 13, 2011 - An Afghan-led combined force captured a Taliban leader and more than 10 suspected insurgents during an intelligence-driven operation yesterday in the Sarobi district of Afghanistan's Paktika province.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Force Captures Haqqani Insurgents - June 10, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 10, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition force yesterday captured a Haqqani network leader, a Haqqani facilitator and several of their associates during a security operation in the Orgun district of Paktika province in Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Nab Insurgent, Find Weapons - June 7, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 7, 2011 - Afghan and coalition troops yesterday found a weapons cache and detained one suspect during a security operation conducted in the Charkh district of Logar province, military officials reported.  More...

General Details Afghanistan Campaign Plan - June 6, 2011
CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan, June 6, 2011 - The population centers of Afghanistan's Helmand and Kandahar provinces and Spin Bolduk on the Pakistan border constitute key areas in the fight against the Taliban this year, the commander of International Security Assistance Force Joint Command said here today.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Troops Nab Insurgent Leaders - June 6, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 6, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force yesterday captured a Haqqani network leader, a Haqqani facilitator and several of their associates during an overnight clearing operation in the Bermal district of Afghanistan's Paktika province, military officials reported.  More...

Force Kills Two Insurgents, Detains Others - June 3, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 3, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents and detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader in the Baghlan-e Jadid district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures al-Qaida Operative - June 2, 2011
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 2, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured an al-Qaida facilitator and two associates in the Nahr-e Shahi district of Afghanistan's Balkh province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Wounded Soldier to Receive Medal of Honor - June 1, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 1, 2011 - An Army Ranger who lost his right hand and suffered shrapnel wounds after throwing an armed grenade away from his fellow soldiers will be the second living Medal of Honor recipient from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.  More...

Afghan-led Forces Nab Insurgent Facilitator - June 1, 2011
WASHINGTON, June 1, 2011 - An Afghan-led combined security force captured an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan facilitator along with several of his associates yesterday evening during a security operation in the Mazar-e Sharif district of Afghanistan's Balkh province, military officials reported.  More...

Force Repels Attack on Reconstruction Team in Herat - May 31, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 31, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces repelled an attack on the provincial reconstruction team headquarters in the Herat district of Afghanistan's Herat province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Obama Taps Dempsey, Winnefeld as Chairman, Vice Chairman - May 30, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 30, 2011 - President Barack Obama announced his choices as chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during a Rose Garden ceremony today.  More...

Combined Force Captures Haqqani Leader in Afghanistan - May 27, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 27, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani terrorist network leader and several of his associates in the Gardez district of Afghanistan's Paktia province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Kill Senior Taliban Leader in Baghlan Province - May 26, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 26, 2011 - An Afghan and coalition force killed Qari Musa, a senior Taliban leader, during a precision airstrike in the Talah wa Barfak district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province, military officials reported today.  More...

Program Offers Free Museum Visits - May 24, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 24, 2011 - Service members and their families can visit a wide array of museums free of charge from Memorial Day through Labor Day, courtesy of the second-annual Blue Star Museums program.  More...

Officials Confirm Capture of Taliban Leader - May 24, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 24, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces today confirmed the capture of the suspected senior Taliban leader for Afghanistan's Helmand province and his predecessor during a May 14 operation in the province's Babaji district.  More...

Combined Force Kills Insurgents in Wardak - May 23, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 23, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents, including a Taliban leader, and detained another suspected insurgent in the Sayed Abad district of Afghanistan's Wardak province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Strong Military is Key to Long-term U.S. Success, Gates Says - May 22, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 22, 2011 - The ultimate guarantee against success of aggressors, dictators and terrorists in the 21st century is the size, strength and global reach of the United States military, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today.  More...

Infantry Soldiers Hold Border Hilltop During Overnight Attack - May 20, 2011
GAYAN DISTRICT, Afghanistan, May 20, 2011 - This week, members of 'Dog' Company maintained their hold on a key hilltop located just meters from the Afghanistan-Pakistan border by winning a 14-hour firefight with insurgents.  More...

Forces Kill 60 Enemy Fighters in 3-day Operation - May 19, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 19, 2011 - Combined forces wrapped up a three-day operation in the Qiasar district of Afghanistan's Faryab province yesterday, killing more than 60 insurgents, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Force Captures Taliban Suspect - May 17, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 17, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition force captured a Taliban roadside bomb facilitator, along with several other suspected insurgents, in the Panjwai district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Gates: 'Perfect Fusion' Made bin Laden Raid Succeed - May 16, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 16, 2011 - The May 1 raid that killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden was "a perfect fusion of intelligence collection, intelligence analysis and military operations," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said in an interview aired last night on the CBS program "60 Minutes."  More...

Troops Seeking Taliban Leader Kill Insurgent - May 16, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 16, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition force killed an insurgent in the Sayed Abad district of Afghanistan's Wardak province yesterday while searching for a Taliban leader, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Detain Insurgents in Kandahar City - May 11, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 11, 2011 - Combined forces yesterday captured several suspected insurgents during an operation conducted in the Kandahar City district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province, military officials reported.  More...

Coalition, Afghans Get Inputs Right in Taliban Fight - May 10, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 10, 2011 - Despite their propaganda, the Taliban have not launched a spring offensive in eastern Afghanistan, the commander of International Security Assistance Force's Regional Command East said today.  More...

Forces Kill Insurgents in Jowzjan Province - May 10, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 10, 2011 - Combined forces killed several Taliban fighters in a gun battle yesterday in the Qush Tepah district of Afghanistan's Jowzjan province, military officials reported.  More...

Bin Laden Raid Will Help Defeat al-Qaida, Obama Says - May 9, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 9, 2011 - The death of Osama bin Laden and the unprecedented collection of intelligence material from the raid that killed the terrorist leader will help the United States deal a serious blow to al-Qaida, President Barack Obama said in a "60 Minutes" interview broadcast on CBS last night.  More...

Forces Disrupt Taliban Operations in Zabul Province - May 9, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 9, 2011 - Combined forces disrupted a Taliban meeting, killing numerous enemy fighters and detaining several others yesterday in the Qalat district of Afghanistan's Zabul province, military officials reported.  More...

Released Videos Show bin Laden Still Played Active Role in al-Qaida - May 7, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 7, 2011 - Five video clips released to reporters today at the Pentagon show that Osama bin Laden was still an "active player" in al-Qaida operations, a senior intelligence official said.  More...

Forces Disrupt Terrorists in Nangarhar Province - May 6, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2011 - Combined forces yesterday captured a Taliban leader and three of his associates during an operation in the Bati Kot district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province.  More...

Bin Laden's Death May Impact Afghanistan, Gates Says - May 6, 2011
SEYMOUR-JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C., May 6, 2011 - The killing of Osama bin Laden "could be a game changer" that affects the situation in Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.  More...

Forces Disrupt Terrorist Operations in Nuristan Province - May 5, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 5, 2011 - Combined forces have completed a three-day operation to counter a recent spike in violence along the Pakistan border in Afghanistan's Nuristan province.  More...

Forces Kill Insurgents in Paktia Province - May 4, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 4, 2011 - Combined forces killed numerous armed insurgents and wounded another in a gun battle yesterday in the Zurmat district of Afghanistan's Paktia province, military officials reported.  More...

Report Outlines Progress in Afghanistan - May 3, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 3, 2011 - Last year's surge of U.S. and coalition forces into Afghanistan, with the simultaneous growth of Afghan forces, is leading to tangible progress for peace and prosperity in Afghanistan, according to a biannual Defense Department report released last week.  More...

Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents in Baghlan Province - May 3, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 3, 2011 - Combined forces killed several Taliban fighters and detained numerous other suspected insurgents in an operation yesterday in the Dahanah-ye Ghori district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province, military officials reported.  More...

Survivors Call bin Laden's Death 'Bittersweet' - May 3, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 3, 2011 - When Wendy Duffman first heard that Osama bin Laden, al-Qaida's leader and the mastermind behind 9/11, was dead, she felt a sense of elation, then relief.  More...

Intelligence, Secrecy Drove bin Laden Operation - May 2, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 2, 2011 - In the early morning hours of darkness yesterday, about 35 miles northeast of Islamabad, Pakistan, dozens of U.S. special operations members and CIA agents readied themselves aboard military helicopters for the operation of a lifetime.  More...

Official: Bin Laden's Death is 'Defining Moment' - May 2, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 2, 2011 - A senior national security official today provided insight into the decision process leading to the raid by U.S. special operations forces that killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan yesterday.  More...

Forces Kill Insurgents in Baghlan Province - May 2, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 2, 2011 - A combined force killed numerous armed fighters in a gun battle yesterday in the Doshi district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province, military officials reported.  More...

Bin Laden Buried at Sea, Official Says - May 2, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 2, 2011 - Osama bin Laden received a Muslim ceremony as he was buried at sea, a senior defense official said here today.  More...

Intelligence, Operations Team Up for bin Laden Kill - May 2, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 2, 2011 - The plan to attack the compound of 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden was the result of relentless intelligence work and operational professionalism, White House officials, speaking on background, said this morning.  More...

Obama Declares 'Justice Has Been Done' - May 2, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 2, 2011 - "Justice has been done," said President Barack Obama in announcing the death of Osama bin Laden in a U.S. military operation in Pakistan.  More...

U.S. Kills bin Laden in Intelligence-driven Operation - May 2, 2011
WASHINGTON, May 2, 2011 - An intelligence-driven U.S. operation in Pakistan killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden yesterday, President Barack Obama announced in a nationally televised address from the White House late last night.  More...

Forces Detain Taliban Leader in Kandahar Province - April 29, 2011
WASHINGTON, April 29, 2011 - Combined forces yesterday detained several suspected insurgents, including a Taliban leader, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

Report: Coalition, Afghans Making 'Tangible Progress' - April 29, 2011
WASHINGTON, April 29, 2011 - The coalition and its Afghan partners have made "tangible progress" in Afghanistan over the past six months in not only arresting enemy momentum, but also reversing it in many key areas, a senior defense official said here today.  More...

Army Engineers Help to Rebuild Afghanistan - April 29, 2011
WASHINGTON, April 29, 2011 - When the task to help rebuild and reconstruct Afghanistan was established, Army Col. Thomas H. Magness IV, the commander of Afghanistan Engineer District-North, initially had concerns about how much could be accomplished.  More...

Forces Kill 2 Insurgents in Ghazni Province - April 28, 2011
WASHINGTON, April 28, 2011 - Combined forces killed two armed insurgents in a gun battle and detained several other suspected insurgents yesterday in the Ab Band district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Capture Terror Group's Top Leader - April 22, 2011
WASHINGTON, April 22, 2011 - Combined forces captured the top Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan terrorist group leader in Afghanistan April 20 in the Khanabad district of Afghanistan's Kunduz province, military officials reported today.  More...

Commander in Eastern Afghanistan Notes Progress - April 21, 2011
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, April 21, 2011 - Coalition forces eventually will have to say they've done all they can in Afghanistan, but "we're not there yet," the commander of Regional Command East said here April 19.  More...

Forces in Afghanistan Detain Numerous Insurgents - April 21, 2011
WASHINGTON, April 21, 2011 - Combined forces yesterday captured a Taliban leader and numerous other suspected insurgents in the Panjwai district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province, military officials reported.  More...

NATO, Afghan Forces Make 'Huge' Gains in North - April 21, 2011
WASHINGTON, April 21, 2011 - Coalition efforts in northern Afghanistan have become more relevant over the past year with the addition of new capabilities from U.S. forces, the top commander for the NATO International Security Assistance Force element in the region said today.  More...

Forces Detain Suspected Insurgents in Afghanistan - April 20, 2011
WASHINGTON, April 20, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents yesterday in the Sayyidabad district of Afghanistan's Wardak province, officials said.  More...

Forces Capture Insurgents, Weapons in Afghanistan - April 15, 2011
WASHINGTON, April 15, 2011 - Combined forces yesterday captured a Taliban leader and found a weapons stockpile during operations in southern and eastern Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

U.S., Afghan Forces Hold Former Insurgent Havens - April 14, 2011
WASHINGTON, April 14, 2011 - Key areas of Afghanistan's Kandahar province in recent months have become free of insurgent control for the first time, a U.S. commander there said today.  More...

Combined Force in Jowzjan Kills, Captures Insurgents - April 14, 2011
WASHINGTON, April 14, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition force acting on intelligence information and tips killed several insurgents, including the Taliban's central appointed leader for Afghanistan's Jowzjan province, and detained several other suspected insurgents in the province's Darzab district yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Forces Capture Taliban Facilitator - April 11, 2011
WASHINGTON, April 11, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition force captured a Taliban facilitator yesterday during a security operation in Kandahar province's Zharay district, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Detain Numerous Insurgents in Afghanistan - April 8, 2011
WASHINGTON, April 8, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces today detained numerous suspected insurgents during a security operation targeting a Haqqani Network facilitator in the Sayyid Karam district of Paktiya province, military officials reported.  More...

Security Improves in Afghanistan's Paktika Province - April 8, 2011
WASHINGTON, April 8, 2011 - Seven months after his soldiers became the last combat brigade to deploy to Afghanistan as part of the troop surge, Army Col. Sean M. Jenkins reported promising signs of progress in remote but strategically important Paktika province.  More...

Austin Notes Progress Over Eight Years in Iraq - April 7, 2011
BAGHDAD, April 7, 2011 - With the last U.S. forces remaining in Iraq scheduled to depart by year's end, Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III reflected today on the steps forward he's seen in three tours of duty here.  More...

Forces Conclude Operations Near Pakistan Border - April 7, 2011
WASHINGTON, April 7, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces concluded operations in the Marawara district of Kunar province today after clearing out insurgent fighters near the villages of Sarowbay, Barawarlow Kalay, Shirugay, Kowtgay and the surrounding area, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Kill Several Taliban Insurgents - April 5, 2011
WASHINGTON, April 5, 2011 - An Afghan and coalition force killed several Taliban insurgents and detained several suspected insurgents yesterday in the Sayad district of Afghanistan's Sar-e Pul province, military officials reported.  More...

Raid Nets Taliban Leader in Kandahar Province - April 4, 2011
WASHINGTON, April 4, 2011 - A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during a raid yesterday in the Zharay district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents in Kunduz Province - April 1, 2011
WASHINGTON, April 1, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed two armed insurgents and detained at least 10 others yesterday during clearing operations in the Imam Sahib district of Afghanistan's Kunduz province.  More...

Militant Driver Injures Troops in Afghanistan - March 31, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 31, 2011 - At least three International National Security Assistance Force troops were injured today when their foot patrol was hit by a car in the Kandahar district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Detain Insurgents in Afghanistan - March 30, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 30, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents yesterday in the Mohammad Aghah district of Afghanistan's Logar province, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Repel Ambush, Kill Insurgents - March 29, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 29, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed numerous insurgents yesterday in the Sar Kani district of Afghanistan's Kunar province after a combined patrol suddenly came under attack, military officials reported.  More...

Libyan Regime Forces Feel Effects of Coalition Attacks - March 28, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 28, 2011 - Moammar Gadhafi's forces are feeling the effects of the coalition attacking command and control centers and logistics hubs, as evidenced by the progress the Libyan opposition has made, the director of the Joint Staff said during a Pentagon briefing today.  More...

Forces Kill Insurgents in Afghanistan Airstrike - March 28, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 28, 2011 - A coalition airstrike killed more than 10 insurgents in the Bermal district of Afghanistan's Paktika province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Accomplish No-fly Zone Mission, Gates Says - March 27, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 27, 2011 - U.S. and coalition forces have accomplished the no-fly zone aspect of the United Nations mission in Libya, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during a television interview aired today.
  More...

Forces Kill Insurgents, Detain Taliban Leader - March 25, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 25, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed two armed militants and detained numerous suspected insurgents, including a Taliban leader, today in the Daman district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province, military officials reported.  More...

Partnered Force Kills Haqqani Terrorist - March 24, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 24, 2011 - A partnered Afghan and coalition security force acting on intelligence information killed a Haqqani terrorist network facilitator and captured another in the Sabari district of Afghanistan's Khost province today, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Detain Insurgents in Afghanistan Operations - March 23, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 23, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents, including Taliban leaders and Haqqani network terrorists, in operations today throughout Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

Pentagon Tallies Coalition Actions in Libya - March 23, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 23, 2011 - By the fifth day of coalition task force operations supporting a no-fly zone in Libya and protecting Libyan civilians, the 13-nation alliance had flown more than 300 sorties in the North African country, Pentagon officials said yesterday.  More...

Forces Detain Insurgents in Afghanistan Operations - March 22, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 22, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces detained at least 15 suspected insurgents, including several Taliban leaders and foreign fighters, in operations yesterday throughout Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Kill Insurgent in Baghlan Province - March 21, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 21, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces today killed an insurgent and detained several others in the Burkah district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province, military officials reported.  More...

Coalition Takes Aim at Libyan Air Defenses - March 19, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 19, 2011 - Coalition members fired 110 Tomahawk cruise missiles at Libya's integrated air and missile defense system today as a precursor to setting up a no-fly zone over the country, Pentagon officials said.  More...

Coalition Launches 'Odyssey Dawn' to Implement No-fly Zone - March 19, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 19, 2011 - Coalition forces launched "Operation Odyssey Dawn" today to enforce U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973 to protect the Libyan people from the country's ruler.  More...

Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents in Afghanistan - March 18, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 18, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed two insurgents yesterday in the Reg-e Khan district of Afghanistan's Helmand province, military officials reported.
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ISAF Troops Kill Insurgents in Helmand - March 17, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2011 - International Security Assistance Force troops killed more than 30 insurgents in an ongoing offensive operation in the Reg-e Khan Neshin district of Afghanistan's Helmand province during the past two days, military officials reported.
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Forces Arrest Haqqani Terrorists in Afghanistan - March 16, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 16, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces captured two Haqqani network terrorists and detained several other suspected insurgents yesterday in the Sabari district of Afghanistan's Khost province, military officials reported.  More...

Coalition, Afghan Troops Have Retaken Advantage - March 15, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 15, 2011 - Coalition and Afghan troops have retaken the advantage, once thought lost, from the Taliban in Afghanistan, the Defense Department's top policy official said today.  More...

Coalition Has Momentum in Afghanistan, Petraeus Says - March 15, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 15, 2011 - The Taliban's momentum has been reversed in most areas of Afghanistan, but the progress achieved there is fragile and reversible, the commander of NATO and U.S. forces said here today.  More...

Forces in Afghanistan Capture Haqqani Terrorist - March 15, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 15, 2011 - Acting on intelligence reports, Afghan and coalition forces captured a Haqqani terrorist network facilitator and detained two other suspected insurgents in the Khost district of Afghanistan's Khost province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Kill, Capture Insurgents in Afghanistan - March 14, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed several insurgents today in a shootout in the Darah-ye Pech district of Afghanistan's Kunar province.
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Service Members Assist Japanese Quake Victims - March 14, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2011 - Japan's earthquake and tsunami are tragedies on an epic scale, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today, and the U.S. military will do all it can to help.
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U.S. Forces Provide Relief Aid to Japan - March 13, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 13, 2011 - U.S. military forces are working alongside their Japanese counterparts to provide aid as the country digs out in the aftermath of the massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that struck March 11.  More...

Arlington Burial Planned for Last 'Doughboy' - March 11, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 11, 2011 - America will pay its respects to its last World War I veteran March 15, as former Army Cpl. Frank Buckles is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.  More...

Airstrike in Afghanistan Kills Terrorist Leaders - March 11, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 11, 2011 - International Security Assistance Forces conducted a precision airstrike yesterday targeting two Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan terrorist organization leaders in the Dara Soof Payan district of Afghanistan's Samangan province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

DOD Readies for Potential Japan Earthquake Aid - March 11, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 11, 2011 - Though the Japanese government has not yet requested help in dealing with the magnitude 8.9 earthquake that hit early this morning near the coast of Honshu, U.S. forces are being readied in case such a request comes, a Defense Department spokeswoman said here today.  More...

Forces Kill Insurgents, Capture Terrorists in Afghanistan - March 10, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 10, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed eight enemy fighters and detained several others yesterday in operations throughout Afghanistan, military officials reported.
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Troops Expand Security in Eastern Afghanistan - March 10, 2011
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, March 10, 2011 - Regional Command East forces are focused on expanding security around the Afghan capital of Kabul and providing a layered defense along Afghanistan's border with Pakistan, their commander said here this week.  More...

Forces Kill Insurgents, Capture Terrorist in Afghanistan - March 9, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 9, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed two enemy fighters and detained several others, including a Haqqani network terrorist leader, in the Sabari district of Afghanistan's Khost province yesterday.  More...

Forces Kill Enemy Fighters in Afghanistan - March 8, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 8, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed several enemy fighters and detained several other suspected insurgents in operations yesterday throughout Afghanistan, military officials reported.
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Forces Detain Terrorist Leaders in Afghanistan - March 7, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 7, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces captured several suspected insurgents, including two Haqqani terrorist network leaders and a Taliban weapons trafficker, yesterday in Afghanistan, military officials reported.
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USS Bulkeley Crew Frees Ship Seized by Pirates - March 7, 2011
MANAMA, Bahrain, March 7, 2011 - A request for assistance from a Japanese-owned merchant vessel in the Somali Basin led to the crew of the Combined Maritime Forces warship USS Bulkeley securing the release of the vessel and its 24 crew members from four suspected pirates yesterday.
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Forces Kill Haqqani Terrorist in Afghanistan - March 4, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 4, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed four armed insurgents, including a Haqqani terrorist network leader, in Afghanistan's Khost province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Airstrike Kills Insurgents in Afghanistan - March 3, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 3, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces employed an airstrike that killed several insurgents in Afghanistan's Helmand province yesterday.  More...

Frankfurt Attack Draws White House, Pentagon Reactions - March 2, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 2, 2011 - President Barack Obama pledged that the United States will work with German authorities to get to the bottom of a shooting outside Frankfurt International Airport in Germany today that claimed the lives of two U.S. airmen and wounded two others.
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Enemy's Nightmare Coming True in Afghanistan, Mattis Says - March 1, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 1, 2011 - As U.S. military forces move toward withdrawal from Iraq and transition in Afghanistan, mission requirements remain numerous and strategically vital, the head of U.S. Central Command said today.
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Forces Detain Militants, Find Weapons in Afghanistan - March 1, 2011
WASHINGTON, March 1, 2011 - Afghan and coalition troops detained six suspected insurgents and found several weapons stockpiles yesterday in Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

Troops Re-Positioned to Provide Options on Libya - Feb. 28, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2011 - The United States military "is in the planning and preparing mode" on Libya, and will be able to provide the full range of options for national leaders, Pentagon spokesman Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan said here today.
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Last American WWI Veteran Dies - Feb. 28, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2011 - Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last surviving American World War I veteran, died yesterday at his West Virginia home. He was 110.  More...

Forces Detain Militants, Find Weapons in Afghanistan - Feb. 28, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2011 - Afghan and coalition troops detained three insurgents, including a Taliban weapons trafficker, yesterday in Afghanistan, military officials reported.
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U.S., Kuwait Mark Gulf War 20th Anniversary - Feb. 25, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2011 - This week marks 20 years since the United States, as part of a 34-nation coalition, drove Saddam Hussein's Iraqi army out of Kuwait, returning that nation to sovereignty and reshaping the U.S. military to the force it is today.
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Coalition Forces Detain Militants, Find Weapons - Feb. 24, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2011 - Afghan and coalition troops captured several insurgents, including a Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin terrorist leader, yesterday in Afghanistan, military officials reported.
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Coalition Forces Detain Militants, Find Weapons in Afghanistan - Feb. 23, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2011 - Afghan and coalition troops captured several insurgents, including a Taliban facilitator, in recent operations throughout Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

Coalition Forces Detain Militants, Find Weapons in Afghanistan - Feb. 22, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2011 - Afghan and coalition troops captured several insurgents, including a Haqanni terrorist network leader, yesterday in Afghanistan, military officials reported.
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Airstrike Kills More Than 35 Insurgents in Kunar Province - Feb. 18, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2011 - A U.S. military air weapons team last night killed more than 35 enemy fighters in the Ghaziabad district of Afghanistan's Khost province, military officials reported.
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Gates: U.S. Must Consider Sustainability of Afghan Forces - Feb. 17, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2011 - The Defense Department has requested enough money to put the Afghan national security forces in a good position to defend their own country, but the current level of funding for the effort is not sustainable in view of budgetary and other concerns, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.  More...

Navy Hails Cosby as Honorary Chief Petty Officer - Feb. 18, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2011 - Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick D. West recognized actor, comedian and former sailor Bill Cosby as an honorary chief petty officer in a ceremony yesterday at the U.S. Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center.
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U.S. Airstrike Kills Terrorists in Afghanistan - Feb. 17, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2011 - A U.S. military airstrike yesterday killed a Haqanni terrorist network leader and two other terrorists in the Terayzai district of Afghanistan's Khost province, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Attackers in Afghanistan - Feb. 16, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2011 - Afghan and coalition killed four insurgents in Afghanistan's Kunar province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Forces in Afghanistan Detain Taliban Attack Leader - Feb. 15, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces detained a Taliban attack leader along with several other suspected insurgents in Afghanistan's Kandahar province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Detain Insurgents in Kandahar - Feb. 14, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents yesterday in the Shah Wali Kot district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Find Weapons in Afghanistan - Feb. 11, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces found two weapons stockpiles in Afghanistan today.  More...

Security Forces Kill Taliban Weapons Facilitator - Feb. 10, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2011 - Afghan and International Security Assistance Force troops yesterday killed Awal Jan, a Taliban weapons and improvised-explosive-device facilitator, during a security operation in Chak-e district, Wardak province, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents in Afghanistan - Feb. 9, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed several insurgents yesterday with a precision airstrike and mortar fire in Kunar province's Darah-ye Pech district, military officials reported.
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Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Enemy Fighter in Ghazni - Feb. 8, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed an enemy fighter and detained several other suspected insurgents yesterday in the Muqer district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Detain Suspects in Khost - Feb. 7, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces looking for a Haqqani terrorist network leader detained several suspected insurgents in the Sabari district of Afghanistan's Khost province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents - Feb. 4, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed two enemy fighters and detained several suspected insurgents yesterday in operations throughout Afghanistan, military officials reported.
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Afghan, Coalition Forces Investigate Explosion - Feb. 3, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces are investigating a roadside bomb explosion that killed six Afghan civilians, including two children, today in Kunduz province's Kunduz district, military officials reported.
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Insurgents Target More Afghan Government Officials - Feb. 3, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2011 - While Taliban killings of the Afghan general population have decreased over the past year, more government officials have been targeted, a senior U.S. commander said yesterday.  More...

Forces Detain Haqqani Facilitator in Khost Province - Feb. 2, 2011
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces detained a Haqqani terrorist network facilitator and another suspected insurgent in the Sabari district of Afghanistan's Khost province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents - Jan. 31, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2011 - Afghan and coalition killed numerous insurgents and detained several others in recent operations throughout Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

Coalition Airstrike Targets Taliban Leader - Jan. 27, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2011 - A coalition airstrike targeting a Taliban leader killed two suspected insurgents in Afghanistan's Zabul province's Tarnek wa Jaldak district today, military officials reported.  More...

Troops Kill Enemy Fighters, Find Weapons - Jan. 26, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2011 - International Security Assistance Force troops in southern Afghanistan killed or wounded several insurgents over the past 24 hours, military officials reported.  More...

Numerous Insurgents Die in Afghanistan Operations - Jan. 25, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2011 - International Security Assistance Force troops killed numerous insurgents during separate clearing operations in southern and eastern Afghanistan over the past 24 hours, military officials reported.
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Airstrike in Logar Province Kills Taliban Leader - Jan. 24, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2011 - A coalition airstrike yesterday in the Pol-e Alam district of Afghanistan's Logar province killed a Taliban logistics leader, military officials reported.  More...

Stavridis Expresses Optimism on Afghanistan - Jan. 20, 2011
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan, Jan. 20, 2011 - While expressing confidence for Afghanistan's future, U.S. Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis also emphasized that the road ahead still poses challenges.
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Afghans, Coalition Broaden Assault on Insurgent Leaders - Jan. 18, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2011 - Coalition and Afghan forces have removed dozens of insurgents from the fight across broad sections of Afghanistan in recent days, including 15 in the past 24 hours, military officials reported.  More...

Combined Teams Target Insurgent Leaders - Jan. 14, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces continue to remove the insurgent leadership in southern Afghanistan, where yesterday they detained multiple suspects in Kandahar province and another in Helmand province, military officials reported.  More...

Coalition Works to Extend Southern Afghanistan Gains - Jan. 13, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2011 - Coalition forces and their civilian counterparts in southern Afghanistan are focused on holding and extending their gains in the area before a likely spring offensive by the Taliban, U.S. leaders there said today.
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Forces in Afghanistan Target Taliban, Haqqani Leaders - Jan. 13, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2011 - Coalition and Afghan forces continued to target Taliban and Haqqani terrorist network operatives in operations conducted yesterday around Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

Mullen: Afghanistan Remains Focus of U.S. Security Strategy - Jan. 12, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2011 - America's national security strategy remains focused on countering terrorism in Afghanistan and the region, the nation's senior military officer said today.
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Afghan, Coalition Forces Detain Taliban Leaders - Jan. 12, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces detained several Taliban leaders and other insurgents in operations yesterday in Afghanistan, military officials reported.
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Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents - Jan. 10, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2011 - Afghan and coalition killed at least 15 insurgents and detained numerous others today in operations throughout southern and eastern Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

Biden to Assess Progress in Afghanistan - Jan. 10, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2011 - Vice President Joe Biden arrived in Afghanistan today for a previously unannounced visit that White House officials said is designed to assess progress and reinforce the U.S. commitment.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Detain Insurgents, Find Weapons - Jan. 7, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2011 - Afghan and coalition detained several insurgents and found weapon stockpiles in recent operations throughout Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

Gates Outlines 'Don't Ask' Repeal Process - Jan. 7, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2011 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates yesterday described the Pentagon's three-step process for preparing to allow gays to serve openly in the military services.
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Marine Unit Deploys About 1,400 Troops to Afghanistan - Jan. 6, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2011 - About 1,400 service members of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit will deploy to southwestern Afghanistan, U.S. Central Command officials announced today.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents - Jan. 5, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed several insurgents and detained several others in recent operations throughout Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

U.S., Afghan Forces Displace Taliban in Eastern Afghanistan - Jan. 5, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 2011 - U.S. troops and Afghan security forces serving in eastern Afghanistan are displacing the Taliban, making room for economic growth and governance, a task force commander serving in the area said today.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents - Jan. 4, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2011 - Afghan and coalition forces killed numerous insurgents and detained several others in operations yesterday throughout Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

Teamwork, Reintegration Weaken Taliban in Northern Afghanistan - Jan. 4, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2011 - Cooperation among troops from many nations and the reintegration into Afghan society of a growing number of war-weary insurgents are adding to success in northern Afghanistan, the commander of Regional Command North said today.  More...

Navy Relieves Enterprise Captain for 'Poor Judgment' - Jan. 4, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2011 - A Navy captain whose shipboard videos have made headlines since they surfaced in the media over the weekend has been relieved of his command for demonstrating poor judgment, a senior Navy officer announced today.  More...

Coalition Condemns Insurgent Attacks, Continues Operations - Jan. 3, 2011
WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2011 - Four Afghan civilians were killed and at least eight others were seriously wounded today in two insurgent attacks that followed several days in which Afghan and coalition troops killed or captured numerous insurgent leaders in Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

Airstrike Stops Enemy Attack in Afghanistan - Dec. 29, 2010
WASHINGTON, Dec. 29, 2010 - An International Security Assistance Force patrol that came under small-arms fire today in the Nad'Ali district of Helmand province, Afghanistan, called in an airstrike that killed one insurgent and derailed the enemy attack, military officials reported.  More...

Colonel Cites Measurable, But Fragile, Afghan Progress - Dec. 28, 2010
WASHINGTON, Dec. 28, 2010 - Measurable progress has been achieved in Afghanistan's Khost and Paktia provinces, but it is fragile, Army Col. Viet Luong, commander of the American task force in the area, said today.
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Afghan, Coalition Forces Capture Haqqani Leader - Dec. 28, 2010
WASHINGTON, Dec. 28, 2010 - Afghan and coalition forces yesterday captured a Haqqani network leader during a security operation conducted in Khost province, military officials reported.  More...

Congress Extends Stop-loss Application Deadline - Dec. 23, 2010
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2010 - The deadline for eligible servicemembers, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay has been extended to March 4, Defense Department officials announced today.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Engage Enemy in East, South - Dec. 23, 2010
WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2010 - Afghan and coalition forces killed numerous insurgent fighters and seized weapons caches in eastern Afghanistan today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Insurgents, Find Caches - Dec. 22, 2010
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2010 - Afghan and coalition forces killed two insurgents and found weapons in operations today throughout southern Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

President Signs 'Don't Ask' Repeal Act Into Law - Dec. 22, 2010
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2010 - President Barrack Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 into law here today.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Destroy Explosives Factory - Dec. 21, 2010
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2010 - Afghan and coalition forces destroyed a Taliban bomb-making center today in Kunduz province, Afghanistan, military officials reported.
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Afghan Air Force Getting its Wings, NATO Commander Says - Dec. 21, 2010
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2010 - Building a professional, independent and capable air force to keep Afghanistan secure is well on its way to completion by 2014, a NATO commander said today from Kabul.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Insurgents, Find Weapons - Dec. 20, 2010
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2010 - Afghan and coalition forces killed and detained several insurgents in operations today throughout Afghanistan, military officials reported.
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Mullen Discusses Surge Successes in Afghanistan - Dec. 14, 2010
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Dec. 14, 2010 - Though the last of the U.S. surge troops only reached Afghanistan last month, they already are achieving successes, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Pakistani reporters here today.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents - Dec. 14, 2010
WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2010 - Afghan and coalition forces today killed more than 10 Taliban fighters during an operation in northern Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Stop Insurgent Attack in Afghanistan - Dec. 13, 2010
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2010 - Afghan and coalition forces yesterday disrupted a Taliban plot to carry out suicide bombings in Afghanistan's Helmand province, military officials reported.  More...

Officials Confirm Terrorist Leader's Capture - Dec. 8, 2010
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2010 - Officials from NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan today confirmed the identity of a Haqqani network leader captured yesterday in Khost province, military officials reported.
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Coalition Turns Corner in Afghanistan's Helmand Province - Dec. 7, 2010
WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2010 - The coalition's struggle against insurgents in Afghanistan's Helmand province is essentially over in Marja and it now comes down to Sangin district, the regional commander there said today.  More...

Officials Confirm Local Taliban Leader's Death - Dec. 6, 2010
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2010 - Officials from NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan today confirmed the identity of a Taliban leader captured Dec. 4 in Paktika province, military officials reported.  More...

Deadline for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Extended - Dec. 6, 2010
The Department of Defense announced today that the deadline for eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP) has been extended to Dec. 18. The last deadline was Dec. 3.
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Afghan, Coalition Forces Detain Taliban Leader - Dec. 2, 2010
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2010 - Afghan and coalition forces last night captured an alleged bomb and weapons facilitator in Afghanistan's Wardak province, military officials reported.
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Exercises in Korea Long-planned, Sharp Says - Nov. 27, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 27, 2010 - Movements of troops in South Korea and ships in the Yellow Sea are part of long-planned exercises and shouldn't be seen as a response to North Korea's Nov. 23 attack on Yeonpyeong Island, the commander of United Nations Command said today.  More...

More Ups than Downs in Afghan Counterinsurgency Fight - Nov. 26, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 26, 2010 - A counterinsurgency campaign is a lot like a roller coaster with many ups and downs, said Army Lt. Gen. David M. Rodriguez, commander of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command and deputy commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan.  More...

Four Dead in N. Korean Attack, U.S. Carrier Group Deploys - Nov. 24, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2010 - South Korean officials announced that two of the four dead in the unprovoked attack by North Korea yesterday were civilians.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Detain Insurgents, Seize Drugs - Nov. 23, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2010 - Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents this morning and last night during operations throughout Afghanistan, military officials reported.
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Schwartz Discusses Korea, Other Issues - Nov. 23, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2010 - Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz today said it is "significant" that the South Korean air force, rather than the United States, is leading its country's air defenses at a time when North Korea has become increasingly provocative.  More...

White House Condemns North Korean Attack - Nov. 23, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2010 - The White House condemned today's North Korean artillery attack against the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong.
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Pentagon Monitors Korean Situation With Concern - Nov. 23, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2010 - The Defense Department affirmed its alliance with South Korea and is closely monitoring the situation on the Korean peninsula in the wake of today's North Korean artillery attack on South Korea.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Detain Insurgents, Find Caches - Nov. 22, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 22, 2010 - Afghan and coalition forces detained several insurgents, found weapons and uncovered drug caches during operations today in southern and eastern Afghanistan, military officials reported.
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NATO, U.N. Pledge to Back Afghan Security Lead by 2014 - Nov. 20, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2010 - Representatives of those who are fighting together in Afghanistan to restore that nation's security and governance formalized their partnership today as the NATO Summit closed in Lisbon, Portugal, signing declarations that affirm their long-term commitment.  More...

Final Push Needed for Iraq Success, DOD Official Says - Nov. 19, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2010 - A final investment in the transition to a civilian-led U.S. presence in Iraq will produce enduring results and create a stabilizing force in the region, a senior defense official told legislators here yesterday.  More...

U.S. Tanks En Route to Southwestern Afghanistan - Nov. 19, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2010 - Servicemembers in Afghanistan's Regional Command-Southwest will receive 14 M1A1 Abrams tanks to aid in the fight against the Taliban.
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Afghanistan 'Surge' Troops Appreciate Support from Home - Nov. 19, 2010
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky., Nov. 19, 2010 - As winter sets in and temperatures start plummeting, the 101st Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team soldiers operating in Paktika province, Afghanistan, are keeping motivated and focused on their mission -- thanks, their commanders say, to their "Currahee spirit" and support from the home front.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Find Several Weapons Caches - Nov. 19, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2010 - Afghan and coalition forces uncovered several weapons caches today during operations in Afghanistan's Helmand, Uruzgan and Kandahar provinces, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Force Thwarts Insurgent Attack - Nov. 18, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2010 - A combined Afghan and coalition patrol repelled an insurgent attack while conducting a patrol in the Sar Kani district of Kunar province today.  More...

Giunta Joins Pentagon's Hall of Heroes - Nov. 17, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2010 - Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore A. Giunta's decision to risk his life so others could live placed him "squarely among the most magnificent of those worthy of this honor," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today as the nation's first living Medal of Honor recipient in 40 years was inducted into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.  More...

Coalition, Afghans Whittle Down Insurgent Leadership - Nov. 17, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2010 - Coalition and Afghan forces are increasing their efforts to remove insurgent leaders from the fight in Afghanistan, and Afghan security forces are growing in their operational leadership, military officials reported.  More...

Commander: Night Raids Designed to Protect Afghans - Nov. 17, 2010
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky., Nov. 17, 2010 - Nighttime raids in Afghanistan are conducted only under strict guidelines and approval authorities, with stringent attention paid to preventing civilian casualties, the commander of the last combat brigade deployed to Afghanistan as part of the surge there told reporters here via teleconference from Afghanistan's Paktika province yesterday.
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President Awards Medal of Honor to Army Staff Sergeant - Nov. 16, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2010 - President Barack Obama presented the Medal of Honor today to the first living servicemember to receive the distinction for service in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.  More...

Troops Follow Intelligence Leads, Detain Insurgents - Nov. 16, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2010 - Afghan and coalition security forces followed intelligence leads and captured more than 20 insurgents yesterday in their search for Taliban and Haqqani terrorist network leadership operating in eastern and southern Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

Coalition, Afghan Forces Detain Numerous Insurgent Leaders - Nov. 15, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2010 - Coalition and Afghan forces detained numerous insurgent fighters in at least a dozen operations conducted throughout Afghanistan in recent days, military officials reported.  More...

Supreme Court Keeps 'Don't Ask' in Place Through Appeals Process - Nov. 12, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2010 - The U.S. Supreme Court today ruled that the law banning gays from serving openly in the military will stay in place while the case moves through the federal appeals court process.  More...

Airstrike in Helmand Kills 7 Insurgents - Nov. 12, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2010 - An International Security Assistance Force airstrike targeting a district-level Taliban command and control center in the Now Zad district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today left seven insurgents dead, military officials reported.  More...

All Americans Owe Thanks to Veterans, Biden Says - Nov. 11, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2010 - Vice President Joe Biden honored servicemembers and veterans at a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery today, saying 100 percent of Americans owe their gratitude to the 1 percent who serve in the all-volunteer force.  More...

Three Afghan Provinces 'Prime for Transition,' Colonel Says - Nov. 10, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2010 - Three provinces in eastern Afghanistan are "prime for transition" in the near future for self-governance, a task force commander in the region said today.  More...

Combined Force Kills Taliban Leader in Ghazni - Nov. 10, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2010 - An Afghan and coalition force killed a Taliban leader and facilitator during an intelligence-driven overnight operation in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, military officials reported.  More...

Afghanistan Strategy Review on Track for December - Nov. 9, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2010 - President Barack Obama should receive a report on a review of his Afghanistan policy next month, a senior administration official said today.  More...

Troops, Vets Get Free Admission to Park Service Attractions - Nov. 9, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2010 - The National Park Service offers its last free-admission day of the year to honor U.S. veterans and active-duty servicemembers on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.  More...

Coalition, Afghan Forces Detain Numerous Insurgent Leaders - Nov. 9, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2010 - Coalition and Afghan forces have captured multiple Taliban leaders involved in enemy operations in Afghanistan in recent days, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Wrap Up Helmand Clearing Operation - Nov. 8, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2010 - Afghan and coalition forces in southern Afghanistan completed a three-day deliberate clearing operation today aimed at disrupting the Taliban's freedom of movement in Helmand province, military officials reported.
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'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Report on Track, Mullen Says - Nov. 8, 2010
MELBOURNE, Australia, Nov. 8, 2010 - The working group looking at how the Defense Department should respond to a repeal of the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law is on track to deliver its report Dec. 1, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today.  More...

Gates Hopes Taliban Think U.S. Will Leave Afghanistan - Nov. 8, 2010
MELBOURNE, Australia, Nov. 8, 2010 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today that he hopes the Taliban think July of next year is an end date for U.S. and NATO operations in Afghanistan.  More...

Combined Force Captures Haqqani Shadow Governor - Nov. 5, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2010 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured the Haqqani terrorist network's shadow governor for the Spera district of Afghanistan's Khost province during an intelligence-driven overnight operation, military officials reported.
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Task Force in Eastern Afghanistan Keeps Enemy at Bay - Nov. 4, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2010 - Despite difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions, the commander of a task force in eastern Afghanistan said today, his aviation brigade has been successful in keeping the enemy at bay, supporting ground units and protecting the Afghan people.  More...

Combined Patrol Pursuing Taliban Leader Kills Insurgents - Nov. 4, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2010 - A partnered Afghan and International Security Assistance Force patrol killed numerous insurgents while attempting to detain a senior Taliban leader in the Kajaki district of Afghanistan's Helmand province today, military officials reported.  More...

Obama: Congress, Not Courts, Should Resolve 'Don't Ask' Law - Nov. 3, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2010 - President Barack Obama said today he hopes the current Congress will resolve the uncertainty about whether gay men and lesbians can serve openly in the military.  More...

Combined Force Kills Insurgents in Helmand Province - Nov. 3, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2010 - A partnered Afghan and International Security Assistance Force patrol yesterday killed several insurgents and detained several others during an operation to detain a Taliban leader in the Nad-e Ali district of Afghanistan's Helmand province, military officials reported.
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Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Insurgents in Nangarhar - Nov. 2, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2010 - Afghan and coalition forces targeting a Taliban leader who planned and led attacks during Afghanistan's September elections and coordinates attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in Nangarhar province's Sherzad district killed several insurgents during an intelligence-driven overnight operation.  More...

'Don't Ask' to Stay in Place Through Appeal - Nov. 2, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2010 - The so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy will stay in place while the Justice Department appeals a federal judge's ruling last month that the law that bans gay men and lesbians from serving openly is unconstitutional.  More...

Bomb Plot Shows Serious Threat, Spokesman Says - Nov. 1, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2010 - A Defense Department spokesman today praised Yemeni officials for their stand against the terror group al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula and called the group a serious threat in Yemen and around the world.  More...

Officials in Afghanistan Provide Details of Operations - Nov. 1, 2010
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2010 - International Security Assistance Force Joint Command officials have provided details of numerous recent operations around Afghanistan.  More...

Panel Notes Progress in Fight Against Post-traumatic Stress - Oct. 29, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2010 - A panel of experts last night noted significant progress in the efforts of the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments to help servicemembers, veterans and their families affected by post-traumatic stress disorder.  More...

'Stop Loss' Special Pay Application Deadline Approaches - Oct. 29, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2010 - Defense Department officials are working to remind veterans and current servicemembers who were involuntarily retained in the military under the so-called "Stop Loss" program to apply for special pay before the Dec. 3 deadline.  More...

Forces Target Insurgents in Southeastern Afghanistan - Oct. 29, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2010 - Coalition and Afghan forces continued their assault on the insurgency in southeastern Afghanistan yesterday, killing nearly two dozen enemy fighters and capturing at least one Taliban leader, military officials reported.  More...

Air Strike Targets Haqqani Leader - Oct. 28, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2010 - Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Afghanistan's Khost province today targeting a senior Haqqani terrorist leader who directs attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and reports directly to Haqqani Network senior leadership, military officials reported.  More...

Insurgents Lose Momentum in Helmand, NATO General Says - Oct. 27, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2010 - Insurgents in Afghanistan's Helmand province have lost the momentum to NATO and Afghan forces, and those forces will continue to take on the Taliban all through the winter, the commander of NATO's Regional Command Southwest said today.  More...

Partnered Forces Kill Insurgents in Afghanistan - Oct. 27, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2010 - A partnered Afghan and coalition security force targeting the head of a Taliban district commission in Afghanistan's Baghlan province killed multiple insurgents during an intelligence-driven overnight operation, military officials reported.  More...

FBI Opens Investigation into Pentagon, Marine Site Shootings - Oct. 26, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2010 - FBI officials today announced they are opening an investigation into three recent shootings in Northern Virginia targeting the Pentagon and two Marine Corps sites.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Troops Capture Haqqani Leader - Oct. 26, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2010 - An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network leader who handled the command and control of insurgent attacks during an overnight operation in Afghanistan's Paktiya province, military officials reported.
  More...

Former al-Qaida Fighter Pleads Guilty to Murder - Oct. 26, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2010 - A former al-Qaida fighter in Afghanistan has pleaded guilty to multiple charges for his role in a battle with coalition troops in Afghanistan in 2002, military officials announced.
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WikiLeaks' Redaction Doesn't Remove Danger, Official Says - Oct. 25, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2010 - Despite WikiLeaks' attempt to redact the names of Iraqi informants from its recent leak of classified military reports, some of those people are still in danger, a Pentagon spokesman said today.  More...

Afghan, ISAF Troops Kill 15 Insurgents in Helmand - Oct. 25, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2010 - Afghan and International Security Assistance Force troops today killed 15 insurgents and detained several suspects during a joint operation that targeted a senior Taliban leader in Afghanistan's northern Helmand province.  More...

Combined Forces Kill Insurgents, Detain Numerous Suspects - Oct. 21, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2010 - Partnered Afghan and coalition forces killed an undetermined number of insurgents and detained numerous suspects in recent operations, military officials reported.  More...

Appeals Court Issues Stay on 'Don't Ask' Order - Oct. 21, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2010 - The Defense Department supports yesterday's federal appeals court decision to temporarily block a judge's order that put an immediate end to the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law that bans gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military.  More...

Online Ballots Can Help Overseas Votes Count - Oct. 19, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2010 - The Defense Department's Federal Voting Assistance Program has a solution for overseas servicemembers and other U.S. citizens living outside the country who haven't received an election ballot: get it online.  More...

Officials Tout Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits - Oct. 19, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2010 - With more than 260,000 students attending about 6,000 colleges and universities this fall under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, officials are continuing an active outreach effort to ensure current military members and veterans don't miss out on the new program's education benefits.  More...

Paktika Operation Leaves Enemy Fighters Dead - Oct. 20, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2010 - An overnight operation targeting a Haqqani terrorist network facilitator in Afghanistan's Paktika province left more than 10 enemy fighters dead, military officials reported.  More...

Marines Deploy 'Green' Forward Operating Base to Afghanistan - Oct. 15, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2010 - The Marine Corps has deployed an experimental forward operating base to Afghanistan to assess how it stands up to rugged operational conditions while relying solely on renewable technology and energy-saving techniques.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents - Oct. 14, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2010 - Afghan and International Security Assistance Force troops yesterday killed several insurgents and detained numerous others during an operation in Nahr-E Saraj district, Helmand province, military officials reported.  More...

Obama Honors USS Cole Victims, Vows Continued Vigilance - Oct. 12, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2010 - President Barack Obama today remembered the 17 sailors lost a decade ago during the attack on the USS Cole by vowing to remain vigilant in working with Yemen and other global partners to counter the al-Qaida threat.  More...

Coalition Forces Obtain More Contraband Munitions - Oct. 13, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2010 - International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan's Kandahar province obtained more contraband munitions today, military officials reported.  More...

Petraeus Cites 'Hard-Won' Progress in Afghanistan - Oct. 13, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2010 - Though hard-won progress has taken place in Afghanistan, it has been uneven, the commander of U.S. and NATO forces there said.  More...

Afghanistan Shows Progress on Economic, Governance Fronts - Oct. 12, 2010
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2010 - Several achievements in September demonstrate Afghanistan's progress in economic and governance development, according to a NATO International Security Force news release.  More...

Navy Honors Killed, Injured in USS Cole Attack - Oct. 12, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2010 - Navy officials, current and former crew members and families of the fallen gathered today at Norfolk Naval Station, Va., to remember the 17 sailors killed and 39 others wounded in the al-Qaida attack on the USS Cole 10 years ago today.  More...

Afghans Turn-in Numerous Weapons, Explosives - Oct. 12, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2010 - A weapons cache and explosive material were taken out of enemy hands after locals turned in the items in eastern and southern Afghanistan today and yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

VA Campaign Urges Vets to Use Benefits, Services - Oct. 12, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2010 - The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a campaign to encourage veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan to take advantage of available VA benefits and services.  More...

MIA Issue Aided U.S.-Vietnam Relationship, Gates Says - Oct. 11, 2010
HANOI, Vietnam, Oct. 11, 2010 - Efforts to recover those missing from the Vietnam War have helped to transform the U.S.-Vietnamese relationship in the years since the conflict ended, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today.  More...

Medal of Honor Recipient Inducted Into Hall Of Heroes - Oct. 7, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2010 - A Pentagon ceremony today formally inscribed the name of Army Special Forces Staff Sgt. Robert J. Miller, who yesterday was awarded a posthumous Medal of Honor, onto the nation's list of military heroes.  More...

Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents in Kandahar - Oct. 7, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2010 - An Afghan and International Security Assistance Force patrol killed three suspected insurgents and detained several more in southern Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

President Obama Awards Posthumous Medal of Honor to Green Beret - Oct. 6, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2010 - President Barack Obama paid tribute today to a young U.S. Army Special Forces sergeant who gave up his life for his fellow soldiers.  More...

Intelligence Reports, Tips Lead to Insurgent's Capture - Oct. 6, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2010 - Multiple intelligence sources and tips from local residents yesterday led Afghan and coalition forces in the Muhammad Aghah district of Afghanistan's Logar province to arrest a man who allegedly facilitates and conducts roadside-bomb attacks, military officials reported.  More...

Forces Capture Taliban Kidnapping Suspect - Oct. 5, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2010 - Coalition and Afghan forces apprehended several insurgent leaders in Afghanistan overnight, including a Taliban district leader suspected in the kidnapping of a British news reporter last year, military officials said.  More...

Mullen: Communities, Veterans Can Help Each Other - Oct. 1, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2010 - The United States owes a dept to its veterans and their families that America's communities and their leaders can help repay, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Troops Find Narcotics Cache - Oct. 1, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2010 - Afghan and International Security Assistance Force troops found and secured a large amount of narcotics during a combined operation in the Achin district of Nangarhar province today.  More...

Obama Proclaims Cybersecurity Awareness Month - Oct. 1, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2010 - Americans everywhere prosper because of the nation's digital infrastructure, and therefore all citizens must defend it, President Barack Obama told the nation today.  More...

Absentee Ballot Program Helps Overseas Military Voters - Oct. 1, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2010 - America is founded on the idea of voting. Yet absentee voters -- citizens working overseas or out of their home state during election season -- can be left out of the voting process if they are unaware of absentee voting procedures.  More...

Legislation Extends Special Stop-Loss Pay Deadline - Oct. 1, 2010
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2010 - President Barack Obama signed legislation yesterday extending the Retroactive Stop-Loss Special Pay deadline through December 3, DOD officials said today.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Troops Capture Insurgent Leader - Sept. 30, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2010 - Afghan and coalition forces detained an insurgent leader during a combined operation in Afghanistan's Uruzgan province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghanistan Airstrike Kills 4 Insurgents - Sept. 29, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2010 - An air weapons team engaged insurgents who'd fired on Afghan and coalition forces conducting a patrol in eastern Afghanistan today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Troops Detain Insurgents - Sept. 28, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2010 - Afghan and International Security Assistance Force troops detained several insurgents during a combined operation in Helmand province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Capture, Kill Insurgents - Sept. 27, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2010 - Afghan and coalition forces detained several Taliban insurgents in Kandahar province yesterday, including a Taliban commander who carried out attacks against Afghan government officials and coalition forces in Kandahar City, military officials reported.  More...

Failed Attack on Base Leaves 5 Insurgents Dead - Sept. 24, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2010 - At least five insurgents were killed and another was captured during a failed attack on Forward Operating Base Gardez in Afghanistan's Paktia province today, military officials reported.  More...

Face of Defense: Army Guard Gets Its First Muslim Chaplain - Sept. 24, 2010
ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 24, 2010 - A Texas National Guard officer will become the Army National Guard's first Muslim chaplain in December.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Pursue Taliban Commanders - Sept. 23, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2010 - Afghan and coalition forces continued their pursuit of Taliban commanders in recent operations, taking numerous insurgents into custody in the process, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Target Insurgents - Sept. 22, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2010 - Numerous insurgents were killed or captured in recent partnered operations conducted by Afghan and coalition forces in various provinces of Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

Medal of Honor Recipient Joins Hall of Heroes - Sept. 22, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2010 - The nation's latest Medal of Honor recipient was inducted into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes during a ceremony here today.  More...

More Troops Provide 'Game-Changer' in Afghanistan - Sept. 21, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2010 - The addition of U.S. forces in northern Afghanistan has changed the face of the NATO mission there, the top U.S. commander for the NATO International Security Assistance Force element in the region said today.  More...

Taliban Fighters Seek Reintegration, Officers Say - Sept. 21, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2010 - Taliban fighters in northern Afghanistan are tired of fighting U.S. and international forces and are looking to reintegrate back into society, the top military commanders of the NATO International Security Assistance Force element in the region said today.  More...

Helicopter Crash in Afghanistan Kills 9 - Sept. 21, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2010 - Nine International Security Assistance Force servicemembers were killed when an ISAF helicopter crashed in southern Afghanistan today, military officials reported.  More...

Fallen Airman Gets Medal of Honor for Laos Actions - Sept. 20, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2010 - An airman who was killed 42 years ago in Laos will receive the Medal of Honor for actions he took after enemy forces overran a clandestine U.S. radar site.  More...

Intelligence, Tips Drive Operations in Afghanistan - Sept. 17, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2010 - Intelligence information and tips from local Afghans have driven several recent operations in Afghanistan, military officials reported.  More...

War Vets Return to Transformed South Korea - Sept. 17, 2010
SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 17, 2010 - When Korean War veteran Fred Brady, now age 84, had last set foot in South Korea, the country was in the throes of a brutal conflict that left devastation at every turn.  More...

Guard Presence on Border Deters Threats - Sept. 17, 2010
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 17, 2010 - The presence of National Guard troops along the Southwest border has provided U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents with an additional resource to counter drug smuggling, human trafficking and other threats along the border, senior Guard officials said this week.  More...

Forces Engage Threatening Protestor - Sept. 16, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2010 - An International Security Assistance Force servicemember shot and killed a man who aimed an assault rifle at servicemembers in a guard tower during a protest at Forward Operating Base Mirwais in the Chorah district of Afghanistan's Uruzgan province today, military officials reported.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Pursue Enemy Fighters, Leaders - Sept. 15, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2010 - Afghan and coalition forces continued their pursuit of enemy fighters, leaders and facilitators in several recent operations, military officials reported.  More...

Obama Reaches Out to Veterans: 'You Earned It' - Sept. 15, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2010 - President Barack Obama wants to make sure veterans and current servicemembers who were involuntarily retained in the military under the so-called "Stop Loss" program get the retroactive pay they deserve.  More...

Wounded Troops Challenge Obstacle Course - Sept. 14, 2010
WEST POINT, N.Y., Sept. 14, 2010 - They run road races and compete in triathlons. They climb mountains, kayak through rapids and ski on snow and water.  More...

Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill 23 in Helmand Engagements - Sept. 14, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2010 - Twenty-three enemy fighters are dead after insurgents attacked Afghan and coalition forces conducting a combined dismounted patrol on three separate occasions in the Sangin district of Afghanistan's Helmand province yesterday, military officials reported.  More...

Obama to Award Medal of Honor to Afghan War Vet - Sept. 10, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2010 - The Medal of Honor will be awarded for the first time to a living veteran of the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan, White House officials announced today in a written statement.  More...

Soldier to Receive Posthumous Medal of Honor - Sept. 9, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2010 - In an Oct. 6 ceremony at the White House, President Barack Obama will present the Medal of Honor to the parents of a soldier who died while saving members of his team and 15 Afghan soldiers.  More...

Pentagon Plans Private 9/11 Remembrance - Sept. 9, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2010 - President Barack Obama will join Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the Pentagon Memorial on Sept. 11 to honor the memory of victims of the 2001 terrorist attack.  More...

Marines Seize Control of Ship From Pirates - Sept. 9, 2010
MANAMA, Bahrain, Sept. 9, 2010 - A 24-member maritime raid force from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit today boarded and seized control of an Antigua-Barbuda-flagged, German owned vessel from pirates who attacked and boarded it yesterday.  More...

Forces in Afghanistan Detain Suspected Insurgents - Sept. 8, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2010 - Partnered Afghan and coalition security forces detained numerous suspected insurgents in recent operations, military officials reported.  More...

'New Dawn' Soldiers Arrive in Iraq - Sept. 8, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2010 - As the first U.S. soldiers to deploy exclusively for Operation New Dawn have arrived in southern Iraq, officials are investigating a shooting incident that left two American soldiers dead and nine others wounded in Iraq's Salahuddin province yesterday.  More...

Obama to Award Medal of Honor to Vietnam-era Airman - Sept. 7, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2010 - A fallen Vietnam War-era airman will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor for heroism from President Barack Obama during a Sept. 21 White House ceremony.  More...

Family Matters Blog: Nonprofit Groups Step Up to Help Military Families - Sept. 7, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2010 - America's support of our troops and their families has been a welcome theme during this past decade of war. The stories of support are abundant, from top leaders encouraging Americans to salute troops to caring neighbors pitching in to help a deployed family.  More...

Officials in Afghanistan Detail Recent Operations - Sept. 7, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 7, 2010 - International Security Assistance Force Joint Command officials have provided details of numerous recent operations in Afghanistan.  More...

Border Mission 'Not Unique' for Guardsmen - Sept. 3, 2010
ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 3, 2010 - Almost 1,100 National Guard members are on duty on the Southwest border performing a mission that is very familiar to many of them, a Guard official said today.  More...

Coalition, Afghan Forces Rescue Prisoners - Sept. 3, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 3, 2010 - A combined Afghan-coalition force was pursuing a senior Taliban leader yesterday when it found and rescued seven imprisoned Afghan citizens during an operation in Helmand province, military officials said.  More...

Air Strike Targets Senior Insurgent Leader - Sept. 2, 2010
WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2010 - Coalition forces in Afghanistan today employed a precision air strike against an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan senior member assessed to be the deputy shadow governor for Takhar province, military officials said.  More...

Iraqi Forces Arrest 2 Al-Qaida Suspects - Aug. 30, 2010
WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2010 - Iraqi security forces today arrested two suspected al-Qaida in Iraq criminal associates during joint security operations conducted in east Mosul, Iraq.  More...

Kearsarge Group, Marines to Provide Pakistan Relief - Aug. 30, 2010
NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD, Va., Aug. 30, 2010 - The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed Aug. 27 to support U.S. humanitarian assistance in Pakistan.  More...

Mullen Encouraged By Midwest 'Conversation' - Aug. 27, 2010
CLEVELAND, Aug. 27, 2010 - As Navy Adm. Mike Mullen concluded another installment of his "Conversation with the Country" tour here today, he said he's energized by how eager community and business leaders are to "re-connect" with veterans.  More...

American Support Boosts Troop Morale, Mullen Says - Aug. 26, 2010
CHICAGO, Aug. 26, 2010 - 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 servicemembers and veterans and the reception returning servicemembers received when they came home from Vietnam early in his military career.  More...

Face of Defense: Falcons Sweep Airspace, Flightline Clean - Aug. 26, 2010
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany, Aug. 26, 2010 - F-16 Fighting Falcons and other aircraft are a common sight here, but if people stop at the right time and place, they might see falcons on the prowl.  More...

Agency Works to Ensure 'Every Dollar Counts' - Aug. 25, 2010
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2010 - The Defense Logistics Agency is taking steps to cut costs and boost efficiency as part of a larger effort to reform the way the Pentagon does business, defense officials said today.  More...

U.S., Pakistani Militaries Bond in Disaster Relief - Aug. 25, 2010
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2010 - The Pakistani military has shown tremendous cooperation, support, and friendship toward U.S. forces providing flood relief in northern Pakistan, the U.S. general in charge of troops there said today.  More...

Spokesman: 'New Dawn' to Open New Potential for Iraq - Aug. 25, 2010
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2010 - When Operation Iraqi Freedom ends and Operation New Dawn launches Sept. 1, don't look for a lot of fanfare as the mission officially moves from combat to stability operations, the top U.S. Forces Iraq spokesman told American Forces Press Service today.  More...

Spokesman: Iraq Attacks Show al-Qaida Remains as Threat - Aug. 25, 2010
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2010 - A wave of attacks in Iraq today demonstrates that al-Qaida in Iraq is still capable of operating and is desperate to regain lost momentum, the top spokesman for U.S. Forces Iraq told American Forces Press Service today.  More...

Family Matters Blog: Survey Seeks Feedback on Policy Change - Aug. 25, 2010
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2010 - Heather Forsgren Weaver of American Forces Press Service is a regular contributor to Family Matters. Heather's been heavily involved in this blog from the start. She edits, helps write and posts content on a daily basis.  More...

Afghan Police Training Will Take Time, General Says - Aug. 25, 2010
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2010 - Some of Afghanistan's biggest threats come or seem to come from within. To help the country solve internal problems, coalition officials are employing lessons from the best national police departments around the world.  More...

Officials Probe Western Afghanistan Shooting Incident - Aug. 25, 2010
WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2010 - Officials are investigating a shooting incident today in western Afghanistan's Badghis province that left an Afghan National Police member, two International Security Assistance Force servicemembers and a civilian dead.  More...

Mullen Credits U.S. Drawdown to Iraqi Forces' Progress - Aug. 25, 2010
CHICAGO, Aug. 25, 2010 - The U.S. military footprint in Iraq is down to fewer than 50,000 servicemembers because Iraq's security forces are ready to provide for their nation's security, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today.  More...

Mullen: Insurgents More Concerned With Fight Than Timeline - Aug. 25, 2010
CHICAGO, Aug. 25, 2010 - Extremists in Afghanistan are more concerned with continuing their fight than they are with the timeline that calls for a U.S. drawdown to begin next summer, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today.
  More...



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