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Featured Special Reports

Travels With Panetta

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has departed on a weeklong trip to Peru, Uruguay and Belgium. During the trip, Panetta will strengthen partnerships with Western Hemisphere counterparts and participate in a meeting of NATO defense ministers. Special

Don't Miss The Vote

Learn more about absentee voting options in this American Forces Press Service special report, including how to use the Federal Voting Assistance Program widget to get your absentee ballot request process started. Special

U.S. Pacific Command

Calling alliances and partnerships the bedrock of U.S. Asia-Pacific strategy, Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, said he’s committed to building on them as he implements the new defense strategy focused on the region. Special

2012 Employer Support Freedom Award

Fifteen companies and organizations received the coveted Secretary of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Freedom Award, honoring private and public companies, large and small, which go above and beyond what the law requires to support their deployed Guard and reserve employees. Special

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic culture has greatly shaped the history of the United States from adding cultural depth to the nation’s heritage to providing steadfast and dedicated military service. This AFPS special report takes a closer look at Hispanic heritage and the impact it has made within the Defense Department. Special

Sexual Assault: Prevention & Response

The Defense Department is taking a stand against sexual assault in the military in an effort to maintain the well-being of U.S. service members and their families. Check out American Forces Press Services' special coverage, which includes information about resources dedicated to preventing and appropriately responding to this crime. Special

Travels with Panetta

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta departed for his second visit to Japan and his first to China as defense secretary, as well as the first visit to New Zealand any defense secretary has made since Caspar Weinberger went there in 1982. Special

Travels with Dempsey

U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, traveled to Romania to participate in NATO Military Committee talks, where he will meet with his fellow chiefs of defense to discuss Afghanistan and other NATO issues. Special

Remembering Sept. 11, 2001

On the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, President Barack Obama and defense leaders paid tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the attacks and honored the first responders and U.S. service members who have fought and sacrificed ever since to keep the United States safe. Special

Suicide Prevention and Awareness

Emotional strain can be the most formidable opponent service members face in their efforts to keep America safe. This special report takes a closer look at the struggles they cope with and offers information to help troops when they need the nation’s support the most. Special

Operation: Live Well

A culture of healthy behaviors is essential to readiness and maintaining a healthy community. In addition to a fit, healthy and protected force the Defense Department is dedicated to the health and resilience of individuals and families throughout the military community. Special

Military Paralympians

Twenty U.S. service members and veterans will be among the more than 4,000 athletes participating in the 2012 Paralympic Games, which began Aug. 29, 2012. The U.S. athletes will be competing in 20 Paralympic events. Special

Veterans Employment

As the United States continues to bring troops home after 10 years of war, providing veterans with new employment opportunities is becoming increasingly important. This American Forces Press Service special report takes a look at employment initiatives dedicated solely to veterans and offers helpful resources as they prepare to begin a new chapter in their lives. Special

Military Olympians - London 2012

U.S. service members have been competing in the Olympic games since 1896. This year, 16 military athletes will be competing in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Special

Travels with Carter

U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter will travel to the Asia-Pacific region during a 10-day trip to visit leaders, troops and facilities in Hawaii, Guam, Japan, Thailand, India and South Korea. Special

U.S. Africa Command

Strengthening the defense capabilities of African countries and encouraging them to work together to confront common security threats and challenges is one of the primary goals of U.S. Africa Command, the United States’ newest combatant command focused on the continent. Special

U.S. Southern Command

Air Force Gen. Douglas M. Fraser, commander of U.S. Southern Command, regularly tells members of Congress, audiences around the region and members of his command that events in South America, Central America and the Caribbean greatly affect U.S. national security. Special

U.S. European Command

Using the new defense strategic guidance as its roadmap, officials at U.S. European Command have fixed their compasses on four basic priorities: maintaining ready forces, completing a successful transition in Afghanistan, sustaining strategic partnerships and countering transnational threats. Special

Feds Feed Families

The federal-wide Feds Feed Families Food Drive campaign began June 1, 2012, and continues through Aug. 31, 2012. Department of Defense employees nationwide will step up to meet this challenge by gathering 1.5 million pounds of food for families in need this summer. Special

Law of the Sea Convention

Joining the Law of the Sea Convention is a top priority for the United States. The convention sets forth a comprehensive legal framework governing uses of the oceans and protects and advances a broad range of U.S. interests, including U.S. national security and economic interests. Special

World War II: Turning Points

Veterans, active-duty troops and citizens honored the courage and sacrifices made by Allied troops who took part in the D-Day invasion of Normandy during World War II, June 4, 1944. This AFPS special report features articles and photographs on the commemoration ceremonies of D-Day and other historic battles. Special

Memorial Day - May 2012

On Memorial Day, men and women across the nation pause to remember America’s fallen service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect American freedom. It is with the deepest honor and gratitude that DOD pays tribute to those individuals, and their surviving family members. Special

NATO 25th Summit Meeting - May 2012

Representatives from 60 countries and organizations are participating in the 25th NATO summit in Chicago - the largest ever. The top issues to be discussed at the summit include keeping Afghanistan secure, ensuring NATO's capability in the 21st century and enhancing the alliance's global network of partners. Special

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - May 2012

During the month of May, the Defense Department takes time to recognize and honor the dedicated service and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, both past and present, through military service in defense of our nation. Special

Military Rider 2012

The Defense Department marks the start of prime motorcycle riding weather by designating each May as Motorcycle Safety Month. This special report highlights DOD and service-related efforts to enhance the safety and overall riding experience for service members and veterans through training, mentorship and education. Special

2012 Warrior Games

Wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans from the Army, Marines, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Special Operations Command, will compete for the gold in seven events during the 2012 Warrior Games. Special

Month of the Military Child

Military children make up a very special part of our nation’s population. These young, brave, unsung heroes stand in steadfast support of parents who risk their lives to protect American freedom. In their honor, April is designated as the Month of Military Child to celebrate the unique contributions, commitment, and sacrifices military children make on behalf of our country. Special

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury is one of the invisible wounds of war, and one of the signature injuries of troops wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq. This American Forces Press Service special report highlights the Defense Department’s efforts to care for wounded warriors suffering from this condition while promoting research to improve diagnosis and treatment. Special

'A Nation's Gratitude' - White House Hosts Dinner to Thank Iraq Veterans

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and the nation’s top defense leaders are honoring 78 service members - active duty, National Guard and Reserve - for their service in Iraq with a White House dinner on Feb. 29, 2012. Special

Women's History Month 2012

The Defense Department supports the continuing education and empowerment of military women as they risk their lives to protect our nation. This American Forces Press Service special report takes a closer look at the contributions of women in the U.S. armed forces as they continue to lead our nation’s defense into the future. Special

FY 2013 Defense Budget Proposal

Defense officials unveiled a new budget strategy for FY 2013 that will reduce the military's end strength by 5.5 percent over five years, while preserving military pay and benefits for current members and investing in technology and system to counter future threats. Special

Military Family Support

A new whole-of-government approach is designed to bring the federal government’s vast reach to help strengthen millions of service members and their families. This ongoing AFPS special report provides regular updates on the efforts to help improve the lives of military families. Special

African American History Month

During African American History Month, the Defense Department takes time to honor the rich legacy of African Americans in military service. This AFPS special report highlights their contributions in defense and support of the United States. Special

70th Anniversary of World War II:
The Attack on Pearl Harbor

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941, marked the United States' entry into World War II. In this 70th anniversary special report, the Defense Department honors those who gave their lives on the "date which will live in infamy." Special

DOD Science & Technology News

Given today's globalized access to knowledge and the rapid pace of technology development, innovation, speed, and agility have taken on a greater importance. The Department of Defense serves as an innovative leader in developing technology to protect Americans and troops – on and off the battlefield. Special

Medal of Honor: Heroes of the
War in Iraq and Afghanistan

The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest military decoration. Ten servicemembers have received the Medal of Honor since the global war on terror began following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. Special

Cybersecurity

America's growing dependence on information technology has given rise to the need for greater protection of digital networks and infrastructures. Special

Cyber Strategy

The Defense Department has adopted its first strategy for operating in cyberspace, marking a milestone in the fight to protect the nation from potentially devastating network attacks. Special

DOD Sustainability

The Defense Department is investing in energy conservation, from wind power to golf carts for base transportation, to save the earth and save money. Special

Operational Energy Strategy

DOD’s Operational Energy Strategy will guide the department to a more strategic use of energy resources in the fight today and in plans for the future by lowering risks to our warfighters, saving money for American taxpayers, and allowing the department to shift more resources to other warfighting priorities. Special

National Security Space Strategy

The National Security Space Strategy is a pragmatic approach to maintain the advantages derived from space while confronting the challenges of an evolving space strategic environment. Special

Don't Ask Don't Tell

The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law, which barred gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military, has been repealed." Special

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