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Special Reports

Featured Special Reports

Pearl Harbor - 73rd Anniversary of the Attack

Pearl Harbor - 73rd Anniversary of the Attack

As the nation observes the 73rd anniversary of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the Defense Department honors the men and women who sacrificed their lives, and those who fought to preserve the nation's freedom. Special

Travels with Dempsey - Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

Travels With Dempsey

U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited U.S. troops and civilians during a trip to Baghdad. Dempsey also discussed the way ahead in the campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant with Iraqi leaders. Special | Travels Archive

Travels With Chuck Hagel

Travels With Chuck Hagel

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is on a five-day trip to meet with the men and women of the Defense Department. The trip includes visits to Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Fort Irwin, Calif., Fort Campbell, Ky., and Camp Lejeune, N.C. While in California, Hagel also is scheduled to attend the Reagan Defense Forum in Simi Valley. Special | Travels Archive

Defense.gov Special Report: Veterans Day 2014

Veterans Day 2014

President Barack Obama praised "America's sons and daughters who answered their country's call" as he proclaimed Nov. 11, 2014, as Veterans Day. Special

Defense.gov Special Report: Military Family Support

Military Family Support

In proclaiming November as Military Family Month, President Barack Obama urged Americans to recognize every spouse, parent, sibling, child, and loved one who stands with our service members. Obama said "we affirm our solemn vow to serve these families as well as they serve us." Special

National American Indian Heritage Month 2014

National American Indian Heritage Month 2014

Since the Revolutionary War, Native Americans and Alaska Natives have played a vital role in our country's freedom and security. The Defense Department honors the many contributions and accomplishments of American Indians and Alaska Natives during National American Indian Heritage Month, as we remember the legacy of the first Americans and celebrate their vibrant culture and heritage. Special

Warrior Care Month 2014

Warrior Care Month 2014

During Warrior Care month, the Defense Department honors the courage of wounded, ill or injured service members, and highlights the programs that help them learn new life skills that enable them to return to duty or transition from the military. Special

DoD Helps Fight Ebola in West Africa - Operation United Assistance

DoD Helps Fight Ebola in West Africa
Operation United Assistance

In support of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Defense Department has made critical contributions to the fight against the Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa. Chief among these are the deployment of up to 4,000 men and women in uniform to Monrovia, Liberia, as part of Operation United Assistance. Special

Travels With Chuck Hagel

Travels With Chuck Hagel

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will attend the Conference of the Defense Ministers of the Americas during a six-day trip to South America that includes visits to Colombia, Chile and Peru. Special | Travels Archive

Warrior Games 2014

National Disability Employment Awareness Month - 2014

Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. Special

The Cyber Domain - Security and Operations

The Cyber Domain - Security and Operations

The Defense Department named cyberspace a new domain of warfare in 2011. Today, U.S. Cyber Command, the services, and U.S. partners and allies are working together to make that inherently collaborative, adaptable environment a suitable place for military command and control. Special

Warrior Games 2014

Warrior Games 2014

More than 200 wounded, ill and injured service members, as well as military retirees, are competing in the fifth annual Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., Sept. 28-Oct. 3, 2014. Special

The Freedom Award 2014 - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

The Freedom Award 2014 - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

The Defense Department honors 15 businesses and government organizations with the 2014 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award, the highest honor the department gives to employers who support employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. Special

Travels with Dempsey - Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

Travels With Dempsey

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is in Croatia conducting counterpart visits with the Croatian defense chief. Earlier this week, Dempsey was in Lithuania where he participated in the NATO Military Committee Chiefs of Staff meeting. Dempsey also visited France, where he met with his counterpart to further solidify their relationship. Special | Travels Archive

National Hispanic Heritage Month 2014

National Hispanic Heritage Month 2014

Each year the nation sets aside Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 to recognize the heritage and cultural diversity that Hispanic Americans have contributed to our country. In this special report in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Defense Department celebrates the strength, pride and honor throughout the history of Hispanics' service in our nation's military. Special

Remembering Sept. 11, 2001 - 13th Anniversary

Remembering Sept. 11, 2001 - 13th Anniversary

The Defense Department is observing the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States and honoring the memory of the more than 3,000 people lost in the tragedy. Special

Invictus Games 2014

Invictus Games 2014

More than 400 competitors from 13 nations will participate in the inaugural Invictus Games in London, an international sporting event for wounded warriors to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their countries. Special

Proliferation Security Initiative

Proliferation Security Initiative

The Proliferation Security Initiative is a global effort to stop trafficking of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems and related materials to and from actors of proliferation concern. U.S. involvement stems from a national strategy which recognizes the need for more robust tools to stop proliferation and identifies interdiction as an area of greater focus. Special

Suicide Prevention and Awareness

Suicide Prevention and Awareness

One person has the power to teach resilience, recognize warning signs, intervene, chat, or make a call; it only takes one person or one act to save another person's life. The Department of Defense, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, has launched the "Power of 1" campaign in observance of DoD Suicide Prevention Month, September 2014. Special

The Annual Combined Federal Campaign

The Annual Combined Federal Campaign

CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 150 CFC national and international campaigns raising millions of dollars each year. Defense Department employees nationwide have the opportunity to give to the DoD campaign from Sept. 1, 2014 to Dec. 15, 2014. In his memo, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel expressed his unwavering support for the campaign and strongly encouraged members of the workforce to participate in any way they can. Special

Travels With Chuck Hagel

Travels With Chuck Hagel

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is on a six-day visit to three countries which includes participation at the Sept. 4-5 NATO Summit in Wales. Hagel also will make stops in Georgia and Turkey, his first as defense secretary. On his way to the summit, Hagel delivered a speech on defense innovation in Newport, Rhode Island. Special | Travels Archive

Travels with Work - Deputy Defense Secretary

National Preparedness Month - 2014

Disasters can strike anywhere and at any time. National Preparedness Month, observed every September, serves as a reminder that everyone must take action to prepare for the types of emergencies that can affect each of us. Special

Travels with Work - Deputy Defense Secretary

Travels With Work

Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work is traveling to the Asia-Pacific region to strengthen multilateral security cooperation, build more robust partnerships and discuss ongoing efforts and regional security matters. Special | Travels Archive

Travels with Dempsey - Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

Travels With Dempsey

U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, meets with leaders in Vietnam during the first visit to the country by a chairman since the Vietnam War. Special | Travels Archive

DoD Yellow Program Reintegration Program

DoD Yellow Program Reintegration Program

Since 9/11, more than 900,000 National Guard and Reserve members have been called to active duty in support of contingency operations around the globe. They return from duty to families, friends, careers, schools and communities scattered across the nation to begin the difficult task of finding their new normal. The Defense Department's Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program ensures these service members and those who support them have access to the information, resources and assistance they need throughout and beyond the deployment cycle. Special

Operation Inherent Resolve

Operation Inherent Resolve
Targeted Operations Against ISIL Terrorists

The president has authorized U.S. Central Command to work with partner nations to conduct targeted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria as part of the comprehensive strategy to degrade and defeat the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Special

Travels With Chuck Hagel

Travels With Chuck Hagel

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is travelling to meet with his counterparts in Germany and India, and will participate in the Australia-U.S. Ministerial in Sydney. On the last leg of his trip, the secretary will visit troops on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. Special | Travels Archive

Aspen Security forum banner.

Aspen Security Forum 2014

Every year, the nation's top defense, security and diplomatic leaders participate in the Aspen Security Forum, examining critical questions about international and homeland security issues. Special

Travels With Chuck Hagel

Travels With Chuck Hagel

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is on a two-day trip to military bases in Georgia, Florida and Alabama, to ensure that the Defense Department stays focused on the long-term concerns affecting U.S. interests and allies in Asia, Europe and around the world. Special | Travels Archive

Travels with Work - Deputy Defense Secretary

Travels With Work

U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work visited London, where he met with senior government and military leaders and attended the naming ceremony for the United Kingdom's newest aircraft carrier, the HMS Queen Elizabeth. Special | Travels Archive

Travels with Dempsey - Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

Travels With Dempsey

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is in Hawaii, where he will hold trilateral talks with his Japanese and Korean counterparts while also meeting with service members. Special | Travels Archive

Traumatic Brain Injury

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

Send Your Vote Home

Summer Safety 2014

As the summer season approaches, the Defense Department is promoting the importance of safety and emphasizing responsibility through its "Critical Days of Summer" safety campaign. Special

Send Your Vote Home

Send Your Vote Home

Election day, Nov. 4, 2014, is fast approaching. No matter where you are stationed, registering to vote and getting your absentee ballot is simple, fast and easy. Special

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

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

The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest military decoration. Eleven 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

World War I - 100th Anniversary

World War I - 100th Anniversary

The assassination on June 28, 1914, of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, would spark World War I. The Defense Department salutes the courage of the U.S. soldiers who fought for freedom's sake. Special

Military Health System Review

Military Health System Review

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has directed the Defense Department to conduct a comprehensive review of the Military Health System that will focus on access to care. The review also will assess the safety and quality of health care in military treatment facilities and the health care DOD purchases from civilian providers. The MHS provides health care for more than 9.6 million beneficiaries. Special

Feds Feed Families 2014

Feds Feed Families 2014

The sixth annual federal-wide Feds Feed Families Food Drive campaign is now under way. Defense Department employees nationwide have been asked to step up to meet this challenge by pledging to "participate and make a difference!" There is no government-wide collection goal for 2014; every donation big or small will be significant in the lives of those families in need. Special

Travels with Dempsey - Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

Travels with Dempsey

U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is in Britain to meet with leaders for the Chiefs of Defense Strategic Dialogue. Special | Travels Archive

70th Anniversary of D-Day and the Invasion of Normandy

70th Anniversary of D-Day and the Invasion of Normandy

On June 6, 1944, nearly 160,000 Allied troops landed along a heavily fortified, 50-mile stretch of French coastline in the historic operation known as D-Day. More than 9,000 Allied soldiers were killed or wounded on the beaches of Normandy, but by day's end, the Allies had gained a foothold to begin liberating Europe. Special

Operation Atlantic Resolve

Operation Atlantic Resolve

The United States is demonstrating its continued commitment to collective security through a series of actions designed to reassure NATO allies and partners of America's dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region, in light of the Russian intervention in Ukraine. Special

Commencement Addresses - 2014

Commencement Addresses - 2014

The president, vice president, Defense Department and military leaders deliver messages of hope, encouragement and guidance to the class of 2014. Special

Travels With Chuck Hagel

Travels With Chuck Hagel

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's 14th international trip will focus on Asia and Europe as he travels to Alaska, Romania, Belgium and France, and participates in the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Special | Travels Archive

Memorial Day - 2014

Memorial Day 2014

President Barack Obama 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." Special

Navy, Marine Corps Respond to California Wildfires

Navy, Marine Corps Respond to California Wildfires

The Defense Department is providing assistance to emergency officials battling intense wildfires in the Southern California area. Wildfires have affected military installations, personnel and families in the region, forcing evacuations. Special

Arlington National Cemetery, 150th Anniversary banner.

Arlington National Cemetery, 150th Anniversary

Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families. The common thread of service to country binds all who are remembered and honored there for their willingness to defend and protect our freedoms in every conflict our nation has seen – from the Civil War to those of the 21st century. Special

Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2014

Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2014

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 their military service in defense of our nation. Special

Travels with Battaglia

Travels with Battaglia

Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is in Florida, where he completed the first of a two-day command tour at Naval Station Mayport, the third-largest fleet concentration in the United States. Special

Guardsmen Respond to Washington Mudslide Disaster

Guardsmen Respond to Washington Mudslide Disaster

A deadly mudslide occurred near Oso, Wash., March 22, 2014, when a portion of a hillside collapsed, sending mud and debris over a square mile. National Guardsmen have been assisting in search operations. Special

Fort Hood Shooting

Fort Hood Shooting

President Barack Obama, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and other senior defense leaders expressed their sympathy and sadness at the April 2, 2014, shooting spree on Fort Hood, Texas, which claimed four lives, including the shooter, and injured 16 others. Special

Navy Yard Shooting Review

Navy Yard Shooting Review

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced the Defense Department will implement a series of recommendations to enhance security based on reviews of the September 2013 shooting at the Washington Navy Yard in which 12 people died. Security measures include establishing an insider threat management and analysis center and automated checks of personnel with access to DOD facilities or classified information. Special

FY 2015 Defense Budget Review

Navy Assists Search for Malaysian Airliner

The U.S. Navy is providing sea and air support to the Malaysian government in the search for Malaysian Airlines Flight 370, which disappeared over the South China Sea March 8, 2014, en route from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Beijing. Special

FY 2015 Defense Budget Review

FY 2015 Defense Budget Review

The fiscal year 2015 defense budget request works to square priorities with resources, Defense Department officials said while calling for a 1 percent pay raise for the military. Special

2014 Quadrennial Defense Review

2014 Quadrennial Defense Review

The Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) is a legislatively-mandated review of Department of Defense strategy and priorities. The QDR will set a long-term course for DOD as it assesses the threats and challenges that the nation faces and re-balances DOD's strategies, capabilities, and forces to address today's conflicts and tomorrow's threats. Special

Cape Ray

Cape Ray

The container ship M/V Cape Ray departed for an unspecified location in the Mediterranean, Jan. 27, 2014. The ship carries a team of specialists that has the mission of destroying chemical materials from Syria. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told the ship's crew that he was grateful for their expertise and willingness to serve when called upon. Special

Military Olympians: Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics

Military Olympians: Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics

Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army World Class Athlete program are participating in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Feb. 7-23, 2014. Follow their journeys to become military Olympians and track the competition results in this special report. Special

Year in Photos 2013

Year in Photos 2013

Year in Photos 2013 is a selection of some of the most compelling moments military photographers captured of U.S service members as they conducted operations, responded to disasters and engaged in daily life. The images range from joint missions with Afghan forces to homecoming hugs, reflecting the service and sacrifice men and women in uniform make. American Forces Press Service prepared this annual special report. Special

Defense.gov Special Report: Military Family Support

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

Off Duty Military Life - 2013

Off Duty Military Life - 2013

The Defense Department and military services sponsor a host of programs and activities promoting fitness, fun and personal enrichment. While reducing stress and improving quality of life across the DOD community, these efforts help make service members happier, healthier and more mission-ready. Special

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

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

The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest military decoration. Eleven 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

Sexual Assault - Awareness and Prevention

Sexual Assault: Awareness and Prevention

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

Sequestration: Across-the-Board Budget Cuts Could Threaten National Security

Sequestration:
Across-the-Board Budget Cuts Could Threaten National Security

The nation's top defense leaders are urging Congress to move now to prevent major, across-the-board spending cuts that are scheduled to take effect March 1, 2013. Special

Defense Intelligence

Defense Intelligence

Defense intelligence is critical to the Defense Department's role in national security. Such information helps frame national security policies, and enables warfighters to plan and conduct successful military and security operations that protect America. Special

Biosurveillance

Biosurveillance

Biological, chemical, and nuclear terrorist attacks, extreme weather events, and naturally-occurring emerging infectious diseases all pose national security threats unbounded by state, country, and regional borders. The Department of Defense uses global biosurveillance networks to identify and track such threats and to help defend the United States. Special

Veterans Employment

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

Unified Combatant Commands

Unified Combatant Commands

The Defense Department has nine unified combatant commands, each with responsibilities for a geographic region or functional area in support of U.S. strategic objectives. Their mission is to maintain command and control of U.S. military forces around the world in peacetime as well as in conflict. Special

DOD Science & Technology News

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

DOD Sustainability

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

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

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

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