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Irbil Troop Talk

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter speaks with troops during his visit to Irbil, Iraq, Dec. 17, 2015. Carter is on a weeklong trip to the Middle East to meet with military leaders, and to thank troops for their service and sacrifice, especially during the holiday season. DoD photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class Clydell Kinchen

Travels with Carter - December 2015

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter is on a weeklong trip to the Middle East to meet with defense leaders, and thank U.S. and coalition troops for their service and sacrifice, especially during the holiday season.

Special

Dual Shots

U.S. service members engage in target practice at a range near Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 8, 2015. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Corey Hook

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Peterson Arrival

Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work talks with military members as he arrives on Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., Dec. 16, 2015. Work is in Colorado to meet with leaders and tour local commands. DoD photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Tim D. Godbee

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Evacuation Training

Crew members assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles conduct emergency aircraft evacuation training at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, Dec. 16, 2015. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrea Anderson

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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

Sediment Test

U.S. Navy Seaman Brandon Seymer conducts a bottom sediment and water test aboard the USS Ross in the Black Sea, Dec. 14, 2015. The USS Ross is conducting a routine patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. Seymer is a gas turbine systems technician. U....More

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Gravely Touchdown

An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter lands aboard the USS Gravely in the Mediterranean Sea, Dec. 11, 2015. The Gravely is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class D. C. Dillon

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Essex Homecoming

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Ben Hernandez kisses his newborn child upon returning from a seven-month deployment aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex in San Diego, Dec. 15, 2015. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class James Vazquez

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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

Artillery Endeavor

A U.S. Marine participates in artillery live-fire rehearsals during Platinum Lynx 16-2 on Smardan Training Area, Romania, Dec. 8, 2015. Exercise Platinum Lynx 16-2 is a NATO-led multinational exercise designed to strengthen combat readiness, increase collective capabilities and maintain proven relationships with allied...More

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Frosty and Friend

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Godson Bagnabana puts up an inflatable snowman on the flight deck of the USS Ronald Reagan in Yokosuka, Japan, Dec. 17, 2015. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Burke

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Blogs

Commemorating ‘The Bulge:’ Key Facts of a Major WWII Battle

Battle of the Bulge photo from the National Archives.

Mid-December marks the anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, Hitler’s last great stand during WWII that was a huge victory for U.S. troops, but at a high cost.More

Remember the Gift of Life This Holiday Season: Give Blood

U.S. Army Spc. Hayeon McCurley prepares U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kimberly Gray to give blood during the Armed Services Blood Program blood drive on Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 9, 2015. ASBP blood drives allow members the opportunity to donate blood for service members and their families. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Areca T. Bell

If you’re considering donating to charity this holiday season, know that one of the best gifts you can give to service members - blood - doesn’t cost a thing. More

Apps That Can Help Manage Holiday Stress

While many people look forward to the holidays, this time of year can also be stressful. Try these apps to help make things smoother.More

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U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-17 Dec

You have your force, we have ours. #ForceoftheFuture #TheForceAwakens

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-17 Dec

Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve releases information daily on coalition strikes and targets destroyed or damaged in Iraq and Syria . Here's a snapshot of #ISIL targets destroyed or damaged by coalition strikes from Dec. 8 - 14. U.S. Central Command

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-17 Dec

A #CJTFOIR strike destroyed a #Daesh vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) factory near Qayyarah, Iraq, in support of Iraqi Security Forces on Dec. 7, 2015. On the same date near Qayyarah, one strike struck an ISIL tactical unit. The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the Daesh terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, and the wider international community. The destruction of Daesh targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the group's ability to project terror and conduct operations. #InherentResolve #Airpower #onemissionmanynations https://youtu.be/tz11ORkQxwY

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-17 Dec

An update on the #CJTFOIR building partner capacity mission. Recently, 125 local Iraqi police officers graduated from a law and order course led by Italian Carabinieri in Baghdad. The Carabinieri is Italy's national military police force. Training at building partner capacity sites is an integral part of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve's multinational effort to train Iraqi Security Force personnel to defeat Daesh. U.S. Central Command #InherentResolve

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-16 Dec

U.S. Marine Corps II Marine Expeditionary Force Marines with 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company conducted a mission rehearsal at Camp Lejeune in support of an upcoming deployment to train and assist coalition forces in Afghanistan.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-16 Dec

U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18s with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 link up and perform an Air to Air refuel during a combat mission in the skies of Iraq. The ‘Red Devils’ of VMFA-232 are currently deployed with the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command and provide offensive strike and close air support to Operation Inherent Resolve and the global fight against #ISIL.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-16 Dec

#OTD in 1944, the Battle of the Bulge, a sneak attack by Hitler on exhausted American troops in the hills of Belgium’s Ardennes forest began. It was his last major stand, really – one that could have changed the tide of the war in his favor. Instead, it solidified an Allied victory.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-15 Dec

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter is on a weeklong trip to the Middle East to meet with defense leaders to discuss the push to accelerate the campaign against #ISIL, and thank U.S. and coalition troops for their service and sacrifice, especially during the holiday season.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-15 Dec

United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle sits after landing at Incirlik Air Base - Turkey. The F-15Es from the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath, U.K., joined U.S., Turkish, and other coalition aircraft in supporting OIR and counter-ISIL missions. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cory W. Bush

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-15 Dec

United States Air Force Tech. Sgt. Stephen Upton shoots an M4 at a firing range near Kabul, #Afghanistan. Upton is assigned to the Train, Advise, Assist Command-Air (TAAC-Air) as a personal security detail member. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter is traveling to the Middle East to visit with soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines to thank them for what they bring to the fight against #ISIL and discuss how our unique capabilities are integral to the strategy the U.S. is pursuing. Their combined efforts have amounted to a major intensification of our efforts in the last few months. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Corey Hook

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-14 Dec

Marines assigned to Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 2 (VMAQ-2), participate in a foreign object debris walk aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. The Marines of VMAQ-2 conducted corrective and preventative maintenance in preparation for the Aviation Logistics Management Adviser Team inspection by the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anthony J. Brosilow

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-14 Dec

President Obama gave an update on our fight against #ISIL from the Pentagon today: go.wh.gov/ISIL

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-14 Dec

President Obama will address reporters at the Pentagon today, following a meeting with his National Security Council on our counter #ISIL strategy. Watch live at 12:25p.m. EST on www.defense.gov.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-14 Dec

An F-22 Raptor, Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 and French air force Rafale fly in formation as part of a trilateral exercise held at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. The exercise simulates a highly contested, degraded and operationally limited environment where U.S. and partner pilots and ground crews can test their readiness. United States Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Newman

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-13 Dec

A Marine with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, awaits the order to lock down the hatches as the unit prepares to conduct company-level beach operations on Camp Lejeune. During this exercise the unit conducted maneuvers as a mechanized infantry company in preparation for upcoming operations. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brianna Gaudi

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-13 Dec

Every December, thousands of volunteers for Wreaths Across America - Official Page come to Arlington National Cemetery to lay wreaths on the graves of veterans. Here's a short video from Saturday's event.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-13 Dec

Happy Birthday to The National Guard!!! #Guard379

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-12 Dec

Congratulations to both United States Naval Academy and West Point - The U.S. Military Academy on a hard fought game. #ArmyNavy

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-12 Dec

Luke and his band of fellow United States Naval Academy Mids set out on a journey to rescue Midshipman Leia from the United States Military Academy on the eve of Navy football's 14th victory. Losing streaks are a path to the dark side. May the 14 be with them. Catch the #ArmyNavy Game today, 3:00 p.m. EST.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-12 Dec

DECLASSIFIED: United States Military Academy Black Knights devise devious plan to defeat the United States Naval Academy Midshipmen once and for all. Catch the #ArmyNavy Game today, 3:00 p.m. EST.

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-17 Dec

You have your force, we have ours. #ForceoftheFuture #TheForceAwakens https://t.co/mVHkTYO0pe

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-17 Dec

.@CJTFOIR struck #ISIL bunkers, vehicles, tactical units, fighting positions and more from Dec. 8-14. https://t.co/0i1kP1PWur

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-17 Dec

Today #SecDef visited troops in Erbil to thank them for the unique capabilities they bring to counter #ISIL fight https://t.co/VP1ctlHNbE

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-17 Dec

A @CJTFOIR strike destroyed a #Daesh vehicle-borne improvised explosive device factory near Qayyarah, Iraq https://t.co/UZa5zitw0o

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-17 Dec

Latest @CJTFOIR building partner capacity mission: 15,892 ISF trained; 4,313 in training. 125 graduates. https://t.co/jq9EtH6PsU

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-16 Dec

Follow #SecDef Carter's travels in the #MiddleEast at our web special here: https://t.co/j38bj20m9b https://t.co/arG5S8xEC5

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-16 Dec

.@USMC F/A-18s perform a combat mission in the skies of Iraq supporting @CJTFOIR & the global fight against #ISIL. https://t.co/oF40IAR9cN

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-16 Dec

#SecDef Carter today thanked and coined troops serving in Baghdad during the holiday season https://t.co/FZ7WgvlFxa

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-16 Dec

#SecDef Carter met with Iraqi PM @HaiderAlAbadi and MinDef @khalid_alobeidi to discuss the counter #ISIL campaign https://t.co/NOKOW7TMSL

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-16 Dec

#OTD in 1944, the #BattleoftheBulge, a sneak attack by Hitler on American troops began: https://t.co/kny1RznIFD https://t.co/YE4YcabUUj

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-16 Dec

#SecDef Carter addresses troops in Baghdad, wishes them a happy holiday and thanks them for all they do https://t.co/guPcSNB0PQ

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-16 Dec

In Iraq, @OIRspox briefs traveling press on #ISIL fight. Says ISF spoiled ISIL counter-attack at Palestine bridge https://t.co/z4CrZ98W6B

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-15 Dec

A @usairforce F-15 Strike Eagle sits after landing at Incirlik Air Base (Turkey) to join OIR/Counter-#ISIL missions https://t.co/xd2J8jOtQ7

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-15 Dec

#SecDef Carter visited US and coalition airmen at @IncirlikAB today and observed F15s, F16s, and an A10 up close. https://t.co/Pfg1UB5FRp

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-15 Dec

#SecDef and Mrs. Carter met and thanked families at @IncirlikAB. Told them "military service is a family affair." https://t.co/QrjUbV9j3G

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-15 Dec

A @USMC MV-22 Osprey launches from the @USNavy's USS Boxer during an exercise in the #PacificOcean. https://t.co/NWGFhr42Vm

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-15 Dec

#SecDef Carter and his wife arrive in Turkey to meet with troops & families as part of week long trip to Middle East https://t.co/s2u1cO2Ibt

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-14 Dec

#Marines assigned to VMAQ 2, participate in a foreign object debris walk aboard @USMC Air Station Cherry Point. https://t.co/2oAaFsKxRB

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-14 Dec

RT @WhiteHouse: Watch @POTUS give an update on our fight against ISIL from the Pentagon: https://t.co/oDIQ2UMleK https://t.co/Hc1uNP9SyP

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-14 Dec

RT @WHLive: "As always, our extraordinary men and women in uniform continue to put their lives on the line...to keep the rest of us safe."—…

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Special Reports

Features

Face of Defense

Air Force Staff Sgt. Chris Meyer, 28th Contracting Squadron contract administrator, reviews paperwork at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Nov. 4, 2015. One of Meyer’s primary duties is reviewing contracts to ensure they comply with Air Force guidelines. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James L. Miller

Former Marine Serves as Air Force Contract Administrator Air Force Staff Sgt. Chris Meyer, a former Marine Corps infantryman, provides support and business advice to commanders as he deals with base contracts daily at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. Story

Focus on Asia-Pacific

U.S. Navy Adm. Scott Swift, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, talks to students about regional issues in the Indo-Asia Pacific region during the Naval War College cooperative strategy forum at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu, Dec. 14, 2015. More than 100 personnel from 10 partner nations attended the event to broaden dialogue and deepen debate on maritime challenges and opportunities in the region. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal

Cooperative Strategy Forum Focuses on Pacific Maritime Security Representatives from 10 partner nations attended a two-day forum in Honolulu aimed at fostering improved collaboration and a better understanding of each other's viewpoints. Story | Video | Special

In The Spotlight

Brig. Gen. Diana Holland becomes the first woman to hold the title of deputy commanding general for support in a light infantry division during her promotion ceremony to brigadier on Fort Drum, N.Y., July 29, 2015. Her husband, James Holland Jr., right, and Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey L. Bannister, 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum commander, pin on her stars. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Osama Ayyad

U.S. Military Academy Announces First Female Commandant of Cadets Army Brig. Gen. Diana Holland is slated to assume command as West Point's 76th commandant of cadets Jan. 5. Story

Airmen Honor World War II Veteran's Last Wish Air Force Tech. Sgt. Terrance Williams, the 22nd Air Refueling Wing Honor Guard NCO in charge, recently presented Roy Mullinax, a World War II airman, with a veteran’s pin during a special recognition ceremony. Story

Wreaths Across America

Military Families Honor Loved Ones During Wreaths Across America Emily Johnson traveled from Wisconsin to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia to rekindle memories of her older brother, Army 1st Lt. David Andrew Johnson, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2012. Story

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