DEFENSE BRIEFING - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen speak with members of the press at the Pentagon, May 8, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie Cullen
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates marked the 10th annual Military Appreciation Month and thanked those who support America's troops through the Defense Department's America Supports You program. His remarks follow. Story
Army recruits who joined the ranks on conduct waivers are slightly more prone to misconduct, but also are promoted faster, re-enlist in higher numbers and represent higher-quality recruits than others, an internal Army study revealed. Story
The people of Sadr City are cooperating with Iraqi forces, but clearing the crowded portion of Baghdad is a painstaking procedure, an Iraqi government spokesman said in Baghdad. Story
Coalition forces distributed more than 13,000 egg-laying chicks to 10 poultry farmers in the Hawr Rajab area to provide a more sustainable income for the area’s largely family-based farms. Story
The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit will redeploy from Afghanistan in November as scheduled, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said. Story
The tragedy following a devastating cyclone in Burma is compounded by the fact that the U.S. military and others are ready to help, but can’t without the ruling military junta’s approval, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said. Story | Photos
Work has begun on a review of the U.S. military’s roles and missions, senior defense officials said. The congressionally mandated study looks to ensure the department is organized effectively and in ways to make it easier for the warfighter. Story
Troops need to feel as comfortable seeking mental health care for combat-related stresses as they are getting treated for physical injuries, a Walter Reed Army Medical Center official said. Story
U.S. warriors are more likely than ever to survive battlefield wounds, thanks to medical progress. It's the innovation behind that progress that inspires military doctors as they study the possibilities of regenerative medicine.
Story
Medical leaders from around the world gathered in Bagram for an all-day seminar to discuss infectious diseases, like tuberculosis, which are the No. 1 cause of death in Afghanistan. Story
Chaplain (Capt.) Raphael Berdugo is one of only nine rabbis in the Air Force and the only one in the U.S. Air Forces Central region. He is a 15th generation rabbi whose goal is to lead people to a righteous path. Story
Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, is among the hospitals that encourage early reading through the Reach Out and Read program. Story
A troop-support organization’s Web site earned top honors in the annual Webby Awards competition as the top lifestyle site of 2008. “We are extremely honored,” said Navy wife and author Meredith Leyva, who created the site. Story
