U.S. Department of Defense Official Website (via Mowser)

TOP NEWS

U.S. Leaders Comfortable With Troop Status Agreement

All American troops will be out of Iraq by the end of 2011 under the status of forces agreement between the United States and Iraq, said the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Story

Iraqi Agreement Called Positive

After weeks of struggle to reach an agreement, an important next step has been made for U.S. troops to continue operations in Iraq in 2009, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said. Story

Mullen Shocked by Attack on Supertanker

U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he was shocked by a pirate attack on a Saudi Arabian supertanker 450 nautical miles off the coast of Kenya. Story

Chairman Calls for Serious Debate on U.S. Investments in National Security

Americans need to have a serious debate about what it takes to defend the United States, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a Pentagon news conference. Story

With the Defense Departmentâ€™s observance of Warrior Care Month as a backdrop, the Armyâ€™s top medical officer reflected on some of the warriors he has met and the lessons of courage and strength he has gained from them while serving as commander of Walter Reed Army Medical Center and later as Army surgeon general and commander of Army Medical Command. Story

Combat Medic Training Evolves

In the years since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the Army has revamped its combat medic training to produce a new breed of medic, trained by combat veterans with a battle-focused curriculum that has evolved alongside the fight. Story | Photos

MILITARY NEWS

TroopTube Gives Troops Morale Boost

Overseas-deployed servicemembers can receive video â€œshout-outsâ€ from home, as well as senior-leader messages, thanks to the new TroopTube online information service, according to military officials. Story

Music Industry Sings Military's Praises

Just in time for Thanksgiving, 14 musical acts are showing just how thankful they are for what the military does for everyone back home. Story

Cartwright, USO Performers Finish Tour

USO performers traveling with the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff wrapped up a six-country, eight-day tour to bring entertainment to troops. Story

• Officials ID Missing Soldier from Korean War

• Navy Prefers to Keep Nuclear Carrier in Florida

AROUND THE SERVICES

• Navy Introduces Paternity Leave Policy

• Airmen Support Multinational Exercise

• Army Helicopter Battalion Relocates to States

• Marines Maintain Vigilance on Syrian Border

[ http://www.defenselink.mil/home/features/2008/topstorypromos/nationalguard/flashcode.html ]

Air National Guard Lt. Gen. Craig McKinley

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen promote Air National Guard Lt. Gen. Craig McKinley to the rank of four-star general during the Chief National Guard Bureau transition ceremony at the Pentagon, Nov. 17, 2008. He joins the ranks of George Washington and Ulysses S. Grant, two other four-star officers who have served as Guardsmen during their military careers. More Photos

IRAQ NEWS

Effects of More Confident Iraqi Governance Show

After a year of operating in two of Baghdadâ€™s most historically violent districts, coalition forces are beginning to see the effects of a more confident Iraqi government and Iraqi security force. Story

• Transcript: Army Col. John H. Hort

• Dining Facility Dedicated to Fallen Comrade

• Coalition, Iraqi Troops Dismantle Bomb

AFGHANISTAN NEWS

Nations Team Up to Train Afghan Doctors

Medical professionals from the United States, Egypt and Korea have partnered to train Afghan doctors. Story

• Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill 38 Militants

LATEST PHOTOS

MULLEN TALKS TO PRESS - U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addresses the media during a press availability at the Pentagon, Nov. 17, 2008. Mullen discussed the release of his new guidance to the Joint Staff, the Status of Forces Agreement in Iraq and piracy issues around the Horn of Africa.DoD photo by U. S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

Hi-Res | Story | Lead Photo Archive