President Barack Obama named Ashton B. Carter, who previously served as deputy defense secretary, as his choice to become the 25th secretary of defense. Story | Transcript
Aggressive efforts to prevent sexual assault in the military are having an impact based on survey data that shows a drop in prevalence of 25 percent, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said, adding that more work remains to be done to eliminate the problem. Story | Special | Report | Initiatives | Transcript | Speech
U.S. soldiers move from behind an old tank during an exercise at Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, Dec. 3, 2014. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. William Tanner
Ashton B. Carter offers remarks after President Barack Obama nominated Carter to serve as the next defense secretary during an event at the White House, Dec. 5, 2014. Obama's announcement followed the resignation of Chuck Hagel, who will remain in office until the U.S. Senate confirms a successor. Carter served as deputy defense secretary from October 2011 to December 2013, and served as undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics before that. Video screen shot
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.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announces the release of a report noting progress in eliminating sexual assault within the military during the past three fiscal years while briefing reporters at the Pentagon, Dec. 4, 2014. Hagel was joined by Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey J. Snow, director, DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, right, and Jessica Wright, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Hurt
An HH-60 Pavehawk helicopter with the 101st Rescue Squadron, 106th Rescue Wing, tests a defensive system during a simulated rescue of a downed airman near Westhampton Beach, N.Y., Nov. 25 2014. New York Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Christopher S. Muncy
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.
Soldiers hone their slingload skills on Fort Stewart, Ga., Dec. 1, 2014, by attaching cargo to a hovering Black Hawk helicopter. The helicopter is from the 3rd Aviation Regiment and the soldiers below are from the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Richard Wrigley
U.S. sailors observe as a helicopter lowers a pallet of supplies across a flight deck during a vertical replenishment aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility, Dec. 1, 2014. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Bryan Jackson
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, right, chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, speaks with Army Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., left, commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, and James H. Baker, the chairman’s strategist, during a strategic studies seminar at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington D.C., Dec. 2, 2014. DoD photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Sean K. Harp
U.S. sailors man a phone and distance line during an underway replenishment with the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Rainier on the guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher in the Arabian Gulf, Nov. 25, 2014. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Anthony R. Martinez
The president authorized U.S. Central Command to conduct targeted airstrikes to protect U.S. personnel in Iraq. He also authorized a humanitarian effort to save thousands of Iraqi civilians on Mount Sinjar from the threat posed by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorists.
Navy Adm. Jonathan Greenert, chief of Naval Operations, delivers remarks during the Vice Admiral James Stockdale Leadership Award ceremony in the Pentagon Hall of Heroes in Washington, D.C., Dec. 4, 2014. The Stockdale Leadership Award is presented annually to two commissioned officers on active duty below the rank of captain who are in command of a single ship, submarine, aviation squadron or operational warfare unit at the time of nomination. The award is unique candidates are nominated. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Julianne F. Metzger
Every year around the holidays, some families experience added stress. Maybe because of visiting relatives, finding the last gift, or cooking for dozens. But for some on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, one stress that is avoided is the buying of a Christmas tree. Story
The Defense Department’s top information management professionals received senior-level recognition for their expertise at the 2014 DoD Chief Information Officer Award ceremony. Story | Statement | Special
The North American Aerospace Defense Command’s NORAD Tracks Santa website, http://www.noradsanta.org, has launched featuring a mobile version, a holiday countdown, new games and daily activities and more. Story
Service members, veterans, wounded warriors and their families were among the first to see this year’s White House holiday decorations, centering around the theme, “A Children’s Winter Wonderland.” Story | Special
The vice president’s wife, Dr. Jill Biden, hosted a holiday celebration at the vice president’s residence in honor of service members, veterans and their families. Guests included senior military spouses, guests from the Naval Observatory, Camp David, Full Circle Home and military families. Story | Photos | Special