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United States Department of Defense United States Department of Defense

The Defense Department Welcomes

Ash Carter

25th Secretary of Defense

About the Secretary

Ash Carter is the 25th secretary of defense. He previously served as deputy defense secretary and as undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics. Carter has received the Defense Department's Distinguished Service Medal five times and the Defense Intelligence Medal.

Full Biography Portrait

Video Message

Screen grab of Ash Carter speaking.

Defense Secretary Ash Carter Issues a Message

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Photo Essay

Ash Carter speaking with the American flag on the right.

Carter Takes Oath of Office at Pentagon

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Time to Seize 'Bright Opportunities,' Secretary Says

Focusing on the difficulties that lie ahead of the Defense Department is easy, but now is also the time to embrace opportunity, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said at his ceremonial swearing in as the 25th secretary of defense. Story

New Secretary Assumes Duties Following Swearing-In Ceremony

Thumbnail of Defense Secretary Ash Carter.

Ash Carter took the oath of office as the 25th secretary of defense in a ceremony at the White House with his wife, Stephanie, holding the Bible upon which he swore to support and defend the U.S. Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. Story

Carter Greets Workforce, Outlines Priorities at All-hands Meeting

Defense Secretary Ash Carter summarized the multiple national security threats -- old and new -- facing the nation, but said the nation also has bright opportunities to explore during an all-hands meeting at the Pentagon. Story

Obama, Carter Discuss Range of Issues

President Barack Obama said his White House meeting with Defense Secretary Ash Carter covered a range of security issues from violent extremism to Ukraine to maintaining the military. Story

Secretary Outlines Priorities in Message to Force

Ash Carter, who was sworn in as the 25th secretary of defense, laid out his top priorities in a message to the DoD workforce. Story

Carter Takes Office, Brings Extensive Defense Experience

Ash Carter assumed duties as the the 25th secretary of defense after having served previously as deputy defense secretary, defense acquisition chief and assistant secretary for global strategic affairs. Story

Senate Confirms Carter as 25th Defense Secretary

Ash Carter, a former deputy defense secretary, defense acquisition chief and assistant secretary for global strategic affairs, has walked into the Pentagon many times over his long defense career, but the next time he walks through the Pentagon's doors, it will be as the 25th secretary of defense. Story

Carter Pledges to Help Resolve DoD Budget Issues

Ash Carter, President Barack Obama's defense secretary nominee, pledged to protect the nation and its allies, and to work with Congress to find a way through defense budget turmoil and the looming spending cuts of sequestration. Story


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