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TOP NEWS

Gates Visits Fort Bragg to Meet With Soldiers, Spouses

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates traveled to the home of the 82nd Airborne Division and Army Special Operations Command to meet troops preparing for or recently returned from combat deployments to get an update on their operations, requirements and concerns. Story

Gates: Iraq Agreement Protects Troops

The draft status of forces agreement between the governments of the United States and Iraq contains adequate protections for U.S. military members, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said. Story

• Chairman: 'Not a Lot of Give' in Draft

• Leaders Focus on Resolving Agreement

Mullen Continues Talks With Baltic Allies

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff reaffirmed America’s commitment to the collective defense of NATO in meetings in the Baltic republics. Story

Defense Leaders Note Pakistan’s Improved Anti-Terrorism Efforts

U.S. defense leaders have noted Pakistan’s improved efforts to crack down on al-Qaida and other terrorists operating there, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said at a news conference. Story

• Gates Honors Career Civilian Employees

IRAQ NEWS

Soldiers View Iraqi-Funded Projects

Photo: Army Staff Sgt. Chris Mason provides security for project

U.S. Army leaders joined local leaders to check on Iraqi government-funded projects in Taji, northwest of Baghdad. Story

Security Progress Prompts Resettlement

Security improvements throughout northwestern Baghdad have prompted reconstruction and residents’ returns to their homes. Story | Video

• Transcript: Col. William Hickman

Soldiers in Iraq Exercise Right to Vote

Soldiers of Task Force Mountain will be making their voices heard this election year, many of them thanks to their unit voting assistance officers. Story

• Engineers, Iraqi Officials Discuss Piers, Seawall

AFGHANISTAN NEWS

Support Brings Growth to Kabul School

Afghan children are benefiting and thriving thanks to sustained efforts by a U.S. task force and a program that is helping to expand and improve their schools. Story

• Coalition, Afghans Kill Taliban Commanders

AROUND THE SERVICES

• Air Force Invests $12 Million in Research

• Marines Help Rebuild Homes in New Orleans

• Army Team Earns Gold in Culinary Olympics

• Nevada Naval Center Gets First Super Hornet

LATEST PHOTOS

NEW CITIZEN - Defense Secretary Roberts M. Gates presents Army Sgt. Michael Santos, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C., with a certificate of U.S. citizenship during a naturalization ceremony Oct. 23, 2008, at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. Nearly 40 servicemembers representing the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines became U.S. citizens during the ceremony.U.S. Army photo by Spc. Tony Hawkins

Hi-Res | Story | Lead Photo Archive

WARRIOR CARE

Gates: Steps Taken to Improve Wounded Care

The military has made "some significant steps forward" in caring for wounded warriors, including the creation of wounded warrior transition organizations, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during a Pentagon Channel interview. Story | Special

Arts Festival Gives Wounded Therapeutic Outlet

Photo: Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Dennis Linn

Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are among more than 120 disabled vets attending the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in Riverside, Calif. Story

MILITARY NEWS

Russian Language Experts to Help Agency
Dismantle Weapons in Former Soviet Union

The Defense Department agency tasked with securing and dismantling weapons of mass destruction in the former Soviet Union has added new cultural and linguistic experts. Story

Linguists Play Key Role in Threat Reduction

For the past 16 years, the United States has worked with leaders in Eurasian countries to reduce the numbers of weapons of mass destruction in former Soviet-bloc states, an achievement aided by America’s skilled foreign linguists. Story

Rules Limit Political Activities for Troops, Civilians

With the national election less than two weeks away, Defense Department officials are stressing to troops and civilian employees that federal law and DoD directives limit their involvement in certain political activities. Story

• Air Force Makes Gains in Energy Efficiency

• Officials Update National Guard, Reserve Activation List

NATIONAL GUARD

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