Inside the DoD

On February 27, during a ceremony at the Pentagon, former Senator Chuck Hagel was sworn in as the 24th Secretary of Defense, replacing Leon Panetta. Hagel was confirmed a day earlier by the Senate after weeks of debate. Visit the Defense.gov special here: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/0213_hagel-welcome/ By the end of 2013, the Department of Defense will have to cut $47 billion from it's fiscal year 2013 budget, due to sequestration. The impact of the cuts began earlier this year with the anticipation of sequester causing the services to make changes. Fortunately, service members pay WILL NOT be affected. For more news on the sequestration visit: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/0213_sequestration/ As the Department of Defense looks to the future of Social Media and new formats, "Inside the DoD" will be on a temporary hiatus. For our loyal listeners, fear not, we shall return. We'd also like to know what types of videos you'd like to see more of. We produce videos for you and your input to our process is valuable, so let us know how we are doing by writing newmedia [at] dma.mil or by dropping us a line on Facebook or Twitter. facebook.com/dodlive and @DoDLiveMil

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced a new medal on Feb. 13, the Distinguished Warfare Medal. The new medal will be awarded to service members directly affecting combat operations who may not be who may not be geographically collocated. For more on this story: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=119290 Former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Clint Romesha was presented the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama for his actions during a battle in Afghanistan in October 2009. Romesha was also honored a day later when he was inducted into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes by Panetta. He spoke at the Pentagon and had this to say: "Four hundred Taliban versus 53 American soldiers: it just doesn't seem fair ... for the Taliban." To learn more about this story: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=119277 The month of February is recognized by the United States as African-American History Month. Today, nearly 18 percent of the all-volunteer military are African-American, and nine percent of officers. Brig. Gen. Stephen Twitty, deputy chief of staff communication, International Security Assistance Force, United States Forces - Afghanistan, and Clarence Johnson, director, Diversity Management and Equal Employment Opportunity, share their thoughts on what the month means to them. To see the full special: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/0213_aahm/ President Obama addressed reporters during a press conference about looming sequestration, which could be triggered March 1, if Congress fails to agree on a budget by then. Additionally, Under Secretary Of Defense (Comptroller) and Chief Financial Officer Robert Hale discussed what the Department of Defense plans are in the event of a furlough. Military service members are not subject to furlough. Their pay and monetary benefits will continue even if sequestration is triggered. For comprehensive coverage on sequestration: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/0213_sequestration/

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey announced the end of the direct ground combat exclusion rule for female members of the military, which will open about 237,000 positions to women. This change has been hotly debated since its announcement, but photos of women currently serving and Secretary Panetta's words "There are no guarantees of success. Not everyone can be a combat soldier, but everyone is entitled to a chance," evince the evolving landscape of our country's armed forces. Read more about this story here: http://www.defense.gov/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=119098 George Little, Pentagon Press Secretary, provided an update on United States role in supporting French operations in Mali during a press event at the Pentagon. Troops there are continuing to back French air operations to thwart the AQIM threat in the region. http://www.defense.gov/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=119077 Former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee recently where he spoke and provided testimony about his policies should he be sworn in as the next Defense Secretary. Hagel will be the 24th Defense Secretary if confirmed and vows to make U.S. policy "worthy of our troops and their families and the sacrifices we ask them to make. http://www.defense.gov/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=119152 On Dec. 18, after years of planning and training, a group of 16 specialized surgeons performed an extremely rare surgery on U.S. Army Spc. Brendan Marrocco. What kind of surgery? Watch or listen to the podcast to find out, either way you'll be amazed. http://www.army.mil/article/95523/Double_arm_transplant_helps_Soldier_who_lost_limbs_in_Iraq/ Media for Spc. Marrocco's story provided by Johns Hopkins Medicine: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/johns_hopkins_medicine_press_briefing_on_double_arm_transplant_featuring_the_patient_and_his_surgeons

President of the United States Barack Obama was sworn into office for his second term as President and Commander in Chief on Monday, Jan. 21. Obama, the 44th President, took the opportunity at his swearing in and later on at his Inaugural Ball to thank service members for their sacrifice. His appearance at the Commander in Chief's Inaugural Ball was marked by current service members, Gold Star Families, Tuskegee Airmen and wounded warriors that enjoyed incredible musical performances and a five foot tall cake, baked my Duff Goldman of "Ace of Cakes." See more about the DoD's support of the inauguration here: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/0113_inauguration/ In response to ongoing violence in neighboring Syria, the U.S. has deployed two Patriot Missile Batteries to Turkey as a larger group of NATO forces. Joining the U.S. service members will be missile defenders from Germany and The Netherlands. Read more about it here: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=118797 January is National Blood Donor Month and the Department of Defense is working to raise awareness about the Armed Services Blood Program. Air Force Col. Richard McBride, director of the Armed Services Blood Program was interviewed by the Pentagon Channel about the differences between civilian and military blood programs, and how you can donate. This mission is one which we should all promote or take part in. The blood stays in the military blood system and heads out to military hospitals around the world and to our brothers and sisters on the front lines. Find out how and where to donate here: http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/ Defense Secretary Leon Panetta visited troops and International Security Assistance Force Allies throughout Europe in what is likely be his last trip abroad as the Secretary of Defense. While on travel, he continued to build relationships with our allies and took some time to impress future recruits. See more from his trip here: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/0113_panetta1/

Commander in Chief, Barack Obama signed a $633 billion defense spending bill into law, which he said will provide support for service members and their families, and help ensure the United States will continue to have one of the strongest militaries in the world. Read about the defense spending bill here: http://www.defense.gov/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=118913 On Jan. 7, President Obama announced former U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel and John Brennan as his nominations for the next Defense Secretary and the next C.I.A. Director respectively. Both men will have to be confirmed by Congress. Read about the nominations here: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=118930 Tax season is upon us and for service members, that can make for a large headache. Fortunately, MilitaryOneSource is offering free tax preparation for service members. For more info visit www.militaryonesource.mil Finally we invite you to visit our blog www.dodlive.mil to take a look at "Afghanistan: 2012 a Year in Review" from NATO TV highlighting some of the key events and social progress made in Afghanistan during 2012.

For the past several weeks, more than 10,000 Marines have been displaying their amphibious assault capabilities and sharpening their other skill sets during Exercise Steel Knight, in Camp Pendleton, Calif. The Marines are using this exercise as they transition from fighting in Afghanistan back to the essential roles of the Marine Corps. To see Maj. Gen. Bailey's full interview follow the link: http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/Video.aspx?videoid=193018 In the wake of Typhoon Pablo, which struck the Philippines on December 4, the Department of Defense has been providing humanitarian support. Personnel and aircraft with III Marine Expeditionary Force have been transporting supplies from Marine Corps Station Futenma in Okinawa to affected areas in the Philippines, including Manila to Davao International Airport in Mindanao, the region most affected by the typhoon. See the Defense.gov story here: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=118794 Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta was traveling the past few weeks, with stops in Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Turkey. While in Kuwait, and then also in Afghanistan, Secretary Panetta spent time with troops and thanked them for their service and sacrifice. Panetta also met with ISAF Commander, Gen. John Allen, and Afghan President Hamid Karzai. While on his way to Turkey to meet with top officials, Panetta signed an order that will deploy 400 U.S. personnel to Turkey to support the deployment that NATO agreed to recently of Patriot missile capability there. See more media about Secretary Panetta's travels here: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2012/1212_panetta1/ Finally, a few holiday greetings from President Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Martin Dempsey, his wife Deannie and their grandsons. Check out our playlist with more DoD leadership holiday messages here: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXW_E5mHof0E-I_Gnw9N4t-pj6ljTYCX2

Another year is upon us and that means another Army-Navy Football game. The Army has lost the last 10 years...in a row. Is this the year they break the streak AND capture the Commander in Chief's trophy while taking care of that goat? http://armynavygame.com/

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta traveled last week to the Asia Pacific Region, making stops in Australia, Thailand, and Cambodia. The Secretary, along with Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, met with their Australian counterparts for the 2012 Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations where a number of agreements were reached that will lead to further cooperation between the two countries military forces. Additionally, Secretary Panetta met with defense ministers from 10 countries that are apart of the Association of Southwest Asian Nations in Cambodia where it was agreed the U.S. will participate in three Southeast Asian military exercises next year. For more from Secretary Panetta's travels visit: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2012/1112_panetta1/ With November being Military Family Month, the DoD recognizes the commitment and contributions from military family members and some DoD officials are finding some unique ways to express their gratitude. To learn more about the Military Spouse Employment Partnership go to: https://msepjobs.militaryonesource.mil/video/military-spouse-employment-partnership Visit the new Military One Source website for more on Military Family month: http://www.militaryonesource.mil/ The holiday season is now officially among us, and in order to help as many families have an unforgettable Christmas, the Marines have kicked off their annual "Toys for Tots" program. For more information on the Toys for Tots foundation, or how you can help check them out on the web at www.toysfortots.org

More than 3,500 troops are in Israel right now to participate in Austere Challenge 2012, the largest U.S.-Israeli exercise to date. The command post exercise began in October and will continue through November in an effort to build on the long-standing relationship between the two countries. Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited Israel during the exercise and also met with officials there. For more on Austere Challenge check out this report: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=118239 Military financial readiness is getting attention at the highest levels of government because of partnerships forged to enhance the financial fitness and long term stability of military families. A new partnership formed by Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Holly Petraeus, aims to protect military families from being the target of unscrupulous financial practices for military members with student loan debt. CFPB and the DoD also aim to provide education resources and help to those currently having trouble managing student loans. For more about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (http://www.consumerfinance.gov/) visit their Facebook and Twitter pages here: https://twitter.com/cfpbmilitary https://www.facebook.com/CFPBMilitary Another partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, which began in 1944 marked a huge milestone in the driveway of a new home. The 20 millionth home loan was signed in the driveway of two new homeowners, the spouse of an Iraq war veteran and her small son. The VA home loan program guarantees home loans for veterans that have served honorably in the DoD. To learn about the VA's home loan program, go to: http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/ Hurricane Sandy swept through the Northeast last week, causing damage and leaving behind a path of devastation. That path is now marked by the efforts of sailors, Marines, airmen and soldiers that rushed to aid those affected. At least 24 states felt the wrath of the super-storm, with widespread flooding, structural damages and power outages. Now, the Department of Defense is focusing it's efforts on support. If you need assistance as a result of Hurricane Sandy, visit www.fema.gov

On Oct. 13, the U.S. Navy celebrated its 237th Birthday, a day that wasn't officially recognized until 1972. In addition, this year also marks some of the most decisive Navy battles fought and won, including the 70th Anniversary of Guadalcanal, and the 50th Anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis. For more on the Navy's Warfighting Team visit: http://www.navy.mil/features/index.asp?f=4 Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta announced leadership changes for NATO and the International Security Assistance Force during the NATO Defense Ministerial in Brussels, Germany. Gen. John Allen, Commanding General for ISAF, was nominated by President Barack Obama as Commander, U.S. European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander in Europe while Gen. Joseph Dunford will be replacing Gen. Allen as Commanding General for ISAF. Read about the changes here: http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=118153 October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Kathy Robertson, manager of the Department of Defense Family Advocacy Program, says this month is dedicated to raising awareness for those who need help. If you know someone who is in need of help, contact your local Family Advocacy Program office, call the national domestic violence hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit the website: www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil If you are stationed outside the United States go to: www.militaryinstallations.dod.mil

Military aircraft aiding firefighting efforts in the western United States have resumed operations. This comes after the aircraft were put on operational hold following a crash of a North Carolina Air National Guard C-130 in South Dakota. The crash killed four service members and injured two. Nearly forty-nine million Americans, including one out of every four children, don't have dependable, consistent access to food. The Feds Feed Families program aims to curb hunger in America by asking government employees to donate to food banks. Following months of dispute over ground transportation through Pakistan, the Pakistani government has re-opened ground lines of communication in the country. On Wednesday, Americans celebrated two hundred and thirty-six years of independence. People showed their patriotism with fireworks displays, parades, cook-outs and parties covered in red, white and blue. Many visited memorials and cemeteries, paying tribute to service members who have fought and died for the United States. In addition to the Fourth of July party, President Obama also hosted twenty-five service members in the White House East Room, where they took their Citizenship Oath before their Commander in Chief. These twenty-five were among more than four thousand service members who became U.S. Citizens during Independence Day.

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced a new Department of Defense grant program for schools supporting military children at the Military Child Education Coalition national training seminar in Grapevine, Texas. In a visit to Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff discussed some of the challenges the military will face in the future. In Chicago, First Lady Michelle Obama joined Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, as he signed the military family licensing act into law. Illinois became the 23rd state to enact this law, which allows the transfer of military spouse's professional licenses from other states. The Department of Defense broke new ground on Tuesday, hosting its first-ever pride month commemoration. This commemoration honored gay and lesbian service members, as well as the department's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civilian employees. On Wednesday, The Montford Point Marines were presented the highest civilian award given by the United States: The Congressional Gold Medal. Nearly 400 former marines, who were among the first Black Americans to join the Corps, attended the ceremony. A shooting incident Thursday at Fort Bragg, N.C., left one soldier dead and two others wounded. During a 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade unit safety briefing, a soldier shot another member of the unit and then turned the weapon on himself. The shooter was injured and in custody.

In "This Week in the DoD" for June 22: Gen. Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shared his thoughts on leadership and the future of the Defense Department at a military leadership event in Washington, D.C. The Defense Department is working to improve health care and education for women on the battlefield. Increased infection rates and injuries caused by ill-fitting body armor (designed for men's bodies) are major concerns. The U.S. Army has new plans to energize troops. Using high-voltage batteries, soldiers in the field will be able to lighten their load while retaining the same energy capabilities. The Defense Centers of Excellence hosted a conference in Washington, D.C., addressing suicide and suicide prevention. The Defense and Veterans' Affairs Departments are partnering to better help troops and veterans who may be suicidal. Secretary of Veteran's Affairs Eric K. Shinseki spoke to attendees about the importance of warning signs and the unique challenges that come with addressing suicide.

In "This Week in the DoD" for June 15: Department of Defense leaders urged lawmakers in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to ratify the Law of the Sea treaty. Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. James Winnefeld Jr. said the treaty improves on rules set forth in prior treaties and will give the U.S. a global leadership opportunity while also enhancing national security interests. Loss of access to transit routes through Pakistan are costing the U.S. $100 million monthly, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told Congress. The roads have been closed to U.S. vehicles since an incident in which Pakistani soldiers were accidentally killed. Discussions with the Pakistani government to reopen the routes continue. On Thursday, the U.S. Army celebrated 237 years of protecting the nation. Soldiers around the world celebrated with cake-cuttings, wreath-layings, ceremonies and more. Secretary of the Army John McHugh and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond Chandler share their birthday messages to the Army. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta released a video message today to thank gay and lesbian service members and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civilians for their dedicated service to the nation. Recognizing June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, the secretary also thanked the families of gay and lesbian service members and LGBT civilians.

In "This Week in the DoD" for June 8: Next Thursday, June 14th, marks the U.S. Army's 237th Birthday. Military communities from around the world are celebrating the day, with events including cake-cutting ceremonies, commemorative speeches, parades, concerts, and festivals. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey travelled to Southeast Asia this week for bi-lateral and multi-lateral meetings with defense officials in the region. Secretary Panetta announced an agreement between the U.S. and Vietnam that will help the U.S. find and identify remains of service members declared missing in action during the Vietnam War. In Singapore at the Shangri-La dialogue, Panetta said the U.S. military will reposition itself to focus on security issues in the Asia-Pacific region, including a reposturing of the Navy's presence. The secretary then moved on to Afghanistan to assess the situation there as troops prepare to draw down. After Gen. Dempsey returned from his travels in the Philippines, Thailand, and the summit in Singapore, the Chairman laid out the military's plan for increased engagement in Asia. The U.S. Air Force has broken new ground by promoting former Lt. Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger to be the first female Four Star General. In 1942 in the Pacific Ocean near a small atoll known as Midway, the U.S. Navy delivered a decisive blow against the Japanese Fleet, turning the tide against Japan. Two years later, nearly 170,000 troops stormed the beaches of Normandy in what became known as D-Day. Both of these events happened more than 70 years ago this week and ceremonies were held throughout the week to commemorate those historic events.

In "This Week in the DoD" for June 1: Last weekend Americans across the country and around the world honored those who have died or gone missing while serving in the U.S. armed forces. President Barack Obama, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey spoke about America's rich military tradition at Memorial Day commemorations in the Washington, D.C., area. This year's Memorial Day held special significance: this year the Department of Defense is commemorating the 50th anniversary of America's involvement in Vietnam. The U.S. Navy is now allowing women to serve on its submarines. On Monday, the first women to serve on submarines met President Obama and the First Lady at the White House. Panetta visited troops in Hawaii, where he highlighted the role troops stationed in the Pacific will play in the future force. Panetta is currently in Singapore for the Shangri-La Dialogues, a meeting of defense leaders from around the Asia-Pacific region.

The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are merging their health records into what will be the world's largest electronic health system. The new system, which will be fully operational by 2017, will ensure the best care for service members even after they've left the military. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey spoke before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. They joined Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in urging Congress to ratify the Law of the Sea Treaty and give the United States a voice in international maritime law. Following last weekend's NATO Summit in Chicago, ISAF forces in Afghanistan have a new goal: for Afghan forces to take the lead on all combat missions by mid-2013. ISAF Commander Gen. John Allen briefed reporters at the Pentagon on the next few years of operations in Afghanistan. Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs George Little said the Defense Department looks forward to normalizing relations with Pakistan and reopening supply routes to Afghanistan. After incidents last year, relations with Pakistan soured and transit through the country to Afghanistan was blocked.

In "This Week in the DoD" for May 18: After 42 years, Army Spc. Leslie Sabo Jr. was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. In a ceremony at the White House, President Barack Obama lauded the soldier, who died destroying an enemy bunker, saving dozens of lives after an ambush in Cambodia. Sabo was also inducted into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes. More than half of Afghanistan is now secured by the Afghan National Security Force or is currently transitioning to Afghan control. After the next stage of transition, announced last weekend by Afghan President Hamid Karzai, the Afghan government will be completely responsible for 75 percent of the Afghan population. This week the Marine Corps celebrates 100 years of Marine aviation. The first Marine pilot, 1st Lt. Alfred Cunningham, reported to flight training in Annapolis, Md., May 22, 1912. The Army is facing a few years of transition, driven by the new military strategy and the end of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno described the Army's transition over the next five to seven years at a Pentagon press briefing. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta has ordered the Air Force to take additional measures to protect F-22 pilots after reports of hypoxia-like symptoms during flight.

In "This Week in the DoD" for May 10, 2012: At the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Gen. Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, briefed reporters on developments in the Federal budget, specifically related to the Defense budget request. Panetta hosted Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Liang Guanglie at the Pentagon Monday. The two reaffirmed the U.S. and China's mutual commitment to stable relationships between the two countries' governments and militaries. The Atlantic Council honored all enlisted service members by giving them, as a whole, the Distinguished Military Service Award. Marine Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia, the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, accepted the award on behalf of America's enlisted troops. On Wednesday, Panetta and Dempsey spoke at the Forum on the Law of the Sea convention in Washington, D.C. There, they encouraged the U.S. to ratify the United Nations' Law of the Sea Treaty, which will provide legal rules and guidance for international use of the world's oceans. Today is Military Spouse Appreciation Day; here's a special message from the Chairman and his wife, Deanie.

In "This Week in the DoD" for May 4: President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to Afghanistan, where he signed a ten-year defense agreement between the U.S. and Afghan governments, outlining the two countries' relationship after the combat misison ends there. He also visited troops at Bagram Air Base. After meetings with his counterpart from the Philippines, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta praised the country in a press conference with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He said the historic alliance between the U.S. and Philippines has been instrumental in disrupting al Qaeda activity in the South Pacific. All this week, wounded, injured and ill troops have been competing in the annual Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo. The annual Olympic-style contest pits teams from each of the military services (as well as a team from the United Kingdom, this year) against each other in friendly competition. First Lady Michelle Obama and Gen. Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, joined the athletes at the Warrior Games opening ceremony Monday. May is Military Family Appreciation Month, and we start the month off with a special message from Gen. Dempsey and his wife, Deanie.