Feb. 11, 2016

Carter: Meeting of defense ministers marks new stage in ISIL fight

The first face-to-face meeting of defense ministers from nations contributing to the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant marks the beginning of a new stage in that campaign, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in Brussels today.

Feb. 10, 2016

Army, Navy practice personnel recovery in Gulf

U.S. Army Central Soldiers partnered with Sailors from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26 during a search and rescue exercise in the Arabian Gulf, Feb. 2. The units tested their ability to cooperate in a joint personnel recovery effort during a downed aircraft scenario.

Feb. 9, 2016

U.S. Soldiers, Jordanian border guard build partnership

The Jordanian Border Guard and Soldiers with 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, completed five weeks of combined training at the Jordanian Border Guard Training School, Jordan, Jan. 20.

Feb. 5, 2016

Carter: Saudis to contribute more in fight against ISIL

The Saudi Arabian government has indicated its willingness to do more with the coalition in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said yesterday at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

Feb. 5, 2016

Gulf states perfect air defense strategies during Arabian Gulf Shield

Training concluded here Wednesday with a scenario designed to test Gulf Cooperation Council Liaison Officer (GCC LNO) procedures and connectivity to host nation Air Operations Centers. Participants from Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia used their new-found knowledge during exercise Arabian Gulf Shield (AGS) which centered on air and air defense strategies.

Feb. 1, 2016

Afghan officer travels long road to complete U.S. Army Ranger School

With help from the Security Assistance Office-Afghanistan, 1st Lt. Mohammad Yarghal became the fourth member of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces to earn the title of Ranger.

Feb. 1, 2016

Inherent Resolve commander: Strikes, indigenous forces grind down ISIL

Airstrikes in Syria and Iraq are wearing down the forces of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the commander of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve said today while describing the coalition air campaign and the evolving train-and-assist mission. Army Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland briefed Pentagon reporters here via a live video feed from Baghdad on the progress of continuing efforts in Iraq and Syria to help local troops win against ISIL.

Jan. 27, 2016

Nicholson to succeed Campbell as commander in Afghanistan

he U.S. Army commander of NATO land forces has been selected to succeed Army Gen. John F. Campbell as the commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, the Pentagon press secretary said today. Army Lt. Gen. John W. "Mick" Nicholson Jr. is an accomplished soldier with extensive command experience in Afghanistan and around the world, Peter Cook said at a news briefing, reading a statement from Defense Secretary Ash Carter.

Jan. 22, 2016

CENTCOM official calls aerial assault on ISIL the most precise in history

The aerial assault on the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant is the most precise in history, but there are still some civilian casualties, a U.S. Central Command official said here today.

Jan. 21, 2016

Dunford: Efforts to isolate Raqqa showing success

The effort to isolate the Syrian city of Raqqa in the fight against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant is producing some success, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Isolating Raqqa, ISIL's stronghold and administrative capital, entails finding moderate Syrian opposition forces, supporting them with ammunition, and having them take action on the ground to cut access, Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. told reporters here yesterday ahead of today’s NATO military chiefs of staff meeting.