March 23, 2016

Dunford: No compromise on training for Iraq, Afghanistan

The United States military has not, and will not compromise training or equipping of any troops going into harm’s way, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told the House Armed Services Committee today.

March 16, 2016

Campbell: U.S. leaders heeded advice on Afghanistan

Congress and President Barack Obama listened to and acted on advice from the commander of U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan over the last 18 months, said Army Gen. John F. Campbell, whose posting as commander of NATO’s Resolute Support mission and U.S. forces in Afghanistan ended March 2 when Army Gen. John W. “Mick” Nicholson Jr. succeeded him.

March 10, 2016

Outgoing senior military representative reflects on U.S.-Pakistan defense relationship

Situated at the crossroads of Central and South Asia with a population of more than 200 million people, Pakistan is the most populous country in the CENTCOM area of responsibility and one of few nuclear powers in the region. According to the U.S. State Department, the United States and Pakistan have maintained diplomatic relations since Pakistan’s founding in 1947, but it was the events of 9/11 that led the two nations to conduct closer coordination on security and stability matters in the region.

March 10, 2016

General: ISIL contained, Taliban fracturing in Afghanistan

Fighters affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant are contained to one district in Afghanistan and the Taliban is fracturing into separate groups, the deputy chief of staff for communication for NATO's Resolute Support Mission said.

March 9, 2016

Counter-ISIL operations aim to isolate Raqqa

Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. said Syrian Democratic Front forces and Iraqi security forces are working to prevent ISIL from using Raqqa as a planning hub or an area from which the terror group can launch attacks.

March 4, 2016

Marine working dog earns prestigious Dickin Medal for gallantry in Afghanistan

Lucca, a retired Marine Corps military working dog, has been selected as the first United States military working dog to receive this prestigious international award.

March 2, 2016

Dunford praises Campbell’s leadership in Afghanistan

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff presented the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Army Gen. John F. Campbell here today, saying that Campbell has made a “tremendous difference” to Afghanistan.

Feb. 29, 2016

Carter highlights momentum in ISIL fight

Momentum is on the side of the coalition fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Monday, noting significant gains in Iraq and Syria.

Feb. 26, 2016

President: There will be no letup against ISIL

Even if there is a cessation of hostilities to get food and medical aid to besieged civilians in Syria, there will be no letup against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, President Barack Obama said yesterday evening at the State Department following a meeting of the National Security Council.

Feb. 24, 2016

Bagram biologist keeps wildlife at bay, aircraft safe

There are several threats to aircraft flying in Afghanistan: the treacherous mountains, the unpredictable weather and of course, the occasional bird. That’s where the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing safety office’s Scott Stopak comes in.