News

WASHINGTON - The National Guard’s transformation from a strategic reserve to an operational force since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, should continue beyond the current conflicts, the nation’s top military officer told Guard leaders.

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates recognized the contributions and sacrifices that Canadian servicemembers have made in Afghanistan during a speech to the Halifax International Security Forum.

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia - The United States and other Western Hemisphere nations must increase cooperation and collaboration for their continued security, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said.

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Canadian Defense Minister Peter MacKay met to discuss bilateral, hemispheric issues, but reporters’ questions afterward were all about Afghanistan.

WASHINGTON - Satisfied that it’s increased its ranks by about 20,000 soldiers and continues to meet its recruiting goals, the Army Reserve now is focused on recruiting more troops as they leave active duty to fill gaps at the mid-level ranks and in specific specialties.

WASHINGTON - Iraqi security forces arrested five suspected members of the al-Qaida in Iraq and the Islamic State of Iraq terrorist groups during three combined security operations conducted with U.S. advisors in the Iraqi cities of Ramadi, Tikrit and Kirkuk.

KABUL - Afghan and international forces in Afghanistan killed an enemy militant and detained several terrorism suspects, military officials reported.

WASHINGTON - Based on an independent study by the Institute of Medicine last month, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki has directed broader health coverage from his department for Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange.

PAKTIA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Afghan National Army soldiers got their first Humvee egress assistance training at Forward Operating Base Thunder in Paktia province, Afghanistan.

WASHINGTON - Though the National Guard has a role in reconstruction missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, it’s a temporary one, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said.