WASHINGTON D.C. — A redesigned program for service members separating from the military will help veterans better apply the experience they’ve gained in uniform, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said, July 24. President Barack Obama announced the revamped program, called “Transition GPS,” in a speech at the Veterans of Foreign Wars national convention in Reno,…

WASHINGTON D.C. — Much has changed in the 20 years since the Defense Department ramped up its family support programs by providing policy and guidance from the Pentagon to installations. Family support is continuing with many more programs, complemented with exercising a broader reach, DOD’s senior official for family support said July 13. “I’d like…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Defense Department is working to avoid the possibility of budget sequestration, a maneuver which would trigger massive, across-the-board cuts in defense spending, something Pentagon Press Secretary George Little described today as an absurd situation. “We have daily discussions with the Office of Management and Budget on a range of budget issues,…

WASHINGTON, D. C. — The nation’s military has logged historic achievements in the past 12 months, but faces a future clouded by financial threat, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said today. The secretary and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, both spoke about the topic of sequestration during a…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reforms in the personnel security clearance process have improved the speed and efficiency of background investigations and adjudications with a direct, positive impact on the Defense Department’s ability to carry out its mission, a senior defense official told Congress June 21. Streamlined policy and processes have cut duplication and waste, Elizabeth A….

WASHINGTON D.C. — In the nine months since being given the legal right to serve openly in the military, gay service members are increasingly speaking out about the double lives they led under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law. As gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans and their supporters celebrate June as “Pride Month,” two…

WASHINGTON D. C. — The pursuit of equality is fundamental to the American story, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said in a video message released June 15, 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…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Despite the prospect of major defense cuts early next year, the Defense Department remains committed to resale programs that provide valuable benefits to uniformed members and employment for family members and veterans, a senior department official told the House Armed Services Committee. Robert L. Gordon, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military…