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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memorandum, April 24, 2025, directing a comprehensive review of medical conditions that disqualify individuals from joining the military.
High, uncompromising, and clear standards are a hallmark of the U.S. military and are essential to helping us remain the most lethal and effective fighting force in the world. To uphold these standards, and ensure that our warfighters are capable and ready, no matter the domain, adversary, or conditions
Navy Capt. Michael John Estocin flew many perilous missions in the early days of the Vietnam War, and a close call in April 1967 didn't dissuade him from returning to the skies for combat. While he never came home from his last mission, he posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his bravery and devotion.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told young military leaders, April 23, 2025, that since January, the Defense Department has focused entirely on restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding the military and reestablishing deterrence.
The Secretary of Defense has directed each of the Military Departments to immediately begin conducting a comprehensive review of their Military Equal Opportunity (MEO) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) programs and processes.
The defense secretary today signed a memorandum directing more clarity regarding the department's efforts to reinstate service members kicked out for not taking the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as additional remedies for those service members.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth summarized the Defense Department's accomplishments over the first 100 days of his tenure this morning as he addressed senior-level military student leaders at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Pete Dawkins has lived a full life as an athlete, combat veteran and business executive, but at age 11 in 1949, things looked grim for him when he contracted polio.
Army Capt. Daniel Ken Inouye's time in the military was just the start of a storied public service career that spanned more than half a century. During World War II, Inouye proved his dedication to the U.S. through battle. That loyalty was honored decades later when a review of his record determined he should receive the Medal of Honor.
On April 18, 1942, a small group of Army Air Forces aviators changed the momentum of World War II with a single, audacious strike. Known as the Doolittle Raid, this operation — launched from the deck of the USS Hornet — was the first U.S. air attack on Japan's home islands.
For the Military Health System, readiness is a strategic imperative to ensure warfighter dominance, survivability and resilience, said Stephen Ferrara, performing the duties of the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs.
Johnny Cash's signature songs include "Song of the Patriot," "I've Been Everywhere," "Ragged Old Flag," "The Ballad of Ira Hayes," "I Walk the Line," "Ring of Fire," "Rock Island Line," and "Man in Black."
The Defense Department released a new report to Congress showing the number of both fatal and nonfatal drug overdoses among service members dropped by more than 40% from 2021 to 2023.
At age 34, Army Maj. Dexter James Kerstetter was considered an old man when he enlisted to fight in World War II. His fellow soldiers called him "Pop," and they came to rely on him for survival and inspiration, especially as the Allies fought to retake the Philippines in 1945.
The Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Space Force met their contracting goals for new recruits last year and expect to do so again this year. At the same time, military personnel leaders said they are undergoing transformations with an eye toward lethality.
The Defense Department is taking significant steps to reinstate service members who were discharged due to the now-rescinded COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
MODERATOR: Thanks for joining us today. We had one update. This backgrounder is now on the record. You can attribute this information to Mr. Tim Dill, who is performing the duties of the deputy undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.
The Department is expanding its approach to workforce optimization — broadening the aperture from right-sizing and structural efficiencies to also supercharging our civilian workforce.
Throughout his military career, Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith was known to be a stickler for the rules. That focus on preparation helped save the lives of more than 100 U.S.
A nine-member Defense Department task force headed by Jules W. Hurst III, an Army veteran who is performing the duties of undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, will visit numerous military installations, including military service academies, in April and early May.
The Brigade of Midshipmen greeted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth April 1, 2025, when he arrived at the U.S. Naval Academy's King Hall in Annapolis, Maryland, for their noon meal.
Within the armed forces, a variety of educational benefits are available that allow service members to both improve themselves and make themselves more valuable to their service branch.
During the hiring freeze directed by the Secretary, the Department of Defense will continue to hire the civilians that support the lethality of the Total Force.
One of the Defense Department's core priorities is restoring the warrior ethos across the military. Ensuring service men and women are in good mental health is one of the fastest ways to ensure warfighters are ready and focused on the important missions that lie ahead.
The strength of our military is rooted in its high standards – they are the foundation of our military's power projection. To ensure the U.S. military remains the strongest and most lethal fighting force on the planet, the Secretary of Defense directed the Military Departments to ensure their physical fitness standards support this enduring goal.
When the enemy attacked, Army 1st Lt. Brian Miles Thacker knew the troops at his small Vietnamese firebase would be overrun, but he refused to let them get trapped.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memorandum yesterday directing the realignment of the Defense Department's civilian workforce.
More efficient and faster acquisition, better technology and military hardware, and better medical care to keep service members healthy were among the commitments made on Capitol Hill today by three Defense Department nominees.