U.S. Department of Defense

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: National Guard (In Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of April 29, 2014

The Army Reserve, Navy Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve announced this week a decrease in activated reservists, while the Army National Guard, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve announced an increase of National Guard members and activated reservists. The Coast Guard Reserve announced no change in the number of activated reservists. The net collective result is 63 more activated National Guard members and reservists in comparison to last week.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: Army Releases November 2013 Suicide Information

Among active-duty soldiers, there were 14 potential suicides: one has been confirmed as suicide, and 13 remain under investigation. For October 2013, the Army reported 10 potential suicides among active duty soldiers: two have been confirmed as suicides, and eight are under investigation. For calendar year 2013, there have been 139 potential active duty suicides: 74 have been confirmed as suicides, and 65 remain under investigation. Updated active duty suicide numbers for calendar year 2012: 185 (184 have been confirmed as suicides, and one remains under investigation).

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: Army Releases October Suicide Data

The Army released suicide data today for the month of October.  During October, among active-duty soldiers, there were 20 potential suicides:  five have been confirmed as suicides, and 15 remain under investigation.  For September, the Army reported 15 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers:  four have been confirmed as suicides, and 11 remain under investigation.  For 2012, there have been 166 potential active-duty suicides:  105 have been confirmed as suicides, and 61 remain under investigation.  Active-duty suicide number for 2011: 165 confirmed as suicides, and no cases under investigation.
DOD to Host Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony at Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: DOD to Host Vietnam War Commemoration Ceremony at Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta will host a ceremony on Monday, May 28, 2012, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to thank and honor America’s Vietnam Veterans on behalf of a grateful nation.  This ceremony will serve as a public kickoff of efforts to partner with communities across the United States.  Invited guests include thousands of Vietnam Veterans, their loved ones, Gold Star families and leadership from the military services, Cabinet and Congress.  There will be a limited viewing area open to the general public.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta Statement on U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement

“I strongly support the U.S.-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership Agreement signed by President Obama and President Karzai in Kabul.  This agreement affirms the long-term commitment of the United States to Afghanistan, and it is a further expression of our shared goal of defeating al Qaeda and its extremist affiliates.  It is a tangible sign of the strength and the resilience of the partnership that has been built between the United States and the Afghan people, and the significant progress that has been made by American, international and Afghan forces in building an Afghanistan that can secure and govern itself.  The transition to Afghan security lead has commenced and it is on track.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: Integrated Disability Evaluation System Failing America’s Wounded Warriors

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (DAMA) held a hearing to review the progress made by the Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) in implementing the Integrated Disability Evaluation System, or IDES. A servicemember is referred to IDES when their active duty status is questioned through either physical or mental injuries incurred on active duty. IDES was put in place upon the recommendations by several commissions—including the Dole Shalala Commission—in 2007 to better assist America’s recovering warriors and their families’ transition from active-duty to VA. Former commission members and DoD and VA officials testified before the Subcommittee.

Military & Veterans News

Vet News: DOD Launches Online Career Transition Training for Service Members

The Department of Defense today announced the launch of an online Career Decision Toolkit that will allow service members to self assess transition needs and thoroughly explore an array of transition related subjects such as: career exploration, financial planning for transition, job search success, effective resumes and cover letters, interviewing excellence, and negotiating your ideal compensation.

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