#ICYMI: Last week, the families of two Civil War soldiers received Medals of Honor for their descendants’ actions during the “Great Locomotive Chase,” one of the most daring operations of the war. Survivors of the team who carried out the mission were the first to ever receive the #MedalofHonor at the time, but two men who died during the incident – US Army Pvt. Philip G. Shadrach & Pvt. George D. Wilson – weren't honored for their sacrifices until now.
United States Department of Defense
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About us
The mission of the Department of Defense is to provide military forces necessary to protect the security of our country. The U.S. military defends the homeland, deters adversaries, and builds security around the world by projecting U.S. influence and working with allies and partners. In case deterrence fails, the U.S. military is prepared to fight and win decisively against any adversary. Headed by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, the Department is not only in charge of the military, it also employs a topnotch civilian workforce. With more than 1.3 million men and women on active duty, and 742,000 civilian personnel, we are also the nation's largest employer. The Pentagon, headquarters of the Department of Defense, is one of the largest office buildings in the world. Built in 1941 by the U.S. Army, the Pentagon has 17.5 miles of corridors yet it takes only seven minutes to walk between any two points in the building. Department of Defense personnel are the backbone of America’s national security. They represent the diverse makeup of our nation and support not only those on active duty but also families, veterans, and retirees through education, training, and benefit programs. Anything you want to do – on land, sea, air, or space -- you can do in service to your nation by joining the Department of Defense. Search for Jobs and Internships at USAJobs.gov. http://dodcio.defense.gov/SocialMedia/UserAgreement.aspx
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http://defense.gov
External link for United States Department of Defense
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- Armed Forces
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- 10,001 employees
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- Washington, DC
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- Founded
- 1949
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Updates
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The 2024 NATO Summit kicks off this week, marking 75 years of an alliance that has stood united in collective defense since the years following #WWII. #NATO heads of state, government officials and key partners will convene in Washington, D.C., as the world faces its most dangerous security environment since the Cold War. Learn the history behind this crucial alliance and why it continues to be important today. #WeAreNATO #1NATO75Years
U.S. Officials Agree NATO's Worth is Unquestionable
defense.gov
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For Karoni Forrester, the search for her #POWMIA father, Marine Corps Capt. Ron Forrester, finally ended after his remains were recovered and identified in late 2023. But the search continues for 1,576 other unaccounted for Vietnam veterans. Several of their families recently gathered for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency’s annual briefing to get updates on the never-ending mission to find their loved ones. #NeverForgotten
For Vietnam's Missing, Hope of Accountability Remains
defense.gov
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The National Background Investigation Services system -- meant to transform the process of conducting background investigations – will be a key component in reforming the personnel security process and establishing a single vetting system for the federal government. NBIS was set to replace similar systems in 2019, but the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) has struggled to get it up and running. The DCSA’s new director, however, said that’s going to change.
Agency Director Pledges to Get Government's Background Checking System on Track
defense.gov
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Chances are you can name the 50 states and 13 colonies that make up the American flag, but do you know the flag’s history or the etiquette it requires? 🇺🇸 Check your knowledge here!
How Well Do You Know Your Stars and Stripes?
defense.gov
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Service members living outside of your home state: ahead of this year’s elections, don’t forget the Federal Voting Assistance Program is available to help you with any questions you might have about your ability to vote and the processes for each state.
Voting Assistance Program Keeps Service Members Informed
defense.gov
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Battlefield successes are increasingly dependent upon the DoD's ability to harness evolving #technology and digital capabilities that enable interoperability among warfighters. #ICYMI: The Pentagon released a blueprint for building an interoperable, integrated digital space for this purpose. The strategy also emphasizes the department’s focus on the needs of the warfighter to contribute to future solutions.
DOD Releases Strategy to Achieve IT Integration, Interoperability
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Earlier this week, President Joe Biden granted clemency to about 2,000 U.S. veterans convicted of engaging in sexual acts that, under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, were considered an offense from 1951-2013. If you received a court-martial conviction under former Article 125 or Articles 80, 81 or 82 of the UCMJ, here are resources you may need to know to apply for a certificate of #pardon.
President Issues Pardon for Certain Former Service Members
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DoD leaders recently gave their thoughts on how the department can better publicize the plethora of opportunities there are to serve in the military or as a civilian. For instance, young people who aren’t eligible for military service have several other options, such as the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps. Also, public servants can help simply by spreading the word of what it’s like to give back to society.
Personnel Officials Say DOD Is Working to Raise Awareness of Avenues for Public Service
defense.gov