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LATEST PHOTOS

NORTH DAKOTA ARRIVAL - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, left, shakes hands with Air Force Col. Christopher Ayres, commander of the 91st Missile Wing, on Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Dec. 1, 2009. Gates traveled to the base to meet with Air Force leaders there and discuss the safety of America's nuclear arsenal.U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joe Rivera

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MILITARY NEWS

U.S. Forces Help Lebanese Military Assert Control

The U.S. military is helping the Lebanese military establish itself as the sole arm of the democratically elected Lebanese government, a senior Pentagon official said. Story

• Officials ID Sailor Missing from World War II

AROUND THE SERVICES

• Army Secretary Tours U.S. Forces Korea

• U.S. Marines Train with Middle Eastern Nation

• Navy to Survey Sailors' Use of Technology

• Air Force Civilian Earns Award for Research

TOP NEWS

Gates Provides Continuity
As Nation Fights Two Wars

President-elect Barack Obama today cited the need for continuity as the United States fights two wars in announcing that Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will remain at the Pentagon when his administration takes over next month. Story

Gates to Continue as Defense Secretary

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will remain in the Pentagon’s top post when President-elect Barack Obama’s administration takes office. Story

• Gates' Statement

Gates: Nuclear Mission Vital to Security

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates traveled to Minot Air Force Base, N.D., to emphasize the importance of the Air Force’s nuclear mission -- and in maintaining its long tradition of excellence -- to the men and women entrusted with carrying it out. Story

Bush Supports U.S.-Iraq Security Pact

President George W. Bush and other senior U.S. officials hailed the new U.S.-Iraq security pact that was approved Nov. 27, 2008, by Iraqi lawmakers in Baghdad. Story

• Status of Forces Agreement

• Strategic Framework Agreement

IRAQ NEWS

Security Pact Sparks Optimism in Iraq

Iraqis in Karbala and Babil provinces have welcomed the passing of the U.S.-Iraq status-of-forces agreement, recognizing the important role the United States plays in Iraqi security and governance, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said. Story

• Transcript: Iraq Briefing

U.S. Army Colonel Notes Absence of Tensions as Iraqi Elections Near

Coalition forces officials in Iraq’s Babil and Karbala provinces have not seen tensions rise among political groups vying for power as elections approach next month, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said. Story

• Guard Soldiers Improve Life for Citizens

• Iraqis, Coalition Deliver School Supplies

• Forces Capture Prison Break Suspects

AFGHANISTAN NEWS

Soldier, Father Receive Silver Stars

Photo: Army Chief Warrant Officer Jonathan Harris

A soldier deployed to Afghanistan and his father, a Vietnam vet, were simultaneously decorated with Silver Stars during a joint long-distance ceremony. Story