Inside the DoD: Feb. 8, 2013

This edition features an update on the top stories from around the Department of Defense.

This episode features the following stories: Defense Secretary Leon Panetta visited countries in Northern Africa and the Middle East to discuss regional security issues including the Syrian conflict and the Iranian nuclear program.

President Barack Obama visited troops at Fort Bliss, Texas. There he thanked troops for their work in Iraq and Afghanistan and explained the military's role in Afghanistan moving forward. Check out the story here: http://www.defense.gov//News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=117719 Following Hurricane Isaac, units from the New Orleans and Mississippi National Guards are conducting clean-up, relief and rescue efforts. The president visited the region to assess damage and reassure affected residents. http://www.nationalguard.mil/features/isaac/default.aspx September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Talley and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Schultz, the Army Reserve's commanding general and command sergeant major respectively, share a message about suicide among reservists. If you need help, or know somebody who does, call the Military Crisis Line -- 1-800-273-8255. http://www.militarycrisisline.net/ActiveDuty.aspx Twenty wounded warriors traveled with Team USA to the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. Gen. Martin Dempsey, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, accompanied the American delegation to the Paralympics opening ceremony. http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2012/0812_paralympics/ Available in High Definition.

In our news roundup for Friday, September 21: On Sept. 11, President Barack Obama was joined by Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Martin Dempsey during a ceremony at the Pentagon Memorial, to remember and honor those who perished that day, and those who joined the nations fighting force when the attacks thrust the nation into wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2012/0912_911/

Following 15 months as Commander of the International Security Assistance Forces, U.S. Marine Corps Gen. John Allen says Afghan National Security Forces are close to the goal of leading security for the Afghan people on their own.

On Oct. 13, the U.S. Navy celebrated its 237th Birthday, a day that wasn't officially recognized until 1972. In addition, this year also marks some of the most decisive Navy battles fought and won, including the 70th Anniversary of Guadalcanal, and the 50th Anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis. For more on the Navy's Warfighting Team visit: http://www.navy.mil/features/index.asp?f=4

More than 3,500 troops are in Israel right now to participate in Austere Challenge 2012, the largest U.S.-Israeli exercise to date. The command post exercise began in October and will continue through November in an effort to build on the long-standing relationship between the two countries. Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited Israel during the exercise and also met with officials there.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta traveled last week to the Asia Pacific Region, making stops in Australia, Thailand, and Cambodia. The Secretary, along with Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, met with their Australian counterparts for the 2012 Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations where a number of agreements were reached that will lead to further cooperation between the two countries military forces.

Another year is upon us and that means another Army-Navy Football game. The Army has lost the last 10 years...in a row. Is this the year they break the streak AND capture the Commander in Chief's trophy while taking care of that goat? http://armynavygame.com/

For the past several weeks, more than 10,000 Marines have been displaying their amphibious assault capabilities and sharpening their other skill sets during Exercise Steel Knight, in Camp Pendleton, Calif. The Marines are using this exercise as they transition from fighting in Afghanistan back to the essential roles of the Marine Corps. To see Maj. Gen. Bailey's full interview follow the link: http://www.pentagonchannel.mil/Video.aspx?videoid=193018 In the wake of Typhoon Pablo, which struck the Philippines on December 4, the Department of Defense has been providing humanitarian support. Personnel and aircraft with III Marine Expeditionary Force have been transporting supplies from Marine Corps Station Futenma in Okinawa to affected areas in the Philippines, including Manila to Davao International Airport in Mindanao, the region most affected by the typhoon. See the Defense.gov story here: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=118794 Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta was traveling the past few weeks, with stops in Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Turkey. While in Kuwait, and then also in Afghanistan, Secretary Panetta spent time with troops and thanked them for their service and sacrifice. Panetta also met with ISAF Commander, Gen. John Allen, and Afghan President Hamid Karzai. While on his way to Turkey to meet with top officials, Panetta signed an order that will deploy 400 U.S. personnel to Turkey to support the deployment that NATO agreed to recently of Patriot missile capability there. See more media about Secretary Panetta's travels here: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2012/1212_panetta1/ Finally, a few holiday greetings from President Barack Obama, his wife Michelle, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Martin Dempsey, his wife Deannie and their grandsons. Check out our playlist with more DoD leadership holiday messages here: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXW_E5mHof0E-I_Gnw9N4t-pj6ljTYCX2 Available in high definition.