Inside the DoD

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.

Commander in Chief, Barack Obama signed a $633 billion defense spending bill into law, which he said will provide support for service members and their families, and help ensure the United States will continue to have one of the strongest militaries in the world. Read about the defense spending bill here: http://www.defense.gov/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=118913 On Jan. 7, President Obama announced former U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel and John Brennan as his nominations for the next Defense Secretary and the next C.I.A. Director respectively. Both men will have to be confirmed by Congress. Read about the nominations here: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=118930 Tax season is upon us and for service members, that can make for a large headache. Fortunately, MilitaryOneSource is offering free tax preparation for service members. For more info visit www.militaryonesource.mil Finally take a look at "Afghanistan: 2012 a Year in Review" from NATO TV highlighting some of the key events and social progress made in Afghanistan during 2012.

President of the United States Barack Obama was sworn into office for his second term as President and Commander in Chief on Monday, Jan. 21. Obama, the 44th President, took the opportunity at his swearing in and later on at his Inaugural Ball to thank service members for their sacrifice. His appearance at the Commander in Chief's Inaugural Ball was marked by current service members, Gold Star Families, Tuskegee Airmen and wounded warriors that enjoyed incredible musical performances and a five foot tall cake, baked my Duff Goldman of "Ace of Cakes." See more about the DoD's support of the inauguration here: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/0113_inauguration/ In response to ongoing violence in neighboring Syria, the U.S. has deployed two Patriot Missile Batteries to Turkey as a larger group of NATO forces. Joining the U.S. service members will be missile defenders from Germany and The Netherlands. Read more about it here: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=118797 January is National Blood Donor Month and the Department of Defense is working to raise awareness about the Armed Services Blood Program. Air Force Col. Richard McBride, director of the Armed Services Blood Program was interviewed by the Pentagon Channel about the differences between civilian and military blood programs, and how you can donate. This mission is one which we should all promote or take part in. The blood stays in the military blood system and heads out to military hospitals around the world and to our brothers and sisters on the front lines. Find out how and where to donate here: http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/ Defense Secretary Leon Panetta visited troops and International Security Assistance Force Allies throughout Europe in what is likely be his last trip abroad as the Secretary of Defense. While on travel, he continued to build relationships with our allies and took some time to impress future recruits. See more from his trip here: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/0113_panetta1/

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey announced the end of the direct ground combat exclusion rule for female members of the military, which will open about 237,000 positions to women. This change has been hotly debated since its announcement, but photos of women currently serving and Secretary Panetta's words "There are no guarantees of success. Not everyone can be a combat soldier, but everyone is entitled to a chance," evince the evolving landscape of our country's armed forces. Read more about this story here: http://www.defense.gov/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=119098 George Little, Pentagon Press Secretary, provided an update on United States role in supporting French operations in Mali during a press event at the Pentagon. Troops there are continuing to back French air operations to thwart the AQIM threat in the region. http://www.defense.gov/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=119077 Former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee recently where he spoke and provided testimony about his policies should he be sworn in as the next Defense Secretary. Hagel will be the 24th Defense Secretary if confirmed and vows to make U.S. policy "worthy of our troops and their families and the sacrifices we ask them to make. http://www.defense.gov/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=119152 On Dec. 18, after years of planning and training, a group of 16 specialized surgeons performed an extremely rare surgery on U.S. Army Spc. Brendan Marrocco. What kind of surgery? Watch or listen to the podcast to find out, either way you'll be amazed. http://www.army.mil/article/95523Double_arm_transplant_helps_Soldier_who_lost_limbs_in_Iraq/ Media for Spc. Marrocco's story provided by Johns Hopkins Medicine: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/johns_hopkins_medicine_press_briefing_on_double_arm_transplant_featuring_the_patient_and_his_surgeons

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced a new medal on Feb. 13, the Distinguished Warfare Medal. The new medal will be awarded to service members directly affecting combat operations who may not be who may not be geographically collocated. For more on this story: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=119290 Former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Clint Romesha was presented the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama for his actions during a battle in Afghanistan in October of 2009. Romesha was also honored a day later when he was inducted into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes by Secretary Panetta. He spoke at the Pentagon and had this to say: "Four hundred Taliban versus 53 American soldiers: it just doesn't seem fair ... for the Taliban." To learn more about this story: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=119277 The month of February is recognized by the United States as African American History Month. Today, nearly 18 percent of the all-volunteer military are African-American, and nine percent of officers. Brig. Gen. Stephen Twitty, Deputy Chief of Staff Communication, International Security Assistance Force, United States Forces - Afghanistan, and Clarence Johnson, Director, Diversity Management and Equal Employment Opportunity, share their thoughts on what the month means to them. To see the full special: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/0213_aahm/ President Obama addressed reporters during a press conference about looming sequestration, which could be triggered March 1, if Congress fails to agree on a budget by then. Additionally, Under Secretary Of Defense (Comptroller) and Chief Financial Officer Robert Hale discussed what the Department of Defense plans are in the event of a furlough. Military service members are not subject to furlough. Their pay and MONETARY benefits will continue even if sequestration is triggered. For comprehensive coverage on sequestration: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/0213_sequestration/ Available in High Definition.

On February 27, during a ceremony at the Pentagon, former Senator Chuck Hagel was sworn in as the 24th Secretary of Defense, replacing Leon Panetta. Hagel was confirmed a day earlier by the Senate after weeks of debate. Visit the Defense.gov special here: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/0213_hagel-welcome/ By the end of 2013, the Department of Defense will have to cut $47 billion from it's fiscal year 2013 budget, due to sequestration. The impact of the cuts began earlier this year with the anticipation of sequester causing the services to make changes. Fortunately, service members pay WILL NOT be affected. For more news on the sequestration visit: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/0213_sequestration/ As the Department of Defense looks to the future of Social Media and new formats, "Inside the DoD" will be on a temporary hiatus. For our loyal listeners, fear not, we shall return. We'd also like to know what types of videos you'd like to see more of. We produce videos for you and your input to our process is valuable, so let us know how we are doing by writing newmedia [at] dma.mil or by dropping us a line on Facebook or Twitter. facebook.com/dodlive and @DoDLiveMil Available in high definition.