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Thousands lay wreaths at Arlington gravesites

12-15-2013

Amidst more than a dozen white gravestones, a young girl places a wreath.  An older man kneels next to her.
Marine Corps Maj. Daniel Smith and daughter Kara Anne Smith, lay a wreath at a gravesite, Dec. 14, 2013, at Arlington National Cemetery in northern Virginia.

Several white grave markers are adorned with wreaths made of greenery and red ribbons.  The nearest marker says "Alfred" and features a cross.  People stand together in the background.
More than 143,000 wreaths were placed on gravesites, Dec. 14, 2013, as part of the 22nd annual "Wreaths Across America" event at Arlington National Cemetery in northern Virginia. For more than two decades now, volunteers have gathered to place wreaths on gravesites in the cemetery. The wreaths are manufactured by Worcester Wreath Company, of Harrington, Maine, and come to the cemetery by truck over the week in advance of the event.

Dozens of people in winter clothing stand together outside.  Many of them carry wreaths made of greenery.
More than 143,000 wreaths were placed on gravesites, Dec. 14, 2013, as part of the 22nd annual "Wreaths Across America" event at Arlington National Cemetery in northern Virginia. For more than two decades now, volunteers have gathered to place wreaths on gravesites in the cemetery. The wreaths are manufactured by Worcester Wreath Company, of Harrington, Maine, and come to the cemetery by truck over the week in advance of the event.



Thousands of officers to face boards for early separation

12-12-2013

The epaulettes on the shoulders of two military officers display the ranks of captain and major.
Nearly 19,000 active-duty captains and majors in the Army Competitive Category will go before either an Officer Separation Board or Enhanced Selective Early Retirement Board early next year.



New first aid kit includes eye protection, strap cutter

12-06-2013

A camouflage kit contains medical supplies.  One part of the kit says "US IFAK."
The Army is now issuing to Soldiers the more robust, more streamlined "Individual First Aid Kit II" as replacement for the older kit, which was built inside an ammunition pouch for a Squad Automatic Weapon.



Points change for Soldiers seeking NCO status

12-03-2013

A closeup of an enlisted military rank insignia which has been embroidered onto a swatch of camouflage fabric. It is affixed to a uniform using Velcro.
Soldiers competing for sergeant in January will no longer have 16 promotion points available to them for completing the online "Structured Self-Development I" course. Additionally, Soldiers who have not completed SSD-I will not be eligible for promotion to sergeant for the Jan. 1, 2013, promotion cycle.



Officer credits hospital team, Army family with saving daughter's life

10-31-2013

A man in a suit stands behind a lectern.  Near him is a trophy on a pedestal. A woman and small girl stand nearby.
Lt. Col. Adam Saslav speaks during the MedStar National Rehabilitation Network "Victory Awards," Oct. 30, 2013, in Washington, D.C. Saslav's daughter, Delaney Saslav, was one of three award recipients.

A young girls in a sparkly grey dress with flower outlines dances on a stage.
Delaney Saslav, 5, dances on stage during the MedStar National Rehabilitation Network "Victory Awards," Oct. 30, 2013, in Washington, D.C. Saslav was one of three award recipients.



Odierno: Those who doubt relevance of ground forces naïve

10-23-2013

A man in a military uniform sits at a long table with another man in a military uniform.  He speaks to people seated in front of him.
Ground forces, including Soldiers, Marines and special operations troops will continue to play a critical role in supporting America's defense and joint fight, despite the opinions of "intellectuals" who might believe otherwise, said Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno, Oct. 23, 2013, at the 2013 Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition, in Washington D.C.



Army 'can't afford' not to have Rapid Equipping Force, leader says

10-18-2013

A cargo container with its doors open sits outdoors on a concrete slab.  A satellite dish sits on top of it.  Next to it are two large tool carts.
At Fort Belvoir, Va., the Army's Rapid Equipping Force has on display one of it's three "Expeditionary Laboratories," or Ex Labs. The other two are in Afghanistan, one within Regional Command-East, and one within Regional Command-South.

A plastic robotic arms is folded.  It's molded in blue, grey, white and other colors.
At Fort Belvoir, Va., the Army's Rapid Equipping Force has on display one of it's three "Expeditionary Laboratories," or Ex Labs. The other two are in Afghanistan, one within Regional Command-East, and one within Regional Command-South.



Life-saving ESAPI plate returned to Soldier

09-19-2013

A man in a military uniform stands next to a woman in civilian clothing.  They hold a wooden board with a ballistic insert mounted on top.  Behind them, words on the wall read "PEO Soldier Fort Belvoir, VA." An Army flag is also against the wall.
Sgt. Joseph Morrissey and wife Nikki Morrissey will take this ESAPI plate home with them to Fort Bragg, N.C. Sgt. Morrissey was wearing the plate in Afghanistan, Aug. 9, 2012, when he was shot in the chest with a 7.62mm round. After the plate was evaluated by PEO Soldier at Fort Belvoir, Va., it was returned to Morrissey during a ceremony there, Sept. 18, 2013.

A ballistic insert shows damage from a bullet.  The words "handle with care" are printed on it.
Sgt. Joseph Morrissey was wearing this ESAPI plate in Afghanistan, Aug. 9, 2012, when he was shot in the chest with a 7.62mm round. After the plate was evaluated by PEO Soldier at Fort Belvoir, Va., it was returned to Morrissey during a ceremony there, Sept. 18, 2013.



Campbell outlines plans to strengthen behavioral health programs

09-13-2013

A man in a military uniform stands at the front of a room of people sitting at tables. His arms are held in front of him.  Behind him is a large fern.
Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. John F. Campbell briefly laid out some of the Army's efforts to bolster resilience in Soldiers and strengthen its behavioral health programs during the 2013 Warrior-Family Symposium, Sept. 12, 2013, in Washington, D.C.



SHARP: Soldiers need character in addition to competence

09-10-2013

A woman sits in a chair.  Behind her is an American flag.  In front of her is a man who is also seated and facing her.  Only the left side if the back of his head is visible.  She is well-lit.
Dr. Christine T. Altendorf, the new director of the Army Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program office, or SHARP, spoke Sept. 9, 2013, during a television interview at the Pentagon about efforts to curb sexual assault in the Army.



Vice chief Campbell: Suicide prevention 365-day-a-year mission

09-03-2013

A man in a military uniform stands at the front of an auditorium full of other uniformed individuals.
September is suicide awareness month and while the Army will highlight suicide prevention this month, the service's vice chief said the effort is year-round. Pictured here, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. John F. Campbell briefs staffers at the new Headquarters Department of the Army, July 24, 2013, at the Pentagon.



In Asia-Pacific, Army policy not one of containment

07-31-2013

A man in a military uniform is seated in front of a wall that has "AEI" printed on it.
Speaking before an audience July 29, 2013, at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C., Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno explained the service's new interest in the Pacific region -- a focus driven by a new national defense strategy released in 2012.



Vice chief addresses current Army challenges

07-25-2013

A man in a military uniform stands at the front of an auditorium full of other uniformed individuals.
While budget cuts and sequestration are a challenge, Americans won't accept them as an excuse for the Army failing to maintain a fighting force able to win the nation's wars, said the Army's vice chief of staff at a briefing to staffers at the new Headquarters Department of the Army, July 24, 2013, at the Pentagon.



5 named 'Service Members of Year' for 2013

07-18-2013

A man and a woman, both in military uniforms, flank another man in a suit who is holding a shadow box with an American flag inside.
Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. John F. Campbell and Richard Sandza, managing editor of the Army Times, presented the 2013 "Soldier of the Year" award to Chief Warrant Officer 2 Karen D. Beattie, during the 2013 Service Members of the Year awards in Washington, D.C.



Brigade combat teams cut at 10 posts will help other BCTs grow

06-25-2013

A man in a military uniform stands in front of a television screen with a map of the U.S. on it.
Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno announced, June 25, 2013, that 10 brigade combat teams based in the United States are slated to be reorganized by the end of fiscal year 2017. The move will reduce the number of BCTs in the Army from 45 to 33.



Army describes plans for integrating women into combat

06-18-2013

Two men in military uniforms sit at a table. One is talking to another person who is off camera.
Maj. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg, Army G-1, explained how the Army would implement its plan to integrate women into all areas of military service, during a press conference at the Pentagon, June 18, 2013.

A man in a military uniform sits at a table and speaks with a person in the foreground.
Maj. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg, Army G-1, explained how the Army would implement its plan to integrate women into all areas of military service, during a press conference at the Pentagon, June 18, 2013.



At Rolling Thunder, veterans, supporters, draw attention to prisoners of war, missing in action

05-27-2013

Hundreds of motorcycles ride in procession.
At the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., thousands of motorcyclists gathered to participate in the 26th "Rolling Thunder" motorcycle rally, May 26, 2013. The event is in its 26th year now. Participants from around the United States gathered at the Pentagon before embarking on a ride around the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The rally brings attention to prisoners of war and those missing in action.

A tiny dog wears a vest, protective goggles and a military-style helmet that has four stars on it.
At the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., thousands of motorcyclists gathered to participate in the 26th "Rolling Thunder" motorcycle rally, May 26, 2013. The event is in its 26th year now. Participants from around the United States gathered at the Pentagon before embarking on a ride around the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The rally brings attention to prisoners of war and those missing in action.

Two men in leather vests that say "Harley Davidson" stand near a row of motorcycles in front of the Pentagon.
At the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., thousands of motorcyclists gathered to participate in the 26th "Rolling Thunder" motorcycle rally, May 26, 2013. The event is in its 26th year now. Participants from around the United States gathered at the Pentagon before embarking on a ride around the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The rally brings attention to prisoners of war and those missing in action.

A man and woman, both in leather vests, stand behind a motorcycle.  Dozens of other motorcycles are in the area.
Bill Scheuneman and wife Gail have been married for 42 years. The two rode together in Rolling Thunder 2013. At the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., thousands of motorcyclists gathered to participate in the 26th "Rolling Thunder" motorcycle rally, May 26, 2013.

An elderly man with a long white beard is inside a cage made of bamboo.
At the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., thousands of motorcyclists gathered to participate in the 26th "Rolling Thunder" motorcycle rally, May 26, 2013. The event is in its 26th year now. Participants from around the United States gathered at the Pentagon before embarking on a ride around the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The rally brings attention to prisoners of war and those missing in action.



WWII vet gets 'Order of the Rising Sun' from Japan's ambassador

05-22-2013

A man in a suit places a medal on the lapel of an elderly man who wears a hat that indicates veteran status.
Kenichiro Sasae, the Japanese ambassador to the United States, presented the "Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette," May 21, 2013, to Terry Shima.

Two men in suits, one with a hat that indicates veteran status, are seated near an American flag.
Terry Shima, a second-generation Japanese-American, and World War II veteran, listens to speakers during a ceremony, May 21, 2013, at the home of the Japanese ambassador to the United States. During the ceremony, Shima received the "Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette" award from the Japanese government.

A certificate in Japanese is displayed in front of a military medal on a black tray.
The "Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette" was presented, May 21, 2013, to Terry Shima, by the government of Japan. Shima is a "Nisei," or second-generation Japanese-American. During World War II, he joined the 442nd Infantry Regiment in 1945 in Italy, where he was assigned to public relations. When the unit returned in July 1946, he continued to handle public relations for the veterans association in New York, in Washington, D.C., and in Honolulu. Following two years in the Army, he worked for the Foreign Service for 30 years.

A military medal with gold, red and green colors is displayed on a paper card.
The "Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette" was presented, May 21, 2013, to Terry Shima, by the government of Japan. Shima is a "Nisei," or second-generation Japanese-American. During World War II, he joined the 442nd Infantry Regiment in 1945 in Italy, where he was assigned to public relations. When the unit returned in July 1946, he continued to handle public relations for the veterans association in New York, in Washington, D.C., and in Honolulu. Following two years in the Army, he worked for the Foreign Service for 30 years.



Next command boards require 'opt in, all in' for eligible officers

05-13-2013

The epaulettes on the shoulders of two military officers display the ranks of colonel and lieutenant colonel.
This September, field grade officers who want to be considered for command positions and key billets will have to actively make it known they wish to compete. Unlike in years past, they will no longer be passively entered into competition for these important Army leadership positions.



In 2014, Soldiers get 1 percent raise, 3.9 percent increase in BAH

04-10-2013

A woman in a military uniform and a man in a suit sit together at a table. A man seated in the front raises his hand.
During a briefing at the Pentagon, April 10, 2013, Maj. Gen. Karen E. Dyson, director of the Army Budget, and Davis S. Welch, deputy director of the Army Budget, discussed components of the Army's fiscal year 2014 budget proposal, including how much is marked for supporting personnel, how much is marked for facilities maintenance, and how much will go toward buying or modernizing war-fighting equipment.

A woman in a military uniform and a man in a suit sit together at a table. The woman looks at people seated in front of her.
During a briefing at the Pentagon, April 10, 2013, Maj. Gen. Karen E. Dyson, director of the Army Budget, and Davis S. Welch, deputy director of the Army Budget, discussed components of the Army's fiscal year 2014 budget proposal, including how much is marked for supporting personnel, how much is marked for facilities maintenance, and how much will go toward buying or modernizing war-fighting equipment.

A woman in a military uniform and a man in a suit sit together at a table.
During a briefing at the Pentagon, April 10, 2013, Maj. Gen. Karen E. Dyson, director of the Army Budget, and Davis S. Welch, deputy director of the Army Budget, discussed components of the Army's fiscal year 2014 budget proposal, including how much is marked for supporting personnel, how much is marked for facilities maintenance, and how much will go toward buying or modernizing war-fighting equipment.



Selective Early Retirement Board could affect 1,200 field grade officers

04-05-2013

The epaulettes on the shoulders of two military officers display the ranks of colonel and lieutenant colonel.
In August, the Army will convene a Selective Early Retirement Board for lieutenant colonels and colonels. The move is just one part of a larger Army effort to meet its congressionally mandated end strength reduction



Military culinary arts competition heats up at Fort Lee

03-11-2013

A young man in a chef's outfit tends to a pan that is aflame. Next to him is a large pot.
Spc. Thomas Poux, from Fort Hood, Texas, sautes zucchini at the 2013 Military Culinary Arts Competition at Fort Lee, Va.

A young woman in a chef's outfit decorates desert plates by drawing red and yellow petals on them with fruit coulis.
Spc. Caleigh Arrington, from Fort Hood, Texas, prepares a desert at the 2013 Armed Services Culinary Arts Competition at Fort Lee, Va.

A young man in a chef's hat and a man in a military uniform stand together in front of a large pot.
Spc. Mike Hatton meets with Sgt. Maj. Mark W. Warren, of the Joint Culinary Center of Excellence, during the 2013 Armed Services Culinary Arts Competition at Fort Lee, Va

A fancy desert with a lattice of chocolate and a glazed strawberry sits on a small white ceramic plate.
Food prepared by service members at the 2013 Military Culinary Arts Competition at Fort Lee, Va.



'Military Saves Week' challenges families to set goals

02-26-2013

The hand of a uniformed individual holds five U.S. currency bills totaling $18 dollars.
This week, U.S. service members around the world -- along with their spouses and kids too -- have been challenged to take a pledge to save money in their at-home budgets; to "Set a goal, make a plan, and save automatically."



AUSA kicks off last winter symposium in Florida

02-20-2013

Three young people in military uniforms, all three with rifles, stand in front of a display. A man in a suit speaks with them.
Cadet Pfc. Daleth Soares, Cadet Pfc. Nathercia Goncalves and Cadet Staff Sgt. Luiz Fonseca learn about the M-4 Carbine with M-203 Grenade Launcher from Kevin J. Brown, vice president, military programs, at Colt Defense, during the Feb. 20, 2013, opening of the 2013 Association of the United States Army Institute of Land Warfare Winter Symposium and Exposition in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The three cadets are with the Junior Reserve Officer Training Program at Monarch High School in Coconut Creek, Fla.



Army must shift focus from execution to preparation

02-20-2013

A man in a military uniform stands behind a lectern. The lectern has an insignia on it that says "Association of the United States Army."  Behind him is a flag with the same insignia.
Gen. Robert W. Cone, commander, Army Training and Doctrine Command, discusses the Army's transition from a focus on execution, to a focus on preparation, during the Feb. 20, 2013, opening of the 2013 Association of the United States Army Institute of Land Warfare Winter Symposium and Exposition in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.



Sequestration could mean delayed redeployment for Soldiers in Afghanistan

02-15-2013

A man in a military uniform and a man in a suit site across from each other at a tiny table.  The uniformed man is speaking to people off camera.  Behind both men is a wall that has the words "Brookings" printed on it multiple times,
Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno answered questions from the audience and from Michael O'Hanlon, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, Feb. 15, 2013, during a visit at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.



President awards Medal of Honor to hero of COP Keating

02-11-2013

A man in a suit places a medal around the neck of a man in a military uniform.  Behind them is a large frame that contains a blue flag with white stars.
President Barack Obama placed the Medal of Honor around the neck of former Army Staff Sgt. Clinton L. Romesha during a ceremony Feb. 11, 2013, in the East Room of the White House.

A small boy stands behind a lectern that is two feet taller than him. He explores the back side of the lectern.  Behind him are several flags, including the U.S. flag.
In advance of the Feb. 11, 2013 Medal of Honor ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Colin Romesha, son of Medal of Honor Recipient former Staff Sgt. Clinton L. Romesha, investigates the lectern that would later be used by President Barack Obama.



Concert for military kids kicks off inaugural weekend

01-22-2013

A woman and several children stand together on a stage.  Nearby are three other women standing together.  A sign hanging at the back of the stage reads "Joining Forces."
First Lady Michelle Obama and her two daughters, and Jill Biden, Ph.D., wife of Vice President Joe Biden, and her grandchildren, were greeted upon their arrival at the "Kids' Inaugural: Our Children. Our Future" concert, Jan. 19, 2013, in Washington, D.C. The children's event was in advance of the second inauguration of President Barack Obama.



Army freezes hiring, cuts base ops, reduces training

01-17-2013

A hand holds a dollar bill. Another hand holds a pair of scissors and appears to cut the bill.
In advance of possible extreme budget cuts that could arrive in March, Army leadership has called for an immediate hiring freeze and spelled out other pre-emptive measures meant to help the service prepare for a fiscal cliff.



Military plays security support role for inauguration

01-15-2013

In front of a brick building, a person in a military uniform bends over and touches a black suitcase that sits on the grass. A large dog sniffs at the suitcase. Other suitcases are nearby.
This year, the 947th Military Police Detachment at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., will provide 16 military working dog teams to support security at the 2013 inauguration of President Barack Obama. Here, Sgt. Malkia Litaker, who served with the 947th in 2009, and military working dog, Gerko, work together to find simulated explosives during a demonstration, Jan. 14, 2009, at Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.



Increase in Social Security withholding will little affect Soldier pay

01-09-2013

The hand of a uniformed individual holds five U.S. currency bills totaling $18 dollars.
This year, Soldiers and most civilians will see an increase in the amount of their pay withheld for Social Security. The withholding has increased from 4.2 percent to 6.2 percent. But for Soldiers, the change in Social Security withholding may not have a noticeable effect on their take-home pay.




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