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Week in Photos April 22-28

Week in Photos is a collection of the best images published on defense.gov during a seven-day period, showing troops as they serve in operation, sacrifice and engage in daily life.

Photo Essay

Ruck March Relief

Army Sgt. Genaro Bueno completes the final portion of a 12-mile ruck march at Warrior Base near Panmunjeom, South Korea, April, 29, 2016. The ruck march was conducted as the final event during the Expert Field Medical Badge training event. Bueno is assigned to the 65th Medical Brigade. Army photo by Pfc. Lee, Kyeong-mi ...More

Hi-Res | Photo Gallery

Hostage Training

Army Spc. Jason Green, left, talks to a hostage role player while Staff Sgt. Jesse Harris works to disarm explosives during a hostage rescue scenario for the 52nd and 111th Ordnance Group Joint Team of the Year 2016 competition at a training center in Greenville, Ky., April 28, 2016. The weeklong event tests teams in v ...More

Hi-Res | Photo Gallery

Air Force Announcement

Defense Secretary Ash Carter delivers remarks during an event introducing Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein at the Pentagon, April 29, 2016, following his nomination as the next Air Force chief of staff. Joining Carter are, from left, Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Sta ...More

Gunner's Hatch

A paratrooper steps over the opening of the gunner’s hatch while at an M2 .50 caliber machine gun range at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, April 26, 2016. Air Force photo by Justin Connaher

Hi-Res | Photo Gallery

DoD Announces Retaliation Prevention and Response Strategy

Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced the DoD’s Retaliation Prevention and Response Strategy during a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator award ceremony April 28, 2016. The strategy addresses retaliation related to reports of sexual assault or sexual harassment.

Video | Strategy | Special

Handling Ammo Rounds

Army Spc. Dillon Weitzel waits for the order to fire on a machine gun range at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, April 26, 2016. Weitzel is a paratrooper assigned to the 25th Infantry Division’s 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), Alaska. Air Force photo by Justin Connaher

Hi-Res | Photo Gallery

Sexual Assault: Awareness & Prevention

The Defense Department is taking a stand against sexual assault in the military in an effort to maintain the well-being of U.S. service members and their families. Check out Defense.gov’s special coverage, which includes information about resources dedicated to preventing and appropriately responding to this crime.

Special

Rescue Training

Airmen take part in a simulated casualty evacuation training exercise off the coast of Homer, Alaska., April 27, 2016. The scenario involved an injured member of a fishing vessel who required immediate treatment and extraction from the boat. The airmen are assigned to the Alaska Air National Guard. Air National Guard p ...More

Hi-Res | Photo Gallery

Hack the Pentagon Without Becoming a Fugitive

The Defense Department invited hackers to test the department’s cybersecurity under the “Hack the Pentagon” program. The initiative is the first cyber bug-bounty program in the history of the federal government.

Video | Special

Airborne Ops

Soldiers conduct airborne operations from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter piloted by a Florida National Guard helicopter crew over Brooksville, Fla., April 23, 2016. The soldiers are assigned to U.S. Special Operations Command. Army photo by Ching Oettel

Hi-Res | Photo Gallery

Deputy Secretary Visits Sweden, Belgium

Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work is on a weeklong trip to meet with U.S.-Nordic-Baltic leaders and his NATO counterparts. His stops will include Sweden and Belgium, where he is visiting military facilities, discussing security challenges and speaking to the European Policy Centre about the Third Offset Strategy.

Special | Travel Archive

Combat Craft Exercise

Marines carry a combat raiding craft into the water to conduct beach searches during an amphibious operations training exercise at Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 21, 2016. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Demetrius Morgan

Hi-Res | Photo Gallery

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Blogs

Moving? Know These Crucial Things During ‘PCS Season’

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) has many on-base family housing units available, which are open to all military service branches, as well as Defense Department civilians in some circumstances. Wait times vary depending on a service member’s rank and the time of year.

Prime PCS season is almost here. If your military family is moving, there are a lot of things you can do to prepare.

TSA Should Stand for ‘Thank Service Members Appropriately’

The Transportation Security Administration is offering free expedited screening to those who qualify in a show of gratitude for your service to the country.

Programs Promote Healthier Lifestyles for Military Youth

Marines volunteer at local elementary school.

The Healthy Base Initiative (HBI), a DoD project launched in 2013, promotes diet and exercise as a way to combat tobacco use, obesity and lack of physical activity for service members and their families.

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U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-30 Apr

Children discuss what it means to them to have a parent in the military, as well as their memories of past moves. April is designated the Month of the Military Child every year to highlight the importance of the military child. U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Tippets. #KidsServeToo #MilKid

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-30 Apr

The West Point - The U.S. Military Academy Cyber Initiatives Summit was an opportunity for the Defense Department and private industry to come together toward strengthening cyber warfare technology. Read more at http://www.defense.gov/News/Special-Reports/0415_Cyber-Strategy

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-30 Apr

Check out this Week in Photos: April 15-21 — Week in Photos is a collection of the best images published on defense.gov during a seven-day period, showing troops as they serve in operations, sacrifice and engage in daily life. See more at http://go.usa.gov/cu59e

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-29 Apr

Fast rope! Marines participate in a fast-rope training exercise from a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter in Yuma, Ariz. The course provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines (2/6) 2nd Marine Division II Marine Expeditionary Force. Photos by U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Artur Shvartsberg

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-29 Apr

Congratulations to United States Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein on his nomination to be the 21st chief of staff of the Air Force.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-29 Apr

The 2016 All-U.S. Army Best Ranger Competition winners are Colorado National Guard Army Capt. Robert Killian and Pennsylvania National Guard Recruiting Army Staff Sgt. Erich Friedlein. The competition included that included grueling obstacle courses, extended slogs through the mud, marksmanship challenges and a marathon run over rough terrain.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-29 Apr

Can you describe to someone who has no idea even what a Huey is — What it's like to fly in one of these things? "America," says U.S. Marine Corps aviation mechanic Cpl. Erik Dudley. III MEF Marines Marine Corps Installations Pacific

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-28 Apr

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced the DoD's Retaliation and Response Strategy. The strategy addresses retaliation related to reports of sexual assault and complaints of sexual harassment, providing provisions for active-duty, reserve, and National Guard service members. It also applies to military witnesses, bystanders, and first responders to sexual assault or harassment. #SAAPM

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-28 Apr

Thank you to all that serve to protect us, past and present. #RealHeros #NationalSuperheroDay

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-28 Apr

Today is Take Your Child to Work day. If you're participating, share your photos by tagging us! #KidsServeToo #KidatWork

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-28 Apr

The latest in military technology and the addition of up to 450 more U.S. troops announced this week will enhance the U.S.-led coalition’s efforts to enable ground forces in the campaign to defeat #ISIL.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-28 Apr

Working with local forces and coalition partners around the world, the United States military has seen significant momentum in the Counter ISIL campaign. We are continually improving our strategic targeting of ISIL on the ground, in the air, and in the cyber domain. We have relentlessly attacked their oil infrastructure, cutting their financial resources. We have bombed their banks and cash depositories. And, we recently killed two of their ranking "cabinet" members. Today, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joe Dunford will update the Senate Armed Service Committee on these results and preview the next plays of our military campaign. Watch Secretary Carter deliver his remarks at 9:30am EDT on www.defense.gov and for more on the counter #ISIL campaign, go to www.defense.gov/counter-isil.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-28 Apr

"Counter-ISIL efforts in Iraq and Syria constitute the main focus right now, and should be," said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joe Dunford aboard a U.S. military aircraft, April 26, 2016.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-27 Apr

A sailor salutes an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter from the flight deck of the USS Gonzalez (DDG-66) in the Gulf of Aden. The Gonzalez is deployed as part of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group to support Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve and other security efforts in the US 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pasquale Sena

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-27 Apr

"It is important that the United States cooperate with Egypt in terms of the threat in the region and to look for opportunities to deal with the threats collaboratively," Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joe Dunford said following a trip to Cairo, Egypt.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-27 Apr

1st place in the Military Videographer of the Year — U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cameron Chapman, a military working dog handler, talks about the relationships formed between his fellow handlers and their dogs and the role of Provost Marshal's Office K9 units on military bases. Chapman is assigned to PMO, Marine Corps Installations Pacific- Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. #VIAP2015

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-27 Apr

Lance Cpl. Jamen Miller has laid to rest nearly 200 Marines. Body Bearers go through rigorous physical training and ceremonial drill practice to perfect their movements for the funerals of fallen Marines. U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-27 Apr

To stay ahead of future threats, the FY17 budget makes critical investments in training and readiness, the modernization of our fighter aircraft fleet, and new capabilities like the SM-6 missile, an interceptor that’s designed to launch from our Navy’s surface ships. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter will talk about this and other investments in his testimony today in front of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Watch live at 10:30 a.m. EDT on www.defense.gov and learn more about how the budget will strengthen our force at www.defense.gov/FY17Budget

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-27 Apr

Senior Airman Kristine Glenn is a USAF Phoenix Raven instructor with the 421st Combat Training Squadron at the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. She is one of only15 currently active female Ravens in the United States Air Force. Ravens consist of small groups of specially trained personnel who provide force protection for aircrews and resources that transit high terrorist and criminal threat areas.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-26 Apr

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter proposed legislative changes to the structure of the Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986 to help the Defense Department confront challenges in an increasingly complex world during a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Carter’s suggested changes include clarifying the role and authority of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, updating the functions of combatant commands, streamlining acquisition, and reforming joint personnel management.

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-25 Apr

.@USNavy's #MilKid of the year was told, 'do great things,' and that's what he's done: https://t.co/0vtDRaciOM https://t.co/incguzt1AD

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-25 Apr

RT @PentagonPresSec: I will brief the Pentagon Press Corps at 1:30pm EDT today. Watch live on https://t.co/PMW5VpSzAF

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-25 Apr

RT @thejointstaff: “The character of war has changed so we should adapt to the character of war" https://t.co/lIrYScQlOT

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-25 Apr

.@usairforce Airmen take a tandem, free fall w/ an American flag at 9,000 feet before a re-enlistment ceremony. https://t.co/U1S2XAYGvf

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-24 Apr

.@USMCengage targets on a live fire range in Djibouti, Africa. They train to maintain proficiency & combat readiness https://t.co/1WALVhgldX

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-24 Apr

RT @USNavy: RT to wish #USNavy @BlueAngels a happy 70th birthday! Check out their schedule at https://t.co/VayeO9G9Fm #BA70Years https://t.…

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-24 Apr

RT @CJTFOIR: Near Mosul, #Iraq, 4 strikes struck 6 #ISIS targets. #ISIL #daesh #military #news https://t.co/21TnyRDDyL https://t.co/udnDV5K…

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-24 Apr

RT @CJTFOIR: STRIKE VIDEO: #Coalition strike denies safe haven for #ISIS ops #Syria #news #ISIL #military https://t.co/Mg40tX5fkQ https://t…

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-24 Apr

RT @ArmedwScience: Robots & lasers & gadgets, Oh My! DoD makes science fun. #STEM @USAScienceFest https://t.co/ckiT9x6bKh https://t.co/JyzU…

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-24 Apr

Sailors maneuver harbor patrol craft in formation past the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman. @USNavy https://t.co/xFoDh7dsQE

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-23 Apr

RT @USNavy: VP-4 participates in underway training with #USSDonaldCook & Swedish Navy, Friday over #BalticSea via @USNavyEurope https://t.c…

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-23 Apr

RT @PacificCommand: |@USArmy/@ROK_Army soldiers hold largest river-crossing exercise in over a decade - @USARPAC https://t.co/jH4Kn4gQEU ht…

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-23 Apr

RT @CJTFOIR: https://t.co/S0oSXiXCFm https://t.co/vtOHnzf7gF

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-23 Apr

An A-10 Thunderbolt II engages in a training mission at the Grayling Aerial Gunnery Range near Waters, Mich. https://t.co/s25gqsmvwZ

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-23 Apr

RT @thejointstaff: “In all the years, I have not awarded anybody a Purple Heart on the ground where they received the Purple Heart." https:…

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-23 Apr

RT @USArmy: Happy Birthday @USArmyReserve! 108 years young today! #USARBirthday108 https://t.co/EiGm4J609p

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-23 Apr

RT @DoDNews: #SecDef Carter concludes his travels overseas. https://t.co/Csep7Q4wda

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-23 Apr

CJCS Gen. Joe Dunford is traveling to meet w/military leaders & foreign dignitaries. https://t.co/p6eynAPVMX https://t.co/IFOzoO8sCv

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-23 Apr

Check out the best photos of service members & operations from around the DoD this week. https://t.co/fyoMYN589K https://t.co/K6GoTU78Ho

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-22 Apr

RT @thejointstaff: USAF Capt. Mike Elliott & Capt. Addison Schenk fly a C-17 after CJCS Dunford departed Iraqi Kurdistan. https://t.co/bvEc…

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Special Reports

Features

Face of Defense

Spc. Kayla Bundy, 1st Bn., 414th Inf. Reg., 95th Training Division (IET), hurdles a wall on the fit-to-win endurance obstacle course during the 2016 108th Training Command (IET) Best Warrior competition held at Fort Jackson, S.C., March 21. This year's Best Warrior competition determined the top NCO and junior enlisted Soldier who will represent the 108th Training Command (IET) at the Army Reserve Drill Sgt. of the Year competition later this year at Fort Bragg, N.C. Bundy was selected to represent the 108th in the junior enlisted competition. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brian Hamilton/released)

Soldier Sings Her Way to Victory Army reservist Spc. Kayla Bundy, a wheeled vehicle mechanic, likes to sing to get through the rough spots. Story

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention

Carter Unveils Sexual Assault Retaliation Prevention Strategy Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced a sexual assault retaliation prevention and response strategy, saying both sexual assault and retaliation against those who report it are attacks against the values of the military. Story | Strategy | Statement | Special

Defense Secretary Ash Carter hosts a ceremony honoring the 2016 Exceptional Sexual Assault Response Coordinators Award recipients at the Pentagon, April 28, 2016. DoD photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class Clydell Kinchen

Secretary Honors 6 'Trailblazer' Sexual Assault Response Coordinators Defense Secretary Ash Carter today honored six individuals from across the military as sexual assault response coordinators of the year during a Pentagon ceremony. Story | Special

In the Spotlight

Dr. Jonathan Woodson, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, speaks with President Barack Obama at the White House. White House photo

Woodson Leaves Military Health System, Reflects on Achievements The head of the Military Health System, Dr. Jonathan Woodson, is leaving his post with great pride in the tremendous work and achievements of those who served in military health during his tenure. Story

The F-35 Lightning II makes its first appearance at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., March 10, 2014. The aircraft was flown in directly from the Lockheed Martin factory at Fort Worth, Texas. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dariene Seltmann

F-35 Program at 'Pivot Point,' Air Force General Tells Congress The F-35 aircraft program's executive officer told a Senate panel that the rapidly changing, growing and accelerating program is at a "pivot point" as officials address a number of challenges. Story | Video

Cyber Strategy

Cybercom Commander: Cyber Security Requires Cooperation The commander of U.S. Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency told attendees of a cyber engagement conference that successful cyber strategy includes many agencies working together. Video | Special

Focus on the Forces

A U.S. Air Force team sets up a mobile air traffic control tower at Eloy Alfaro International Airport in Manta, Ecuador, April 26, 2016. The portable tower will help local controllers increase the flow of humanitarian aid entering the country. The United States, in coordination with the Ecuadorian government, deployed 12 Air Force airmen to Ecuador to support international relief efforts for victims of a 7.8-magnitude earthquake. Photo courtesy of U.S. Embassy Quito

Airmen Support Ecuador Earthquake Relief The U.S., coordinating with the Ecuadorian government, deployed 12 airmen to Ecuador to support relief efforts for victims of a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck April 16. Story

Warrior Care

Retired Army Sgt. Albert Gonzalez sets pace for the Rescue 22 team during the Face of America bike ride in Gettysburg, Pa., April 24, 2016. More than 150 disabled veteran cyclists were paired amongst 600 able-bodied cyclists to ride 110 miles from Arlington, Va., to Gettysburg over two days in honor of veterans and military members. DoD photo by EJ Hersom

Veterans Overcome Challenges Through ‘Face of America’ Ride More than 700 cyclists, including nearly 175 disabled veterans, rode more than 100 miles to meet up in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, as part of World T.E.A.M. Sports’ annual “Face of America” ride. Story | Special

Research Key to Progress in PTSD, TBI Care, DoD Experts Say Significant progress has been made in diagnosing and treating post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries, but challenges remain for the wounded and their families, two military physicians told a Senate panel. Story | Special

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