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Special Reports


  • DoD Focus on the Indo-Pacific


    Defense leaders remain focused on efforts to strengthen relationships and modernize U.S. alliances in the Indo-Pacific region as a priority for 21st century security interests and sustaining U.S. global leadership. Special

  • FY 2019 Defense Budget

    FY 2019 Defense Budget


    President Donald J. Trump signed a $1.3 trillion spending bill on March 23, 2018 that includes a $160 billion boost in defense spending over two years, reversing years of decline and unpredictable funding. Special

  • Nuclear Posture Review

    2018 Nuclear Posture Review


    In light of the realities of the contemporary threat environment, the 2018 NPR presents an assessment of U.S. nuclear policy that is consistent with past U.S. policy by placing priority on the need to deter potential adversaries, assure allies and partners, and hedge against future risks, while also seeking greater cooperation where possible in support of arms control and global non-proliferation efforts. Special

  • 21st Century Nuclear Deterrence & Missile Defense

    21st Century Nuclear Deterrence & Missile Defense


    The 21st century strategic environment demands our national deterrence strategy accounts for uncertainty and the expanding capability of world actors. Rebuilding and modernizing defense capabilities and infrastructure is essential to the continued effectiveness and resiliency of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. Special

  • Operation Inherent Resolve: Targeted Operations to Defeat ISIS


    U.S. Central Command's Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve continues to work by, with and through regional partners to militarily defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, in order to enable whole-of-coalition governmental actions to increase regional stability. Special

  • Operation Atlantic Resolve - America's Continued Commitment to European Security

    America's Continued Commitment to European Security


    The United States is demonstrating to NATO allies and the world its continued commitment to peace, security and stability in Europe. Special

  • Defense Department Science and Technology

    Defense Department Science and Technology


    Given today's globalized access to knowledge and the rapid pace of technology development, innovation, speed, and agility have taken on a greater importance. The Defense Department serves as an innovative leader in developing technology to protect Americans and troops - on and off the battlefield. Special

  • D-Day & the Invasion of Normandy - 2018

    74th Anniversary of D-Day & the Invasion of Normandy


    On June 6, 1944, nearly 160,000 Allied troops landed along a heavily fortified, 50-mile stretch of French coastline in the historic operation known as D-Day. Allied casualties were heavy - an estimated 10,000 killed, wounded and missing in action - but by day's end, the Allies had gained a foothold to begin liberating Europe. Special

  • Warrior Games 2018

    Warrior Games 2018


    The 2018 Department of Defense Warrior Games feature 11 sporting events with about 300 athletes representing teams from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, U.S. Special Operations Command, as well as the United Kingdom Armed Forces, Australian Defense Force and Canadian Armed Forces. Adaptive sports help wounded warriors build strength and endurance while drawing inspiration from teammates. The goal of the Warrior Games is to demonstrate the incredible potential of wounded warriors through competitive sports. Special

  • Memorial Day 2018

    Memorial Day


    Each year on the last Monday in May, the nation pauses to honor the men and women of the U.S. military who sacrificed their lives in service to their country and the cause of freedom. This special report showcases the many ways in which Americans honor the fallen, from the placement of flags on the graves at Arlington National Cemetery to observances around the world. Special

  • Investigation Results: Terrorist Ambush in Niger

    Investigation Results: Terrorist Ambush in Niger


    The Defense Department released the results of the U.S. Africa Command-led investigation into the Oct. 4, 2017, ambush on U.S. and Nigerien forces near Tongo Tongo, Niger. Special

  • International Response to Assad Chemical Weapons

    International Response to Assad Chemical Weapons


    President Donald J. Trump announced combined U.S., French and British forces launched precision strikes April 13, 2018, against chemical weapons capabilities in Syria to deter Syrian leader Bashar Assad from using banned chemical weapons. Special

  • Month of the Military Child

    Month of the Military Child


    Military children make up a very special part of our nation's population. Although young, these brave sons and daughters stand in steadfast support of their military parents. As they face circumstances unique to their lives—such as navigating multiple moves and schools to shouldering repeated deployments of a parent, these children are examples of resilience in the military community. To honor their unique contributions and sacrifices on behalf of our country, each April is designated the Month of the Military Child. Special

  • Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention

    Sexual Assault Awareness and 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

  • Government Shutdown February 2018 - What You Need to Know

    Government Shutdown February 2018 - What You Need to Know


    Defense Department officials issued guidance for the federal shutdown when Congress failed to pass a continuing resolution or a full budget by 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 8, 2018. Special

  • 2017 Year in Review

    2017 Year in Review


    This report highlights the top Defense Department priorities in 2017, from maintaining a safe nuclear deterrent and strengthening alliances to keeping faith with military families. Special

  • 2017 Year in Photos

    2017 Year in Photos


    The men and women of the U.S. military train and conduct operations around the world. But they also are regular people with a range of interests. In this review, we turn to military photographers to show compelling images of troops as they serve, sacrifice and engage in life. Special

  • Military Family Support


    The Defense Department joins the nation in honoring the commitment, sacrifices and contributions families of service members make every day in support of the military and the nation. Special

  • DoD Hurricane Relief

    DoD Hurricane Relief


    U.S. Northern Command is leading the Defense Department's disaster response and relief efforts in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the wake of Hurricane Maria, which made landfall on the U.S. territory Sept. 20. DoD continues to synchronize efforts with the Puerto Rico National Guard and FEMA. Troops and equipment already were assisting authorities in the region, which has seen two other powerful hurricanes, Irma and Jose, in recent weeks. Special

  • Invictus Games 2017

    Invictus Games 2017


    More than 500 competitors from around the world, including 80-plus from Team U.S., gather in Toronto to participate in the 2017 Invictus Games, an international adaptive sporting event for injured active-duty and veteran service members. The games use the power of sports to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of and respect for those who serve their country and their loved ones. Special

  • Remembering September 11, 2001 - 16 Years Later

    Remembering September 11, 2001 - 16 Years Later


    Sixteen years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Defense Department honors the memories of those who died at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pa. Special

  • Hurricane Harvey

    Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief


    Hurricane Harvey made landfall early Aug. 26 as a Category 4 storm near Rockport, Texas, bringing fierce winds and heavy rain. Later downgraded, the storm again made landfall Aug. 30 near the Louisiana border. National Guard Bureau officials said the priority remains saving life, limb and property, while Guardsmen from several states are assisting federal and local agencies, with additional support from the Defense Department and the Coast Guard. Special

  • National Preparedness 2017

    National Preparedness


    DoD plays a vital role in supporting the U.S. government's preparations for and responses to a wide range of threats posing the greatest risks to national security -- threats that include acts of terrorism, cyber threats, pandemics and catastrophic natural disasters. By collaborating, we can be prepared to meet these threats and to mitigate future crises. Partnering together where we work, live, learn and visit makes us all safer, stronger and more secure. Special

  • Remembering Pearl Harbor: 75 Years After the Attack


    As the nation observes the 75th anniversary of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the Defense Department honors the men and women who lost their lives, and those who fought on to preserve the nation's freedom. Special

  • Medal of Honor: Heroes of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

    Medal of Honor: Heroes of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan


    The Medal of Honor is the United States' highest military decoration. Eleven service members have received the Medal of Honor since the global war on terror began following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. Special

  • Biosurveillance

    Biosurveillance


    Biological, chemical and nuclear terrorist attacks; extreme weather events; and emerging infectious diseases all pose security threats unbounded by state, country and regional borders. The Department of Defense uses global biosurveillance networks to identify and track such threats and to help defend the nation. Special

  • Proliferation Security Initiative

    Proliferation Security Initiative


    The Proliferation Security Initiative is a global effort to stop trafficking of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems and related materials to and from actors of proliferation concern. U.S. involvement stems from a national strategy which recognizes the need for more robust tools to stop proliferation and identifies interdiction as an area of greater focus. Special

  • Quadrennial Defense Review

    Quadrennial Defense Review


    The Quadrennial Defense Review, or QDR, is a legislatively-mandated review of Defense Department strategy and priorities. The QDR will set a long-term course for DoD as it assesses the threats and challenges that the nation faces and re-balances DoD's strategies, capabilities, and forces to address today's conflicts and tomorrow's threats. Special

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