Pentagon chief lifts ban on women in combat
(Photo: Paula Bronstein / Getty Images)
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on Thursday lifted a ban on women in combat, saying that it was “the responsibility of every citizen to protect the nation, and every citizen who can meet the qualifications of service should have that opportunity.”
“If they can meet the qualifications for the job, then they should have the right to serve,” he declared.
Source: usnews.nbcnews.com
Obama taps ‘American patriot’ Hagel for Pentagon job
(Photo: Charles Dharapak / AP)
President Barack Obama named his choices for two of the nation’s prominent national security posts Monday, teeing up a likely confirmation struggle over his pick for the Secretary of Defense, a position that’s historically drawn overwhelming bipartisan support.
Source: nbcnews.to
Iranian jets attack US military drone, Pentagon officials say
(Photo: Joel Saget / AFP - Getty Images file)
Two Iranian jets fired on a U.S. military drone, Pentagon officials said Thursday — the first time such an action has been acknowledged by the United States.
“We don’t know why,” the Iranians were shooting at the drone, the official said, insisting the drone did not cross into Iranian airspace. The drone was “conducting routine maritime surveillance, watching ships,” the official said.
Source: worldnews.nbcnews.com
Aircraft carrier USS Stennis going to Persian Gulf early, staying longer
The Pentagon is sending the aircraft carrier USS John Stennis to the Persian Gulf region four months ahead of schedule for an eight-month deployment – twice as long as originally planned, defense officials told NBC News on Monday.
The major shift in the Stennis deployment is a response to steadily rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, Iran’s threat to shut down the Strait of Hormuz over tighter international sanctions and the possibility that Israel may launch pre-emptive airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear facility.
Source: MSN
A cupcake tank to celebrate the Army’s birthday
The Army found a new and unusual way to celebrate its 237th birthday today: 5,000 camouflage cupcakes were parked today at the Pentagon courtyard… yes, a cupcake tank.
Source: MSN
