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Special Report

March 2010

On the Road Again

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is once again traveling to meet with U.S. troops and international defense officials. American Forces Press Service reporter Jim Garamone is with the Pentagon Press Corps traveling with the secretary. Over the next few days, Defense.gov will feature Garamone’s coverage and photos by DoD photographer Cherie Cullen as the trip progresses.

Photo EssayS

Gates Visits Saudi Arabia, Southwest Asia
Gates Tours Afghanistan
4th Marine Regiment Memorial

Photos

Helmand ProviNce- Afghanistan

Afghanistan
Saudi Arabia

Top Stories

Gates: Sanctions Can Work Against Iran

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2010 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates met with leaders of the United Arab Emirates and discussed Afghanistan, Yemen, the elections in Iraq and bilateral military-to-military relations, but the main discussion point was Iran. Story >>

Tanker Competition Fair, Gates Says

A U.S. MILITARY BASE IN SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 11, 2010 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told troops he was disappointed Northrop-Grumman pulled out of the Air Force’s next-generation tanker aircraft contract competition, leaving the field to Boeing, but said the process was balanced. Story >>

Gates Shares Insights From Service

A U.S. MILITARY BASE IN SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 11, 2010 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has served eight presidents, and he shared some of his insights into that experience with U.S. servicemembers deployed in southwest Asia. Story >>

Gates Discusses Iraq, Afghanistan

A U.S. MILITARY BASE IN SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 11, 2010 - Deployed servicemembers quizzed Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates about Afghanistan, the elections in Iraq and the Iran situation during a question-and-answer period in southwest Asia. Story >>

U.S. Seeks Saudis’ Help for U.N. Sanctions

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, March 10, 2010 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates asked Saudi King Abdallah today to use his country’s influence to convince other nations to support United Nations sanctions on Iran, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said here. Story >>

Regional Issues Top Secretary’s Agenda

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, March 10, 2010 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will discuss Iran, Afghanistan and military-to-military contacts with Saudi officials here today. Gates, who arrived here after a three-day visit to Afghanistan, is scheduled to meet with King Abdallah and Crown Prince Sultan. Story >>

Gates Visits Afghan Army Training Center

CAMP BLACKHORSE, Afghanistan, March 10, 2010 – For the last stop in his visit to Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates opted to take a first-hand look at the Afghan National Army training center here. Story >>

Now Zad’s Citizens Eager to Return Home

NOW ZAD, Afghanistan, March 9, 2010 – Afghanistan is a Muslim country, but a Christmas miracle took place in this city, a senior Marine Corps officer said here today. Story >>

Visit Reinforces Validates New Strategy

NOW ZAD, Afghanistan, March 9, 2010 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates’ visits with troops in Afghanistan’s Kandahar and Helmand provinces have reinforced his belief that the strategy is working in Afghanistan. Story >>

Gates Visits Soldiers at Forward Base

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FRONTENAC, Afghanistan, March 9, 2010 – A white-painted blast wall standing in front of the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry, headquarters here bearing the names of 22 fallen soldiers was a sobering reminder to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates of the cost of the war. Story >>

Karzai, Gates Discuss Way Forward

Afghan President Hamid Karzai

CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan, March 8, 2010 – Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates met in Kabul today to discuss the challenges still facing Afghanistan and the increasing opportunities in the country. Story >>

Gates Seeks ‘Ground Truth’ from Troops

KABUL, March 8, 2010 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is visiting Afghanistan to get what he called the “ground truth” from servicemembers. Gates flew all night and landed at the international airport here. He immediately began a series of meetings with Afghan and NATO leaders. Story >>

Iraq's Elections Show Country's Progress

ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT, March 7, 2010 – The Iraqi election process shows how far the country has come, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. Gates received reports on the Iraqi election from Army Gen. Ray Odierno, the U.S. commander in the country. Story >>