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Travels with Gates
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates poses for a picture with troops at the future combat systems facility on Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, May 1, 2008. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, left, tours the tactical and combat vehicle production lines during a visit to Red River Army Depot in Texarkana, Texas, May 2, 2008. Dr. John Fortunato, chief of the Restoration and Resilience Center on Fort Bliss, shows Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and his wife, Becky, examples from the soldiers' art therapy sessions during a tour of the facility in El Paso, Texas, May 1, 2008.

Gates Applauds Efforts at Red River Army Depot

Richard Bratton, left, gives Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates a tour of the Bradley transmission and 25-millimiter gun production facility at Red River Army Depot in Texarkana, Texas, May 2, 2008.TEXARKANA, Texas, May 2, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates toured Red River Army Depot, observing operations that have won accolades for speed and efficiency in refurbishing worn-out wheeled and tracked vehicles for use by warfighters who depend on them. Story

Gates: Afghanistan Command Restructuring Worthy of Consideration

TEXARKANA, Texas, May 2, 2008 – The concept of increasing U.S. command and control in Afghanistan “is clearly something that needs to be looked at,” Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said. Story

Gates Views Expansion Effort at Fort Bliss

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates tours the barracks under construction on Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, May 1, 2008.FORT BLISS, Texas, May 2, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates got a firsthand look at the massive growth under way at Fort Bliss, Texas, to prepare for the arrival of 1st Armored Division in one of the Army Corps of Engineers' largest-ever construction projects. Story

Families' Support Key to Troops' Success

FORT BLISS, Texas, May 2, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates paid tribute to what he called "the power behind the power" -- the families and community members who stand behind the troops engaged in the war on terror. Story

Gates to NCOs: Communicate Troops' Needs

FORT BLISS, Texas, May 1, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates called on senior Army noncommissioned officers to be his eyes and ears in the field and to ensure systems within the Defense Department to support the troops are working. Story

Gates to NCO: Encourage Troops to Seek Help

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, left, and his wife Becky, tour the Restoration and Resilience center at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas, May 1, 2008. The center helps treat soldiers who return from combat with post traumatic stress syndrome.FORT BLISS, Texas, May 1, 2008 – The Defense Department is working to reduce stress on the force and improve quality of life for the troops, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said on Fort Bliss, Texas.
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Gates Committed to Troops' Quality of Life

FORT BLISS, Texas, May 1, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said he found revelations of substandard housing for returning combat troops at Fort Bragg, N.C., "appalling" and said he's committing to ensuring servicemembers and their families get the quality-of-life benefits they deserve. Story

Gates Announces Security Question Change

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates speaks with members of the press after touring the Restoration and Resilience Center on Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, May 1, 2008.FORT BLISS, Texas, May 1, 2008 – Seeking mental-health care due to post-traumatic stress will no longer be seen as an obstacle to getting a government security clearance, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced in Texas. Story | Video

Gates Honors Service Of Past, Present, Future

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates congratulates U.S. Army retiree 1st Sgt. Vallez and thanks him for his service during a retirement ceremony on Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, April 30, 2008.FORT BLISS, Texas, May 1, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates honored military service at two very different ceremonies: one at Fort Bliss, Texas, and another in Mexico City. Story


Maliki's Stand Unifies Iraqi Government

MEXICO CITY, April 30, 2008 – Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's stand against insurgents is serving to unify his once-splintered government, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told reporters in Mexico City. Story

Second Carrier in Gulf a 'Reminder' of U.S. Presence

MEXICO CITY, April 30, 2008 – The movement of a second aircraft carrier into the Persian Gulf this week doesn't signal an escalation of the U.S. naval presence -- but could serve as a "reminder" of it to countries in the region. Story

Gates Lauds U.S.-Mexico Counterdrug Partnership

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates conducts a media roundtable after meeting with officials and touring the National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City, Mexico, April 29, 2008.MEXICO CITY, April 30, 2008 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' visit to Mexico, the first in 12 years for a U.S. defense secretary, focused on a counterdrug partnership against drug cartels and other transnational threats. Story

Photo Essays

May 2, 2008:  Gates Visits Red River Army Depot
May 2, 2008:  Gates Meets with Soldiers on Fort Bliss
May 2, 2008:  Gates Tours Restoration and Resilience Center
May 2, 2008:  Gates Tours Future Fort Bliss Facilities
May 1, 2008:  Gates Visits Fort Bliss, Texas
May 1, 2008:  Gates Continues Mexico City Visit
April 30, 2008:  Gates Visits Mexico City