What’s happening in the Department of Defense?
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey announced the end of the direct ground combat exclusion rule for female members of the military, which will open about 237,000 positions to women. This change has been hotly debated since its announcement, but photos of women currently serving and Secretary Panetta’s words “There are no guarantees of success. Not everyone can be a combat soldier, but everyone is entitled to a chance,” evince the evolving landscape of our country’s armed forces.
George Little, Pentagon Press Secretary, provided an update on United States role in supporting French operations in Mali during a press event at the Pentagon. Troops there are continuing to back French air operations to thwart the AQIM threat in the region.
Former Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee recently where he spoke and provided testimony about his policies should he be sworn in as the next Defense Secretary. Hagel will be the 24th Defense Secretary if confirmed and vows to make U.S. policy “worthy of our troops and their families and the sacrifices we ask them to make.
On Dec. 18, after years of planning and training, a group of 16 specialized surgeons performed an extremely rare surgery on U.S. Army Spc. Brendan Marrocco. What kind of surgery? Watch or listen to the podcast to find out, either way you’ll be amazed.
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