WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama praised Germany for its role in helping the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan lay the groundwork to “turn a corner” in transitioning to an Afghan security lead there.

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama reiterated the need for Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi to step down and hand over power to the Libyan people during a joint news conference at the White House with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

WASHINGTON - Officials in charge of the Defense Department’s school system for military children are seeking input in creating a 21st century learning environment by 2016.

WASHINGTON - Active duty military members and their families who are moving to a new location can now transfer their TRICARE Prime military health plan enrollment with a simple phone call.

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama welcomed German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the White House, calling Germany one of the United States’ strongest friends in an alliance that is the cornerstone of efforts to promote global peace and prosperity.

WASHINGTON - Afghan and coalition troops found a weapons cache and detained one suspect during a security operation conducted in Logar province's Charkh district.

COMBAT OUTPOST SHUKVANI, Afghanistan - Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andrew J. Armstrong, known as “Rock,” has survived two roadside bomb blasts in Afghanistan and is still in the fight.

WASHINGTON - Civilians who work for the Defense Department are on the ground in Afghanistan, collaborating with counterparts there to build effective defense institutions.

KABUL, Afghanistan - “I leave Afghanistan today with the belief that if we keep this momentum up, we will deliver a decisive blow to the enemy and turn the corner on this conflict,” Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said.

WASHINGTON - The Defense Department has sent to Congress a report on its Arctic operations that leaders say will put the department in a good position to shape U.S. interests as the region undergoes dramatic climate and social changes.