Secretary of Defense Robert Gates wants to send 7,000 more U.S. troops—about two brigades—to Afghanistan, according to the May 3 New York Times. But there's a problem, which the story underplays: We don't have any more troops to send. The Army is in a zero-sum state: No more soldiers can be sent to Afghanistan (or any other...

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Thursday said the military had made mistakes in treating returning combat troops including in their physical and mental health care and by providing some sub-standard housing. In a visit to Fort Bliss, Texas, Gates announced a change in government procedures to encourage...

MEXICO CITY — Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Tuesday that sending a second U.S. aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf could serve as a "reminder" to Iran, but he said it's not an escalation of force. Speaking to reporters after meeting with Mexican leaders, Gates said heightening U.S. criticism of Iran...

Who will replace General Petraeus as the Senior Commander in Iraq? Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, a familiar face in the media and the man who has been serving as Petraeus's Deputy, is expected to take on the job. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who announced General Odierno's nomination at a press conference today, thanked...

WASHINGTON — Army Gen. David Petraeus, the four-star general who led troops in Iraq for the past year, will be nominated by President Bush to be the next commander of U.S. Central Command, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Wednesday. Gates said he expected Petraeus to make the shift in late summer or...