Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has called on every member of the Defense Department to play a personal role in creating a secure environment that will help to prevent more tragedies like the Nov. 5 shooting rampage that left 13 people dead at Fort Hood, Texas, reports AFPS’ Donna Miles.

Gates issued a memo yesterday after reflecting on results of the independent review he directed after the incident to ensure the safety and health of servicemembers, civilian defense employees, and their families.

“I ask all commanders, supervisors, noncommissioned leaders and other personnel in the department to reinforce the fabric of trust with one another,” Gates wrote. “From simple everyday expressions of concern, to supervising, mentoring and counseling, we, and every servicemember, need to be more attuned to one another’s mental, emotional and spiritual balance and be willing to take responsible action.”

Gates urged department members to look beyond their day-to-day tasks and challenges and take action if their colleagues appear to be at risk.

He also called for leaders to be honest in their assessments of their subordinates – particularly when they identify red flags – and to document what they identify.

“Leadership at every level depends on the integrity to assess the performance of our people honestly and openly,” Gates wrote. “We can only deal with internal threats if we can rely on the quality of the information in our official records. There are serious effects of failure to reflect fully, accurately and completely on all aspects of professional ethical and personal career development in performance appraisals.”

Gates called on leaders to instill and preserve “the core traits that sustain our profession and keep our forces strong, effective and safe.”

“With responsibility comes accountability,” he wrote. “My expectation is that our leaders will set the standards for leadership, management and mentoring, and will be accountable for the health and performance of the force.”

Gates concluded his memo recognizing how much the country has asked of its servicemembers and Defense Department civilians over the past two decades, and how they have repeatedly risen to the occasion.

“Each of you has an important role in adapting to the changing security environment,” he wrote. “Together, we will make the force and our nation safer, stronger and more secure to face the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

Gates issued the memo based on findings of the Department of Defense Independent Review Related to Fort Hood. He directed the review and appointed former Army Secretary Togo D. West Jr. and retired Navy Adm. Vernon E. Clark, a former chief of naval operations, to lead it. The panel provided its report to Gates on Jan. 15.

Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, is charged with killing 13 people, 12 military and one civilian, and wounding 43 others during a Nov. 5 shooting rampage at Fort Hood. He has been charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 specifications of attempted premeditated murder under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The UCMJ is the U.S. military’s legal system for servicemembers.

Hasan, a Muslim, allegedly became radicalized and complained to colleagues about his role as a U.S. military officer when he was posted at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here before being assigned to Fort Hood in July.

The Department of Defense announced today the deployment of approximately 3,100 additional forces to Afghanistan, part of the 30,000 troops authorized by President Obama on Nov. 30. The 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, from Fort Hood, Texas, will deploy approximately 2,600 soldiers to Afghanistan in the summer of 2010.

The DoD will continue to announce major unit deployments.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates told senior officials in Afghanistan Tuesday, the United States is committed to winning the war against the Taliban and partnering with the Afghans.

The commanding general of Multi National Forces in Iraq, General Ray Odierno, spoke at Fort Hood Texas Monday.

Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Michelle Flournoy said Monday the Afghan strategy will speed the necessary troops to areas of greatest need.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Admiral Michael Mullen, says improvised explosive devices are one of the biggest threats to troops on the ground in Afghanistan.

A father and son team fight post traumatic stress syndrome. Plus, the men appointed to lead the Defense Department’s investigation into the Ft. Hood shootings return to the scene.

Members of the Pentagon-appointed task force reviewing the Fort Hood shootings hold a press conference at Fort Hood, Texas.

The DoD is making sure servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan get a taste of home this Thanksgiving.

The two men tasked to lead the Defense Department’s review of the shootings at Fort Hood visited the scene of the attack on Tuesday.

One part of the impending Defense Department review of the November 5th shootings at Fort Hood will include the performance of the first responders.

I couldn’t have said it better myself – well done!!

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