Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

Army Col. Andrew Poppas, commander of Task Force Bastogne and 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, will brief the media live from Forward Operating Base Fenty, Nangahar Province, Afghanistan, at 10:30 a.m. EST, in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations in Nuristan, Nangahar and Kunar Provinces, including the Pech Valley.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.