January
The United States officially hands over security responsibility of the Green Zone to Iraqi security forces.
Jan. 20
Barack Obama assumes office of the 44th President of the United States. He is the first African-American and the first born in Hawaii to serve in this office.
Read More about President Barack ObamaJan. 31
Iraq provincial elections are held. Voter turnout fails to meet expectations and is the lowest on record in Iraq. Some provincial candidates and those close to them face political assassinations and attempted assassination.
Feb.
Up to 20 NATO countries pledge to increase military and other commitments after the United States announces plans to add 17,000 additional troops.
March
President Barack Obama reveals a new strategy for 4,000 more troops to train Afghan army police forces.
March
The DOD officially changes the name of operations from "Global War on Terror" to "Overseas Contingency Operation" (OCO).
Aug. 20
Afghanistan presidential elections are held, but tainted by Taliban attacks at polling centers, low turnout and accusations of fraud.
Read More about the Afghan Presidential election
Sept. 17
Staff Sgt. Jared C. Monti is awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty during Operation Enduring Freedom, on Jun. 21, 2006.
Read More about Staff Sgt. MontiSept. 21
John M. McHugh becomes the 21st Secretary of the Army, replacing Pete Geren.
Oct. 15
The Army encourages installations to trade in gas-guzzling cars for hybrid electric sedans that can net an average of 675 to 775 miles on a tank of gas. The Army partners with the General Services Administration to bring more than 500 hybrid electric vehicles to 33 installations and commands.
Nov.
After Abdullah Abdullah withdraws from the Afghanistan presidential election, Hamid Karzai wins with 55 percent of the votes and is sworn in for a second term.
Photo by Harald Dettenborn
Dec.
President Barack Obama commits to boost U.S. troop strength in Afghanistan to 100,000.
Dec. 22
The 'Underwear Bomber,' Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, tries to ignite an improvised explosive on Northwest Airlines Flight 253.
