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Video by Nicole McFarland

Inside the DoD - Nov. 9

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Nov. 9, 2012 | 6:03

More than 3,500 troops are in Israel right now to participate in Austere Challenge 2012, the largest U.S.-Israeli exercise to date. The command post exercise began in October and will continue through November in an effort to build on the long-standing relationship between the two countries. Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited Israel during the exercise and also met with officials there. For more on Austere Challenge check out this report: http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=118239 Military financial readiness is getting attention at the highest levels of government because of partnerships forged to enhance the financial fitness and long term stability of military families. A new partnership formed by Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Holly Petraeus, aims to protect military families from being the target of unscrupulous financial practices for military members with student loan debt. CFPB and the DoD also aim to provide education resources and help to those currently having trouble managing student loans. For more about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (http://www.consumerfinance.gov/) visit their Facebook and Twitter pages here: https://twitter.com/cfpbmilitary https://www.facebook.com/CFPBMilitary Another partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, which began in 1944 marked a huge milestone in the driveway of a new home. The 20 millionth home loan was signed in the driveway of two new homeowners, the spouse of an Iraq war veteran and her small son. The VA home loan program guarantees home loans for veterans that have served honorably in the DoD. To learn about the VA's home loan program, go to: http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/ Hurricane Sandy swept through the Northeast last week, causing damage and leaving behind a path of devastation. That path is now marked by the efforts of sailors, Marines, airmen and soldiers that rushed to aid those affected. At least 24 states felt the wrath of the super-storm, with widespread flooding, structural damages and power outages. Now, the Department of Defense is focusing it's efforts on support. If you need assistance as a result of Hurricane Sandy, visit www.fema.gov