News and reports from the Department of Defense, DOD.

Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Ms. Amanda Dory, concluded her recent travels to Germany and the United Kingdom, according to Department of Defense Spokesman Lt. Col. Garron Garn, USMC.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III recently engaged in a conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, focusing on Israel's military activities in Lebanon. This discussion took place on October 10, as confirmed by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III engaged in a conversation with John Healey, the United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Defence, focusing on international conflicts. The dialogue addressed ongoing issues in Ukraine and the Middle East.

On October 7-8, 2024, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment William LaPlante led the first plenary meeting of the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience (PIPIR) in Honolulu, Hawaii. The event was attended by National Armament Directors and senior leaders from PIPIR member nations in both the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions. It was hosted by the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies along with the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM).

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a discussion with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on October 8, emphasizing the United States' unwavering support for the NATO Alliance. The conversation was aimed at establishing a constructive working relationship as Secretary General Rutte assumes his new role.

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder has provided an update on the ongoing response to Hurricane Helene and preparations for Hurricane Milton. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has been actively monitoring the situation, receiving daily briefings on the progress and strategies in place.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III engaged in a phone conversation with Japan's Minister of Defense, Nakatani Gen, as reported by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III engaged in discussions with Saudi Minister of Defense His Royal Highness Khalid bin Salman on Monday, focusing on U.S. efforts to bolster security in the Middle East. The dialogue underscored the enduring commitment of the United States to Saudi Arabia's defense and highlighted the significance of their defense partnership for regional stability.

Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Ms. Amanda Dory, is set to visit Germany and the United Kingdom from October 7-9. According to Pentagon Spokesman Lt. Col. Garron Garn, USMC, her trip will begin in Berlin on October 7, where she will engage in a strategic dialogue with Dr. Jasper Wieck from Germany's Ministry of Defense.

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder has reported on a phone call between U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Argentine Minister of Defense Luis Petri. The conversation focused on strengthening the defense relationship between the United States and Argentina.

A year has passed since the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which marked a significant tragedy in Israel's history. On this day, Hamas attacked during the Jewish holy day of Simchat Torah, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 civilians, including over 40 American citizens. Additionally, 251 individuals were taken hostage, among them 12 Americans. The United States Department of Defense reflects on this somber anniversary with a statement from Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has launched a one-year pilot program to offer no-cost supplemental health support services to its civilian employees stationed in Japan. This initiative follows a yearlong effort to address concerns about access to medical care for these employees.

The Department of Defense has announced research equipment grants totaling $50.1 million to 98 university researchers at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving institutions (MIs). These grants, each up to $800,000, will benefit 21 HBCUs and 49 MIs, including one tribal college, across 26 states and the District of Columbia.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on October 6, addressing Iran's destabilizing actions in the Middle East and the ongoing situations in Lebanon and Gaza. The discussion took place as the anniversary of a significant terrorist attack by Hamas against Israel approached.

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder has issued a statement regarding the Department of Defense's involvement in the response to Hurricane Helene. The Department is working in coordination with FEMA and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, alongside local, state, and federal partners.