News and reports from the Department of Defense, DOD.

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

The United States and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened a meeting of U.S.-GCC Defense Working Groups on Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) and Maritime Security in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 22, 2024.

The United States and Kuwait held the 15th U.S.-Kuwaiti Joint Military Commission (JMC) in Kuwait City from May 20-21, 2024. The Chief of Staff of the Kuwait Armed Forces, Lt. Gen. Bander Salem Al Muzaien, led the Kuwaiti delegation, while Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Daniel Shapiro headed the U.S. side. The JMC serves as a primary bilateral defense forum for senior officials from both nations to discuss strategic issues and advance their defense partnership.

Department of Defense Spokesperson Lisa Lawrence provided the following readout:

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of Niger convened in Niamey, Republic of Niger, from May 15 to 19, 2024. The meeting was part of a Joint Disengagement Commission aimed at coordinating the orderly and safe withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger. The discussions were conducted with complete transparency and mutual respect between both parties.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced on May 17, 2024, that the president has nominated several Navy Rear Admirals for appointment to higher ranks and new assignments.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced a $20 million award to South32 via the Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) Program. The award is intended for South32's Hermosa Project, which aims to sustainably produce battery-grade manganese in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. The award aligns with the 2024 National Defense Industrial Strategy's objective to continue and expand support for domestic production, thereby increasing supply chain resilience.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced on May 17, 2024, that the president has nominated several military officers for promotions and new assignments.

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy has expressed its profound appreciation for Dr. John Plumb's exemplary service as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy. Dr. Plumb, who served from March 2022 to May 2024, skillfully managed the Department's strategic capabilities for integrated deterrence, including space, nuclear weapons, missile defense, and countering weapons of mass destruction.

On his first day as Secretary of Defense, the incumbent prioritized countering sexual assault and harassment in the military, declaring these issues as unacceptable within the U.S. military. The Secretary emphasized the need for cohesion, trust, dignity, and security for every member of the force.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder has reported on a recent conversation between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Slovak Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak. The discussion took place on May 16, 2024, during which Secretary Austin expressed his deep concern over the attempted assassination of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

The Department of Defense (DOD) has released the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military. The report indicates a decline in the estimated prevalence of sexual assault and harassment within the active force, marking the first decrease in nearly a decade.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded $6.5 million and $8.4 million to Canadian companies Fortune Minerals Limited (Fortune) and Lomiko Metals, Inc. (Lomiko), respectively. The funding is part of the Defense Production Act Investment (DPAI) program, designed to bolster the U.S.-Canadian Joint Action Plan on Critical Minerals. The grants aim to strengthen the cobalt and graphite supply chains in line with the 2024 National Defense Industrial Strategy's commitment to support domestic production of critical minerals.

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided an account of a recent conversation between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. The two officials discussed the pressing need to augment humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, specifically through the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings.