News and reports from the Department of Defense, DOD.

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.

Dr. Ely Ratner, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, engaged in a video teleconference with People's Republic of China (PRC) Major General Li Bin, Director of the Central Military Commission Office for International Military Cooperation. The conversation was centered around issues of mutual concern.

The Defense Department is set to host a series of free virtual events, including a symposium, webinar series, and a hiring fair from May 14 through May 30. These events aim to empower military spouses in achieving their career goals and establishing connections with potential employers.

Leaders from the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of the Interior convened at the Pentagon on Monday to commemorate the renewal of the Recovery and Sustainment Partnership (RASP). This follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year, aimed at promoting the recovery of threatened and endangered species while simultaneously supporting national security.

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) and the Japan Ministry of Defense (MOD) have reached a formal agreement for a Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) Cooperative Development (GCD) Project Arrangement. This agreement is in line with the U.S.-Japan bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Projects (RDT&E).

The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Dr. William A. LaPlante, and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment, Chris Lowman, have announced the release of the Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF). The RSF is designed to optimize regional Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations.