Defense News
Defense
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided a readout of a call between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and UK Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps. During the call, Secretary Shapps announced the UK's commitment to increase defense spending, stating that "the UK will also increase its defense spending from 2.3% to 2.5% by 2030."Secretary Austin responded positively to this news, emphasizing that increased defense spending allows for significant investments in modernization and the defense industrial base. He lauded the decision, highlighting the...
Defense
Biden ready to sign bill to send military aid to Ukraine
President Joe Biden is set to sign a Senate bill that will allocate $90 million in military aid to Ukraine. Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder has stated that the legislation will bolster protection for the U.S. and its allies.
Defense
Department of Defense Announces Winners of the 2024 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards
The Department of Defense has revealed the recipients of the prestigious 2024 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards. Brendan Owens, assistant secretary of defense for energy, installations and environment, emphasized the importance of ensuring that military installations are healthy, safe, functional, and resilient, acknowledging their significant impact on the quality of life of service members.The awards aim to acknowledge outstanding achievements in environmental management strategies that enhance installation resilience and mission readiness. Since 1962, the...
Defense
Department of Defense Recognizes April 2024 as Annual Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
The Department of Defense (DoD) has officially recognized April 2024 as the Annual Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. This designation serves as a call to action for Service members to actively contribute to preventing and responding to sexual violence within the military community.Dr. Nate Galbreath, acting director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, emphasized the importance of the ongoing "STEP FORWARD" campaign, stating, "Each of us has a moral duty to step forward to prevent this crime, increase reporting, and advocate for a safer...
Defense
General Officer Announcements
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has made new nominations for general officer appointments in the Army. In an announcement today, Secretary Austin revealed the following appointments:"Army Col. Grant S. Fawcett for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Fawcett is currently serving as deputy commander (Support), 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia; and Operation Atlantic Resolve, Poland.""Army Col. Michael D. Rose for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Rose is currently serving as commander, 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force, Fort Shafter,...
Defense
Flag Officer Announcements
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today the president's nominations for key positions within the Navy. Navy Vice Adm. Michael E. Boyle has been nominated for reappointment to the grade of vice admiral. If confirmed, he will take on the role of deputy chief of naval operations for Operations, Plans, and Strategy at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Boyle, who is currently serving as commander of the Third Fleet in San Diego, California, brings a wealth of experience to this position.Additionally, Navy Rear Adm. Dion D. English has been nominated for...
Defense
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Holds Talks with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout on Apr 19, 2024 stating that "Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to discuss efforts to maintain regional stability, the latest developments in Gaza, and measures to accelerate humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza."
Defense
Condolences Extended by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III to Kenya's Cabinet Secretary of Defence Aden Duale
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Kenya Cabinet Secretary (CS) of Defence Aden Duale to offer his condolences on the death of Kenya Chief of Defence Forces General Ogolla and nine other members of the Kenyan military in a helicopter crash on April 18. CS Duale described General Ogolla as a highly valued leader who worked hard to make sure U.S.-Kenya Defense Cooperation was strong. CS Duale expressed appreciation for Secretary Austin's call.
Defense
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Urges NATO Allies to Take Immediate Action on Air Defense for Ukraine
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:"On April 19, 2024, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III joined NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, and NATO Allies virtually for a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council in Defense Ministers format."During the meeting, Secretary Austin underscored the urgent need for air defense assistance for Ukraine in light of Russia's relentless aerial attacks on critical infrastructure and civilians. He emphasized...
Defense
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Discusses Regional Threats and Humanitarian Aid with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III engaged in discussions with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant regarding pressing issues in the region. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder revealed that the conversation centered around "regional threats and Iran's destabilizing actions in the Middle East."In addition, the Pentagon Press Secretary disclosed that "The Secretary also discussed the importance of increasing and sustaining the flow of humanitarian aid to Gazan civilians, including via the new route from Ashdod Port in Israel." This highlights the...
Defense
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Meets With Norwegian Minister Of Defence, Discusses Bilateral Defense Relationship
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosted Norwegian Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram at the Pentagon, where they discussed various aspects of the bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Norway. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided a readout of the meeting.During the meeting, Secretary Austin thanked Minister Gram for Norway's commitment to long-term assistance in developing Ukraine's capabilities. The two officials exchanged views on ensuring continued military assistance to Ukraine both bilaterally and through the Ukraine...
Defense
Defense Innovation Board Holds Spring 2024 Meeting
The Defense Innovation Board (DIB) convened its Spring Board Meeting virtually on April 17th, 2024. Chaired by Mr. Mike Bloomberg, the meeting, which commenced at 12:30 pm Eastern Time, focused on crucial studies and insights shared by key stakeholders and experts.The Allies and Partners study, exploring DoD's collaboration with allies and partners, delved into various aspects such as capability integration, technology sharing, and fostering trust. Mr. Sander Oude Hengel, Defense Cooperation Attaché at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, highlighted challenges...
Defense
Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Death of Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has expressed his condolences following the tragic death of Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla. In a statement, Secretary Austin said, "On behalf of the Department of Defense, I send my deepest condolences to the people of Kenya and the Kenya Defence Forces on the tragic death of Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla."He also acknowledged the loss of other individuals in the accident, stating, "We also mourn the loss of his teammates who died Thursday when their military helicopter crashed."...
Defense
DOD officials testify before congress on initiatives they hope will eliminate cybersecurity risks
Officials from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) recently convened with Congress members to discuss their strategy for equipping military personnel with advanced technology on the battlefield. John Sherman, DOD's Chief Information Officer, stated that the department remains "laser focused" on implementing a zero trust set of guidelines to mitigate organizational cybersecurity risks.
Defense
Austin: 'We’re advancing a shared regional vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific'
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III has disclosed his recent meeting with India's Minister of Defense, Rajnath Singh. The meeting aimed to discuss matters pertaining to the Indo-Pacific region, an area that the federal government has long identified as crucial for U.S. security and prosperity. The government seeks to promote both commercial and military opportunities for Americans and countries within this region.
Defense
Austin: 'Security assistance for Ukraine to address some of their most pressing security and defense needs'
The Ukraine military is set to receive a $300 million aid package, as announced by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). This financial boost has been made possible through the president's drawdown authority.
Defense
Study Highlights Risks of AI in Military Decision-Making
A study conducted by researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology and Stanford University has underscored the potential perils and complexities associated with incorporating autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) systems into military and diplomatic strategies.
Defense
Austin: US provided ‘humanitarian assistance airdrop to deliver urgently needed humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza’
The residents of Gaza have received humanitarian aid, as stated in a social media post by U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on platform X. The assistance involved the U.S. military conducting an airdrop of food supplies in Gaza.
Defense
Department of Defense issues memorandum for transfer of power after criticism received following Austin’s recent hospital stay
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has concluded a 30-day review concerning Secretary Lloyd Austin’s hospitalization in January. The incident sparked criticism towards President Joe Biden, Congress, and Pentagon officials for their lack of awareness about Austin's treatment for prostate cancer during his hospital stay.
Defense
DOD announces terrorist designations on Iranian proxies
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has announced the designation of a Houthi-affiliated operative known for supporting Houthi attacks against shipping vessels in the Red Sea, as well as a board operator who transports goods to aid their efforts.
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