U.S. Department of Defense
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Recent News About U.S. Department of Defense
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The Department of Defense's Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation has released its Fiscal Year 2023 report on defense spending by state. The document aims to assist states and communities in understanding the economic impact of defense procurement, personnel, and grant expenditures.
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Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, Laura Updegrove, has concluded her visit to Cambodia. The trip marked the first U.S.-Cambodia Defense Policy Dialogue since 2019. This dialogue was part of a series of meetings with Cambodian defense and foreign policy officials.
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The United States and Qatar conducted the 16th U.S.-Qatar Military Consultative Commission (MCC) at the Pentagon on October 15, 2024. The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, Daniel B. Shapiro, and Qatar Defense Attaché to the United States, Major General Ali Al-Kuwari.
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On October 11, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held two separate calls with Mexican defense officials. He spoke with General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, the Secretary of National Defense, and Admiral Raymundo Morales Ángeles, the Secretary of the Navy.
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The Pentagon has been observing the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) military exercise, JOINT SWORD 2024B, near Taiwan. The operation has been described as "irresponsible, disproportionate, and destabilizing" by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. He noted that Taiwan's president traditionally delivers a domestic-focused address on October 10th, which usually elicits little reaction from China. However, this year, China chose to conduct provocative military actions.
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At the direction of President Biden, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has authorized the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and associated U.S. military personnel to Israel. This decision comes in response to Iran's attacks against Israel on April 13 and October 1. The THAAD system is intended to enhance Israel's air defense capabilities.
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Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on October 13. The discussion was prompted by a recent drone attack from Lebanese Hizballah, which resulted in the deaths of Israeli Defense Forces soldiers. Secretary Austin expressed his condolences and reiterated the United States' strong commitment to Israel's security.
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Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on October 12, expressing concern over reports of Israeli forces firing on UN peacekeeping positions in Lebanon and the reported death of two Lebanese soldiers. According to Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Austin emphasized the importance of safeguarding UNIFIL forces and Lebanese Armed Forces.
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The Department of Defense (DoD) has released the final rule for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program, which is now available for public inspection on federalregister.gov. The rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register on October 15.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.