Aug. 17, 2023 DoD releases actions to transform climate, enhance prevention of harmful behaviors at military service academies In a memo to DoD senior leaders, SecDef Austin noted that while the military service academies are dominant in many domains, they have far more work to do to halt sexual assault and harassment.
Oct. 28, 2022 DOD releases National Defense Strategy, missile defense, nuclear posture reviews The 2022 National Defense Strategy places a primary focus on the need to sustain and strengthen U.S. deterrence against China and advances a focus on collaboration with a growing network of U.S. allies and partners on shared objectives.
Sept. 1, 2021 Austin, Milley Honor Courage, Sacrifice of Afghanistan Veterans Leaders of the Defense Department shared their thoughts regarding America's longest war, which recently ended with the last military aircraft evacuation flying out of Kabul, Afghanistan.
Aug. 25, 2021 Secretary of Defense Mandates COVID-19 Vaccinations for Service Members Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III issued a memorandum directing the secretaries of the military departments to immediately begin full vaccination of all members of the department on active duty or in the Guard or Reserve who aren't yet fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Aug. 9, 2021 Austin Seeks Presidential Approval for Mandatory Troop Vaccinations by Mid-September The COVID-19 vaccine will be mandatory for service members by mid-September, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said in a message to the force.
July 6, 2021 Sexual assaults will no longer be prosecuted by commanders Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III accepted all of the recommendations of an independent review commission that proposed an array of changes in how the Department of Defense and the services that fall under it will handle sexual assaults.
May 28, 2021 DOD budget request boosts research, nuclear modernization, includes 2.7% pay raise The fiscal year 2022 Defense Department budget request includes the largest-ever research, development, test and evaluation request — $112 billion, which is a 5.1% increase over fiscal 2021.
Feb. 22, 2021 Commission Soon to Begin Examining Problem of Sexual Assault in Military A commission to examine the problem of sexual assault in the military should begin work soon, and will have 90 days to compile its recommendations.
Feb. 8, 2021 DOD Leaders Will Address Extremism in the Ranks Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III directed commanding officers and supervisors at all levels to conduct a one-day stand-down with their personnel within the next 60 days to discuss the problem of extremism in the ranks.
Feb. 4, 2021 Secretary of Defense orders military stand down to address challenge of extremism in the ranks A Department of Defense-wide stand down will occur over the next 60 days so that each service, command and unit can take the time to have needed discussions about extremism in the ranks, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said Feb. 3.