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U.S. honors service members involved in Afghan evacuation
September 1, 2022 — All units involved in the retrograde operation from Afghanistan will be awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation or its equivalent, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder announced... MORE

A man in a military uniform speaks during a news conference.

Defense secretary launches new round of discussions with hemispheric partners
August 8, 2022 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke recently at the Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas about how integrated deterrence applies to the Western Hemisphere, placing an emphasis on working seamlessly with allies and partners in the region... MORE

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Defense secretary emphasizes common values, beliefs with hemispheric partners
July 28, 2022 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III called for greater cooperation and coordination among Western Hemisphere nations, as he addressed the Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas in Brazil July 26... MORE

A group of soldiers boards a military aircraft.

Defense secretary: DOD must increase efforts to destigmatize mental health care
May 31, 2022 — The White House and the Defense Department have made taking care of military families a priority, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said May 28... MORE

U.S., Colombia plan closer military ties
May 24, 2022 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said Colombia's recent designation as a major non-NATO ally reflects the depth and breadth of the nations' security relationship and reinforces their defense partnership. ... MORE

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Sweden, Finland apply for NATO membership
May 19, 2022 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosted Swedish Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist at the Pentagon, where they discussed the historic decision by the Swedish government to seek NATO membership... MORE

Pentagon announces deployments to replace forces in Europe
May 16, 2022 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has ordered the deployment of around 10,500 personnel in the coming months to replace previously deployed Army units serving in the European theater of operation... MORE

Defense secretary says 2023 budget built on new defense strategy
May 12, 2022 — The fiscal 2023 defense budget request was built on the bones of the new National Defense Strategy, and the request is adequate for today's military and ensures the military remains strong in the future, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said... MORE

Defense Secretary lays out reasoning behind DOD budget request
April 8, 2022 — At $773 billion, the fiscal 2023 Defense Budget Request is huge, but that doesn't mean that painful choices are not necessary, defense leaders told the Senate Armed Services Committee April 7... MORE

Fiscal 2023 budget funds military for today, future
March 29, 2022 — President Joe Biden's $773 billion fiscal year 2023 Defense Budget Request funds the department for today's security environment and positions DOD to maintain its competitive advantage in the years ahead, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks said... MORE

President's Fiscal Year 2023 Defense Budget

President shifts U.S. troops in Europe to defend frontline NATO States 
February 23, 2022 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has ordered an infantry battalion task force of about 800 soldiers to deploy from Italy to the Baltic region and approved the movement of up to eight F-35 Lightning II aircraft from Germany to operating locations on NATO's eastern flank.  ... MORE

A large aircraft sits on the tarmac with its ramp down.

NATO leaders look to defense, deterrence against Russia
February 22, 2022 — NATO will continue to strengthen its defense and deterrence capabilities in the face of challenges from Russia, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said. ... MORE

A large group of people sit around a circular table.

NATO leaders look to defense, deterrence against Russia
February 18, 2022 — NATO will continue to strengthen its defense and deterrence capabilities in the face of challenges from Russia, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Feb. 17. ... MORE

DOD places variety of troops on 'Prepare to Deploy'
January 28, 2022 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III placed a range of U.S. military units comprising 8,500 troops on a heightened preparedness to deploy should Russia invade Ukraine, and those units have been named, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said Jan. 27... MORE

A reporter raises her hand to be recognized at a Pentagon news conference.

Defense Secretary places 8,500 troops on heightened readiness to deploy to Europe
January 27, 2022 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has placed 8,500 U.S. service members on heightened preparedness to deploy given Russia's continuing provocations along its border with Ukraine, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said Jan. 24... MORE

The Defense Department seal adorns a wooden lectern.

Medical leaders address COVID-19 concerns during Blue Star Families Forum
January 21, 2022 — Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said that by mid-February, various states should start to show signs of turning around and begin to come down in their COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations... MORE

Guard chief details changes to combat sexual assault, harassment
January 21, 2022 — The National Guard is instituting changes to better combat sexual assault and harassment in the ranks, Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson told the House Armed Services military personnel subcommittee Jan. 19... MORE

General speaks to a formation of service members in a National Guard armory.

DOD issues guidance on plans to counter extremist activity in the force
December 27, 2021 — Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby shared the outcome of the recommendations by the Defense Department's Countering Extremist Activity Working Group during a news conference Dec. 20. ... MORE

Defense Secretary looks to alleviate financial harm the pandemic caused military families
November 19, 2021 — The pandemic has imposed unusual hardships on the military, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is taking immediate steps to alleviate the worst effects... MORE

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III speaks to a seated audience at a lectern.

Secretary of Defense has authority to order mandatory COVID-19 shots
November 16, 2021 — The Secretary of Defense has the authority needed to order all members of the military – including the National Guard – to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, said Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby... MORE