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Austin: Service to Nation is highest calling
May 16, 2023 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III stressed the importance of service to community and country during his commencement speech at Fayetteville State University, North Carolina... MORE

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III claps his hands and smiles during a speech.

Defense Secretary mandates COVID-19 vaccinations for service members
August 26, 2021 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III issued a memorandum Aug. 24 directing mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for service members, a Pentagon official said Aug. 25. John F. Kirby, Pentagon press secretary, said only Food and Drug Administration-approved vaccines will be mandatory... MORE

Soldier administers the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

Secretary of Defense signs internal directive to unify department's China efforts
June 9, 2021 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III issued an internal directive June 9 to laser-focus Department of Defense efforts to address China as the nation's number one pacing challenge... MORE

Austin Signs Internal Directive to Unify Department's China Efforts

Secretary of Defense orders military stand down to address challenge of extremism in the ranks
February 4, 2021 — 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... MORE

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has ordered a DOD-wide stand down to discuss the problem of extremism in the ranks, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said Feb. 3.