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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 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

Hicks discusses DOD issues, career advice in 'Smart Women, Smart Power'
October 5, 2021 — The first woman in the No. 2 leadership position at the Department of Defense, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks, discussed myriad military issues at the ''Smart Women, Smart Power'' event Oct. 1... MORE

Following report, DOD to redouble suicide prevention efforts
October 1, 2021 — Due to the "troubling" findings from the Defense Department Annual Suicide Report, the DOD will redouble its efforts to provide care and resources for all who need it and will work to reduce stigmas and barriers to care, the secretary of defense said... MORE

DOD leaders address Bagram departure, noncombatant evacuation operation timing
September 30, 2021 — Following the U.S. departure from Afghanistan, some questioned the handover of Bagram Air Base. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said maintaining a presence there would not have helped the U.S. mission during the waning days of the 20-year war. ... MORE

Defense Department outlines strategy to thwart sexual assault in military
September 23, 2021 — The Department of Defense announced its strategy as approved by the secretary of defense to act on the recommendations of the 90-day Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the Military. ... MORE

Services will make call on religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccines
August 12, 2021 — For service members who have religious objections to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, the path for how they might seek an exception is defined by their individual military service's regulations, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said Aug. 10... MORE

Biden to approve SECDEF's request to make COVID-19 vaccine mandatory
August 10, 2021 — By mid-September, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will request a waiver from President Joe Biden to make the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for service members, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said. ... MORE

SECDEF seeks presidential approval for mandatory troop vaccinations by mid-September
August 9, 2021 — 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... MORE

Austin approves plan to transfer authority, retrograde should be done by end of August
July 6, 2021 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III approved a plan to transfer authority from Army Gen. Austin S. Miller to Marine Corps Gen. Frank McKenzie as part of the drawdown process from Afghanistan, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said... MORE

Sexual assaults will no longer be prosecuted by commanders
July 6, 2021 — 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... MORE

Defense Secretary: 'No one should have to hide who they love to serve the country they love'
June 10, 2021 — The Department of Defense celebrates the extraordinary achievements of its LGBTQ+ service members, civilian employees and their families' sacrifices during Pride Month, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said. ... MORE

DOD budget request boosts research, nuclear modernization, includes 2.7% pay raise
May 28, 2021 — 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... MORE

Defense leaders to discuss sex assault review commission recommendation
May 7, 2021 — The Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military has presented initial recommendations to Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III that would take the responsibility of prosecuting sexual assault offenses out of commanders' hands... MORE

Austin says NATO, U.S. Forces will leave Afghanistan, continue support to Afghan forces
April 15, 2021 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III wholeheartedly supports President Joe Biden's decision to end America's longest war by September 11. ... MORE

Commission soon to begin examining problem of sexual assault in military
February 23, 2021 — 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... MORE

DOD announces use of masks, other public health measures
February 5, 2021 — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III signed a memo Feb. 4 that, effective immediately, directs all individuals on military installations and all individuals performing official duties on behalf of the Department from any location other than the individual’s home, including outdoor shared spaces, to wear masks in accordance with the most current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines... MORE

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

Biden administration overturns transgender exclusion policy
January 26, 2021 — President Joe Biden signed an executive order overturning the previous administration's ban on the service of transgender individuals in the military... MORE