Today in the Department of Defense, Thursday, March 03, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

The Senate Armed Services Committee considers the nomination of Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey for reappointment to the grade of general and to be chief of staff, U.S. Army at 9:30 a.m. EST in room 106, Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Regional Command Southwest Commander, Maj. Gen. Richard Mills will brief the media live from Afghanistan at 10:30 a.m. EST in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

Under Secretary of Defense (Policy) Michele Flournoy will receive a concurrent resolution honoring the service of women in the armed forces and will deliver remarks at the Department of Defense's "Celebrating Women Serving in Defense of the Nation" luncheon at 12:00 p.m. EST in room 325, Russell Senate Office Building, Kennedy Caucus Room.

Commander, U.S. Central Command, Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis and Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, Navy Adm. Eric Olson testify at a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee on fiscal 2012 budget at 2 p.m. EST in room 2118, Rayburn House Office Building.