Sailors wash the flight deck of the USS Kearsarge in the Atlantic Ocean, June 7, 2021.
Wednesday, June 09, 2021
Cohesive Connection
Air Force 1st Lt. Kimberly Hegeman, a nurse assigned to the 151st Medical Group, gives a sticker to a child visiting the pediatric section of a military field hospital in Tafraoute, Morocco, June 7, 2021, during African Lion 21. With more than 7,000 participants from nine nations and NATO, African Lion is U.S. Africa Command’s largest exercise, and is focused on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces.
Forward Focus
Army Sgt. Alexander Nguyen low-crawls under barbed wire during the obstacle course event of the Army Futures Command Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base San Antonio, June 8, 2021.
General Officer Announcement
June 9, 2021
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nomination:
Air Force Brig. Gen. Linda S. Hurry to the grade of major general. Hurry is currently serving as the director of logistics, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Opening Remarks at DOD Pride Month Event (As Delivered)
June 9, 2021
Good morning, everybody.
Rudy, thank you for that kind introduction.
And thanks for pulling this together – it’s pretty remarkable work that you’ve done over the past several weeks and months… So let’s give Rudy a big round of applause.
And thanks to the DoD Pride group for bringing together this community at the Pentagon today.
As Rudy mentioned, it’s great to see such a tremendous array of the Department's top leaders, past and present… these leaders who are here today obviously to support this important event.
And it’s great to be sharing the same stage with Major General Lauderback and Lieutenant Moore, who have served their country with distinction.
Let me begin by thanking all of you for your service – for the tireless work that you do every day to defend this nation.
And just as important, thank you to your spouses, partners, and families, some of whom are joining us today.
None of us could do what we do without your support and your sacrifices.
This June, we celebrate Pride Month across the Department by recognizing the extraordinary achievements of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender service members and civilian employees.
And we reflect on the progress we’ve made in making sure that everyone who wants to serve and is qualified can do so with dignity and respect.
We know that we have more work to do, but thanks to your courage, your advocacy, and your dedication, the Department of Defense has been able to do more to secure LGBTQ+ rights than at any other time in our history.
That includes efforts to ensure that all military families and spouses receive the benefits their loved ones have earned and to which they are entitled… to helping veterans who previously were forced out because of their sexual orientation to apply to correct their records, or -- where appropriate -- to return to service.
You know, it’s often said that progress is a relay race, and not a single event.
That’s certainly been true when it comes to the pioneers who fought for this community’s civil rights in the military.
Throughout American history, LGBTQ+ citizens have fought to defend our rights and freedoms -- from the Founding of our nation to the Civil War, from the trenches of two World Wars to Korea and Vietnam, and from Afghanistan to Iraq.
They fought for our country even when our country wouldn’t fight for them.
Even as some were forced to hide who they were… or to hang up their uniforms.
When I reflect on the hard-fought progress that has been made over the years, the efforts of a number of notables spring to mind.
I’m thinking of heroes like retired Major Margaret Witt.
She treated countless troops as a nurse during Operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, and Enduring Freedom before being outed against her will and discharged from the Air Force under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
Major Witt could have walked away, but instead she took a stand -- and challenged that policy in court. Her efforts contributed to the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” more than a decade ago.
I’m thinking of Technical Sergeant Leonard Matlovich, a decorated Vietnam veteran who inspired Major Witt.
Now, he was only 19 when he volunteered to serve.
He did three combat tours in Vietnam and was severely wounded in Da Nang.
He earned the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the deep respect of his teammates.
But when he came home and came out, he was discharged by the Air Force.
So he took up a new fight in courtrooms across the country—a fight for his right to serve his country as an openly gay man.
And I’m thinking of Dr. Frank Kameny, a proud U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Dr. Kameny was later hired as an astronomer for the Army Map Service -- until he was fired in 1957 for being gay.
He later said it felt like “a declaration of war” against him by his own government.
Then he said, like any true soldier would, “I tend not to lose my wars.”
He wasn’t kidding.
Frank Kameny spent the rest of his life at the forefront of the gay-rights movement – by mentoring the next generation of activists, including Leonard Matlovich; by marching in protests; by founding the Mattachine Society of Washington, a pioneering gay-rights advocacy organization; and, in 1961, by bringing the first civil-rights claim based on sexual orientation all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Now, Dr. Kameny lost that battle in court.
But his activism helped set the stage for progress in the fight for full equality.
Of course, not every person in this story has been a member of this community.
I’m thinking, too, of Admiral Mike Mullen, my good friend and mentor. As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he took a courageous stand against “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”… a stand that led directly to its repeal.
And so today, we commemorate 10 years since the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and we welcome a new generation of soldiers, sailors, airmen, guardians, and Marines openly and proudly serving their country.
Today, we can recognize and honor their contributions rather than questioning their ability to serve.
And today, we reaffirm that transgender rights are human rights, and that America is safer -- and better -- when every qualified citizen can serve with pride and dignity.
Now, that’s real progress.
And it was hard-fought and hard-won.
But we’ve got more work to do.
Our work isn’t done until we tackle the challenge of sexual assault and harassment in the force. And we know that service members from this community are at elevated risk of such crimes.
Our work isn’t done until we recognize that the health of the force fully incorporates mental health, including for LGBTQ+ service members. That’s why we recommit to treating all wounds, both visible and invisible.
And our work isn’t done until we create a safe and supportive workplace for everyone –free from discrimination, harassment, and fear.
Because nobody should have to hide who they love to serve the country that they love.
And no service member who is willing to put their life on the line to keep our country safe should feel unsafe because of who they are.
And no citizen who is qualified, willing, and able to do the job should be turned away.
So we’ve got more to do.
But I’m confident that we’ll get there because of all of you… and because of all the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender service members and civilians around the world who never stop living the values that they so bravely defend.
I know that you are especially proud this month.
And rightfully so.
Well, I’m proud, too.
Proud every month and every day to call you my teammates... and to serve alongside you.
Because your lives, your careers, your service, and your stories are living proof that we are stronger and more effective together.
So thank you for your service.
Thank you for your skill.
And thank you for the change and the progress that you continue to lead.
It matters greatly to the defense of this tremendous nation.
Thank you very much.
Patient Care
Air Force Lt. Col. Marc Wisner, a dentist, examines a patient's teeth at the Military Medical Surgical Field Hospital in Tafraoute, Morocco, June 7, 2021, as part of African Lion 21. With more than 7,000 participants from nine nations and NATO, African Lion is U.S. Africa Command’s largest exercise, and is focused on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces.
Austin Signs Internal Directive to Unify Department's China Efforts
June 9, 2021 | , DOD News
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III issued an internal directive today to laser-focus Department of Defense efforts to address China as the nation's number one pacing challenge.
Austin accepted recommendations from the China Task Force he established in February. The document is classified.
"The initiatives I am putting forward today are nested inside the larger U.S. government approach to China and will help inform the development of the National Defense Strategy we are working on," Austin said in a written statement on the directive.
The secretary thanked the Task Force members and said it is time to move out to ensure that DOD efforts match the challenges.
"The efforts I am directing today will improve
the department's ability to revitalize our network of allies and
partners, bolster deterrence, and accelerate the development of new
operational concepts, emerging capabilities, future force posture and a
modernized civilian and military workforce."
– Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III
– Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III
The initiatives call on the department to invest in America's unparalleled network of allies and partners. They also chart the need to bolster deterrence across all domains of warfare and look to accelerate the development of new operational concepts, a senior official said.
The initiatives "are intended to streamline and strengthen cooperation with U.S. allies and partners, particularly in the Indo-Pacific," he said.
While the task force recommendations are focused on the department, they remain "nested inside the Interim National Security Strategic Guidance and complement the multi-faceted work on China policy of departments, agencies and the White House," the official said. Moving forward, the results will be used to develop the National Defense Strategy and other reviews.
The internal directive is written with clearly stated objectives, with deadlines for implementation, and mechanisms for oversight and accountability. "To the extent possible, we designed these efforts to run through the lifeblood of the department, leveraging existing institutions, and only recommending new processes where necessary," the official said.
The directive is classified, but the official could share one example of the scope of effort. "To ensure that the department has the people that we need to compete effectively, the secretary has tasked … the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness with updating professional military education and civilian professional development, to align the department with the prioritization of China," he said.
The secretary will also accelerate the Joint Warfighting Concept through the experimentation and prototyping phases, he said.
The most noticeable effort for service members will probably be in outreach to allies and partners. Military-to-military relationships are part of this outreach and there will be more exercises with allies and partners.
The work of the task force is completed and it will now stand down.
Austin: 'No One Should Have to Hide Who They Love to Serve the Country They Love'
June 9, 2021 | , DOD News
The Defense Department 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 today at the Pentagon.
Speaking to an audience that included the department's senior-most leadership, the secretary said as DOD reflects on the progress it's made in making sure that everyone who wants to serve and is qualified, can do so with dignity and respect.
"We know we have more work to do, but thanks to your courage, advocacy and dedication, the Department of Defense has been able to do more to secure LGBTQ+ rights than at any other time in history," Austin said.
That includes efforts to ensure all military families and spouses receive the benefits their loved ones have earned, and to which they are entitled; to helping veterans who previously were forced out because of their sexual orientation to apply to correct their records, or — where appropriate — to return to service, he said.
"[It's] often said that progress is a relay race [and] not a single event. That's certainly been true when it comes to the pioneers who fought for this community’s civil rights in the military," the secretary said.
Throughout American history, LGBTQ+ citizens have fought to defend our rights and freedoms — from the founding of our nation to the Civil War, from the trenches of two World Wars to Korea and Vietnam and from Afghanistan to Iraq, the secretary said. "They fought for our country even when our country wouldn't fight for them."
Austin noted how not every advocate of this community's rights has been an LGBTQ+ community member. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, was one leader who took a courageous stand against the law, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," which led directly to its repeal 10 years ago.
Today, the department commemorates the repeal of that law and welcomes a new generation of soldiers, sailors, airmen, guardians and Marines, openly and proudly serving their country, Austin said.
"And today, we reaffirm that transgender rights are human rights and that America is safer — it is better — when every qualified citizen can serve with pride and dignity," the secretary said.
He called such efforts real progress and emphasized how the repeal was hard-fought and hard-won.
However, DOD's work isn't done until it tackles the challenge of sexual assault and harassment in the force, he emphasized.
"And we know that service members from this community are at elevated risk of this crime. Our work isn't done until we recognize that the health of the force fully incorporates mental health, including for LGBTQ+ service members," the secretary pointed out.
"That's why we must recommit to treating all wounds, both visible and invisible. And our work still isn’t done until we create a safe and supportive workplace for everyone — one free from discrimination, harassment and fear," Austin said.
"No one should have to hide who they love to serve the country they love," he said. "No service member who is willing to put their life on the line to keep our country safe should feel unsafe because of who they are."
Further, the secretary said, "No citizen who is qualified, willing and able to do the job should be turned away. So yes, we've got more to do. But I'm confident we'll get there because of all of you, and because of the LGBTQ+ service members and civilians around the world who never stop living the values they so bravely defend."
The secretary said he knows this community is especially proud this month and rightfully so. "I'm proud, too," he said, adding, "proud every month and every day to call you my teammates and to serve alongside you — because your lives, careers, service and stories are living proof that we are stronger and more effective together."
Austin thanked the LGBTQ+ community for their service, their skill, and change and progress as they continue to lead. "It matters very much to the defense of this nation," he said.
The Department of Defense Announces Establishment of Arctic Regional Center
June 9, 2021
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is proud to announce the establishment of a new Department of Defense Regional Center, the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies. The center will bring increased cooperation on the unique challenges and security concerns related to the Arctic region.
Defense Department Regional Centers are international academic venues for bilateral and multilateral research, communication, and training with the goal of building strong, sustainable international networks of security leaders. The Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies will develop collaborative insights with allies and partners.
“The center will support the U.S. Interim National Security Strategic Guidance direction to work with like-minded partners and across the interagency to pool our collective strength and advance shared interests,” Secretary Austin said. “It will address the need for U.S. engagement and international cooperation to strengthen the rules-based order in the region and tackle shared challenges such as climate change.”
The Ted Stevens Center will provide a new venue to collaborate with our allies and partners to advance shared interests for a peaceful and prosperous Arctic. The Department is currently determining the appropriate location for the center.
Shooting Stare
A soldier participates in a fire support coordination exercise at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, June 7, 2021.
Naval Ops
A utility landing craft enters the well deck of the USS Carter Hall during naval operations in the Red Sea, June 6, 2021.
Log Drills
Marine Corps recruits participate in log drills at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, June 7, 2021.
Twilight Training
A Mississippi Army National Guard M1A2 Abrams tank conducts maneuvers during training at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif., June 7, 2021.
DOD Hosts Virtual Hiring Fair for Military Spouses
June 9, 2021
The Department of Defense Military Spouse Employment Partnership will host its fifth virtual hiring fair for military spouses on June 16, 2021.
The theme of this MSEP Virtual Hiring Fair is MSEPtional: A Decade of Wins for MilSpouses, which celebrates the 10th anniversary of the MSEP initiative. Since its inception in 2011, MSEP has inducted more than 500 companies, organizations, and federal agencies into the partnership. Collectively, they have hired more than 180,000 military spouses.
The free MSEP Virtual Hiring Fair gives military spouses the opportunity to live chat from anywhere in the world with hiring managers who, as MSEP partner employers, are actively seeking military spouse employees.
More than 100 MSEP companies will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT to speak directly with military spouses interested in their organization or job openings. Spouses may apply for featured CONUS and OCONUS jobs with MSEP partners directly through the event platform.
“We’re proud of the success of MSEP since its inception 10 years ago,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy Patricia “Patty” Montes Barron. “The MSEP Virtual Hiring Fair is the perfect platform to recognize that success by making it easy and convenient for military spouses worldwide to connect with hiring managers who recognize their value as employees.”
Through the platform, spouses have exclusive access to connect with Spouse Education and Career Opportunities career coaches, MSEP partner employers and Military OneSource consultants to learn more about resources available to military spouses.
Spouses can prepare for the MSEP Virtual Hiring Fair by connecting with a SECO career coach for a resume review and video mock interview. For more information, call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 or start a live chat. Register for the MSEP Virtual Hiring Fair at www.msephire.vfairs.com.
About Military Community and Family Policy
Military Community and Family Policy is directly responsible for establishing and overseeing quality-of-life policies and programs that help our guardians of country, their families and survivors be well and mission-ready. Military OneSource is the gateway to programs and services that support the everyday needs of the 5.2 million service members and immediate family members of the military community. These Department of Defense services can be accessed 24/7/365 around the world.
Marine Movers
Marines conduct waterborne operations with assault amphibious vehicles during training at Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan, May 24, 2021.
Distributing Supplies
A Washington Army National Guard soldier works with volunteers to distribute nonperishable groceries at the Kent Food Bank in Kent, Wash., June 22, 2021. Joint Task Force Steelhead is the Washington's National Guard's COVID-19 response force.
Supplies for Bangladesh
Air Force Senior Airman Christopher Oyales, right, an air transportation specialist, and Robert Lewis, an aircraft loader leader, load a Kalitta Air 747 with more than 30 pallets of COVID-19 supplies and personal protective equipment at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., June 8, 2021. Both men are assigned to the 60th Aerial Port Squadron. The supplies, provided by the United States Agency for International Development, were delivered amid an increase in COVID-19 cases in Bangladesh.
Administering Vaccines
Air Force Master Sgt. Tiffany Sneeze, assigned to the 165th Airlift Wing, administers the COVID-19 vaccination to an airman on Dobbins Air Force Base, Ga., June 8, 2021. Service members at Dobbins Air Force Base administer the vaccine every Tuesday in June.
Corps Tradition
Marines assigned to the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon march during a sunset parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va., June 8, 2021.
Official Says DOD on Track to Accelerate Delivery of Hypersonic Weapons
June 9, 2021 | , DOD News
Hypersonics is a key element of the Defense Department's modernization activity, delivering high-speed, long-range lethal effects that can take out high-priority targets on the battlefield, a key Defense Department official said.
Mike White, principal director for hypersonics in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, said hypersonics are effective because they fly at sustained speeds around Mach 5, and above, at very high altitudes and are maneuverable. This makes them difficult to intercept and able to reach high-priority targets from long range, in a very short time.
White told the Center for Strategic and International Studies that a lot of science goes into developing hypersonic systems. For instance, at speeds of Mach 5 and above, thermal protection systems are very important because of the heat generated, he said, adding that carbon-based composites are being developed to prevent overheating.
Besides offensive hypersonics, DOD is also working on defensive measures against a potential adversary's hypersonic systems, he said, referring to Russia and China. Intercept measures are being developed to take out enemy hypersonics in all phases — such as launch, glide and terminal.
The hypersonic systems being developed, he said, include a family of hypersonic weapons that can be launched from the sea, land and air, as well as, a family of weapons to defend against adversary hypersonic capability. As such, the Army, Navy, Air Force and Missile Defense Agency are all developing these capabilities, in cooperation with organizations such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Sandia National Laboratories and industry. There are also initiatives with allies.
White mentioned that Congress and the administration have been very supportive of hypersonics development.
The DOD's fiscal year 2022 budget request includes $6.6 billion to develop and field long-range fires, including hypersonics, with a goal of testing and producing air, land, and maritime launched weapons by the early to mid-2020's.
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