Official Addresses DOD Efforts to Clean Up PFAS

 March 25, 2021 | BY David Vergun , DOD News

Officials with the Defense Department and others testified yesterday about efforts to mitigate and clean up PFAS, a group of chemicals that can be harmful to human health.

PFOS, which is perfluorooctane sulfonate, and PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid, are two chemicals in the larger PFAS class. The chemicals are used in a firefighting foam that is known as aqueous film-forming foam. 

The foam is used by DOD and civilian firefighting organizations and other industries to rapidly extinguish fuel fires and protect against catastrophic loss of life and property. The foam is also present in other items, such as furniture and carpet.

Paul D. Cramer, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for sustainment (Installations), provided testimony at a virtual hearing of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies.

DOD has a long track record of responsibly addressing issues by following the science and the direction of Congress, he said. This record includes many accomplishments and strong interagency collaboration, such as with the Environmental Protection Agency. 

"This does not mean that there's not room for improvement, specifically in the areas of increased transparency regarding the progress of our work," he said.

Cramer thanked Congress for providing the resources needed to protect the health and safety of service members, their families, and the communities surrounding military installations.

"We recognize that our accomplishments today are not sufficient alone to meet the challenges that we are, that we face, and accordingly, we are continuing our efforts of the DOD PFAS Task Force," he said.

The task force was established in July, 2019, to provide strategic leadership and direction to ensure a coordinated, aggressive and holistic approach on DOD-wide efforts to address PFAS.

"The task force continues to diligently address PFAS and is postured to be responsive to the direction of this administration," Cramer said.

Task force efforts are organized along three major lines of effort, he said: mitigate and eliminate the use of AFFF; clean up PFAS; and understand the impacts of PFAS on human health. 

"The department is committed to addressing its PFAS releases to the environment, abiding by federal cleanup law," he said.

As of Sept. 30, 2020, DOD has identified 108 installations that may have used or potentially released PFAS, and the department is conducting a PFAS assessment at these installations, he noted.

DOD's priority is to quickly address PFOS and PFOA in drinking water above the EPA lifetime health advisory levels of 70 parts per trillion, he said.

No one is currently drinking water on or off base with PFAS — including PFOS or PFOA — above those levels where DOD is the known source, he said.

DOD is also investing in research to develop technologies to quantify and clean up PFAS, Cramer said.

These efforts reinforce DOD's commitment to protect human health, he said. "Addressing the challenges of PFAS is a national issue that will require national solutions and interagency efforts."

Missile Exercise

 

A missile is launched from the guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain during an exercise in the Philippine Sea, March 20, 20

Hoisting Drills

 

Marines and members of the Coast Guard conduct medical evacuation hoisting drills in San Diego, March 19, 2021. The exercises were held to familiarize Marines with medevac protocols while aboard a small vessel.

Defense Innovation Leader Stresses Importance of U.S., China Technology Race

 March 25, 2021 | BY Terri Moon Cronk , DOD News

As a pacing threat, China has a well-integrated, systematic, long-term strategy to make sure it's doing the most to achieve its goal to be No. 1 in the world in technology, the director of the Defense Innovation Unit told the National Defense Industrial Association, Tuesday.

"We're not entering a new Cold War," said Michael Brown in a virtual, keynote address to NDIA's National Security Artificial Intelligence Conference and Exhibition.

What he thinks is different from the former Cold War starts with China's economic scale. China clearly has the potential to overtake the U.S. in terms of economic scale because its population is four times as large, Brown said.

The other key difference is China is well-integrated into the global economic system, he said.

"That's part of the reason they've risen so dramatically economically, and they're using global institutions. They want to be well-integrated and, in fact, setting [up] how those institutions operate. China [also] wants to have very successful integration of commercial technology into their military," he said. 

China has quite an impressive set of technologies where they're already leading, Brown said.

Spotlight: Artificial Intelligence

"If you look at where they're challenging us [in] AI [artificial intelligence], they are a lot closer than we would like, and we need to continue to invest to make sure that we maintain a lead. I would say AI is just one of the areas where we need to continue to invest to make sure that we — with our allies — have a lead," he said.

The DIU director emphasized that China has more genetic data on U.S. citizens than the United States. They've also made it a point to figure out what they can do with mining that data and combining that with other information they've stolen — like health records, or our security clearance information — which has dramatic implications, both offensively and defensively, he added.

Brown said one of the things the U.S. needs to do in response is think about long-term investments in technologies "[and] not to pick winners and losers to make sure we're setting the table so we have a very robust set of commercial suppliers who can be challenging these Chinese global champions," he explained. 

If the U.S. is thinking out beyond the next 20, 30 or 40 years as China is, such an investment will have untold spillover effects, Brown said. This is where the internet, global positioning systems, miniaturized electronics and other key innovations have come from that lead to tremendous economic prosperity, which, in turn, guarantees U.S. national security, he added.

Spotlight: Engineering in the DOD

Brown said he thinks of the technological race with China as a superpower marathon, and there are four steps the U.S. should take that will put it on the best footing for this race:

• Bolster investment in basic research and development that's both on the federal level and on the private sector side. "I think one of the advantages of federally funded R&D [research and development] is you get a very long-term time horizon and some willingness to take risks," he said. 
• Invest in its talent. "We did this to create more engineers in the 1960s, and we need to similarly have an effort again, to make sure we're creating the right STEM talent," he said. 
• Ensure all U.S. departments and agencies work together. "I think this gives us an organizing principle in terms of making sure we're leading in the tech race," he said, noting that China is the sense of urgency that should motivate us.
• Focus with the shareholder revolution in this country. "Basically, since the 1980s, we've been increasingly focused on efficiency of capital, [such as] what are the short-term measures in a world where you don't have great peer competitors. But in a world where you have challenges from strategic adversaries, you probably don't want the supply chain running through those areas. It would behoove us to make sure our capital markets are focused long enough term so we can make investments in strategic capabilities, in addition to reflecting efficiency of capital," he concluded.

Statement From Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby on Approved Request for Assistance to House Unaccompanied Migrant Children

 March 24, 2021

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"Today, the Department of Defense approved a request for assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to temporarily house unaccompanied migrant children at a vacant dormitory at Joint Base San Antonio – Lackland, Texas and an area of land on Fort Bliss, Texas to construct suitable temporary housing facility. DoD will provide HHS officials access to these locations immediately to begin initial actions to prepare for receiving unaccompanied migrant children as soon as preparations are complete. 
 
This support will be on a fully-reimbursable basis, and will not negatively affect military training, operations, readiness, or other military requirements, including National Guard and Reserve readiness. HHS will maintain custody and responsibility for the well-being and support for these children at all times on the installation."

Wait For It ...

 

Army Sgt. Benjamin Fernandez scans a sector during a leaders course at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., March 19, 2021.

Red Flight Ready

 

An Air Force B-1B Lancer prepares for takeoff during Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev, March 8, 2021. Participants work with joint and allied partners in 2.9 million acres of land and airspace to advance interoperability.

Command Senior Enlisted Leader Assignment

 March 24, 2021

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The Office of the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (OSEAC) announced today the following assignment:

Army Sgt. Maj. Brant C. Shyrigh, currently assigned as the G-3 sergeant major for the Headquarters Army Material Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, has been selected to replace Navy Command Master Chief Philip R. Ibanez as the command senior enlisted leader for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

Breach Blast

Marines breach a door during a demolition range event in Jordan, March 6, 2021.

 

Drill Down

 

Air Force Airman 1st Class Tyrone Taylor and Airman Destiny Millerd perform during a drill down at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., March 19, 2021. Airmen competed in a quarterly open ranks inspection and regulation and freestyle drill routines.

COVID-19 Vaccine Ready

 

Air Force Senior Airman Edgar Carreon, a radiology technician with the 944th Medical Squadron, fills syringes with the COVID-19 vaccination to be administered to local residents in Wikieup, Ariz., March 23, 2021. Airmen assigned to the 944th Medical Squadron are currently serving alongside Arizona National Guardsmen to provide vaccinations across Arizona.

Food Distribution

 

Members of the North Carolina National Guard and volunteers with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina fill vehicles with food during a free food distribution event in Hickory, N.C., March 22, 2021. During the event, the Second Harvest Food Bank and the North Carolina National Guard provided nearly 30,00 pounds of food to 550 families.

Vaccination Site

 

Alabama National Guard soldiers vaccinate Covington County citizens at Jaycee Park in Livingston, Ala., March 23, 2021.

Clean Teeth

 

Army Cpl. Hannah watches a child practice her brushing techniques on a stuffed animal during an oral health class in Arta, Djibouti, March 23, 2021.

Training Transit

 

Soldiers participate in a live-fire exercise at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 23, 2021.

Red Range

 

Marines fire an M777 howitzer during an indirect fire range at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, March 16, 2021.

Polar Plunge

 

A Marine participates in the polar plunge during extreme cold-weather training in Setermoen, Norway, March 19, 2021.

Playful Pup

 

Army Spc. Sadie Kinney plays with military working dog Aszlam at Fort Carson, Colo., March 8, 2021.

Tactical Team

Marines perform aircraft salvage and recovery training during a weapons and tactics instructor course in Wellton, Ariz., March 19, 2021.

 

Northern Exposure

 

Michigan National Guardsmen conduct decontamination procedures during Northern Exposure 21 in Mount Pleasant, Mich., March 16, 2021.

Target Monitor

 

Army 2nd Lt. Kristi Newlen monitors a computer system that shows target locations at the Dona Ana Range Complex, N.M., March 8, 2021.

Seahawk Signaler

 

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Subrina Hearnes signals to an MH-60R Seahawk during operations aboard the USS Curtis Wilbur in the East China Sea, March 17, 2021.

Contracts Awarded for Next Generation Interceptor Program

 March 23, 2021

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The Department of Defense has awarded two contracts to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. and Lockheed Martin Corp. in support of the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program. With an estimated maximum value of $1.6 billion through fiscal year 2022, this contract award is structured to carry two designs into the technology development and risk reduction phase of the acquisition program to reduce technical and schedule risk. This award will ensure NGI is an efficient and effective part of an integrated Missile Defense System (MDS) solution. 

The Missile Defense Agency awards on March 23, 2021 support the department’s goal of increased competition by funding two designs while remaining flexible to align with evolving Defense Department strategies and priorities. 

“Today’s awards are an important step in modernizing our Missile Defense System,” said Stacy Cummings, performing the duties of Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. “NGI plays an important role in our homeland defense, and our acquisition strategy is ensuring the department maximizes innovation to keep pace with rapidly advancing threats.”

As the ground-based midcourse missile defense system, NGI is an advanced interceptor designed to protect the nation against intercontinental ballistic missile attack. The department will uphold “fly before you buy” principles to ensure the overall system and components have been rigorously flight-tested prior to making any procurement decisions.

“NGI is the result of the first holistic technical assessment of homeland defenses the department has conducted since initial system operations began in 2004,” added Vice Adm. Jon Hill, Director, Missile Defense Agency. “By planning to carry two vendors through technology development, MDA will maximize the benefits of competition to deliver the most effective and reliable homeland defense missile to the warfighter as soon as possible. Once fielded, this new homeland defense interceptor will be capable of defeating expected threat advances into the 2030s and beyond.”   

For media queries, contact Missile Defense Agency Public Affairs at MDAPressOperations@mda.mil.

Stratotanker Scan

 

Airmen inspect an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker before a flight at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, March 18, 2021.

Securing the Box

 

Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Jessica Mills performs routine maintenance on an aircraft fueling station communications box aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Atlantic Ocean, March 19, 2021.

Flight Prep

 

Air Force Capt. Brittany Dippel prepares for a flight at Osan Air Base, South Korea, March 16, 2021.

Missile Mission

 

The USS John S. McCain launches a missile during an exercise in the Philippine Sea, March 20, 2021.

Recovery Mission

 

Air Force Master Sgt. Reginald Cromier, a life support investigator with Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, cleans and sorts through aircraft wreckage during a recovery mission in Ratanakiri Province, Cambodia, Feb. 28, 2021.

Expert Shot

 

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cameron Ashe and Staff Sgt. Barbara Walker demonstrate correct positioning and shooting techniques during training at Joint Base San Antonio, March 12, 2021.

Insertion and Extraction

 

Marines conduct insertion and extraction training off the coast of Okinawa, Japan, March 19, 2021.

Falcon Flier

 

A pilot flies an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon during Red Flag 21-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., March 17, 2021. Participants work with joint and allied partners in 2.9 million acres of land and airspace to advance interoperability.

Sports Heroes Who Served: Singer, Songwriter, Actor Kris Kristofferson Is Also an Army Veteran

 March 23, 2021 | BY David Vergun , DOD News

Sports Heroes Who Served is a series that highlights the accomplishments of athletes who served in the U.S. military.

Kris Kristofferson is a famous singer-songwriter and actor. He is also an award-winning college athlete, a Rhodes Scholar and an Army veteran. 

Although Kristofferson is a singer, he's more famous for the songs he wrote but were covered by others, such as: "Me and Bobby McGee," "For the Good Times," "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down" and "Help Me Make It Through the Night."

As an actor, he starred in a number of films including: "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," "A Star is Born," "Convoy," "Heaven's Gate," "Stagecoach," "Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia," "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid" and "Blade."

While he is known for his exploits on stage and the big screen, other parts of his life are less well known.

Before his singing and acting career, Kristofferson was a talented athlete in a number of sports. 

In 1958, Kristofferson attended Pomona College in California, where he excelled in rugby, football and track and field. He became so famous that he appeared in Sports Illustrated magazine's "Faces in the Crowd" that year.

Clearly, his grades didn't suffer from time spent on the athletic field; he graduated summa cum laude in literature. He also earned a Rhodes Scholarship to the University of Oxford, England.

At Oxford, he was awarded the Blue for boxing, which honors athletes who are at the top of their game. The Blue, the highest honor granted to individual sportspeople at the University of Oxford, depends on very specific criteria within that sport and is a highly sought-after achievement for Oxford student athletes.

Kristofferson also was on the university's rugby team.

Lars Henry, Kristofferson's father, was an Air Force pilot, who would eventually retire as a major general. Henry urged Kristofferson to enter the military after college, which he did.

After joining the Army, Kristofferson received flight instruction at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and became a helicopter pilot. He also successfully completed one of the military's most physically challenging courses: Ranger School.

In the early 1960s, he was stationed with the 8th Infantry Division in West Germany, where he formed a band.

After serving overseas, Kristofferson was offered an Army job, teaching English literature at the U.S. Military Academy.

However, Kristofferson's interests were in music, and he decided to leave the Army in 1965 to pursue songwriting. It is said that his decision to leave the military was a blow to his family.

To supplement his income, Kristofferson worked as a commercial helicopter pilot in Louisiana, splitting his time between there and Nashville, Tennessee, where he'd pitch country songs that he wrote. During his time ferrying people and supplies to an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico, Kristofferson wrote two major hits:, "Help Me Make It Through the Night" and "Me and Bobby McGee." Janis Joplin recorded "Me and Bobby McGee" just prior to her death in 1971. It reached the top of the charts, and it is credited as being Kristofferson's breakthrough song.

In 2004, Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

More Stories of Sports Heroes Who Served

Readout of Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Amanda Dory Phone Call With U.K. Director General, Strategy and International, Mr. Angus Lapsley

 March 19, 2021

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Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Amanda Dory held a phone call with U.K. Director General, Strategy and International, Mr. Angus Lapsley to reaffirm their commitment to deepening the transatlantic relationship. 

The leaders discussed the publication of the U.K.’s Integrated Review of Security, Defense, Development, and Foreign Policy; or Integrated Review. Ms. Dory welcomed its emphasis on the transatlantic alliance and Indo-Pacific region, and noted that its publication follows the U.K.’s recent announcement of its largest increase in defense spending in thirty years.

Ms. Dory congratulated the U.K. on the publication of this sweeping review and looks forward to continuing close collaboration with the U.K. MoD as it begins implementation.

Women of D.C. National Guard Lead in COVID-19 Response

 March 22, 2021 | BY Army Staff Sgt. Erica Jaros

History has seen women stepping up to serve in the military for centuries, and the COVID-19 pandemic has them taking the lead more than ever.

The theme of this year's International Women's Day, March 8, was "Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world." Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, women across the world have been leading efforts in patient care and the return to normalcy. Dedicated medical professionals in the District of Columbia National Guard are putting the well-being of others first, in and out of uniform.

Spotlight: Women's History Month

Air Force Maj. Telisha Johnson, chief nurse for the 113th Medical Group, D.C. Air National Guard, jumped at the call to coordinate with leadership and local organizations to help mitigate the spread of the virus.

"First, I was deployed to the [D.C.] Department of Health to assist in [the] planning [of] an alternate care site … [and] figuring out the staffing situation [if] there [were] a medical surge amongst the hospitals," Johnson said. "When we got to the alternate care site, I was responsible for not only training personnel that would be coming there from MedStar [Health], but also I was going to be the operations chief for the alternative site." 

Being a leader in the medical field means determining where your time is best spent, so when the virus began its surge across the U.S. in March of 2020, Air Force Lt. Col. Karolyn Teufel, a physician with the 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard, had to make a tough decision.

"I was being asked to do both missions: patient care and contingency planning and testing sites," Teufel said. "I was torn between contributing to that guard mission but also taking care of COVID-19 patients at [my hospital]. D.C. got overwhelmed with COVID-19 in April of 2020, and I just felt like I couldn't leave my coworkers at the hospital."

Teufel withdrew from the military COVID-19 mission and devoted her time entirely to patient care at her hospital through May before returning to assist the military with testing sites in the summer.

Recently, as the focus has turned more from testing to prevention, Johnson has been overseeing the distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations for military personnel in the D.C. National Guard and members of other states supporting security missions in the district. 

Given the unique challenge of COVID-19 — a virus that not only attacks the physical health of millions, but also the emotional and mental health of millions more — women are proving to be particularly well suited to caring for the holistic health and recovery of the world.

"The post-COVID-19 world is a place where women will thrive, because the experience of COVID-19, I think, allowed women to shine and prosper in that they were already natural multi-taskers," Teufel said. "It required people to think outside the box … that's already something women were doing before COVID-19: trying to be creative in balancing careers and families."

Women are standing out in every way during the pandemic, and it's causing others to take notice.

"One of the vaccine developers is a female. She's African American. It is just amazing to see that no matter where you come from, you could be a powerhouse, a force to be reckoned with," Johnson said. "I think seeing that is what is inspiring little girls across the country. [It is] inspiring women like me to keep on reaching."

As the country continues to social distance and vaccinate, women are still balancing their other military roles. Teufel is preparing for a possible deployment as a critical care air transport physician transferring service members who are injured or sick from deployment zones.

Regardless of the roles women have, they are being looked to as leaders in all fields. Whether it's in the military or public sector, more women are being recognized for their technical skills and leadership abilities. 

"We've definitely seen more leadership roles earned by [women] than ever before across not only the military but the United States," Johnson said. "We're pushing the boundaries. We're breaking glass ceilings and doing everything we can to make sure that we have equal footing across this country, across the world. I see nothing but greatness in our future."

(Army Staff Sgt. Erica Jaros is assigned to the 715th Public Affairs Detachment.)

DOD, Nation Celebrate Women's History Month

 March 22, 2021 | BY David Vergun , DOD News

March is Women's History Month, a commemoration set aside to honor women's contributions in American history, including in the U.S. military.

On March 16, 1987, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation dedicating March as Women's History Month.

"From earliest times, women have helped shape our nation," the proclamation reads.

"Those achievements span the wide range of human endeavor. They have not been attained without the quiet courage and sacrifice of millions of women, some famed, most not," it states.

"Women have fought for moral and social reform and have taken part in and led many great social and political movements of our land. Women have founded many of our philanthropic, cultural, educational and charitable institutions. Women have served our nation with valor and distinction during wartime, nursing the wounded, piloting airplanes, performing vital jobs in defense plants," it continues.

History of Women in Uniform

Although women played key support roles in early U.S. warfare — including the Revolutionary War and the Civil War — it wasn't until March 17, 1917, right before the start of World War I, when the first legally enlisted.

On that date, Loretta Perfectus Walsh enlisted in the Navy Reserve. She also holds the distinction of being the first Navy petty officer.

During World War I, about 35,000 women officially served, mostly in the Army, but also in the Navy. About five times that number served in World War II.

President Harry S. Truman signed the Women's Armed Services Integration Act on June 12, 1948. With this act, for the first time, women were recognized as full members of the armed forces. This meant they could finally claim the same benefits as their male counterparts, and it also allowed women to make a career in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. 

Since 2018, June 12 has been recognized as Women Veterans Day.

History Leading Up to Women's History Month

International Women's Day, March 8, was first celebrated in the United States in 1911.

In 1978, the school district of Sonoma, California, participated in Women's History Week, an event designed around the week of March 8.

In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation declaring the week of March 8 to be National Women's History Week.

The proclamation stated, "From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.

By 1986, a year before Reagan signed his proclamation, 14 states had already declared March as Women's History Month.

Security Sniff

 

Military working dog Jimo sniffs out explosive-making materials in a tree during training at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, March 10, 2021.

Takeoff Time

 

A Navy T-45C Goshawk readies to take off from the flight deck of the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Atlantic Ocean, March 15, 2021.

Defense Ops

 

Marines perform defense operations during Castaway 21.1 in Okinawa, Japan, March 18, 2021. Marines train to integrate with the joint force to seize and defend key maritime terrain, provide low-signature sustainment and execute long-range precision fires to support naval operations.

Tower Training

 

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Skyler Shull rappels down a 90-foot training tower at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Feb. 25, 2021.

Pallet Pointer

 

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Soriya Chum signals an operator to lower a pallet aboard the USS Benfold during a replenishment with the USNS Charles Drew in the Philippine Sea, March 19, 2021.

DOD Launches ''Chill Drills by Military OneSource'' Mobile Application

 March 22, 2021

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The Department of Defense launched a new mobile app designed to help the military community manage stress. The free Chill Drills by Military OneSource mobile app is now available for download on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.

The Chill Drills app includes a collection of mindfulness audio exercises that give service members and military families access to expert stress-relieving techniques, which can help:

• Slow heart rate
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body
• Improve sleep quality and the ability to fall asleep
• Encourage muscle relaxation

“Life in the military comes with many opportunities and also unique challenges, so managing stress is critical,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy Patricia “Patty” Montes Barron. “The Department of Defense is thrilled to deliver one of our most popular and highly-requested web products in the form of a new mobile application, so the military community can regenerate and be well anytime and anywhere.” 

To ensure the Chill Drills app continues to meet the needs of the military community, the department will review and evaluate the new app to help inform ongoing updates and enhancements.

Chill Drills is one of two apps recently launched by the department. The My Military OneSource mobile app, launched in 2020, offers a fast, 24/7 gateway to personalized military benefits, access to experts, guides for the military community and much more.

To learn more about the Chill Drills app or to download the app, visit www.MilitaryOneSource.mil/ChillDrills. Users can also stream Chill Drills from the Military OneSource website with an internet connection.

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.

About Military OneSource

Military OneSource is a DOD-funded program that is both a call center and a website providing comprehensive information, resources and assistance on every aspect of military life. Service members and the families of active duty, National Guard, and reserve (regardless of activation status), Coast Guard members when activated for the Navy, DOD expeditionary civilians, and survivors are eligible for Military OneSource services, which are available worldwide 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at no cost to the user.

About the My Military OneSource app

The My Military OneSource app is helping to transform the military community’s access to quality of life programs and services – better connecting people to the resources they need to regenerate, connect, be well, and thrive. DOD designed the app to offer users a more personalized experience with Military OneSource, based on their profile selections, search activity, and the ability to mark favorite content within the app environment. Download the My Military OneSource mobile app for free on Google Play or Apple’s App Store.

Sharp Shooter

 

A Marine fires an M9 service pistol during a combat marksmanship range in Kuwait, March 17, 2021.

Unloading Vaccines

 

Airmen unload COVID-19 vaccines from a C-130 Hercules at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, March 15, 2021. Approximately 1,300 vaccines were sent to the base, ready to distribute among service members and Defense Department contractors in the country.

Answering a Question

 

Army Spc. William Towne, a combat medic assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, answers questions of a Los Angeleno at the California State University Los Angeles Community Vaccination Center in Los Angeles, March 19, 2021. U.S. Northern Command, through U.S. Army North, remains committed to providing continued, flexible Defense Department support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of the whole-of-government response to COVID-19.

Getting Vaccinated

 

Andrea Hunt, a teacher's aide at the Sullivans Elementary School at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, receives the COVID-19 vaccine from Navy Seaman Janasia Spotson, assigned to Naval Hospital Yokosuka, during a COVID-19 vaccine distribution at CFAY’s Hawk’s Nest in Yokosuka, Japan, March 19, 2021. Essential front line personnel and service members assigned to CFAY and tenant commands received the one-shot vaccine during the vaccine distribution.

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With Pakistan Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa

 March 21, 2021

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Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone with Pakistan’s top military leader, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, March 21.

Secretary Austin reinforced the United States’ commitment to maintaining a strong bilateral defense relationship with Pakistan and expressed gratitude for Islamabad’s continued support for the Afghan peace process.

Secretary Austin noted that he looks forward to further cooperation between the United States and Pakistan in areas of common interest.