An Air Force MC-130J Commando II approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker for refueling over the North Sea, April 28, 2021.
Friday, April 30, 2021
Rolling Thunder
Marines fire an M777 howitzer during Rolling Thunder at Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 28, 2021. The exercise tests Marines’ abilities to operate in a simulated littoral environment against a peer threat in a dynamic and multidomain scenario.
Paint Pros
Navy Seamen Jesus Davila, left, and Tucker Weldon paint the USS Iwo Jima’s forecastle while transiting the Atlantic Ocean, April 29, 2021.
Deputy Defense Secretary Says Conflict With China Is Not Inevitable
April 30, 2021 | , DOD News
The challenge posed by China sets the pace for most U.S. defense
requirements; but, despite concerns, diplomacy is important, and
conflict with China is neither desirable nor inevitable, Deputy Defense
Secretary Kathleen H. Hicks said today.
In a virtual address to the Aspen Security Forum, Hicks talked about the Defense Department's competition with China and what the department is doing to meet that challenge, especially regarding innovation and modernization.
"Beijing has the economic, military and technological capability to challenge the international system and America's interests within it. This is happening all along the continuum of conflict — from routine statecraft, through the use of sharp power or gray-zone tactics, to the potential for sustained combat operations and an expanded and capable nuclear enterprise," Hicks said.
As an example, Beijing continues to leverage its maritime militia to press its unlawful claims in the South China Sea, she said.
China's military capabilities are rapidly advancing in a number of areas, she said. Beijing continues to make progress — strengthening its ability to conduct joint operations — and it fields increasingly sophisticated conventional systems, such as long-range precision missiles and integrated air defense systems.
China is also advancing its space and cyber capabilities, Hicks said, adding that China presents a prolific and effective cyber espionage threat and possesses substantial cyberattack capabilities.
Despite these growing concerns, Hicks said open channels of communications and diplomacy with China are important.
"We anticipate the U.S. military will often serve as a supporting player to diplomatic, economic and other tools," she said.
Central to DOD's value in deterring bad behavior from Beijing is demonstrating the role and capability to credibly deter China's aggression, she said. "This will best position us to avoid a conflict."
Hicks said allies and partners are important in deterring Chinese aggression.
Also, the department's budget and research investments will focus on the threat and include nuclear modernization, cybersecurity, long-range fires, autonomy, artificial intelligence, shipbuilding and microelectronics, she said.
Incentivizing innovation, cutting red tape and working closely with the private sector and other government agencies are also important, she said. "This means being able to share best practices and key findings focused on the most important national security challenges."
Cooperation with Congress is also critical to ensuring the department receives the support required to deter China's aggression, she said.
"Let there be no doubt, China presents a real and enduring challenge," she emphasized.
Lightning Moves
Air Force Maj. Kristin "BEO" Wolfe flies an F-35A Lightning II during a demonstration rehearsal at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, April 28, 2021.
Preflight Perfection
Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Christian ‘ACE 1’ Suarez performs preflight checks at Łask Air Base, Poland, April 30, 2021.
Field Day
Soldiers ride in a Humvees during field training at the Orchard Combat Training Center in Boise, Idaho, April 20, 2021.
Ramadan Celebration
Service members participate in a prayer and Iftar to celebrate Ramadan in Djibouti, April 28, 2021. The Iftar event provided an opportunity for key partners to come together in unity, build on existing relationships and reaffirm the importance of cross-cultural understanding.
Vaccine Arrival
Memphis police officer Victor Lester speaks with Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Marco McNair, assigned to the 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C., before receiving his COVID-19 vaccine at a community vaccination center in Memphis, Tenn., April 27, 2021. U.S. Northern Command, through Army North, remains committed to providing continued flexibleDefense Department support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of the whole-of-government response to COVID-19.
Vaccinated Residents
Navy Seaman Danica Keller, a hospital corpsman assigned to the Navy Medical Readiness Training Command San Diego, vaccinates a Tulsa community member at a community vaccination center at the Tulsa Community College Northeast Campus in Tulsa, Okla., April 28, 2021. U.S. Northern Command, through 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.
DOD Release Regarding Cancellation of Border Barrier Project Cancellation
April 30, 2021
Today, the Department of Defense released the following statement on the cancellation of all border barrier construction projects paid for with funds originally intended for military missions and projects.
“Consistent with the President’s proclamation, the Department of Defense is proceeding with canceling all border barrier construction projects paid for with funds originally intended for other military missions and functions such as schools for military children, overseas military construction projects in partner nations, and the National Guard and Reserve equipment account,” said Jamal Brown, Deputy Pentagon Spokesman. “DOD has begun taking all necessary actions to cancel border barrier projects and to coordinate with interagency partners. Today’s action reflects this Administration’s continued commitment to defending our nation and supporting our service members and their families.”
With this cancellation, unobligated military construction funds that had been diverted from military construction projects will be used for previously deferred military construction projects, allowing some of these critical efforts to move forward as soon as possible. The Department is reviewing the deferred project list to determine funding prioritization.
The Department will continue to work with its interagency partners regarding any additional steps that should be taken at construction sites affected by project cancellation.
Target Practice
Sailors aim their M4 rifles during a live-fire weapons exercise aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Roosevelt during operations in the Aegean Sea, April 28, 2021.
Denali Supplies
A soldier watches as a CH-47 Chinook helicopter lands on Kahiltna Glacier in Denali National Park, Alaska, April 22, 2021. The chopper carried gear and supplies for the National Park Service. The Army provides assistance annually flying in supplies to the base camp located at 7,200 feet.
Thursday, April 29, 2021
Urban Ops
Marines prepare to enter a building during urban operations training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 27, 2021.
Unpacking Needles
Air Force Senior Airman Joseph Serrano, medical technician assigned to the 88th Inpatient Squadron, 88th Air Base Wing, unpacks safety needles that are used in syringe assembly at the state-led, federally-supported Ford Field Community Vaccination Center in Detroit, April 22, 2021. U.S. Northern Command, through 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.
Continuing Food Distribution
Arizona National Guard soldiers and airmen work alongside civilians distributing groceries to local citizens at a food bank in Tucson, Ariz., April 14, 2021. Arizona National Guardsmen continue to support community needs all over the state during the state of emergency response.
Staying on Track
Army Spc. Noah Lamoureux, a combat medic assigned to the 62nd Medical Brigade, documents how many doses of the COVID-19 vaccine his team has administered in a 30-minute period at the Yakima Community Vaccination Center, Yakima, Wash., April 19, 2021. U.S. Northern Command, through 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.
Souda Bay Arrival
The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower arrives in Souda Bay, Greece, March 20, 2021, for a scheduled port visit.
Show and Tell
Air Force Airman 1st Class Jordyn Eubanks shows Grayson, a military child, how to don aircrew flight equipment during a military child appreciation event at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., April 17, 2021.
Aircraft Aboard
Sailors oversee the movement of a Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aboard the USS Makin Island in the Pacific Ocean, April 24, 2021.
Night Ops
U.S. and Uzbekistani Special Forces conduct training operations during Southern Strike in Meridian, Miss., April 25, 2021. The annual exercise is designed to increase combat readiness.
Nexus Dawn
Airmen refuel an Air Force KC-10 and four F-15s during Nexus Dawn over Travis Air Force Base, Calif., April 27, 2021. The exercise is designed to test airmen’s ability to generate, employ and sustain air operations in a simulated combat environment.
Corps Course
Marines conduct helicopter support team operations during a weapons and tactics instructor course near Yuma, Ariz., March 29, 2021.
Department of Defense Expands Access to Military Exchanges
April 29, 2021
The Department of Defense announced today the expansion of access to military exchanges.
Starting May 1, 2021, DOD and Coast Guard appropriated fund and nonappropriated fund civilian employees are authorized to shop at military exchange stores in the United States and the U.S. territories and possessions. Online exchange access will also be available for active and retired DOD and Coast Guard appropriated fund and nonappropriated fund civilian employees by mid-October. This shopping access does not include the purchase of military uniforms, tobacco products or alcohol.
Previous in-store exchange access for DOD and Coast Guard civilian employees was limited to those on service agreements overseas (i.e., in foreign countries and the U.S. territories and possessions) and access was limited to overseas exchanges. The expansion will allow all DOD and Coast Guard civilian employees to shop in exchange stores in the United States and the U.S. territories and possessions.
“Every shopper of the exchange helps improve the military community and the benefit for service members and their families,” said Patricia “Patty” Montes Barron, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy. “We welcome our DOD and Coast Guard civilian employees to take advantage of the convenience and familiarity of military exchanges. Shopping at our military exchanges is a quality of life experience that serves the community in ways no other commercial entity does.”
Online exchange access will be available later this year for all active and retired DOD and Coast Guard civilian employees with a U.S. mailing address, including territories and possessions and APO and FPO addresses. Online exchanges are not permitted to ship to local addresses in foreign countries.
To learn more about military exchange access, visit the commissaries and exchanges webpage on the Military OneSource website.
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 service members, 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.
Moving Tanks
Paul Martinez, a heavy equipment operator assigned to the 60th Aerial Port Squadron, moves oxygen tanks in a warehouse at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., April 27, 2021. The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, donated 440 oxygen cylinders and regulators, 1 million N95 masks and 1 million COVID-19 rapid diagnostic kits to help India fight COVID-19.
Securing Oxygen Cylinders
Airman 1st Class Fernando Beltran, a cargo specialist assigned to the 60th Aerial Port Squadron, secures oxygen cylinders to a pallet in a warehouse at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., April 28, 2021. The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, donated 440 oxygen cylinders and regulators, 1 million N95 masks and 1 million COVID-19 rapid diagnostic kits to help India fight COVID-19.
Making A Move
Air Force Senior Airman Miranda Petti, a passenger representative assigned to the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron, helps palletize luggage for a flight at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, March 19, 2021.
Defense Official Says Partnerships Vital to Holding Russia Accountable in Eurasia
April 29, 2021 | , DOD News
Russian influence and meddling in nations around the Mediterranean and the Middle East have been characterized as destabilizing and opportunistic and pose concerns for regional security and stability, according to a Defense Department official.
Laura K. Cooper, deputy assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs for Russia, Ukraine, Eurasia, said that as Russian influence and military capability in the region grow, allies and partners — particularly NATO — become incredibly important in holding Russia accountable.
"We are determined to impose costs for Russia's destabilizing behavior," Cooper told an Atlantic Council panel.
"The way that the U.S. is approaching security cooperation is through developing very long-term strategic partnerships that involve training and education and operations that we work on together. This approach is quite fundamental to all of the allies and partners of the region," she said.
Cooper noted that the U.S. is not seeking to escalate tensions. "And we are seeking to have a more stable relationship with Russia, so this inevitably involves dialogue."
Cooper said it's important to watch Russia's actions, rather than just to listen to its words. Noting that Russia has agreed to remove its forces from Libya, she said the U.S. is waiting to see what happens. "We will be watching closely to see if that actually occurs," she said.
"From a policy perspective, we have to be measured and realistic about the actual impact of those transactional relationships," she said.
Russia has appeared from time-to-time to play the role of peacemaker in the region, but that isn't really fooling anyone, she said. "I think countries of the region recognize how much this is to burnish Russia's image, and how, in many cases, prolonging instability and prolonging conflict actually suits Moscow's goals," Cooper said.
"So, I think we have to give some credit to our allies and partners and their ability to be clear-eyed about this," she continued.
For example, Cooper noted that there is an inherent tension between Russia's desire to support a relationship with Iran and at the same time to cozy up to Arab countries and Israel. "This inherent tension is not lost on any of the parties in the region. And so I think that's really important at the outset. We don't want to overhype the influence or overhype the threat. That's where we're really clear in our conversations with allies and partners about situations in which Russia's military-to-military cooperation, in particular, does impact our relationship," she said.
For example, the sale of a Russian S-400 air defense system to Turkey resulted in a clear and decisive action on the part of the United States in removing Turkey from the F-35 advanced aircraft program, she said.
That being said, Turkey remains an important NATO ally and removal of the F-35 program was an example of a measured, balanced and tailored approach, she said.
Cooper said that the strong U.S. military presence in the Mediterranean region will continue as it has for many decades. "That is something that, perhaps, we take for granted, but it's an important source of our ability to protect our national security interests and also to cooperate as part of the NATO alliance."
The other piece is U.S. investments in humanitarian assistance in the region, which completely dwarfs anything that Russia is doing in that space, she said.
For example, in Syria, the U.S. has been working with the United Nations to invest in reconstruction and humanitarian assistance, while Russian actions in this regard have been to line the pockets of cronies in the Kremlin, she said.
Park Cleanup
Army Capt. Mathew Schmidt helps remove weeds at Zama Yatoyama Park during an Earth Day event near Camp Zama, Japan, April 22, 2021.
New Recruits
Recruits wait to receive a voluntary COVID-19 vaccination in the Pacific Fleet Drill Hall at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill., April 26, 2021. The event, a collaboration with medical staff from the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center and Recruit Training Command, gave 180 recruits an opportunity to receive the vaccine. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp.
Soldier Signals
Army Capt. Shayna Taylor guides the driver of an M2/A2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle during training in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, April 20, 2021.
Bass Bliss
Flag Officer Announcements
April 29, 2021
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations:
Capt. Dennis E. Collins has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Collins is currently serving as officer in charge, Navy Reserve, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Detachment 401, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.
Capt. Bradley D. Dunham has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Dunham is currently serving as chief of staff, Navy Reserve, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia.
Capt. Mark F. Haigis has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Haigis is currently serving as commanding officer, Navy Reserve, Naval Leadership and Ethics Center, Newport, Rhode Island.
Capt. Scott W. Ruston has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Ruston is currently serving as deputy commander, Navy Region Southwest Reserve Component Command, San Diego, California.
Capt. Douglas W. Sasse III has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Sasse is currently serving as commanding officer, Navy Reserve, Fourth Fleet, Mayport, Florida.
Capt. Michael J. Schwerin has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Schwerin is currently serving as commanding officer, Navy Reserve, Officer Training Command, Newport, Rhode Island.
Capt. David R. Storr has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Storr is currently serving as manager, Navy Reserve, Rapid Research and Development Detachment, Patuxent River, Maryland.
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Flare Flight
An Air Force C-130 Hercules fires off flares during Southern Strike at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Miss., April 25, 2021. More than 2,000 service members participate in the annual training exercise which is designed to increase combat readiness.
Colorful Ops
Soldiers fire 105mm howitzers during night operations at Fort Chaffee, Ark., April 24, 2021.
Motivational Marines
Marines participate in a motivational run at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, April 28, 2021.
Expert Eye Work
Soldiers test proficiency in basic infantry and tasks to earn the Expert Infantryman Badge or Expert Soldier Badge at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, April 27, 2021.
Rappel Ready
Soldiers rappel from a UH-60 Black Hawk during a 10-day air assault course at 25th Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, April 22, 2021.
Howitzer Fire
A Marine fires an M777A2 howitzer during an artillery relocation training program at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, April 23, 2021.
Expert Extraction
An Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II prepares to extract Marines during Pacific Pioneer at Kin Blue training area in Okinawa, Japan, April 20, 2021. The exercise demonstrates the Marine Corps' ability to establish and sustain expeditionary advanced bases with survivable force protection, practice naval integration and position long range precision fires and tactical logistics nodes across littoral regions in support of naval operations.
DOD On Path to Getting to a 'Clean' Audit, Official Says
April 28, 2021 | , DOD News
Senior Defense Department financial leaders updated the House Armed Services Committee today on the department's Financial Improvement and Audit Remediation plan, the fiscal year 2020 audit and other DOD financial management related issues.
Douglas A. Glenn, DOD chief financial officer, said he's keenly aware that the department must be "good stewards of taxpayer dollars and [is] working to increase transparency in how we manage the resources entrusted to us."
This year marks the third department-wide audit.
The department continues to make steady progress toward getting to a clean audit, he said, meaning zero discrepancies.
Glenn told lawmakers that he cannot give a firm date when the department will get to a clean audit, but he said that a reasonable guess would be around 2028.
In last year's audit, there were around 3,400 notices of findings and recommendations. As of this month, the department has successfully closed on 23% of those, meaning remedial actions have been taken to address those discrepancies, he said.
"At the risk of sounding dramatic, the audit is driving improved national security. We already know DOD systems are primary targets for cyberattacks, from both foreign and domestic [sources]," he said.
As a result of the audit, DOD now annually tests its cybersecurity processes and procedures, controlling who can access its systems, what level of access they can have, what procedures they can perform and who can access decoding configuration capabilities, he said.
Overall, the audit provides a high return on investment to taxpayers and dramatically increases transparency and accountability as data is made more accurate, reliable and timely, he said.
To improve its audit performance, the department is working with other federal agencies and oversight bodies, such as the Treasury Department, the Government Accountability Office, the Office of Management and Budget, as well as the larger financial community such as the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board and the American Society of Military Comptrollers, he said.
Others testifying were: Wesley C. Miller, performing the duties of the assistant secretary of the Army for financial management and comptroller; Alaleh Jenkins, performing the duties of the assistant secretary of the Navy for financial management and comptroller; and Stephen R. Herrera, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for financial management and comptroller.
Now You See Me
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. William Martin provides security during exercise Hagåtña Fury 21 on Ukibaru, Japan, Feb. 17, 2021.
Sailor Support
Sailors form a teal ribbon on the flight deck of the USS Arlington in Norfolk, Va., April 26, 2021, in support of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
Command Senior Enlisted Leader Assignment
April 28, 2021
The Office of the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (OSEAC) announced today the following assignment:
Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brion P. Blais, currently assigned as command chief master sergeant, U.S. Air Forces Europe-Air Forces Africa, was selected to replace Hungarian Sgt. Maj. Tibor Bogdán as command senior enlisted leader in Allied Command Transformation, NATO, Norfolk, Virginia.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s Call With Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa
April 28, 2021
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone with Pakistan’s
Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa to discuss regional
stability and security.
During the call, Secretary Austin reaffirmed the importance of the U.S. – Pakistan bilateral relationship and expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s support for Afghanistan Peace Negotiations. Secretary Austin and General Bajwa also discussed the drawdown in Afghanistan.
Secretary Austin and General Bajwa discussed the importance of regional stability and the desire for the United States and Pakistan to continue working together on shared goals and objectives in the region.
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