Speed, Integration Needed to Deter China, Russia, Vice Chairman Says

 May 13, 2021 | BY David Vergun , DOD News

Peer competitors China and Russia are modernizing their militaries at an astonishingly rapid rate, much faster than the Defense Department, the vice chairman of the joint chiefs of staff said during a virtual address at the McAleese FY2022 Defense Programs conference.

"The character of war is changing now in unbelievable ways at an unbelievable pace. And that speed of change is, I think, one of the biggest challenges for us because we have to figure out how to put speed back in everything that we do. And right now the Department of Defense is not good at speed. What we're good at is executing," Air Force Gen. John E. Hyten said today.

Acquisition is a particular area that needs more speed, he added.

With speed comes a certain amount of risk, he said.

"Many people in our enterprise still like being very deliberate and taking no risks, and making sure we understand everything before we move forward. We like to make sure that every test works, and we don't test until we're sure that it's going to work. We can't do that kind of business anymore. We have to be able to go forward, which means we have to give that responsibility to much younger people in our formation," Air Force Gen. John E. Hyten, vice chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, said.

The nature of warfare is changing in radical ways that create an enormous challenge and also an enormous opportunity, he said, mentioning unmanned air, ground and sea vehicles, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Americans are the best in the world at innovation. If DOD leverages industry and academia talent, Hyten said he's confident that the department will excel in these and other areas.

Seamless integration of the joint force in all domains — sea, land, air, space and cyberspace — is also critical to deterring adversaries and winning wars, if necessary, he said.

Improved integration with allies and partners also is critical, and a lot more work needs to be done in that area, he said.

Hyten also mentioned the importance of modernizing the nuclear triad, meaning submarines, bombers and intercontinental ballistic missiles that are capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

Readout of Under Secretary of Defense Dr. Colin H. Kahl Meeting With Israeli Minister of Defense Director of Policy Zohar Palti

 May 13, 2021

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Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby provided the following readout:

Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Colin H. Kahl, met with Israeli Minister of Defense Director of Policy and Political Military Affairs Zohar Palti at the Pentagon today to discuss the U.S.-Israel defense partnership and opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation.  The leaders also discussed the recent rocket attacks emanating from Gaza.  

Under Secretary Kahl unequivocally condemned the terrorist attacks directed at Israeli civilians and underscored U.S. support for Israel’s right to self-defense. They agreed to maintain a close dialogue and to work together to strengthen regional security.  

Dr. Kahl underscored the Department’s enduring support for Israel’s security and Qualitative Military Edge, and conveyed the Administration’s support for a restoration of calm and protection of civilians.

Deputy Defense Secretary Travels to Texas With Focus on Innovation, Modernization

 May 13, 2021 | BY Terri Moon Cronk , DOD News

The secretary of defense has been clear that modernizing the military is a key component of how the Defense Department defends the nation, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen H. Hicks said this week after spending a day at Army Futures Command in Austin, Texas.

Hicks' trip focused on the DOD's innovation and modernization efforts and use of best practices to put new technology in the hands of the warfighter.

In modernizing the total force, Hicks' job is to help Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III move strategy to application, she said, explaining that line runs directly through concept development, capabilities, force design and eventually resourcing. "That's what Army Futures Command is all about for the Army, so it helps me significantly to be able to come down here and see what part the Army is trying to play in helping move to execution through those same key lines," she said.

In addition to meetings, briefings and visits with Army Gen. John. M. Murray, AFC commanding general, Hicks saw the collaboration between the Army and academia at the AFC Software Factory and the AFC Applications Lab.

Public-private partnerships are critical to modernizing the force, she emphasized. "[They're] even more critical today because so much of the investment in ecosystems around innovation is happening outside of the government sector, so it increases the need for DOD to make sure it's [the Defense Department] part of that broader innovation ecosystem," Hicks said. 

DOD has been taking ideas and concepts that are critical for military needs and helping transition them to solutions for about a decade. "But I think we're just starting to really see the seeds germinate around how we do it," she added.

The deputy secretary said she witnessed excitement and passion as she watched Austin Community College software lab students work and learn collaboratively with soldiers to find solutions to software issues. Software developers must be agile and able to jump from problem to problem, she added.

It's significant to have a resource such as academia pulled into a traditional military hierarchy if the collaboration yields software solutions, Hicks said. 

"I think, at the corporate enterprise level, what we're trying to focus on is learning more about the great ideas that are out there — of which there are many — and [AFC] is one of them," she said.

It's important, she added, to bring ability and transparency to modernization and innovation efforts and create more of an ecosystem from the enterprise level. That makes it easier for policy-making customers to understand what's available and quickly leverage it.

The deputy secretary said DOD wants to pull up those good ideas and see what's working at the corporate enterprise level. From there, she said DOD can think about whether major policy and authority changes are needed and whether there are incentives.

"That's the piece where I think I can provide the most sum on the scale," she said. "How do you change the incentives around everything from promotions to how budgets are determined and those sort of major levers that help you shift culture over time? In a way, that's supportive of innovation, and we're just at the beginning of that journey."

Murray said a strength of AFC's Applications Lab is that it starts with the problems that need to be solved for the Army. "We struggled for a long time trying to figure out the sweet spot for [AFC's Applications Lab], and I think we have stumbled upon something," he said.

Being able to describe that problem so the average person can understand it — without acronyms and very simply — also fosters innovative thinking. 

"We end up with some decent products, but I'm really interested in expanding the way we think about problems, and I think just the conversations we have with people who think differently about how to solve problems is probably the biggest benefit we’re going to get," the general said.

Ultimately, AFC is trying to solve problems for the soldiers in the field today, and it's important to keep them involved in the process, Murray explained. 

"But as you start to think about some of the research and development investments, it's that soldier who's in fourth-grade right now who will be a soldier in the future. So, we're not only keeping today's soldiers but future soldiers in mind as we begin to solve some of these [challenges]," he said.

Department of Defense Releases Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military

 May 13, 2021

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Today, the Department of Defense (DOD) released the Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military.  This recurring annual report, published by DOD’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office.

This year’s Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military, which is required by Congress annually, provides FY 2020 reporting data, case dispositions, and updates to initiatives the Department executed throughout the year – including during the pandemic.  Of note, the reporting data is separate from estimated prevalence.  The report does not contain sexual assault prevalence survey results, which DOD uses to scientifically estimate the number of military personnel impacted by the crime. The national pandemic forced the Department to postpone its biennial survey to FY21.

“Sexual assault is an abhorrent violation of an individual’s basic dignity.  Over the last 15 years, the Department has enacted new policies and built new infrastructure to address sexual violence, including an integrated violence prevention approach developed in consultation with subject matter experts,” said Dr. Elizabeth Van Winkle, Executive Director of the Office of Force Resiliency. “However, the programs and policies we put into place will not be effective unless every military member and leader – at all levels – comply with our policies and embody the values we espouse.  As directed by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the Department is taking immediate actions to not only counter these corrosive behaviors, but also provide better visibility on the ground to ensure all members are doing their part to eliminate these behaviors.”

DOD authorities receive reports of sexual assault involving service members as victims and/or alleged perpetrators. This year, of the total 7,816 reports received by DOD in FY20, 6,290 involved allegations from Service members for incidents that occurred during military service. This is up by 1 percent from the 6,236 Service member reports received in FY19. Reports from civilian victims and service members reporting a pre-service incident decreased this year. The Department encourages greater reporting to connect victims with restorative care and to hold offenders appropriately accountable.

The pandemic did not deter the Department from providing support to Service members seeking help. Sexual Assault Response Coordinators, Victim Advocates and other response team members quickly pivoted to virtual encounters and other such means to render assistance and connect victims with supportive care. In addition, the Department’s Safe Helpline experienced a 35 percent increase in users seeking to connect with needed resources, information, and support.

The Department continues to address sexual assault holistically by advancing prevention, addressing problematic culture, improving the skills of leaders at all levels, and evaluating ways to make reporting of sexual assault easier and safer for victims.

“DOD leadership is committed to providing the men and women who defend this country with workplaces where dignity and respect, and inclusion are the norm,” said Maj. Gen. Clement Coward, director of the DOD’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office. “While some progress has been made to achieve that goal, we must do more to prevent this crime. We look forward to the recommendations forthcoming from Secretary’s Independent Review Commission.  We will take decisive action to implement every recommendation accepted by the President and the Secretary.

The Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military and a fact with the topline results can be found on the DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office website at www.sapr.mil.

This report is separate from ongoing work of the Independent Review Commission.

North Sea Trio

 

The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, right, the fast combat support ship USNS Supply and the Royal Navy landing platform dock ship HMS Albion conduct a replenishment in the North Sea, May 9, 2021.

Flag Officer Assignments

 

May 13, 2021

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The acting secretary of the Navy and chief of naval operations announced today the following assignments:

Rear Adm. (lower half) Heidi K. Berg will be assigned as director, plans and policy, J5, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Maryland.  Berg is currently serving as director, J2, U.S. Africa Command, Stuttgart, Germany.

Rear Adm. (lower half) John A. Watkins will be assigned as deputy director, command, control, communications and computer systems and information technology, J6, U.S. Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.  Watkins is currently serving as deputy commander, Tenth Fleet, Fort Meade, Maryland.

Capt. Stephen G. Mack, selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy chief of staff, submarines, Maritime Command Headquarters Command; and commander, submarines, NATO, Northwood, United Kingdom.  Mack is currently serving as chief of staff, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; and chief of staff, U.S. Strategic Command Special Activities Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia.

Scenic Route

 

A soldier looks out from the back of an Army CH-47 Chinook during Northern Edge over Alaska, May 10, 2021. The exercise is designed to improve joint combat readiness.

Receiving a Vaccine

 

Air Force Senior Airman Zachary Reddick, an aerospace medical technician with the 62nd Medical Group, Arizona Air National Guard, applies a bandage after administering the COVID-19 vaccination to a service member at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Ariz., May 6, 2021. The Arizona National Guard is partnering with active-duty components to surge capacity and capability in providing vaccinations to service members and their dependents.

COVID-19 Vaccine

 

Army Pvt. Alyssa Hovland, a combat medic with the 996th Area Support Medical Company, administers the COVID-19 vaccination to a tribal member of the Tohono O’odham Nation in Why, Ariz., May 11, 2021. The Arizona National Guard partnered with the tribe to provide vaccinations and to also act as translators for the predominantly Spanish-speaking community.

Paint Pro

 

Air Force Tech Sgt. Brandon Poston paints the engine cowling door of a C-146A Wolfhound at Duke Field, Fla., April 10, 2021.

Corps Cleanup

 

Marine Corps Sgt. Elizabeth Adams participates in a cleanup event in Okinawa, Japan, May 7, 2021. The Single Marine Program hosted the event to help strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance.

Competitive Crawl

 

Army Spc. Aiden Carroll crawls onto the beach during the Region VI Best Warrior Competition at Camp Rilea, near Warrenton, Ore., May 7, 2021.

Members of DOD Must Work Together to Change Toxic Climates, Cultures

 May 13, 2021 | BY Jim Garamone , DOD News

The policies are in place for a safe and inclusive workforce in the military, but all members of the Defense Department must embrace the values at the core of this for it to work, Elizabeth P. Van Winkle, the executive director of DOD's Office of Force Resiliency said yesterday.

Van Winkle testified before the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee. Her office handles some of the thorniest issues confronting defense, including sexual assault, harassment, diversity and inclusion, and suicide prevention.

Van Winkle used the findings of the Fort Hood Independent Review Commission as a basis for much of her opening statement. The report – commissioned by then-Army Secretary Ryan D. McCarthy following the murder of Army Spec. Vanessa Guillen – was an indictment of culture of the Army base that allowed sexual assault and harassment to continue. 

Spotlight: Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military

"Points of failure in the system, as reflected in painstaking detail within the pages of the Fort Hood report will consistently undermine all of our actions if not addressed," Van Winkle said. "At Fort Hood, and likely other installations, there was a culture of disrespect and purposeful degradation of others that was unimpeded and left unchecked by the very individuals who hold the responsibility to prevent this type of culture."

This neglect left many asking if military leaders were blind to these infractions or whether they were complicit, she said. 

Every time you fail to address misconduct – even the smallest offensive jokes and comments – someone is watching you, and trust is either gained or it is lost. And once it is lost, you will not easily recover it.''

Elizabeth P. Van Winkle, executive director, Office of Force Resiliency

In 2019, DOD introduced strategies and policies to address sexual assault as part of an integrated violence prevention framework. The framework aims to prevent all forms of harm and looks to ensure an inclusive environment for all who serve. "I truly believe that an integrated violence prevention approach with a focus on command climate is how we can best prevent these behaviors," Van Winkle said. "It must be emphasized that anything we have put into place, or will put into place, will be ineffective if members of our military fail to proactively embody the values that we expect." 

Van Winkle said changing a command climate or the command culture requires the commitment of all members of a community. "No one gets a pass; no one gets to decide they don't have a role to play," she said. "When you join the military, you are taking on a responsibility to uphold our values and to be a part of a team that rejects these behaviors."

This is even more critical for leaders. "When you become a leader at any level, … you take on a critical responsibility, both when it is easy and when it is not," she said. "This means calling out behaviors that are not in line with our expectations, even if they are perpetrated by a friend."

Van Winkle said leaders who overlook these behaviors erode trust. "Looking the other way allows harm when it otherwise didn't exist," she said. "Every time you fail to address misconduct – even the smallest offensive jokes and comments – someone is watching you, and trust is either gained or it is lost. And once it is lost, you will not easily recover it."

Leaders need to understand that words like protect, defend, dignity, respect and discipline are not negotiable, she said. "As a department we are looking at all aspects of these issues, to shed light in those places we previously did not have visibility, to applaud those [who] are doing the right thing, to appropriately hold accountable those who are not, and to ensure all members can serve safely and honorably," she said.

Nuclear Deterrence Remains Department's Highest Priority Mission

 May 13, 2021 | BY C. Todd Lopez , DOD News

While the Defense Department is conducting a series of strategic reviews that will include U.S. nuclear policy and posture, the department still considers nuclear deterrence its highest priority mission, defense leaders said.

"Our nuclear forces remain essential to ensure that no adversary believes they can ever employ nuclear weapons for any reason, under any circumstances, against the United States or our allies and partners without risking devastating consequences," Leonor Tomero, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for nuclear and missile defense policy, told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Wednesday.

The department plans to begin specific reviews of nuclear posture and policy soon, Tomero said, and those reviews will extend through the summer and fall.

"Our reviews will assess the U.S. nuclear modernization programs to ensure that they deliver on time and are aligned with policy," Romero said. "Importantly, the reviews will include a renewed focus on strategic stability, including risk reduction and arms control."

Right now, the Defense Department is engaged in a recapitalization of the "nuclear triad," which involves new submarines, such as the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines; new intercontinental ballistic missiles as part of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program; and new bomber aircraft, such as the B-21 Raider.

Modernization of that triad remains a top priority for defense leadership, Tomero said.

"There is very strong support for modernization of the triad, as Secretary Austin testified before Congress, as Deputy Secretary Hicks testified," she said. "And so that will be a high priority for our review....to ensure that we continue to modernize the triad. Of course, we'll look at how the programs are doing, what the program risks are to make sure that we have the capabilities we need when we need them."

While the president's fiscal year 2022 budget has yet to be given to Congress, Tomero did say she's aware there is support for nuclear modernization and sustaining U.S. nuclear forces, but she didn't go into more detail.

"Having a strong nuclear deterrence is one of our highest priorities," she said. "And, so, we will continue to maintain a strong and reliable nuclear deterrence, which has been the cornerstone of our national security."

Careful Descent

 

A member of the Coast Guard descends a pilot's ladder aboard the USS Charleston during operations in the Pacific Ocean, April 29, 2021.

Helmet Measurements

 

Alyssa Carson gets fitted for her helmet by a member of the Thunderbirds, the Air Force’s flight demonstration squadron, at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 7, 2021. Carson was the first person to complete all the NASA Space Camps in the world.

Welding Work

 

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Sunday Morales III welds oxygen tank brackets for the medical clinic aboard the USS Portland during routine training off the coast of southern California, April 26, 2021.

Fitness Test

 

Army Spc. Tricia Chen completes the Army combat fitness test during the 25th Infantry Division Soldier of the Year competition at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, May 12, 2021.

Chinook Shadow

 

An Army CH-47 Chinook flies over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex near Allen Army Airfield, Fort Greely, Alaska, May 10, 2021.

Out of Kin Blue

 

Marines participate in an underwater navigation course at Kin Blue, Okinawa, Japan, April 28, 2021.

 

Air Force Senior Airman Valentine Anye, a radiologic technologist with the 335th Air Expeditionary Group, screens his mother-in-law at the federally-run community vaccination center at the Greenbelt Metro Station in Greenbelt, Md., May 4, 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.

Receiving a Vaccine

 

A soldier receives the COVID-19 vaccine at Fort Drum, N.Y., May 3, 2021. Soldiers are continuing to register for the COVID-19 vaccine on Fort Drum.

Formation Foursome

 

The Thunderbirds, the Air Force's flight demonstration squadron, perform during the Speed of Sound Airshow in St. Joseph, Mo., May 2, 2020.

Spirit Show

 

An Air Force B-2 Spirit flies during an airshow over Rosecrans Memorial Airport in St. Joseph, Mo., May 2, 2021.

Bridge Builders

 

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Aaron Landrum cuts lumber to construct a heavy timber bridge at Naval Base Ventura County, Calif., May 3, 2021.

Obedience Course

 

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Julian Reid directs Sshelton, a military working dog, through an obedience course at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 7, 2021.

Physical Fitness

 

Marine Corps recruits participate in physical training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., May 11, 2021.

Live Fire

 

Soldiers conduct a live-fire from the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during Northern Edge 21 at at Fort Greely, Alaska, May 11, 2021. The exercise is designed to improve joint combat readiness.

Northern Edge

 

Soldiers wrap up a joint forcible entry operation during Northern Edge at Fort Greely, Alaska, May 11, 2021. The exercise is designed to improve joint combat readiness.

Radar Work

 

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Hodges installs a radar beacon on an F/A-18E Super Hornet aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Arabian Sea, May 11, 2021.

Drill Practice

 

Navy recruits participate in drill practice at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill., May 3, 2021.

New Officials Sworn-in at the Department of Defense

 May 11, 2021

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The following individuals have been sworn-in virtually or in-person from March 30, 2021, through May 10, 2021. 

• Elsa Alvarado, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs for Strategic Communications
• Warren Bass, Director of Speechwriting, Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs
• Samuel Brannen, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Plans and Posture
• Chidi Blyden, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs
• Kathy Chung, Deputy Director of Protocol, Office of the Secretary of Defense
• Elena Crespa, Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
• Michael Donley, Director of Administration & Management
• Keenan Geter, Protocol Officer, Office of the Secretary of Defense
• Dr. Colin Kahl, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
• Jamie Pinkham, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works)
• Rachel Ross, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Army
• Valentine Sanders, Director, Travel Operations, Office of the Secretary of Defense
• Lauren Vargas, Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of the Air Force

For the lists of personnel sworn-in previously, please see the releases on Jan. 20, 2021, Feb. 9, 2021, Feb. 16, 2021, Feb. 22, 2021, March 1, 2021, March 9, 2021, March 15, 2021, and March 29, 2021.

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Benjamin "Benny" Gantz

 May 12, 2021

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Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke today with Israeli Minister of Defense Benjamin “Benny” Gantz.  Secretary Austin conveyed the Department’s ironclad support for Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself and its people, and he strongly condemned the launching of rockets by Hamas and other terrorists groups that targeted Israeli civilians.  He reiterated the importance of all involved parties to take steps to restore calm.

Readout of Secretary of Defense Austin's Phone Call With Australian Minister for Defence Dutton

 May 11, 2021

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Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Australian Minister for Defence Peter Dutton by phone today, reaffirming the strength, endurance, and resilience of the U.S.-Australia Alliance – the Unbreakable Alliance. 

Secretary Austin conveyed appreciation for Australian support to premier Alliance activities – especially the 2021 deployment of the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin.  

Secretary Austin and Minister Dutton committed to sustain progress on Alliance priorities, reiterating their support for collaborative approaches to address security challenges throughout the Indo-Pacific region – working together with other likeminded partners. 

Secretary Austin and Minister Dutton acknowledged the close alignment in both nations’ perspectives and priorities in addressing pressing regional and global security concerns. 

Secretary Austin emphasized the importance of maintaining a Free and Open Indo-Pacific – founded on broadly held international rules, laws, and norms.  

Secretary Austin looks forward to the annual Australia-U.S. Ministerial (AUSMIN) meeting this fall and the opportunity to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Unbreakable Alliance.