Aug. 10, 2021 Biden to Approve Austin's Request to Make COVID-19 Vaccine Mandatory for Service Members By mid-September, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will request a waiver from President Joe Biden to make the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for service members, Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said.
June 21, 2021 Austin Signs Internal Directive to Unify Department's China Efforts Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III issued an internal directive to laser-focus Defense Department efforts to address China as the nation's number one pacing challenge.
June 21, 2021 Austin: 'No One Should Have to Hide Who They Love to Serve the Country They Love' 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.
Feb. 8, 2021 DOD Leaders Will Address Extremism in the Ranks Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III directed commanding officers and supervisors at all levels to conduct a one-day stand-down with their personnel within the next 60 days to discuss the problem of extremism in the ranks.
Jan. 26, 2021 Biden administration overturns transgender exclusion policy President Joe Biden signed an executive order overturning the previous administration's ban on the service of transgender individuals in the military.
June 4, 2020 Service Members, Civilians Bound By DOD Rules During Election Campaigns Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper's latest ethics message lays out the importance of political activity rules that Defense Department civilian employees and service members must follow.
May 4, 2020 DOD Maintains Watch Despite Pandemic While the coronavirus pandemic has reshaped U.S. government priorities, Americans must remember that the world remains a dangerous place, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said.
May 4, 2020 Esper Details Defense Readiness in Face of Pandemic Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper discussed the immediate operations against COVID-19 and the second order of effects the pandemic will have on the U.S. military during a Brookings Institution webinar.
March 12, 2020 DOD Halts Travel To, From COVID-19 Affected Countries In response to the growing coronavirus epidemic, Defense Department officials are looking to safeguard the health and safety of military and civilian personnel and their families.