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.
May 11, 2020 USAF Thunderbirds to salute Texas COVID-19 responders May 13 The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, will honor frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers with formation flights over San Antonio and Austin May 13.