Aug. 9, 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.
Jan. 22, 2021 New Defense Secretary Arrives at Pentagon, Convenes COVID Meeting Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III arrived at the Pentagon today and hit the ground running, greeting the senior staff and then immediately heading into meetings on combating coronavirus.
May 28, 2020 Leaders Describe Lessons Learned From COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Some practices adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic have benefitted the troops and may be continued after it abates, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said during a virtual town hall meeting.
May 4, 2020 Esper Discusses DOD Readiness Amid Pandemic Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper held a virtual conversation with the Brookings Institution to discuss defense policy and readiness amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jan. 19, 2018 DoD issues guidance for potential government shutdown The Defense Department has issued guidance to its military and civilian leadership on how to proceed if the federal government should shut down at midnight tonight, according to a memorandum from Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick M. Shanahan.