Sept. 29, 2023 DOD announces new actions to prevent suicide in the military Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin released a memo directing urgent actions to address suicide in the military community.
June 2, 2023 Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III releases statement on Pride Month Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III recognizes the LGBTQ+ service members' contributions to national security during Pride Month.
April 17, 2023 Four Department of the Air Force Installations win 2023 SecDEF Environmental Awards Since 1962, installations across the Department of Defense have been recognized by these awards for their accomplishments in innovative and cost-effective environmental management that support mission readiness.
March 23, 2023 DoD announces six new measures to enhance well-being of military force and their families Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III unveiled a comprehensive plan March 22, aimed at improving the lives of the dedicated U.S. military force and their families.
Feb. 4, 2023 F-22 safely shoots down Chinese spy balloon off South Carolina coast President Joe Biden ordered the action on Wednesday, but it was delayed until the balloon was over water off the coast of South Carolina to ensure no Americans on the ground were harmed.
Jan. 12, 2023 DoD rescinds COVID-19 vaccination mandate The memoranda mandating Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve personnel be vaccinated against COVID-19 was rescinded Jan. 10.
Oct. 20, 2022 DAF senior leaders amplify SecDef directives for reproductive health care Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced that the DoD would ensure service members and their families can access reproductive health care within its authority and consistent with applicable federal law, in addition to clear guidance for health care providers to operate effectively.
Sept. 30, 2022 DAF adds additional financial incentives to recruit Child and Youth Program employees Effective Oct. 1, DAF Child Development Program direct-care employees will receive a 100% childcare fee waiver for their first child enrolled in installation Child Development Programs.
Sept. 23, 2022 Defense Department moving ahead on recommendations to combat sexual assault The DoD now has a framework in place to track the implementation and effectiveness of its efforts to stop sexual assault and harassment, which includes regular progress reviews through senior leadership forums.
Sept. 22, 2022 Austin pledges to 'ease the load' for service members In a memo titled "Taking Care of Our Service Members and Families," Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III outlined efforts to address the needs of married service members and their families, as well as single service members.
Aug. 10, 2022 Edwards AFB completes educational complex The Department of Defense celebrated the ribbon cutting for the Desert Junior Senior High School on Edwards Air Force Base, Aug. 9.
April 22, 2022 DoD announces 2022 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards winners Since 1962, installations across the Department of Defense have been recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in innovative and cost-effective environmental management strategies that successfully support mission readiness.
Nov. 11, 2021 Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III observing National Veterans and Military Families Month The frequent moves, the multiple deployments, the strain and the stress over the last twenty years of war -- my family and all of yours have borne it with grace and resilience. But it goes beyond that, of course. They don’t just bear the hardships; our families make us a stronger force, a healthier
Sept. 23, 2021 Commencing Department of Defense Actions and Implementation to Address Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in the Military The establishment of the 90-day IRC on Sexual Assault in the Military, provided the Department a set of comprehensive and actionable recommendations to improve our approach in four lines of effort: accountability, prevention, climate and culture, and victim care and support.
June 19, 2021 Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Juneteenth The men and women of the Department of Defense are honored to participate in the first commemoration of Juneteenth as a federal holiday.