Pentagon Spokesman Eric Pahon provided the following readout:
Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks provided opening remarks and answered audience questions via video teleconference today at the Navy New Flag and Senior Executive Training Symposium (NFLEX).
The Deputy Secretary thanked officers, senior executive service civilians and family members in attendance for their hard work and tireless commitment to DoD's mission; and reinforced that the Senate's hold on military confirmations is unnecessary, unsafe, and must end now. She noted that holds on military confirmations and the funding uncertainty of a continuing resolution places additional, unnecessary demands on leaders, their families, and the force as they await confirmation and fiscal clarity.
The Deputy Secretary reiterated that the Department remains focused on advancing the U.S. National Defense Strategy, with the PRC as the pacing challenge.
She also highlighted the department's priority on Taking Care of People — a major initiative under the leadership of Secretary Lloyd Austin III. Under the Secretary's Taking Care of People initiative, the Department has made compensation more competitive, expanded childcare options, eased spousal licensure barriers, increased food security, and expanded healthcare.
Attendees asked questions about Deputy Secretary Hicks' Replicator Initiative, the Department's budget and strategy, and the state of civil-military relations.
This event is a part of a series of touchpoints with senior service leaders to communicate Department priorities and initiatives.