1 00:00:00,940 --> 00:00:03,140 mhm . Yeah , 2 00:00:08,640 --> 00:00:11,540 Okay . I think , as , uh , many of you 3 00:00:11,540 --> 00:00:14,840 know today is international transgender 4 00:00:14,840 --> 00:00:17,470 day of visibility , and we proudly 5 00:00:17,470 --> 00:00:19,840 recognize transgender and gender 6 00:00:19,840 --> 00:00:21,960 nonconforming people and their 7 00:00:21,960 --> 00:00:23,793 continued struggle for a life of 8 00:00:23,793 --> 00:00:26,530 equality , security and dignity . There 9 00:00:26,530 --> 00:00:28,290 is no place for violence and 10 00:00:28,290 --> 00:00:30,401 discrimination on the basis of sexual 11 00:00:30,401 --> 00:00:32,240 orientation , gender identity or 12 00:00:32,240 --> 00:00:35,310 expression or characteristics . The 13 00:00:35,310 --> 00:00:37,532 department , along with our partners in 14 00:00:37,532 --> 00:00:39,366 the United States , will lead by 15 00:00:39,366 --> 00:00:41,477 example in the cause of advancing the 16 00:00:41,477 --> 00:00:44,780 human rights of LGBT i Q l g b t Q I 17 00:00:44,790 --> 00:00:47,550 people around the world . Now I think 18 00:00:47,550 --> 00:00:49,606 you all remember . Back in January , 19 00:00:49,606 --> 00:00:51,550 the president issued two executive 20 00:00:51,550 --> 00:00:53,820 orders impacting departmental policy 21 00:00:53,830 --> 00:00:56,460 with respect to transgender individuals . 22 00:00:56,940 --> 00:01:00,490 Executive Order 13988 which is entitled 23 00:01:00,550 --> 00:01:02,772 preventing and combating discrimination 24 00:01:02,772 --> 00:01:04,717 on the basis of gender identity or 25 00:01:04,717 --> 00:01:06,940 sexual orientation . An executive order 26 00:01:06,940 --> 00:01:10,590 14004 entitled enabling all Qualified 27 00:01:10,590 --> 00:01:12,590 Americans to serve their country in 28 00:01:12,590 --> 00:01:15,560 uniform . In response to those 29 00:01:15,560 --> 00:01:17,449 executive orders , the department 30 00:01:17,449 --> 00:01:19,616 immediately issued interim guidance to 31 00:01:19,616 --> 00:01:22,000 hold in advance any adverse personnel 32 00:01:22,000 --> 00:01:24,180 actions initiated under previous 33 00:01:24,180 --> 00:01:26,330 departmental policy and directed the 34 00:01:26,330 --> 00:01:28,660 identification and review of records of 35 00:01:28,660 --> 00:01:31,670 any member in voluntarily separated 36 00:01:31,770 --> 00:01:34,510 discharged or denied reenlistment based 37 00:01:34,510 --> 00:01:37,480 on gender identity . This effort this 38 00:01:37,480 --> 00:01:40,310 review effort , is ongoing . The 39 00:01:40,310 --> 00:01:42,032 department also identified and 40 00:01:42,032 --> 00:01:44,410 initiated revision to two D . O . D 41 00:01:44,410 --> 00:01:46,940 instructions that affected the military 42 00:01:46,940 --> 00:01:50,050 service of transgender individuals . D . 43 00:01:50,050 --> 00:01:54,030 O D . Instruction 6130.3 44 00:01:54,030 --> 00:01:56,240 Volume one is entitled Medical 45 00:01:56,240 --> 00:01:58,130 Standards for Military Service 46 00:01:58,130 --> 00:02:00,360 Appointment , Enlistment or induction 47 00:02:00,740 --> 00:02:02,580 and D . O D . Instruction 48 00:02:02,580 --> 00:02:06,550 1300.28 which is entitled in 49 00:02:06,550 --> 00:02:08,800 service transition for transgender 50 00:02:08,800 --> 00:02:11,260 service members . Today , the 51 00:02:11,260 --> 00:02:12,871 department is announcing the 52 00:02:12,871 --> 00:02:15,530 publication of revised editions of 53 00:02:15,530 --> 00:02:18,390 these two instructions . The revised 54 00:02:18,390 --> 00:02:21,710 policies in these instructions restore 55 00:02:21,710 --> 00:02:24,130 the department's original 2000 and 16 56 00:02:24,130 --> 00:02:26,408 policies regarding transgender service . 57 00:02:26,408 --> 00:02:29,070 Specifically , they prohibit 58 00:02:29,080 --> 00:02:31,191 discrimination on the basis of gender 59 00:02:31,191 --> 00:02:32,747 identity or an individual's 60 00:02:32,747 --> 00:02:35,370 identification as transgender . They 61 00:02:35,370 --> 00:02:37,650 provide a means by which to assess 62 00:02:37,660 --> 00:02:40,480 access into the military . In one's 63 00:02:40,490 --> 00:02:42,950 self identified gender , provided all 64 00:02:42,960 --> 00:02:46,180 appropriate standards are met . They 65 00:02:46,180 --> 00:02:48,630 provide a path for those in service for 66 00:02:48,630 --> 00:02:50,741 medical treatment , gender transition 67 00:02:50,741 --> 00:02:52,408 and recognition in one's self 68 00:02:52,408 --> 00:02:54,730 identified gender . And they seek to 69 00:02:54,730 --> 00:02:56,680 protect the privacy of all service 70 00:02:56,680 --> 00:02:58,847 members and to treat them with dignity 71 00:02:58,847 --> 00:03:00,970 and respect at all times . These 72 00:03:00,970 --> 00:03:03,390 policies will be effective in 30 days , 73 00:03:03,400 --> 00:03:05,400 affording the military services the 74 00:03:05,400 --> 00:03:07,567 necessary time to update service level 75 00:03:07,567 --> 00:03:09,400 policies and provide guidance to 76 00:03:09,400 --> 00:03:11,567 commanders , service members , medical 77 00:03:11,567 --> 00:03:13,733 professionals and other communities of 78 00:03:13,733 --> 00:03:15,733 practice as appropriate during this 79 00:03:15,733 --> 00:03:17,622 period , The department's interim 80 00:03:17,622 --> 00:03:19,678 guidance , issued on January 29th of 81 00:03:19,678 --> 00:03:21,456 this year , remains in effect . 82 00:03:22,240 --> 00:03:24,240 Secretary Defence strongly believes 83 00:03:24,240 --> 00:03:26,296 that the all volunteer force thrives 84 00:03:26,296 --> 00:03:28,050 when it is composed of diverse 85 00:03:28,050 --> 00:03:29,828 Americans who can meet the high 86 00:03:29,828 --> 00:03:31,883 standards for military service in an 87 00:03:31,883 --> 00:03:33,883 inclusive force . That strength and 88 00:03:33,883 --> 00:03:35,772 strengthens our national security 89 00:03:35,772 --> 00:03:37,920 posture has emphasized from his 90 00:03:37,930 --> 00:03:40,152 original statement on this matter and I 91 00:03:40,152 --> 00:03:42,097 quote him here . The United States 92 00:03:42,097 --> 00:03:44,097 armed forces are in the business of 93 00:03:44,097 --> 00:03:46,263 defending our fellow citizens from our 94 00:03:46,263 --> 00:03:48,208 enemies , foreign and domestic . I 95 00:03:48,208 --> 00:03:50,430 believe we accomplish that mission more 96 00:03:50,430 --> 00:03:52,541 effectively when we represent all our 97 00:03:52,541 --> 00:03:55,430 fellow citizens , he goes on . I also 98 00:03:55,430 --> 00:03:57,486 believe we should avail ourselves of 99 00:03:57,486 --> 00:03:59,263 the best possible talent in our 100 00:03:59,263 --> 00:04:01,152 population , regardless of gender 101 00:04:01,152 --> 00:04:02,986 identity . We would be rendering 102 00:04:02,986 --> 00:04:05,200 ourselves less fit to the task if we 103 00:04:05,200 --> 00:04:07,510 excluded from our ranks people who meet 104 00:04:07,520 --> 00:04:09,631 our standards and who have the skills 105 00:04:09,631 --> 00:04:11,631 and devotion to serve to service in 106 00:04:11,631 --> 00:04:13,964 uniform . This is the right thing to do . 107 00:04:14,130 --> 00:04:17,150 It is also the smart thing to do now . 108 00:04:17,540 --> 00:04:20,360 Today I'm going to ask an expert to 109 00:04:20,360 --> 00:04:22,582 come up and handle your questions about 110 00:04:22,582 --> 00:04:25,060 this specific issue . Uh , and then 111 00:04:25,060 --> 00:04:27,116 when that's done , I'll come back up 112 00:04:27,116 --> 00:04:29,338 and we'll do other news of the day . So 113 00:04:29,338 --> 00:04:31,393 now I would like to introduce , uh , 114 00:04:31,393 --> 00:04:33,616 the director of a session policy , Miss 115 00:04:33,616 --> 00:04:35,727 Stephanie Miller , up to the podium . 116 00:04:35,727 --> 00:04:35,090 She'll be available to answer any 117 00:04:35,090 --> 00:04:37,320 questions . Uh , and then , as I said , 118 00:04:37,320 --> 00:04:39,320 we'll move on . I will moderate the 119 00:04:39,320 --> 00:04:41,376 questions for her . That's so cute . 120 00:04:41,376 --> 00:04:44,990 Yeah . Stephanie , our first 121 00:04:44,990 --> 00:04:47,101 question will come from lied about or 122 00:04:47,101 --> 00:04:50,940 associated press . Hi , John . 123 00:04:50,940 --> 00:04:53,420 Thank um , Stephanie . Just just a 124 00:04:53,420 --> 00:04:56,950 couple of questions on numbers . Um , 125 00:04:56,960 --> 00:04:58,849 the last numbers I think that the 126 00:04:58,849 --> 00:05:01,127 Pentagon released were that there were , 127 00:05:01,127 --> 00:05:04,460 um , as many as 14,700 . 128 00:05:04,840 --> 00:05:07,320 Um , active duty and reserves were 129 00:05:07,320 --> 00:05:10,860 identified as transgender . Um , 130 00:05:11,440 --> 00:05:13,840 do you have any updated numbers on the 131 00:05:13,840 --> 00:05:15,729 number of troops that identify as 132 00:05:15,729 --> 00:05:17,990 transgender the number of troops who 133 00:05:17,990 --> 00:05:20,760 are identified with gender dysphoria ? 134 00:05:21,140 --> 00:05:24,480 And then , are there any numbers at all 135 00:05:24,490 --> 00:05:28,360 on those who have who were either , 136 00:05:28,370 --> 00:05:32,120 uh , not allowed to re enlist or 137 00:05:32,130 --> 00:05:35,250 face some sort of administrative 138 00:05:35,260 --> 00:05:38,660 action over the last two years or 139 00:05:38,660 --> 00:05:41,270 so , Um uh , that you can at least even 140 00:05:41,270 --> 00:05:44,390 give us some broad guidelines or broad 141 00:05:44,400 --> 00:05:46,678 estimates on some of those . Thank you . 142 00:05:47,040 --> 00:05:49,096 Now , I thank you . I appreciate the 143 00:05:49,096 --> 00:05:51,207 question , and I'll see what I can do 144 00:05:51,207 --> 00:05:53,373 to answer all of them . Um , so as you 145 00:05:53,373 --> 00:05:55,596 may be familiar , the department policy 146 00:05:55,596 --> 00:05:57,707 actually prohibits the discrimination 147 00:05:57,707 --> 00:05:59,818 on the basis of transgender status or 148 00:05:59,818 --> 00:06:01,984 gender identity . And in that way , we 149 00:06:01,984 --> 00:06:03,651 try to protect the privacy of 150 00:06:03,651 --> 00:06:06,350 individuals . Um , but a subset of the 151 00:06:06,350 --> 00:06:08,760 transgender population are those that , 152 00:06:08,840 --> 00:06:11,062 um , have been medically diagnosed with 153 00:06:11,062 --> 00:06:13,320 a diagnosis of gender dysphoria and 154 00:06:13,320 --> 00:06:15,487 maybe seeking , um , or have completed 155 00:06:15,487 --> 00:06:18,030 medical care . And so we are able to 156 00:06:18,030 --> 00:06:20,290 provide some data as it relates to 157 00:06:20,300 --> 00:06:22,411 those who have had that diagnosis and 158 00:06:22,411 --> 00:06:24,633 are seeking that medical care . And the 159 00:06:24,633 --> 00:06:26,800 updated numbers we have are about 2200 160 00:06:26,860 --> 00:06:30,410 inside the military services . Um , as 161 00:06:30,410 --> 00:06:32,188 it pertains to the department's 162 00:06:32,188 --> 00:06:34,670 continuing review of records of 163 00:06:34,670 --> 00:06:36,892 individuals who may have been adversely 164 00:06:36,892 --> 00:06:38,948 impacted under the previous policy , 165 00:06:38,948 --> 00:06:41,170 that work is ongoing . And so we're not 166 00:06:41,170 --> 00:06:43,226 prepared to , um , offer any data on 167 00:06:43,226 --> 00:06:45,448 that at this time . Um if an individual 168 00:06:45,448 --> 00:06:47,448 has not been contacted but feels as 169 00:06:47,448 --> 00:06:49,559 though they were adversely impacted , 170 00:06:49,559 --> 00:06:49,500 we certainly encourage them to reach 171 00:06:49,500 --> 00:06:51,278 out to the service concerned or 172 00:06:51,278 --> 00:06:53,500 directly to the department such that we 173 00:06:53,500 --> 00:06:55,611 may have a conversation directly with 174 00:06:55,611 --> 00:06:58,250 that individual . It's nice to get a 175 00:06:58,260 --> 00:07:00,204 follow up . I just want to clarify 176 00:07:00,204 --> 00:07:02,204 something . When you say 2200 . You 177 00:07:02,204 --> 00:07:04,427 said inside all the military services , 178 00:07:04,427 --> 00:07:06,538 Does that include garden Reserve ? Is 179 00:07:06,538 --> 00:07:08,649 that just active duty ? Do you know ? 180 00:07:08,649 --> 00:07:10,760 Um , I we will I will verify that for 181 00:07:10,760 --> 00:07:12,927 you . I believe it is comprehensive to 182 00:07:12,927 --> 00:07:15,149 all , but we will double check . Okay , 183 00:07:15,149 --> 00:07:17,830 Tom , any sense of the medical costs 184 00:07:17,830 --> 00:07:20,270 will be involved here going into the 185 00:07:20,270 --> 00:07:23,260 future ballpark . Um , so you know , 186 00:07:23,260 --> 00:07:26,350 the medical , um , data that we have 187 00:07:26,350 --> 00:07:28,572 really indicates that , you know , it's 188 00:07:28,572 --> 00:07:30,739 it's very small , you know , a handful 189 00:07:30,739 --> 00:07:32,794 of a million dollars per year , uh , 190 00:07:32,794 --> 00:07:34,961 which is , really , you know , covered 191 00:07:34,961 --> 00:07:36,961 within the defense health budget of 192 00:07:36,961 --> 00:07:38,961 several billion . Um , so we're not 193 00:07:38,961 --> 00:07:40,906 anticipating with these changes in 194 00:07:40,906 --> 00:07:40,780 policies that there's going to be a 195 00:07:40,780 --> 00:07:42,891 significant , um , impact in terms of 196 00:07:42,891 --> 00:07:46,220 medical costs . Okay , back to the 197 00:07:46,230 --> 00:07:48,397 phones . Laura Sullivan . Did you have 198 00:07:48,397 --> 00:07:51,940 one Hey , I don't have one 199 00:07:51,940 --> 00:07:54,162 for the section . I'll have one later , 200 00:07:54,162 --> 00:07:57,640 though . Thanks . Okay . You talk about 201 00:07:57,650 --> 00:07:59,890 the studies that were done . And unit 202 00:07:59,890 --> 00:08:03,170 cohesion as that ever come up . If so , 203 00:08:03,180 --> 00:08:05,180 can you give examples anecdotally , 204 00:08:05,180 --> 00:08:07,402 where it's been a problem or not been a 205 00:08:07,402 --> 00:08:09,240 problem ? So today , in this 206 00:08:09,240 --> 00:08:11,184 announcement really focused on the 207 00:08:11,184 --> 00:08:13,296 release of the two new instructions . 208 00:08:13,296 --> 00:08:15,296 Um , and we're excited to implement 209 00:08:15,296 --> 00:08:17,518 that policy moving forward . Um , there 210 00:08:17,518 --> 00:08:19,740 is ongoing litigation as it pertains to 211 00:08:19,740 --> 00:08:21,629 to pass policy . And so we're not 212 00:08:21,629 --> 00:08:23,740 prepared at this time to discuss some 213 00:08:23,740 --> 00:08:23,340 either previous studies of the previous 214 00:08:23,340 --> 00:08:26,740 policy . So any comment at all on the 215 00:08:26,740 --> 00:08:29,100 impact on unit cohesion ? Not at this 216 00:08:29,100 --> 00:08:32,980 time . Okay , we'll try it 217 00:08:32,980 --> 00:08:35,360 again here . Caitlin Kenney , Stars and 218 00:08:35,360 --> 00:08:38,580 Stripes . I thank you . Um , my 219 00:08:38,580 --> 00:08:40,247 question is , um what are the 220 00:08:40,247 --> 00:08:42,358 requirements , um , in these policies 221 00:08:42,358 --> 00:08:44,358 for a service member to ask for and 222 00:08:44,358 --> 00:08:46,720 receive gender affirming surgery ? And 223 00:08:46,720 --> 00:08:49,060 does the Pentagon have an estimate of 224 00:08:49,060 --> 00:08:51,116 how many people would likely require 225 00:08:51,116 --> 00:08:53,004 surgery versus being treated with 226 00:08:53,004 --> 00:08:55,282 hormones or another treatment ? Thanks . 227 00:08:55,282 --> 00:08:57,282 Um , so really , you know , we will 228 00:08:57,282 --> 00:08:59,504 provide medically necessary care , um , 229 00:08:59,504 --> 00:09:02,050 to each individual member as really Um 230 00:09:02,060 --> 00:09:04,171 prescribed in their medical treatment 231 00:09:04,171 --> 00:09:06,393 plan . Uh , so that's that's individual 232 00:09:06,393 --> 00:09:08,338 for each case , and it's certainly 233 00:09:08,338 --> 00:09:10,616 determined with their medical provider . 234 00:09:10,616 --> 00:09:12,838 Um , and so it really runs the gamut in 235 00:09:12,838 --> 00:09:15,004 terms of individuals who may only seek 236 00:09:15,004 --> 00:09:17,171 cross hormone therapy versus those who 237 00:09:17,171 --> 00:09:18,910 may , um , pursue a surgical 238 00:09:18,910 --> 00:09:21,110 intervention . Uh , and so we don't 239 00:09:21,110 --> 00:09:23,054 have data necessarily available to 240 00:09:23,054 --> 00:09:25,166 share today on the differences . Um , 241 00:09:25,166 --> 00:09:28,280 of of how many people pursue , um , the 242 00:09:28,290 --> 00:09:30,512 full spectrum of the plan . But I think 243 00:09:30,512 --> 00:09:32,734 it's important to emphasize that , um , 244 00:09:32,734 --> 00:09:34,957 you know , all medically necessary care 245 00:09:34,957 --> 00:09:36,957 to include gender transition . Um , 246 00:09:36,957 --> 00:09:39,068 surgery will be available under these 247 00:09:39,068 --> 00:09:42,370 new policies . Yes . 248 00:09:43,240 --> 00:09:45,462 Can I ask you clarifying question . The 249 00:09:45,462 --> 00:09:47,629 2200 number A . I didn't understand it 250 00:09:47,629 --> 00:09:49,684 correctly . Does that number include 251 00:09:49,684 --> 00:09:51,851 number of service members who identify 252 00:09:51,851 --> 00:09:53,796 as transgender ? Does that include 253 00:09:53,796 --> 00:09:56,180 numbers of people who are believed that 254 00:09:56,190 --> 00:09:59,600 are seeking , um uh , 255 00:09:59,610 --> 00:10:01,832 surgery ? I'm trying to understand what 256 00:10:01,832 --> 00:10:03,999 the breakdown the numbers specifically 257 00:10:03,999 --> 00:10:06,166 write . That number represents those , 258 00:10:06,166 --> 00:10:07,888 um , service members have been 259 00:10:07,888 --> 00:10:07,760 medically diagnosed with gender 260 00:10:07,760 --> 00:10:09,500 dysphoria or any other related 261 00:10:09,500 --> 00:10:12,970 diagnostic codes . Um , so the 2200 is 262 00:10:12,970 --> 00:10:14,748 the number that we're presently 263 00:10:14,748 --> 00:10:17,220 tracking and our military health system 264 00:10:17,230 --> 00:10:19,450 management reporting tool . And and we 265 00:10:19,450 --> 00:10:21,672 use that for direct and purchase care . 266 00:10:21,672 --> 00:10:23,450 Um , so that's what that number 267 00:10:23,450 --> 00:10:25,672 represents . Before the policy change , 268 00:10:25,672 --> 00:10:27,617 there are some service members who 269 00:10:27,617 --> 00:10:29,728 identified as transgender who allowed 270 00:10:29,728 --> 00:10:31,783 to sort of be grandfathered in after 271 00:10:31,783 --> 00:10:31,270 that change . Dealing with that number 272 00:10:31,270 --> 00:10:33,520 is , um , I don't have that number at 273 00:10:33,520 --> 00:10:35,880 this time , but certainly those in that 274 00:10:35,880 --> 00:10:37,602 previous grandfather to exempt 275 00:10:37,602 --> 00:10:39,769 population will be fully covered under 276 00:10:39,769 --> 00:10:42,400 these existing policies . That's 277 00:10:42,400 --> 00:10:45,920 correct . Phones here dancing . Alan , 278 00:10:45,920 --> 00:10:48,460 do you have one ? I have a question on 279 00:10:48,460 --> 00:10:51,930 the next section for you . Thank you . 280 00:10:51,940 --> 00:10:53,560 All right , Jeff shovel . 281 00:10:55,640 --> 00:10:58,400 Thank you . Uh , I apologize that I 282 00:10:58,400 --> 00:11:00,400 haven't seen the instructions . Are 283 00:11:00,400 --> 00:11:03,670 there any scenarios in which otherwise 284 00:11:03,670 --> 00:11:06,030 qualified transgender individuals 285 00:11:06,030 --> 00:11:08,460 cannot enlist or be commissioned in the 286 00:11:08,460 --> 00:11:12,420 military ? So , um , the current , the 287 00:11:12,420 --> 00:11:14,642 policies that were publishing today one 288 00:11:14,642 --> 00:11:16,364 is specific to medical session 289 00:11:16,364 --> 00:11:18,630 standards . And so , um , transgender 290 00:11:18,630 --> 00:11:20,797 applicants will certainly need to meet 291 00:11:20,797 --> 00:11:22,963 all other medical standards to include 292 00:11:22,963 --> 00:11:25,130 those standards that may be associated 293 00:11:25,130 --> 00:11:27,352 um , specifically with across x hormone 294 00:11:27,352 --> 00:11:29,519 therapy . Um , a previous diagnosis of 295 00:11:29,519 --> 00:11:31,780 gender dysphoria , um , or or any form 296 00:11:31,780 --> 00:11:33,800 of surgical intervention . So their 297 00:11:33,800 --> 00:11:36,210 specific , uh , standards associated 298 00:11:36,210 --> 00:11:39,110 with those , uh , those those medical 299 00:11:39,110 --> 00:11:41,500 conditions or medical , um , surgical 300 00:11:41,500 --> 00:11:43,350 interventions , but certainly 301 00:11:43,350 --> 00:11:45,572 individuals that have to meet all other 302 00:11:45,572 --> 00:11:47,572 qualifying standards . Um , in that 303 00:11:47,572 --> 00:11:50,360 instruction . And if I could follow up 304 00:11:50,370 --> 00:11:52,730 if the department determines that 305 00:11:52,740 --> 00:11:55,390 transgender individuals were unfairly 306 00:11:55,400 --> 00:11:58,230 separated under the old policy , is it 307 00:11:58,230 --> 00:12:00,397 possible they could receive back pay ? 308 00:12:00,840 --> 00:12:03,062 Uh , we each situation would have to be 309 00:12:03,062 --> 00:12:05,284 looked at individually . Which is why , 310 00:12:05,284 --> 00:12:07,507 um , we emphasize that if an individual 311 00:12:07,507 --> 00:12:09,507 feels as though they were adversely 312 00:12:09,507 --> 00:12:11,673 impacted under the previous policies , 313 00:12:11,673 --> 00:12:11,010 we encourage them to contact the 314 00:12:11,010 --> 00:12:13,232 department so that we can look at their 315 00:12:13,232 --> 00:12:15,454 case individually . Um , and to provide 316 00:12:15,454 --> 00:12:17,454 any manner of redress that would be 317 00:12:17,454 --> 00:12:20,880 appropriate . Therese , did you have a 318 00:12:20,880 --> 00:12:22,460 question for Miss Miller ? 319 00:12:28,540 --> 00:12:32,260 Okay . Dance a gallon . PBS . Yes . I 320 00:12:32,260 --> 00:12:34,482 was having issues with my mute button . 321 00:12:34,482 --> 00:12:36,538 Can you hear me ? Okay , I got you . 322 00:12:36,538 --> 00:12:38,704 Now , do you have a question ? Yes . I 323 00:12:38,704 --> 00:12:38,350 actually have a question for the next 324 00:12:38,350 --> 00:12:40,690 section . Okay . Thank you . Dance a 325 00:12:40,690 --> 00:12:42,801 gallon ? No , I've got a question for 326 00:12:42,801 --> 00:12:44,579 the next section . Steve Luse . 327 00:12:46,740 --> 00:12:50,440 Yes . Um , do you anticipate any , 328 00:12:50,450 --> 00:12:53,980 uh , any issues regarding the 329 00:12:53,980 --> 00:12:57,880 deployment of people who are , um , 330 00:12:57,890 --> 00:13:00,590 transgender or at any stage in the 331 00:13:00,590 --> 00:13:04,560 process . Um , the policy is , uh , 332 00:13:04,570 --> 00:13:08,010 certainly , uh provide a wide range of 333 00:13:08,010 --> 00:13:10,066 options available both to the member 334 00:13:10,066 --> 00:13:11,843 and to the unit and the medical 335 00:13:11,843 --> 00:13:13,870 provider . Um , for for managing 336 00:13:13,870 --> 00:13:17,030 situations where the individual , um , 337 00:13:17,030 --> 00:13:19,480 may need some determination of 338 00:13:19,480 --> 00:13:21,480 individual circumstances . So , you 339 00:13:21,480 --> 00:13:23,258 know , certainly there can be a 340 00:13:23,258 --> 00:13:25,369 discussion under the policy and under 341 00:13:25,369 --> 00:13:27,536 transgender care plan of an adjustment 342 00:13:27,536 --> 00:13:29,702 of the date of which a certain part of 343 00:13:29,702 --> 00:13:31,702 the transition processes to occur , 344 00:13:31,702 --> 00:13:33,480 such as that the individual can 345 00:13:33,480 --> 00:13:35,702 potentially , um , complete any sort of 346 00:13:35,702 --> 00:13:37,980 operational movement with the the unit . 347 00:13:37,980 --> 00:13:41,330 Um , there's the opportunity to advise 348 00:13:41,330 --> 00:13:43,497 the service member of the availability 349 00:13:43,497 --> 00:13:45,719 of options for extended leave status or 350 00:13:45,719 --> 00:13:47,552 participation in other voluntary 351 00:13:47,552 --> 00:13:49,552 absence programs . Um , as needed . 352 00:13:49,552 --> 00:13:51,552 There could be an arrangement for a 353 00:13:51,552 --> 00:13:53,497 transfer to another organization , 354 00:13:53,497 --> 00:13:55,552 command , location or duty status as 355 00:13:55,552 --> 00:13:57,774 needed . Um , and and really , when all 356 00:13:57,774 --> 00:14:00,320 of that is not appropriate , then there 357 00:14:00,320 --> 00:14:02,598 there could be a discussion about , um , 358 00:14:02,598 --> 00:14:04,764 other courses of action . But we truly 359 00:14:04,764 --> 00:14:06,931 believe that under the auspices of the 360 00:14:06,931 --> 00:14:09,153 policy that there is flexibility , Um , 361 00:14:09,153 --> 00:14:10,987 in most cases , to work with the 362 00:14:10,987 --> 00:14:12,987 individual concerned and the unit . 363 00:14:12,987 --> 00:14:15,850 Thank you . You got another one , even 364 00:14:16,240 --> 00:14:19,190 mhm . Um , So the policy change allows 365 00:14:19,200 --> 00:14:22,410 for service members to serve in their 366 00:14:22,420 --> 00:14:25,660 self identified gender . So practically , 367 00:14:26,140 --> 00:14:29,580 how will that be implemented ? And how 368 00:14:29,580 --> 00:14:31,691 long will it take to implement that ? 369 00:14:31,691 --> 00:14:33,858 And also , would you talk a little bit 370 00:14:33,858 --> 00:14:36,080 about your office ? Your position ? How 371 00:14:36,080 --> 00:14:37,969 long has that been about how many 372 00:14:37,969 --> 00:14:40,080 people are in that office ? Sure . So 373 00:14:40,080 --> 00:14:42,024 the current policy is very closely 374 00:14:42,024 --> 00:14:44,330 aligned to the original 2016 policy and 375 00:14:44,330 --> 00:14:46,386 the policy that was in place for the 376 00:14:46,386 --> 00:14:48,441 exempt population of the grandfather 377 00:14:48,441 --> 00:14:50,163 population that we spoke about 378 00:14:50,163 --> 00:14:52,386 previously . Um , so the department has 379 00:14:52,386 --> 00:14:54,552 been operating for a number of years , 380 00:14:54,552 --> 00:14:56,719 uh , in support of transgender service 381 00:14:56,719 --> 00:14:58,886 members and and affecting that medical 382 00:14:58,886 --> 00:15:01,108 transition is needed . Um , and so when 383 00:15:01,108 --> 00:15:03,274 you have the opportunity to review the 384 00:15:03,274 --> 00:15:03,000 policies which I encourage you to do , 385 00:15:03,010 --> 00:15:04,954 it really defines how that process 386 00:15:04,954 --> 00:15:07,177 works . And it starts with working with 387 00:15:07,177 --> 00:15:08,954 the medical provider , um , and 388 00:15:08,954 --> 00:15:10,899 receiving that diagnosis of gender 389 00:15:10,899 --> 00:15:13,121 dysphoria . And then , um , the medical 390 00:15:13,121 --> 00:15:15,288 provider or a team , um , then designs 391 00:15:15,288 --> 00:15:17,399 a medical transition treatment plan . 392 00:15:17,399 --> 00:15:19,510 Um , that usually includes , um , you 393 00:15:19,510 --> 00:15:21,566 know , the primary care provider and 394 00:15:21,566 --> 00:15:23,343 endocrinologist . Um , surgical 395 00:15:23,343 --> 00:15:25,454 specialties kissed um , and even case 396 00:15:25,454 --> 00:15:27,788 managers . Um , we have wonderful teams , 397 00:15:27,788 --> 00:15:30,140 um , that are led by regional chairs 398 00:15:30,140 --> 00:15:32,362 across the Defense Department and major 399 00:15:32,362 --> 00:15:34,730 MTs that really specialize in this and 400 00:15:34,730 --> 00:15:36,619 are prepared to work with service 401 00:15:36,619 --> 00:15:38,508 members to help have a successful 402 00:15:38,508 --> 00:15:40,674 transition . And so once they designed 403 00:15:40,674 --> 00:15:42,674 that plan , then they work with the 404 00:15:42,674 --> 00:15:44,897 unit concerned and the commander making 405 00:15:44,897 --> 00:15:46,786 sure that they are looking at the 406 00:15:46,786 --> 00:15:49,063 timing of different interventions . Um , 407 00:15:49,063 --> 00:15:51,230 and as I mentioned before , whether or 408 00:15:51,230 --> 00:15:50,700 not there needs to be an adjustment to 409 00:15:50,700 --> 00:15:53,100 any of that to help , um , support the 410 00:15:53,100 --> 00:15:55,420 service member and , uh , support the 411 00:15:55,420 --> 00:15:58,530 unit , um , and then the command to 412 00:15:58,530 --> 00:16:00,641 support the individual as they affect 413 00:16:00,641 --> 00:16:02,697 that transition . So your office has 414 00:16:02,697 --> 00:16:04,863 been around for a number of years . My 415 00:16:04,863 --> 00:16:06,808 office has been around for yes , a 416 00:16:06,808 --> 00:16:08,919 number of years . Um , And while I am 417 00:16:08,919 --> 00:16:11,141 directly responsible for all aspects of 418 00:16:11,141 --> 00:16:13,363 military sessions policy so essentially 419 00:16:13,363 --> 00:16:15,308 any way that you can come into the 420 00:16:15,308 --> 00:16:17,419 military officer enlisted because our 421 00:16:17,419 --> 00:16:19,530 office that has a lot of expertise in 422 00:16:19,530 --> 00:16:21,752 terms of , um , the medical standards , 423 00:16:21,752 --> 00:16:23,919 our office was asked to to really lead 424 00:16:23,919 --> 00:16:25,974 the drafting effort on this policy . 425 00:16:25,974 --> 00:16:28,520 All right . Thank you . Okay . Back to 426 00:16:28,520 --> 00:16:30,742 the phones . Alex , Do you have one for 427 00:16:30,742 --> 00:16:30,660 Miss Miller ? 428 00:16:36,140 --> 00:16:38,196 Hey , John , It's Lou Martinez . Can 429 00:16:38,196 --> 00:16:40,473 you hear me ? Yeah , I got you , Louis . 430 00:16:40,473 --> 00:16:42,584 Do you have a question ? Yes , I do . 431 00:16:42,584 --> 00:16:44,696 I'm sorry I joined late , and I'm not 432 00:16:44,696 --> 00:16:46,807 on your list . But just a question we 433 00:16:46,807 --> 00:16:49,029 have seen . Think tanks provide numbers 434 00:16:49,029 --> 00:16:51,540 of 25,000 members of the military who 435 00:16:51,540 --> 00:16:53,730 self identify self identified as being 436 00:16:53,730 --> 00:16:55,900 transgender . Can you provide us what 437 00:16:55,900 --> 00:16:58,122 that number is ? And when those numbers 438 00:16:58,122 --> 00:17:00,178 came about Thank you . Um , the data 439 00:17:00,178 --> 00:17:02,233 the department is tracking from some 440 00:17:02,233 --> 00:17:04,570 previous studies is it really ranges 441 00:17:04,570 --> 00:17:07,050 anywhere , you know , between 1000 to 442 00:17:07,050 --> 00:17:09,690 8000 . A pretty wide range , Uh , and 443 00:17:09,690 --> 00:17:11,857 and so that really covers the gamut of 444 00:17:11,857 --> 00:17:13,912 individuals who may self identify as 445 00:17:13,912 --> 00:17:15,912 transgender but not necessarily who 446 00:17:15,912 --> 00:17:18,079 choose to seek a medical transition or 447 00:17:18,079 --> 00:17:20,301 those who choose to seek a full medical 448 00:17:20,301 --> 00:17:22,357 transition . So it's a pretty , um , 449 00:17:22,357 --> 00:17:24,357 wide range . So can I ask , what is 450 00:17:24,357 --> 00:17:26,246 this 14,000 number that I've seen 451 00:17:26,246 --> 00:17:28,301 somewhere else ? Uh , the department 452 00:17:28,301 --> 00:17:30,412 had previously released information . 453 00:17:30,412 --> 00:17:32,246 Um , as to again , the number of 454 00:17:32,246 --> 00:17:34,134 individuals in our medical health 455 00:17:34,134 --> 00:17:35,912 system , um that had received a 456 00:17:35,912 --> 00:17:37,968 diagnosis of gender dysphoria . Um , 457 00:17:37,968 --> 00:17:40,079 and as we were talking about a little 458 00:17:40,079 --> 00:17:42,190 bit earlier , the more recent numbers 459 00:17:42,190 --> 00:17:44,670 we have on that is about 2200 . Thank 460 00:17:44,670 --> 00:17:47,050 you . Okay , Tom , from talk media . 461 00:17:53,740 --> 00:17:55,796 Sometimes it takes a moment to amuse 462 00:17:55,796 --> 00:17:58,460 themselves . Okay , Paul . 463 00:17:59,240 --> 00:18:01,810 Happy John . My questions for you . 464 00:18:01,890 --> 00:18:05,850 Okay . Thank you . Yeah . Paul from FB 465 00:18:06,540 --> 00:18:09,310 That was Paul . Hey , my question is 466 00:18:09,310 --> 00:18:11,421 also for the later sessions . Sorry . 467 00:18:11,421 --> 00:18:13,310 All right . Great . I think we've 468 00:18:13,310 --> 00:18:16,770 exhausted your questions for today . 469 00:18:16,780 --> 00:18:19,002 Thanks very much . Of course . Happy to 470 00:18:19,002 --> 00:18:22,170 help . Thank you so much . Yeah . 471 00:18:24,340 --> 00:18:24,960 Okay . 472 00:18:29,340 --> 00:18:31,870 A couple of other items . Um , just 473 00:18:31,870 --> 00:18:34,800 that I want to mention the current year 474 00:18:34,800 --> 00:18:38,060 2020 . Quarterly , fourth quarter , uh , 475 00:18:38,070 --> 00:18:40,126 suicide report has been published on 476 00:18:40,126 --> 00:18:42,348 our site . The number of suicide deaths 477 00:18:42,348 --> 00:18:44,459 in the current report are preliminary 478 00:18:44,470 --> 00:18:46,581 and subject to change . As previously 479 00:18:46,581 --> 00:18:49,350 unknown cases are reported . Uh , and 480 00:18:49,350 --> 00:18:50,961 some known cases are further 481 00:18:50,961 --> 00:18:53,540 investigated in the report . You'll see 482 00:18:53,540 --> 00:18:56,280 that in the quarter and again , these 483 00:18:56,280 --> 00:19:00,090 numbers may likely vary as , um as time 484 00:19:00,090 --> 00:19:02,380 goes on . There were 99 deaths by 485 00:19:02,380 --> 00:19:05,040 suicide and the active component 57 in 486 00:19:05,040 --> 00:19:07,230 the reserve component . But at this 487 00:19:07,230 --> 00:19:09,174 time , it's too early to determine 488 00:19:09,174 --> 00:19:11,397 whether suicide rates are going to show 489 00:19:11,397 --> 00:19:13,452 an increase or decrease for calendar 490 00:19:13,452 --> 00:19:16,200 year 2020 . Anyway , it's up on our 491 00:19:16,200 --> 00:19:18,367 site and you're you're welcome to look 492 00:19:18,367 --> 00:19:20,422 at it . Bottom line is , of course , 493 00:19:20,422 --> 00:19:22,644 that the health , safety and well being 494 00:19:22,644 --> 00:19:24,811 of our military community is paramount 495 00:19:24,811 --> 00:19:26,811 to the readiness of our force . And 496 00:19:26,811 --> 00:19:28,922 every death by suicide is a tragedy , 497 00:19:28,922 --> 00:19:30,867 and everyone results in a grieving 498 00:19:30,867 --> 00:19:34,280 family , uh , for which we share that 499 00:19:34,290 --> 00:19:36,980 that grief . Um , also today , I wanted 500 00:19:36,980 --> 00:19:38,924 to let you know that the secretary 501 00:19:38,924 --> 00:19:41,147 spoke with his Indonesian counterpart , 502 00:19:41,147 --> 00:19:43,091 the Indonesian Minister of Defense 503 00:19:43,091 --> 00:19:46,260 Prabowo Subianto , on the phone to 504 00:19:46,260 --> 00:19:47,982 reaffirm the importance of the 505 00:19:47,982 --> 00:19:50,038 bilateral defence relationship . The 506 00:19:50,038 --> 00:19:52,260 minister congratulated Secretary Austin 507 00:19:52,260 --> 00:19:54,149 on his appointment as secretary , 508 00:19:54,149 --> 00:19:55,871 defense and secretary . Austin 509 00:19:55,871 --> 00:19:57,760 expressed his condolences for the 510 00:19:57,760 --> 00:19:59,927 recent terrorist attacks in Makassar . 511 00:19:59,927 --> 00:20:01,816 In Jakarta , Secretary Austin and 512 00:20:01,816 --> 00:20:04,310 Minister Prabowo discuss the regional 513 00:20:04,310 --> 00:20:06,366 security environment , including the 514 00:20:06,366 --> 00:20:08,310 challenging situation in the South 515 00:20:08,310 --> 00:20:10,477 China Sea as well as bilateral defense 516 00:20:10,477 --> 00:20:12,477 cooperation . And with that , we'll 517 00:20:12,477 --> 00:20:14,477 take some questions . Lee , Did you 518 00:20:14,477 --> 00:20:13,760 have one for me ? 519 00:20:18,540 --> 00:20:21,090 Sorry . No , I got one already . I'll 520 00:20:21,100 --> 00:20:23,910 let someone else that Megan General Van 521 00:20:23,910 --> 00:20:26,077 Herck was here a couple of weeks ago , 522 00:20:26,077 --> 00:20:28,021 he said , DHS had given them a new 523 00:20:28,021 --> 00:20:30,188 request for extension of troops on the 524 00:20:30,188 --> 00:20:32,354 border . Has that moved along at all ? 525 00:20:32,354 --> 00:20:34,354 I don't have any updates for you on 526 00:20:34,354 --> 00:20:36,790 that , John . The extremism stand down 527 00:20:36,800 --> 00:20:39,000 is wrapping up . I guess in the next 528 00:20:39,000 --> 00:20:42,750 few days , um , has Secretary received 529 00:20:42,750 --> 00:20:44,917 any preliminary information from these 530 00:20:44,917 --> 00:20:47,540 stand downs across the services ? Will 531 00:20:47,540 --> 00:20:49,540 there be some sort of a report when 532 00:20:49,540 --> 00:20:51,710 this is all wrapped up and talk about 533 00:20:51,720 --> 00:20:54,880 the next steps ? If there are any , uh , 534 00:20:54,890 --> 00:20:56,946 all fair questions , Tom , uh , he's 535 00:20:56,946 --> 00:20:59,057 received some anecdotal feedback from 536 00:20:59,057 --> 00:21:01,112 the from the services , as he's been 537 00:21:01,112 --> 00:21:03,310 obviously meeting with the service 538 00:21:03,310 --> 00:21:05,421 Chiefs and acting service secretaries 539 00:21:05,421 --> 00:21:07,754 on a routine basis about lots of issues . 540 00:21:07,754 --> 00:21:10,890 Um , we expect that he will have a more 541 00:21:10,890 --> 00:21:13,057 formalized chance to get feedback from 542 00:21:13,057 --> 00:21:16,040 the service chiefs next week . Um , 543 00:21:16,040 --> 00:21:18,262 where they can report back more of what 544 00:21:18,262 --> 00:21:20,373 they've learned and how they felt the 545 00:21:20,373 --> 00:21:21,929 stand downs went from their 546 00:21:21,929 --> 00:21:23,929 perspectives . Uh , and that hasn't 547 00:21:23,929 --> 00:21:25,707 happened yet . Um , but I don't 548 00:21:25,707 --> 00:21:28,040 anticipate a written report that will 549 00:21:28,040 --> 00:21:30,207 come out of this again . It's gonna be 550 00:21:30,207 --> 00:21:32,373 a conversation with the service chiefs 551 00:21:32,373 --> 00:21:34,484 about what they saw what they learned 552 00:21:34,484 --> 00:21:36,318 and whatever inputs they want to 553 00:21:36,318 --> 00:21:38,484 provide to him for his thinking . Uh , 554 00:21:38,484 --> 00:21:40,762 and I won't get ahead of that thinking . 555 00:21:40,762 --> 00:21:42,484 Um , uh , that discussion will 556 00:21:42,484 --> 00:21:44,596 certainly inform the way forward , As 557 00:21:44,596 --> 00:21:46,707 I've said before , Uh , the secretary 558 00:21:46,707 --> 00:21:48,830 wants to make this a continuous focus 559 00:21:48,840 --> 00:21:50,562 for the department , that it's 560 00:21:50,562 --> 00:21:52,784 something that's it's a he considered a 561 00:21:52,784 --> 00:21:54,840 leadership issue , something that we 562 00:21:54,840 --> 00:21:57,007 should be thinking about and acting on 563 00:21:57,007 --> 00:21:59,390 every single day . And , uh , it's sort 564 00:21:59,390 --> 00:22:03,040 of an eater of , uh in an iterative way 565 00:22:03,040 --> 00:22:05,510 and not necessarily in some sort of 566 00:22:05,520 --> 00:22:08,400 time bound function , so Well , I I 567 00:22:08,400 --> 00:22:10,400 suspect , as I said yesterday , you 568 00:22:10,400 --> 00:22:12,511 know we'll have more to talk about in 569 00:22:12,511 --> 00:22:15,850 terms of specific , um , pursuits , but 570 00:22:15,860 --> 00:22:18,027 it probably will be about a week or so 571 00:22:18,027 --> 00:22:20,610 before we're in a position to do that . 572 00:22:20,620 --> 00:22:22,731 We talked before about how you cannot 573 00:22:22,731 --> 00:22:24,860 be an active member of an extremist 574 00:22:24,860 --> 00:22:27,470 group . You can still be a member . Is 575 00:22:27,470 --> 00:22:29,359 that still the case , and is that 576 00:22:29,359 --> 00:22:31,414 something he's gonna look at ? Maybe 577 00:22:31,414 --> 00:22:33,581 changing the policy as it exists now , 578 00:22:33,581 --> 00:22:35,850 the one that he has inherited , uh , 579 00:22:35,860 --> 00:22:38,270 says that , uh , you can be a member , 580 00:22:38,270 --> 00:22:40,380 but it's active participation , not 581 00:22:40,390 --> 00:22:42,112 active membership , but active 582 00:22:42,112 --> 00:22:44,970 participation in extremist activities 583 00:22:44,980 --> 00:22:48,630 or in activities driven by a group 584 00:22:48,640 --> 00:22:51,210 that is prohibited by the U . C M . J . 585 00:22:51,210 --> 00:22:53,432 And you know , that's everything from , 586 00:22:53,432 --> 00:22:56,310 um , you know , espousing , Um 587 00:22:56,320 --> 00:22:59,890 uh , this ideology in a public forum 588 00:22:59,890 --> 00:23:02,080 to fundraising , too , you know , and 589 00:23:02,080 --> 00:23:04,800 certainly to any criminal behavior . Um , 590 00:23:04,910 --> 00:23:07,590 as for whether he's going to revisit 591 00:23:07,600 --> 00:23:10,620 the policy of membership alone , as I 592 00:23:10,620 --> 00:23:12,787 think I've said on many occasions , he 593 00:23:12,787 --> 00:23:14,620 wants to keep an open mind about 594 00:23:14,620 --> 00:23:16,564 everything going forward . Um , he 595 00:23:16,564 --> 00:23:18,787 wants to hear from the service chiefs . 596 00:23:18,787 --> 00:23:20,842 Um , and he'll I think he'll keep an 597 00:23:20,842 --> 00:23:22,787 open mind going forward about what 598 00:23:22,787 --> 00:23:25,009 options he might pursue . And again , I 599 00:23:25,009 --> 00:23:27,064 don't want to get ahead of decisions 600 00:23:27,064 --> 00:23:29,176 that , uh , that he hasn't decided to 601 00:23:29,176 --> 00:23:32,360 make . Yeah . Okay , Tom . 602 00:23:34,740 --> 00:23:36,851 Thank you . Thanks , John , for doing 603 00:23:36,851 --> 00:23:39,018 this . Um , you guys have talked about 604 00:23:39,018 --> 00:23:41,073 the critical aspects of supply chain 605 00:23:41,073 --> 00:23:43,296 and how it relates to national security 606 00:23:43,296 --> 00:23:45,351 and threats to the supply chain . As 607 00:23:45,351 --> 00:23:47,296 part of the review the Pentagon is 608 00:23:47,296 --> 00:23:49,296 doing , um is the issue of military 609 00:23:49,296 --> 00:23:51,296 working dogs in the supply chain of 610 00:23:51,296 --> 00:23:53,407 them going to be considered ? I asked 611 00:23:53,407 --> 00:23:55,351 this because the U s Navy graduate 612 00:23:55,351 --> 00:23:57,296 school . Proud to report this week 613 00:23:57,296 --> 00:23:59,518 saying 90% of our military working dogs 614 00:23:59,518 --> 00:24:01,950 come from overseas breeders . Um , and 615 00:24:01,950 --> 00:24:04,172 it's a serious question . I know you're 616 00:24:04,172 --> 00:24:06,283 probably laughing . I can't see you , 617 00:24:06,283 --> 00:24:08,506 but I'm curious . Would just be part of 618 00:24:08,506 --> 00:24:10,394 the supply chain survey . I'm not 619 00:24:10,394 --> 00:24:10,250 laughing at all time . I mean , we all 620 00:24:10,250 --> 00:24:12,620 recognize the critical national 621 00:24:12,620 --> 00:24:14,620 security role , safety and security 622 00:24:14,620 --> 00:24:16,890 role that working dogs play . I think 623 00:24:16,890 --> 00:24:19,080 there's very few agencies in the 624 00:24:19,080 --> 00:24:21,290 government who who understand that 625 00:24:21,290 --> 00:24:23,512 better than the Department of Defense . 626 00:24:23,512 --> 00:24:25,450 I don't have a specific , um , 627 00:24:26,240 --> 00:24:28,630 announcement to make today about the 628 00:24:28,630 --> 00:24:30,797 degree to which the secretary is going 629 00:24:30,797 --> 00:24:32,852 to consider this . We certainly have 630 00:24:32,852 --> 00:24:35,580 seen that reporting . Um and , uh , and 631 00:24:35,580 --> 00:24:37,691 I suspect that , you know , we wanted 632 00:24:37,691 --> 00:24:39,802 to get more information before making 633 00:24:39,802 --> 00:24:42,460 any kind of policy decision about this , 634 00:24:42,540 --> 00:24:44,520 But make no mistake . I mean , we 635 00:24:44,520 --> 00:24:46,950 absolutely fully understand the 636 00:24:46,960 --> 00:24:50,300 capabilities . Uh , never mind . Never 637 00:24:50,300 --> 00:24:52,300 mind . You know how how much people 638 00:24:52,300 --> 00:24:55,060 obviously , uh , feel affection for 639 00:24:55,060 --> 00:24:57,180 dogs , but the the actual security 640 00:24:57,180 --> 00:24:59,291 capabilities that these animals bring 641 00:24:59,291 --> 00:25:01,124 to the mission , and , uh and we 642 00:25:01,124 --> 00:25:03,069 certainly will continue to take it 643 00:25:03,069 --> 00:25:05,291 seriously . Going forward . Thank you . 644 00:25:05,291 --> 00:25:08,170 Yeah . Uh , Paul Handley AP . 645 00:25:09,540 --> 00:25:12,600 Hi , John . Can you , uh , tell us what 646 00:25:12,600 --> 00:25:14,600 was the reason for General Millie's 647 00:25:14,600 --> 00:25:18,270 call to Russia and Ukraine today ? And 648 00:25:18,280 --> 00:25:21,590 can you give some details on why the U . 649 00:25:21,590 --> 00:25:23,690 S . Troops in Europe have gone on a 650 00:25:23,690 --> 00:25:27,120 heightened ? Uh , not alert , but 651 00:25:27,130 --> 00:25:30,310 warning status ? Well , so I would 652 00:25:30,310 --> 00:25:32,860 refer you to the chairman's office to 653 00:25:32,860 --> 00:25:35,700 speak to his to his 654 00:25:37,140 --> 00:25:40,610 conversations today . Um but I would 655 00:25:40,610 --> 00:25:43,410 say that we're concerned about recent 656 00:25:43,410 --> 00:25:46,380 escalations of Russian aggression in 657 00:25:46,380 --> 00:25:48,547 eastern Ukraine , including violations 658 00:25:48,547 --> 00:25:50,713 of the July 2022 ceasefire that led to 659 00:25:50,713 --> 00:25:52,824 the deaths of four Ukrainian soldiers 660 00:25:52,824 --> 00:25:55,500 on the 26th of March and the wounding 661 00:25:55,500 --> 00:25:58,110 of two others . Russia's destabilizing 662 00:25:58,110 --> 00:26:00,277 actions undermined the de escalation , 663 00:26:00,277 --> 00:26:02,388 the intentions that had been achieved 664 00:26:02,388 --> 00:26:04,610 through an O S C . E brokered agreement 665 00:26:04,610 --> 00:26:06,670 back in July of last year . 666 00:26:07,140 --> 00:26:08,862 Additionally , we are aware of 667 00:26:08,862 --> 00:26:10,973 Ukrainian military reports concerning 668 00:26:10,973 --> 00:26:13,029 Russian troop movements on Ukraine's 669 00:26:13,029 --> 00:26:15,084 borders were discussing our concerns 670 00:26:15,084 --> 00:26:17,029 about this increased intentions in 671 00:26:17,029 --> 00:26:18,918 ceasefire violations and regional 672 00:26:18,918 --> 00:26:20,862 tensions with NATO allies . Um , I 673 00:26:20,862 --> 00:26:24,370 suspect that the the outreach by , uh , 674 00:26:24,380 --> 00:26:27,000 the chairman today , at least as read 675 00:26:27,000 --> 00:26:29,390 out by the chairman staff with his 676 00:26:29,390 --> 00:26:31,334 Russian and Ukrainian counterparts 677 00:26:31,334 --> 00:26:34,220 certainly covered , uh , this issue and 678 00:26:34,230 --> 00:26:37,060 those concerns , but I again refer you 679 00:26:37,070 --> 00:26:39,470 to his office for more specifics . I'd 680 00:26:39,470 --> 00:26:41,526 also note that the national security 681 00:26:41,526 --> 00:26:43,692 advisor , Jake Sullivan , spoke Monday 682 00:26:43,692 --> 00:26:45,748 with his Ukrainian counterpart , the 683 00:26:45,748 --> 00:26:47,748 head of presidential office , Andre 684 00:26:47,748 --> 00:26:49,859 Your Mac . Mr . Sullivan affirmed the 685 00:26:49,859 --> 00:26:51,970 United States' unwavering support for 686 00:26:51,970 --> 00:26:53,970 Ukraine's sovereignty , territorial 687 00:26:53,970 --> 00:26:56,192 integrity and Euro Atlantic aspirations 688 00:26:56,192 --> 00:26:58,026 in the face of continued Russian 689 00:26:58,026 --> 00:27:00,026 aggression . Can you follow that up 690 00:27:00,026 --> 00:27:02,670 just quickly ? There's , uh , videos 691 00:27:02,670 --> 00:27:05,210 online , which are not 692 00:27:05,220 --> 00:27:08,520 verified , but they seem to show a 693 00:27:08,520 --> 00:27:10,742 large amount of Russian hardware moving 694 00:27:10,742 --> 00:27:14,250 into Crimea . Can you confirm anything 695 00:27:14,250 --> 00:27:17,460 about that ? I cannot No , Just call . 696 00:27:19,340 --> 00:27:21,660 Uh , John is the secretary word that 697 00:27:21,670 --> 00:27:24,420 Russia could be preparing to further 698 00:27:24,420 --> 00:27:26,780 its incursion into Ukraine . We 699 00:27:26,780 --> 00:27:28,836 obviously don't want to see any more 700 00:27:28,836 --> 00:27:31,058 violations of Ukrainian territory . I'm 701 00:27:31,058 --> 00:27:33,002 not going to speak to intelligence 702 00:27:33,002 --> 00:27:35,224 matters . And just this is not the only 703 00:27:35,224 --> 00:27:37,280 military maneuvers this week you had 704 00:27:37,280 --> 00:27:39,058 three Russian ballistic missile 705 00:27:39,058 --> 00:27:41,224 submarines going up through the ice in 706 00:27:41,224 --> 00:27:43,447 the North Pole . You had Russian , uh , 707 00:27:43,447 --> 00:27:45,669 bombers flying around Europe . NATO had 708 00:27:45,669 --> 00:27:47,724 to scramble dozens of fighter jets . 709 00:27:47,724 --> 00:27:49,891 How concerned is the secretary of this 710 00:27:49,891 --> 00:27:52,190 building that this is a menacing 711 00:27:52,200 --> 00:27:54,144 presence . I think we've been very 712 00:27:54,144 --> 00:27:58,010 clear about the threats 713 00:27:58,010 --> 00:28:01,750 that we see from , um , from 714 00:28:01,750 --> 00:28:04,930 Russia . Across domains , You mentioned 715 00:28:04,930 --> 00:28:06,986 some maritime issues you mentioned . 716 00:28:06,986 --> 00:28:09,097 Some married dimensions are certainly 717 00:28:09,097 --> 00:28:11,208 cyber threats , and we're taking them 718 00:28:11,208 --> 00:28:13,263 very , very seriously . Here . Thank 719 00:28:13,263 --> 00:28:15,630 you . The USS Carrier Eisenhower joined 720 00:28:15,630 --> 00:28:18,620 the fight , and Jets really made some 721 00:28:18,620 --> 00:28:22,240 raids on isis . Why was it so necessary 722 00:28:22,240 --> 00:28:24,462 for the carrier to come so close and to 723 00:28:24,462 --> 00:28:26,518 join the fight is because the locals 724 00:28:26,518 --> 00:28:28,930 are not being able to carry the fight 725 00:28:28,940 --> 00:28:31,107 or there is an uptick that they needed 726 00:28:31,107 --> 00:28:33,260 help . What do you have on this ? I'm 727 00:28:33,260 --> 00:28:35,380 not going to talk about specific 728 00:28:35,380 --> 00:28:39,310 operations , Pierre . In terms of you 729 00:28:39,310 --> 00:28:41,960 know what missions they're flying and 730 00:28:41,960 --> 00:28:44,071 what prompted them . One of the great 731 00:28:44,071 --> 00:28:46,071 things about naval forces , um , is 732 00:28:46,071 --> 00:28:48,182 that they're flexible . They're agile 733 00:28:48,182 --> 00:28:50,349 and mobile . And , uh , you don't have 734 00:28:50,349 --> 00:28:53,730 to ask permission to to use them , 735 00:28:53,740 --> 00:28:57,440 uh , in any locality . Um , and you're 736 00:28:57,440 --> 00:29:00,530 seeing that bear out right now with 737 00:29:00,540 --> 00:29:02,373 Eisenhower being able to support 738 00:29:02,373 --> 00:29:04,900 missions , um , in both the European 739 00:29:04,910 --> 00:29:07,140 command area of responsibility as well 740 00:29:07,140 --> 00:29:08,920 as the central command area 741 00:29:08,930 --> 00:29:11,097 responsibility . And that's one of the 742 00:29:11,097 --> 00:29:12,930 great values of maritime power , 743 00:29:12,930 --> 00:29:15,120 specifically , aircraft carriers . We 744 00:29:15,120 --> 00:29:17,710 need to tell the Russians and the 745 00:29:17,710 --> 00:29:19,821 Syrian regime that we are flying over 746 00:29:19,821 --> 00:29:21,710 there . I'm not going to speak to 747 00:29:21,710 --> 00:29:24,970 operational the flight paths here from 748 00:29:24,980 --> 00:29:28,860 the podium . We will continue to 749 00:29:28,860 --> 00:29:30,640 fly and sail and operate where 750 00:29:30,640 --> 00:29:32,862 international law permits us to do so . 751 00:29:33,240 --> 00:29:36,510 Yeah . Yeah . Uh , 752 00:29:36,520 --> 00:29:37,270 Therese , 753 00:29:45,840 --> 00:29:47,951 um , no question for me . Thank you . 754 00:29:47,951 --> 00:29:51,090 Okay . Dancing . Alan . John . When 755 00:29:51,090 --> 00:29:54,160 Lynn Rosenthal spoke in this room a 756 00:29:54,160 --> 00:29:56,327 week and a half ago , she talked about 757 00:29:56,327 --> 00:29:58,327 how she was probably gonna pick two 758 00:29:58,327 --> 00:30:00,438 more people to be on our commission . 759 00:30:00,438 --> 00:30:02,549 And I'm wondering if there's any news 760 00:30:02,549 --> 00:30:04,716 on that . Where do you stand on that ? 761 00:30:04,716 --> 00:30:06,716 I don't have an update . I will ask 762 00:30:06,716 --> 00:30:08,771 Lynn and see if we have something to 763 00:30:08,771 --> 00:30:10,771 get back to you on that . I'll take 764 00:30:10,771 --> 00:30:12,716 that question in the in the room . 765 00:30:12,716 --> 00:30:15,250 Anything , Abraham ? Yeah . With those 766 00:30:15,250 --> 00:30:18,470 of Russian movements on the eastern 767 00:30:18,480 --> 00:30:21,550 flank of NATO is that has that affected 768 00:30:21,550 --> 00:30:24,720 the defender exercise preparations that 769 00:30:24,720 --> 00:30:27,380 are going on to move lots of hardware 770 00:30:27,380 --> 00:30:30,350 and soldiers to an area in the Balkans . 771 00:30:30,360 --> 00:30:32,940 I'm not aware of any effect , but I 772 00:30:32,940 --> 00:30:35,051 would point you to a European command 773 00:30:35,051 --> 00:30:37,329 to speak to that with more specificity . 774 00:30:37,329 --> 00:30:39,551 Lucas , Did you have one ? Larry Kudlow 775 00:30:39,551 --> 00:30:41,384 earlier today on Fox , said he's 776 00:30:41,384 --> 00:30:43,460 expecting a 10% cut in the defense 777 00:30:43,460 --> 00:30:45,670 budget . Can confirm that is under 778 00:30:45,670 --> 00:30:49,100 consideration . I can't confirm , uh , 779 00:30:49,110 --> 00:30:51,166 anything specifically related to the 780 00:30:51,166 --> 00:30:53,470 budget when the Office of Management 781 00:30:53,470 --> 00:30:56,950 budget releases , uh , more 782 00:30:56,950 --> 00:30:59,172 information than we can speak to that , 783 00:30:59,172 --> 00:31:01,339 but I'm not going to get ahead of that 784 00:31:01,339 --> 00:31:00,960 process . Have you heard any rumors ? 785 00:31:00,960 --> 00:31:03,770 About 80 billion shaved up . Nice try . 786 00:31:03,780 --> 00:31:05,947 No , I'm simply not going to speculate 787 00:31:05,947 --> 00:31:08,002 about the budget . We're just not at 788 00:31:08,002 --> 00:31:10,113 that point in the process right now . 789 00:31:10,113 --> 00:31:12,224 And when we get to that point , we'll 790 00:31:12,224 --> 00:31:14,280 certainly talk with more specificity 791 00:31:14,280 --> 00:31:16,460 with you . Uh , Alex ? 792 00:31:26,340 --> 00:31:28,350 Okay . Laura , you had something . 793 00:31:29,940 --> 00:31:31,996 Yes , I did . Thanks , John . I just 794 00:31:31,996 --> 00:31:34,240 wanted to follow up on the situation in 795 00:31:34,240 --> 00:31:36,360 Eastern Europe . Um , do you have any 796 00:31:36,360 --> 00:31:38,527 information to provide about what type 797 00:31:38,527 --> 00:31:40,730 of Russian equipment you are seeing 798 00:31:40,740 --> 00:31:43,320 built up ? Um , have they had any 799 00:31:43,320 --> 00:31:46,050 interaction with us personnel ? Whether 800 00:31:46,140 --> 00:31:48,440 kinetic or electronic interference . 801 00:31:48,440 --> 00:31:51,960 And how are our personal responding ? 802 00:31:52,540 --> 00:31:55,950 I have nothing to report with respect 803 00:31:55,950 --> 00:31:59,700 to any interactions with us personnel . 804 00:31:59,700 --> 00:32:02,440 I mean , these are Ukrainian military 805 00:32:02,440 --> 00:32:04,620 reports concerning Russian troop 806 00:32:04,620 --> 00:32:07,780 movements on Ukraine's borders . Um uh , 807 00:32:07,790 --> 00:32:09,830 So I know of no interaction with 808 00:32:09,840 --> 00:32:13,050 American forces whatsoever . I I'm not 809 00:32:13,050 --> 00:32:15,780 going to speak to , uh , intelligence 810 00:32:15,780 --> 00:32:18,490 matters in terms of specifically , uh , 811 00:32:18,500 --> 00:32:21,800 what is being reported with respect to 812 00:32:21,800 --> 00:32:24,170 those troop movements again . These are 813 00:32:24,170 --> 00:32:26,960 Ukrainian military reports that , uh , 814 00:32:26,970 --> 00:32:29,248 that there have been Russian movements , 815 00:32:29,248 --> 00:32:31,470 uh , there on that border . And again , 816 00:32:31,470 --> 00:32:33,581 I don't think I'd be , um it wouldn't 817 00:32:33,581 --> 00:32:35,692 be prudent for me to go into any more 818 00:32:35,692 --> 00:32:37,560 detail than that . Do you have 819 00:32:37,560 --> 00:32:39,830 information that this is more than just 820 00:32:39,840 --> 00:32:43,160 a training exercise ? Um , on the part 821 00:32:43,160 --> 00:32:45,382 of the Russians ? I think that's one of 822 00:32:45,382 --> 00:32:47,660 the reasons why . You know , as I said , 823 00:32:47,660 --> 00:32:50,480 we , uh we've reached out to Russia , 824 00:32:50,480 --> 00:32:53,450 uh , to try to gain a little bit more 825 00:32:53,450 --> 00:32:56,850 clarity on what exactly is going on . 826 00:32:57,340 --> 00:33:01,090 Um , and and I just I'm not prepared 827 00:33:01,100 --> 00:33:03,390 right now to speak the specifics of , 828 00:33:03,400 --> 00:33:05,400 uh , of those conversations as they 829 00:33:05,400 --> 00:33:07,610 have just started . Nancy is secretary 830 00:33:07,610 --> 00:33:09,443 also , I'm going to speak to his 831 00:33:09,443 --> 00:33:12,360 Russian counterpart . I have no calls . 832 00:33:12,370 --> 00:33:14,426 I have no calls for the secretary to 833 00:33:14,426 --> 00:33:17,920 announce or speak to today . Nancy High 834 00:33:17,930 --> 00:33:20,097 falls on that . Are we to take because 835 00:33:20,097 --> 00:33:22,263 in the statement you read earlier said 836 00:33:22,263 --> 00:33:24,319 that we have concerns were expressed 837 00:33:24,319 --> 00:33:26,541 sharing them with our NATO allies . Are 838 00:33:26,541 --> 00:33:28,708 we to take that from that ? Then those 839 00:33:28,708 --> 00:33:28,550 concerns were expressed primarily 840 00:33:28,550 --> 00:33:30,772 through the State Department or because 841 00:33:30,772 --> 00:33:32,883 we've heard of calls now from General 842 00:33:32,883 --> 00:33:35,050 Milley . But she said , no anticipated 843 00:33:35,050 --> 00:33:37,217 calls with general secretary . I don't 844 00:33:37,217 --> 00:33:39,161 have any calls by the secretary to 845 00:33:39,161 --> 00:33:41,272 speak to uh , today . I think you did 846 00:33:41,272 --> 00:33:43,439 see that Chairman Millie made calls to 847 00:33:43,439 --> 00:33:45,730 his both Russian and Ukrainian 848 00:33:45,740 --> 00:33:47,962 counterparts , and I think it's safe to 849 00:33:47,962 --> 00:33:50,129 assume that this was certainly a topic 850 00:33:50,129 --> 00:33:51,962 of those discussions . Again , I 851 00:33:51,962 --> 00:33:54,184 pointed to his staff for more detail on 852 00:33:54,184 --> 00:33:56,018 that . A colleague of mine asked 853 00:33:56,018 --> 00:33:58,240 earlier why European Command raised the 854 00:33:58,240 --> 00:34:00,407 watch level . That's only if you could 855 00:34:00,407 --> 00:34:02,518 address that place . So I can't speak 856 00:34:02,518 --> 00:34:05,300 to specifics in terms of , 857 00:34:05,310 --> 00:34:09,240 uh , the reports about them raising it 858 00:34:09,250 --> 00:34:13,170 to a certain level , but 859 00:34:13,640 --> 00:34:16,370 just process wise so that everybody 860 00:34:16,370 --> 00:34:18,890 understands a watch condition . 861 00:34:18,890 --> 00:34:22,250 Otherwise known as watch Con basically 862 00:34:22,250 --> 00:34:24,330 expresses a combatant . Commanders 863 00:34:24,330 --> 00:34:26,590 concern about a potential threat , um , 864 00:34:26,590 --> 00:34:28,650 and the ability to provide future 865 00:34:28,650 --> 00:34:30,650 warning so by setting a watch con . 866 00:34:30,650 --> 00:34:32,706 Basically , the commander is uh , is 867 00:34:32,706 --> 00:34:34,817 better able to identify and track the 868 00:34:34,817 --> 00:34:36,840 threat and alert decision makers to 869 00:34:36,840 --> 00:34:39,390 emerging concerns . So , um , it's a 870 00:34:39,390 --> 00:34:43,250 way of improving and increasing a 871 00:34:43,250 --> 00:34:46,300 leader's visibility . Um uh , noting 872 00:34:46,300 --> 00:34:48,411 that there's something worth watching 873 00:34:48,411 --> 00:34:50,411 and the world watches the operative 874 00:34:50,411 --> 00:34:52,633 word in there . Um , uh , that's what a 875 00:34:52,633 --> 00:34:55,000 watch con is . I can't confirm or speak 876 00:34:55,000 --> 00:34:57,370 specifically to what General Walters , 877 00:34:57,380 --> 00:34:59,680 uh , did or didn't do with respect to 878 00:34:59,680 --> 00:35:03,350 his watch . Con levels . Okay . Okay . 879 00:35:03,740 --> 00:35:06,010 Oh , I'm sorry . I had one more Jack 880 00:35:06,020 --> 00:35:07,964 from foreign policy . Hey , John , 881 00:35:07,964 --> 00:35:10,930 before you go quick , follow up on . 882 00:35:10,940 --> 00:35:13,220 You said , uh , Secretary Austin spoke 883 00:35:13,220 --> 00:35:15,530 with his Indonesian counterpart today . 884 00:35:15,540 --> 00:35:17,318 I want to make sure I heard you 885 00:35:17,318 --> 00:35:19,484 correctly . That's the first time they 886 00:35:19,484 --> 00:35:21,373 spoken . It is Okay . Thank you . 887 00:35:21,373 --> 00:35:23,429 You're welcome . Jack . Did you have 888 00:35:23,429 --> 00:35:25,651 one ? Yeah , actually , just on Myanmar 889 00:35:25,651 --> 00:35:27,818 real fast . John , is there any roller 890 00:35:27,818 --> 00:35:30,040 to the secretary ? See any role for the 891 00:35:30,040 --> 00:35:32,040 U . S . Military to stop what looks 892 00:35:32,040 --> 00:35:34,207 like a potential civil war there ? I I 893 00:35:34,207 --> 00:35:35,984 know of no role for the U . S . 894 00:35:35,984 --> 00:35:38,151 Military , uh , with respect to what's 895 00:35:38,151 --> 00:35:40,040 going on in Burma . You did see , 896 00:35:40,040 --> 00:35:42,270 however , the chiefs of defence from , 897 00:35:42,280 --> 00:35:44,113 uh , several different nations , 898 00:35:44,113 --> 00:35:46,490 including ours . General Milley , uh , 899 00:35:46,500 --> 00:35:48,222 make a very firm , declarative 900 00:35:48,222 --> 00:35:50,000 statement about what , uh , the 901 00:35:50,000 --> 00:35:52,167 international community's expectations 902 00:35:52,167 --> 00:35:54,111 are for professional military . We 903 00:35:54,111 --> 00:35:56,333 certainly want to see , uh , and an end 904 00:35:56,333 --> 00:35:58,500 to this violence against the people of 905 00:35:58,500 --> 00:36:01,240 Burma . Um , in a return to democracy 906 00:36:01,250 --> 00:36:03,194 and the military right now , we're 907 00:36:03,194 --> 00:36:05,250 calling on the military to to affect 908 00:36:05,250 --> 00:36:07,306 exactly those two things . Alright , 909 00:36:07,306 --> 00:36:08,950 thanks , everybody . Yeah .