1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:00,000 2 00:00:04,140 --> 00:00:08,100 Mhm . Good morning 3 00:00:08,100 --> 00:00:10,580 everyone . Thank you for being here 4 00:00:10,580 --> 00:00:13,790 this morning . Um Like yesterday I'll 5 00:00:13,800 --> 00:00:16,860 provide an update on the Afghan 6 00:00:16,860 --> 00:00:19,410 operation and then followed with a 7 00:00:19,410 --> 00:00:22,700 short operational update on our 8 00:00:22,710 --> 00:00:26,530 operations in Haiti US and 9 00:00:26,530 --> 00:00:30,150 coalition troops maintain security at 10 00:00:30,150 --> 00:00:33,250 the Kabul airport and the security 11 00:00:33,250 --> 00:00:36,750 continues to allow for the evacuation 12 00:00:36,760 --> 00:00:39,460 operations and allowing to us to remain 13 00:00:39,460 --> 00:00:41,840 to process people in to become ready to 14 00:00:41,840 --> 00:00:45,560 fly . Our focus is continuing to get as 15 00:00:45,560 --> 00:00:48,300 many people out as efficiently and 16 00:00:48,300 --> 00:00:51,570 safely as possible . In the past 17 00:00:51,580 --> 00:00:55,190 24 hours . We exceeded the 18 00:00:55,200 --> 00:00:58,450 previous 24 hour flight departures and 19 00:00:58,450 --> 00:01:00,617 evacuated number of passengers nearing 20 00:01:00,870 --> 00:01:03,940 the previous day's record . Yesterday , 21 00:01:03,950 --> 00:01:07,460 42 U . S . military aircraft 22 00:01:07,840 --> 00:01:11,800 of which were 37 C seventeen's and 23 00:01:11,800 --> 00:01:14,520 five C . One thirties departed with 24 00:01:14,520 --> 00:01:17,410 approximately 11,200 25 00:01:17,410 --> 00:01:20,900 personnel Combined with 26 00:01:20,900 --> 00:01:24,610 our 48 coalition uh and Allied 27 00:01:24,610 --> 00:01:26,800 partners with those departures . An 28 00:01:26,800 --> 00:01:30,350 additional 7800 personnel 29 00:01:30,360 --> 00:01:34,340 left Kabul . That is 90 flights total . 30 00:01:34,340 --> 00:01:36,860 Yesterday that left the Kabul Airport . 31 00:01:37,340 --> 00:01:41,000 That is counted for 19,000 32 00:01:41,010 --> 00:01:44,180 evacuate now safely out of Afghanistan 33 00:01:44,190 --> 00:01:46,960 within a 24 hour period . 34 00:01:47,940 --> 00:01:50,270 Since the U . S . And coalition forces 35 00:01:50,740 --> 00:01:53,060 began the evacuation to date , 36 00:01:53,070 --> 00:01:56,910 approximately 88,000 have safely 37 00:01:56,920 --> 00:01:58,660 departed from Afghanistan 38 00:02:00,440 --> 00:02:03,290 Every 39 minutes yesterday , a plane 39 00:02:03,290 --> 00:02:06,760 departed Kabul Airport . These numbers 40 00:02:06,760 --> 00:02:08,927 are a testament to the hardworking and 41 00:02:08,927 --> 00:02:11,700 brave service members carrying out this 42 00:02:11,700 --> 00:02:14,710 mission . In cooperation with the State 43 00:02:14,710 --> 00:02:16,821 Department , I can also tell you that 44 00:02:16,821 --> 00:02:18,710 there are more than 10,000 people 45 00:02:18,710 --> 00:02:21,190 currently at this time at the airport 46 00:02:21,200 --> 00:02:25,070 awaiting departure . This is a snapshot 47 00:02:25,070 --> 00:02:27,181 in time and as we said yesterday will 48 00:02:27,181 --> 00:02:29,950 continue to change as more people are 49 00:02:29,950 --> 00:02:32,061 able to come onto the airfield and as 50 00:02:32,061 --> 00:02:35,160 flights depart . As I said yesterday , 51 00:02:35,160 --> 00:02:37,327 in order for this throughput to remain 52 00:02:37,327 --> 00:02:39,990 steady . We depend on capacity and 53 00:02:39,990 --> 00:02:42,360 efficiency of our intermediate staging 54 00:02:42,360 --> 00:02:45,610 bases and safe havens . We are 55 00:02:45,610 --> 00:02:47,832 appreciative of the support and rely on 56 00:02:47,832 --> 00:02:50,020 our allies and partners in this global 57 00:02:50,020 --> 00:02:53,140 endeavor in the UK . Um , K O . R six 58 00:02:53,140 --> 00:02:56,540 flights will transport about 1800 59 00:02:56,550 --> 00:02:58,830 vulnerable afghans from Germany to the 60 00:02:58,830 --> 00:03:02,340 United States today , In addiction in 61 00:03:02,340 --> 00:03:05,310 addition , approximately 2000 more will 62 00:03:05,310 --> 00:03:07,670 arrive in this case , Ramstein Air Base 63 00:03:07,670 --> 00:03:09,920 Germany is scheduled to receive 64 00:03:09,930 --> 00:03:12,160 approximately 13 flights 65 00:03:13,140 --> 00:03:15,980 Since August 20th has assisted 66 00:03:15,990 --> 00:03:19,290 approximately 10,000 vulnerable Afghans 67 00:03:19,290 --> 00:03:22,460 and evacuees for transit to onward 68 00:03:22,460 --> 00:03:24,840 locations . You will likely hear more 69 00:03:24,840 --> 00:03:28,080 details today . It planned press 70 00:03:28,080 --> 00:03:30,180 scheduled with Mr Kirby and plan for 71 00:03:30,180 --> 00:03:33,130 general Walters later today , several 72 00:03:33,130 --> 00:03:35,019 1000 evacuees have arrived in the 73 00:03:35,019 --> 00:03:37,830 United States so far and we'll continue 74 00:03:37,830 --> 00:03:41,490 to do so In the past 24 hours five 75 00:03:41,490 --> 00:03:43,790 flights landed at Dulles International 76 00:03:43,790 --> 00:03:47,640 Airport with approximately 1200 77 00:03:47,640 --> 00:03:50,960 passengers . As part of this process , 78 00:03:51,450 --> 00:03:53,970 these individuals completed biometric 79 00:03:53,970 --> 00:03:55,970 vetting and screening in accordance 80 00:03:55,970 --> 00:03:59,230 with the F B I N C T . C and customs 81 00:03:59,230 --> 00:04:01,470 and border control standards . All 82 00:04:01,470 --> 00:04:03,680 directed by the Department of Homeland 83 00:04:03,680 --> 00:04:06,280 Security . We are working around the 84 00:04:06,280 --> 00:04:09,310 clock to provide safe sanitary and 85 00:04:09,310 --> 00:04:12,470 appropriate receptions at processing at 86 00:04:12,480 --> 00:04:14,480 all of our locations throughout the 87 00:04:14,480 --> 00:04:18,110 world . We know you have questions 88 00:04:18,110 --> 00:04:21,960 about our current timeline and intent 89 00:04:21,970 --> 00:04:25,580 for departure . Our mission remains 90 00:04:25,590 --> 00:04:28,370 unchanged for each day of this 91 00:04:28,370 --> 00:04:30,370 operation . We have carried out the 92 00:04:30,370 --> 00:04:32,314 direction of the president and the 93 00:04:32,314 --> 00:04:34,203 Secretary of Defense . Until that 94 00:04:34,203 --> 00:04:36,314 mission changes , we will continue to 95 00:04:36,314 --> 00:04:39,080 put forth our maximum effort to safely 96 00:04:39,080 --> 00:04:41,630 evacuate as many people as possible and 97 00:04:41,630 --> 00:04:44,010 we will keep you updated . Lastly , I 98 00:04:44,010 --> 00:04:46,060 want to give you a short update on 99 00:04:46,070 --> 00:04:48,880 Haiti , the Department of Defense and U . 100 00:04:48,880 --> 00:04:51,410 S . Southern Command are continue to be 101 00:04:51,410 --> 00:04:53,690 in full support of U . S . A . I . D . 102 00:04:53,690 --> 00:04:56,700 As the lead federal agency . The U . S . 103 00:04:56,700 --> 00:04:58,700 A . I . D . Bureau for humanitarian 104 00:04:58,700 --> 00:05:00,811 assistant team has been on the ground 105 00:05:00,811 --> 00:05:02,756 since the beginning and we've been 106 00:05:03,040 --> 00:05:05,910 supporting them since then as have a 107 00:05:05,910 --> 00:05:08,077 lot of our allies and partners working 108 00:05:08,077 --> 00:05:09,854 with international community to 109 00:05:09,854 --> 00:05:12,410 identify points of need . This life 110 00:05:12,410 --> 00:05:14,466 saving aid and assistance mission is 111 00:05:14,466 --> 00:05:16,188 where diodes unique capability 112 00:05:16,188 --> 00:05:20,060 specifically in airlift and logistics 113 00:05:20,070 --> 00:05:22,830 are engaged each day to get that life 114 00:05:22,830 --> 00:05:25,560 saving aid where it needs to be rapidly . 115 00:05:26,240 --> 00:05:28,580 As of late last evening , Jtf Haiti has 116 00:05:28,580 --> 00:05:31,690 conducted over 364 full spectrum 117 00:05:31,690 --> 00:05:33,746 missions , both with the D . O . D . 118 00:05:33,746 --> 00:05:35,968 Assets in the United States Coast Guard 119 00:05:35,968 --> 00:05:38,450 Which have assisted or saved over 436 120 00:05:38,450 --> 00:05:42,160 lives and delivered over 163 lb of 121 00:05:42,160 --> 00:05:45,020 vital aid as of late yesterday . Thank 122 00:05:45,020 --> 00:05:46,020 you . 123 00:05:54,240 --> 00:05:55,240 Four . 124 00:05:58,540 --> 00:06:00,707 Okay , good morning , everybody . Just 125 00:06:00,707 --> 00:06:03,220 one more note and then we'll we'll get 126 00:06:03,220 --> 00:06:06,750 the questions I think you may have seen 127 00:06:06,750 --> 00:06:09,510 now we have release the secretary's 128 00:06:09,510 --> 00:06:11,232 memo with respect of mandatory 129 00:06:11,232 --> 00:06:13,790 vaccinations for Covid 19 . He is 130 00:06:13,790 --> 00:06:15,901 determined after careful consultation 131 00:06:15,901 --> 00:06:17,790 with medical experts and military 132 00:06:17,790 --> 00:06:19,679 leadership and of course with the 133 00:06:19,679 --> 00:06:21,901 support of the president that mandatory 134 00:06:21,901 --> 00:06:23,901 vaccination against the coronavirus 135 00:06:23,901 --> 00:06:26,070 disease . Covid 19 is necessary to 136 00:06:26,070 --> 00:06:27,959 protect the safety of our service 137 00:06:27,959 --> 00:06:29,848 members . And our force mandatory 138 00:06:29,848 --> 00:06:33,270 vaccination will only use Covid 19 139 00:06:33,270 --> 00:06:35,860 vaccines that received full licensure 140 00:06:35,870 --> 00:06:38,092 from the Food and Drug Administration . 141 00:06:38,092 --> 00:06:39,870 In accordance with FDA approved 142 00:06:39,870 --> 00:06:41,759 labeling and guidance , mandatory 143 00:06:41,759 --> 00:06:43,592 vaccination requirements will be 144 00:06:43,592 --> 00:06:45,814 implemented consistent with the ODM and 145 00:06:45,814 --> 00:06:47,981 an immunization program instructions , 146 00:06:47,981 --> 00:06:51,380 65 62 oh five point oh two . In other 147 00:06:51,380 --> 00:06:53,680 words , the existing structure and 148 00:06:53,680 --> 00:06:57,280 regulations that govern uh 149 00:06:57,290 --> 00:06:59,420 policies and procedures for managing 150 00:06:59,420 --> 00:07:01,750 mandatory vaccination across the force . 151 00:07:02,240 --> 00:07:03,796 This is consistent with the 152 00:07:03,796 --> 00:07:05,740 department's efforts to ensure the 153 00:07:05,740 --> 00:07:07,962 safety of our service members and again 154 00:07:07,962 --> 00:07:10,240 to maintain the readiness of the force . 155 00:07:10,240 --> 00:07:12,407 With that we'll take questions , bob , 156 00:07:12,407 --> 00:07:14,462 john , thank you . Um with regard to 157 00:07:14,462 --> 00:07:16,462 Afghanistan , I wonder if you could 158 00:07:16,462 --> 00:07:18,629 give us a sense of what the evacuation 159 00:07:18,629 --> 00:07:20,684 Endgame is likely to look like . Are 160 00:07:20,684 --> 00:07:23,670 expected to look like in terms of The 161 00:07:23,670 --> 00:07:25,726 sequence of events over the last say 162 00:07:25,726 --> 00:07:27,948 three or 4 or five days . Will the US . 163 00:07:28,940 --> 00:07:31,710 Need to have sort of exclusive use of 164 00:07:31,710 --> 00:07:34,980 the fields in the apparatus to 165 00:07:35,210 --> 00:07:38,050 execute the final place . I'll ask the 166 00:07:38,060 --> 00:07:40,740 general to probably be more specific 167 00:07:40,740 --> 00:07:43,450 than me bob . But uh huh 168 00:07:44,740 --> 00:07:48,470 what we anticipate have happening uh in 169 00:07:48,470 --> 00:07:52,390 the last couple of days , uh we 170 00:07:52,390 --> 00:07:54,501 will so first of all we will continue 171 00:07:54,501 --> 00:07:57,150 to evacuate needed populations 172 00:07:58,440 --> 00:08:01,050 all the way to the end . If we have to 173 00:08:01,060 --> 00:08:05,040 and we need to if if you're 174 00:08:05,040 --> 00:08:07,260 an evacuee that we can get out , we're 175 00:08:07,260 --> 00:08:09,316 going to continue to get get you out 176 00:08:09,540 --> 00:08:12,240 right up until the end . But in those 177 00:08:12,240 --> 00:08:14,440 last couple of days uh we're going to 178 00:08:14,440 --> 00:08:16,551 try to preserve as much capability as 179 00:08:16,551 --> 00:08:18,718 we can on the on the at the airport as 180 00:08:18,718 --> 00:08:20,773 you might imagine . So in those last 181 00:08:20,773 --> 00:08:22,718 couple of days uh we will begin to 182 00:08:22,718 --> 00:08:26,300 prioritize military capabilities and 183 00:08:26,300 --> 00:08:29,210 military resources to to move out . Uh 184 00:08:29,220 --> 00:08:32,840 That doesn't mean that uh that if if 185 00:08:32,840 --> 00:08:36,080 you're evacuate and and uh and you need 186 00:08:36,080 --> 00:08:38,136 to get out that we're just we're not 187 00:08:38,136 --> 00:08:40,191 gonna try to get you out but that we 188 00:08:40,191 --> 00:08:42,302 will have to reserve some capacity in 189 00:08:42,302 --> 00:08:44,524 those last couple of days to prioritize 190 00:08:44,524 --> 00:08:46,790 the military footprint leaving because 191 00:08:46,790 --> 00:08:48,957 we want to be able to keep it there as 192 00:08:48,957 --> 00:08:50,957 long as possible to do the job that 193 00:08:50,957 --> 00:08:53,012 it's intended to do . So the charter 194 00:08:53,012 --> 00:08:55,123 flights for example would be finished 195 00:08:55,123 --> 00:08:57,010 earlier . And when you refer to 196 00:08:57,010 --> 00:08:59,010 military resources , you're talking 197 00:08:59,010 --> 00:09:01,232 about american only , I'm talking about 198 00:09:01,232 --> 00:09:04,030 primarily U . S . Military troops and 199 00:09:04,030 --> 00:09:07,050 equipment . We are now and have been 200 00:09:07,060 --> 00:09:09,282 working with our allies and partners to 201 00:09:09,282 --> 00:09:13,130 help them uh withdrawal there people um 202 00:09:13,130 --> 00:09:15,230 and will help them withdraw their 203 00:09:15,230 --> 00:09:17,970 forces as well ? Right to the very end 204 00:09:17,970 --> 00:09:20,081 or you have to do that earlier ? Well 205 00:09:20,081 --> 00:09:22,026 look , I mean obviously we want to 206 00:09:22,026 --> 00:09:24,248 preserve as much capability as possible 207 00:09:24,248 --> 00:09:23,890 and that some of that capability is not 208 00:09:23,890 --> 00:09:25,890 ours , some of it is our allies and 209 00:09:25,890 --> 00:09:27,890 partners . So there'll be a balance 210 00:09:27,890 --> 00:09:29,723 there and it'll be up to Admiral 211 00:09:29,723 --> 00:09:31,834 basically to determine how he strikes 212 00:09:31,834 --> 00:09:34,057 that balance uh in terms of making sure 213 00:09:34,057 --> 00:09:37,830 he has the maximum capability uh for as 214 00:09:37,830 --> 00:09:41,020 long as possible . So there will be uh 215 00:09:41,030 --> 00:09:43,410 there will be a transition more towards 216 00:09:43,410 --> 00:09:46,170 getting military assets out as we get 217 00:09:46,170 --> 00:09:48,560 closer to the end . But again , um 218 00:09:48,570 --> 00:09:50,570 we're going to continue to work the 219 00:09:50,570 --> 00:09:52,681 evacuation mission right up until the 220 00:09:52,681 --> 00:09:55,420 last day . Just I think what I would 221 00:09:55,420 --> 00:09:58,790 add for the great answer Mr Kirby gave 222 00:09:58,790 --> 00:10:01,020 there is as you've seen in the last 223 00:10:01,020 --> 00:10:04,080 three days , the complexity and the 224 00:10:04,080 --> 00:10:06,730 amount of aircraft moving in and out . 225 00:10:06,900 --> 00:10:09,130 So the capability to continue to 226 00:10:09,130 --> 00:10:11,810 sequence and plan for the actual 227 00:10:11,810 --> 00:10:14,290 requirements that leave on a daily 228 00:10:14,290 --> 00:10:16,670 basis is going to be made , you know , 229 00:10:16,670 --> 00:10:18,892 on the ground . But as you've seen , we 230 00:10:18,892 --> 00:10:21,900 have that capability to manage uh quite 231 00:10:21,900 --> 00:10:24,450 a lot of throughput and be able to put 232 00:10:24,450 --> 00:10:26,620 the right , you know , things on those 233 00:10:26,620 --> 00:10:28,870 aircraft as they come in and as they 234 00:10:28,870 --> 00:10:32,860 leave . Yeah . Um john who 235 00:10:32,860 --> 00:10:34,971 is guarding the U . S . Embassy right 236 00:10:34,971 --> 00:10:37,027 now who will guard after the U . S . 237 00:10:37,027 --> 00:10:38,971 Military pulls out , Are there any 238 00:10:38,971 --> 00:10:40,693 contingencies ? Do you have an 239 00:10:40,693 --> 00:10:42,693 agreement with the taliban . And in 240 00:10:42,693 --> 00:10:44,693 terms of the airport do you have an 241 00:10:44,693 --> 00:10:46,749 agreement with any uh NATO allies to 242 00:10:46,749 --> 00:10:48,971 keep like the Turks to keep the airport 243 00:10:48,971 --> 00:10:51,082 open after the U . S . Military pulls 244 00:10:51,082 --> 00:10:53,304 out . So as I understand I know there's 245 00:10:53,304 --> 00:10:55,527 no military assets guarding the embassy 246 00:10:55,527 --> 00:10:58,270 compound . The U . S . Embassy is 247 00:10:58,270 --> 00:11:00,140 operating out of Hamid Karzai 248 00:11:00,140 --> 00:11:02,084 international airport . As for the 249 00:11:02,084 --> 00:11:05,130 Turks they are still on the ground at 250 00:11:05,130 --> 00:11:07,360 the airport assisting in this uh 251 00:11:07,370 --> 00:11:09,710 security mission that we have there . I 252 00:11:09,710 --> 00:11:12,700 won't speak for their intentions one 253 00:11:12,700 --> 00:11:15,610 way or another going forward . Uh But 254 00:11:15,620 --> 00:11:18,850 there's not going to be a when the 255 00:11:18,850 --> 00:11:22,660 mission is over and when we are 256 00:11:22,670 --> 00:11:25,680 leaving uh the airport the airport will 257 00:11:25,690 --> 00:11:29,650 not not not be uh the United States our 258 00:11:29,650 --> 00:11:31,872 responsibility anymore . So how it gets 259 00:11:32,340 --> 00:11:35,320 managed going forward will be something 260 00:11:35,320 --> 00:11:39,180 that that uh you know the taliban who 261 00:11:39,180 --> 00:11:42,270 are now in Kabul uh we'll have to 262 00:11:42,280 --> 00:11:45,250 manage them on their own with and and I 263 00:11:45,250 --> 00:11:46,917 assume with you know with the 264 00:11:46,917 --> 00:11:49,083 international community but that won't 265 00:11:49,083 --> 00:11:51,083 be an american responsibility . And 266 00:11:51,083 --> 00:11:53,306 just one more . How many individuals on 267 00:11:53,306 --> 00:11:55,417 terror watch lists have been screened 268 00:11:55,417 --> 00:11:57,639 or found at any of the screening points 269 00:11:57,639 --> 00:11:59,930 either in Qatar Ramstein or in the U . 270 00:11:59,930 --> 00:12:03,730 S . I don't know uh we'll have to take 271 00:12:03,730 --> 00:12:06,260 that question and uh get back to you . 272 00:12:06,640 --> 00:12:09,410 The zero . Thank you john thank you 273 00:12:09,410 --> 00:12:11,870 general uh be off of afghan people . 274 00:12:11,870 --> 00:12:14,270 Thank you very much for your hard job 275 00:12:14,280 --> 00:12:17,550 and good job actually and uh 276 00:12:18,140 --> 00:12:20,620 afghan people , they are happy but some 277 00:12:20,620 --> 00:12:23,670 of them that they are not eligible for 278 00:12:23,680 --> 00:12:26,270 S . I . V . Visa P . One P . Two . But 279 00:12:26,270 --> 00:12:28,840 still they have a serious problem and 280 00:12:28,840 --> 00:12:30,900 they are not in the Kabul , they are 281 00:12:30,900 --> 00:12:33,310 hiding , they move from one place to 282 00:12:33,310 --> 00:12:36,040 the other place and they contact with 283 00:12:36,040 --> 00:12:38,790 me like more than 100 people contacted 284 00:12:38,800 --> 00:12:41,120 with me today that what can we do ? And 285 00:12:41,120 --> 00:12:44,900 I say I'm nobody to do something . Uh 286 00:12:44,910 --> 00:12:47,370 there's any plan from the State 287 00:12:47,370 --> 00:12:50,080 Department are from the pentagon 288 00:12:50,090 --> 00:12:52,590 because they're under target of the 289 00:12:52,590 --> 00:12:55,950 Taliban . But as Taliban yesterday the 290 00:12:55,960 --> 00:12:58,260 spokesperson and with your head said 291 00:12:58,640 --> 00:13:00,862 that's why United States make a problem 292 00:13:00,862 --> 00:13:03,480 for us . We are not allowed the people 293 00:13:03,480 --> 00:13:05,870 to leave Afghanistan now they are like 294 00:13:05,870 --> 00:13:08,130 a jail . On the other hand , Taliban is 295 00:13:08,130 --> 00:13:10,130 not one group , there are different 296 00:13:10,130 --> 00:13:13,510 group like five groups and more than a 297 00:13:13,520 --> 00:13:16,380 lot of people there under problem but 298 00:13:16,390 --> 00:13:18,557 they are not eligible for those visa , 299 00:13:18,557 --> 00:13:20,900 there's a possibility and any other 300 00:13:20,900 --> 00:13:24,390 option for them to be safe . 90 , I 301 00:13:24,400 --> 00:13:26,960 can't speak for each and every 302 00:13:27,640 --> 00:13:30,700 afghan who wants to leave and 303 00:13:31,440 --> 00:13:34,880 uh and uh is dealing with their own 304 00:13:34,880 --> 00:13:37,740 individual circumstances to get out . 305 00:13:37,750 --> 00:13:40,920 We we know there are a lot of desperate 306 00:13:40,920 --> 00:13:42,920 people who want to leave . Uh and 307 00:13:42,920 --> 00:13:45,190 that's why we are working as fast as we 308 00:13:45,190 --> 00:13:47,412 can and you you saw the numbers that we 309 00:13:47,412 --> 00:13:49,580 continue to be able to get out . We're 310 00:13:49,580 --> 00:13:52,480 working as fast as we can to get out 311 00:13:52,490 --> 00:13:55,730 american citizens , uh , special 312 00:13:55,730 --> 00:13:58,060 immigrant visa applicants and 313 00:13:58,070 --> 00:14:00,150 vulnerable afghans . Uh , and we 314 00:14:00,150 --> 00:14:03,530 continue to , to work at this . Um , I 315 00:14:03,540 --> 00:14:06,900 can't uh , I can't begin to try to give 316 00:14:06,900 --> 00:14:08,789 you specific advice on what these 317 00:14:08,789 --> 00:14:10,900 individuals ought to do . I certainly 318 00:14:10,900 --> 00:14:12,956 would encourage them to reach out to 319 00:14:12,956 --> 00:14:14,956 the State Department . But from the 320 00:14:14,956 --> 00:14:17,122 pentagon's perspective , you know , we 321 00:14:17,122 --> 00:14:19,233 were doing the best we can as fast as 322 00:14:19,233 --> 00:14:21,456 we can to move as many people as we can 323 00:14:21,456 --> 00:14:24,240 out on any given day . And but I'm not 324 00:14:24,250 --> 00:14:27,400 able to and I know my answer is 325 00:14:27,400 --> 00:14:29,622 unsatisfying and I apologize for that , 326 00:14:29,622 --> 00:14:31,456 but I'm not able to speak to our 327 00:14:31,456 --> 00:14:33,870 ability to reach out and touch every 328 00:14:33,870 --> 00:14:35,926 single afghan that that wants to get 329 00:14:35,926 --> 00:14:38,600 out . And we were believe me , we're 330 00:14:38,610 --> 00:14:40,610 very mindful of the plight here and 331 00:14:40,610 --> 00:14:42,520 we're trying the best we can to 332 00:14:42,760 --> 00:14:45,190 alleviate that carla , thank you . I 333 00:14:45,200 --> 00:14:47,367 just want to follow up to what jen was 334 00:14:47,367 --> 00:14:49,560 asking about . You said that there 335 00:14:49,560 --> 00:14:51,680 won't be a military presence guarding 336 00:14:51,680 --> 00:14:54,440 an embassy . So post august , the 337 00:14:54,450 --> 00:14:56,450 embassy compound . She specifically 338 00:14:56,450 --> 00:14:58,506 asked about the The embassy compound 339 00:14:58,506 --> 00:15:00,617 which were not operating out for post 340 00:15:00,617 --> 00:15:03,600 August 31 after that date . Are you , 341 00:15:03,610 --> 00:15:05,777 can you just explicitly say there will 342 00:15:05,777 --> 00:15:07,499 be no diplomatic presence , us 343 00:15:07,499 --> 00:15:09,721 diplomatic presence post august 31st we 344 00:15:09,721 --> 00:15:11,721 will not , I can't speak for that . 345 00:15:11,721 --> 00:15:13,832 that's a State Department issue . And 346 00:15:13,832 --> 00:15:15,999 then to follow up , there's uh there's 347 00:15:15,999 --> 00:15:18,221 been reports that an ISIS that somebody 348 00:15:18,221 --> 00:15:20,388 who is affiliated with ISIS got on one 349 00:15:20,388 --> 00:15:22,499 of the flights . What's going on with 350 00:15:22,499 --> 00:15:26,380 that ? Um I mean I've seen I've seen uh 351 00:15:26,390 --> 00:15:28,390 similar press reporting on this . I 352 00:15:28,390 --> 00:15:30,501 just don't have anything uh to update 353 00:15:30,501 --> 00:15:32,223 you on that . I don't have any 354 00:15:32,223 --> 00:15:34,279 information . And what I should have 355 00:15:34,279 --> 00:15:36,446 said to jen was that's really a better 356 00:15:36,446 --> 00:15:36,410 question for the Department of Homeland 357 00:15:36,410 --> 00:15:39,030 Security . Uh but we'll see if we can 358 00:15:39,040 --> 00:15:41,207 track down something for you . I'm not 359 00:15:41,207 --> 00:15:43,484 trying to evade it . I just don't know . 360 00:15:43,484 --> 00:15:46,150 We're doing the best we can to manifest 361 00:15:46,150 --> 00:15:48,372 people on these plates and get them out 362 00:15:48,372 --> 00:15:50,094 as fast as possible . There is 363 00:15:50,094 --> 00:15:52,317 screening being done not by D . O . D . 364 00:15:52,317 --> 00:15:54,380 But by DHS immigration intelligence 365 00:15:54,390 --> 00:15:57,480 officials are doing the screening for 366 00:15:57,480 --> 00:16:01,400 people as they as they go on . For 367 00:16:01,400 --> 00:16:04,570 onward onward flights were really 368 00:16:04,570 --> 00:16:06,620 focused on trying to get as many of 369 00:16:06,620 --> 00:16:09,150 these uh these individuals out . And 370 00:16:09,150 --> 00:16:11,039 then one last one , just the same 371 00:16:11,039 --> 00:16:13,150 question I had yesterday , have there 372 00:16:13,150 --> 00:16:15,372 been any air extractions in Kabul ? Any 373 00:16:15,372 --> 00:16:17,539 additional ones since the two that you 374 00:16:17,539 --> 00:16:19,483 guys have told us about ? And have 375 00:16:19,483 --> 00:16:21,706 there been any efforts outside of kabul 376 00:16:21,706 --> 00:16:23,539 to extract americans and at risk 377 00:16:23,539 --> 00:16:25,483 afghans . So last night during the 378 00:16:25,483 --> 00:16:27,428 period of darkness uh there was an 379 00:16:27,428 --> 00:16:29,372 operation to be able to go out and 380 00:16:29,372 --> 00:16:32,990 safely evacuate uh evacuees back into 381 00:16:33,000 --> 00:16:36,300 Kabul there at H kaya and uh they're 382 00:16:36,300 --> 00:16:38,022 safely they're preparing to be 383 00:16:38,022 --> 00:16:41,390 evacuated . So when you said was it in 384 00:16:41,390 --> 00:16:43,501 Kabul and then they brought them into 385 00:16:43,501 --> 00:16:45,668 the airport or whether it's outside of 386 00:16:45,668 --> 00:16:47,890 the airfield outside of the airfield in 387 00:16:47,890 --> 00:16:49,946 a way that and we were able to bring 388 00:16:49,946 --> 00:16:52,057 them back to Kabul safely and they're 389 00:16:52,057 --> 00:16:54,168 preparing for evacuation , bring back 390 00:16:54,168 --> 00:16:56,334 to the airport to the airport , it was 391 00:16:56,334 --> 00:16:59,850 inside Kabul David american helicopter . 392 00:17:00,040 --> 00:17:02,360 It was , can you tell us how many , 393 00:17:03,140 --> 00:17:05,270 We're not going to provide specific 394 00:17:05,280 --> 00:17:07,530 details ? Less than 20 American . Less 395 00:17:07,530 --> 00:17:09,697 than 20 . Less than 20 . I'm not gonna 396 00:17:09,697 --> 00:17:11,808 provide additional details . So can I 397 00:17:11,808 --> 00:17:14,760 ask that wasn't the question . Oh , 398 00:17:15,440 --> 00:17:18,790 yesterday it was reported that the 399 00:17:18,790 --> 00:17:21,012 withdrawal had already begun in several 400 00:17:21,012 --> 00:17:24,270 100 groups that already come out 401 00:17:25,130 --> 00:17:27,241 and you push back on that saying that 402 00:17:27,241 --> 00:17:30,950 these were people who functions work 403 00:17:31,540 --> 00:17:35,000 were no longer needed . But you know , 404 00:17:35,010 --> 00:17:37,710 all withdrawals sort of begin with 405 00:17:37,710 --> 00:17:39,950 pulling out non essential personnel 406 00:17:39,960 --> 00:17:43,560 first . Why shouldn't we view that 407 00:17:44,040 --> 00:17:46,460 as clearing the decks for 408 00:17:47,440 --> 00:17:51,230 the hard core withdrawal that is 409 00:17:51,240 --> 00:17:53,184 going to come here ? Yeah , it's a 410 00:17:53,184 --> 00:17:55,184 great question and I wasn't pushing 411 00:17:55,184 --> 00:17:57,462 back on headlines that said withdrawal . 412 00:17:57,462 --> 00:17:59,684 Um I was simply trying to describe what 413 00:17:59,684 --> 00:18:03,670 happened uh without hyperbole . Um 414 00:18:04,840 --> 00:18:07,930 So what I what , let me let me just 415 00:18:07,930 --> 00:18:10,370 back up , what happened was the 416 00:18:10,380 --> 00:18:12,269 commander on the ground , Admiral 417 00:18:12,269 --> 00:18:15,830 vastly uh in trying to manage time and 418 00:18:15,830 --> 00:18:19,550 space at the airport uh determined that 419 00:18:19,550 --> 00:18:21,661 it was the prudent thing to do to let 420 00:18:21,661 --> 00:18:25,150 several 100 uh troops 421 00:18:25,380 --> 00:18:27,540 leave the airport , some of these 422 00:18:27,540 --> 00:18:31,470 troops did come in with 423 00:18:31,480 --> 00:18:33,647 the troops that were added for the non 424 00:18:33,647 --> 00:18:37,190 combatant evacuation . The 5800 , some 425 00:18:37,190 --> 00:18:40,350 of them were troops that were already 426 00:18:40,350 --> 00:18:42,560 there at Hamid Karzai International 427 00:18:42,560 --> 00:18:46,330 Airport before any additional 428 00:18:46,330 --> 00:18:48,441 troops float in for the non combatant 429 00:18:48,441 --> 00:18:50,608 evacuation . And as you know , David , 430 00:18:50,608 --> 00:18:52,774 uh we were still in the process before 431 00:18:52,774 --> 00:18:54,719 there was a need to go in and do a 432 00:18:54,719 --> 00:18:56,941 noncombatant evacuation . We were still 433 00:18:56,941 --> 00:19:00,000 in the process of a drawdown at the 434 00:19:00,000 --> 00:19:03,560 airport under the previous plan 435 00:19:03,580 --> 00:19:05,691 by the end of the month . And so some 436 00:19:05,691 --> 00:19:07,858 of the troops that flew home yesterday 437 00:19:07,858 --> 00:19:10,150 were in that trench . And so they were 438 00:19:10,150 --> 00:19:13,770 very much part of the original drawdown 439 00:19:13,770 --> 00:19:16,420 plan . Uh And Admiral basically saw fit 440 00:19:16,420 --> 00:19:19,110 that there was some others that he 441 00:19:19,110 --> 00:19:21,290 believed that he didn't need there at 442 00:19:21,290 --> 00:19:24,000 the airport anymore . Even though they 443 00:19:24,000 --> 00:19:26,167 had flown in with the with the plus up 444 00:19:26,167 --> 00:19:28,960 for the for the Neo and these are uh 445 00:19:29,640 --> 00:19:32,610 headquarters staff personnel , uh some 446 00:19:32,610 --> 00:19:34,800 maintainers and some other enabling 447 00:19:34,800 --> 00:19:37,400 forces who either had completed their 448 00:19:37,400 --> 00:19:39,567 mission and we're already scheduled to 449 00:19:39,567 --> 00:19:41,733 go , as I said , even before there was 450 00:19:41,733 --> 00:19:43,789 a noncombatant evacuation and others 451 00:19:43,789 --> 00:19:46,120 who Admiral basically determined that 452 00:19:46,130 --> 00:19:48,297 their mission was complete . He didn't 453 00:19:48,297 --> 00:19:50,352 need them anymore . And again , time 454 00:19:50,352 --> 00:19:52,519 and space are premium at the airport , 455 00:19:52,519 --> 00:19:54,408 he has the authority to make that 456 00:19:54,408 --> 00:19:56,574 decision . So I wasn't pushing back on 457 00:19:56,574 --> 00:19:56,330 the fact that the with the withdrawal 458 00:19:56,330 --> 00:19:58,970 has been going on since april 14th 459 00:20:00,060 --> 00:20:02,060 when the president announced it , I 460 00:20:02,060 --> 00:20:04,227 wasn't pushing back . I just wanted to 461 00:20:04,227 --> 00:20:06,320 make it clear that uh that that we 462 00:20:06,320 --> 00:20:08,720 hadn't pushed some button and said go 463 00:20:08,730 --> 00:20:12,150 retrograde now We still have on the 464 00:20:12,150 --> 00:20:15,980 ground about 50 400 Of the 465 00:20:15,980 --> 00:20:18,560 50 800 that we reached at the maximum . 466 00:20:18,940 --> 00:20:21,051 And I'm obviously has the authorities 467 00:20:21,051 --> 00:20:24,440 to to uh to manage uh in a prudent way 468 00:20:24,440 --> 00:20:26,770 his his force management on the ground . 469 00:20:27,440 --> 00:20:29,662 I haven't gone to the phones and I want 470 00:20:29,662 --> 00:20:31,773 to make sure I don't forget that Jeff 471 00:20:31,773 --> 00:20:34,030 showgirl , thank you very much from 472 00:20:34,030 --> 00:20:37,000 talking to military groups . It is 473 00:20:37,010 --> 00:20:38,980 evident that the taliban are still 474 00:20:38,980 --> 00:20:41,620 blocking afghans from gaining entrance 475 00:20:41,630 --> 00:20:43,790 to uh Hamid Karzai international 476 00:20:43,800 --> 00:20:47,630 airport . And even when afghans make it 477 00:20:47,640 --> 00:20:49,584 onto the airport , there have been 478 00:20:49,584 --> 00:20:51,751 instances when they have been escorted 479 00:20:51,751 --> 00:20:54,250 off due to paperwork issues . So I'd 480 00:20:54,250 --> 00:20:57,060 like to know what steps is the U . S . 481 00:20:57,060 --> 00:20:59,680 Government taking to make sure that 482 00:20:59,680 --> 00:21:03,050 afghans do have safe passage to 483 00:21:03,060 --> 00:21:05,690 the airport . And under what 484 00:21:05,690 --> 00:21:08,940 circumstances are afghans with valid 485 00:21:08,940 --> 00:21:11,390 visas who are admitted to the airport 486 00:21:11,400 --> 00:21:14,300 ultimately escorted off of the airport 487 00:21:14,310 --> 00:21:17,350 grounds , Jeff it's difficult for us to 488 00:21:17,350 --> 00:21:20,040 answer that here at the pentagon when 489 00:21:20,040 --> 00:21:21,929 we're not at the gates and on the 490 00:21:21,929 --> 00:21:24,151 ground at the airport what I would tell 491 00:21:24,151 --> 00:21:26,300 you is is a couple of things and I 492 00:21:26,300 --> 00:21:29,700 recognize that uh you know no process 493 00:21:29,700 --> 00:21:32,830 is perfect . Uh and that the that there 494 00:21:32,830 --> 00:21:34,774 are , I'm not disputing at all the 495 00:21:34,774 --> 00:21:36,608 accounts that you're that you're 496 00:21:36,608 --> 00:21:38,608 relaying here today that there that 497 00:21:38,608 --> 00:21:40,774 there may be hiccups and problems . Uh 498 00:21:40,774 --> 00:21:43,210 we certainly recognize that . But let 499 00:21:43,210 --> 00:21:45,432 me just take a couple of steps back and 500 00:21:45,432 --> 00:21:47,543 tell you how this is working . And we 501 00:21:47,543 --> 00:21:50,320 talked about this before . We have 502 00:21:50,330 --> 00:21:52,386 consular officers . Now there's more 503 00:21:52,386 --> 00:21:55,030 than 30 at the airport uh stationed at 504 00:21:55,030 --> 00:21:57,950 the gates uh with American troops who 505 00:21:57,950 --> 00:22:00,460 are helping them do their job of of 506 00:22:00,470 --> 00:22:02,637 processing individuals as they come in 507 00:22:02,637 --> 00:22:05,610 checking credentials , making sure that 508 00:22:05,610 --> 00:22:07,832 they are who they say they are and that 509 00:22:07,832 --> 00:22:10,290 they are in a valid group that we're 510 00:22:10,290 --> 00:22:12,390 trying to move on onto the onto the 511 00:22:12,390 --> 00:22:15,070 airport grounds outside of that . The 512 00:22:15,070 --> 00:22:17,292 taliban have set up checkpoints . We've 513 00:22:17,292 --> 00:22:19,459 talked about this before and we are in 514 00:22:19,459 --> 00:22:21,292 daily communication with taliban 515 00:22:21,292 --> 00:22:24,390 commanders about who we want to see get 516 00:22:24,400 --> 00:22:26,750 in and what the credentials are , what 517 00:22:26,750 --> 00:22:29,900 they look like , what's valid . Uh And 518 00:22:29,910 --> 00:22:32,050 that that that communication happens 519 00:22:32,050 --> 00:22:33,994 literally every day . We have been 520 00:22:33,994 --> 00:22:37,240 nothing but open with the taliban about 521 00:22:37,250 --> 00:22:40,670 who we expect them to let in again 522 00:22:40,840 --> 00:22:44,830 fully recognized that that that that 523 00:22:44,840 --> 00:22:46,990 not every step of this process is in 524 00:22:46,990 --> 00:22:49,070 our firm control and that there are 525 00:22:49,070 --> 00:22:51,460 going to be incidences where it doesn't 526 00:22:51,460 --> 00:22:53,720 work as advertised . But I can tell you 527 00:22:53,720 --> 00:22:55,942 that there isn't a single day that goes 528 00:22:55,942 --> 00:22:59,540 by where uh Admiral basically and 529 00:22:59,540 --> 00:23:01,707 General Donahue aren't working this in 530 00:23:01,707 --> 00:23:04,110 a very personal way with the taliban 531 00:23:04,120 --> 00:23:06,820 authorities outside the airport . Um 532 00:23:06,820 --> 00:23:09,650 Let me go another one on the phone . Uh 533 00:23:09,660 --> 00:23:13,510 Tara mhm Thank you for doing this john . 534 00:23:13,520 --> 00:23:15,950 Um yesterday the president mentioned 535 00:23:15,950 --> 00:23:17,900 also that he was calling upon the 536 00:23:17,900 --> 00:23:20,590 department to create contingency plans 537 00:23:20,600 --> 00:23:24,120 in case uh the number of americans and 538 00:23:24,120 --> 00:23:26,342 afghans that still need to get out have 539 00:23:26,342 --> 00:23:29,110 not gotten out by the 31st . Um Can you 540 00:23:29,110 --> 00:23:31,420 just explain kind of what the 541 00:23:31,420 --> 00:23:33,590 department is thinking about What 542 00:23:33,600 --> 00:23:36,100 options might be to continue to get 543 00:23:36,110 --> 00:23:38,840 Americans out after the 31st if they 544 00:23:38,840 --> 00:23:41,118 haven't made it to the airport by then . 545 00:23:41,118 --> 00:23:43,007 And then just to follow on Jeff's 546 00:23:43,007 --> 00:23:44,896 question with Afghans that aren't 547 00:23:44,896 --> 00:23:48,250 getting through um For the have 548 00:23:48,260 --> 00:23:50,680 discussions gone on with the Taliban to 549 00:23:50,690 --> 00:23:54,000 maybe uh find some negotiation space 550 00:23:54,000 --> 00:23:56,222 for . They've said , you know , no more 551 00:23:56,222 --> 00:23:58,333 Afghans can leave . But clearly , you 552 00:23:58,333 --> 00:24:00,500 know , there's 10,000 at the airport . 553 00:24:00,500 --> 00:24:02,556 So something is happening behind the 554 00:24:02,556 --> 00:24:04,667 scenes that's helping some people get 555 00:24:04,667 --> 00:24:06,722 through . Can you talk about that to 556 00:24:06,722 --> 00:24:06,320 some extent ? Turn it over to the 557 00:24:06,320 --> 00:24:08,376 general ? Yes , I'll start with that 558 00:24:08,376 --> 00:24:11,140 last question 1st . It kind of comes 559 00:24:11,140 --> 00:24:13,251 off of some things that mr Kirby just 560 00:24:13,251 --> 00:24:15,710 said with that constant communication 561 00:24:15,720 --> 00:24:19,080 uh you know , I know the most senior 562 00:24:19,090 --> 00:24:22,700 commanders on the ground are 563 00:24:22,710 --> 00:24:26,060 out and discussing with the 564 00:24:26,070 --> 00:24:28,440 taliban leaders that are manning these 565 00:24:28,440 --> 00:24:31,100 checkpoints exactly what the 566 00:24:31,100 --> 00:24:33,900 documentation needs to look like , you 567 00:24:33,900 --> 00:24:36,260 know , times and coordination ? Uh I 568 00:24:36,270 --> 00:24:39,050 mean details of that as we know though , 569 00:24:39,060 --> 00:24:41,550 there are reports of that , some that 570 00:24:41,560 --> 00:24:43,930 aren't able to get through there and I 571 00:24:43,930 --> 00:24:46,310 can tell you that the Department of 572 00:24:46,310 --> 00:24:48,421 State , the Consular Affairs officers 573 00:24:48,421 --> 00:24:50,760 that are there are working with our 574 00:24:50,760 --> 00:24:53,950 commanders there to ensure that 575 00:24:53,960 --> 00:24:56,840 documentation , names and those things 576 00:24:56,850 --> 00:25:00,440 as often as required are being 577 00:25:00,440 --> 00:25:03,180 communicated to the taliban that are 578 00:25:03,190 --> 00:25:06,410 out those checkpoints to allow uh 579 00:25:06,420 --> 00:25:08,910 transition in there to get into into 580 00:25:08,910 --> 00:25:12,770 the gates and then uh on 581 00:25:12,780 --> 00:25:16,340 contingency plans . Obviously uh I'm 582 00:25:16,340 --> 00:25:18,507 not going to get ahead of the planning 583 00:25:18,507 --> 00:25:20,673 process . We are planning organization 584 00:25:20,673 --> 00:25:23,310 are uh one of our main jobs is to make 585 00:25:23,310 --> 00:25:25,220 sure that that the president has 586 00:25:25,220 --> 00:25:27,050 options uh and as he made clear 587 00:25:27,050 --> 00:25:30,650 yesterday , uh he wants to see this 588 00:25:30,660 --> 00:25:32,604 mission complete by the end of the 589 00:25:32,604 --> 00:25:34,660 month , we are still working towards 590 00:25:34,660 --> 00:25:37,990 that goal , but uh we will be drafting 591 00:25:37,990 --> 00:25:40,200 up uh potential what we call in the 592 00:25:40,200 --> 00:25:42,840 military branches and Sequels uh if in 593 00:25:42,840 --> 00:25:45,230 fact we believe a conversation needs to 594 00:25:45,230 --> 00:25:48,380 be had later on in the month that uh 595 00:25:48,390 --> 00:25:50,410 that uh that the the timeline might 596 00:25:50,410 --> 00:25:54,110 need to be extended for what purpose to 597 00:25:54,120 --> 00:25:58,010 uh for what number uh for how long all 598 00:25:58,010 --> 00:26:00,140 of that is baked into the planning 599 00:26:00,140 --> 00:26:02,251 process and I'm just not going to get 600 00:26:02,251 --> 00:26:04,307 ahead of what the planners are doing 601 00:26:04,307 --> 00:26:07,440 Courtney uh john so I'm still unclear 602 00:26:07,440 --> 00:26:09,440 about at the very end of this , the 603 00:26:09,440 --> 00:26:11,440 30th 31st , Who's going to be doing 604 00:26:11,440 --> 00:26:13,662 security at the airport as the last U . 605 00:26:13,662 --> 00:26:15,718 S . Troops are leaving ? Is there an 606 00:26:15,718 --> 00:26:17,884 agreement ? Or is it sounded as if you 607 00:26:17,884 --> 00:26:17,470 were saying that the taliban will be 608 00:26:17,470 --> 00:26:19,526 responsible for security as the last 609 00:26:19,526 --> 00:26:21,748 americans are leaving ? No , I said the 610 00:26:21,748 --> 00:26:21,630 taliban responsible for running an 611 00:26:21,630 --> 00:26:23,797 airport that's in a city that they are 612 00:26:23,797 --> 00:26:27,110 now the titular heads of government 613 00:26:27,110 --> 00:26:30,170 there airport security . Right . What I 614 00:26:30,740 --> 00:26:34,350 Kourtney they when we are gone , 615 00:26:34,740 --> 00:26:36,990 the airport will no longer be secured 616 00:26:36,990 --> 00:26:39,040 by american forces . How what that 617 00:26:39,040 --> 00:26:41,207 security looks like after we're gone . 618 00:26:41,207 --> 00:26:43,207 I can't speak to that before the US 619 00:26:43,207 --> 00:26:45,318 leaves though you will be doing it as 620 00:26:45,318 --> 00:26:47,207 the U . S . Is let's say the last 621 00:26:47,207 --> 00:26:49,429 couple of aircraft leave with americans 622 00:26:49,429 --> 00:26:51,484 who's running security keeping those 623 00:26:51,484 --> 00:26:53,710 aircraft on the runway safe . So you're 624 00:26:53,710 --> 00:26:57,040 asking a very good tactical question . 625 00:26:57,050 --> 00:26:59,900 Right , so you know , security which we 626 00:26:59,900 --> 00:27:02,120 would call , you know , uh commanders 627 00:27:02,130 --> 00:27:04,600 inherent responsibility throughout 628 00:27:04,610 --> 00:27:07,420 every phase of the operation . Uh we 629 00:27:07,420 --> 00:27:10,390 are continuing to secure ourselves to 630 00:27:10,460 --> 00:27:13,270 the very last requirement of that . So 631 00:27:13,270 --> 00:27:15,990 when you say who's securing the , you 632 00:27:15,990 --> 00:27:18,046 know , the last flight and all those 633 00:27:18,046 --> 00:27:20,268 things and we will have that ability to 634 00:27:20,268 --> 00:27:23,560 secure ourselves through multiple means 635 00:27:23,780 --> 00:27:27,440 to ensure flights are able to take off . 636 00:27:27,450 --> 00:27:29,617 And then while I have you up there , I 637 00:27:29,617 --> 00:27:29,520 just want to clear one thing that you 638 00:27:29,520 --> 00:27:31,464 just said . You said that the most 639 00:27:31,464 --> 00:27:33,687 senior commanders on the ground are out 640 00:27:33,687 --> 00:27:35,964 and discussing things with the taliban . 641 00:27:35,964 --> 00:27:35,560 Do you mean the Admiral basically in 642 00:27:35,560 --> 00:27:37,671 general Donahue are actually going to 643 00:27:37,671 --> 00:27:39,838 the checkpoints . I don't want to give 644 00:27:39,838 --> 00:27:41,838 you names and and the things that I 645 00:27:41,838 --> 00:27:43,838 would just tell you commanders that 646 00:27:43,838 --> 00:27:45,893 have authority uh , at echelon to be 647 00:27:45,893 --> 00:27:47,893 able to communicate . Because as we 648 00:27:47,893 --> 00:27:50,004 said , the most important thing is to 649 00:27:50,004 --> 00:27:52,171 be able to coordinate with the taliban 650 00:27:52,171 --> 00:27:54,227 to get um the right people through . 651 00:27:54,227 --> 00:27:56,282 We've seen that there has been , you 652 00:27:56,282 --> 00:27:58,393 know , reports of not the right folks 653 00:27:58,393 --> 00:28:00,449 being able to get through . So every 654 00:28:00,449 --> 00:28:03,290 day we are ensuring that we can get as 655 00:28:03,290 --> 00:28:06,050 many people in as possible so that we 656 00:28:06,050 --> 00:28:08,217 can fly them to safety . And then if I 657 00:28:08,217 --> 00:28:10,161 could just ask you one more on the 658 00:28:10,161 --> 00:28:12,272 equipment that you were talking about 659 00:28:12,272 --> 00:28:14,106 earlier . So when you talk about 660 00:28:14,106 --> 00:28:16,272 transitioning towards getting military 661 00:28:16,272 --> 00:28:18,383 assets out , so obviously getting the 662 00:28:18,383 --> 00:28:20,550 people out american military out . But 663 00:28:20,550 --> 00:28:22,606 will there be a point where you will 664 00:28:22,606 --> 00:28:24,717 have a decision or general , whomever 665 00:28:24,717 --> 00:28:26,939 it is Mackenzie ? I'm basically , we'll 666 00:28:26,939 --> 00:28:29,161 have a decision about putting people on 667 00:28:29,161 --> 00:28:31,328 these aircraft are putting some of the 668 00:28:31,328 --> 00:28:33,494 equipment , artillery , see rams , all 669 00:28:33,494 --> 00:28:33,470 the equipment that's still at the 670 00:28:33,470 --> 00:28:35,526 airport there . And has there been a 671 00:28:35,526 --> 00:28:38,100 decision made to prioritize lives over 672 00:28:38,100 --> 00:28:40,720 military equipment , lives are always 673 00:28:40,720 --> 00:28:43,130 going to be the priority court period . 674 00:28:43,140 --> 00:28:45,440 But as we get closer to the end , there 675 00:28:45,440 --> 00:28:47,662 will be some equipment and systems that 676 00:28:47,662 --> 00:28:50,250 we will probably uh take with us as we 677 00:28:50,250 --> 00:28:53,400 leave . Um and the disposition of what 678 00:28:53,400 --> 00:28:55,622 we aren't taking with us . That will be 679 00:28:55,622 --> 00:28:57,733 up to Admiral basically determine how 680 00:28:57,733 --> 00:29:01,390 how that stuff is handled . But lives 681 00:29:01,390 --> 00:29:04,750 will always be the chief priority 682 00:29:04,750 --> 00:29:06,583 throughout this entire process . 683 00:29:06,583 --> 00:29:08,639 Nationalities . Lives will always be 684 00:29:08,639 --> 00:29:10,806 the priority throughout this process . 685 00:29:10,840 --> 00:29:13,960 Um Let me go over here uh injuries . 686 00:29:14,540 --> 00:29:16,651 Two quick questions . I think you did 687 00:29:16,651 --> 00:29:18,818 put out a statement thing . About 4000 688 00:29:18,818 --> 00:29:20,984 Americans have been evacuated ? That's 689 00:29:20,984 --> 00:29:23,151 correct . Is there an updated number ? 690 00:29:23,151 --> 00:29:25,262 And do you have the base number ? How 691 00:29:25,262 --> 00:29:25,160 many have to be evacuated now ? It's 692 00:29:25,170 --> 00:29:29,040 right now today , north of 40 400 . Um 693 00:29:29,040 --> 00:29:32,380 And I don't I don't I don't have a 694 00:29:32,390 --> 00:29:35,420 specific uh number of total 695 00:29:35,430 --> 00:29:39,380 americans that uh that are still 696 00:29:39,390 --> 00:29:42,710 in need of of uh of leaving . Just a 697 00:29:42,710 --> 00:29:45,030 quick follow up the secretary and I 698 00:29:45,030 --> 00:29:47,141 guess the department at large find it 699 00:29:47,141 --> 00:29:49,510 helpful for two lawmakers to come to 700 00:29:49,510 --> 00:29:51,732 Kabul an announcer where you guys aware 701 00:29:51,732 --> 00:29:53,954 of it . And do you find it very helpful 702 00:29:53,954 --> 00:29:55,899 for them to be there ? We were not 703 00:29:55,899 --> 00:29:59,170 aware of this visit . Uh And 704 00:30:00,640 --> 00:30:03,270 we are obviously not encouraging VIP 705 00:30:03,270 --> 00:30:06,960 visits to a very tense , 706 00:30:07,640 --> 00:30:10,230 dangerous and dynamic situation at that 707 00:30:10,230 --> 00:30:13,230 airport and inside Kabul's generally 708 00:30:13,840 --> 00:30:17,160 uh and the secretary I think would have 709 00:30:17,160 --> 00:30:19,382 appreciated the opportunity to have had 710 00:30:19,382 --> 00:30:21,438 a conversation before the visit took 711 00:30:21,438 --> 00:30:23,860 place having them there . 712 00:30:24,540 --> 00:30:28,250 They got a chance to uh to talk to 713 00:30:28,260 --> 00:30:30,482 uh commanders . As I understand , I got 714 00:30:30,482 --> 00:30:34,170 a chance to talk to troops . Uh but 715 00:30:34,740 --> 00:30:38,720 to say that there wasn't a need to 716 00:30:38,730 --> 00:30:41,360 flex and to um 717 00:30:42,440 --> 00:30:45,400 to alter the day the days flow , 718 00:30:45,650 --> 00:30:49,270 including including , you know , the 719 00:30:49,270 --> 00:30:51,570 need to have protection for these 720 00:30:51,570 --> 00:30:54,100 members of Congress . That would uh you 721 00:30:54,100 --> 00:30:57,320 know , that that wouldn't be a that 722 00:30:57,320 --> 00:30:59,431 would be a genuine thing for me to to 723 00:30:59,431 --> 00:31:01,542 assert . I mean , there was there was 724 00:31:01,542 --> 00:31:04,830 certainly um there was 725 00:31:04,840 --> 00:31:08,740 certainly a pull off of the kinds of 726 00:31:08,740 --> 00:31:10,740 missions we were trying to do to be 727 00:31:10,740 --> 00:31:12,907 able to accommodate that visit just to 728 00:31:12,907 --> 00:31:14,851 be clear , Congressman moulton and 729 00:31:14,851 --> 00:31:16,851 Congressman Meyer , They took seats 730 00:31:16,851 --> 00:31:18,740 that would have been for refugees 731 00:31:18,740 --> 00:31:20,796 leaving and they took time away from 732 00:31:20,796 --> 00:31:22,962 the mission . They certainly took time 733 00:31:22,962 --> 00:31:25,129 away from what we had been planning to 734 00:31:25,129 --> 00:31:28,170 do that day . Um and uh , 735 00:31:28,640 --> 00:31:31,700 I don't know on the aircraft , they did 736 00:31:31,700 --> 00:31:34,110 fly out on a military aircraft . I 737 00:31:34,110 --> 00:31:37,840 honestly don't know um what the seat 738 00:31:37,840 --> 00:31:40,870 capacity was on that aircraft , but 739 00:31:40,870 --> 00:31:42,703 they are but they are out of the 740 00:31:42,703 --> 00:31:44,830 country now . Barb just one more 741 00:31:44,830 --> 00:31:46,990 question on withdrawal in the coming 742 00:31:47,000 --> 00:31:50,580 days Since the president has said , 743 00:31:50,590 --> 00:31:53,540 setting contingency planning aside that 744 00:31:53,550 --> 00:31:55,717 everyone will be out by August 31 . My 745 00:31:55,717 --> 00:31:59,360 question is , do you have in hand all 746 00:31:59,360 --> 00:32:02,950 the authorities approvals 747 00:32:03,160 --> 00:32:07,160 signed orders , whatever is necessary 748 00:32:07,740 --> 00:32:10,960 to just move ahead and carry that out 749 00:32:10,970 --> 00:32:14,210 or uh does the President , the 750 00:32:14,210 --> 00:32:16,154 Secretary General Mackenzie , does 751 00:32:16,154 --> 00:32:18,260 somebody's General Milley , does 752 00:32:18,260 --> 00:32:21,580 somebody still have to sign an order to 753 00:32:21,580 --> 00:32:24,660 have that formal withdrawal begin 754 00:32:25,940 --> 00:32:28,162 barb , without making it sound like I'm 755 00:32:28,162 --> 00:32:30,218 trying to gloss over your question , 756 00:32:30,218 --> 00:32:32,273 obviously we are tracking the end of 757 00:32:32,273 --> 00:32:34,496 the mission at the end of the month and 758 00:32:34,496 --> 00:32:36,710 so of course , General Mackenzie has 759 00:32:36,720 --> 00:32:40,370 retrograde plans in uh you know , 760 00:32:40,380 --> 00:32:43,570 in on the shelf and ready to go , but I 761 00:32:43,570 --> 00:32:46,260 can assure you that uh that 762 00:32:47,340 --> 00:32:50,340 but before that effort is undertaken in 763 00:32:50,350 --> 00:32:53,220 earnest , uh there will be a 764 00:32:53,220 --> 00:32:55,164 conversation with the Secretary of 765 00:32:55,164 --> 00:32:58,180 Defense uh and Secretary Austin will 766 00:32:58,190 --> 00:33:01,010 have a chance to uh provide his 767 00:33:01,010 --> 00:33:03,177 guidance and direction with respect to 768 00:33:03,177 --> 00:33:05,343 retrograde and I think I'll leave it . 769 00:33:05,343 --> 00:33:07,066 So I'm sorry , I guess I don't 770 00:33:07,066 --> 00:33:09,177 understand because the President made 771 00:33:09,177 --> 00:33:11,288 the decision To stick to the deadline 772 00:33:11,288 --> 00:33:14,240 of August 31 for all intention . That's 773 00:33:14,240 --> 00:33:16,520 right . And you have that from the 774 00:33:16,520 --> 00:33:20,430 Commander in Chief . So what is it that 775 00:33:20,440 --> 00:33:22,551 I just don't get it ? What is it that 776 00:33:22,551 --> 00:33:25,420 still has to happen to have the formal 777 00:33:25,430 --> 00:33:27,710 official withdrawal began . The 778 00:33:27,720 --> 00:33:30,120 President also said that that he wanted 779 00:33:30,120 --> 00:33:31,731 the pentagon to come up with 780 00:33:31,731 --> 00:33:33,842 contingency plans . Should there be a 781 00:33:33,842 --> 00:33:35,731 need to have a conversation about 782 00:33:35,731 --> 00:33:37,731 altering the timeline ? So , we are 783 00:33:37,731 --> 00:33:39,842 tracking towards the 31st , there are 784 00:33:39,842 --> 00:33:42,064 retrograde plans that have been drafted 785 00:33:42,064 --> 00:33:45,050 up uh and the secretary has seen them 786 00:33:45,050 --> 00:33:47,550 and is aware of them , but I think you 787 00:33:47,550 --> 00:33:50,090 would expect that uh in these final 788 00:33:50,090 --> 00:33:52,470 days , the secretary will want to have 789 00:33:52,470 --> 00:33:54,359 the opportunity to issue specific 790 00:33:54,359 --> 00:33:56,500 direction to General Mackenzie about 791 00:33:56,510 --> 00:33:58,510 going forward with those retrograde 792 00:33:58,510 --> 00:34:00,677 plans were going to try . As I said we 793 00:34:00,677 --> 00:34:03,550 are focused on that date but we're also 794 00:34:03,550 --> 00:34:06,020 focused keenly on making sure we get as 795 00:34:06,020 --> 00:34:08,760 many people out as fast as we can for 796 00:34:08,760 --> 00:34:10,982 as long as we can . And if there has to 797 00:34:10,982 --> 00:34:13,093 be alterations to that then obviously 798 00:34:13,093 --> 00:34:15,204 Secretary Austin's gonna want to be a 799 00:34:15,204 --> 00:34:17,204 part of that conversation and to be 800 00:34:17,204 --> 00:34:16,540 able to issue his guidance and 801 00:34:16,540 --> 00:34:18,484 direction to the commanders on the 802 00:34:18,484 --> 00:34:20,890 ground . Christina . Thank you . Can 803 00:34:20,890 --> 00:34:23,090 you confirm that ? No Americans have 804 00:34:23,100 --> 00:34:26,960 been killed since August 14 and 805 00:34:27,540 --> 00:34:30,540 If there is any American killed through 806 00:34:30,550 --> 00:34:33,050 August 31 how would that be announced ? 807 00:34:33,060 --> 00:34:35,393 Are you talking about American soldiers , 808 00:34:35,393 --> 00:34:37,449 troops ? Any any American know there 809 00:34:37,449 --> 00:34:41,420 have been no US troops killed 810 00:34:41,430 --> 00:34:43,640 since the 14th and we only know of one 811 00:34:43,640 --> 00:34:47,400 minor injury . Um I know of no American 812 00:34:47,400 --> 00:34:49,622 citizens who have been killed on this . 813 00:34:49,622 --> 00:34:53,480 Uh so I don't know of any . Uh now we 814 00:34:53,480 --> 00:34:55,424 don't have perfect visibility into 815 00:34:55,424 --> 00:34:57,424 everything going on in Kabul but we 816 00:34:57,424 --> 00:34:59,647 know of no American casualties and just 817 00:34:59,647 --> 00:35:01,647 one more question . Um when exactly 818 00:35:01,647 --> 00:35:04,170 does the August 31 deadline take effect ? 819 00:35:04,170 --> 00:35:06,790 Is that august 31st midnight , was that 820 00:35:06,790 --> 00:35:09,370 september 1st midnight august 31st 821 00:35:09,450 --> 00:35:11,990 nancy clarify a couple points that you 822 00:35:11,990 --> 00:35:13,990 made earlier for me , You mentioned 823 00:35:13,990 --> 00:35:15,990 that at some point the U . S . Will 824 00:35:15,990 --> 00:35:18,101 prioritize getting military personnel 825 00:35:18,101 --> 00:35:20,230 out of common cars ? International 826 00:35:20,230 --> 00:35:22,341 airport And I'm curious given that is 827 00:35:22,341 --> 00:35:25,300 there a point where afghan nationals 828 00:35:25,310 --> 00:35:27,477 and us citizens will not be allowed to 829 00:35:27,477 --> 00:35:29,477 get into the airport compound ? The 830 00:35:29,477 --> 00:35:31,588 supposition being that you would have 831 00:35:31,588 --> 00:35:33,810 to have some sort of cut off before you 832 00:35:33,810 --> 00:35:36,710 can then fly everyone the final troops 833 00:35:36,720 --> 00:35:38,553 out . And if so , what is that ? 834 00:35:40,940 --> 00:35:43,107 So I just want to go back to something 835 00:35:43,107 --> 00:35:45,370 I said earlier about airflow right ? 836 00:35:45,370 --> 00:35:48,150 And as you've seen the capability over 837 00:35:48,150 --> 00:35:51,210 the last three days , You know over 90 838 00:35:51,210 --> 00:35:55,020 aircraft total yesterday , so and lot 839 00:35:55,020 --> 00:35:57,760 focused on evacuation . So the way to 840 00:35:57,760 --> 00:35:59,730 answer that question is is the 841 00:35:59,730 --> 00:36:03,100 commanders who will go forward with 842 00:36:03,100 --> 00:36:05,370 their plan of rhetoric will have 843 00:36:05,370 --> 00:36:08,050 options , you know , to make decisions 844 00:36:08,050 --> 00:36:11,290 on a daily , sometimes hourly basis of 845 00:36:11,300 --> 00:36:13,810 what loads are ready . What aircraft 846 00:36:13,810 --> 00:36:17,040 already can I put something else on 847 00:36:17,050 --> 00:36:19,410 that bird ? I mean that that's how 848 00:36:19,420 --> 00:36:23,330 fluid and we are able to do at 849 00:36:23,330 --> 00:36:25,760 that level planning and it goes back to 850 00:36:25,940 --> 00:36:29,030 the overall missionaries continue to be 851 00:36:29,030 --> 00:36:31,850 able to get as many out as possible . 852 00:36:31,860 --> 00:36:33,804 So I appreciate that . I think one 853 00:36:33,804 --> 00:36:35,749 reason I'm a little confused is it 854 00:36:35,749 --> 00:36:37,971 seems part of this is contingent on the 855 00:36:37,971 --> 00:36:40,027 taliban and how they secure the area 856 00:36:40,027 --> 00:36:42,193 around the airport , who they lead and 857 00:36:42,193 --> 00:36:41,850 when they let them in . So I think one 858 00:36:41,850 --> 00:36:44,017 thing that would help me understand it 859 00:36:44,017 --> 00:36:45,628 better . Who makes the final 860 00:36:45,628 --> 00:36:47,739 determination of security outside the 861 00:36:47,739 --> 00:36:49,683 airport . You mentioned that their 862 00:36:49,683 --> 00:36:51,628 communications happening . But for 863 00:36:51,628 --> 00:36:53,850 example if the U . S . Wanted some kind 864 00:36:53,850 --> 00:36:56,072 of national and and the taliban did not 865 00:36:56,072 --> 00:36:55,690 want to let them know who makes that 866 00:36:55,690 --> 00:36:57,746 determination . How is it sorted out 867 00:36:57,746 --> 00:37:00,200 right now ? Uh The airfield is secure 868 00:37:00,220 --> 00:37:03,550 to allow full operations and do not 869 00:37:03,550 --> 00:37:05,910 assess that that that is going to 870 00:37:05,910 --> 00:37:08,950 change right now . So that is our our 871 00:37:08,960 --> 00:37:11,127 current planning and we'll continue to 872 00:37:11,127 --> 00:37:13,950 go forward with that . Yes . I think uh 873 00:37:14,330 --> 00:37:16,780 two sort of revisit what I said before . 874 00:37:16,780 --> 00:37:19,150 I mean we are uh we've been very clear 875 00:37:19,150 --> 00:37:21,740 with taliban leaders about what 876 00:37:21,750 --> 00:37:24,250 credentials we want them to accept . 877 00:37:24,730 --> 00:37:28,050 Remember it's american citizens , it's 878 00:37:28,060 --> 00:37:30,160 s ivy applicants and it's vulnerable 879 00:37:30,160 --> 00:37:33,690 afghans . Uh and we have shared what 880 00:37:33,690 --> 00:37:36,400 the proper credentials are . Uh and by 881 00:37:36,400 --> 00:37:38,880 and large , not saying it's been 882 00:37:38,880 --> 00:37:41,560 perfect but by and large the people 883 00:37:41,560 --> 00:37:44,170 that we have made clear to the Taliban 884 00:37:44,170 --> 00:37:46,392 that we want to have access through the 885 00:37:46,392 --> 00:37:48,281 checkpoints have been able to get 886 00:37:48,281 --> 00:37:50,770 through by and large again with caveats . 887 00:37:50,780 --> 00:37:54,670 Um So it hasn't been a 888 00:37:54,680 --> 00:37:56,513 big problem to date . And as the 889 00:37:56,513 --> 00:37:59,380 general said earlier , we also have 890 00:37:59,380 --> 00:38:03,210 other means to go out and get people 891 00:38:03,210 --> 00:38:06,130 in if we need to . We've done three 892 00:38:06,270 --> 00:38:09,750 rotary wing lifts that . So we have 893 00:38:09,750 --> 00:38:11,861 that option available to us as well . 894 00:38:11,861 --> 00:38:14,083 Did that answer your question ? I don't 895 00:38:14,083 --> 00:38:16,194 I don't mean to be think about this . 896 00:38:16,194 --> 00:38:18,361 I'm just trying to understand how that 897 00:38:18,361 --> 00:38:20,528 communication happens . Let's say they 898 00:38:20,528 --> 00:38:20,500 are not letting in a certain credential 899 00:38:20,500 --> 00:38:22,722 that you believe should be let in . How 900 00:38:22,722 --> 00:38:24,667 is that ? Good question . And what 901 00:38:24,667 --> 00:38:27,030 would happen is the commanders on the 902 00:38:27,030 --> 00:38:30,990 ground would if they were if that was 903 00:38:30,990 --> 00:38:33,212 brought to their attention and this has 904 00:38:33,212 --> 00:38:35,157 actually happened . I'm not , this 905 00:38:35,157 --> 00:38:37,323 isn't notional uh when we have reports 906 00:38:37,323 --> 00:38:38,990 that somebody who is properly 907 00:38:38,990 --> 00:38:42,750 credentialed is not being let in uh or 908 00:38:42,750 --> 00:38:45,680 maybe there family members , what they 909 00:38:45,680 --> 00:38:48,110 have proper credentials . We are making 910 00:38:48,110 --> 00:38:50,920 that clear to the taliban leaders that , 911 00:38:51,090 --> 00:38:53,146 nope , they are appropriate , you do 912 00:38:53,146 --> 00:38:55,034 need to let them in . And again , 913 00:38:55,034 --> 00:38:57,257 there's been a little give and take and 914 00:38:57,257 --> 00:38:59,312 it's uh , I think it was no zero who 915 00:38:59,312 --> 00:39:01,470 mentioned this earlier . I mean , not 916 00:39:01,470 --> 00:39:05,150 every checkpoint is uh is manned uh in 917 00:39:05,150 --> 00:39:06,761 the same way and by the same 918 00:39:06,761 --> 00:39:08,983 individuals as every other one . And so 919 00:39:08,983 --> 00:39:10,928 there's variances at some of these 920 00:39:10,928 --> 00:39:12,983 checkpoints in terms of how the word 921 00:39:12,983 --> 00:39:14,817 has gotten down and how much the 922 00:39:14,920 --> 00:39:17,940 taliban manning the checkpoint are 923 00:39:17,950 --> 00:39:19,728 following the dictates of their 924 00:39:19,728 --> 00:39:21,870 commanders . So that's why it's a 925 00:39:21,870 --> 00:39:23,930 constant communication on the ground 926 00:39:23,930 --> 00:39:25,986 with them to keep that flow going as 927 00:39:25,986 --> 00:39:28,152 much as possible . But yes , there are 928 00:39:28,152 --> 00:39:30,210 stops and starts . There are hurdles 929 00:39:30,210 --> 00:39:32,377 that have to be overcome almost on any 930 00:39:32,377 --> 00:39:36,310 given day , but really it's uh it's 931 00:39:36,310 --> 00:39:38,199 a credit to the commanders on the 932 00:39:38,199 --> 00:39:40,199 ground there that they are they are 933 00:39:40,199 --> 00:39:42,366 continuing to have these conversations 934 00:39:42,366 --> 00:39:44,477 now . Did that get it better ? Okay , 935 00:39:44,477 --> 00:39:46,940 All right jenny . Thank you . Thank you 936 00:39:46,940 --> 00:39:50,880 very much . The 937 00:39:50,880 --> 00:39:53,480 South korean government is operating a 938 00:39:53,480 --> 00:39:57,140 military aircraft transfer operation to 939 00:39:57,140 --> 00:40:00,370 receive the Afghanistan refugees in 940 00:40:00,370 --> 00:40:04,090 South Korea will arrive tomorrow . Okay . 941 00:40:04,100 --> 00:40:06,330 As you know that the North Korea's 942 00:40:06,330 --> 00:40:09,980 supporters , Taliban and 943 00:40:09,990 --> 00:40:12,820 we know that in the past the North 944 00:40:12,820 --> 00:40:16,080 Korea and Taliban , they conducted a 945 00:40:16,090 --> 00:40:19,000 spacer training together 946 00:40:19,610 --> 00:40:22,600 then . What kind of United States 947 00:40:22,610 --> 00:40:25,510 monitoring about North Korea , 948 00:40:25,520 --> 00:40:29,070 which you know , is the poses a 949 00:40:29,080 --> 00:40:31,430 security threat do you want ? 950 00:40:34,610 --> 00:40:37,330 First of all , as we talk about the 951 00:40:38,010 --> 00:40:40,550 Republic of Korea support to airlift ? 952 00:40:40,560 --> 00:40:42,960 Obviously , we , as I said earlier , 953 00:40:42,970 --> 00:40:44,930 extremely grateful for their 954 00:40:44,930 --> 00:40:48,830 contribution to increase our outflow . 955 00:40:49,310 --> 00:40:51,560 Uh , you know , throughout the world , 956 00:40:51,560 --> 00:40:53,960 as you know , we talk about North Korea 957 00:40:53,970 --> 00:40:56,026 and all that . You know , all of our 958 00:40:56,026 --> 00:40:57,637 combat commands , you know , 959 00:40:57,637 --> 00:40:59,930 specifically pay com are always uh 960 00:41:00,310 --> 00:41:02,970 diligent in , you know , watching in 961 00:41:02,970 --> 00:41:05,400 their mission of ensuring , you know , 962 00:41:05,530 --> 00:41:08,470 keeping awareness of any type of thing . 963 00:41:08,470 --> 00:41:10,526 North Korea is doing so once again , 964 00:41:10,526 --> 00:41:12,581 we're very grateful and thankful for 965 00:41:12,581 --> 00:41:14,470 the Republic of Korea support and 966 00:41:14,470 --> 00:41:16,930 helping us have any contingency plan 967 00:41:17,410 --> 00:41:20,260 for anything happening in the korean 968 00:41:20,260 --> 00:41:23,130 peninsula . During this , you know , 969 00:41:23,610 --> 00:41:26,710 indo pak calms mission remains 970 00:41:26,850 --> 00:41:29,840 unchanged and uh , and steadfast . 971 00:41:30,020 --> 00:41:32,187 Thank you . I need to go to the phones 972 00:41:32,187 --> 00:41:34,131 again , some more Tony Cappuccio . 973 00:41:37,210 --> 00:41:39,480 Hey , john two quick questions . Uh , 974 00:41:39,490 --> 00:41:41,510 jen Psaki yesterday said that this 975 00:41:41,510 --> 00:41:44,050 evacuation is on track to be the 976 00:41:44,050 --> 00:41:46,320 largest in U . S . History . The large 977 00:41:46,330 --> 00:41:48,640 airlift in U . S . History . The 978 00:41:48,640 --> 00:41:51,170 numbers you applied so far , it's 979 00:41:51,170 --> 00:41:53,226 88,000 I think you've said have been 980 00:41:53,226 --> 00:41:56,310 evacuated . So are you pretty confident 981 00:41:56,310 --> 00:41:58,210 that you will be able to best the 982 00:41:58,210 --> 00:42:01,520 operation frequent wind 1975 . 983 00:42:01,520 --> 00:42:05,250 Saigon evacuation where 131,000 984 00:42:05,250 --> 00:42:07,420 people were evacuated by Aaron C . 985 00:42:08,000 --> 00:42:10,333 We're not competing with history , Tony , 986 00:42:10,333 --> 00:42:12,444 we're trying to get as many people as 987 00:42:12,444 --> 00:42:14,444 we can as fast as we can and uh and 988 00:42:14,444 --> 00:42:16,790 when it's all said and done uh we'll 989 00:42:16,790 --> 00:42:18,790 take a look at what we were able to 990 00:42:18,790 --> 00:42:20,679 accomplish . But this isn't about 991 00:42:20,679 --> 00:42:22,846 Trying to beat some sort of historical 992 00:42:22,846 --> 00:42:25,040 record . Um I will only add that , you 993 00:42:25,040 --> 00:42:28,990 know at 88,000 in the course of uh you 994 00:42:28,990 --> 00:42:32,520 know just a week , week and a half . Um 995 00:42:32,530 --> 00:42:35,520 is no small feat and you've seen us 996 00:42:35,530 --> 00:42:38,770 over the last three days alone uh 997 00:42:38,780 --> 00:42:41,320 exceed what we thought was going to be 998 00:42:41,330 --> 00:42:43,650 a maximum capacity . We certainly would 999 00:42:43,650 --> 00:42:45,817 like to keep that going for as long as 1000 00:42:45,817 --> 00:42:48,039 possible . Let me go back to the phones 1001 00:42:48,039 --> 00:42:50,150 and then Sylvia , I'll get to you . I 1002 00:42:50,150 --> 00:42:53,920 promise . Stephen Lucey yes . 1003 00:42:53,920 --> 00:42:57,410 Thank you . Uh Can you tell me if all S . 1004 00:42:57,410 --> 00:42:59,521 I . V . Holders who have made it onto 1005 00:42:59,521 --> 00:43:01,632 the airport grounds with valid papers 1006 00:43:01,632 --> 00:43:03,688 are going to be able to make it onto 1007 00:43:03,688 --> 00:43:05,480 flights ? I asked because an 1008 00:43:05,490 --> 00:43:07,546 interpreter with an S . I . V . I've 1009 00:43:07,546 --> 00:43:09,712 been in contact with just made it onto 1010 00:43:09,712 --> 00:43:12,580 the grounds ? Was almost put out of the 1011 00:43:12,580 --> 00:43:14,636 gate . That appears to have been now 1012 00:43:14,636 --> 00:43:18,500 corrected . But will uh will 1013 00:43:18,500 --> 00:43:20,920 this interpreter and other s ivy 1014 00:43:20,920 --> 00:43:23,280 holders who are on the ground be able 1015 00:43:23,280 --> 00:43:26,560 to fly out before the deadline is gone 1016 00:43:26,570 --> 00:43:28,820 is over . So we , 1017 00:43:30,700 --> 00:43:33,330 mm . Thank you . I have two small 1018 00:43:33,330 --> 00:43:36,520 questions . Um First about the numbers 1019 00:43:36,750 --> 00:43:39,950 you said that 88,000 departed since 1020 00:43:39,960 --> 00:43:43,310 the fucking of August . Is it 1021 00:43:43,700 --> 00:43:47,680 Only us flight ? So if it's not only 1022 00:43:47,680 --> 00:43:51,140 us flight , how many were evacuated by 1023 00:43:51,140 --> 00:43:53,720 us flights ? That's the total number . 1024 00:43:53,730 --> 00:43:56,140 Yes . Right . At around 1025 00:43:56,240 --> 00:44:00,010 58,060,000 . Okay , thank you . 1026 00:44:00,020 --> 00:44:03,130 And the second question was about the 1027 00:44:03,140 --> 00:44:07,010 president mentioned the ISIS K . 1028 00:44:07,020 --> 00:44:09,610 Threat and I wanted to know if you 1029 00:44:09,620 --> 00:44:12,920 receive new threats . If if 1030 00:44:13,490 --> 00:44:16,600 you if there was there was an immediate 1031 00:44:16,610 --> 00:44:20,610 danger at the gates or if it's 1032 00:44:20,610 --> 00:44:24,470 a a threat in general that you have 1033 00:44:24,470 --> 00:44:27,260 known for a long time . So as we talk 1034 00:44:27,260 --> 00:44:29,038 about we won't go into specific 1035 00:44:29,038 --> 00:44:31,204 intelligence collection those speeds . 1036 00:44:31,204 --> 00:44:32,982 But there we know as previously 1037 00:44:32,982 --> 00:44:35,093 reported there is a threat . This has 1038 00:44:35,093 --> 00:44:37,460 been a dangerous place that has had 1039 00:44:37,470 --> 00:44:40,210 threats by ISIS . And we continue to 1040 00:44:40,380 --> 00:44:44,130 ensure that we collect 1041 00:44:44,140 --> 00:44:47,010 and keep the force protection to the 1042 00:44:47,010 --> 00:44:49,550 highest level as possible to ensure 1043 00:44:49,550 --> 00:44:52,080 that we're able to continue evacuation 1044 00:44:52,080 --> 00:44:54,210 operations . So you won't confirm new 1045 00:44:54,210 --> 00:44:56,620 threats . We're not going to talk about 1046 00:44:56,630 --> 00:44:58,730 the intelligence farmer soviet , you 1047 00:44:58,730 --> 00:45:01,810 know that these are as the general said 1048 00:45:02,190 --> 00:45:05,150 these are credible threats and uh we're 1049 00:45:05,150 --> 00:45:07,150 mindful of that but we're not gonna 1050 00:45:07,150 --> 00:45:09,261 talk about it in great detail . Megan 1051 00:45:09,261 --> 00:45:11,483 just want to clarify your remarks about 1052 00:45:11,483 --> 00:45:13,483 the vaccine . Memo , is this to say 1053 00:45:13,483 --> 00:45:15,428 that the secretary is not going to 1054 00:45:15,428 --> 00:45:17,650 request a waiver from the president and 1055 00:45:17,650 --> 00:45:19,817 D . O . D . Will just give vaccines on 1056 00:45:19,817 --> 00:45:22,039 a mandatory basis as they become . No , 1057 00:45:22,039 --> 00:45:24,790 that's not at all . I mean , uh we'll 1058 00:45:24,790 --> 00:45:26,846 have to see where the other vaccines 1059 00:45:26,846 --> 00:45:29,068 end up . That's not that's not at all . 1060 00:45:29,068 --> 00:45:31,123 What I meant to say . It's just that 1061 00:45:31,123 --> 00:45:32,901 the only ones that will be made 1062 00:45:32,901 --> 00:45:36,760 mandatory right now are the uh are 1063 00:45:36,760 --> 00:45:39,620 ones that are licensed by the FDA . So 1064 00:45:39,620 --> 00:45:41,731 by mid september , he may ask for the 1065 00:45:41,731 --> 00:45:44,064 other . I won't rule anything in or out . 1066 00:45:44,064 --> 00:45:46,287 But we're But as you but uh as the memo 1067 00:45:46,287 --> 00:45:48,064 says , we're only going to make 1068 00:45:48,064 --> 00:45:50,287 mandatory those that have FDA licensure 1069 00:45:50,287 --> 00:45:52,064 and press reporting alone would 1070 00:45:52,064 --> 00:45:55,470 indicate that uh you know , that the 1071 00:45:55,470 --> 00:45:57,610 other vaccines are getting close . So 1072 00:45:58,460 --> 00:46:01,860 yeah , sure . Yeah . I was the 1073 00:46:01,860 --> 00:46:04,220 relationship between us and Taliban . 1074 00:46:04,230 --> 00:46:06,119 Do you think that Pakistan should 1075 00:46:06,680 --> 00:46:10,530 played rule to make a good relationship ? 1076 00:46:10,540 --> 00:46:13,220 Because as long as I heard from a 1077 00:46:13,230 --> 00:46:16,650 Taliban spokesperson , you guys have no 1078 00:46:16,650 --> 00:46:18,890 good relationship because they 1079 00:46:18,890 --> 00:46:21,470 prevented uh civilians to leave 1080 00:46:21,470 --> 00:46:23,800 Afghanistan . Do you think that's still 1081 00:46:23,980 --> 00:46:26,750 Pakistan's role , which rule play 1082 00:46:26,750 --> 00:46:30,020 Pakistan all afghan . Oh , all of 1083 00:46:30,020 --> 00:46:32,020 Afghanistan's neighbours can play a 1084 00:46:32,020 --> 00:46:34,187 role here . And we hope that they do a 1085 00:46:34,187 --> 00:46:36,690 constructive role uh in Afghanistan's 1086 00:46:36,690 --> 00:46:39,530 future in Pakistan certainly uh I would 1087 00:46:39,530 --> 00:46:41,586 think would figure largely into that 1088 00:46:41,586 --> 00:46:43,697 calculus as we talked about , there's 1089 00:46:43,780 --> 00:46:46,490 safe havens across the , along that 1090 00:46:46,490 --> 00:46:48,546 border remain a problem . We've been 1091 00:46:48,546 --> 00:46:51,090 very honest and candid with Pakistani 1092 00:46:51,090 --> 00:46:53,130 leaders about the importance of not 1093 00:46:53,140 --> 00:46:55,870 allowing that . And you would want to 1094 00:46:55,870 --> 00:46:58,092 believe that they also share that sense 1095 00:46:58,092 --> 00:47:00,280 of urgency because they too are the 1096 00:47:00,280 --> 00:47:02,169 victims of terrorist attacks that 1097 00:47:02,169 --> 00:47:04,280 emanate from there . So they should . 1098 00:47:04,280 --> 00:47:06,340 And I suspect that they will want to 1099 00:47:06,340 --> 00:47:10,080 play a significant role going forward . 1100 00:47:10,080 --> 00:47:12,850 And we would just ask for them and for 1101 00:47:12,860 --> 00:47:14,971 any country , any neighboring country 1102 00:47:14,971 --> 00:47:16,749 to make that as constructive as 1103 00:47:16,749 --> 00:47:18,638 possible in the back there . What 1104 00:47:18,638 --> 00:47:20,860 percent of the forces aren't vaccinated 1105 00:47:20,860 --> 00:47:22,860 yet ? And when will they have to be 1106 00:47:22,860 --> 00:47:26,600 vaccinated by ? Okay , so 1107 00:47:27,080 --> 00:47:30,930 on the active duty force , 68% is 1108 00:47:30,930 --> 00:47:33,480 fully vaccinated . And we estimate that 1109 00:47:33,480 --> 00:47:36,900 just over 76% have at least one dose . 1110 00:47:37,480 --> 00:47:39,591 I can break this down by the services 1111 00:47:39,591 --> 00:47:41,424 and this would include guard and 1112 00:47:41,424 --> 00:47:43,990 reserves in these figures For the Army , 1113 00:47:45,080 --> 00:47:47,860 fully vaccinated . uh with 1114 00:47:47,860 --> 00:47:51,280 57% with one dose for the Marine Corps , 1115 00:47:51,280 --> 00:47:55,260 53 Fully vaccinated , 60% 1116 00:47:55,260 --> 00:47:59,250 with one dose for the Navy , Fully 1117 00:47:59,250 --> 00:48:02,610 vaccinated , 79% with at least one dose . 1118 00:48:02,850 --> 00:48:05,600 And for the air force , uh which 1119 00:48:05,600 --> 00:48:09,210 includes space Force , uh That's 1120 00:48:09,210 --> 00:48:12,980 57% fully vaccinated , 64% with one 1121 00:48:12,980 --> 00:48:15,620 dose . The secretary has made clear his 1122 00:48:15,620 --> 00:48:17,842 expectation to the military departments 1123 00:48:17,842 --> 00:48:19,898 that he wants them to move with some 1124 00:48:19,898 --> 00:48:22,630 alacrity here uh and get the force 1125 00:48:22,630 --> 00:48:24,797 fully vaccinated as fast as possible . 1126 00:48:24,797 --> 00:48:26,963 If you look in his memo , you also see 1127 00:48:26,963 --> 00:48:29,186 that he tasked them to regularly update 1128 00:48:29,186 --> 00:48:31,710 the Deputy secretary on a very frequent 1129 00:48:31,720 --> 00:48:33,700 basis on how they're moving out to 1130 00:48:33,700 --> 00:48:35,980 achieve those goals right now . This 1131 00:48:35,980 --> 00:48:38,180 mandatory vaccine will just be fighter 1132 00:48:38,180 --> 00:48:40,291 and then we'll see where it goes with 1133 00:48:40,291 --> 00:48:42,513 the other license hers john will you be 1134 00:48:42,513 --> 00:48:45,300 mandating vaccines for any of the 1135 00:48:45,300 --> 00:48:47,189 afghan refugees who come into the 1136 00:48:47,189 --> 00:48:49,300 United States and are brought here by 1137 00:48:49,300 --> 00:48:51,467 the U . S . Military ? I'm gonna leave 1138 00:48:51,467 --> 00:48:53,300 that question to uh to the State 1139 00:48:53,300 --> 00:48:55,720 Department but there is , there's covid 1140 00:48:55,720 --> 00:48:58,210 screening being done at each stop along 1141 00:48:58,210 --> 00:49:00,710 the way . Um And again I think that's a 1142 00:49:00,710 --> 00:49:02,377 better question for the State 1143 00:49:02,377 --> 00:49:04,488 Department has just said that nes ivy 1144 00:49:04,488 --> 00:49:06,710 holders that come to the gate would be 1145 00:49:06,710 --> 00:49:09,730 let onto a flight . But we're just 1146 00:49:09,730 --> 00:49:11,980 getting real time reports from Abbey 1147 00:49:11,980 --> 00:49:14,330 gate that marines are turning away s 1148 00:49:14,330 --> 00:49:17,320 ivy holders and turning them away . Can 1149 00:49:17,320 --> 00:49:19,590 you clarify our marines supposed to be 1150 00:49:19,590 --> 00:49:21,590 turning away those with S . I . V . 1151 00:49:21,590 --> 00:49:24,460 Papers or with authorization to come 1152 00:49:24,470 --> 00:49:26,470 onto the airport ? Have they closed 1153 00:49:26,470 --> 00:49:28,700 down Abbey Gate ? I'm going to let the 1154 00:49:28,700 --> 00:49:31,970 general take that question the question 1155 00:49:31,970 --> 00:49:35,390 that was posed to me by um I think it 1156 00:49:35,390 --> 00:49:39,380 was Stephen was if you're if you have 1157 00:49:39,380 --> 00:49:41,491 S . I . V . Credentials and you're at 1158 00:49:41,491 --> 00:49:43,658 the field . If you're on the airport , 1159 00:49:43,658 --> 00:49:45,769 will you be able to get off ? And the 1160 00:49:45,769 --> 00:49:47,936 answer is yes but I'll let the general 1161 00:49:47,936 --> 00:49:50,158 take so obviously I can't speak to that 1162 00:49:50,158 --> 00:49:53,140 knee , you know absolute real time to 1163 00:49:53,140 --> 00:49:56,450 the second report . Um The guidance 1164 00:49:56,450 --> 00:49:58,860 still remains is those that have the 1165 00:49:58,860 --> 00:50:01,890 proper paperwork uh and are safely at 1166 00:50:01,890 --> 00:50:03,946 the gates is to bring them in and to 1167 00:50:03,946 --> 00:50:06,630 process them so I can't speak to that 1168 00:50:06,630 --> 00:50:09,360 specific , you know report there . But 1169 00:50:09,360 --> 00:50:12,000 what I do know is that uh whether it's 1170 00:50:12,000 --> 00:50:14,000 our marines or soldiers that are at 1171 00:50:14,000 --> 00:50:16,111 those gates working with the consular 1172 00:50:16,111 --> 00:50:18,340 officers that are there is as people 1173 00:50:18,350 --> 00:50:21,950 are there and present the proper s ivy 1174 00:50:21,950 --> 00:50:23,890 paperwork . We are to get them as 1175 00:50:23,890 --> 00:50:27,110 quickly as possible in process them for 1176 00:50:27,110 --> 00:50:29,166 evacuation flights to make sure that 1177 00:50:29,166 --> 00:50:31,380 that message gets down to the marines 1178 00:50:31,380 --> 00:50:33,110 that abigail because this is a 1179 00:50:33,110 --> 00:50:35,277 legitimate report . That just you know 1180 00:50:35,277 --> 00:50:38,370 and I think we appreciate those reports 1181 00:50:38,370 --> 00:50:40,860 right . Uh and I just know as I have 1182 00:50:40,860 --> 00:50:44,420 talked the commanders uh they're using 1183 00:50:44,420 --> 00:50:46,700 a lot of time and it's good well report 1184 00:50:46,700 --> 00:50:48,922 to ensure they get this information and 1185 00:50:48,922 --> 00:50:51,200 put it out throughout the entire force . 1186 00:50:51,630 --> 00:50:53,797 The other thing . I mean again without 1187 00:50:53,797 --> 00:50:56,019 speaking to this case , sometimes gates 1188 00:50:56,019 --> 00:50:58,010 traffic is halted at the gates to 1189 00:50:58,010 --> 00:51:01,130 manage flow on on the airport . It's a 1190 00:51:01,140 --> 00:51:04,570 it's a it's a physics issue . But again 1191 00:51:04,690 --> 00:51:06,990 I appreciate that if you share with us 1192 00:51:06,990 --> 00:51:09,157 after the briefing the details of this 1193 00:51:09,157 --> 00:51:10,879 we will certainly pass it on . 1194 00:51:10,879 --> 00:51:13,212 Absolutely . Can I ask one more vaccine ? 1195 00:51:13,212 --> 00:51:15,323 Is what now that there's been several 1196 00:51:15,323 --> 00:51:17,434 weeks since the decision to make this 1197 00:51:17,434 --> 00:51:19,434 mandatory ? What is the secretary's 1198 00:51:19,434 --> 00:51:21,970 policy or decision on any troops who 1199 00:51:21,970 --> 00:51:23,914 refused to get the vaccine ? Great 1200 00:51:23,914 --> 00:51:26,660 question what the secretary has 1201 00:51:26,670 --> 00:51:28,320 communicated to the military 1202 00:51:28,320 --> 00:51:30,042 departments is to execute this 1203 00:51:30,042 --> 00:51:32,670 mandatory vaccination program with 1204 00:51:33,160 --> 00:51:35,160 obviously skill and professionalism 1205 00:51:35,160 --> 00:51:37,104 which we always do but also with a 1206 00:51:37,104 --> 00:51:39,360 measure of compassion and so for a 1207 00:51:39,360 --> 00:51:43,040 member who uh still objects . Now 1208 00:51:43,050 --> 00:51:45,161 obviously there's you can you can ask 1209 00:51:45,161 --> 00:51:47,272 for an exemption on religious grounds 1210 00:51:47,272 --> 00:51:49,328 and you certainly could be exempt if 1211 00:51:49,328 --> 00:51:51,494 you have a pre existing condition that 1212 00:51:51,494 --> 00:51:53,606 your doctor advises you not to get it 1213 00:51:53,606 --> 00:51:55,661 obviously . But if it's an objection 1214 00:51:55,661 --> 00:51:59,520 outside those two frameworks uh the 1215 00:51:59,530 --> 00:52:03,340 individual will be offered a chance 1216 00:52:03,340 --> 00:52:06,280 to sit down with a physician and have 1217 00:52:06,280 --> 00:52:09,160 that physician communicate to them . Uh 1218 00:52:09,170 --> 00:52:10,948 the risks that they're taken by 1219 00:52:10,948 --> 00:52:13,080 continuing to not want to take the 1220 00:52:13,090 --> 00:52:15,250 vaccine , they will also be offered a 1221 00:52:15,250 --> 00:52:17,417 chance to sit down with their chain of 1222 00:52:17,417 --> 00:52:19,472 command and their leadership to talk 1223 00:52:19,472 --> 00:52:21,472 about the risk that their objection 1224 00:52:21,472 --> 00:52:23,430 will impose on the unit and on the 1225 00:52:23,430 --> 00:52:26,400 force and on their teammates . Um And 1226 00:52:26,410 --> 00:52:29,790 the point is a court that uh the 1227 00:52:29,800 --> 00:52:32,070 commanders have a wide range of tools 1228 00:52:32,070 --> 00:52:35,920 available to them to help their 1229 00:52:35,930 --> 00:52:38,041 teammates make the right decision for 1230 00:52:38,041 --> 00:52:40,152 themselves for their families and for 1231 00:52:40,152 --> 00:52:42,208 their units . And we expect that the 1232 00:52:42,208 --> 00:52:44,319 secretary expects that the commanders 1233 00:52:44,319 --> 00:52:46,541 will use those tools short of having to 1234 00:52:46,541 --> 00:52:49,070 use the U . C . M . J . If the service 1235 00:52:49,070 --> 00:52:51,237 member goes to the counseling does not 1236 00:52:51,237 --> 00:52:53,292 have a religious objection and still 1237 00:52:53,292 --> 00:52:55,570 objects and refuses to get the vaccine . 1238 00:52:55,570 --> 00:52:57,792 The individual will will be begin to be 1239 00:52:57,792 --> 00:52:59,903 processed in Museum commanders have a 1240 00:52:59,903 --> 00:53:02,014 wide range of tools available to them 1241 00:53:02,014 --> 00:53:04,181 short of using the U . C . M . J . And 1242 00:53:04,181 --> 00:53:06,014 I think we're going to trust the 1243 00:53:06,014 --> 00:53:05,780 commanders are gonna are gonna make the 1244 00:53:05,780 --> 00:53:07,836 right decision going forward . We'll 1245 00:53:07,836 --> 00:53:10,169 get like an N . J . P . Basically court . 1246 00:53:10,169 --> 00:53:12,058 I can't I can't give you an exact 1247 00:53:12,058 --> 00:53:14,480 answer to every hypothetical situation . 1248 00:53:14,490 --> 00:53:17,300 There are it is a once you may indicate 1249 00:53:17,310 --> 00:53:19,610 once you mandate it as we've done . 1250 00:53:19,780 --> 00:53:21,900 It's a lawful order . It's a lawful 1251 00:53:21,900 --> 00:53:25,080 owner . Um and we fully 1252 00:53:25,080 --> 00:53:28,620 anticipate that uh that our troops are 1253 00:53:28,620 --> 00:53:30,620 gonna follow lawful orders when you 1254 00:53:30,620 --> 00:53:32,787 raise your right hand and and you take 1255 00:53:32,787 --> 00:53:34,898 that oath . That's what you agreed to 1256 00:53:34,898 --> 00:53:36,953 do . And it hasn't been a problem in 1257 00:53:36,953 --> 00:53:39,120 the past with other vaccines . Now , I 1258 00:53:39,120 --> 00:53:41,009 recognize Covid has a a different 1259 00:53:41,009 --> 00:53:43,176 history to it and a different cultural 1260 00:53:43,176 --> 00:53:45,342 uh description to it . Um , but it's a 1261 00:53:45,342 --> 00:53:47,453 lawful order and it's our expectation 1262 00:53:47,453 --> 00:53:49,564 that troops will obey lawful orders . 1263 00:53:49,564 --> 00:53:51,676 Um and we also expect that commanders 1264 00:53:51,676 --> 00:53:53,453 will have plenty of other tools 1265 00:53:53,453 --> 00:53:55,064 available to them to get the 1266 00:53:55,064 --> 00:53:57,176 vaccination rates up and to get these 1267 00:53:57,176 --> 00:53:59,342 individuals to make the right decision 1268 00:53:59,342 --> 00:54:01,342 short of having to use disciplinary 1269 00:54:01,342 --> 00:54:03,564 action . Okay . I think that's almost a 1270 00:54:03,564 --> 00:54:05,731 full hour . So we're gonna call it for 1271 00:54:05,731 --> 00:54:07,953 right now . As the general mentioned in 1272 00:54:07,953 --> 00:54:10,064 his opening statement , we will shoot 1273 00:54:10,064 --> 00:54:12,176 for an afternoon briefing . Uh , this 1274 00:54:12,176 --> 00:54:11,840 one will be with general Walters from , 1275 00:54:11,850 --> 00:54:15,080 um , specifically to address issues of 1276 00:54:15,090 --> 00:54:17,201 the evacuation of what um is doing to 1277 00:54:17,201 --> 00:54:19,368 help us move these people on , uh , to 1278 00:54:19,368 --> 00:54:21,590 their to their new lives . And so we'll 1279 00:54:21,590 --> 00:54:23,923 see you at three o'clock this afternoon . 1280 00:54:23,923 --> 00:54:24,923 Thank you . 1281 00:54:27,850 --> 00:54:31,830 I beg your pardon ? 3:30 3 1282 00:54:31,830 --> 00:54:33,110 33 30 .