1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:00,000 2 00:00:06,740 --> 00:00:08,840 Yeah . Okay . Yeah . 3 00:00:14,740 --> 00:00:17,410 Okay . Just a couple of things to start 4 00:00:17,410 --> 00:00:21,390 with . First on behalf of 5 00:00:21,390 --> 00:00:23,990 the secretary in the Department , we 6 00:00:24,000 --> 00:00:26,500 wish to again extend our condolences to 7 00:00:26,500 --> 00:00:28,611 the family and friends of General Ray 8 00:00:28,611 --> 00:00:30,722 Odierno after the news of his passing 9 00:00:30,722 --> 00:00:34,050 over the weekend this department . Oh 10 00:00:34,060 --> 00:00:36,171 him a debt of gratitude for his years 11 00:00:36,171 --> 00:00:38,393 of faithful service in peace in a war . 12 00:00:38,540 --> 00:00:40,318 Uh and we won't soon forget his 13 00:00:40,318 --> 00:00:42,096 tremendous contributions to our 14 00:00:42,096 --> 00:00:43,707 nation's security and to the 15 00:00:43,707 --> 00:00:45,651 generations of leaders that he had 16 00:00:45,651 --> 00:00:47,762 mentored and shaped uh that are still 17 00:00:47,762 --> 00:00:51,390 on service today . On a scheduling note , 18 00:00:51,400 --> 00:00:53,760 the secretary joined by Chairman Millie 19 00:00:53,760 --> 00:00:55,260 will be heading to U . S . 20 00:00:55,260 --> 00:00:57,260 Transportation Command on friday to 21 00:00:57,260 --> 00:00:59,204 preside over the change of command 22 00:00:59,204 --> 00:01:01,427 ceremony where army General steve Lyons 23 00:01:01,427 --> 00:01:03,482 will relinquish command to Air force 24 00:01:03,482 --> 00:01:05,649 General Jacqueline van overdosed . She 25 00:01:05,649 --> 00:01:07,760 will become the first female Transcom 26 00:01:07,760 --> 00:01:09,982 commander directing the global mobility 27 00:01:09,982 --> 00:01:12,360 operations of its various components . 28 00:01:13,140 --> 00:01:15,580 General Lions will will be retiring 29 00:01:15,590 --> 00:01:17,423 Secretary will preside over that 30 00:01:17,423 --> 00:01:19,534 retirement And of course we thank him 31 00:01:19,534 --> 00:01:21,590 for his decades of long and faithful 32 00:01:21,590 --> 00:01:23,646 service to the country . We wish him 33 00:01:23,646 --> 00:01:25,790 the very best in the future . Also 34 00:01:25,800 --> 00:01:27,700 Secretary and his team will be 35 00:01:27,700 --> 00:01:29,811 preparing for a trip to europe . Next 36 00:01:29,811 --> 00:01:31,811 week . Stops will include Georgia , 37 00:01:31,811 --> 00:01:34,480 Ukraine and Romania and he will 38 00:01:34,480 --> 00:01:36,810 conclude this important visit with 39 00:01:36,810 --> 00:01:39,032 allies and partners in brussels for the 40 00:01:39,032 --> 00:01:40,977 NATO defense ministerial . I think 41 00:01:40,977 --> 00:01:42,866 we'll probably have a more formal 42 00:01:42,866 --> 00:01:45,088 announcement here uh in the next couple 43 00:01:45,088 --> 00:01:47,254 of days . Uh and then starting today , 44 00:01:47,254 --> 00:01:49,990 Royal Australian indian Japan maritime 45 00:01:49,990 --> 00:01:52,101 self defense force and U . S . Navies 46 00:01:52,101 --> 00:01:54,820 are conducting multilateral training as 47 00:01:54,820 --> 00:01:57,280 part of exercise malabar 2021 with a 48 00:01:57,280 --> 00:01:59,100 focus on naval cooperation and 49 00:01:59,110 --> 00:02:01,310 interoperability ? The Department of 50 00:02:01,310 --> 00:02:03,532 Defense continually seeks opportunities 51 00:02:03,532 --> 00:02:05,366 to integrate with our allies and 52 00:02:05,366 --> 00:02:07,477 partners to improve our effectiveness 53 00:02:07,477 --> 00:02:09,532 and to create an information sharing 54 00:02:09,532 --> 00:02:09,390 environment . We look forward to 55 00:02:09,390 --> 00:02:11,612 further strengthening the bonds between 56 00:02:11,680 --> 00:02:13,847 these nations and with that we'll take 57 00:02:13,847 --> 00:02:17,240 questions bob . Thanks john on 58 00:02:17,240 --> 00:02:19,770 Afghanistan there's been a decision yet 59 00:02:19,770 --> 00:02:22,070 on providing financial compensation to 60 00:02:22,070 --> 00:02:24,290 the families of the those civilians 61 00:02:24,290 --> 00:02:27,150 killed august 29th strike . I don't 62 00:02:27,150 --> 00:02:29,317 have an update for you on that today , 63 00:02:29,317 --> 00:02:31,428 but so is the Secretary , Oh Congress 64 00:02:31,428 --> 00:02:34,500 an update on over the horizon planning 65 00:02:34,510 --> 00:02:36,510 for Afghanistan ? I think what the 66 00:02:36,510 --> 00:02:40,490 Secretary made clear in in uh in 67 00:02:40,490 --> 00:02:43,850 his sessions a week or so ago was that 68 00:02:43,980 --> 00:02:46,147 you know , we would we would certainly 69 00:02:46,840 --> 00:02:49,062 communicate with Congress to the degree 70 00:02:49,062 --> 00:02:51,240 that that they they need more 71 00:02:51,240 --> 00:02:54,170 information . Um And I think as you 72 00:02:54,170 --> 00:02:57,010 heard them say in the open session that 73 00:02:57,020 --> 00:02:59,131 some of that would have to be done in 74 00:02:59,131 --> 00:03:01,080 closed sessions because of the 75 00:03:01,080 --> 00:03:04,770 classification . But so what he 76 00:03:04,780 --> 00:03:06,620 promised them is that keep them 77 00:03:06,620 --> 00:03:08,564 informed as they as they need more 78 00:03:08,564 --> 00:03:11,990 information this week . I'm not aware 79 00:03:11,990 --> 00:03:13,990 of a specific briefing or a hearing 80 00:03:13,990 --> 00:03:17,060 this week . Yeah . Yeah . Tara 81 00:03:17,300 --> 00:03:20,660 john on Taiwan , there have been 82 00:03:21,040 --> 00:03:23,590 continued incursions into Taiwan's IDas 83 00:03:23,590 --> 00:03:25,900 and it seems like tensions seem to 84 00:03:25,900 --> 00:03:28,850 continue be escalating between Taiwan 85 00:03:28,850 --> 00:03:30,961 and china and potentially U . S . And 86 00:03:30,961 --> 00:03:33,430 china . How concerning is this ? And is 87 00:03:33,430 --> 00:03:35,541 the secretary planning to do any sort 88 00:03:35,541 --> 00:03:38,000 of outreach uh to his chinese 89 00:03:38,000 --> 00:03:39,940 counterparts to maybe try and de 90 00:03:39,940 --> 00:03:42,107 escalate the situation ? Well , you're 91 00:03:42,107 --> 00:03:44,273 right . The PRC has stepped up efforts 92 00:03:44,273 --> 00:03:46,384 to intimidate and pressure Taiwan and 93 00:03:46,384 --> 00:03:48,496 other allies and partners , including 94 00:03:48,496 --> 00:03:50,551 increasing their military activities 95 00:03:50,551 --> 00:03:52,662 conducted in the vicinity of Taiwan , 96 00:03:52,662 --> 00:03:54,773 the east china sea in the south china 97 00:03:54,773 --> 00:03:56,940 sea which we believe are destabilizing 98 00:03:56,940 --> 00:03:58,607 and only increase the risk of 99 00:03:58,607 --> 00:04:00,662 miscalculation . Our support for and 100 00:04:00,662 --> 00:04:02,496 defense relationship with Taiwan 101 00:04:02,496 --> 00:04:04,496 remains aligned against the current 102 00:04:04,496 --> 00:04:06,607 threat posed by the People's Republic 103 00:04:06,607 --> 00:04:08,551 of china . And we urged Beijing to 104 00:04:08,551 --> 00:04:10,607 honor its commitment to the peaceful 105 00:04:10,607 --> 00:04:10,380 resolution of cross strait differences 106 00:04:10,460 --> 00:04:13,260 as delineated in the three communiques 107 00:04:13,540 --> 00:04:16,300 as for communication . I have nothing 108 00:04:16,300 --> 00:04:18,230 on the secretary's scheduled to 109 00:04:18,230 --> 00:04:20,452 announce or speak to today with respect 110 00:04:20,452 --> 00:04:23,370 to direct communication with uh with 111 00:04:23,370 --> 00:04:25,790 the chinese , although you know uh week 112 00:04:25,790 --> 00:04:28,790 or so ago . There was uh there was a 113 00:04:28,790 --> 00:04:30,790 meeting here in the pentagon at the 114 00:04:30,790 --> 00:04:32,901 Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense 115 00:04:32,901 --> 00:04:35,590 level . Um and um and of course we have 116 00:04:35,590 --> 00:04:38,490 other ways of communicating military to 117 00:04:38,490 --> 00:04:40,657 military , but I have nothing from the 118 00:04:40,657 --> 00:04:42,970 secretary scheduled to read out up on 119 00:04:42,970 --> 00:04:45,200 that is the department looking at 120 00:04:45,200 --> 00:04:47,144 whether or not if any actions were 121 00:04:47,144 --> 00:04:49,033 taken to defend Taiwan , it would 122 00:04:49,033 --> 00:04:51,089 require congressional approval would 123 00:04:51,089 --> 00:04:53,150 require Congress providing 124 00:04:53,150 --> 00:04:54,817 authorization . Would this be 125 00:04:54,817 --> 00:04:56,483 considered a war powers act , 126 00:04:56,483 --> 00:04:58,800 authorization need to act in defense of 127 00:04:58,800 --> 00:05:00,689 Taiwan ? Well I wouldn't get into 128 00:05:00,689 --> 00:05:03,450 hypotheticals here ? I mean we we act 129 00:05:03,450 --> 00:05:05,672 in accordance with the one china policy 130 00:05:05,672 --> 00:05:08,300 and we've long abided by that policy . 131 00:05:08,310 --> 00:05:11,650 Um It's distinct 132 00:05:12,140 --> 00:05:14,940 from Beijing's one china principle 133 00:05:14,950 --> 00:05:17,172 under which the Chinese Communist Party 134 00:05:17,180 --> 00:05:19,800 asserts sovereignty over Taiwan . We 135 00:05:19,800 --> 00:05:21,911 take no position over the sovereignty 136 00:05:21,911 --> 00:05:24,870 of Taiwan on sovereignty over Taiwan . 137 00:05:24,880 --> 00:05:27,430 The we what we will continue to support 138 00:05:27,430 --> 00:05:29,541 a peaceful resolution of cross strait 139 00:05:29,541 --> 00:05:31,652 issues consistent with the wishes and 140 00:05:31,652 --> 00:05:33,930 best interests of the people of Taiwan . 141 00:05:33,930 --> 00:05:35,986 And our commitment to Taiwan is rock 142 00:05:35,986 --> 00:05:35,880 solid and contributes to the 143 00:05:35,880 --> 00:05:37,824 maintenance of peace and stability 144 00:05:37,824 --> 00:05:40,158 across the strait and within the region . 145 00:05:40,158 --> 00:05:42,324 Again , in keeping with that one china 146 00:05:42,324 --> 00:05:45,920 policy , gen your reaction to the ex 147 00:05:45,930 --> 00:05:48,152 Pentagon software chief saying that the 148 00:05:48,152 --> 00:05:50,940 US has already lost the a I fight to 149 00:05:50,940 --> 00:05:53,960 china . Yeah , I mean , 150 00:05:55,740 --> 00:05:59,000 what I would tell you is that , and you 151 00:05:59,000 --> 00:06:01,850 heard the Secretary talk about this not 152 00:06:01,850 --> 00:06:05,350 long ago uh in his remarks on Ai at the 153 00:06:05,360 --> 00:06:07,527 global emerging technology summit back 154 00:06:07,527 --> 00:06:10,440 in july and he was very clear about our 155 00:06:10,450 --> 00:06:12,339 concerns about china's desires to 156 00:06:12,339 --> 00:06:14,172 advance in this field , and he's 157 00:06:14,172 --> 00:06:16,339 focused and we still remain focused on 158 00:06:16,339 --> 00:06:18,061 advancing aI capabilities in a 159 00:06:18,061 --> 00:06:20,117 responsible way in close partnership 160 00:06:20,117 --> 00:06:22,339 with industry and academia and building 161 00:06:22,339 --> 00:06:24,172 a digitally talented and capable 162 00:06:24,172 --> 00:06:26,339 workforce here for the department . So 163 00:06:26,339 --> 00:06:28,820 um those comments notwithstanding , and 164 00:06:28,820 --> 00:06:32,350 certainly uh he's entitled 165 00:06:32,350 --> 00:06:35,410 to his views , of course . Uh this is 166 00:06:35,410 --> 00:06:37,970 something that the secretary has spoken 167 00:06:37,970 --> 00:06:41,020 to um that that that the entire 168 00:06:41,020 --> 00:06:43,076 leadership here at the department is 169 00:06:43,076 --> 00:06:45,242 focused on uh we know there's a lot of 170 00:06:45,242 --> 00:06:47,242 work to do , but we're committed to 171 00:06:47,242 --> 00:06:48,964 doing that work . This was the 172 00:06:48,964 --> 00:06:51,076 Pentagon's first software officer and 173 00:06:51,076 --> 00:06:53,190 he writes , we have no competing 174 00:06:53,200 --> 00:06:55,380 fighting chance against China in 15 to 175 00:06:55,380 --> 00:06:57,380 20 years right now . It's already a 176 00:06:57,380 --> 00:06:59,960 done deal . Is he wrong ? I'm not going 177 00:06:59,960 --> 00:07:03,950 to qualify or characterize 178 00:07:03,960 --> 00:07:06,182 his views . I think he can speak to his 179 00:07:06,182 --> 00:07:08,349 views . What I can tell you is that we 180 00:07:08,349 --> 00:07:11,380 recognize the importance of AI as a 181 00:07:11,380 --> 00:07:13,470 technology and as a capability . And 182 00:07:13,480 --> 00:07:15,702 the secretary has spoken about this and 183 00:07:15,702 --> 00:07:18,290 we have uh we have uh invested quite a 184 00:07:18,290 --> 00:07:20,850 bit of effort and energy into making 185 00:07:20,850 --> 00:07:23,090 sure that we can advance Ai technology 186 00:07:23,240 --> 00:07:25,510 in a responsible way . And some of that 187 00:07:25,510 --> 00:07:27,440 includes not only an ethical 188 00:07:27,440 --> 00:07:29,940 underpinning but it includes getting a 189 00:07:29,950 --> 00:07:32,006 capable workforce set up here at the 190 00:07:32,006 --> 00:07:35,760 Pentagon . So um what what I can again 191 00:07:35,770 --> 00:07:38,560 reassert is our absolute focus on this . 192 00:07:39,340 --> 00:07:41,990 Yeah , Thanks . A real quick question 193 00:07:41,990 --> 00:07:44,630 and then follow up on Taiwan . Is there 194 00:07:44,630 --> 00:07:46,741 an update on the force posture review 195 00:07:46,741 --> 00:07:49,760 when that might be released ? I don't 196 00:07:49,760 --> 00:07:51,930 have a specific calendar date to speak 197 00:07:51,930 --> 00:07:55,220 to today , specific to Taiwan was a 198 00:07:55,220 --> 00:07:58,150 major show of air power from china and 199 00:07:58,160 --> 00:08:01,790 encouraging into Taiwan's um Air 200 00:08:01,800 --> 00:08:04,820 Arizona , is there a specific 201 00:08:04,820 --> 00:08:08,070 assistance to Taiwan that you'd like to 202 00:08:08,070 --> 00:08:10,403 comment on in terms of its air defenses . 203 00:08:10,740 --> 00:08:12,796 No , I don't think , I think you can 204 00:08:12,796 --> 00:08:14,629 understand , I wouldn't get into 205 00:08:14,629 --> 00:08:16,184 specifics about air defense 206 00:08:16,184 --> 00:08:18,407 capabilities but we do remain concerned 207 00:08:18,407 --> 00:08:20,296 by the PRC's provocative military 208 00:08:20,296 --> 00:08:23,160 activity uh near Taiwan as which as I 209 00:08:23,160 --> 00:08:26,040 said to Tara's we find destabilizing 210 00:08:26,040 --> 00:08:27,596 and increasing the risks of 211 00:08:27,596 --> 00:08:29,429 miscalculation . So we're urging 212 00:08:29,429 --> 00:08:31,151 Beijing to cease this military 213 00:08:31,151 --> 00:08:33,207 diplomatic and economic pressure and 214 00:08:33,207 --> 00:08:35,318 the coercion against Taiwan . We have 215 00:08:35,318 --> 00:08:37,151 an abiding interest in peace and 216 00:08:37,151 --> 00:08:39,318 stability across the Taiwan strait and 217 00:08:39,318 --> 00:08:39,040 that's why we're going to continue to 218 00:08:39,040 --> 00:08:41,160 assist Taiwan and maintaining a 219 00:08:41,160 --> 00:08:43,150 sufficient self defense capability 220 00:08:43,310 --> 00:08:45,850 changing because of that . I wouldn't 221 00:08:45,850 --> 00:08:47,906 speak to that here from the podium . 222 00:08:47,906 --> 00:08:49,906 One way or the other as I said , we 223 00:08:49,906 --> 00:08:52,128 remain committed to helping Taiwan with 224 00:08:52,128 --> 00:08:51,870 their self defense capability in 225 00:08:51,870 --> 00:08:54,037 keeping with in keeping with the law . 226 00:08:54,440 --> 00:08:58,160 So we thank you . I have two 227 00:08:58,160 --> 00:09:01,240 questions . First . Do you have any uh 228 00:09:01,250 --> 00:09:04,870 news about the incident with the USs 229 00:09:04,870 --> 00:09:08,800 connect ticket ? Do you know what 230 00:09:08,810 --> 00:09:12,750 uh caused the collision ? What what the 231 00:09:12,760 --> 00:09:16,640 marine collided with ? And second 232 00:09:16,650 --> 00:09:19,160 do you have any detail on uh the 233 00:09:19,170 --> 00:09:22,140 incident this morning ? Outside of the 234 00:09:22,150 --> 00:09:24,600 pentagon ? There was a suspected 235 00:09:24,610 --> 00:09:27,570 package so we understand it was 236 00:09:27,580 --> 00:09:30,470 neutralized . Was it really uh 237 00:09:30,480 --> 00:09:32,270 something dangerous that was 238 00:09:32,270 --> 00:09:35,460 neutralized or it was just 239 00:09:36,340 --> 00:09:38,870 preventive on the USs Connecticut . I 240 00:09:38,870 --> 00:09:41,037 don't have any additional detail . I'd 241 00:09:41,037 --> 00:09:43,610 refer you to the Navy for for that 242 00:09:43,610 --> 00:09:47,310 incident . I I there was obviously 243 00:09:47,540 --> 00:09:50,150 the ship hit something underwater 244 00:09:50,200 --> 00:09:54,070 uh an object submerged but I 245 00:09:54,070 --> 00:09:56,292 don't know what it I don't know what it 246 00:09:56,292 --> 00:09:58,514 was and as for the extent of the damage 247 00:09:58,514 --> 00:10:00,459 and that kind of thing . Again , I 248 00:10:00,459 --> 00:10:02,348 pointed to Navy on the issue this 249 00:10:02,348 --> 00:10:06,270 morning . Um It 250 00:10:06,270 --> 00:10:09,170 was a suspicious object observed by 251 00:10:09,180 --> 00:10:12,080 Pentagon Force Protection agency police . 252 00:10:12,740 --> 00:10:15,460 The area was immediately cordoned off . 253 00:10:15,840 --> 00:10:17,729 Uh And all vehicle and pedestrian 254 00:10:17,729 --> 00:10:20,540 traffic were blocked from from the area . 255 00:10:20,550 --> 00:10:24,150 Um hazardous device unit responded and 256 00:10:24,160 --> 00:10:26,760 the object was rendered safe at about 257 00:10:27,140 --> 00:10:30,040 06 50 10 minutes to seven this morning . 258 00:10:30,050 --> 00:10:32,970 Uh The all clear was given around uh 7 259 00:10:32,970 --> 00:10:36,350 35 . And of course traffic is open 260 00:10:36,360 --> 00:10:39,820 so nobody was hurt . Um All I can tell 261 00:10:39,820 --> 00:10:41,709 you is that the incident is under 262 00:10:41,709 --> 00:10:43,764 further investigation . I don't have 263 00:10:43,764 --> 00:10:45,931 more detail than that . Mhm . I mean I 264 00:10:45,931 --> 00:10:48,153 understand it neutralized but you don't 265 00:10:48,153 --> 00:10:50,380 know what it was . I don't I don't let 266 00:10:50,380 --> 00:10:52,380 me go to the phones here . Travis . 267 00:10:54,140 --> 00:10:56,440 Hi john thanks . Um I wanted to ask you 268 00:10:56,440 --> 00:10:59,900 about a report that direct relatives 269 00:10:59,910 --> 00:11:02,130 of U . S . Service members are still 270 00:11:02,130 --> 00:11:06,070 trying to escape Afghanistan . Um 271 00:11:06,080 --> 00:11:08,280 Does the secretary have any thoughts 272 00:11:08,280 --> 00:11:10,730 about this situation and I'm wondering 273 00:11:10,730 --> 00:11:12,786 if the Pentagon is doing anything to 274 00:11:12,786 --> 00:11:16,120 try to aid these relatives . Um And 275 00:11:16,120 --> 00:11:18,120 lastly I was wondering if you could 276 00:11:18,120 --> 00:11:20,450 confirm it all the number who may still 277 00:11:20,450 --> 00:11:23,350 be stuck in Afghanistan ? Thank Travis . 278 00:11:23,350 --> 00:11:25,572 I haven't seen those specific reports . 279 00:11:25,572 --> 00:11:27,683 I can assure you that the secretary , 280 00:11:27,683 --> 00:11:29,906 as you've heard him say himself remains 281 00:11:29,906 --> 00:11:33,200 committed uh to making sure that we 282 00:11:33,200 --> 00:11:36,650 continue to do everything we can to get 283 00:11:36,940 --> 00:11:39,770 our afghan allies who want to leave 284 00:11:39,770 --> 00:11:42,060 Afghanistan to help get them out there 285 00:11:42,070 --> 00:11:45,060 is , as we've said before , not a U . S . 286 00:11:45,060 --> 00:11:47,270 Military component or element to that 287 00:11:47,270 --> 00:11:49,492 effort . Uh This is an effort being led 288 00:11:49,492 --> 00:11:51,714 by the State Department . They're still 289 00:11:51,714 --> 00:11:53,937 working very hard and of course , um uh 290 00:11:53,937 --> 00:11:56,159 there is coordination between the inter 291 00:11:56,159 --> 00:11:58,381 agency and some private groups that are 292 00:11:58,381 --> 00:12:00,548 also working to continue to get people 293 00:12:00,548 --> 00:12:04,110 out that that the military component of 294 00:12:04,110 --> 00:12:06,360 our presence in Afghanistan . Uh that's 295 00:12:06,370 --> 00:12:09,620 over . But the mission itself to try to 296 00:12:09,620 --> 00:12:11,842 get people out is not over . And so the 297 00:12:11,842 --> 00:12:14,900 Secretary is very much focused on uh on 298 00:12:14,910 --> 00:12:16,966 making sure that we continue to meet 299 00:12:16,966 --> 00:12:19,021 that obligation . And I'm sorry your 300 00:12:19,021 --> 00:12:22,170 second question was I was just asking 301 00:12:22,170 --> 00:12:24,300 if you had any estimate on the number 302 00:12:24,300 --> 00:12:26,710 of those direct relatives who may still 303 00:12:26,710 --> 00:12:29,070 be stuck in Afghanistan , I'd point you 304 00:12:29,070 --> 00:12:31,990 to the State Department for that . Yeah . 305 00:12:32,000 --> 00:12:35,660 Castle john Turkey was 306 00:12:35,660 --> 00:12:37,800 removed from the F- 35 program , but 307 00:12:37,810 --> 00:12:40,170 they have paid $1.4 billion dollars 308 00:12:40,290 --> 00:12:42,530 into the program . Is there a plan to 309 00:12:42,530 --> 00:12:45,120 repay the Turks for the well , the 310 00:12:45,120 --> 00:12:46,953 point you to my State Department 311 00:12:46,953 --> 00:12:49,120 colleagues for that , that's a foreign 312 00:12:49,120 --> 00:12:51,009 military sales issue . That's not 313 00:12:51,009 --> 00:12:53,176 something that uh d . O . D . Would be 314 00:12:53,176 --> 00:12:53,040 responsible for . And then the other 315 00:12:53,040 --> 00:12:55,520 question I follow up to see the chinese 316 00:12:55,530 --> 00:12:58,220 Foreign Ministry Affairs spokesman said 317 00:12:58,220 --> 00:13:01,760 that us is actually covering up this 318 00:13:01,770 --> 00:13:04,220 incident with the Connecticut as a 319 00:13:04,230 --> 00:13:07,550 submarine and then it raises suspicions 320 00:13:07,940 --> 00:13:10,051 about the U . S . Intentions . Do you 321 00:13:10,051 --> 00:13:12,218 have any reaction to chinese ? It's an 322 00:13:12,218 --> 00:13:14,329 odd way , it's an odd way of covering 323 00:13:14,329 --> 00:13:16,218 something up when you put a press 324 00:13:16,218 --> 00:13:18,590 release out about it . So in the back 325 00:13:18,600 --> 00:13:21,130 thanks Joanna afternoon , two questions . 326 00:13:21,140 --> 00:13:23,470 One on Aucas , you remember the 327 00:13:23,470 --> 00:13:25,581 briefing State Department a few weeks 328 00:13:25,581 --> 00:13:27,650 ago , Minister Dutton from Australia 329 00:13:27,650 --> 00:13:30,300 said it would be by 15 months before 330 00:13:30,300 --> 00:13:32,356 the US can figure out the way to get 331 00:13:32,356 --> 00:13:34,578 the nuclear technology to Australia for 332 00:13:34,578 --> 00:13:36,780 the subs . Is that the same timeframe 333 00:13:36,780 --> 00:13:39,120 that 15 months or so for the us to 334 00:13:39,130 --> 00:13:41,930 begin to increase its military presence 335 00:13:41,930 --> 00:13:44,041 in Australia has outlined by Minister 336 00:13:44,041 --> 00:13:46,680 Dutton . I don't know that that I that 337 00:13:46,680 --> 00:13:48,680 we have a specific timeline here on 338 00:13:48,680 --> 00:13:50,760 this . Uh 339 00:13:51,840 --> 00:13:55,480 the and remember 340 00:13:55,480 --> 00:13:58,070 the Aucas arrangement is really 341 00:13:58,070 --> 00:13:59,903 designed right now . The initial 342 00:13:59,903 --> 00:14:01,848 initiative is to help them acquire 343 00:14:01,848 --> 00:14:03,860 nuclear submarine nuclear propelled 344 00:14:03,860 --> 00:14:06,820 submarine capability . But what the 345 00:14:06,820 --> 00:14:08,876 Secretary of Minister doesn't talked 346 00:14:08,876 --> 00:14:11,320 about in a bilateral fashion uh , was 347 00:14:11,330 --> 00:14:15,230 also working to increase uh US 348 00:14:15,230 --> 00:14:18,780 access to training ranges and uh and 349 00:14:18,780 --> 00:14:21,610 two other um into other capabilities 350 00:14:21,620 --> 00:14:23,820 inside and around Australia . And so 351 00:14:23,830 --> 00:14:25,886 we're going to continue to work with 352 00:14:25,886 --> 00:14:27,830 Australia on that . What what that 353 00:14:27,830 --> 00:14:29,886 looks like over time and whether you 354 00:14:29,886 --> 00:14:31,941 can match that right up to the uh to 355 00:14:31,941 --> 00:14:35,060 the submarine um uh project that I 356 00:14:35,070 --> 00:14:37,237 don't think , you know , it's not . If 357 00:14:37,237 --> 00:14:39,570 that happens , it would be coincidental . 358 00:14:39,570 --> 00:14:41,626 We wouldn't be deliberate . Uh those 359 00:14:41,626 --> 00:14:44,000 are two different and parallel efforts 360 00:14:44,000 --> 00:14:45,944 but all designed to the same end , 361 00:14:45,944 --> 00:14:48,320 which is to improve our alliance 362 00:14:48,320 --> 00:14:50,950 capabilities and to improve our ability 363 00:14:50,950 --> 00:14:53,510 to fashion integrated deterrence in the 364 00:14:53,510 --> 00:14:55,710 end of pacific . My second question , 365 00:14:55,710 --> 00:14:57,377 Sorry , it was a follow up to 366 00:14:57,377 --> 00:14:59,654 terrorists regarding the communication . 367 00:14:59,654 --> 00:15:01,760 The communications generally between 368 00:15:02,140 --> 00:15:03,696 Secretary Austin is chinese 369 00:15:03,696 --> 00:15:05,751 counterparts and you have said , and 370 00:15:05,751 --> 00:15:07,751 I'm paraphrasing you very loosely , 371 00:15:07,751 --> 00:15:09,918 which I apologize . You said there are 372 00:15:09,918 --> 00:15:11,973 different ways of doing that . Would 373 00:15:11,973 --> 00:15:11,450 you be a little more specific ? Because 374 00:15:11,450 --> 00:15:14,610 there's not a hotline is there ? I 375 00:15:14,610 --> 00:15:16,943 think it's not 3rd party , is it direct ? 376 00:15:17,140 --> 00:15:19,029 There's there's direct mil to mil 377 00:15:19,029 --> 00:15:22,240 communication um um and even down at 378 00:15:22,240 --> 00:15:24,407 the tactical level when there needs to 379 00:15:24,407 --> 00:15:26,573 be obviously . Uh so that's what I was 380 00:15:26,573 --> 00:15:29,160 referring to . Yeah um 381 00:15:29,940 --> 00:15:30,660 Jared . 382 00:15:34,340 --> 00:15:36,390 Okay . Hi mr Kirby , just a quick 383 00:15:36,390 --> 00:15:39,080 question um an Israeli official last 384 00:15:39,080 --> 00:15:41,136 week told my colleague that there is 385 00:15:41,136 --> 00:15:43,302 quote no joint operational contingency 386 00:15:43,302 --> 00:15:45,247 plan against Iran . Should efforts 387 00:15:45,247 --> 00:15:47,136 return to the nuclear agreement ? 388 00:15:47,136 --> 00:15:49,358 Excuse me . It should efforts to return 389 00:15:49,358 --> 00:15:51,136 to the nuclear agreement fail . 390 00:15:51,136 --> 00:15:53,302 Obviously diplomacy is going to be the 391 00:15:53,302 --> 00:15:57,140 first line of effort here going forward 392 00:15:57,140 --> 00:15:59,307 from the administration but I was just 393 00:15:59,307 --> 00:16:01,584 wondering if you could respond to that ? 394 00:16:01,584 --> 00:16:03,751 A statement , whether you can consider 395 00:16:03,751 --> 00:16:05,807 that accurate ? Um you know , should 396 00:16:05,807 --> 00:16:08,820 should there be more serious issues in 397 00:16:08,820 --> 00:16:10,840 the region involving Iran and our 398 00:16:10,850 --> 00:16:13,290 allies and partners . Well , I haven't 399 00:16:13,290 --> 00:16:15,512 seen that comment . So I would just say 400 00:16:15,512 --> 00:16:17,234 a couple of things Jared one . 401 00:16:17,234 --> 00:16:19,401 Obviously the secretary fully supports 402 00:16:19,401 --> 00:16:23,150 the diplomatic effort to uh to return 403 00:16:23,640 --> 00:16:27,360 to a nuclear deal with Iran . That 404 00:16:27,370 --> 00:16:31,340 that can reduce the threat 405 00:16:31,350 --> 00:16:33,870 posed by the potential of a nuclear 406 00:16:33,870 --> 00:16:35,926 armed Iran in the region , as he had 407 00:16:35,926 --> 00:16:38,940 said himself . No problem in the Middle 408 00:16:38,940 --> 00:16:41,210 East gets easier to solve with a 409 00:16:41,210 --> 00:16:43,043 nuclear armed Iran . So he fully 410 00:16:43,043 --> 00:16:45,154 supports Secretary blink un's efforts 411 00:16:45,700 --> 00:16:47,644 to get movement at the negotiating 412 00:16:47,644 --> 00:16:51,380 table secondly , um with respect to 413 00:16:51,380 --> 00:16:53,380 allies and partners in the region . 414 00:16:53,380 --> 00:16:55,602 Obviously uh we were just in the region 415 00:16:55,602 --> 00:16:57,800 not long ago , we're putting a lot of 416 00:16:57,800 --> 00:16:59,522 effort and investment in these 417 00:16:59,522 --> 00:17:02,020 alliances and partnerships uh in the 418 00:17:02,020 --> 00:17:04,242 Middle East and we're gonna continue to 419 00:17:04,242 --> 00:17:07,250 do that because while negotiations go 420 00:17:07,250 --> 00:17:09,560 on or don't go on , while diplomacy 421 00:17:10,830 --> 00:17:13,920 continues to be pursued , we also have 422 00:17:13,920 --> 00:17:16,370 to make sure that militarily that were 423 00:17:16,370 --> 00:17:19,120 able to meet uh our security 424 00:17:19,120 --> 00:17:21,380 commitments to our interests and to 425 00:17:21,380 --> 00:17:23,547 those of our allies and partners . And 426 00:17:23,547 --> 00:17:25,602 so uh we're constantly reviewing our 427 00:17:25,602 --> 00:17:27,824 capabilities in the region to make sure 428 00:17:27,824 --> 00:17:30,047 that we are appropriately poised uh and 429 00:17:30,047 --> 00:17:32,102 that we that we continue to have the 430 00:17:32,102 --> 00:17:34,269 kinds of relationships we need to have 431 00:17:34,269 --> 00:17:36,158 uh to allow for us to continue to 432 00:17:36,158 --> 00:17:38,830 defend the nation there . Yeah , john I 433 00:17:38,830 --> 00:17:41,760 want to ask questions about Iraq in 434 00:17:41,760 --> 00:17:45,710 light of the initial results of the 435 00:17:45,710 --> 00:17:48,650 elections and this is not a political 436 00:17:48,650 --> 00:17:52,500 question is related to uh the security 437 00:17:52,500 --> 00:17:54,930 of Iraq and security of U . S . Forces . 438 00:17:55,340 --> 00:17:59,150 So the so called Iraqi 439 00:17:59,150 --> 00:18:01,039 Resistance coordination Committee 440 00:18:01,440 --> 00:18:03,610 basically groups that some of the 441 00:18:03,610 --> 00:18:05,777 groups have been targeting the U . S . 442 00:18:05,777 --> 00:18:07,832 Forces in Iraq are claiming that the 443 00:18:07,832 --> 00:18:11,130 elections have been manipulated and 444 00:18:11,130 --> 00:18:14,520 that manipulated and that the 445 00:18:14,530 --> 00:18:17,930 elimination of the PMF will only serve 446 00:18:17,940 --> 00:18:21,000 quote and unquote the american 447 00:18:21,000 --> 00:18:23,860 occupation , the elevation , the 448 00:18:23,870 --> 00:18:27,480 elimination of the elimination based 449 00:18:27,490 --> 00:18:30,740 on this statement and the initial 450 00:18:30,740 --> 00:18:32,740 results results . Are you concerned 451 00:18:32,740 --> 00:18:36,450 that this could usher a new wave of 452 00:18:36,460 --> 00:18:39,850 targeting U . S . Forces uh in Iraq ? 453 00:18:40,940 --> 00:18:43,162 Well , I mean , so a couple of thoughts 454 00:18:43,162 --> 00:18:44,940 first we congratulate the Iraqi 455 00:18:44,940 --> 00:18:46,940 government and having fulfilled its 456 00:18:46,940 --> 00:18:48,996 promise to hold early elections . Uh 457 00:18:48,996 --> 00:18:51,540 and we're pleased to see that the 458 00:18:51,540 --> 00:18:53,610 election days were largely conducted 459 00:18:53,620 --> 00:18:55,850 peacefully . We've seen preliminary 460 00:18:55,850 --> 00:18:57,572 results announced by the Iraqi 461 00:18:57,572 --> 00:18:59,517 government . I'm sorry , the Iraqi 462 00:18:59,517 --> 00:19:01,628 Independent High Electoral Commission 463 00:19:01,628 --> 00:19:03,406 and we're waiting for the final 464 00:19:03,406 --> 00:19:06,490 certified results . Um once those 465 00:19:06,490 --> 00:19:08,740 results are certified , it's our hope 466 00:19:08,740 --> 00:19:10,962 that the new Council of Representatives 467 00:19:10,962 --> 00:19:13,018 will form a government that reflects 468 00:19:13,018 --> 00:19:15,129 the will of the Iraqi people and will 469 00:19:15,129 --> 00:19:17,129 work to address Iraqis governance , 470 00:19:17,129 --> 00:19:19,184 human rights , security and economic 471 00:19:19,184 --> 00:19:21,720 challenges . Um We from a Security 472 00:19:21,720 --> 00:19:23,860 perspective , we are still partnering 473 00:19:23,860 --> 00:19:26,600 with the Iraqi government and the Iraqi 474 00:19:26,600 --> 00:19:29,590 security forces uh in an effort to 475 00:19:29,600 --> 00:19:32,500 continue to put pressure on ISIS . Uh 476 00:19:32,510 --> 00:19:34,860 That's the focus that's what we're 477 00:19:34,860 --> 00:19:37,670 therefore and we are still in technical 478 00:19:37,670 --> 00:19:41,020 talks with Iraq about what that looks 479 00:19:41,020 --> 00:19:44,250 like going forward um as a part of our 480 00:19:44,250 --> 00:19:47,910 presence there yesterday as today we 481 00:19:47,910 --> 00:19:49,743 still maintain the right of self 482 00:19:49,743 --> 00:19:51,910 defense . Um and so we obviously don't 483 00:19:51,910 --> 00:19:55,400 want to see as a result of these 484 00:19:55,400 --> 00:19:57,560 elections . Are any other event ? We 485 00:19:57,560 --> 00:19:59,671 don't want to see violence increase . 486 00:19:59,671 --> 00:20:01,838 We certainly don't want to see attacks 487 00:20:01,838 --> 00:20:04,940 or threats on our troops . But our 488 00:20:04,940 --> 00:20:06,829 commanders have the right of self 489 00:20:06,829 --> 00:20:09,051 defense . They have the capabilities to 490 00:20:09,051 --> 00:20:09,050 defend themselves if they need it . 491 00:20:09,440 --> 00:20:12,130 Again , they're they're predominantly 492 00:20:12,140 --> 00:20:14,470 to help the Iraqi security forces 493 00:20:14,470 --> 00:20:16,803 improve their capabilities against ISIS . 494 00:20:16,803 --> 00:20:19,770 That's the mission . Since you talk 495 00:20:20,140 --> 00:20:23,300 policy and politics . Uh , I was just 496 00:20:23,300 --> 00:20:26,700 congratulating the I love me to ask 497 00:20:26,700 --> 00:20:30,640 this question . Uh clearly , uh 498 00:20:30,650 --> 00:20:32,980 some of the militias and political 499 00:20:32,980 --> 00:20:35,310 groups who are associated with Iran are 500 00:20:35,310 --> 00:20:37,310 supported by Iran and some of these 501 00:20:37,310 --> 00:20:39,366 groups were targeting U . S . Forces 502 00:20:39,640 --> 00:20:42,390 didn't do well in the elections based 503 00:20:42,390 --> 00:20:45,510 on the president very uh results . Is 504 00:20:45,510 --> 00:20:47,732 that a message from the Iraqi people to 505 00:20:47,732 --> 00:20:49,840 the to Iran and the militias that 506 00:20:49,850 --> 00:20:53,700 resulting to uh violence is 507 00:20:53,700 --> 00:20:55,867 not the answer inside the Iraqi people 508 00:20:55,867 --> 00:20:58,080 should never it should never be the 509 00:20:58,090 --> 00:21:00,201 answer . Violence should never be the 510 00:21:00,201 --> 00:21:02,312 answer . But again , as for the exact 511 00:21:02,312 --> 00:21:04,479 results and what they mean , we're not 512 00:21:04,479 --> 00:21:06,701 going to prejudge those results because 513 00:21:06,701 --> 00:21:08,868 there uh they're still the preliminary 514 00:21:08,868 --> 00:21:11,034 results . That's all we've seen . They 515 00:21:11,034 --> 00:21:13,034 have not been certified . Okay . Uh 516 00:21:13,034 --> 00:21:15,140 Tony listening to crash personal 517 00:21:15,140 --> 00:21:18,110 questions . It depends on whether 518 00:21:18,110 --> 00:21:20,221 you're asking me a question , it's in 519 00:21:20,221 --> 00:21:23,770 that ipad . Go ahead a couple . It's 520 00:21:23,770 --> 00:21:26,610 not a cheeky Tony it's a cheap his nose . 521 00:21:26,970 --> 00:21:29,550 Your 10 months into the administration 522 00:21:29,550 --> 00:21:31,383 and you still don't have a chief 523 00:21:31,383 --> 00:21:33,383 weapons buyer . A new secretary for 524 00:21:33,383 --> 00:21:36,480 acquisition and sustainment . Why do 525 00:21:36,480 --> 00:21:38,702 you think ? Why is that ? Have you been 526 00:21:38,702 --> 00:21:40,758 pressing the White House to nominate 527 00:21:40,758 --> 00:21:42,924 someone for the key position ? I think 528 00:21:42,924 --> 00:21:44,924 secretary is very focused on making 529 00:21:44,924 --> 00:21:46,813 sure we continue to round out the 530 00:21:46,813 --> 00:21:48,980 talent here at the department and he's 531 00:21:48,980 --> 00:21:51,147 in regular communication with with the 532 00:21:51,147 --> 00:21:53,424 White House about about how to do that . 533 00:21:53,424 --> 00:21:55,536 What's the best way to do that ? It's 534 00:21:55,536 --> 00:21:57,480 more important for him to have the 535 00:21:57,480 --> 00:21:59,647 right people in the right places in in 536 00:21:59,647 --> 00:22:01,758 these critical national security jobs 537 00:22:01,758 --> 00:22:04,490 than it is to to rush . And so we are 538 00:22:04,490 --> 00:22:07,250 we continue to flesh out the the roster 539 00:22:07,250 --> 00:22:09,250 here at the pentagon and he'll stay 540 00:22:09,250 --> 00:22:11,417 focused on the second question . Katie 541 00:22:11,417 --> 00:22:13,306 Arrington , the chief information 542 00:22:13,306 --> 00:22:15,139 security officer for the N . S . 543 00:22:15,139 --> 00:22:17,090 Division was put on administrative 544 00:22:17,090 --> 00:22:20,330 leave in May for allegations she far , 545 00:22:20,340 --> 00:22:22,229 I'm not Undisclosed information , 546 00:22:22,229 --> 00:22:24,507 unauthorized disclosure of information . 547 00:22:24,507 --> 00:22:26,729 Her lawyer says five months later . She 548 00:22:26,729 --> 00:22:28,618 still hasn't got any sense of the 549 00:22:28,618 --> 00:22:31,070 charges against her and sitting 550 00:22:31,070 --> 00:22:33,014 basically getting paid to only but 551 00:22:33,014 --> 00:22:35,070 what's the status of that review and 552 00:22:35,070 --> 00:22:37,292 should five months go by before someone 553 00:22:37,292 --> 00:22:39,514 given the charges , they're allegations 554 00:22:39,514 --> 00:22:41,681 that led to their suspension . I don't 555 00:22:41,681 --> 00:22:44,410 have a status of the review and I can't 556 00:22:44,410 --> 00:22:47,260 speak with any specificity on specific 557 00:22:48,140 --> 00:22:51,040 personnel matters and issues . So I 558 00:22:51,040 --> 00:22:53,151 don't really have anything for you on 559 00:22:53,151 --> 00:22:55,373 that today . Maybe do something written 560 00:22:55,373 --> 00:22:57,596 on . I mean she's hanging out there for 561 00:22:57,596 --> 00:22:57,450 five months . It's not fair , it seems 562 00:22:57,540 --> 00:22:59,650 I will see if there's any additional 563 00:22:59,650 --> 00:23:01,650 context I can provide , but I don't 564 00:23:01,650 --> 00:23:03,872 think there will be Tony . I'm just I'm 565 00:23:03,872 --> 00:23:07,030 not able to to speak uh to this issue 566 00:23:07,030 --> 00:23:10,170 very specifically . Yeah . Yeah . Real . 567 00:23:10,840 --> 00:23:12,784 Thank you . I want to follow up on 568 00:23:12,784 --> 00:23:15,190 Taiwan , The Wall Street Journal 569 00:23:15,190 --> 00:23:18,110 reported last week . The U . S . Forces 570 00:23:18,120 --> 00:23:21,170 have been deployed to Taiwan at least 571 00:23:21,180 --> 00:23:24,560 four years to train Taiwan forces . Uh 572 00:23:24,570 --> 00:23:27,890 it's a US presence in Taiwan consistent 573 00:23:27,900 --> 00:23:30,120 with three communicate in china . I 574 00:23:30,130 --> 00:23:32,420 don't have anything to say publicly 575 00:23:32,420 --> 00:23:35,800 about those reports . All I can say is 576 00:23:35,810 --> 00:23:38,870 what I I mentioned earlier that uh that 577 00:23:38,870 --> 00:23:41,092 our policy with respect to Taiwan is in 578 00:23:41,092 --> 00:23:43,037 keeping with our one the one china 579 00:23:43,037 --> 00:23:45,190 policy uh that we remain committed to 580 00:23:45,190 --> 00:23:47,246 helping Taiwan with its self defense 581 00:23:47,246 --> 00:23:50,880 capability in keeping with the law and 582 00:23:50,890 --> 00:23:53,057 we're going to continue to do that . I 583 00:23:53,057 --> 00:23:55,112 don't have anything specific more to 584 00:23:55,112 --> 00:23:57,660 add than that . Yeah . So yesterday 585 00:23:58,140 --> 00:24:00,029 leader of North Korea kim jong un 586 00:24:00,029 --> 00:24:02,140 blamed the United States for regional 587 00:24:02,140 --> 00:24:04,084 instability . Does do you have any 588 00:24:04,084 --> 00:24:05,973 comments on the leader of Korea's 589 00:24:05,973 --> 00:24:08,970 comments ? All we would say is that uh 590 00:24:08,980 --> 00:24:12,060 we continue to support the biden 591 00:24:12,060 --> 00:24:14,420 administration's approach to a measured 592 00:24:14,430 --> 00:24:18,320 uh diplomatic effort to try to reduce 593 00:24:18,320 --> 00:24:20,542 tensions on the peninsula and to ensure 594 00:24:20,542 --> 00:24:22,950 the denuclearization of North Korea ? 595 00:24:22,960 --> 00:24:25,182 We think that's in the best interests , 596 00:24:25,182 --> 00:24:27,349 not only of the the entire peninsula , 597 00:24:27,349 --> 00:24:29,750 but but of the region . Uh , and we're 598 00:24:29,750 --> 00:24:31,694 going to continue to support those 599 00:24:31,694 --> 00:24:33,806 diplomatic efforts at the same time , 600 00:24:33,806 --> 00:24:35,861 we're going to continue to make sure 601 00:24:35,861 --> 00:24:38,028 that our alliance with the Republic of 602 00:24:38,028 --> 00:24:39,972 Korea remains as iron Clyde and as 603 00:24:39,972 --> 00:24:42,220 strong as it is , and that our South 604 00:24:42,220 --> 00:24:44,370 korean allies likewise have the 605 00:24:44,380 --> 00:24:46,213 capabilities they need to defend 606 00:24:46,213 --> 00:24:48,430 themselves if if needed . Our presence 607 00:24:48,440 --> 00:24:50,607 on the peninsula . Our presence in the 608 00:24:50,607 --> 00:24:54,000 region is about maintaining a sense of 609 00:24:54,010 --> 00:24:57,560 stability and security . Uh , and that 610 00:24:57,560 --> 00:24:59,660 has always been the focus . Nothing 611 00:24:59,660 --> 00:25:02,920 more than that gen , right , your 612 00:25:02,920 --> 00:25:06,310 reaction to the nuclear engineer who 613 00:25:06,320 --> 00:25:08,320 worked for naval reactors , who has 614 00:25:08,320 --> 00:25:12,320 been charged with espionage and for 615 00:25:12,330 --> 00:25:14,770 trying to sell the secrets of the 616 00:25:14,780 --> 00:25:16,724 submarine propulsion , the nuclear 617 00:25:16,724 --> 00:25:20,300 propulsion systems . Why is it that the 618 00:25:20,310 --> 00:25:23,770 pentagon of security and navy security 619 00:25:23,780 --> 00:25:26,470 didn't catch him , jen ? I really can't 620 00:25:26,480 --> 00:25:28,647 speak to this case . I'm going to have 621 00:25:28,647 --> 00:25:30,536 to refer you to the Department of 622 00:25:30,536 --> 00:25:32,591 Justice . I think you can understand 623 00:25:32,591 --> 00:25:35,210 why um , uh , it's uh , because it's an 624 00:25:35,210 --> 00:25:38,310 active ongoing case , it would be 625 00:25:38,320 --> 00:25:42,190 inappropriate . Um , um , and uh , 626 00:25:42,200 --> 00:25:44,200 completely unhelpful for us to talk 627 00:25:44,200 --> 00:25:46,422 about it here at the podium . And is it 628 00:25:46,422 --> 00:25:48,589 accurate to say as part of this caucus 629 00:25:48,589 --> 00:25:50,756 agreement with Australia , that the US 630 00:25:50,756 --> 00:25:53,230 is selling the same technology , the 631 00:25:53,230 --> 00:25:55,340 nuclear propulsion technology to 632 00:25:55,340 --> 00:25:57,507 Australia as part of that deal ? Or is 633 00:25:57,507 --> 00:26:00,610 that a mischaracterization deal ? Sorry , 634 00:26:00,610 --> 00:26:03,420 excuse me . The submarine deal with 635 00:26:03,430 --> 00:26:06,060 Australia . Yeah . So it's about 636 00:26:06,060 --> 00:26:09,820 helping Australia acquire a 637 00:26:09,830 --> 00:26:13,160 nuclear propelled submarine capability , 638 00:26:13,170 --> 00:26:15,820 um , that each is of that the details 639 00:26:15,820 --> 00:26:17,987 of what that's gonna look like and how 640 00:26:17,987 --> 00:26:20,264 long it's gonna take to tom's question . 641 00:26:20,264 --> 00:26:22,320 I mean , I think we're still working 642 00:26:22,320 --> 00:26:24,542 our way through that . The navy will be 643 00:26:24,542 --> 00:26:26,320 the lead , uh , actor in this . 644 00:26:26,320 --> 00:26:28,153 Obviously , a navy naval nuclear 645 00:26:28,153 --> 00:26:30,460 reactors will , will clearly be , uh , 646 00:26:30,540 --> 00:26:32,707 front and center in this . But I don't 647 00:26:32,707 --> 00:26:34,818 believe that we've worked out all the 648 00:26:34,818 --> 00:26:37,096 details of what that's gonna look like . 649 00:26:37,096 --> 00:26:39,262 Exactly . But it is about helping them 650 00:26:39,262 --> 00:26:41,160 acquire , you know , to procure a 651 00:26:41,160 --> 00:26:43,460 nuclear capability in submarines . 652 00:26:44,760 --> 00:26:47,810 Sure . The first part of jen's question 653 00:26:47,810 --> 00:26:50,930 regarding the spy , remember a week or 654 00:26:50,930 --> 00:26:53,097 so ago we had a briefing in here about 655 00:26:53,097 --> 00:26:55,208 the new vetting system that was under 656 00:26:55,208 --> 00:26:57,152 way , would this be something that 657 00:26:57,152 --> 00:26:59,097 would have been or could have been 658 00:26:59,097 --> 00:27:01,152 better caught in this system once it 659 00:27:01,152 --> 00:27:03,374 gets underway ? You know , I don't know 660 00:27:03,374 --> 00:27:05,652 tom because I don't have the specifics , 661 00:27:05,652 --> 00:27:09,050 um , of this particular case and I 662 00:27:09,050 --> 00:27:11,810 don't want to speak for the Department 663 00:27:11,810 --> 00:27:14,500 of Justice . So , uh , it will be 664 00:27:14,500 --> 00:27:16,722 difficult for me to link the two . What 665 00:27:16,722 --> 00:27:18,870 I can tell you is in terms of , uh , 666 00:27:18,880 --> 00:27:21,102 what we're trying to do with continuous 667 00:27:21,102 --> 00:27:23,324 vetting and improved vetting is to make 668 00:27:23,324 --> 00:27:26,530 sure that , that we're not only able to 669 00:27:26,530 --> 00:27:28,650 prevent and get ahead of insider 670 00:27:28,650 --> 00:27:31,990 threats but also to make sure that um 671 00:27:32,000 --> 00:27:35,710 that uh the criminal activity 672 00:27:35,900 --> 00:27:38,760 activity that would harm our national 673 00:27:38,760 --> 00:27:41,650 security interests can be prevented 674 00:27:41,650 --> 00:27:44,510 well in advance but whether that would 675 00:27:44,510 --> 00:27:46,510 have or could have had an effect on 676 00:27:46,510 --> 00:27:48,732 this , I just wouldn't be able to say . 677 00:27:49,140 --> 00:27:52,160 Yeah . And we're meeting back to back . 678 00:27:53,040 --> 00:27:55,880 Thanks john According to the latest air 679 00:27:55,880 --> 00:27:59,290 force data , 4% of active duty airmen 680 00:27:59,290 --> 00:28:01,920 are not vaccinated fully or partially 681 00:28:01,940 --> 00:28:04,051 with only three weeks left before the 682 00:28:04,051 --> 00:28:06,162 deadline , it would now be impossible 683 00:28:06,162 --> 00:28:08,051 for any of them to get a two dose 684 00:28:08,051 --> 00:28:10,218 vaccine . Do you know if the air force 685 00:28:10,218 --> 00:28:12,384 is now pushing the johnson and johnson 686 00:28:12,384 --> 00:28:14,607 vaccine and what's going to happen with 687 00:28:14,607 --> 00:28:17,300 those Uh now still above 10,000 airmen 688 00:28:17,300 --> 00:28:19,578 who are not vaccinated in any capacity . 689 00:28:19,578 --> 00:28:21,689 Uh I would point you to the air force 690 00:28:21,689 --> 00:28:23,911 specifically for what their plans are . 691 00:28:23,911 --> 00:28:25,967 I mean I can tell you that um active 692 00:28:25,967 --> 00:28:28,078 duty personnel with at least one dose 693 00:28:28,078 --> 00:28:31,560 now stands at 96.7% . And uh active 694 00:28:31,560 --> 00:28:33,227 duty personnel that are fully 695 00:28:33,227 --> 00:28:36,530 vaccinated stands today at 83.7% . Um 696 00:28:36,530 --> 00:28:38,752 So we continue to make progress on this 697 00:28:38,752 --> 00:28:41,030 and the total force At least one dose 698 00:28:41,040 --> 00:28:43,610 80% uh and fully vaccinated again 699 00:28:43,610 --> 00:28:45,440 across the total force is about 700 00:28:45,450 --> 00:28:51,360 65% 701 00:28:51,740 --> 00:28:55,260 84,000 850 that are partially 702 00:28:55,260 --> 00:28:57,149 vaccinated and fully vaccinated . 703 00:28:57,149 --> 00:29:01,030 They've got 385 500 . So they're making 704 00:29:01,030 --> 00:29:03,170 progress now . Um 705 00:29:03,940 --> 00:29:07,380 How they'll how they'll try to make up 706 00:29:07,380 --> 00:29:09,436 the delta here before the end of the 707 00:29:09,436 --> 00:29:11,658 deadline I really think is a Department 708 00:29:11,658 --> 00:29:13,880 of the Air Force policy that you'd have 709 00:29:13,880 --> 00:29:15,880 to talk to them about . And then on 710 00:29:15,880 --> 00:29:18,540 your second question about disciplinary 711 00:29:18,540 --> 00:29:20,780 action or what the effect would be 712 00:29:20,780 --> 00:29:22,947 again , I I want to go back to what we 713 00:29:22,947 --> 00:29:24,724 said before . At least what the 714 00:29:24,724 --> 00:29:26,502 secretary's expectation is that 715 00:29:26,502 --> 00:29:29,840 commanders will try to get these troops 716 00:29:29,840 --> 00:29:32,890 to make the right decision based on 717 00:29:32,900 --> 00:29:35,100 information and education . And for 718 00:29:35,100 --> 00:29:37,120 somebody that refuses , they'll be 719 00:29:37,120 --> 00:29:40,690 given a chance to get more context from 720 00:29:40,700 --> 00:29:42,756 medical service providers as well as 721 00:29:42,756 --> 00:29:44,922 their chain of command . It's a lawful 722 00:29:44,922 --> 00:29:47,920 order . So obviously um if after all 723 00:29:47,920 --> 00:29:49,890 that effort , the lawful order is 724 00:29:49,890 --> 00:29:52,112 disobeyed , there could be disciplinary 725 00:29:52,112 --> 00:29:53,890 action , but that the secretary 726 00:29:53,890 --> 00:29:55,890 believes that there's lots of tools 727 00:29:55,890 --> 00:29:58,112 available to leaders short of using the 728 00:29:58,112 --> 00:30:00,279 uniform code of military justice uh to 729 00:30:00,279 --> 00:30:02,446 get these troops to do the right thing 730 00:30:02,446 --> 00:30:04,501 for themselves and for their units , 731 00:30:04,501 --> 00:30:06,723 Just a quick follow up . Does that plan 732 00:30:06,723 --> 00:30:08,890 change after the deadline do sort of , 733 00:30:08,890 --> 00:30:11,001 does it is their differentiation with 734 00:30:11,001 --> 00:30:13,112 those conversations once the deadline 735 00:30:13,112 --> 00:30:15,168 has passed ? I think that's better a 736 00:30:15,168 --> 00:30:17,390 better question for Air force leaders . 737 00:30:17,390 --> 00:30:19,612 They're the ones that set that deadline 738 00:30:19,612 --> 00:30:19,240 and I wouldn't want to speak to 739 00:30:19,240 --> 00:30:21,840 whatever policy judi cation they might 740 00:30:21,840 --> 00:30:24,007 do after their deadline has passed and 741 00:30:24,007 --> 00:30:26,173 what they're what they're trying to do 742 00:30:26,173 --> 00:30:29,220 to to make goal okay . But without so 743 00:30:29,220 --> 00:30:32,440 without but I don't want to just uh 744 00:30:32,450 --> 00:30:35,840 leave it that the secretary isn't 745 00:30:35,850 --> 00:30:37,970 mindful here of the need to get the 746 00:30:37,970 --> 00:30:40,500 force vaccinated . He wants to see 747 00:30:40,510 --> 00:30:43,910 everybody that can get the vaccine 748 00:30:44,080 --> 00:30:47,250 so that they can be safe for themselves 749 00:30:47,250 --> 00:30:49,472 and for their families , safe for their 750 00:30:49,472 --> 00:30:51,472 their units . Uh So while certainly 751 00:30:51,472 --> 00:30:53,639 we're gonna defer you to the Air Force 752 00:30:53,639 --> 00:30:55,972 for specific policy implementation . Uh , 753 00:30:55,972 --> 00:30:58,330 that doesn't , that doesn't at all . Uh 754 00:30:58,340 --> 00:31:00,562 dilute the secretary's keen interest in 755 00:31:00,562 --> 00:31:02,784 making sure that this mandatory vaccine 756 00:31:02,784 --> 00:31:04,850 is administered appropriately across 757 00:31:04,850 --> 00:31:08,590 the force . Okay , Yes , ma'am , Thank 758 00:31:08,590 --> 00:31:11,600 you . Um So the sector of when he's 759 00:31:11,600 --> 00:31:14,380 spoken to his counterpart in China has 760 00:31:14,380 --> 00:31:18,260 talked about the church and his 761 00:31:18,260 --> 00:31:20,150 counterpart in China . When those 762 00:31:20,150 --> 00:31:22,261 conversations have happened , some of 763 00:31:22,261 --> 00:31:24,483 the readouts have been about where some 764 00:31:24,483 --> 00:31:26,539 of the information that has come out 765 00:31:26,539 --> 00:31:28,261 has been about the the nuclear 766 00:31:28,330 --> 00:31:31,110 situation in the Dprk has been one of 767 00:31:31,110 --> 00:31:33,740 the issues that has been discussed . So , 768 00:31:33,750 --> 00:31:36,730 my question is whether there has been 769 00:31:36,730 --> 00:31:38,619 any effort to have a conversation 770 00:31:38,619 --> 00:31:40,841 because that's an interest that we have 771 00:31:40,841 --> 00:31:42,619 together with china as a as the 772 00:31:42,619 --> 00:31:45,090 pressure ratchets up over Taiwan . If 773 00:31:45,090 --> 00:31:47,257 there might be an opening there for us 774 00:31:47,257 --> 00:31:50,060 to try to talk to them about this other 775 00:31:50,060 --> 00:31:52,230 issue that is that we have in common ? 776 00:31:52,430 --> 00:31:55,570 Well , North Korea . But do you 777 00:31:55,570 --> 00:31:57,181 nuclearize North Korea is in 778 00:31:57,181 --> 00:31:59,348 everybody's interest in the region and 779 00:31:59,348 --> 00:32:01,403 across the world . So you're right . 780 00:32:01,403 --> 00:32:05,210 It's a shared interest . Uh But 781 00:32:05,220 --> 00:32:07,950 China has uh certainly has a role to 782 00:32:07,950 --> 00:32:09,783 play . They have an influence in 783 00:32:09,783 --> 00:32:13,090 Pyongyang um that they don't always use . 784 00:32:13,100 --> 00:32:16,660 Uh But there is no conversation that 785 00:32:16,670 --> 00:32:18,837 that the secretary has had to speak to 786 00:32:18,837 --> 00:32:21,040 today . Um And uh that doesn't mean 787 00:32:21,040 --> 00:32:23,262 that we aren't , as I said earlier that 788 00:32:23,262 --> 00:32:25,540 we aren't communicating with the P . R . 789 00:32:25,540 --> 00:32:27,762 C . We are at different levels . Yeah . 790 00:32:27,830 --> 00:32:29,941 A follow up on the vaccine question , 791 00:32:29,941 --> 00:32:32,052 what are the options or tools to sort 792 00:32:32,052 --> 00:32:33,997 of compel or convince the civilian 793 00:32:33,997 --> 00:32:36,290 workforce to get vaccinated if they are 794 00:32:36,290 --> 00:32:38,740 skeptical ? Well you obviously you see 795 00:32:38,740 --> 00:32:40,573 MJ doesn't apply to our civilian 796 00:32:40,573 --> 00:32:43,700 employees but but there are a range of 797 00:32:43,700 --> 00:32:46,650 administrative tools that uh that 798 00:32:46,650 --> 00:32:48,706 leaders here at the department would 799 00:32:48,706 --> 00:32:50,872 have uh to make sure that our civilian 800 00:32:51,140 --> 00:32:53,250 workers are likewise getting the 801 00:32:53,260 --> 00:32:55,660 vaccine . Um I don't have the laundry 802 00:32:55,660 --> 00:32:57,882 list of of what the repercussions would 803 00:32:57,882 --> 00:32:59,716 be . We're still working through 804 00:32:59,716 --> 00:33:01,938 implementation guidelines on that right 805 00:33:01,938 --> 00:33:05,700 now . Um But again or we don't see 806 00:33:05,700 --> 00:33:08,760 that this is gonna be a huge issue that 807 00:33:08,770 --> 00:33:11,240 our civilian workers here . They take 808 00:33:11,240 --> 00:33:13,351 their jobs very seriously . They take 809 00:33:13,351 --> 00:33:15,573 their obligations to their families and 810 00:33:15,573 --> 00:33:17,740 to their coworkers very seriously . Um 811 00:33:17,740 --> 00:33:19,573 And uh and I think we have every 812 00:33:19,573 --> 00:33:21,796 expectation that they too will continue 813 00:33:21,796 --> 00:33:24,018 to seek and pursue getting vaccinated . 814 00:33:24,040 --> 00:33:26,207 Got a couple more and then I got to go 815 00:33:26,207 --> 00:33:28,350 back there and Jonathan . I pulled 816 00:33:28,740 --> 00:33:31,390 bob's question about you nancy . It's 817 00:33:31,390 --> 00:33:33,960 very dark back there . Sorry that will 818 00:33:33,960 --> 00:33:35,793 take it's more likely to take my 819 00:33:35,793 --> 00:33:38,370 question if you can't see me . I live 820 00:33:38,370 --> 00:33:42,200 calls on you anyway . I want to follow 821 00:33:42,200 --> 00:33:44,367 the lad's question about the August 29 822 00:33:44,367 --> 00:33:47,680 strike in Kabul . Um and the issue 823 00:33:47,690 --> 00:33:50,090 condolence payments is for helping 824 00:33:50,100 --> 00:33:52,430 families relocate outside of 825 00:33:52,430 --> 00:33:55,600 Afghanistan . Can you Let us know if 826 00:33:55,610 --> 00:33:57,443 the US military or anyone in the 827 00:33:57,443 --> 00:33:59,666 department has made contact with any of 828 00:33:59,666 --> 00:34:01,980 those 10 family members ? Let me take 829 00:34:01,980 --> 00:34:04,036 the question nancy . I don't have an 830 00:34:04,036 --> 00:34:06,202 answer for that . You don't talk about 831 00:34:06,202 --> 00:34:08,500 the family members that were The victim 832 00:34:08,500 --> 00:34:10,830 of the 29 August . Let me take the 833 00:34:10,830 --> 00:34:13,052 question . I just don't know the answer 834 00:34:13,052 --> 00:34:15,460 to that . Did you have one A follow up 835 00:34:15,460 --> 00:34:17,627 question ? Um you know there are a lot 836 00:34:17,627 --> 00:34:20,920 of duty contractors based in Texas that 837 00:34:20,930 --> 00:34:23,152 provide things that are critical to the 838 00:34:23,152 --> 00:34:25,041 department including f . and just 839 00:34:25,041 --> 00:34:27,041 wondering what sort of guidance the 840 00:34:27,041 --> 00:34:29,152 department is putting out because the 841 00:34:29,152 --> 00:34:30,986 governor of texas has now signed 842 00:34:30,986 --> 00:34:33,070 executive order saying that no firms 843 00:34:33,070 --> 00:34:36,130 can coerce their employees to get the 844 00:34:36,130 --> 00:34:38,550 vaccine but that is a direct odds at 845 00:34:38,550 --> 00:34:40,520 making sure the supply lines stay 846 00:34:40,530 --> 00:34:42,580 moving . Just wondering , are you 847 00:34:42,580 --> 00:34:44,580 reaching out to those contractors ? 848 00:34:44,580 --> 00:34:46,580 Have you encouraged defense concept 849 00:34:46,580 --> 00:34:48,691 that you're major defense contractors 850 00:34:48,691 --> 00:34:50,970 to get their workforce vaccinated . We 851 00:34:50,980 --> 00:34:53,091 we do want our defense contractors to 852 00:34:53,091 --> 00:34:55,147 be vaccinated . But let me take your 853 00:34:55,147 --> 00:34:57,258 question and see if there's something 854 00:34:57,258 --> 00:34:59,369 more specific that we've communicated 855 00:34:59,369 --> 00:34:59,030 and how that's been communicated , 856 00:34:59,040 --> 00:35:01,900 rather than just guess . Okay , thank 857 00:35:01,900 --> 00:35:02,160 you .