1 00:00:02,370 --> 00:00:04,810 well , good afternoon everyone . 2 00:00:06,170 --> 00:00:08,114 Thank you very much for being here 3 00:00:08,114 --> 00:00:10,059 today . I hope you all had a great 4 00:00:10,059 --> 00:00:12,059 labor day weekend of a few items to 5 00:00:12,059 --> 00:00:14,114 pass along and then I'll be happy to 6 00:00:14,114 --> 00:00:16,281 take your questions . So as you know , 7 00:00:16,281 --> 00:00:18,448 the Department of Defense released its 8 00:00:18,448 --> 00:00:20,337 fiscal year 2021 annual report on 9 00:00:20,337 --> 00:00:22,337 sexual assault in the military last 10 00:00:22,337 --> 00:00:24,392 week . On his first day in office as 11 00:00:24,392 --> 00:00:26,337 the Secretary of Defense Secretary 12 00:00:26,337 --> 00:00:28,448 Austin made clear that countering the 13 00:00:28,448 --> 00:00:30,503 scourge of sexual sexual assault and 14 00:00:30,503 --> 00:00:32,726 sexual harassment in our military was a 15 00:00:32,726 --> 00:00:34,337 top priority for him and the 16 00:00:34,337 --> 00:00:36,392 department's leadership . And that's 17 00:00:36,392 --> 00:00:38,114 still very true today . As the 18 00:00:38,114 --> 00:00:40,226 statistics from the report indicate , 19 00:00:40,226 --> 00:00:42,392 we have much more work to do to ensure 20 00:00:42,392 --> 00:00:44,614 that all members of the US military and 21 00:00:44,614 --> 00:00:46,726 the Department of Defense are treated 22 00:00:46,726 --> 00:00:48,892 with dignity and respect and that they 23 00:00:48,892 --> 00:00:48,440 can do their important work for our 24 00:00:48,440 --> 00:00:50,384 nation without fear of violence or 25 00:00:50,384 --> 00:00:52,360 harassment . Department of Defense 26 00:00:52,360 --> 00:00:54,582 leaders will continue to remain sharply 27 00:00:54,582 --> 00:00:56,804 focused on eliminating sexual assault . 28 00:00:56,804 --> 00:00:58,971 And as a department we're committed to 29 00:00:58,971 --> 00:01:01,138 preventing this scourge from happening 30 00:01:01,138 --> 00:01:03,249 in the first place , assisting sexual 31 00:01:03,249 --> 00:01:05,249 assault survivors with recovery and 32 00:01:05,249 --> 00:01:07,082 resilience when it does happen . 33 00:01:07,082 --> 00:01:08,971 Holding offenders accountable and 34 00:01:08,971 --> 00:01:11,082 rebuilding trust and confidence among 35 00:01:11,082 --> 00:01:11,050 our warfighters that D . O . D . 36 00:01:11,050 --> 00:01:12,772 Leaders are taking this matter 37 00:01:12,772 --> 00:01:14,970 seriously . In addition to the annual 38 00:01:14,970 --> 00:01:17,192 report , secretary Austin issued a memo 39 00:01:17,192 --> 00:01:19,220 on thursday to senior pentagon 40 00:01:19,220 --> 00:01:21,387 leadership and senior field commanders 41 00:01:21,387 --> 00:01:23,670 detailing the specific multiple actions 42 00:01:23,670 --> 00:01:25,837 D . O . D . Is taking to combat sexual 43 00:01:25,837 --> 00:01:28,003 assault and sexual harassment which is 44 00:01:28,003 --> 00:01:29,837 available on the Defense dot gov 45 00:01:29,837 --> 00:01:31,781 website Under the publications tab 46 00:01:32,360 --> 00:01:34,360 sexual assault in the military is a 47 00:01:34,360 --> 00:01:36,471 national defense issue and addressing 48 00:01:36,471 --> 00:01:38,249 it is something this department 49 00:01:38,249 --> 00:01:40,138 considers absolutely vital to the 50 00:01:40,138 --> 00:01:42,304 health and readiness of our forces and 51 00:01:42,304 --> 00:01:44,249 the memos closing Secretary Austin 52 00:01:44,249 --> 00:01:46,193 makes his views very clear on this 53 00:01:46,193 --> 00:01:48,304 subject to U . S . Military leaders . 54 00:01:48,304 --> 00:01:50,416 Sexual violence will not be tolerated 55 00:01:50,416 --> 00:01:52,638 within our ranks . This is a leadership 56 00:01:52,638 --> 00:01:54,749 issue and we will lead separately . I 57 00:01:54,749 --> 00:01:56,916 want to highlight a few operations and 58 00:01:56,916 --> 00:01:59,249 administrative items for your awareness . 59 00:01:59,249 --> 00:02:01,138 There will be an operational test 60 00:02:01,138 --> 00:02:03,193 launch of an Air Force Global Strike 61 00:02:03,193 --> 00:02:05,082 Command , unarmed minuteman three 62 00:02:05,082 --> 00:02:07,027 intercontinental ballistic missile 63 00:02:07,027 --> 00:02:06,720 early tomorrow morning , september 64 00:02:06,720 --> 00:02:09,240 seven from Vandenberg Space Force base 65 00:02:09,240 --> 00:02:12,470 in California . This launches a routine 66 00:02:12,470 --> 00:02:14,890 test which was scheduled for in advance 67 00:02:14,900 --> 00:02:16,956 and consistent with previous tests . 68 00:02:16,956 --> 00:02:18,789 This I . C . B . M . Launch will 69 00:02:18,789 --> 00:02:20,900 validate and verify effectiveness and 70 00:02:20,900 --> 00:02:23,122 readiness of the system . In accordance 71 00:02:23,122 --> 00:02:25,233 with standard procedures . The United 72 00:02:25,233 --> 00:02:27,233 States has transmitted a pre launch 73 00:02:27,233 --> 00:02:29,456 notification pursuant to the hague code 74 00:02:29,456 --> 00:02:31,456 of conduct and notified the Russian 75 00:02:31,456 --> 00:02:33,344 government in advance pursuant to 76 00:02:33,344 --> 00:02:35,567 treaty obligations . The purpose of the 77 00:02:35,567 --> 00:02:37,733 I . C . B . M . Test launch program is 78 00:02:37,733 --> 00:02:39,956 to demonstrate the readiness of U . S . 79 00:02:39,956 --> 00:02:42,067 Nuclear forces and provide confidence 80 00:02:42,067 --> 00:02:44,122 in the security and effectiveness of 81 00:02:44,122 --> 00:02:46,344 the nation's nuclear deterrent . As you 82 00:02:46,344 --> 00:02:48,456 may recall , the last test launch was 83 00:02:48,456 --> 00:02:50,511 august 4th which had been delayed so 84 00:02:50,511 --> 00:02:50,300 for those wondering about timing the 85 00:02:50,300 --> 00:02:52,467 two launches moved closer together due 86 00:02:52,467 --> 00:02:54,610 to the delays from the august eight 87 00:02:54,610 --> 00:02:56,332 sliding to the right and again 88 00:02:56,332 --> 00:02:58,499 tomorrow's launch was scheduled for in 89 00:02:58,499 --> 00:03:00,610 advance . And finally as a reminder , 90 00:03:00,610 --> 00:03:02,610 Secretary Austin and General Milley 91 00:03:02,610 --> 00:03:04,832 will host an in person meeting thursday 92 00:03:04,832 --> 00:03:06,888 of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group 93 00:03:06,888 --> 00:03:08,832 and will be joined by ministers of 94 00:03:08,832 --> 00:03:10,943 defense and senior military officials 95 00:03:10,943 --> 00:03:12,930 at Ramstein air base from 50 plus 96 00:03:12,930 --> 00:03:15,152 nations around the world to discuss the 97 00:03:15,152 --> 00:03:17,280 ongoing crisis in Ukraine . The 98 00:03:17,280 --> 00:03:19,502 secretary and the chairman look forward 99 00:03:19,502 --> 00:03:21,558 to these important discussions which 100 00:03:21,558 --> 00:03:23,613 demonstrate the strong international 101 00:03:23,613 --> 00:03:25,613 unity , resolve and support for the 102 00:03:25,613 --> 00:03:27,669 Ukrainian people as they continue to 103 00:03:27,669 --> 00:03:29,836 fight and defend their country against 104 00:03:29,836 --> 00:03:31,891 Russian aggression and with that I'm 105 00:03:31,891 --> 00:03:33,836 happy to take your questions . You 106 00:03:33,836 --> 00:03:34,670 start with a p 107 00:03:40,800 --> 00:03:41,840 can you hear me ? 108 00:03:45,180 --> 00:03:49,170 Can you hear me ? You can I 109 00:03:49,170 --> 00:03:52,460 can hear you yes . Um so a question 110 00:03:52,460 --> 00:03:55,360 on the latest um intelligence 111 00:03:55,360 --> 00:03:59,270 suggesting that Russia is hoping to um 112 00:03:59,280 --> 00:04:02,450 buy millions of dollars of of rockets 113 00:04:02,450 --> 00:04:04,860 and artillery from north Korea . Has 114 00:04:04,860 --> 00:04:07,430 the pentagon seen any indication that 115 00:04:07,430 --> 00:04:10,750 that is ongoing already or preparation 116 00:04:10,750 --> 00:04:13,180 for that ? And then just a quick one on 117 00:04:13,180 --> 00:04:16,040 the the secretary's trip this week . Um 118 00:04:16,050 --> 00:04:19,480 Do you expect that there will be more 119 00:04:19,490 --> 00:04:22,920 aid announced or any other um 120 00:04:22,930 --> 00:04:26,490 changes in U . S . Troop posture in 121 00:04:26,490 --> 00:04:29,190 europe as part of this uh coming 122 00:04:29,200 --> 00:04:30,978 meeting ? Yeah , thanks for the 123 00:04:30,978 --> 00:04:33,089 question lita . So let me let me take 124 00:04:33,089 --> 00:04:35,540 your second question first uh and say 125 00:04:35,540 --> 00:04:37,707 that I don't have any announcements to 126 00:04:37,707 --> 00:04:39,429 make right now . Certainly the 127 00:04:39,429 --> 00:04:41,151 Secretary looks forward to the 128 00:04:41,151 --> 00:04:43,830 conversations as part of the Ukraine 129 00:04:43,840 --> 00:04:47,230 contact group uh , and um we'll be sure 130 00:04:47,230 --> 00:04:49,550 to keep you updated on that front in 131 00:04:49,550 --> 00:04:52,090 terms of any outcomes as far as your 132 00:04:52,090 --> 00:04:55,100 first question ? Yes , we do have 133 00:04:55,110 --> 00:04:58,060 indications that Russia has approached 134 00:04:58,060 --> 00:05:00,980 North Korea to request ammunition . I'm 135 00:05:00,980 --> 00:05:02,980 not able to provide any more detail 136 00:05:02,980 --> 00:05:05,091 than that at this point in time , but 137 00:05:05,091 --> 00:05:07,202 it does demonstrate and is indicative 138 00:05:07,202 --> 00:05:09,147 of the situation that Russia finds 139 00:05:09,147 --> 00:05:11,690 itself in in terms of its logistics and 140 00:05:11,690 --> 00:05:13,970 sustainment capabilities as it relates 141 00:05:13,970 --> 00:05:16,630 to Ukraine . Uh certainly as has been 142 00:05:16,630 --> 00:05:20,190 said , we we assess that um 143 00:05:20,200 --> 00:05:22,422 things are not going well on that front 144 00:05:22,422 --> 00:05:24,533 for Russia . So the fact that they're 145 00:05:24,533 --> 00:05:26,756 reaching out to North Korea is assigned 146 00:05:26,756 --> 00:05:28,820 that uh that they're having some 147 00:05:28,820 --> 00:05:30,931 challenges on the sustainment front . 148 00:05:30,931 --> 00:05:34,790 Thank you . Just a 149 00:05:34,800 --> 00:05:37,022 quick ball of them , you talked about , 150 00:05:37,022 --> 00:05:39,650 they're in the process of getting these 151 00:05:39,650 --> 00:05:41,872 weapons . Does that mean they like send 152 00:05:41,872 --> 00:05:43,928 the money over there waiting for the 153 00:05:43,928 --> 00:05:45,928 shipment ? They not send money over 154 00:05:45,928 --> 00:05:48,150 what part of the process are ? Yes . So 155 00:05:48,150 --> 00:05:50,206 the information we have is that they 156 00:05:50,206 --> 00:05:52,094 have approached North Korea . But 157 00:05:52,094 --> 00:05:54,261 beyond that , I don't have any further 158 00:05:54,261 --> 00:05:56,317 details to provide transfer of money 159 00:05:56,317 --> 00:05:58,372 necessarily . I don't have any other 160 00:05:58,372 --> 00:06:00,594 details just to follow . Why declassify 161 00:06:00,594 --> 00:06:00,320 this information now , is it because 162 00:06:00,320 --> 00:06:02,500 you received it now or because the 163 00:06:02,510 --> 00:06:04,454 process of declassification took a 164 00:06:04,454 --> 00:06:06,950 while , I guess why now ? Um so what I 165 00:06:06,950 --> 00:06:08,900 would say idris is that as this 166 00:06:08,900 --> 00:06:11,420 campaign has unfolded , we've tried to 167 00:06:11,420 --> 00:06:14,290 make an effort to ensure that the 168 00:06:14,290 --> 00:06:16,179 public uh , and the international 169 00:06:16,179 --> 00:06:18,560 community understand the situation that 170 00:06:18,560 --> 00:06:20,449 Russia finds itself as they again 171 00:06:20,449 --> 00:06:23,060 continue to to wage their campaign in 172 00:06:23,060 --> 00:06:25,770 Ukraine . Um , this information is 173 00:06:25,770 --> 00:06:28,110 relevant to the fight in the sense that 174 00:06:28,120 --> 00:06:29,842 again , it's indicative of the 175 00:06:29,842 --> 00:06:32,270 situation that Russia finds itself and 176 00:06:32,280 --> 00:06:36,130 and shows the fact that they're trying 177 00:06:36,130 --> 00:06:39,470 to to reach out to international actors 178 00:06:39,480 --> 00:06:42,220 like Iran and North Korea . They don't 179 00:06:42,220 --> 00:06:44,331 have the best record when it comes to 180 00:06:44,331 --> 00:06:47,160 international stability . This is the 181 00:06:47,170 --> 00:06:49,226 first time the Russians have reached 182 00:06:49,226 --> 00:06:51,226 out to the north korean weapons . I 183 00:06:51,226 --> 00:06:53,337 don't have an answer to that . Okay , 184 00:06:53,580 --> 00:06:57,140 thanks . Um , can you give us an update ? 185 00:06:57,140 --> 00:06:59,307 Two questions . First of all , can you 186 00:06:59,307 --> 00:07:01,529 give us an update on what you're seeing 187 00:07:01,529 --> 00:07:03,800 um , from the drones that Russia has 188 00:07:03,800 --> 00:07:06,420 received from Iran , Are you seeing 189 00:07:06,430 --> 00:07:08,652 indications of additional failures like 190 00:07:08,652 --> 00:07:10,597 we saw last week ? Um , what's the 191 00:07:10,597 --> 00:07:12,708 status there ? And then I also wanted 192 00:07:12,708 --> 00:07:14,652 to ask , we're seeing reports that 193 00:07:14,652 --> 00:07:16,374 Ukraine has launched a counter 194 00:07:16,374 --> 00:07:18,560 offensive now in the Kharkiv oblast , 195 00:07:18,570 --> 00:07:20,737 can you provide any update on what the 196 00:07:20,737 --> 00:07:23,014 Ukrainian armed forces are doing there ? 197 00:07:23,014 --> 00:07:25,237 Sure . On your first question , I don't 198 00:07:25,237 --> 00:07:27,459 have any updates to provide in terms of 199 00:07:27,459 --> 00:07:29,459 what we're seeing in Ukraine . Um , 200 00:07:29,459 --> 00:07:32,420 what I would tell you is that in 201 00:07:32,420 --> 00:07:34,890 general what we've seen in the hair 202 00:07:34,890 --> 00:07:38,090 salon region uh , first is um , 203 00:07:38,770 --> 00:07:41,080 some are continued offensive operations 204 00:07:41,080 --> 00:07:44,260 by the Ukrainians , um , they have , 205 00:07:44,260 --> 00:07:46,204 they continue to make some forward 206 00:07:46,204 --> 00:07:48,600 movement , we are aware that they have 207 00:07:48,600 --> 00:07:52,220 retaken some villages . Um in terms of 208 00:07:52,220 --> 00:07:54,442 that , you know , further detail beyond 209 00:07:54,442 --> 00:07:56,776 that , I'd refer to the Ukrainians . Um , 210 00:07:56,776 --> 00:07:59,380 but uh that's probably about as much 211 00:07:59,380 --> 00:08:01,380 information as I'm gonna be able to 212 00:08:01,380 --> 00:08:03,324 provide in terms of an operational 213 00:08:03,324 --> 00:08:05,436 update from the podium . I'll have to 214 00:08:05,436 --> 00:08:07,491 get back to you on that . If I could 215 00:08:07,491 --> 00:08:09,436 just follow up , have you seen any 216 00:08:09,436 --> 00:08:11,436 movement of Russian forces from the 217 00:08:11,436 --> 00:08:15,350 east to the south ? So , in terms 218 00:08:15,360 --> 00:08:17,471 of Russian forces , what I would tell 219 00:08:17,471 --> 00:08:19,693 you is that we have seen some offensive 220 00:08:19,693 --> 00:08:23,060 Russian activity up in near baku 221 00:08:23,260 --> 00:08:26,940 uh in um in that 222 00:08:26,940 --> 00:08:29,280 situation , the Ukrainians continue to 223 00:08:29,290 --> 00:08:31,530 hold the line as far as Russian 224 00:08:31,540 --> 00:08:33,860 reinforcement . Um , I don't have any 225 00:08:33,860 --> 00:08:36,170 details to provide on that . Jim 226 00:08:36,780 --> 00:08:40,150 General . The obviously the 227 00:08:40,150 --> 00:08:42,094 secretary and the chairman will be 228 00:08:42,094 --> 00:08:45,500 discussing training uh for Ukrainian 229 00:08:45,500 --> 00:08:48,930 forces outside of Ukraine by by 230 00:08:48,940 --> 00:08:51,370 allied and partner countries . Can you 231 00:08:51,370 --> 00:08:53,592 just sort of said , what's the , what's 232 00:08:53,592 --> 00:08:55,620 the level of training right now , 233 00:08:55,630 --> 00:08:57,963 before this meeting ? That's coming out ? 234 00:08:57,963 --> 00:09:01,220 Sure . Uh you know , talking in broad 235 00:09:01,220 --> 00:09:04,680 terms , um primarily consisting of 236 00:09:04,690 --> 00:09:07,010 training on various weapons systems 237 00:09:07,020 --> 00:09:09,250 that we're providing to the Ukrainians 238 00:09:09,260 --> 00:09:11,371 providing training on maintenance and 239 00:09:11,371 --> 00:09:13,730 logistics type of support . We can 240 00:09:13,730 --> 00:09:16,140 certainly work with you to get you more 241 00:09:16,140 --> 00:09:19,410 details than uh more granularity on 242 00:09:19,410 --> 00:09:21,577 that . But generally speaking , that's 243 00:09:21,577 --> 00:09:23,354 the kind of training that we're 244 00:09:23,354 --> 00:09:25,354 providing . And again , this is not 245 00:09:25,354 --> 00:09:27,577 something uh new necessarily . Although 246 00:09:27,577 --> 00:09:29,577 certainly since the invasion , uh , 247 00:09:29,577 --> 00:09:32,450 there's been a Continue to increase 248 00:09:32,450 --> 00:09:34,506 focus on supporting the Ukrainians . 249 00:09:34,510 --> 00:09:36,232 But as you well know , this is 250 00:09:36,232 --> 00:09:38,343 something that we've been doing since 251 00:09:38,343 --> 00:09:41,390 2014 . And sort of , along with that , 252 00:09:41,390 --> 00:09:43,680 one of the comments that you hear most 253 00:09:43,680 --> 00:09:46,430 often from the Ukrainian military is 254 00:09:46,430 --> 00:09:49,130 the role that N . C . O . S . Play in 255 00:09:49,140 --> 00:09:52,270 uh in uh in small units especially . 256 00:09:52,280 --> 00:09:55,360 But that was also a part of the 257 00:09:55,370 --> 00:09:57,580 training that the Ukrainian military 258 00:09:57,590 --> 00:10:00,230 received from the U . S . Forces . Is 259 00:10:00,230 --> 00:10:02,397 that still continuing ? Are they still 260 00:10:02,397 --> 00:10:05,870 doing that or has the exigencies of war 261 00:10:05,880 --> 00:10:09,310 sort of wiped that out ? So we'll get 262 00:10:09,310 --> 00:10:11,421 back to you in terms of the specifics 263 00:10:11,421 --> 00:10:13,643 on that aspect of the training . What I 264 00:10:13,643 --> 00:10:15,800 would say is , yes , uh broadly 265 00:10:15,800 --> 00:10:19,330 speaking that highlighting and and 266 00:10:19,330 --> 00:10:21,850 working with the Ukrainians in terms of 267 00:10:21,850 --> 00:10:24,072 N . C . O . Leadership has is something 268 00:10:24,072 --> 00:10:26,630 that we have done . Um , you know , 269 00:10:26,630 --> 00:10:28,890 this is a strategic advantage in a lot 270 00:10:28,890 --> 00:10:32,010 of ways of the U . S . Military uh and 271 00:10:32,010 --> 00:10:33,954 and many Western militaries is the 272 00:10:33,954 --> 00:10:36,200 noncommissioned Officer Corps in terms 273 00:10:36,200 --> 00:10:38,460 of what they bring to the battlefield 274 00:10:38,470 --> 00:10:41,120 uh , and enabling modern military . So 275 00:10:41,130 --> 00:10:44,580 I do know uh that that is an area that 276 00:10:44,590 --> 00:10:46,757 that is the continued importance . But 277 00:10:46,757 --> 00:10:48,701 let us get back to you in terms of 278 00:10:48,701 --> 00:10:50,590 specific training on that front . 279 00:10:50,590 --> 00:10:52,757 Thanks jim . All right , let's go back 280 00:10:52,757 --> 00:10:52,710 out to the phone lines here . We have 281 00:10:52,710 --> 00:10:53,750 Fox news . 282 00:10:56,170 --> 00:10:58,360 Hey yes Liz frieden with Fox news . 283 00:10:58,360 --> 00:11:00,471 Thanks for taking my question . Um as 284 00:11:00,471 --> 00:11:03,210 far as the uh the Iranian capturing the 285 00:11:03,210 --> 00:11:05,266 sea drones last week . Um there were 286 00:11:05,266 --> 00:11:07,377 two different incidents in the Middle 287 00:11:07,377 --> 00:11:09,800 East . Um Does us make anything of this 288 00:11:09,800 --> 00:11:12,440 happened happening suddenly as the Iran 289 00:11:12,440 --> 00:11:14,329 negotiations are ongoing with the 290 00:11:14,329 --> 00:11:16,800 nuclear deal ? Um and is this part of a 291 00:11:16,810 --> 00:11:19,180 greater trend ? Yeah , thanks for the 292 00:11:19,180 --> 00:11:21,750 question , Liz so we do not see the two 293 00:11:21,750 --> 00:11:25,520 as as connected . Um again , 294 00:11:25,530 --> 00:11:29,290 um as you're aware in the case of the 295 00:11:29,300 --> 00:11:31,850 sale drones , we did recover the drones . 296 00:11:31,860 --> 00:11:35,620 Um and it's just uh another example of 297 00:11:35,620 --> 00:11:38,710 Iranian activity in this region that is 298 00:11:38,720 --> 00:11:42,570 unprofessional uh and problematic 299 00:11:42,580 --> 00:11:44,747 and so certainly will continue to keep 300 00:11:44,747 --> 00:11:47,280 an eye on that that front . But again , 301 00:11:47,290 --> 00:11:49,512 to answer your question , we do not see 302 00:11:49,512 --> 00:11:52,390 those two as connected . Okay . Yes sir , 303 00:11:52,400 --> 00:11:55,740 thank you for taking my question . Last 304 00:11:55,740 --> 00:11:58,140 week , the Wall Street Journal reported 305 00:11:58,150 --> 00:12:00,460 the pentagon created a new task force 306 00:12:00,470 --> 00:12:03,400 to expedite the arms sales to U . S . 307 00:12:03,410 --> 00:12:06,070 Allies and partners last month . First , 308 00:12:06,070 --> 00:12:08,140 could you confirm the report ? And 309 00:12:08,140 --> 00:12:10,555 second , Is there a concern in the 310 00:12:10,555 --> 00:12:13,675 Pentagon that the US will not be able 311 00:12:13,675 --> 00:12:16,785 to sufficiently Taiwan by 312 00:12:16,795 --> 00:12:20,525 2027 when the US military assesses 313 00:12:20,535 --> 00:12:22,965 that China will have capabilities to 314 00:12:22,975 --> 00:12:26,670 invade Taiwan ? Yeah , so um 315 00:12:26,680 --> 00:12:29,590 in terms of the foreign military sales 316 00:12:29,590 --> 00:12:32,040 Tiger Team . Yes we did recently 317 00:12:32,050 --> 00:12:35,240 initiate an internal uh FMS Tiger Team 318 00:12:35,240 --> 00:12:38,380 process and exploring a wide range of 319 00:12:38,390 --> 00:12:41,570 immediate and systemic areas for reform 320 00:12:41,580 --> 00:12:43,636 of Department of Defense processes , 321 00:12:43,636 --> 00:12:46,380 platforms and regional perspectives to 322 00:12:46,380 --> 00:12:48,602 improve our ability to work with allies 323 00:12:48,602 --> 00:12:50,436 and partners partners . And it's 324 00:12:50,436 --> 00:12:52,491 important to highlight the fact that 325 00:12:52,491 --> 00:12:54,380 this endeavor is not focused on a 326 00:12:54,380 --> 00:12:56,158 particular region . It's rather 327 00:12:56,158 --> 00:12:58,170 designed to intensively explore and 328 00:12:58,170 --> 00:13:01,220 look at internal process uh processes 329 00:13:01,220 --> 00:13:03,387 throughout the department . So this is 330 00:13:03,387 --> 00:13:05,609 largely focused on efficiency . And I'm 331 00:13:05,609 --> 00:13:07,387 sorry , can you ask your second 332 00:13:07,387 --> 00:13:09,220 question again ? So is there any 333 00:13:09,220 --> 00:13:11,442 particular concern in the pentagon that 334 00:13:11,442 --> 00:13:14,200 the U . S . Will not provide sufficient 335 00:13:14,200 --> 00:13:16,940 number of weapons systems to Taiwan by 336 00:13:16,950 --> 00:13:20,670 2 2027 When the U . S . Military says 337 00:13:20,680 --> 00:13:23,190 that china could have capabilities to 338 00:13:23,200 --> 00:13:26,440 invade Taiwan . Um So 339 00:13:26,450 --> 00:13:28,840 what I would tell you is that we'll 340 00:13:28,840 --> 00:13:30,940 continue to work closely with our 341 00:13:30,940 --> 00:13:33,210 international partners and allies . Um 342 00:13:33,220 --> 00:13:35,910 I don't have any specific remarks or 343 00:13:35,910 --> 00:13:39,300 comments to make today in regard to um 344 00:13:39,310 --> 00:13:42,570 Taiwan or or potential or future um 345 00:13:42,580 --> 00:13:45,000 military sales other than to say that 346 00:13:45,010 --> 00:13:47,400 uh you know , we'll continue to work 347 00:13:47,400 --> 00:13:50,410 very closely on stability in the region 348 00:13:50,420 --> 00:13:52,531 uh and work closely with our partners 349 00:13:52,531 --> 00:13:54,698 in the region to ensure that stays the 350 00:13:54,698 --> 00:13:56,920 case . Thank you . Then we'll go to the 351 00:13:56,920 --> 00:13:59,087 phone . Thank you general . So just to 352 00:13:59,087 --> 00:14:01,142 follow up on the question on the set 353 00:14:01,142 --> 00:14:03,309 drawn incident specifically the second 354 00:14:03,309 --> 00:14:05,420 one Wall Street Journal reported over 355 00:14:05,420 --> 00:14:07,476 the weekend that the cameras on both 356 00:14:07,476 --> 00:14:09,531 drones were missing ? First of all , 357 00:14:09,531 --> 00:14:11,809 can you , are you able to confirm that , 358 00:14:11,809 --> 00:14:14,580 that report and whether Iran took the 359 00:14:14,580 --> 00:14:16,700 cameras or do you have an idea where 360 00:14:16,700 --> 00:14:19,970 they are now ? Um , so I can confirm 361 00:14:19,980 --> 00:14:22,091 that the cameras were missing . These 362 00:14:22,091 --> 00:14:24,350 are unclassified insensitive off the 363 00:14:24,350 --> 00:14:27,660 shelf technology in terms of what 364 00:14:27,660 --> 00:14:29,930 specifically happened to them . Uh , I 365 00:14:29,930 --> 00:14:32,152 don't have that information . So no , I 366 00:14:32,152 --> 00:14:35,510 can't confirm that Iran took them um , 367 00:14:35,520 --> 00:14:38,720 because these are commercial off the 368 00:14:38,720 --> 00:14:40,776 shelf systems , you know , certainly 369 00:14:40,776 --> 00:14:43,170 referring to an absent in terms of um , 370 00:14:43,180 --> 00:14:45,124 you know , the , the efforts to to 371 00:14:45,124 --> 00:14:48,370 repair these , but no , no particular 372 00:14:48,380 --> 00:14:51,060 uh , concerns uh , in regards to the 373 00:14:51,060 --> 00:14:52,782 fact that again , this was not 374 00:14:52,782 --> 00:14:54,671 sensitive equipment . Is there an 375 00:14:54,671 --> 00:14:56,671 effort to , to communicate with the 376 00:14:56,671 --> 00:15:00,170 Iranians uh , to ask if they actually 377 00:15:00,170 --> 00:15:02,750 have the cameras . Um , I'm not , I 378 00:15:02,750 --> 00:15:04,917 don't have any information into that . 379 00:15:04,917 --> 00:15:07,150 Again , what I would say is that we 380 00:15:07,150 --> 00:15:10,520 call on the Iranians to exercise good 381 00:15:10,520 --> 00:15:12,350 seamanship and observe the 382 00:15:12,350 --> 00:15:14,461 international rules and norms when it 383 00:15:14,461 --> 00:15:17,330 comes to um , operating in this in this 384 00:15:17,340 --> 00:15:21,170 area . Thank you . Yes 385 00:15:21,170 --> 00:15:25,040 sir . General . Last week we 386 00:15:25,040 --> 00:15:28,540 have seen Greeks using their S- 387 00:15:28,540 --> 00:15:31,250 300's locked on Turkish jets conducting 388 00:15:31,250 --> 00:15:33,850 NATO mission . Is it an acceptable 389 00:15:33,850 --> 00:15:35,683 behavior for the United States , 390 00:15:35,683 --> 00:15:37,906 particularly when you think the mission 391 00:15:37,906 --> 00:15:40,870 was a NATO mission ? Yeah . Thanks for 392 00:15:40,870 --> 00:15:43,092 the question Kassem . What I would tell 393 00:15:43,092 --> 00:15:45,203 you is , I'm aware of those reports , 394 00:15:45,203 --> 00:15:47,203 but I don't have any information to 395 00:15:47,203 --> 00:15:50,330 provide from here ? United States 396 00:15:50,330 --> 00:15:52,930 military is also conducting a lot of 397 00:15:52,940 --> 00:15:56,050 missions over the partner 398 00:15:56,310 --> 00:16:00,130 skies in skies . Do you think that like 399 00:16:00,130 --> 00:16:02,130 something like this happened to the 400 00:16:02,130 --> 00:16:03,797 United States , Would that be 401 00:16:03,797 --> 00:16:06,019 acceptable ? Well , I don't want to get 402 00:16:06,019 --> 00:16:08,241 into hypotheticals right . What I would 403 00:16:08,241 --> 00:16:10,352 tell you is that Secretary Austin has 404 00:16:10,352 --> 00:16:12,186 talked in the past with both his 405 00:16:12,186 --> 00:16:14,800 Turkish and his greek counterparts and 406 00:16:14,800 --> 00:16:17,100 emphasized the need for continued 407 00:16:17,100 --> 00:16:19,070 efforts to reduce tensions in the 408 00:16:19,070 --> 00:16:21,360 Aegean through constructive dialogue . 409 00:16:21,360 --> 00:16:23,693 So I'd I'd leave it at that . Thank you . 410 00:16:23,693 --> 00:16:25,916 Let me go ahead and let me go ahead and 411 00:16:25,916 --> 00:16:27,916 go to the phone here , Tony Capasso 412 00:16:27,916 --> 00:16:30,220 from Bloomberg . Hi , sir . I had a 413 00:16:30,220 --> 00:16:32,331 quick question on the Ukraine and the 414 00:16:32,331 --> 00:16:35,230 on the Afghanistan after action report . 415 00:16:35,240 --> 00:16:36,962 You mentioned last week that a 416 00:16:36,962 --> 00:16:39,129 classified version has been prepared . 417 00:16:39,129 --> 00:16:41,910 What organization has prepared ? It was 418 00:16:41,910 --> 00:16:43,966 at the National Defense University . 419 00:16:44,130 --> 00:16:46,241 And what are your plans for releasing 420 00:16:46,241 --> 00:16:48,408 fairly quickly ? The executive summary 421 00:16:48,408 --> 00:16:50,297 at least . Thanks Tony . So yes , 422 00:16:50,297 --> 00:16:53,010 National Defense University um , was 423 00:16:53,010 --> 00:16:55,650 responsible for compiling the report . 424 00:16:55,660 --> 00:16:57,438 Um , and I'm not going to put a 425 00:16:57,438 --> 00:17:00,510 timeline on when the Secretary's review 426 00:17:00,520 --> 00:17:04,080 will be complete . Nor when we will 427 00:17:04,080 --> 00:17:06,290 have an unclassified aspect of that 428 00:17:06,290 --> 00:17:08,840 report available for release . Well , 429 00:17:08,840 --> 00:17:10,896 Pat , will you at least commit to an 430 00:17:10,896 --> 00:17:13,062 expedited review of the classification 431 00:17:13,062 --> 00:17:15,118 of the , of the report so that , you 432 00:17:15,118 --> 00:17:17,340 know , the public can see this and it's 433 00:17:17,340 --> 00:17:19,507 just not leaked out . Certainly Tony . 434 00:17:19,507 --> 00:17:21,930 I'll commit to taking your question and 435 00:17:21,940 --> 00:17:24,051 taking a look at that and and when we 436 00:17:24,051 --> 00:17:26,162 have something available . Uh we will 437 00:17:26,162 --> 00:17:28,162 be sure to provide that . Thank you 438 00:17:28,162 --> 00:17:30,218 though . Okay let's do one more from 439 00:17:30,218 --> 00:17:32,440 the phone here joe Gould Defense News . 440 00:17:32,520 --> 00:17:34,742 General thanks for taking my question . 441 00:17:34,742 --> 00:17:36,964 Um I have a two parter also um in light 442 00:17:36,964 --> 00:17:39,250 of the Ukraine aid request from the 443 00:17:39,250 --> 00:17:42,210 administration . Um First part is 444 00:17:42,210 --> 00:17:44,377 what's the current number of US troops 445 00:17:44,377 --> 00:17:47,240 mobilized in europe ? The bolster NATO 446 00:17:47,240 --> 00:17:49,184 since the invasion . Is that still 447 00:17:49,184 --> 00:17:51,500 about 10,000 ? And then also is it 448 00:17:51,500 --> 00:17:54,960 correct that there's about $2.8 449 00:17:54,960 --> 00:17:56,840 billion in presidential drawdown 450 00:17:56,840 --> 00:18:00,100 authority that's gone unused and will 451 00:18:00,100 --> 00:18:02,267 be allowed to expire at the end of the 452 00:18:02,267 --> 00:18:06,050 fiscal year . Okay . So in terms of U . 453 00:18:06,050 --> 00:18:08,900 S . Troop presence in europe , yes the 454 00:18:08,900 --> 00:18:11,000 numbers have remained the same word 455 00:18:11,000 --> 00:18:14,370 about 100,000 U . S . Forces in in the 456 00:18:14,370 --> 00:18:18,210 A . O . R . Um In addition to 457 00:18:18,210 --> 00:18:20,190 the troops that were deployed to 458 00:18:20,190 --> 00:18:23,170 support provide additional support um 459 00:18:23,170 --> 00:18:26,940 in terms of aid for Ukraine . 460 00:18:26,950 --> 00:18:30,020 Um certainly , you know , I 461 00:18:30,030 --> 00:18:33,290 don't want to speculate about 462 00:18:33,290 --> 00:18:36,200 future funding other than to say that 463 00:18:36,200 --> 00:18:38,520 we are committed to using the aid that 464 00:18:38,520 --> 00:18:41,240 we have to support Ukraine uh and will 465 00:18:41,240 --> 00:18:44,310 continue to work very closely with the 466 00:18:44,310 --> 00:18:46,980 interagency and with Congress to ensure 467 00:18:46,980 --> 00:18:48,758 that we're spending that aid as 468 00:18:48,758 --> 00:18:52,160 expeditiously as possible to support 469 00:18:52,160 --> 00:18:55,970 them in their fight . Thank you . 470 00:18:57,090 --> 00:19:00,270 Yes ma'am , I'm from the financial 471 00:19:00,270 --> 00:19:03,590 times um on the training in the past 472 00:19:03,590 --> 00:19:06,750 we've gotten numbers of how many 473 00:19:06,760 --> 00:19:09,680 Ukrainians have gone through um I mean 474 00:19:09,690 --> 00:19:12,210 in specific systems like or drones in 475 00:19:12,210 --> 00:19:14,321 some instances , do you have any like 476 00:19:14,321 --> 00:19:16,360 updated numbers or even ballpark 477 00:19:16,360 --> 00:19:18,527 figures about how many Ukrainians have 478 00:19:18,527 --> 00:19:20,749 been through training at this point ? I 479 00:19:20,749 --> 00:19:22,916 don't have that right in front of me , 480 00:19:22,916 --> 00:19:25,138 but let me take that question and we'll 481 00:19:25,138 --> 00:19:27,249 see what we can provide you back into 482 00:19:27,249 --> 00:19:29,760 the phone line here , heather from us . 483 00:19:29,760 --> 00:19:33,230 And I thanks so much . I was just 484 00:19:33,230 --> 00:19:35,341 wondering if we can get an updated um 485 00:19:35,341 --> 00:19:38,600 as a maritime update of what's going on 486 00:19:38,610 --> 00:19:41,530 out in Ukraine in the Black Sea . Sure , 487 00:19:41,540 --> 00:19:45,120 I can talk in in broad terms heather . 488 00:19:45,130 --> 00:19:48,900 Um you know , we continue to see 489 00:19:48,910 --> 00:19:52,740 uh the grain shipments departing Odessa , 490 00:19:52,750 --> 00:19:56,160 which is a positive thing . We continue 491 00:19:56,160 --> 00:19:59,830 to um you know , stay focused on 492 00:19:59,830 --> 00:20:02,920 that in terms of operational updates . 493 00:20:02,930 --> 00:20:05,097 You know , clearly I don't want to get 494 00:20:05,097 --> 00:20:08,110 into um intelligence from the podium 495 00:20:08,110 --> 00:20:10,440 here other than to say that we keep a 496 00:20:10,440 --> 00:20:13,690 close eye on that region um as the 497 00:20:13,690 --> 00:20:16,290 conflict continues to unfold ? Thank 498 00:20:16,290 --> 00:20:19,980 you . All right , Yes , sir . 499 00:20:20,680 --> 00:20:22,902 Newsmax , just a quick question for you 500 00:20:22,902 --> 00:20:24,980 about Taiwan again , what is the 501 00:20:24,980 --> 00:20:27,300 Pentagon's assessment of the conflict 502 00:20:27,300 --> 00:20:29,467 between china and Taiwan right now and 503 00:20:29,467 --> 00:20:31,700 the Taiwan strait an assessment of the 504 00:20:31,700 --> 00:20:33,990 conflict , in what sense ? Latest of 505 00:20:33,990 --> 00:20:36,101 what's going on right now in the last 506 00:20:36,101 --> 00:20:38,212 couple of days . Um Well , you know , 507 00:20:38,212 --> 00:20:40,212 in terms of specifics on the ground 508 00:20:40,212 --> 00:20:42,323 activity I'd refer you to sit down to 509 00:20:42,323 --> 00:20:44,101 Taiwan obviously from a U . S . 510 00:20:44,101 --> 00:20:46,157 Military standpoint , we continue to 511 00:20:46,157 --> 00:20:48,990 operate in the region most recently on 512 00:20:49,000 --> 00:20:51,380 28 august of course with our Taiwan 513 00:20:51,390 --> 00:20:53,630 strait transit . Um 514 00:20:55,310 --> 00:20:57,199 you know , it's it's one of those 515 00:20:57,199 --> 00:20:59,421 regions that we will continue to keep a 516 00:20:59,421 --> 00:21:01,588 close eye on with our partners and our 517 00:21:01,588 --> 00:21:03,754 allies in the region . Certainly there 518 00:21:03,754 --> 00:21:07,010 is tension there . Um but we would um 519 00:21:07,020 --> 00:21:10,940 call on China to continue 520 00:21:10,940 --> 00:21:13,340 to ensure the stability of the region . 521 00:21:13,350 --> 00:21:15,770 I'll just leave it at that . Thank you . 522 00:21:17,220 --> 00:21:19,220 And then one more on the phone here 523 00:21:19,220 --> 00:21:21,442 just to follow up on that we heard from 524 00:21:21,442 --> 00:21:23,387 Colin Kahl a couple weeks ago that 525 00:21:23,387 --> 00:21:25,609 there were no new assessments that that 526 00:21:25,609 --> 00:21:27,664 China was going to invade Taiwan any 527 00:21:27,664 --> 00:21:29,831 sooner than we previously thought . Is 528 00:21:29,831 --> 00:21:31,887 that now that a couple of weeks have 529 00:21:31,887 --> 00:21:34,109 passed since these exercises happen and 530 00:21:34,109 --> 00:21:37,390 we've seen China continuing to violate 531 00:21:37,400 --> 00:21:39,456 Taiwan's airspace . Is there any new 532 00:21:39,456 --> 00:21:42,480 assessments going on about the prospect 533 00:21:42,480 --> 00:21:44,530 of this happening in the next 5 10 534 00:21:44,530 --> 00:21:46,580 years ? I'm not aware of any new 535 00:21:46,580 --> 00:21:50,180 assessments louis there . You go back 536 00:21:50,180 --> 00:21:53,490 to the questions about North Korea , 537 00:21:53,500 --> 00:21:55,667 what are some of the capabilities that 538 00:21:55,667 --> 00:21:57,778 North Korea could actually offer ? Um 539 00:21:57,778 --> 00:22:00,380 Russia in its fight in Ukraine . Well 540 00:22:00,380 --> 00:22:02,436 the information that we have is that 541 00:22:02,436 --> 00:22:04,324 Russia has specifically asked for 542 00:22:04,324 --> 00:22:07,930 ammunition . Um But in terms of the 543 00:22:07,930 --> 00:22:10,097 capabilities I don't want to speculate 544 00:22:10,097 --> 00:22:12,800 on on what Russia may or may not need 545 00:22:12,810 --> 00:22:16,140 beyond that or what they could offer , 546 00:22:16,720 --> 00:22:19,500 we're seeing indications that Russia is 547 00:22:19,500 --> 00:22:23,010 making similar reach out efforts are to 548 00:22:23,630 --> 00:22:25,780 friendly nations around the world . I 549 00:22:25,780 --> 00:22:28,990 mean , we've seen the Iran drone deal 550 00:22:29,000 --> 00:22:30,890 now , this information which you 551 00:22:30,900 --> 00:22:32,733 classify , are they making other 552 00:22:32,733 --> 00:22:34,622 contacts around the world , doing 553 00:22:34,622 --> 00:22:36,733 pretty much the same thing , which is 554 00:22:36,733 --> 00:22:39,080 reach out for ammunition and other so 555 00:22:39,080 --> 00:22:41,247 based on the information that I have , 556 00:22:41,247 --> 00:22:43,247 I would say at this point in time , 557 00:22:43,247 --> 00:22:46,310 we've seen North Korea and Iran as the 558 00:22:46,310 --> 00:22:48,532 countries that they've reached out to . 559 00:22:48,532 --> 00:22:51,890 So thank you . Okay , let's go to Jeff 560 00:22:51,890 --> 00:22:55,230 Seldin V O a general , thanks very much 561 00:22:55,230 --> 00:22:57,452 for doing this . One question in Russia 562 00:22:57,452 --> 00:22:59,930 one on Iran , just generally , what is 563 00:22:59,930 --> 00:23:01,930 the latest that the pentagon has in 564 00:23:01,930 --> 00:23:03,763 terms of any changes to Russia's 565 00:23:03,763 --> 00:23:05,874 nuclear posture , Especially with the 566 00:23:05,874 --> 00:23:08,700 Ukrainian counter offensive seeming to 567 00:23:08,710 --> 00:23:11,990 make some steps ? And also on Iran , 568 00:23:12,480 --> 00:23:14,647 can you explain what does the pentagon 569 00:23:14,647 --> 00:23:17,000 make of Iran's increased aggressiveness ? 570 00:23:17,000 --> 00:23:19,222 Both in terms , you know , we we saw it 571 00:23:19,222 --> 00:23:21,444 last week with the attempt to capture a 572 00:23:21,444 --> 00:23:23,690 couple of the sale drones ? Um , but 573 00:23:23,700 --> 00:23:26,630 are you seeing that matched by the Irgc 574 00:23:26,630 --> 00:23:30,310 or Iran's proxy forces , whether in the 575 00:23:30,310 --> 00:23:32,310 Middle East or beyond , in terms of 576 00:23:32,310 --> 00:23:34,254 Iran's aggressive posture . Yeah , 577 00:23:34,254 --> 00:23:37,550 Thanks , Jeff . No changes . Uh , in 578 00:23:37,550 --> 00:23:39,439 terms of your first question , no 579 00:23:39,439 --> 00:23:42,150 changes in terms of the posture . Um , 580 00:23:42,160 --> 00:23:44,930 again , um , that that is an area that 581 00:23:44,930 --> 00:23:47,152 will just continue to keep a very close 582 00:23:47,152 --> 00:23:49,710 eye on um , as far as the motivations 583 00:23:49,720 --> 00:23:52,340 behind Iran . Again , I'd refer you to 584 00:23:52,340 --> 00:23:56,090 them for any you know , discussion of 585 00:23:56,090 --> 00:24:00,040 their motivations . Uh in terms of uh 586 00:24:00,050 --> 00:24:02,740 if you look at the behavior of Iran 587 00:24:02,740 --> 00:24:04,860 over the long term in this region of 588 00:24:04,860 --> 00:24:07,710 the world , uh these types of incidents 589 00:24:07,720 --> 00:24:10,500 unfortunately are not that uncommon . 590 00:24:10,640 --> 00:24:13,730 Again , it's an area that we continue 591 00:24:13,730 --> 00:24:17,700 to monitor , but the the kind 592 00:24:17,700 --> 00:24:20,900 of um unprofessional inappropriate 593 00:24:20,900 --> 00:24:23,122 behavior when it comes to these type of 594 00:24:23,122 --> 00:24:27,110 harassing actions are are not 595 00:24:27,110 --> 00:24:29,277 helpful in the region when it comes to 596 00:24:29,277 --> 00:24:32,520 preserving peace and stability and uh 597 00:24:32,530 --> 00:24:34,752 international waterways . Thanks Jeff . 598 00:24:35,000 --> 00:24:37,111 All right , let me go to Jeff . Segal 599 00:24:37,111 --> 00:24:39,880 task and purpose . Thank you . The 600 00:24:39,880 --> 00:24:42,300 Defense Department will stop issuing 601 00:24:42,300 --> 00:24:44,780 the National Defense Service Medal as 602 00:24:44,780 --> 00:24:47,600 of december 31st . Would it be accurate 603 00:24:47,600 --> 00:24:49,267 to say that the department is 604 00:24:49,267 --> 00:24:51,044 acknowledging the global war on 605 00:24:51,044 --> 00:24:53,211 terrorism has ended ? Well , certainly 606 00:24:53,211 --> 00:24:55,950 we want to recognize uh those who have 607 00:24:55,960 --> 00:24:58,530 uh supported and engaged in this 608 00:24:58,540 --> 00:25:02,520 operation um Certainly over the 609 00:25:02,520 --> 00:25:06,280 last 20 years , um uh a lot of men and 610 00:25:06,280 --> 00:25:09,320 women US military have worked very hard 611 00:25:09,320 --> 00:25:13,280 to to counter terrorism . Um so but 612 00:25:13,280 --> 00:25:16,370 in terms of the uh the actual metal 613 00:25:16,370 --> 00:25:18,950 Jeff , let me get back to you um on on 614 00:25:18,950 --> 00:25:21,228 that in its current status . Thank you . 615 00:25:21,860 --> 00:25:24,082 Alright . Any others in the room here ? 616 00:25:24,082 --> 00:25:26,120 Yes , sir . In light of President 617 00:25:26,120 --> 00:25:28,342 biden's reasons speak in philadelphia . 618 00:25:28,342 --> 00:25:31,050 Does the pentagon have a position on 619 00:25:31,060 --> 00:25:34,610 the use of serving military forces in 620 00:25:34,620 --> 00:25:36,730 photo ops like that . Thanks for the 621 00:25:36,730 --> 00:25:38,786 question . I think I think the White 622 00:25:38,786 --> 00:25:40,897 House address that question the other 623 00:25:40,897 --> 00:25:43,008 day . So I'd refer them back to refer 624 00:25:43,008 --> 00:25:45,230 you back to the White House . Alright , 625 00:25:45,230 --> 00:25:47,230 let me go to mike breast Washington 626 00:25:47,230 --> 00:25:49,600 examiner asked and answered thank you 627 00:25:50,130 --> 00:25:52,830 nancy from Wall Street Journal . Thank 628 00:25:52,830 --> 00:25:54,774 you . Um I'd like to go back to an 629 00:25:54,774 --> 00:25:57,230 announcement you made last week about a 630 00:25:57,230 --> 00:26:01,100 review of Afghanistan for purposes 631 00:26:01,100 --> 00:26:04,090 of Presidential unit citation . Can we 632 00:26:04,090 --> 00:26:06,910 please get a list of all open reports 633 00:26:06,910 --> 00:26:09,160 related to excuse me All open reviews 634 00:26:09,160 --> 00:26:11,730 related to Afghanistan . And also I'd 635 00:26:11,730 --> 00:26:13,952 like to revisit something that Tony was 636 00:26:13,952 --> 00:26:16,119 asking earlier , Secretary Austin when 637 00:26:16,119 --> 00:26:18,620 he announced the after action report 638 00:26:18,620 --> 00:26:20,790 said that it was important that we are 639 00:26:20,800 --> 00:26:23,022 able to learn a lesson that he would do 640 00:26:23,022 --> 00:26:24,856 so and that that review would be 641 00:26:24,856 --> 00:26:26,967 happened in the days ahead . That was 642 00:26:26,967 --> 00:26:29,189 more than a year ago . I would ask that 643 00:26:29,189 --> 00:26:31,244 you please take the question of when 644 00:26:31,244 --> 00:26:33,244 that report will be declassified or 645 00:26:33,244 --> 00:26:35,467 some version of it . I don't think it's 646 00:26:35,467 --> 00:26:37,522 fair to the american public that has 647 00:26:37,522 --> 00:26:39,744 been promised some public accounting of 648 00:26:39,744 --> 00:26:39,600 what happened in those final days in 649 00:26:39,600 --> 00:26:42,120 Afghanistan . An open ended promise of 650 00:26:42,120 --> 00:26:44,231 maybe declassifying such an essential 651 00:26:44,231 --> 00:26:46,220 report . Thank you . Yeah . Thanks 652 00:26:46,220 --> 00:26:48,220 nancy . Yes . Again . And certainly 653 00:26:48,220 --> 00:26:50,331 I'll commit to taking that question . 654 00:26:50,331 --> 00:26:53,160 Um and you know , as part of this 655 00:26:53,160 --> 00:26:56,340 process obviously uh and as a 656 00:26:56,350 --> 00:26:59,900 organization that for obvious reasons 657 00:26:59,900 --> 00:27:02,670 was very actively involved in 658 00:27:02,680 --> 00:27:05,900 Afghanistan ? We want to make sure that 659 00:27:05,900 --> 00:27:08,011 we're capturing those lessons learned 660 00:27:08,011 --> 00:27:09,956 and that we're able to apply those 661 00:27:09,956 --> 00:27:12,122 lessons not only to today , but future 662 00:27:12,122 --> 00:27:14,178 operations . Um certainly understand 663 00:27:14,178 --> 00:27:16,670 the interest in this topic , both as a 664 00:27:16,670 --> 00:27:19,500 service member as an american . Uh so 665 00:27:19,500 --> 00:27:22,110 again , I'll take that question um and 666 00:27:22,120 --> 00:27:24,342 we'll get back to you as soon as we can 667 00:27:24,342 --> 00:27:26,420 in terms of uh what we'll be able to 668 00:27:26,420 --> 00:27:29,410 provide on an unclassified note . Um 669 00:27:29,410 --> 00:27:32,040 And then I'm sorry you had another part 670 00:27:32,040 --> 00:27:35,370 to your question on the unit 671 00:27:35,370 --> 00:27:39,100 citations . So um again part of that 672 00:27:39,110 --> 00:27:41,380 part of that direction was for the 673 00:27:41,380 --> 00:27:44,370 services to do the expedited review as 674 00:27:44,370 --> 00:27:48,240 far as which units ? Um they 675 00:27:48,250 --> 00:27:50,480 recommend for the presidential unit 676 00:27:50,480 --> 00:27:53,930 citation . And so the services in and 677 00:27:53,930 --> 00:27:56,010 themselves should should have 678 00:27:56,010 --> 00:27:58,500 information on their own efforts ? Uh 679 00:27:58,510 --> 00:28:00,380 certainly this is not the only 680 00:28:00,390 --> 00:28:02,690 recognition that's being provided or 681 00:28:02,690 --> 00:28:05,140 has been provided for operations 682 00:28:05,140 --> 00:28:07,362 related to Afghanistan . But we'll take 683 00:28:07,362 --> 00:28:09,584 your question and provide what we can . 684 00:28:09,584 --> 00:28:13,300 Thank you . Okay , let me go 685 00:28:13,300 --> 00:28:15,350 to paul Hanley A . F . P . 686 00:28:19,940 --> 00:28:21,580 Hi , can you hear me ? 687 00:28:24,030 --> 00:28:27,140 Can you hear me ? I can hear you okay . 688 00:28:27,140 --> 00:28:29,340 Sorry . Um look going back to the sale 689 00:28:29,340 --> 00:28:31,310 drones . Can you say on what basis 690 00:28:31,310 --> 00:28:33,900 these were recovered . What demands did 691 00:28:33,900 --> 00:28:35,956 you did the U . S . Navy make to the 692 00:28:35,956 --> 00:28:38,178 Iranians ? And was their threat level ? 693 00:28:38,178 --> 00:28:41,200 Was their kinetic force considered and 694 00:28:41,200 --> 00:28:43,700 stepping back more broadly can you say ? 695 00:28:43,710 --> 00:28:46,190 How many of these have you deployed in 696 00:28:46,190 --> 00:28:49,170 the gulf ? And are they only there is 697 00:28:49,170 --> 00:28:52,400 the navy using them as in such a large 698 00:28:52,400 --> 00:28:55,890 number elsewhere in the world ? Sure to 699 00:28:55,890 --> 00:28:58,060 answer your first question . So as I 700 00:28:58,060 --> 00:29:00,870 understand it , the Iranian Navy held 701 00:29:00,870 --> 00:29:03,170 these sale drones on their deck of 702 00:29:03,170 --> 00:29:05,226 their ship overnight and return them 703 00:29:05,226 --> 00:29:07,500 the next morning . Um 704 00:29:07,510 --> 00:29:11,050 the in terms of how long they've been 705 00:29:11,050 --> 00:29:14,280 operating in the vicinity or in this 706 00:29:14,280 --> 00:29:16,502 area , this is part of these drones are 707 00:29:16,502 --> 00:29:18,502 operated as part of 5th Fleets Task 708 00:29:18,502 --> 00:29:20,950 Force 59 . Uh they've been operating in 709 00:29:20,950 --> 00:29:23,061 the region since the beginning of the 710 00:29:23,061 --> 00:29:26,790 year , so January of 2022 . Um and they 711 00:29:26,790 --> 00:29:30,760 are um a way that we are able 712 00:29:30,760 --> 00:29:34,550 to provide uh information to 713 00:29:34,550 --> 00:29:37,710 nab sent uh quickly as far as 714 00:29:37,720 --> 00:29:41,190 um um safely 715 00:29:41,190 --> 00:29:43,230 transiting the area providing 716 00:29:43,240 --> 00:29:45,450 information in terms of potential 717 00:29:45,460 --> 00:29:49,360 issues or threats in the area . Um But 718 00:29:49,370 --> 00:29:53,210 uh bottom line is that again that 719 00:29:53,210 --> 00:29:57,130 there was no um situation in which 720 00:29:57,140 --> 00:30:01,020 forces were were , as you put 721 00:30:01,020 --> 00:30:04,650 it uh hostile , this was they took them 722 00:30:04,660 --> 00:30:07,860 uh And then uh the two U . S . Navy 723 00:30:07,860 --> 00:30:09,860 guided missile destroyers that were 724 00:30:09,860 --> 00:30:12,950 operating in the vicinity uh responded , 725 00:30:12,960 --> 00:30:15,290 moved into the area . But then shortly 726 00:30:15,290 --> 00:30:17,179 after , like I said overnight the 727 00:30:17,179 --> 00:30:19,450 Iranians released them . Thank you . 728 00:30:20,140 --> 00:30:22,307 Alright , well we've got time for just 729 00:30:22,307 --> 00:30:24,362 a couple more will go to Tony Batuta 730 00:30:24,362 --> 00:30:26,520 inside defense . Thank you . I 731 00:30:26,520 --> 00:30:29,130 appreciate it . Last week . D . O . T . 732 00:30:29,130 --> 00:30:31,460 Any Nicholas Gordon was tapped for a 733 00:30:31,460 --> 00:30:35,270 job to be an asd with the Navy for 734 00:30:35,280 --> 00:30:37,447 research , development and acquisition 735 00:30:37,447 --> 00:30:39,669 And those are two very different jobs . 736 00:30:39,669 --> 00:30:41,890 Right . One's a unbiased evaluator of 737 00:30:41,890 --> 00:30:44,001 weapons programs and the other one is 738 00:30:44,001 --> 00:30:46,490 an advocate for weapons programs is mr 739 00:30:46,490 --> 00:30:48,712 Geert . I'm going to stay on as D . O . 740 00:30:48,712 --> 00:30:51,070 T . Nd while he pursues confirmation in 741 00:30:51,070 --> 00:30:53,126 the Navy job . And then how does the 742 00:30:53,126 --> 00:30:55,348 department adjust to potential conflict 743 00:30:55,348 --> 00:30:57,348 of interest that this might cause ? 744 00:30:57,348 --> 00:30:59,126 Yeah , thanks very much for the 745 00:30:59,126 --> 00:31:01,292 question , Tony . Let me take that one 746 00:31:01,292 --> 00:31:03,780 and get back to you . Um , I just don't 747 00:31:03,780 --> 00:31:05,891 have the insight to provide on that . 748 00:31:05,891 --> 00:31:08,113 So let me get back to you on that one . 749 00:31:08,140 --> 00:31:09,510 Barbara Starr CNN 750 00:31:14,400 --> 00:31:16,456 I wanted to follow up on a couple of 751 00:31:16,456 --> 00:31:18,720 things on Afghanistan 752 00:31:19,430 --> 00:31:23,210 because military public affairs does 753 00:31:23,220 --> 00:31:25,710 have the job of communicating 754 00:31:25,720 --> 00:31:28,010 information to the public as long as it 755 00:31:28,010 --> 00:31:30,320 doesn't violate national security . Can 756 00:31:30,320 --> 00:31:33,100 you get us at least an answer on who ? 757 00:31:33,110 --> 00:31:36,240 What office might be advocating in 758 00:31:36,240 --> 00:31:38,940 front of the secretary for some kind of 759 00:31:38,950 --> 00:31:41,460 declassification of this report . Who 760 00:31:41,460 --> 00:31:44,180 is putting the case to him ? If anyone 761 00:31:44,190 --> 00:31:48,070 said it's a good idea to offer some 762 00:31:48,070 --> 00:31:51,930 level of public uh , knowledge on this . 763 00:31:51,940 --> 00:31:55,340 My second question is still not hearing 764 00:31:55,340 --> 00:31:58,060 you . Um , use the word counter 765 00:31:58,060 --> 00:32:00,950 offensive in regards to the Ukrainian 766 00:32:00,950 --> 00:32:03,490 moves in her salon and around there . 767 00:32:03,490 --> 00:32:05,546 And I'm curious why you're still the 768 00:32:05,546 --> 00:32:07,560 pentagon is still not comfortable 769 00:32:07,560 --> 00:32:10,020 saying counter offensive and very 770 00:32:10,020 --> 00:32:12,310 quickly . My third question , can you 771 00:32:12,310 --> 00:32:14,530 give us any indication do you have 772 00:32:14,530 --> 00:32:17,330 concerns that Russia might be reaching 773 00:32:17,330 --> 00:32:19,900 out to china for munitions or that the 774 00:32:19,900 --> 00:32:23,450 chinese may be offering uh munitions to 775 00:32:23,450 --> 00:32:25,970 Russia ? Does that concern you ? Thank 776 00:32:25,970 --> 00:32:28,510 you . So , on your first question , I 777 00:32:28,510 --> 00:32:30,660 mean , certainly public affairs does 778 00:32:30,660 --> 00:32:34,410 play a role in providing advice uh 779 00:32:34,410 --> 00:32:36,930 and counsel when it comes to the public 780 00:32:36,930 --> 00:32:40,020 release of information of interest to 781 00:32:40,020 --> 00:32:42,040 the public and to members of the 782 00:32:42,040 --> 00:32:44,770 Department of Defense . And so we are 783 00:32:44,770 --> 00:32:46,326 and will be a part of those 784 00:32:46,326 --> 00:32:49,510 conversations . And again , I I take 785 00:32:49,520 --> 00:32:52,000 the point it's well taken in terms of 786 00:32:52,000 --> 00:32:54,056 the importance of this information , 787 00:32:54,056 --> 00:32:56,310 not only to our service members but to 788 00:32:56,310 --> 00:32:59,930 the american public um , in regards to 789 00:32:59,940 --> 00:33:02,120 Ukrainian operations , this is a 790 00:33:02,120 --> 00:33:05,180 Ukrainian military operation . I'll 791 00:33:05,180 --> 00:33:07,291 leave it to the Ukrainians will leave 792 00:33:07,291 --> 00:33:09,690 it to the Ukrainians to characterize or 793 00:33:09,690 --> 00:33:12,730 define their operations in terms of 794 00:33:12,740 --> 00:33:15,950 where they are in their campaign . And 795 00:33:15,950 --> 00:33:18,360 so again , it it's not appropriate for 796 00:33:18,360 --> 00:33:20,640 me as a Department of Defense 797 00:33:20,640 --> 00:33:23,370 Spokesperson to characterize it for 798 00:33:23,370 --> 00:33:26,610 them . And then finally , in regards to 799 00:33:26,610 --> 00:33:29,300 china and Russia , certainly , uh , as 800 00:33:29,310 --> 00:33:32,300 evidenced by uh the they're Russia's 801 00:33:32,300 --> 00:33:34,078 most recent exercises and other 802 00:33:34,078 --> 00:33:36,260 activities , there is a relationship 803 00:33:36,270 --> 00:33:38,510 between china and Russia . In terms of 804 00:33:38,510 --> 00:33:41,840 what Russia may be asking of china Or 805 00:33:41,840 --> 00:33:43,951 not ? I don't have any information to 806 00:33:43,951 --> 00:33:46,700 provide from the podium on that other 807 00:33:46,700 --> 00:33:50,690 than to say that uh in an era of 808 00:33:50,690 --> 00:33:52,857 strategic competition will continue to 809 00:33:52,857 --> 00:33:54,940 keep a very close eye on Russia and 810 00:33:54,940 --> 00:33:57,790 China and the threats that they pose to , 811 00:33:57,800 --> 00:34:01,000 uh , international stability , uh , and 812 00:34:01,000 --> 00:34:03,167 the international rules and norms that 813 00:34:03,167 --> 00:34:05,222 have largely kept the world safe for 814 00:34:05,222 --> 00:34:07,389 the last 70 plus years since World War 815 00:34:07,389 --> 00:34:10,670 II . Thanks Barbara . Okay . Thank you 816 00:34:10,670 --> 00:34:12,726 very much , everybody . I appreciate 817 00:34:12,726 --> 00:34:12,370 your time today .