1 00:00:01,940 --> 00:00:05,730 mm . Good afternoon everyone . 2 00:00:07,060 --> 00:00:09,171 Alright , just a few things and we'll 3 00:00:09,171 --> 00:00:11,260 get to your questions tomorrow . 4 00:00:11,260 --> 00:00:13,180 Secretary Austin will depart for 5 00:00:13,180 --> 00:00:15,236 Germany where he and the Chairman of 6 00:00:15,236 --> 00:00:17,291 the Joint Chiefs General Milley will 7 00:00:17,291 --> 00:00:19,513 host and convene another session of the 8 00:00:19,513 --> 00:00:21,347 Ukraine Defense Contact Group at 9 00:00:21,347 --> 00:00:23,402 Ramstein Air Base . As I highlighted 10 00:00:23,402 --> 00:00:25,458 earlier , the contact group has been 11 00:00:25,458 --> 00:00:27,013 instrumental in identifying 12 00:00:27,013 --> 00:00:29,180 synchronizing and ensuring delivery of 13 00:00:29,180 --> 00:00:30,958 the military capabilities . The 14 00:00:30,958 --> 00:00:32,736 Ukrainians need to defend their 15 00:00:32,736 --> 00:00:34,847 homeland against Russian aggression . 16 00:00:34,847 --> 00:00:36,847 The secretary and the chairman look 17 00:00:36,847 --> 00:00:39,069 forward to meeting with defense leaders 18 00:00:39,069 --> 00:00:41,236 from the approximately 50 nations that 19 00:00:41,236 --> 00:00:43,458 comprise this important group dedicated 20 00:00:43,458 --> 00:00:45,790 to Ukraine self defense . Prior to his 21 00:00:45,790 --> 00:00:47,957 arrival at Ramstein , Secretary Austin 22 00:00:47,957 --> 00:00:50,123 will travel to Berlin to meet with the 23 00:00:50,123 --> 00:00:52,123 incoming german Minister of Defense 24 00:00:52,123 --> 00:00:54,680 Boris Pistorius separately , more than 25 00:00:54,680 --> 00:00:56,680 600 national Guardsmen , soldiers , 26 00:00:56,680 --> 00:00:58,902 marines and airmen are making their way 27 00:00:58,902 --> 00:01:01,069 to Northern Michigan this week to take 28 00:01:01,069 --> 00:01:03,347 part in the winter portion of exercise . 29 00:01:03,347 --> 00:01:05,730 Northern Strike 23 the Michigan Army 30 00:01:05,730 --> 00:01:07,841 National Guard will host the exercise 31 00:01:07,841 --> 00:01:10,200 january 20 through 29th at the Northern 32 00:01:10,200 --> 00:01:12,478 Michigan All Domain Warfighting Center . 33 00:01:12,478 --> 00:01:14,367 Now , in its 10th year , Northern 34 00:01:14,367 --> 00:01:16,478 Strike allows active Duty Reserve and 35 00:01:16,478 --> 00:01:18,644 Guard units to challenge themselves in 36 00:01:18,644 --> 00:01:20,756 near arctic conditions while training 37 00:01:20,756 --> 00:01:23,089 to meet the objectives of the D . O . D . 38 00:01:23,089 --> 00:01:25,311 S . Arctic strategy , participants will 39 00:01:25,311 --> 00:01:27,033 battle wind , snow and subzero 40 00:01:27,033 --> 00:01:29,033 temperatures while utilizing skis , 41 00:01:29,033 --> 00:01:31,256 snowmobiles and snowshoes to meet their 42 00:01:31,256 --> 00:01:33,367 training objectives . As the National 43 00:01:33,367 --> 00:01:35,200 Defense Strategy makes clear the 44 00:01:35,200 --> 00:01:37,033 changing climate is creating new 45 00:01:37,033 --> 00:01:38,700 corridors of potential future 46 00:01:38,700 --> 00:01:40,811 interaction in the arctic region . So 47 00:01:40,811 --> 00:01:42,811 exercises like Northern Strike help 48 00:01:42,811 --> 00:01:45,033 ensure our service members are ready to 49 00:01:45,033 --> 00:01:47,089 meet those future challenges head on 50 00:01:47,089 --> 00:01:49,311 Also , I know there's already been some 51 00:01:49,311 --> 00:01:51,144 press reporting on this so I can 52 00:01:51,144 --> 00:01:53,089 confirm that in the coming weeks , 53 00:01:53,089 --> 00:01:53,060 Secretary Austin will travel to the 54 00:01:53,060 --> 00:01:55,350 republic of Korea and the Philippines 55 00:01:55,360 --> 00:01:57,304 to meet with senior government and 56 00:01:57,304 --> 00:01:59,416 military leaders in both countries as 57 00:01:59,416 --> 00:02:01,193 the United States and these two 58 00:02:01,193 --> 00:02:03,416 critical allies continue to bolster our 59 00:02:03,416 --> 00:02:05,471 defense partnerships . This upcoming 60 00:02:05,471 --> 00:02:07,471 trip is a reaffirmation of our deep 61 00:02:07,471 --> 00:02:09,582 commitment to working in concert with 62 00:02:09,582 --> 00:02:11,804 allies and partners to chart our shared 63 00:02:11,804 --> 00:02:14,027 vision to preserve a free and open indo 64 00:02:14,027 --> 00:02:16,027 pacific and with that , I will take 65 00:02:16,027 --> 00:02:18,138 your questions . We'll start with a P 66 00:02:18,138 --> 00:02:19,860 Tara . I want to ask about the 67 00:02:19,860 --> 00:02:22,193 Ukrainians getting trained at Fort Sill . 68 00:02:22,193 --> 00:02:24,304 Have all the Ukrainians arrived , has 69 00:02:24,304 --> 00:02:26,980 training begun and um just putting in a 70 00:02:26,980 --> 00:02:28,591 request for all of our media 71 00:02:28,591 --> 00:02:30,758 organizations . Can we get some access 72 00:02:30,758 --> 00:02:33,690 some video to be able to show uh what's 73 00:02:33,690 --> 00:02:35,912 happening there ? Yeah , Thanks Tara on 74 00:02:35,912 --> 00:02:38,134 the latter point , were certainly aware 75 00:02:38,134 --> 00:02:40,280 of the requests for media access and 76 00:02:40,280 --> 00:02:42,391 are in communication with the army on 77 00:02:42,391 --> 00:02:44,669 that front . So we'll keep you updated . 78 00:02:44,669 --> 00:02:46,770 Training has begun as we've talked 79 00:02:46,770 --> 00:02:49,380 about before . Um that that training 80 00:02:49,380 --> 00:02:52,380 will last for several months uh and 81 00:02:52,380 --> 00:02:55,720 train uh upwards of 9200 Ukrainians 82 00:02:55,730 --> 00:02:59,370 on use of the patriot missile system . 83 00:02:59,370 --> 00:03:02,470 And so uh those uh those troops have 84 00:03:02,470 --> 00:03:04,470 arrived at Fort Sill and have begun 85 00:03:04,470 --> 00:03:08,020 their training . Thank you . Thank you 86 00:03:08,020 --> 00:03:11,210 sir . I have two occasions . Uh South 87 00:03:11,210 --> 00:03:13,550 Korea and the United States have 88 00:03:13,560 --> 00:03:16,520 already to conduct an extended 89 00:03:16,530 --> 00:03:20,150 deterrence exercise next month to 90 00:03:20,160 --> 00:03:23,360 counter a possible North korean nuclear 91 00:03:23,360 --> 00:03:27,260 attack . Is it actually a plan , I 92 00:03:27,260 --> 00:03:30,150 mean joint planning join execution 93 00:03:30,160 --> 00:03:33,640 using the United States nuclear 94 00:03:33,650 --> 00:03:37,010 assets . Uh So uh in terms of 95 00:03:37,010 --> 00:03:38,954 exercises I don't have anything to 96 00:03:38,954 --> 00:03:41,066 announce . I encourage you to talk to 97 00:03:41,066 --> 00:03:43,380 us F . K . They could provide you any 98 00:03:43,380 --> 00:03:45,130 details as you know , we don't 99 00:03:45,140 --> 00:03:47,730 typically announce certain exercises 100 00:03:47,740 --> 00:03:51,570 well in advance . Um And when we do 101 00:03:51,570 --> 00:03:54,090 those exercises , of course we do that 102 00:03:54,090 --> 00:03:56,312 in close consultation with our partners 103 00:03:56,312 --> 00:03:59,410 in this case Republic of Korea . Um 104 00:03:59,420 --> 00:04:01,800 We've also talked about the fact that 105 00:04:01,800 --> 00:04:04,070 the United States uh does provide an 106 00:04:04,070 --> 00:04:06,790 extended deterrence capability for our 107 00:04:06,790 --> 00:04:08,901 allies like the Republic of Korea and 108 00:04:08,901 --> 00:04:11,740 Japan and others in the region . Um and 109 00:04:11,750 --> 00:04:14,260 we will continue to focus on training 110 00:04:14,270 --> 00:04:16,159 uh and making sure that we can be 111 00:04:16,159 --> 00:04:18,326 interoperable when it comes to working 112 00:04:18,326 --> 00:04:21,590 together . Yes , it includes TtX like 113 00:04:21,600 --> 00:04:24,410 table top . I'd refer to us . 114 00:04:25,960 --> 00:04:29,510 Last weekend the United Nations 115 00:04:29,510 --> 00:04:32,240 Command released the portals of B 116 00:04:32,770 --> 00:04:36,030 29 bombers bombing North Korea 117 00:04:36,030 --> 00:04:39,930 Pyongyang 72 years ago . At this 118 00:04:39,930 --> 00:04:43,680 point . Does this circumvent ? The U 119 00:04:43,690 --> 00:04:47,060 United stated , I mean extended 120 00:04:47,070 --> 00:04:50,690 deterrence strategy . I'm sorry General , 121 00:04:50,700 --> 00:04:52,811 I don't understand the question . Can 122 00:04:52,811 --> 00:04:55,033 you ask that again because last weekend 123 00:04:55,033 --> 00:04:58,260 U . N . Command released the portals of 124 00:04:58,400 --> 00:05:02,120 B 29 bombers bombing the 125 00:05:02,130 --> 00:05:05,320 North Korea's Pyongyang . I mean 72 126 00:05:05,320 --> 00:05:08,730 years ago at this point 127 00:05:08,740 --> 00:05:12,430 why they released this this time . It 128 00:05:12,430 --> 00:05:15,820 kind of does circumvent . Do 129 00:05:15,820 --> 00:05:19,700 us extend the deterrence strategy ? 130 00:05:20,120 --> 00:05:22,342 Yeah . I don't I don't have anything on 131 00:05:22,342 --> 00:05:24,564 that . I'd have to refer you to the U . 132 00:05:24,564 --> 00:05:26,898 N . On that . Sorry . Thank you . Carla . 133 00:05:26,898 --> 00:05:29,370 Thanks . A . N . P . Is reporting that 134 00:05:29,380 --> 00:05:31,491 the Prime minister of the Netherlands 135 00:05:31,491 --> 00:05:33,602 has said that they're going to send a 136 00:05:33,602 --> 00:05:35,491 Patriot missile defense system to 137 00:05:35,491 --> 00:05:37,713 Ukraine . He's here in Washington . Can 138 00:05:37,713 --> 00:05:37,590 the pentagon confirm that that's 139 00:05:37,590 --> 00:05:39,701 happening ? And then I have one other 140 00:05:39,701 --> 00:05:41,868 follow ? Yeah , I cannot . I'd have to 141 00:05:41,868 --> 00:05:43,923 refer you to the Netherlands to talk 142 00:05:43,923 --> 00:05:45,923 about that . Okay , thank you . And 143 00:05:45,923 --> 00:05:48,090 then separately on Afghanistan there's 144 00:05:48,090 --> 00:05:50,146 been an afghan commandos detained at 145 00:05:50,146 --> 00:05:52,257 the border . Uh Special forces fought 146 00:05:52,257 --> 00:05:54,368 alongside not directly with us troops 147 00:05:54,368 --> 00:05:56,479 but alongside U . S . Troops . Is the 148 00:05:56,479 --> 00:05:58,312 pentagon concerned that he could 149 00:05:58,312 --> 00:05:57,750 potentially be deported back to 150 00:05:57,750 --> 00:06:01,150 Afghanistan ? Yeah . So I'm not able to 151 00:06:01,150 --> 00:06:03,840 talk about individual cases as it as it 152 00:06:03,840 --> 00:06:07,440 relates to um the border and any type 153 00:06:07,440 --> 00:06:09,610 of uh customs and border patrol 154 00:06:09,610 --> 00:06:11,730 activity . And we're free to DHS on 155 00:06:11,730 --> 00:06:13,897 that . Certainly we've talked about in 156 00:06:13,897 --> 00:06:15,952 the past when it comes to our Afghan 157 00:06:15,952 --> 00:06:17,730 allies and those that we fought 158 00:06:17,730 --> 00:06:19,897 alongside the department is supportive 159 00:06:19,897 --> 00:06:21,841 of any efforts that we can make to 160 00:06:21,841 --> 00:06:23,980 ensure that we're taking appropriate 161 00:06:23,980 --> 00:06:26,720 care for those people intervening in 162 00:06:26,730 --> 00:06:30,150 this case . And I don't have any 163 00:06:30,160 --> 00:06:33,870 information on that again on on a on a 164 00:06:33,870 --> 00:06:36,037 border case . I'd refer you to Dhs and 165 00:06:36,037 --> 00:06:38,259 they can provide you the latest . Thank 166 00:06:38,259 --> 00:06:40,370 you . Let me go to Laura just back to 167 00:06:40,370 --> 00:06:42,592 the patriot . I'm wondering since there 168 00:06:42,592 --> 00:06:44,495 will be at least one more patriot 169 00:06:44,585 --> 00:06:46,752 battery coming from Germany , is there 170 00:06:46,752 --> 00:06:49,325 going to be another tranche of 9200 171 00:06:49,325 --> 00:06:51,775 Ukrainian forces training at Fort Sill ? 172 00:06:51,865 --> 00:06:53,865 Is that going to be part of another 173 00:06:53,865 --> 00:06:56,032 trench in a couple of months once this 174 00:06:56,032 --> 00:06:58,143 is finished ? Or are they going to be 175 00:06:58,143 --> 00:07:00,365 more forces coming to train at the same 176 00:07:00,365 --> 00:07:02,532 time ? Sure . So as of today , this is 177 00:07:02,532 --> 00:07:04,643 the only trench , but of course we'll 178 00:07:04,643 --> 00:07:07,115 continue to keep that dialogue open . 179 00:07:07,500 --> 00:07:09,740 Uh , and certainly forts still has the 180 00:07:09,740 --> 00:07:13,050 capability and the capacity to train uh , 181 00:07:13,060 --> 00:07:15,171 many different nations , obviously on 182 00:07:15,171 --> 00:07:17,190 on patriots . So that's that's 183 00:07:17,190 --> 00:07:19,412 something that will continue to to take 184 00:07:19,412 --> 00:07:21,468 into account . But as of right now , 185 00:07:21,468 --> 00:07:23,690 this is the group that's coming through 186 00:07:23,690 --> 00:07:25,746 to train on the U . S . Patriot that 187 00:07:25,746 --> 00:07:25,740 we're providing . So if I can follow up 188 00:07:25,740 --> 00:07:27,740 then how is that going to work when 189 00:07:27,740 --> 00:07:30,155 they potentially to patriots in Ukraine , 190 00:07:30,155 --> 00:07:32,785 but only 100 guys that you're talking 191 00:07:32,785 --> 00:07:35,555 about , a German provided patriots . So 192 00:07:35,565 --> 00:07:37,885 really , the Germans , that's a 193 00:07:37,885 --> 00:07:39,829 question for them in terms of what 194 00:07:39,829 --> 00:07:42,052 their game plan is in terms of training 195 00:07:42,052 --> 00:07:44,163 on that system . Again , we will stay 196 00:07:44,163 --> 00:07:46,052 open in terms of talking with the 197 00:07:46,052 --> 00:07:48,163 Germans and others on how we can best 198 00:07:48,163 --> 00:07:50,163 provide support and training to the 199 00:07:50,163 --> 00:07:52,107 Ukrainians . But your question was 200 00:07:52,107 --> 00:07:54,163 whether or not there will be another 201 00:07:54,163 --> 00:07:56,385 group coming in through ports ill . And 202 00:07:56,385 --> 00:07:55,730 I'm telling you right now , I'm not 203 00:07:55,730 --> 00:07:57,730 aware at this time of another group 204 00:07:57,730 --> 00:07:59,990 coming through . Thanks to two 205 00:07:59,990 --> 00:08:02,101 questions . Quick follow up to that . 206 00:08:02,101 --> 00:08:04,101 Will Secretary Austin bring that up 207 00:08:04,101 --> 00:08:06,323 with bars , Pistorius in the meeting in 208 00:08:06,323 --> 00:08:08,490 just a couple of days . Is that on the 209 00:08:08,490 --> 00:08:10,434 agenda ? And second is the Defense 210 00:08:10,434 --> 00:08:12,601 Department considering giving back pay 211 00:08:12,601 --> 00:08:14,823 and or reinstatement to service members 212 00:08:14,823 --> 00:08:16,657 separated for refusing the covid 213 00:08:16,657 --> 00:08:18,879 vaccine ? Is that something is actively 214 00:08:18,879 --> 00:08:20,934 exploring ? Yes . So in terms of the 215 00:08:20,934 --> 00:08:22,879 secretary's conversations with his 216 00:08:22,879 --> 00:08:25,740 german counterpart , we will be sure to 217 00:08:25,740 --> 00:08:28,530 issue a readout of course afterwards , 218 00:08:29,520 --> 00:08:31,520 you know , without a doubt , I know 219 00:08:31,520 --> 00:08:33,742 that the secretary will communicate the 220 00:08:33,742 --> 00:08:35,798 United States's appreciation for the 221 00:08:35,798 --> 00:08:37,576 strong support that Germany has 222 00:08:37,576 --> 00:08:39,520 provided to Ukraine and the strong 223 00:08:39,520 --> 00:08:41,631 support that we expect that they will 224 00:08:41,631 --> 00:08:43,631 continue to do um in terms of of um 225 00:08:43,631 --> 00:08:45,970 back pay . You're talking specifically 226 00:08:45,970 --> 00:08:49,790 on covid vaccination ? Yeah . Um 227 00:08:49,800 --> 00:08:52,260 what I would tell you is right now we 228 00:08:52,260 --> 00:08:54,820 are not currently pursuing back pay to 229 00:08:54,820 --> 00:08:57,470 service members who are dismissed for 230 00:08:57,470 --> 00:08:59,748 refusing to take the covid vaccination . 231 00:08:59,748 --> 00:09:03,510 Thank you . Thank you sir . Um 232 00:09:03,520 --> 00:09:05,940 there's been increasing reports lately 233 00:09:05,940 --> 00:09:08,790 about parts made by U . S . And Western 234 00:09:08,790 --> 00:09:12,050 companies being found inside Iranian 235 00:09:12,050 --> 00:09:14,390 drones drones being used against 236 00:09:14,390 --> 00:09:16,620 Ukraine's military . Is this something 237 00:09:16,630 --> 00:09:18,880 undersecretary for policy doctor call 238 00:09:18,880 --> 00:09:21,600 and others discussed in meetings with 239 00:09:21,600 --> 00:09:24,240 Ukrainian officials yesterday leading 240 00:09:24,250 --> 00:09:26,361 up to the contact group meeting . And 241 00:09:26,361 --> 00:09:28,083 is this going to be a topic of 242 00:09:28,083 --> 00:09:30,139 discussion during the meeting at the 243 00:09:30,139 --> 00:09:32,083 end of the week ? Yeah . So we did 244 00:09:32,083 --> 00:09:34,250 issue a readout of the meeting , which 245 00:09:34,250 --> 00:09:36,250 I think provides an overview of the 246 00:09:36,250 --> 00:09:38,417 discussion . Clearly the main emphasis 247 00:09:38,417 --> 00:09:40,710 is was on Ukraine security assistance 248 00:09:40,710 --> 00:09:43,170 needs and what we can do to continue to 249 00:09:43,170 --> 00:09:45,160 support them when it comes to 250 00:09:45,160 --> 00:09:47,216 technology transfer issues . This is 251 00:09:47,216 --> 00:09:49,860 really a whole of government effort of 252 00:09:49,860 --> 00:09:52,230 which the D O D does play some role . 253 00:09:52,310 --> 00:09:54,477 But I don't have any more specifics in 254 00:09:54,477 --> 00:09:56,254 terms of the substance of those 255 00:09:56,254 --> 00:09:58,310 conversations to provide . You can't 256 00:09:58,310 --> 00:10:01,930 share what D . O . D . S role in the 257 00:10:01,940 --> 00:10:04,440 biden administration's new task force 258 00:10:04,440 --> 00:10:07,660 to address its products being resold . 259 00:10:07,670 --> 00:10:09,781 Is there anything you can share about 260 00:10:09,781 --> 00:10:11,948 what your role is there and whether or 261 00:10:11,948 --> 00:10:14,114 not you'll be investing more resources 262 00:10:14,114 --> 00:10:16,226 or hiring more people to better track 263 00:10:16,226 --> 00:10:18,337 or monitor where your parts end up if 264 00:10:18,337 --> 00:10:20,392 they are going to be in weapons than 265 00:10:20,392 --> 00:10:22,614 used against Ukraine . Let me take that 266 00:10:22,614 --> 00:10:24,448 question will get you a detailed 267 00:10:24,448 --> 00:10:26,670 response is , hey , thanks to follow up 268 00:10:26,670 --> 00:10:28,781 on Carla's question a little bit . So 269 00:10:28,781 --> 00:10:30,781 this case is specifically regarding 270 00:10:30,781 --> 00:10:32,948 Abdul WASI Safi , He's a former Afghan 271 00:10:32,948 --> 00:10:35,215 commando . Is the Defense Secretary 272 00:10:35,225 --> 00:10:38,470 aware of this case ? The Secretary 273 00:10:38,470 --> 00:10:40,526 follows a lot of activities that are 274 00:10:40,526 --> 00:10:42,890 happening around the country . And so 275 00:10:42,890 --> 00:10:45,270 again , we've seen these press reports , 276 00:10:45,270 --> 00:10:47,326 but I don't have anything further to 277 00:10:47,326 --> 00:10:49,548 provide . So multiple lawmakers on both 278 00:10:49,548 --> 00:10:51,492 sides of the aisle have called for 279 00:10:51,492 --> 00:10:53,920 President biden departed him would if 280 00:10:53,930 --> 00:10:56,041 the Defense secretary is aware of the 281 00:10:56,041 --> 00:10:58,097 case , would he speak with President 282 00:10:58,097 --> 00:11:00,319 biden about that ? I'm not going to get 283 00:11:00,319 --> 00:11:02,541 into the privileged discussions between 284 00:11:02,541 --> 00:11:04,763 the President and the secretary . Thank 285 00:11:04,763 --> 00:11:06,763 you very much . Thank you . Uh Does 286 00:11:06,763 --> 00:11:08,652 Secretary Austin feel that Afghan 287 00:11:08,652 --> 00:11:10,874 commandos trained by the U . S . Should 288 00:11:10,874 --> 00:11:13,097 be able to seek asylum in the U . S . I 289 00:11:13,097 --> 00:11:15,208 think we've been very clear that were 290 00:11:15,208 --> 00:11:16,986 supportive of efforts by the US 291 00:11:16,986 --> 00:11:19,350 government to ensure that those who 292 00:11:19,350 --> 00:11:21,530 fought alongside us are appropriately 293 00:11:21,540 --> 00:11:23,700 taken care of . And so we'll continue 294 00:11:23,700 --> 00:11:25,811 to work with the inter agency on that 295 00:11:25,811 --> 00:11:27,756 effort . Thank you ma'am . And I'm 296 00:11:27,756 --> 00:11:29,978 gonna go to the phone um just following 297 00:11:29,978 --> 00:11:32,060 up on the back pay for troops ? That 298 00:11:32,060 --> 00:11:34,227 was a lawful order at the time . So is 299 00:11:34,227 --> 00:11:36,060 there a concern that back pay or 300 00:11:36,060 --> 00:11:38,171 reinstatement could set a precedent ? 301 00:11:39,230 --> 00:11:42,830 Um Well again , what I would say is um 302 00:11:42,840 --> 00:11:46,720 right now , um you know , we do not um 303 00:11:46,730 --> 00:11:49,490 we are not pursuing uh as a matter of 304 00:11:49,490 --> 00:11:52,910 policy back pay for those who refused 305 00:11:52,920 --> 00:11:56,570 the vaccine um at the time that 306 00:11:56,580 --> 00:11:59,060 that that those orders were refused . 307 00:11:59,070 --> 00:12:01,230 It was a lawful order . And so just 308 00:12:01,230 --> 00:12:03,560 leave it at that . Thank you . Okay , 309 00:12:03,570 --> 00:12:05,570 let me go to the phone real quick . 310 00:12:05,570 --> 00:12:09,130 Yeah . Not currently pursuing back pay . 311 00:12:09,240 --> 00:12:11,870 Is this a final decision or is there a 312 00:12:11,870 --> 00:12:14,092 possibility that this could be explored 313 00:12:14,092 --> 00:12:16,259 in the future ? Yes . I'm not going to 314 00:12:16,259 --> 00:12:18,370 speculate about what the future might 315 00:12:18,370 --> 00:12:20,537 pretend . It's just just last week , a 316 00:12:20,537 --> 00:12:22,314 spokesman told me that this was 317 00:12:22,314 --> 00:12:24,481 something that you were exploring that 318 00:12:24,481 --> 00:12:26,703 was only a couple days . So I can I can 319 00:12:26,703 --> 00:12:28,703 tell you that right now . We're not 320 00:12:28,703 --> 00:12:31,037 currently pursuing back pay . Thank you . 321 00:12:31,037 --> 00:12:30,310 Let me go to the phones here real quick 322 00:12:30,770 --> 00:12:34,720 task and purpose . Thank you . 323 00:12:34,730 --> 00:12:38,250 Uh last week spokesman was asked about 324 00:12:38,250 --> 00:12:41,150 back pay and said quote regarding the 325 00:12:41,150 --> 00:12:43,372 back back pay . The department is still 326 00:12:43,372 --> 00:12:45,372 exploring this and will provide its 327 00:12:45,372 --> 00:12:47,539 views on legislation on this nature at 328 00:12:47,539 --> 00:12:49,372 the appropriate time and through 329 00:12:49,372 --> 00:12:51,372 appropriate through the appropriate 330 00:12:51,372 --> 00:12:53,372 process . So what has changed since 331 00:12:53,372 --> 00:12:57,260 friday ? So thanks Jeff . So again uh 332 00:12:57,270 --> 00:12:59,381 today as a matter of policy we're not 333 00:12:59,381 --> 00:13:01,740 currently pursuing back pay to service 334 00:13:01,740 --> 00:13:05,550 members who refused uh to take the 335 00:13:05,550 --> 00:13:07,950 covid vaccine . Uh If and when there 336 00:13:07,950 --> 00:13:10,061 are any updates to provide , we'll be 337 00:13:10,061 --> 00:13:12,760 sure to do that . Thank you . Let me go 338 00:13:12,760 --> 00:13:16,690 to Kimberly signal . Hi sir . 339 00:13:16,690 --> 00:13:18,801 Thanks for your time today . I wanted 340 00:13:18,801 --> 00:13:20,912 to follow up on last week's bilateral 341 00:13:20,912 --> 00:13:23,023 meeting with the Japanese Minister of 342 00:13:23,023 --> 00:13:25,820 Defense Hamada . And if the talks with 343 00:13:25,820 --> 00:13:28,042 the secretary addressed how the U . S . 344 00:13:28,042 --> 00:13:30,153 And Japan will collaborate further as 345 00:13:30,153 --> 00:13:32,042 far as integration of command and 346 00:13:32,042 --> 00:13:34,264 control C . Two or even on a jet ski to 347 00:13:34,264 --> 00:13:36,598 level . Thanks . Yeah . Thanks Kimberly . 348 00:13:36,598 --> 00:13:38,820 So we'll certainly have more details to 349 00:13:38,820 --> 00:13:40,876 provide in the day , days ahead . Uh 350 00:13:40,876 --> 00:13:43,098 The the discussions were an opportunity 351 00:13:43,098 --> 00:13:46,275 for the two leaders to really look at 352 00:13:46,275 --> 00:13:49,505 how we can advance our relationship and 353 00:13:49,505 --> 00:13:53,395 modernize the US Japan alliance and so 354 00:13:53,405 --> 00:13:56,515 are two staffs will work together to do 355 00:13:56,515 --> 00:13:59,115 exactly what you highlight . Uh talk 356 00:13:59,115 --> 00:14:02,000 about the specifics about how we can uh 357 00:14:02,010 --> 00:14:04,560 increase cooperation and and bolster 358 00:14:04,560 --> 00:14:06,449 interoperability when it comes to 359 00:14:06,449 --> 00:14:08,470 things like command and control and 360 00:14:08,470 --> 00:14:10,581 interoperability . Thank you . Let me 361 00:14:10,581 --> 00:14:12,692 do one more for the phone here . I'll 362 00:14:12,692 --> 00:14:14,637 come back in the room . Uh J . J . 363 00:14:14,637 --> 00:14:16,692 Green , thank you general for taking 364 00:14:16,692 --> 00:14:19,870 this question . A number of sources and 365 00:14:19,920 --> 00:14:23,140 people that are observing Russia Moscow 366 00:14:23,140 --> 00:14:25,362 say that it appears as though Moscow is 367 00:14:25,362 --> 00:14:27,473 taking several defensive steps in and 368 00:14:27,473 --> 00:14:29,696 around the city . And there have been a 369 00:14:29,696 --> 00:14:31,850 number of think tanks and um western 370 00:14:31,850 --> 00:14:33,739 intelligence agencies talking for 371 00:14:33,739 --> 00:14:35,750 months about Russia possibly making 372 00:14:35,750 --> 00:14:38,200 this a wider war or a more conventional 373 00:14:38,210 --> 00:14:40,490 conflict . What is the pentagon seen 374 00:14:40,490 --> 00:14:42,657 and noted in terms of Russia's posture 375 00:14:42,657 --> 00:14:44,823 right now . Thanks J . J . And just to 376 00:14:44,823 --> 00:14:47,070 clarify around which city did you say , 377 00:14:47,750 --> 00:14:50,330 Moscow ? Yeah , I don't I don't have 378 00:14:50,330 --> 00:14:52,350 any comments to provide in terms of 379 00:14:52,360 --> 00:14:54,650 Russian internal defense around Moscow . 380 00:14:54,650 --> 00:14:57,830 I think as we look at the battlefield 381 00:14:57,840 --> 00:15:00,940 in Ukraine , we've seen for the most 382 00:15:00,940 --> 00:15:03,550 part Russia essentially dig in along 383 00:15:03,550 --> 00:15:05,661 the forward line of troops . With the 384 00:15:05,661 --> 00:15:07,494 exception of course being in the 385 00:15:07,494 --> 00:15:10,680 vicinity of bach moot uh and solid are 386 00:15:10,690 --> 00:15:13,270 of course , um you know , and I and I 387 00:15:13,270 --> 00:15:15,690 have seen press reports talking about 388 00:15:15,700 --> 00:15:18,200 Russian efforts to strengthen some of 389 00:15:18,200 --> 00:15:21,390 their air defenses based on mysterious 390 00:15:21,390 --> 00:15:23,501 explosions that happened at air bases 391 00:15:23,501 --> 00:15:25,620 in their country . But I'm not gonna 392 00:15:25,620 --> 00:15:27,564 have anything to provide on that . 393 00:15:27,564 --> 00:15:29,731 Thank you . Let me go back to the room 394 00:15:29,731 --> 00:15:31,842 tom and then we'll go to Nancy . What 395 00:15:31,842 --> 00:15:33,953 information do you all have if any on 396 00:15:33,953 --> 00:15:36,110 the missile that struck in over the 397 00:15:36,110 --> 00:15:38,110 weekend ? In Ukraine that killed 40 398 00:15:38,110 --> 00:15:40,221 people . There have been some reports 399 00:15:40,221 --> 00:15:42,443 that was a hypersonic missile . Can you 400 00:15:42,443 --> 00:15:44,721 shed any light on that please ? Thanks . 401 00:15:44,721 --> 00:15:46,610 Yes . So I don't I don't have any 402 00:15:46,610 --> 00:15:48,610 detailed reporting on the specifics 403 00:15:48,610 --> 00:15:50,666 other than to say again , we do know 404 00:15:50,666 --> 00:15:52,888 that Russia launched a very heavy salvo 405 00:15:52,888 --> 00:15:56,730 of missiles um from aircraft from naval 406 00:15:56,730 --> 00:16:00,460 vessels uh and from land against 407 00:16:00,470 --> 00:16:03,490 Ukrainian uh civilian infrastructure 408 00:16:03,490 --> 00:16:05,830 and civilian targets over the weekend ? 409 00:16:05,840 --> 00:16:08,170 I think again it just highlights the 410 00:16:08,180 --> 00:16:11,260 nature of this conflict uh and the 411 00:16:11,270 --> 00:16:15,250 lack of civility on the part 412 00:16:15,250 --> 00:16:17,194 of Russian forces when it comes to 413 00:16:17,194 --> 00:16:19,510 targeting civilians . Thank you nancy . 414 00:16:19,690 --> 00:16:22,540 I want to call up here please on 415 00:16:22,550 --> 00:16:24,328 training at fort sill and media 416 00:16:24,328 --> 00:16:26,550 coverage . You said that you've been in 417 00:16:26,550 --> 00:16:28,772 contact with the army about allowing us 418 00:16:28,772 --> 00:16:30,939 media cover the training . I'd like to 419 00:16:30,939 --> 00:16:32,772 understand what precisely is the 420 00:16:32,772 --> 00:16:32,590 concern about the coverage around that 421 00:16:32,590 --> 00:16:34,534 training . And have there been any 422 00:16:34,534 --> 00:16:36,760 restrictions placed on the army or D . 423 00:16:36,760 --> 00:16:38,927 O . D to allow reporters to cover that 424 00:16:38,927 --> 00:16:41,320 training . So again we continue to talk 425 00:16:41,330 --> 00:16:43,850 with the army about what options may 426 00:16:43,850 --> 00:16:47,230 exist . Um , and and again , um we'll 427 00:16:47,230 --> 00:16:49,452 come back to you as quickly as we can . 428 00:16:49,452 --> 00:16:51,674 Some of the things that we need to take 429 00:16:51,674 --> 00:16:53,619 into account in particular for the 430 00:16:53,619 --> 00:16:55,563 Ukrainians is one recognizing that 431 00:16:55,563 --> 00:16:55,370 they're there to train . There are 432 00:16:55,370 --> 00:16:57,500 certain operations security 433 00:16:57,500 --> 00:16:59,500 considerations that we need to make 434 00:16:59,500 --> 00:17:01,167 sure we've taken into account 435 00:17:01,167 --> 00:17:03,389 recognizing that these individuals will 436 00:17:03,389 --> 00:17:05,389 go back to the battlefield and they 437 00:17:05,389 --> 00:17:07,556 certainly have a say on that as well . 438 00:17:07,556 --> 00:17:10,590 Um , but again , um we will try to see 439 00:17:10,590 --> 00:17:12,812 what we can do and come back to you . I 440 00:17:12,812 --> 00:17:14,923 just want to try to understand this . 441 00:17:14,923 --> 00:17:16,757 Is it a question then ? Well , I 442 00:17:16,757 --> 00:17:18,812 actually first , have there been any 443 00:17:18,812 --> 00:17:20,979 restrictions placed on or the army ? I 444 00:17:20,979 --> 00:17:23,201 would say we're still in discussions in 445 00:17:23,201 --> 00:17:25,034 terms of how we might be able to 446 00:17:25,034 --> 00:17:27,090 accommodate those requests . Now , I 447 00:17:27,090 --> 00:17:29,257 will say , I will say that in the past 448 00:17:29,410 --> 00:17:31,466 when there has been training , there 449 00:17:31,466 --> 00:17:33,632 have been restrictions placed in terms 450 00:17:33,632 --> 00:17:35,854 of visual imagery , right . Things that 451 00:17:35,854 --> 00:17:38,021 could potentially identify these folks 452 00:17:38,021 --> 00:17:40,243 who have to go back to Ukraine who have 453 00:17:40,243 --> 00:17:42,466 family members in Ukraine and so trying 454 00:17:42,466 --> 00:17:44,354 to be sensitive to those kinds of 455 00:17:44,354 --> 00:17:46,077 things um , certainly has been 456 00:17:46,077 --> 00:17:48,299 something that we've taken into account 457 00:17:48,299 --> 00:17:50,466 just like we would for any significant 458 00:17:50,466 --> 00:17:52,521 operation . So the discussion around 459 00:17:52,521 --> 00:17:52,380 how to make this happen or whether to 460 00:17:52,380 --> 00:17:54,491 make this happen discussion is how to 461 00:17:54,491 --> 00:17:56,602 make it happen . So we can anticipate 462 00:17:56,602 --> 00:17:58,930 that at some point we'll be able to see 463 00:17:58,940 --> 00:18:01,120 um this and cover it will keep you 464 00:18:01,120 --> 00:18:04,980 updated . Thank you . Thank 465 00:18:04,980 --> 00:18:07,320 you . Last week the C . S . I . S . 466 00:18:07,320 --> 00:18:10,610 Released a report on the result of the 467 00:18:10,610 --> 00:18:13,050 war game simulations on the on the 468 00:18:13,060 --> 00:18:15,540 Taiwan strait contingency . The main 469 00:18:15,540 --> 00:18:19,130 conclusion is that the chinese invasion 470 00:18:19,140 --> 00:18:21,960 would fail but would result in heavy 471 00:18:21,970 --> 00:18:24,200 casualties among the U . S . And allied 472 00:18:24,210 --> 00:18:27,250 forces . I wonder if the their 473 00:18:27,250 --> 00:18:30,480 conclusion is consistent with the 474 00:18:30,490 --> 00:18:33,940 Pentagon's war games in general . Yeah , 475 00:18:33,950 --> 00:18:36,130 so I'm not going to comment on the C . 476 00:18:36,130 --> 00:18:39,210 S . I . Exercise . Um certainly aware 477 00:18:39,210 --> 00:18:41,650 of it more broadly speaking , we've 478 00:18:41,660 --> 00:18:44,880 been very clear uh as you know , this 479 00:18:44,880 --> 00:18:47,047 has also been included in the National 480 00:18:47,047 --> 00:18:49,213 Defense Strategy on the challenge . Uh 481 00:18:49,213 --> 00:18:52,450 that conflict in uh the indo pacific as 482 00:18:52,450 --> 00:18:55,110 it relates to Taiwan would be . And so 483 00:18:55,110 --> 00:18:57,277 as a Defense Department , we recognize 484 00:18:57,277 --> 00:18:59,221 china is the pacing challenge . We 485 00:18:59,221 --> 00:19:01,300 continue to do what we can to ensure 486 00:19:01,300 --> 00:19:03,467 that we can deter and prevent conflict 487 00:19:03,467 --> 00:19:05,522 but if necessary that we would fight 488 00:19:05,522 --> 00:19:08,860 and win . Thank you joe . Thanks . 489 00:19:08,870 --> 00:19:12,560 Uh Former U . S . Army , your 490 00:19:12,570 --> 00:19:14,740 commander Ben Hodges tweeted recently 491 00:19:14,740 --> 00:19:16,962 and that the US should now be providing 492 00:19:16,962 --> 00:19:19,520 Ukraine with attack comes Gray Eagle's 493 00:19:19,530 --> 00:19:22,890 small diameter bombs to deny Russia the 494 00:19:22,890 --> 00:19:26,350 use of logistics hubs in Crimea and in 495 00:19:26,360 --> 00:19:30,260 Russia and Belarus . The US recently 496 00:19:30,260 --> 00:19:32,260 crossed the threshold in sending 497 00:19:32,260 --> 00:19:35,230 armored vehicles to help Ukraine take 498 00:19:35,240 --> 00:19:37,330 back territory . What's the Defense 499 00:19:37,330 --> 00:19:39,610 Secretary's view now on sending 500 00:19:39,610 --> 00:19:41,980 precision weapons with ranges of as 501 00:19:41,980 --> 00:19:44,430 much as 300 kilometers ? I think 502 00:19:44,430 --> 00:19:46,652 Secretary Austin's been very clear that 503 00:19:46,652 --> 00:19:48,780 we continue to maintain an active and 504 00:19:48,780 --> 00:19:51,130 ongoing dialogue with our Ukrainian 505 00:19:51,130 --> 00:19:52,980 partners with the international 506 00:19:52,980 --> 00:19:55,430 community on what are Ukraine's most 507 00:19:55,440 --> 00:19:57,329 urgent needs when it comes to the 508 00:19:57,329 --> 00:19:59,520 battlefield and the current situation 509 00:19:59,520 --> 00:20:01,853 there . And so going into , for example , 510 00:20:01,853 --> 00:20:03,853 the contact group this week , he'll 511 00:20:03,853 --> 00:20:05,798 have the opportunity to have those 512 00:20:05,798 --> 00:20:07,520 discussions with his Ukrainian 513 00:20:07,520 --> 00:20:09,631 counterpart and with our other allies 514 00:20:09,631 --> 00:20:11,631 and partners around the table to do 515 00:20:11,631 --> 00:20:13,687 exactly that . What are the kinds of 516 00:20:13,687 --> 00:20:15,909 things that Ukraine needs to be able to 517 00:20:15,909 --> 00:20:15,900 defend themselves and also take back 518 00:20:15,900 --> 00:20:18,410 their sovereign territory ? So as we 519 00:20:18,410 --> 00:20:20,521 have new announcements to make , will 520 00:20:20,521 --> 00:20:22,743 certainly be sure to pass those along . 521 00:20:22,743 --> 00:20:24,743 Has there been any movement on that 522 00:20:24,743 --> 00:20:26,854 conversation ? Or has it been largely 523 00:20:26,854 --> 00:20:29,077 in the same place as it's been ? Well , 524 00:20:29,077 --> 00:20:31,354 I think that's a matter of perspective . 525 00:20:31,354 --> 00:20:31,090 Right . So I mean , if you if you look 526 00:20:31,090 --> 00:20:33,257 at this campaign and its totality , if 527 00:20:33,257 --> 00:20:35,368 you would ask that question one month 528 00:20:35,368 --> 00:20:37,201 into the campaign , uh , so it's 529 00:20:37,201 --> 00:20:38,979 relative right , We're going to 530 00:20:38,979 --> 00:20:41,590 continue to adapt and evolve uh and and 531 00:20:41,600 --> 00:20:43,600 tailor that assistance based on the 532 00:20:43,600 --> 00:20:45,770 situation on the ground and based on 533 00:20:45,770 --> 00:20:47,937 the capabilities that we can get there 534 00:20:47,937 --> 00:20:50,830 to them quickly . So thank you follow 535 00:20:50,830 --> 00:20:52,886 up on the patriots , how much of the 536 00:20:52,886 --> 00:20:55,108 training will be focused on maintenance 537 00:20:55,108 --> 00:20:57,450 and will there be any external support 538 00:20:57,460 --> 00:20:59,516 provided like additional maintenance 539 00:20:59,516 --> 00:21:01,627 support provided by the US additional 540 00:21:01,627 --> 00:21:03,793 spares or the Ukrainian is going to be 541 00:21:03,793 --> 00:21:05,738 responsible for keeping the system 542 00:21:05,738 --> 00:21:08,150 operational on the ground . So in terms 543 00:21:08,150 --> 00:21:10,261 of the maintenance , I would refer to 544 00:21:10,261 --> 00:21:12,540 the army for a more granular level of 545 00:21:12,540 --> 00:21:14,500 detail . I would tell you that 546 00:21:14,510 --> 00:21:16,580 maintenance will be an aspect 547 00:21:16,580 --> 00:21:18,691 operations and maintenance will be an 548 00:21:18,691 --> 00:21:21,440 aspect of the training . Um , and in 549 00:21:21,440 --> 00:21:24,190 terms of maintenance at large when it 550 00:21:24,190 --> 00:21:26,301 comes to the capabilities that we are 551 00:21:26,301 --> 00:21:28,412 providing on the battlefield , one of 552 00:21:28,412 --> 00:21:30,579 the , one of the techniques that we've 553 00:21:30,579 --> 00:21:32,746 used as you know , is essentially tele 554 00:21:32,746 --> 00:21:34,523 maintenance . Right , So remote 555 00:21:34,523 --> 00:21:36,746 maintenance capabilities . So that will 556 00:21:36,746 --> 00:21:38,857 be something that we will continue to 557 00:21:38,857 --> 00:21:40,912 provide to the Ukrainians . Uh , not 558 00:21:40,912 --> 00:21:40,910 only on the patriot system but on a 559 00:21:40,910 --> 00:21:43,350 variety of systems as they are employed 560 00:21:43,360 --> 00:21:45,582 in the battlefield . Thanks very much . 561 00:21:45,582 --> 00:21:47,693 Second nancy's comments to on the , I 562 00:21:47,693 --> 00:21:49,749 think it's an important image to get 563 00:21:49,749 --> 00:21:51,804 out there . This partnership between 564 00:21:51,804 --> 00:21:53,860 the US and Ukrainians on this system 565 00:21:53,860 --> 00:21:53,850 because there's been so much interest . 566 00:21:53,860 --> 00:21:56,027 Sure , I completely understand . Thank 567 00:21:56,027 --> 00:21:58,400 you . Different changes a little bit . 568 00:21:58,410 --> 00:22:00,577 Can does the pentagon have any concern 569 00:22:00,690 --> 00:22:02,700 that South Africa is hosting naval 570 00:22:02,700 --> 00:22:05,070 exercises next month with Russia and 571 00:22:05,070 --> 00:22:07,650 china in the indian ocean . You have 572 00:22:07,650 --> 00:22:09,872 seen the press reports , I mean , South 573 00:22:09,872 --> 00:22:12,206 Africa of course is a sovereign country , 574 00:22:12,206 --> 00:22:14,317 they can choose to exercise with whom 575 00:22:14,317 --> 00:22:16,372 they want . Um , so I don't have any 576 00:22:16,372 --> 00:22:18,483 particular comment on that other than 577 00:22:18,483 --> 00:22:20,539 to say , you know , we do appreciate 578 00:22:20,539 --> 00:22:22,761 our defense uh , partnership with South 579 00:22:22,761 --> 00:22:24,594 Africa and will continue to seek 580 00:22:24,594 --> 00:22:26,817 opportunities to to work alongside them 581 00:22:26,817 --> 00:22:28,372 and to further bolster that 582 00:22:28,372 --> 00:22:30,206 relationship and that if they're 583 00:22:30,206 --> 00:22:32,039 working with us and then they're 584 00:22:32,039 --> 00:22:34,206 working with Russia , that there might 585 00:22:34,206 --> 00:22:36,317 be some sort , you know , there might 586 00:22:36,317 --> 00:22:38,261 be some concern about , you know , 587 00:22:38,261 --> 00:22:40,428 sharing information or technology that 588 00:22:40,428 --> 00:22:42,761 we might share with them . Well , again , 589 00:22:42,761 --> 00:22:44,983 I think two things there one um , there 590 00:22:44,983 --> 00:22:46,872 are , you know , to put this into 591 00:22:46,872 --> 00:22:48,872 context are a lot of countries that 592 00:22:48,872 --> 00:22:50,594 maintain a security or defense 593 00:22:50,594 --> 00:22:52,539 relationship with Russia . Again , 594 00:22:52,539 --> 00:22:54,317 that's a sovereign decision for 595 00:22:54,317 --> 00:22:56,372 individual countries to make many of 596 00:22:56,372 --> 00:22:58,317 those nations who have in the past 597 00:22:58,317 --> 00:23:00,428 purchased Russian built or soviet era 598 00:23:00,428 --> 00:23:02,650 equipment . So it stands to reason that 599 00:23:02,650 --> 00:23:04,372 they may maintain some type of 600 00:23:04,372 --> 00:23:05,983 relationship from a security 601 00:23:05,983 --> 00:23:08,206 cooperation standpoint . Certainly from 602 00:23:08,206 --> 00:23:11,040 the , from the US perspective , I think 603 00:23:11,040 --> 00:23:13,540 that the types of security assistance 604 00:23:13,540 --> 00:23:15,596 the United States provide to include 605 00:23:15,596 --> 00:23:18,590 capabilities is much more dependable uh 606 00:23:18,590 --> 00:23:22,290 and also um maintained and something 607 00:23:22,290 --> 00:23:24,760 that we continue to to discuss with 608 00:23:24,760 --> 00:23:26,927 various partners and allies around the 609 00:23:26,927 --> 00:23:30,350 world on would they should they choose 610 00:23:30,350 --> 00:23:32,610 to purchase those kinds of systems were 611 00:23:32,610 --> 00:23:35,020 certainly all ears India being a great 612 00:23:35,020 --> 00:23:38,820 example . Thank you sir Peter from 613 00:23:38,830 --> 00:23:41,840 Bloomberg , my colleagues reported that 614 00:23:41,850 --> 00:23:43,683 the pentagon is struggling to re 615 00:23:43,683 --> 00:23:45,906 establish mil mil ties with china . And 616 00:23:45,906 --> 00:23:48,072 I wondered if you have any comments on 617 00:23:48,072 --> 00:23:50,072 that . I think we're always open to 618 00:23:50,072 --> 00:23:51,910 maintaining those open lines of 619 00:23:51,910 --> 00:23:54,380 communication with china . We recognize 620 00:23:54,380 --> 00:23:56,680 the fact that that china is going to 621 00:23:56,680 --> 00:23:58,847 continue to operate in that region for 622 00:23:58,847 --> 00:24:00,736 obvious reasons and we want to do 623 00:24:00,736 --> 00:24:02,847 everything we can to reduce potential 624 00:24:02,847 --> 00:24:05,100 miscalculation . So from a United 625 00:24:05,100 --> 00:24:07,267 States standpoint , from a D . O . D . 626 00:24:07,267 --> 00:24:09,489 Standpoint , we certainly will continue 627 00:24:09,489 --> 00:24:11,656 to be available to to communicate with 628 00:24:11,656 --> 00:24:13,990 our chinese counterparts at a multiple 629 00:24:14,000 --> 00:24:17,380 level multiple echelons . Thank you . 630 00:24:17,390 --> 00:24:19,279 Okay , time for a few more custom 631 00:24:19,650 --> 00:24:23,270 general the D . S . C . A . And State 632 00:24:23,270 --> 00:24:25,870 Department have sent the decision for 633 00:24:25,870 --> 00:24:28,980 the sale of F 16 to 40 interview at the 634 00:24:28,980 --> 00:24:31,350 Congress . Could you tell us how 635 00:24:31,350 --> 00:24:33,790 important this potential sale is for 636 00:24:33,790 --> 00:24:35,901 the middle middle relations that have 637 00:24:35,901 --> 00:24:38,012 strained over the course of the years 638 00:24:38,012 --> 00:24:40,290 for several on several issues . Yeah . 639 00:24:40,300 --> 00:24:43,490 Thanks Kassem . So recognizing the fact 640 00:24:43,490 --> 00:24:45,268 that that's before Congress for 641 00:24:45,268 --> 00:24:47,600 consideration , You know , I defer to 642 00:24:47,600 --> 00:24:49,711 the D . S . C . A . To talk about the 643 00:24:49,711 --> 00:24:51,822 current status of it . Certainly when 644 00:24:51,822 --> 00:24:54,150 it comes to the bilateral relationship 645 00:24:54,160 --> 00:24:56,327 between the United States and Turkey , 646 00:24:56,327 --> 00:24:58,327 we've always said that Turkey is an 647 00:24:58,327 --> 00:25:00,549 important partner , an important ally . 648 00:25:00,549 --> 00:25:02,660 And so we'll continue to work closely 649 00:25:02,660 --> 00:25:05,470 with Turkey's leaders on on how we can 650 00:25:05,480 --> 00:25:07,770 bolster that relationship and ensure 651 00:25:07,780 --> 00:25:10,060 that our mutual defense needs are 652 00:25:10,070 --> 00:25:12,237 considered . Thank you very much . All 653 00:25:12,237 --> 00:25:14,237 right , joe I haven't seen you in a 654 00:25:14,237 --> 00:25:17,840 while , joe customs question . Uh can 655 00:25:17,840 --> 00:25:20,010 we say is it fair to say that the deal 656 00:25:20,550 --> 00:25:24,000 the F-16 deal with Turkey is kind of 657 00:25:24,000 --> 00:25:27,690 related to the F- 35 deal with Greece ? 658 00:25:28,270 --> 00:25:31,370 Do you see any link between both deals ? 659 00:25:31,660 --> 00:25:33,382 Yeah , I don't I don't want to 660 00:25:33,382 --> 00:25:36,510 necessarily connect Those two issues . 661 00:25:36,510 --> 00:25:38,677 I'd refer you to disco in terms of the 662 00:25:38,677 --> 00:25:40,990 current status of the deals . Certainly 663 00:25:40,990 --> 00:25:43,970 we have a relationship with Greece in a 664 00:25:43,970 --> 00:25:45,914 relationship with Turkey , both of 665 00:25:45,914 --> 00:25:48,150 which we value . You might you might be 666 00:25:48,150 --> 00:25:51,140 aware that there is a strong opposition 667 00:25:51,150 --> 00:25:55,060 on the hill . The F- 16 deal to 668 00:25:55,070 --> 00:25:58,050 Turkey . Is there any message from the 669 00:25:58,060 --> 00:26:01,600 pentagon to the Congress in regards to 670 00:26:01,600 --> 00:26:04,100 this man ? That's a congressional 671 00:26:04,100 --> 00:26:06,100 decision to make ? I'm not going to 672 00:26:06,100 --> 00:26:08,211 stand at the podium and tell Congress 673 00:26:08,211 --> 00:26:10,544 what they should or should not do again . 674 00:26:10,544 --> 00:26:13,530 The United States and Turkey share a an 675 00:26:13,530 --> 00:26:15,780 alliance and they're an important 676 00:26:15,780 --> 00:26:17,836 partner , not only in the region but 677 00:26:17,836 --> 00:26:19,836 around the world . And so I'll just 678 00:26:19,836 --> 00:26:21,780 leave it at that Kourtney . Just a 679 00:26:21,780 --> 00:26:24,058 couple of quick follow up from earlier , 680 00:26:24,058 --> 00:26:26,169 I think when Liz from Fox asked about 681 00:26:26,320 --> 00:26:28,209 the Afghan service member who was 682 00:26:28,209 --> 00:26:29,820 detained at the border , she 683 00:26:29,820 --> 00:26:31,876 specifically of Secretary Austin and 684 00:26:31,876 --> 00:26:34,098 you said we are aware of the press . So 685 00:26:34,098 --> 00:26:36,153 I just want to be clear as Secretary 686 00:26:36,153 --> 00:26:36,140 Austin , he's aware of this case . And 687 00:26:36,150 --> 00:26:37,983 is it fair to say he's like he's 688 00:26:37,983 --> 00:26:39,872 tracking it . He's following this 689 00:26:39,872 --> 00:26:42,039 specific case . I don't have an answer 690 00:26:42,039 --> 00:26:43,983 to that question . And then on the 691 00:26:43,983 --> 00:26:46,150 Covid vaccine , I just also want to be 692 00:26:46,150 --> 00:26:48,261 clear on that because you keep saying 693 00:26:48,261 --> 00:26:50,428 that the body is not pursuing it . But 694 00:26:50,428 --> 00:26:52,670 does that mean that there's no review 695 00:26:52,680 --> 00:26:54,513 or anything that's ongoing about 696 00:26:54,513 --> 00:26:56,680 potentially paying back pay or are you 697 00:26:56,680 --> 00:26:58,847 saying that the issue ? So as a matter 698 00:26:58,847 --> 00:27:00,624 of policy , we're currently not 699 00:27:00,624 --> 00:27:03,310 pursuing back pay . Um , and then my 700 00:27:03,310 --> 00:27:05,199 last one is just I'm wondering if 701 00:27:05,199 --> 00:27:07,366 there's there's been some reporting um 702 00:27:07,366 --> 00:27:09,532 about on social media , mainly about a 703 00:27:09,532 --> 00:27:11,850 delegation of Russian military 704 00:27:11,850 --> 00:27:14,940 officials who are in Syria , meeting 705 00:27:14,940 --> 00:27:17,290 with some of the autonomous 706 00:27:17,290 --> 00:27:19,850 administration and um leadership . And 707 00:27:19,850 --> 00:27:23,430 I'm wondering if you if that's anything 708 00:27:23,430 --> 00:27:25,597 that you have a comment on , if you're 709 00:27:25,597 --> 00:27:27,910 aware of there's any U . S . Military 710 00:27:27,910 --> 00:27:30,021 component to this meeting or anything 711 00:27:30,021 --> 00:27:33,280 you can share on it . But I'm just 712 00:27:33,290 --> 00:27:35,068 curious if there's any pentagon 713 00:27:35,068 --> 00:27:37,160 reaction to it continue to monitor , 714 00:27:37,160 --> 00:27:39,382 but I don't have anything to provide on 715 00:27:39,382 --> 00:27:41,549 that . Okay , just a couple more . Let 716 00:27:41,549 --> 00:27:43,604 me get a couple of folks in the room 717 00:27:43,604 --> 00:27:45,604 here you and then you . Thank you . 718 00:27:45,604 --> 00:27:47,827 General General , there's some recently 719 00:27:47,827 --> 00:27:49,604 reports about that . Turkey are 720 00:27:49,604 --> 00:27:52,090 planning to do a new operation in north 721 00:27:52,100 --> 00:27:55,170 of Syria . Have you aware about that 722 00:27:55,180 --> 00:27:57,460 things ? And do you still think there 723 00:27:57,460 --> 00:27:59,790 is a concern about any military 724 00:27:59,790 --> 00:28:02,012 operations in this country in the north 725 00:28:02,012 --> 00:28:04,012 of this country ? Yeah , we've been 726 00:28:04,012 --> 00:28:06,680 very clear that that any type of ground 727 00:28:06,680 --> 00:28:09,520 offensive into Northern Syria , uh , 728 00:28:09,530 --> 00:28:11,990 could further destabilize the region 729 00:28:12,000 --> 00:28:14,970 and negatively impact the defeat ISIS 730 00:28:14,970 --> 00:28:17,190 mission ? Uh , and so we've 731 00:28:17,190 --> 00:28:19,960 communicated that to our Turkish allies 732 00:28:20,050 --> 00:28:22,280 and I'll just leave it at that . Thank 733 00:28:22,280 --> 00:28:25,670 you sir . Uh in your assessment , thank 734 00:28:25,670 --> 00:28:27,892 you in your assessment . How how do the 735 00:28:27,892 --> 00:28:30,200 british tanks , um , what what impact 736 00:28:30,200 --> 00:28:32,311 will british tanks have on the ground 737 00:28:32,311 --> 00:28:35,060 in Ukraine ? Uh , well , broadly 738 00:28:35,060 --> 00:28:37,171 speaking again , I'll allow the UK to 739 00:28:37,171 --> 00:28:39,004 speak for itself in terms of the 740 00:28:39,004 --> 00:28:41,227 capabilities that it that it may or may 741 00:28:41,227 --> 00:28:43,504 not provide . Broadly speaking , again , 742 00:28:43,504 --> 00:28:45,504 as an international community , any 743 00:28:45,504 --> 00:28:47,616 type of capability that we're able to 744 00:28:47,616 --> 00:28:49,671 provide to Ukraine to assist them in 745 00:28:49,671 --> 00:28:51,893 their efforts to defend their territory 746 00:28:51,893 --> 00:28:54,440 uh and and uh , be prepared to take 747 00:28:54,450 --> 00:28:56,970 back territory I think is a good thing . 748 00:28:57,230 --> 00:28:59,710 Uh certainly as we've talked about 749 00:28:59,720 --> 00:29:02,940 before having armor type of 750 00:29:02,940 --> 00:29:06,030 capabilities gives them a another 751 00:29:06,040 --> 00:29:08,151 capability to employ on the ground in 752 00:29:08,151 --> 00:29:10,151 order to change the equation on the 753 00:29:10,151 --> 00:29:12,429 battlefield . Especially as we've seen , 754 00:29:12,429 --> 00:29:14,700 some of those lines become static , but 755 00:29:14,700 --> 00:29:16,922 again , at the end of the day , it's up 756 00:29:16,922 --> 00:29:19,089 to Ukraine on how best to employ those 757 00:29:19,089 --> 00:29:21,311 capabilities . And the only other thing 758 00:29:21,311 --> 00:29:23,311 I'd say on that is the capabilities 759 00:29:23,311 --> 00:29:22,770 they've been provided , they've 760 00:29:22,770 --> 00:29:26,140 employed to great effect now that other 761 00:29:26,140 --> 00:29:28,029 allies are sending or considering 762 00:29:28,029 --> 00:29:30,140 sending thanks to Ukraine , does this 763 00:29:30,140 --> 00:29:32,196 change the US position , position on 764 00:29:32,196 --> 00:29:34,418 sending american thanks to Ukraine . So 765 00:29:34,418 --> 00:29:36,251 again , I don't have anything to 766 00:29:36,251 --> 00:29:38,196 announce . I think we've been very 767 00:29:38,196 --> 00:29:40,140 clear when we do have something to 768 00:29:40,140 --> 00:29:42,029 announce , we'll be providing the 769 00:29:42,029 --> 00:29:44,307 Bradley fighting vehicle , as you know , 770 00:29:44,307 --> 00:29:46,640 which again is an armor capability . Uh , 771 00:29:46,640 --> 00:29:48,862 and so , um , you know , when and if we 772 00:29:48,862 --> 00:29:50,862 have something new to announce , we 773 00:29:50,862 --> 00:29:50,720 will thank you all very much . 774 00:29:50,720 --> 00:29:51,680 Everybody appreciate it .