WEBVTT 00:01.850 --> 00:05.429 All right . Good afternoon , everyone . 00:05.599 --> 00:07.599 Um , I've got a fair amount to pass 00:07.599 --> 00:09.766 along today . So , uh , I just want to 00:09.766 --> 00:12.099 say thanks in advance for your patience . 00:12.270 --> 00:14.603 Uh , lots to talk about . So first , um , 00:14.800 --> 00:17.000 I want to , uh , bring up , uh , one 00:17.000 --> 00:18.889 item . As you know , we have been 00:18.889 --> 00:21.000 briefing you regularly that there are 00:21.000 --> 00:23.222 approximately 900 US troops deployed to 00:23.222 --> 00:25.750 Syria . uh , in light of the , uh , 00:25.760 --> 00:27.927 situation in Syria and the significant 00:27.927 --> 00:30.038 interest , uh , we recently learned , 00:30.038 --> 00:32.270 uh , that those numbers . Uh , were 00:32.270 --> 00:34.669 higher and so asked to look into it , I 00:34.669 --> 00:37.389 learned today that in fact there are 00:37.389 --> 00:40.139 approximately 2000 US troops in Syria . 00:40.849 --> 00:43.389 Um , as I understand it , as and as it 00:43.389 --> 00:45.556 was explained to me , these additional 00:45.556 --> 00:47.333 forces are considered temporary 00:47.333 --> 00:49.445 rotational forces that deploy to meet 00:49.445 --> 00:51.667 shifting mission requirements , whereas 00:51.667 --> 00:53.979 the core 900 deployers are on longer 00:53.979 --> 00:56.201 term deployments and as you know , uh , 00:56.201 --> 00:58.312 for many of our deployments , numbers 00:58.312 --> 01:00.535 will fluctuate from time to time , um , 01:00.535 --> 01:03.220 but given that this number is , uh , 01:03.299 --> 01:05.355 significantly higher than what we've 01:05.355 --> 01:07.410 been briefing , uh , I wanted to let 01:07.410 --> 01:09.577 you know , uh , as soon as I found out 01:09.577 --> 01:11.980 this information . Um , I will say that 01:12.089 --> 01:14.910 uh there are uh diplomatic and 01:14.910 --> 01:16.860 operational security , uh , 01:16.910 --> 01:18.854 considerations oftentimes with our 01:18.854 --> 01:21.077 deployments and some of those numbers , 01:21.077 --> 01:23.500 uh , and certainly uh the case here , 01:23.910 --> 01:27.190 um , but , uh , again , given that 01:27.190 --> 01:29.660 there is significant interest in Syria , 01:30.099 --> 01:31.877 uh , given what we have briefed 01:31.877 --> 01:34.099 previously , I wanted to make sure that 01:34.099 --> 01:36.432 you had the most up to-date information . 01:36.432 --> 01:38.809 Uh , I will also highlight , uh , that , 01:38.989 --> 01:41.267 uh , again , as it was explained to me , 01:41.267 --> 01:43.433 um , these forces , uh , which augment 01:43.433 --> 01:46.129 the defeat ISIS mission , uh , were 01:46.339 --> 01:48.449 there before the fall of the Assad 01:48.449 --> 01:50.419 regime , uh , and I'll be happy to 01:50.419 --> 01:52.475 answer any questions on that when we 01:52.475 --> 01:54.819 get to the Q&A . Um , I also want to 01:54.819 --> 01:56.940 address , uh , upfront a potential 01:56.940 --> 01:59.059 government shutdown and the 01:59.059 --> 02:01.339 implications should a shutdown occur . 02:02.669 --> 02:04.947 Uh , as we are a planning organization , 02:04.947 --> 02:07.002 the department has conducted prudent 02:07.002 --> 02:08.780 planning and preparations for a 02:08.780 --> 02:10.780 potential shutdown , and our senior 02:10.780 --> 02:12.836 leaders have updated our contingency 02:12.836 --> 02:14.669 plans . Secretary Austin and DOD 02:14.669 --> 02:16.725 leaders are monitoring the situation 02:16.725 --> 02:18.836 closely and remain committed to doing 02:18.836 --> 02:20.836 everything possible to mitigate the 02:20.836 --> 02:22.836 significant impacts that a lapse in 02:22.836 --> 02:24.947 funding and subsequent shutdown would 02:24.947 --> 02:27.058 have on the department . In the event 02:27.058 --> 02:29.280 of a lapse in funding and a shutdown of 02:29.280 --> 02:31.225 the government , the Department of 02:31.225 --> 02:33.391 Defense will continue to carry out our 02:33.391 --> 02:35.558 fundamental responsibility and mission 02:35.558 --> 02:37.669 to defend our nation and the American 02:37.669 --> 02:39.780 people . Military personnel on active 02:39.780 --> 02:41.725 duty , including reserve component 02:41.725 --> 02:43.669 personnel on federal active duty , 02:43.669 --> 02:45.780 would continue to report for duty and 02:45.780 --> 02:47.891 carry out assigned missions worldwide 02:47.891 --> 02:49.947 to defend our nation and protect our 02:49.947 --> 02:52.169 national security interests . However , 02:52.169 --> 02:54.225 it's important to note that military 02:54.225 --> 02:56.336 personnel would not be paid until new 02:56.336 --> 02:58.391 funds are appropriated by Congress . 02:58.391 --> 03:00.391 Additionally , civilian personnel , 03:00.391 --> 03:02.558 including military technicians who are 03:02.558 --> 03:04.669 not necessary to carry out or support 03:04.669 --> 03:06.891 accepted activities would be furloughed 03:06.891 --> 03:08.725 with a lapse in appropriations . 03:08.910 --> 03:11.330 Objectively speaking , a lapse in 03:11.330 --> 03:13.497 funding will cause serious disruptions 03:13.497 --> 03:15.552 across the Defense Department and is 03:15.552 --> 03:17.850 still avoidable . Therefore , DOD urges 03:17.850 --> 03:19.572 Congress to reach a bipartisan 03:19.572 --> 03:22.330 bicameral agreement on fiscal year 2025 03:22.330 --> 03:25.419 appropriations and avoid a CR or worse , 03:25.449 --> 03:28.539 a government shutdown . Shifting gears 03:28.539 --> 03:30.761 yesterday , the department submitted to 03:30.761 --> 03:32.650 Congress and published its annual 03:32.650 --> 03:34.650 report on the military and security 03:34.650 --> 03:36.650 developments involving the People's 03:36.650 --> 03:36.619 Republic of China , commonly known as 03:36.619 --> 03:39.380 the China Military Power Report . This 03:39.380 --> 03:41.940 congressionally mandated report charts 03:41.940 --> 03:43.718 the current course of the PRC's 03:43.718 --> 03:46.051 national economic and military strategy . 03:46.051 --> 03:48.580 It also highlights insights into the 03:48.580 --> 03:50.580 People's Liberation Army strategy , 03:50.699 --> 03:52.810 current capabilities and activities , 03:52.810 --> 03:54.866 and its future modernization goals . 03:54.990 --> 03:57.669 The CMPR illustrates why the 2022 03:57.669 --> 03:59.725 National Defense strategy identified 03:59.725 --> 04:01.836 the PRC and it's increasingly capable 04:01.836 --> 04:04.100 military as the department's top pacing 04:04.100 --> 04:06.419 challenge . Please visit defense.gov 04:06.419 --> 04:08.475 for more information on the report . 04:08.800 --> 04:10.744 Keeping in the Indo-Pacific region 04:10.744 --> 04:12.689 tomorrow , US Indo PACOM commander 04:12.689 --> 04:14.744 Admiral Paparo will preside over the 04:14.744 --> 04:16.967 ceremony where General Paul Lecara will 04:16.967 --> 04:18.967 turn over command of United Nations 04:18.967 --> 04:20.839 Command , ROK US Combined Forces 04:20.839 --> 04:23.600 Command , and US Forces Korea to 04:23.600 --> 04:25.489 General Xavier Brunson , who most 04:25.489 --> 04:27.390 recently , uh , commanded was the 04:27.390 --> 04:29.640 commanding general of First Corps . On 04:29.640 --> 04:31.584 behalf of Secretary Austin and the 04:31.584 --> 04:33.751 entire Department of Defense , when we 04:33.751 --> 04:35.807 want to extend our thanks to General 04:35.807 --> 04:37.973 Lecara for his leadership and lifetime 04:37.973 --> 04:39.862 of service to our nation . And we 04:39.862 --> 04:41.807 salute General Brunson as he takes 04:41.807 --> 04:43.973 command . As you've heard us say , our 04:43.973 --> 04:45.918 commitments to the US ROK alliance 04:45.918 --> 04:48.029 remains ironclad . Separately , as is 04:48.029 --> 04:49.751 tradition today and tomorrow , 04:49.751 --> 04:51.862 Secretary Austin and Deputy Secretary 04:51.862 --> 04:54.029 Hicks will reach out to and speak with 04:54.029 --> 04:55.918 service members representing each 04:55.918 --> 04:58.029 branch of the US Armed Forces to wish 04:58.029 --> 05:00.140 them happy holidays and to thank them 05:00.140 --> 05:02.307 and their families for their service , 05:02.307 --> 05:04.196 sacrifice , and commitment to our 05:04.196 --> 05:06.140 nation . Earlier today , Secretary 05:06.140 --> 05:08.140 Austin spoke with Marines from Task 05:08.140 --> 05:10.196 Force 612 . 2nd Marine Expeditionary 05:10.196 --> 05:12.140 Brigade deployed the naval support 05:12.140 --> 05:14.362 activity in Naples , Italy , supporting 05:14.362 --> 05:16.196 US 6th Fleet and the US European 05:16.196 --> 05:18.579 Command Area of Responsibility . The 05:18.579 --> 05:20.579 secretary also spoke with guardians 05:20.579 --> 05:22.690 from the fifty-Third Space Operations 05:22.690 --> 05:24.412 Squadron detachment station in 05:24.412 --> 05:26.190 Landstuhl , Germany to maintain 05:26.190 --> 05:28.301 military satellite communications and 05:28.301 --> 05:30.619 the UCO AOR . I'd like to note that 05:30.619 --> 05:32.563 Secretary Austin's call with these 05:32.563 --> 05:34.786 guardians comes just one day before the 05:34.786 --> 05:37.008 US Space Force will celebrate its fifth 05:37.008 --> 05:39.109 anniversary . As you know , the US 05:39.109 --> 05:41.331 Space Force was established on December 05:41.331 --> 05:43.459 20 , 2019 with the recognition that 05:43.459 --> 05:45.792 space is a national security imperative . 05:45.980 --> 05:48.036 It's an increasingly critical domain 05:48.036 --> 05:50.147 not only for US military operations , 05:50.147 --> 05:52.147 but for the safety , security , and 05:52.147 --> 05:54.147 prosperity of all Americans and for 05:54.147 --> 05:56.329 people around the world . US Space 05:56.329 --> 05:58.769 Force guardians are an integral part of 05:58.769 --> 06:00.936 today's joint force serving across the 06:00.936 --> 06:02.825 globe operating and defending the 06:02.825 --> 06:04.991 critical space systems that our nation 06:04.991 --> 06:07.158 and the world rely upon . So on behalf 06:07.158 --> 06:09.269 of the secretary and the entire DOD , 06:09.269 --> 06:11.325 happy birthday to the US Space Force 06:11.325 --> 06:13.436 and Semper Supra . And continuing the 06:13.436 --> 06:15.658 holiday spirit , Deputy Secretary Hicks 06:15.658 --> 06:17.880 will conduct calls tomorrow with airmen 06:17.880 --> 06:19.880 from the 40th Expeditionary Fighter 06:19.880 --> 06:21.936 Generation Squadron at Prince Sultan 06:21.936 --> 06:23.936 Air Base in Saudi Arabia . Soldiers 06:23.936 --> 06:26.102 from the 2nd Security Force Assistance 06:26.102 --> 06:28.269 Brigade at Camp Lemagnier , Djibouti , 06:28.269 --> 06:30.380 and sailors aboard the USS Gettysburg 06:30.380 --> 06:32.547 deployed to the UCO AOR . A readout of 06:32.547 --> 06:34.602 all these holiday calls will be made 06:34.602 --> 06:37.420 available on the DOD website . And 06:37.420 --> 06:39.540 finally , uh , in honor of our 06:39.540 --> 06:41.873 cameraman in the back of the room there , 06:41.873 --> 06:44.096 it's Christmas time and that means that 06:44.096 --> 06:46.151 the North American Aerospace Defense 06:46.151 --> 06:48.373 Command or NORAD , which is tasked with 06:48.373 --> 06:50.484 monitoring and defending the airspace 06:50.484 --> 06:52.373 of the US and Canada , takes on a 06:52.373 --> 06:54.429 special additional mission this time 06:54.429 --> 06:56.690 each year . On December 24 , NORAD will 06:56.690 --> 06:58.690 track the journey of a very special 06:58.690 --> 07:00.690 aviator , Santa as he makes his way 07:00.690 --> 07:02.820 around the globe . And if you see 07:02.820 --> 07:04.709 running green lights in the sky , 07:04.709 --> 07:06.876 that's probably him . Please note that 07:06.876 --> 07:09.239 this is an authorized object in the sky 07:09.239 --> 07:11.890 and not an unmanned aerial vehicle , so 07:11.890 --> 07:14.001 please check twice . Uh , we'd kindly 07:14.001 --> 07:16.112 ask that those observing Santa Sleigh 07:16.112 --> 07:18.369 refrain from reporting him to the FAA 07:18.369 --> 07:21.890 or FBI . Starting at 0600 Eastern 07:21.890 --> 07:24.001 Standard Time , kids , families , and 07:24.001 --> 07:25.946 Santa fans worldwide can track his 07:25.946 --> 07:27.001 journey by calling 07:27.001 --> 07:30.380 1-877-HINORAD or 07:30.380 --> 07:33.929 877-446-6723 07:34.190 --> 07:36.559 to speak with an official Santa tracker . 07:36.940 --> 07:38.940 You can also follow Santa's journey 07:38.940 --> 07:40.551 online throughout the day at 07:40.551 --> 07:43.019 NORADSanta.org . We wish everyone a 07:43.019 --> 07:45.241 merry Christmas , joyous holidays , and 07:45.241 --> 07:47.186 happy New Year , and with that I'm 07:47.186 --> 07:49.241 happy to take your question , Lita . 07:49.950 --> 07:53.549 Thank you , Pat . On 07:53.549 --> 07:57.359 Syria Can you explain a little more 07:57.359 --> 08:01.179 fully , um , first of all , why ? We 08:01.179 --> 08:03.769 hadn't heard this number before . But 08:03.769 --> 08:05.825 secondly , who are these forces ? Is 08:05.825 --> 08:07.880 this special operations forces ? Are 08:07.880 --> 08:11.170 any there and An effort or part of an 08:11.170 --> 08:15.100 effort to find Austinized . And 08:15.100 --> 08:17.156 I guess I'm just a little confused . 08:17.156 --> 08:19.700 You said this was before the fall , so 08:19.700 --> 08:23.570 this isn't in response to unrest and 08:23.579 --> 08:27.260 and disruptions . Correct . This is in 08:27.260 --> 08:30.619 response then to what ? Correct . So 08:30.619 --> 08:33.780 again , a couple things , so . As I 08:33.780 --> 08:36.309 highlighted , uh , for deployments and 08:36.309 --> 08:38.531 as you know , having followed these for 08:38.531 --> 08:40.531 a while , uh , it's not uncommon as 08:40.531 --> 08:42.698 units come in and go , you know , come 08:42.698 --> 08:44.369 in and out , uh , the , um , 08:45.020 --> 08:47.739 replacement , uh , in place , uh , 08:47.780 --> 08:49.891 transfer of authorities , those kinds 08:49.891 --> 08:52.058 of things , there will oftentimes be a 08:52.058 --> 08:53.947 bump , right ? So the , the total 08:53.947 --> 08:55.891 number of forces , uh , officially 08:55.891 --> 08:59.599 deployed to Syria is 900 . Um , so that 08:59.599 --> 09:01.432 in and of itself in terms of the 09:01.432 --> 09:03.655 additional numbers , as you know , over 09:03.655 --> 09:05.766 the years that , that can fluctuate . 09:05.766 --> 09:07.710 Um , obviously , given the current 09:07.710 --> 09:10.760 situation in Syria , um , just very 09:10.760 --> 09:13.119 recently , I was made aware of the fact 09:13.119 --> 09:15.400 that , hey , maybe there's more forces 09:15.400 --> 09:18.200 than just a small number or , you know , 09:18.520 --> 09:20.742 what would normally be considered , you 09:20.742 --> 09:23.229 know , around the 900 range . Um , so 09:23.229 --> 09:25.285 we asked to look into it , got those 09:25.285 --> 09:27.580 numbers today . Um , significantly 09:27.580 --> 09:30.619 higher than 900 , um , which is again 09:30.619 --> 09:32.820 why we wanted to let you know , um , 09:32.979 --> 09:36.059 now those forces , um , what they've 09:36.059 --> 09:38.380 been doing is all focused on the defeat 09:38.380 --> 09:41.260 ISIS mission and again that core 900 , 09:41.349 --> 09:43.539 approximately 900 , uh , those are 09:43.539 --> 09:45.650 gonna be your longer term deployers , 09:45.650 --> 09:47.817 right ? 9 to 12 months as I understand 09:47.817 --> 09:50.039 it versus , uh , temporary forces which 09:50.039 --> 09:52.095 are going to rotate in on a 30 to 90 09:52.095 --> 09:54.261 day basis again as it's been explained 09:54.261 --> 09:56.809 to me . Uh , that are there to meet any 09:56.809 --> 09:58.920 type of emerging mission requirements 09:58.920 --> 10:01.253 associated with the defeat ISIS mission , 10:01.253 --> 10:04.080 um , predominantly army forces , uh , 10:04.200 --> 10:06.289 and , um , you know , I'm , I'm not 10:06.289 --> 10:08.622 gonna be able to provide a breakdown of , 10:08.622 --> 10:10.789 you know , conventional versus special 10:10.789 --> 10:12.845 operations forces , but all of those 10:12.845 --> 10:14.733 forces focused on the defeat ISIS 10:14.733 --> 10:16.900 mission . Uh , again , as I understand 10:16.900 --> 10:19.011 it , a certain element of this , uh , 10:19.011 --> 10:22.669 also goes into , uh , diplomatic and 10:22.669 --> 10:24.669 operational security concerns as it 10:24.669 --> 10:27.080 relates to , uh , the region , but 10:27.080 --> 10:29.239 again , given the , the difference in 10:29.239 --> 10:31.406 the number that we've been providing , 10:31.406 --> 10:34.500 um , have made the decision . I made 10:34.500 --> 10:38.260 the decision to go ahead uh and give 10:38.260 --> 10:40.609 you that number . Um , so 10:42.330 --> 10:44.386 So clear , are you suggesting this ? 10:45.369 --> 10:48.250 1100 is riptoa ? No , I'm not . I'm 10:48.250 --> 10:50.306 just saying that traditionally as we 10:50.306 --> 10:52.528 track deployments , right , when we say 10:52.528 --> 10:54.583 approximately 900 , sometimes that's 10:54.583 --> 10:56.650 gonna fluctuate up to 1200 , 1300 as 10:56.650 --> 10:59.119 units go in and out , but obviously , 10:59.289 --> 11:01.690 uh , these numbers , the , the 11:01.690 --> 11:04.039 additional numbers , um , again , as I 11:04.039 --> 11:06.039 understand it are considered , uh , 11:06.039 --> 11:08.330 temporary forces that are there to 11:08.330 --> 11:10.386 support the DISIS mission to support 11:10.386 --> 11:12.330 the forces that are deployed there 11:12.330 --> 11:14.950 longer term , um . To include , you 11:14.950 --> 11:17.006 know , I'm sure a certain element of 11:17.006 --> 11:19.228 that would be ripped to up , but , um , 11:19.228 --> 11:21.283 a lot of those forces are gonna have 11:21.283 --> 11:23.617 already been operating there , you know , 11:23.617 --> 11:23.349 coming in and out and doing those kinds 11:23.349 --> 11:25.830 of things . How like how long ago this 11:25.830 --> 11:28.052 happened . I don't have a specific date 11:28.052 --> 11:30.219 provide Lita , but my understanding is 11:30.219 --> 11:32.163 it's been for a while , so clearly 11:32.163 --> 11:34.590 before the the fall of the Assad regime , 11:34.750 --> 11:38.049 um , so yeah . What's a 11:38.049 --> 11:41.070 I don't have a number to provide , but 11:41.070 --> 11:43.549 again the number of troops that we've 11:43.549 --> 11:45.716 been told for quite some time . So are 11:45.716 --> 11:47.938 we talking about this has been going on 11:47.938 --> 11:49.940 for months , for years ? Is it 11:49.940 --> 11:51.829 something that just happened this 11:51.829 --> 11:53.996 summer ? I mean , we need a time frame 11:53.996 --> 11:55.996 I think is fair . Yeah , I think it 11:55.996 --> 11:57.940 would probably be fair to say at a 11:57.940 --> 12:00.051 minimum of months um I'll go back and 12:00.051 --> 12:02.329 look , um , but , um , it's the . Yeah , 12:02.329 --> 12:04.384 it's been going on for a while . And 12:04.384 --> 12:06.390 what assurances can you give to the 12:06.390 --> 12:10.159 Kurdish SDF right now that the US isn't 12:10.159 --> 12:14.109 planning to pull out or leave ? Um , 12:14.229 --> 12:16.530 well , right now we have no , uh , you 12:16.530 --> 12:19.380 know , there are no plans to , uh , 12:19.390 --> 12:21.859 cease the defeat ISIS mission . I mean , 12:21.909 --> 12:24.880 again , ISIS continues to maintain or 12:24.880 --> 12:27.580 to pose a significant threat , um , so 12:27.789 --> 12:30.159 right now no plans that I'm aware of to 12:30.159 --> 12:32.700 stop that mission . 500 SDF have left 12:32.700 --> 12:34.940 their posts in terms of guarding the 12:34.950 --> 12:38.590 SDF the ISIS camps . Are US forces 12:38.590 --> 12:41.929 going to take their places ? Um , well , 12:42.090 --> 12:44.090 our , our focus is again , I mean , 12:44.090 --> 12:46.201 working with the SDF , but , uh , I , 12:46.201 --> 12:48.257 Jennifer , I don't have anything for 12:48.257 --> 12:50.479 you in terms of relocation of US forces 12:50.479 --> 12:53.770 within Syria . Thanks . Sure , thank 12:53.770 --> 12:56.710 you . On Ukraine , um , how would a 12:56.710 --> 12:58.543 potential shutdown affect aid to 12:58.543 --> 13:00.900 Ukraine , specifically deliveries of 13:00.900 --> 13:03.549 the packages ? In the past , uh , the 13:03.549 --> 13:05.659 administration has exempted , if I'm 13:05.659 --> 13:07.826 not mistaken , Ukraine operations from 13:07.826 --> 13:09.659 the potential shutdown . Are you 13:09.659 --> 13:11.881 prepared to do something similar , uh , 13:11.881 --> 13:13.881 now as well ? Uh , let me take that 13:13.881 --> 13:16.159 question for you , uh , to get , get a , 13:16.159 --> 13:18.215 uh , an accurate answer for you . We 13:18.215 --> 13:20.270 have several more on Ukraine and PDA 13:20.270 --> 13:22.437 related things , so . A senior defense 13:22.437 --> 13:24.809 official told us earlier this week that 13:25.099 --> 13:27.700 BUD likely will not be able to use all 13:27.700 --> 13:31.059 the 5.6 billion NPD for Ukraine by the 13:31.059 --> 13:33.226 end of this administration . However , 13:33.226 --> 13:35.260 NEC officials tell BOA that the 13:35.260 --> 13:37.371 Pentagon will be able to do this . So 13:37.371 --> 13:39.538 can you give us more clarity on that ? 13:39.538 --> 13:41.760 Are you still committed to using all of 13:41.760 --> 13:44.260 5.6 billion by 20th ? Uh , what I would 13:44.260 --> 13:46.427 say is , you know , we're committed to 13:46.539 --> 13:48.650 spending as much of that as we can to 13:48.650 --> 13:50.965 to . Get security assistance to Ukraine 13:50.965 --> 13:52.909 as quickly as we can and of course 13:52.909 --> 13:54.965 we'll we'll keep you updated on that 13:54.965 --> 13:57.076 front . Natasha . Thanks , Pat . Um , 13:57.076 --> 13:59.243 are you all reviewing other deployment 13:59.243 --> 14:01.465 numbers to make sure that they're up to 14:01.465 --> 14:03.576 date and accurate , for example , has 14:03.576 --> 14:05.798 the number of troops that are currently 14:05.798 --> 14:08.021 in Iraq changed ? Um , I will take that 14:08.021 --> 14:10.243 question and come back to you on Iraq . 14:10.243 --> 14:14.059 OK . Yes ma'am . Yesterday , Turkish 14:14.059 --> 14:16.281 defense officials emphasized that until 14:16.281 --> 14:19.739 PKK YPG disarms and its foreign 14:19.739 --> 14:21.820 fighters leave Syria , Turkey's 14:21.820 --> 14:24.153 preparations and measures will continue . 14:24.539 --> 14:26.650 Do you have any current assessment of 14:26.650 --> 14:29.580 the foreign fighters' numbers with the 14:29.580 --> 14:33.080 YPGSDF ? Um , I , I don't have that to 14:33.080 --> 14:34.858 provide from here . Thank you . 14:37.020 --> 14:39.131 Thank you , General . Uh , two topics 14:39.131 --> 14:41.242 first , Yemen and then Lebanon . Uh , 14:41.242 --> 14:44.719 on Yemen , um . Israeli Prime Minister 14:44.719 --> 14:47.320 Benjamin Netanyahu has warned the the 14:47.320 --> 14:50.000 hostess today that they will pay a 14:50.000 --> 14:53.429 heavy price . Do you 14:53.429 --> 14:56.000 have an assessment on 14:56.750 --> 15:00.070 maybe is uh the Houthis could be the 15:00.070 --> 15:03.299 next Israeli target after 15:04.309 --> 15:08.260 Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in ? Um , 15:08.309 --> 15:10.365 what I would say is first of all , I 15:10.365 --> 15:12.531 won't speak for Israel in terms of its 15:12.531 --> 15:14.476 operations . They certainly have a 15:14.476 --> 15:16.698 right to defend themselves , and as you 15:16.698 --> 15:16.340 know , the Houthis have launched 15:16.340 --> 15:19.940 missiles and drones toward Israel 15:19.940 --> 15:23.070 and so . The Houthis should not be 15:23.070 --> 15:25.270 surprised if Israel exercises its 15:25.270 --> 15:27.669 inherent right of self-defense , but as 15:27.669 --> 15:29.780 for any potential future operations , 15:30.030 --> 15:33.989 I'd refer you to . Would you support a 15:33.989 --> 15:36.260 large scale operation by Israel ? 15:37.750 --> 15:39.694 I'm just not going to get into the 15:39.694 --> 15:43.169 hypotheticals . Israel is 15:43.169 --> 15:46.880 conducting almost daily uh controlled 15:46.880 --> 15:50.570 demolition of uh civilian 15:50.570 --> 15:53.559 infrastructure houses in villages , 15:53.690 --> 15:55.960 Lebanese villages on the borders , uh , 15:56.039 --> 15:59.200 the Lebanese government considers this 15:59.200 --> 16:02.450 as clear violation of the ceasefire 16:02.450 --> 16:05.640 agreement . Um , how do you assess this 16:05.640 --> 16:09.400 action by Israel ? Uh , do you 16:09.400 --> 16:12.659 have concerns that these actions . Uh , 16:12.719 --> 16:16.359 might put the agreement at risk . 16:17.039 --> 16:19.150 Um , what , what I would say is right 16:19.150 --> 16:21.372 now , uh , it's our assessment that the 16:21.372 --> 16:23.261 ceasefire does continue to hold . 16:23.261 --> 16:25.549 Obviously it's , uh , we believe in 16:25.549 --> 16:27.771 everyone's interest to ensure that that 16:27.771 --> 16:31.109 ceasefire continues , um , and we'll 16:31.109 --> 16:32.942 continue to consult closely with 16:32.942 --> 16:34.831 partners in the region to include 16:34.831 --> 16:36.942 Israel and Lebanon , uh , toward that 16:36.942 --> 16:39.109 end . Let me go to the phone here real 16:39.109 --> 16:43.099 quick , Jared , I'll monitor . here too . 16:43.299 --> 16:45.869 All right . that , 16:47.969 --> 16:50.191 um , question on the , uh , the DISIS , 16:50.191 --> 16:52.302 uh , numbers one , why , why announce 16:52.302 --> 16:54.080 this now , um , uh , I mean , I 16:54.080 --> 16:56.080 explained that , um , I learned the 16:56.080 --> 16:57.913 number today , uh , and again as 16:57.913 --> 16:59.969 somebody who's been standing up here 16:59.969 --> 17:02.025 telling you 900 , uh , I wanted to . 17:02.025 --> 17:04.699 Get you on that . OK . And then can you 17:04.699 --> 17:06.643 give us an update on the ceasefire 17:06.643 --> 17:08.810 between the SDF and the Turkish-backed 17:08.810 --> 17:10.921 forces west of the Euphrates does DOD 17:10.921 --> 17:13.143 have any role in enforcing or upholding 17:13.143 --> 17:15.366 that ? Um , to my knowledge we do not , 17:16.180 --> 17:19.619 you know , State Department has been 17:19.619 --> 17:21.508 consulting , of course , with our 17:21.508 --> 17:24.300 Turkish partners . Um , allies , uh , 17:24.400 --> 17:26.511 my understanding , uh , again , and , 17:26.530 --> 17:28.641 and State Department can go into much 17:28.641 --> 17:30.474 more details is that , uh , that 17:30.474 --> 17:32.680 ceasefire is continuing to hold , uh , 17:32.689 --> 17:34.967 it was extended , it continues to hold , 17:35.290 --> 17:38.150 um , you know , again our forces in 17:38.719 --> 17:40.959 Syria are focused on the defeat ISIS 17:40.959 --> 17:43.880 mission . Obviously we don't want to 17:43.880 --> 17:47.229 see fighting between . SDF and 17:48.699 --> 17:51.520 Turkish backed forces in Syria , you 17:51.520 --> 17:53.409 know , security and stability are 17:53.409 --> 17:55.576 incredibly important , particularly at 17:55.576 --> 17:57.631 this fragile time right now in Syria 17:57.631 --> 17:59.631 and so again we would encourage all 17:59.631 --> 18:02.530 parties to to preserve that peace and 18:02.530 --> 18:05.520 stability in support of the people of 18:05.520 --> 18:07.540 Syria . OK , let me just go to the 18:07.540 --> 18:10.380 phone here again real quick , make sure 18:10.380 --> 18:12.602 these people are not in the room , Jeff 18:12.602 --> 18:16.040 Schole . Thank you . Regarding Syria , 18:16.180 --> 18:19.180 can you say why CENTCOM felt it needed 18:19.180 --> 18:22.219 an extra 1000 troops , albeit on a 18:22.219 --> 18:24.180 temporary basis ? And you also 18:24.180 --> 18:26.579 mentioned that if Congress doesn't pass 18:26.579 --> 18:28.699 a spending bill , US troops and 18:28.699 --> 18:30.699 civilians , US troops and civilians 18:30.699 --> 18:33.015 will not get paid over . The holidays , 18:33.175 --> 18:35.494 and this is not a great time to go out , 18:35.574 --> 18:37.574 to go without a paycheck , although 18:37.574 --> 18:39.785 there's never a good time . Do US 18:39.785 --> 18:42.007 troops and civilians , do they have any 18:42.007 --> 18:44.734 recourse to protest that or can they 18:44.734 --> 18:47.535 bill Congress directly for all their 18:47.535 --> 18:49.375 expenses until Congress passes a 18:49.375 --> 18:51.542 spending bill ? Yeah , thanks , Jeff . 18:51.542 --> 18:53.819 On your first question , um , you know , 18:53.819 --> 18:55.931 again , I'd , I'd refer you to SENCOM 18:55.931 --> 18:58.380 for specifics , but um . You know , 18:58.900 --> 19:01.233 again , is , uh , just broadly speaking , 19:01.233 --> 19:03.289 as I understand it , uh , as we have 19:03.579 --> 19:05.699 forces in Syria conducting the defeat 19:05.699 --> 19:07.729 ISIS mission , there may be , uh , 19:07.760 --> 19:10.459 capabilities , augmentation , uh , that , 19:10.479 --> 19:12.590 that are required , and again I don't 19:12.590 --> 19:14.646 have that in front of me , um , just 19:14.646 --> 19:16.757 getting these , uh , this information 19:16.757 --> 19:19.260 today , um , but again , as I 19:19.260 --> 19:21.482 understand it , primarily not primarily 19:21.482 --> 19:23.427 all focused on the the defeat ISIS 19:23.427 --> 19:25.649 mission . As for your second question , 19:25.649 --> 19:27.649 uh , will US troops get paid . Uh , 19:27.649 --> 19:29.371 over the holidays if there's a 19:29.371 --> 19:31.593 government shutdown , um , what I would 19:31.593 --> 19:33.704 tell you is that much of that depends 19:33.704 --> 19:36.038 on the duration of a potential shutdown , 19:36.400 --> 19:38.650 um , as I said at the top , military 19:38.650 --> 19:40.719 personnel on active duty , including 19:40.719 --> 19:42.886 reserve component personnel on federal 19:42.886 --> 19:44.941 active duty would continue to report 19:44.941 --> 19:46.941 for duty and carry out their signed 19:46.941 --> 19:49.569 duties , uh , without an appropriation 19:49.569 --> 19:51.959 or a continuing resolution , our troops 19:52.209 --> 19:54.349 will miss their end of month paycheck 19:54.349 --> 19:56.270 during the holiday season . Uh , 19:56.380 --> 19:58.324 military reservists drilling after 19:58.324 --> 20:01.030 December 20 will not receive pay for 20:01.030 --> 20:03.252 those drills and federal civilians that 20:03.252 --> 20:05.419 are required to work during a shutdown 20:05.419 --> 20:07.530 will not be paid . Civilian employees 20:07.530 --> 20:09.750 whose work is paid for from lapsed 20:09.750 --> 20:11.861 appropriations will be furloughed for 20:11.861 --> 20:14.028 the duration of the lapse , uh , which 20:14.028 --> 20:16.030 appears to coincide with , uh , the 20:16.030 --> 20:18.308 Christmas and New Year's holidays . OK , 20:18.308 --> 20:20.474 let me come back in there Mike back to 20:20.474 --> 20:22.697 Syria . Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin 20:22.697 --> 20:24.697 Netanyahu said his forces are gonna 20:24.697 --> 20:27.199 retain their positions along the Golan 20:27.199 --> 20:29.439 Heights that they took , uh , after the 20:29.439 --> 20:31.661 fall of the Assad government . Uh , the 20:31.661 --> 20:33.883 UN Secretary General's criticizing it . 20:33.883 --> 20:35.772 Some of the governments in the in 20:35.772 --> 20:37.828 Europe are criticizing . Does the US 20:37.828 --> 20:39.939 have a have a position one way or the 20:39.939 --> 20:39.400 other on whether or not Israel should 20:39.400 --> 20:41.400 maintain these positions within the 20:41.400 --> 20:43.829 buffer zone ? Uh , what I would tell 20:43.829 --> 20:45.885 you , Mike , is that our policy with 20:45.885 --> 20:47.890 respect to the Golan Heights hasn't 20:47.890 --> 20:50.112 changed . Uh , I , and I don't have any 20:50.112 --> 20:52.223 comment on the announcement , uh , of 20:52.223 --> 20:54.939 people moving from inside Israel , uh , 20:54.949 --> 20:57.150 to the Golan Heights . Um , what we've 20:57.150 --> 20:59.372 heard Israel say is that the deployment 20:59.372 --> 21:01.539 of its forces into that buffer zone is 21:01.539 --> 21:03.594 temporary , uh , and we believe that 21:03.594 --> 21:05.650 the deployment ought to be temporary 21:05.650 --> 21:07.479 and that the 1974 disengagement 21:07.479 --> 21:09.535 agreement ought to be upheld . Thank 21:09.535 --> 21:13.229 you , Eunice . Thank you . The US says 21:13.229 --> 21:15.380 that Syria shouldn't be fragmented . 21:15.390 --> 21:17.446 The new Syria , the new government , 21:17.446 --> 21:19.446 the new country basically after the 21:19.446 --> 21:21.668 fall of the Assad regime , and you have 21:21.668 --> 21:23.834 a militia group , the SDF that you say 21:23.834 --> 21:26.589 you're working with to ISIS . So to 21:26.589 --> 21:29.229 have a unified Syria , do you have any 21:29.229 --> 21:31.949 plans at all to commit to disarming the 21:31.949 --> 21:34.579 SDF and disbanding them , the new Um , 21:34.589 --> 21:36.750 HDS leader Juani also says that no 21:36.750 --> 21:38.972 armed groups will be allowed and all of 21:38.972 --> 21:41.030 them have to be dismantled . Um , do 21:41.030 --> 21:43.030 you have any plans at all , because 21:43.030 --> 21:45.252 that would be a massive obstacle in the 21:45.252 --> 21:49.060 way of a unified Syria . Um , so 21:49.510 --> 21:51.399 I , I think you know it's a great 21:51.399 --> 21:53.399 question . I , I would refer you to 21:53.399 --> 21:55.343 State Department to talk about the 21:55.343 --> 21:57.699 longer term , you know , US diplomatic 21:57.699 --> 22:00.150 relations with , uh , the new 22:00.150 --> 22:02.670 government in Syria , obviously , a lot 22:02.670 --> 22:04.949 of effort and work going into what that 22:04.949 --> 22:07.630 could look like as it relates to the 22:07.630 --> 22:10.069 SDF , uh , and the Department of 22:10.069 --> 22:12.260 Defense right now our focus continues 22:12.260 --> 22:15.439 to be on . Uh , the defeat ISIS mission , 22:15.489 --> 22:17.969 so preventing a resurgence of ISIS , 22:18.130 --> 22:20.689 certainly , uh , with the understanding 22:20.689 --> 22:22.800 that all of this is in the context of 22:22.800 --> 22:24.967 the situation which you lay out , uh , 22:24.967 --> 22:28.130 and , um , but in terms of a particular 22:28.130 --> 22:30.410 mission focus or change , uh , I don't 22:30.410 --> 22:32.521 have anything to announce right now . 22:32.521 --> 22:34.632 Thank you very much , Tony . How much 22:34.632 --> 22:37.219 is a PDF PDA authority is left to spend ? 22:37.250 --> 22:40.079 Is it about 4.5 billion or so ? Um , 22:40.089 --> 22:42.145 what I'm tracking right now is total 22:42.145 --> 22:45.369 PDA is , uh , $5.6 billion remaining , 22:45.500 --> 22:49.410 uh , USAI is $1.13 billion . OK , so on 22:49.410 --> 22:52.209 the 5.6 , is it likely , highly 22:52.209 --> 22:54.320 unlikely that you're gonna be able to 22:54.320 --> 22:57.410 issue $5.6 billion of PDAs by January 22:57.410 --> 23:01.199 20th ? Um , again , as I 23:01.199 --> 23:03.510 highlighted earlier , um , we are going 23:03.510 --> 23:06.359 to continue to , uh , surge as much 23:06.359 --> 23:08.415 capability as we can , not gonna get 23:08.415 --> 23:10.637 ahead of that process , um , you know , 23:10.637 --> 23:12.748 I , I think you can anticipate , uh , 23:12.748 --> 23:14.859 that we will have some additional PDA 23:14.859 --> 23:17.026 announcements . I'm not gonna get into 23:17.026 --> 23:19.026 the , the timing of that , um , but 23:19.026 --> 23:21.137 certainly recognizing the fact that . 23:21.137 --> 23:23.303 Uh , there is an urgent need right now 23:23.303 --> 23:25.359 in Ukraine and we're going to remain 23:25.359 --> 23:27.526 committed to expending as much of that 23:27.526 --> 23:29.526 as we can . I ask you and you don't 23:29.526 --> 23:29.270 know this answer , but I'd like you to 23:29.270 --> 23:31.381 get a written answer in terms of what 23:31.381 --> 23:33.437 will happen to the remaining dollars 23:33.437 --> 23:35.659 that are not put on PDA . You know this 23:35.659 --> 23:37.881 is gonna , you're going to get a lot of 23:37.881 --> 23:40.103 criticism if you've got like $5 billion 23:40.103 --> 23:42.326 of authority that you didn't use by the 23:42.326 --> 23:42.209 end of the administration . Could you 23:42.209 --> 23:44.320 get a written answer in terms of what 23:44.320 --> 23:46.542 will happen to those dollars if in fact 23:46.542 --> 23:48.760 you don't obligate them ? Uh , I will 23:48.760 --> 23:50.871 take your question , uh , but again , 23:50.969 --> 23:52.747 um , you know , recognizing the 23:52.747 --> 23:55.839 difference between authority , um , and , 23:55.959 --> 23:58.119 uh , you know , obligated funds , but 23:58.119 --> 24:00.230 yeah , I'll take your question for it 24:00.230 --> 24:02.175 on the , on the drone question . I 24:02.175 --> 24:04.119 shudder to bring this up , but you 24:04.119 --> 24:06.286 mentioned on Tuesday that an I counter 24:06.286 --> 24:08.397 drone systems will be deployed in New 24:08.397 --> 24:10.452 Jersey this this week or next week . 24:10.452 --> 24:12.508 Have those systems been deployed and 24:12.508 --> 24:14.730 what's the , uh , rule of engagement of 24:14.730 --> 24:16.730 those and are those kinetic or fuzz 24:16.730 --> 24:19.469 buster type of equipment ? Um , so the , 24:19.510 --> 24:21.510 the majority of that capability has 24:21.510 --> 24:23.566 deployed . The rest , uh , should be 24:23.566 --> 24:25.288 arriving very shortly , if not 24:25.288 --> 24:27.566 imminently , um , and as I highlighted , 24:27.566 --> 24:29.788 um , earlier in the week , that will be 24:29.788 --> 24:31.732 a combination of , uh , active and 24:31.732 --> 24:34.369 passive detection capabilities , uh , 24:34.430 --> 24:37.670 as well as some , uh , capability 24:37.670 --> 24:39.726 counter UAS capabilities which would 24:39.726 --> 24:42.959 include . Uh , non-kinetic types of 24:42.959 --> 24:45.015 systems like drone busters , right , 24:45.015 --> 24:47.270 which uh essentially disrupts signals , 24:47.560 --> 24:49.671 uh , and affects the ability of these 24:49.671 --> 24:52.069 systems to fly . Thanks very much , 24:52.319 --> 24:54.560 Kelly . Just to follow up more a bit on 24:54.560 --> 24:56.782 drones , I just wanted to ask about the 24:56.782 --> 24:58.727 federal ban on drone operations in 24:58.727 --> 25:00.893 parts of New Jersey . The government , 25:00.893 --> 25:03.004 they say may use deadly force against 25:03.004 --> 25:05.004 the drones if they pose an imminent 25:05.004 --> 25:04.880 security threat . Who would shoot them 25:04.880 --> 25:06.991 down if it came to it ? Would that be 25:06.991 --> 25:09.158 DOD assets ? Um , so a couple things . 25:09.170 --> 25:11.281 So first of all , I would note that , 25:11.281 --> 25:13.619 um , that is standard security language 25:13.619 --> 25:17.050 included in national security noms and 25:17.050 --> 25:19.729 temporary flight restrictions . So FAA 25:19.729 --> 25:21.896 certainly could talk to you more about 25:21.896 --> 25:24.062 that , um , and as you've heard us say 25:24.062 --> 25:26.285 we're gonna work closely with the FBI , 25:26.285 --> 25:28.173 DHS , FAA to make sure that we're 25:28.173 --> 25:30.689 harmonizing our on-base efforts with 25:30.689 --> 25:32.856 anything that they're doing off base , 25:32.856 --> 25:35.022 um , and . You know , the , the bottom 25:35.022 --> 25:38.280 line is that um our forces , our 25:38.280 --> 25:40.479 commanders , if they observe UAS 25:40.479 --> 25:42.701 activity that they believe represents a 25:42.701 --> 25:44.812 threat , uh , they have the authority 25:44.812 --> 25:46.812 to conduct mitigation operations uh 25:46.812 --> 25:48.646 based on the capability at their 25:48.646 --> 25:50.646 location and as I highlighted , you 25:50.646 --> 25:52.812 know , one of those capabilities could 25:52.812 --> 25:54.979 be . Uh , the non-kinetic , you know , 25:54.979 --> 25:56.923 uh , interruption of signals , for 25:56.923 --> 25:59.090 example , about a potential government 25:59.090 --> 26:01.146 shutdown , how could that impact the 26:01.170 --> 26:03.449 efforts to detect and track drones and 26:03.449 --> 26:05.782 the efforts that you're doing right now ? 26:06.359 --> 26:10.040 Um , well , I mean , if it's , uh , you 26:10.040 --> 26:13.500 know . We're gonna continue to do the 26:13.500 --> 26:15.444 operations as I highlighted , uh , 26:15.444 --> 26:17.556 military personnel are gonna continue 26:17.556 --> 26:19.699 to do , uh , operations necessary to 26:19.699 --> 26:21.810 protect and defend the nation . So in 26:21.810 --> 26:23.699 so much as we need to protect our 26:23.699 --> 26:26.260 facilities , um , or , or mitigate 26:26.260 --> 26:28.427 potential threats , um , we will be on 26:28.427 --> 26:30.204 point in doing that . So , OK , 26:30.339 --> 26:32.395 Jennifer , Pat , it's clear that you 26:32.395 --> 26:34.339 were surprised by the number of US 26:34.339 --> 26:36.339 troops that were in Syria , but was 26:36.339 --> 26:38.506 Secretary Austin also surprised ? Um , 26:38.506 --> 26:40.617 you know , I , I'm confident that the 26:40.617 --> 26:42.839 Secretary is tracking , uh , US forces 26:42.839 --> 26:45.117 deployed around the world , uh , again , 26:45.117 --> 26:47.061 as I highlighted , um , you know , 26:47.061 --> 26:48.839 they're oftentimes are gonna be 26:48.839 --> 26:50.783 diplomatic or operational security 26:50.783 --> 26:52.969 considerations , uh , as it relates to 26:52.969 --> 26:56.839 the deployment of forces . Just 26:56.839 --> 26:58.895 on that , did the secretary direct . 26:59.640 --> 27:02.109 People not to make that public ? No . 27:03.880 --> 27:06.420 Constantine . I'm sorry , just one 27:06.420 --> 27:10.390 other just to clarify on this . Is 2000 27:10.390 --> 27:13.920 now seen as the amount needed or 27:14.189 --> 27:17.349 is the department looking at . Any 27:17.349 --> 27:19.229 increases since things have been 27:19.229 --> 27:21.062 obviously changing over the last 27:21.062 --> 27:22.951 several weeks . Yeah , so I'm not 27:22.951 --> 27:25.007 tracking any adjustments again the , 27:25.007 --> 27:26.896 the , you know , those additional 27:26.896 --> 27:30.609 forces there are . Again , categorized 27:30.609 --> 27:33.369 as temporary transitional forces , um , 27:33.380 --> 27:35.890 versus the , the 900 what I would call 27:35.890 --> 27:39.630 core uh official deployed forces , um , 27:39.930 --> 27:42.250 but as of right now I'm not tracking 27:42.250 --> 27:44.939 any adjustment in that regard obviously 27:44.939 --> 27:47.106 you know we'll see how things play out 27:47.106 --> 27:49.272 in Syria we'll see how the defeat ISIS 27:49.272 --> 27:51.810 mission uh works out but yeah just wait 27:51.810 --> 27:54.000 just to follow up was the president 27:54.410 --> 27:56.689 aware that there were 2000 US troops in 27:56.689 --> 27:58.911 Syria ? I , I won't speak for the White 27:58.911 --> 28:02.030 House . Thanks . Um , on the shutdown , 28:02.199 --> 28:04.366 is there , obviously we don't know how 28:04.366 --> 28:06.689 long it's going to go , and as you say , 28:06.750 --> 28:08.750 there's a , there's a paycheck that 28:08.750 --> 28:10.861 that is due to troops in a week and a 28:10.861 --> 28:13.083 half . So I guess my question to you is 28:13.083 --> 28:16.329 how long can the shutdown go for before 28:16.329 --> 28:19.869 those paychecks are impacted ? So , um , 28:21.219 --> 28:23.420 Really it's uh again I I don't have an 28:23.420 --> 28:25.531 exact date for you Constantine but uh 28:25.531 --> 28:27.753 the bottom line is , you know , the end 28:27.753 --> 28:29.864 of the month um you know uh today was 28:29.864 --> 28:32.219 payday , uh , so you know troops just 28:32.219 --> 28:34.780 got paid , um , so that that next pay 28:34.780 --> 28:36.780 period at the end of the month that 28:36.780 --> 28:38.724 would be , you know , depend again 28:38.724 --> 28:40.891 depending on how long this goes , that 28:40.891 --> 28:43.002 would be , uh , where individuals are 28:43.002 --> 28:45.380 not getting paid , um , so . But I , I , 28:45.459 --> 28:47.626 I guess my question is how quickly can 28:47.626 --> 28:49.979 DFAST be told , OK , there's funds and 28:49.979 --> 28:53.869 turn around the paychecks . Um . Yeah , 28:53.880 --> 28:55.936 I'm gonna shoot from the hip here um 28:55.936 --> 28:58.102 we're all monitoring this very closely 28:58.102 --> 29:00.324 and as I highlighted , uh , contingency 29:00.324 --> 29:01.991 plans in place we're gonna do 29:01.991 --> 29:04.102 everything we can , uh , to make sure 29:04.102 --> 29:06.213 our personnel are getting paid , uh , 29:06.213 --> 29:08.491 and taken care of as quickly as we can . 29:08.491 --> 29:10.380 So again , you know , in a , uh . 29:10.979 --> 29:13.859 Optimistic world , uh this uh shutdown 29:13.859 --> 29:16.489 could be avoided , um , but if it's not , 29:16.699 --> 29:18.755 you know , we'll again we'll work to 29:18.755 --> 29:20.921 make sure that our personnel have what 29:20.921 --> 29:23.255 they need uh to mitigate the effects so . 29:23.569 --> 29:26.640 follow up on Syria . Um , was there any 29:27.130 --> 29:29.609 effort by any element of the Pentagon 29:29.609 --> 29:31.776 or the Defense Department to obfuscate 29:31.776 --> 29:33.776 the true number of troops there ? I 29:33.776 --> 29:35.720 mean , including CENTCOM , because 29:35.720 --> 29:38.053 you've stood up there , you've said 900 , 29:38.053 --> 29:40.220 900 has been the number for months and 29:40.220 --> 29:42.387 months , if not years . Surely someone 29:42.387 --> 29:44.553 could have come out and corrected that 29:44.553 --> 29:46.442 if it was known by someone in the 29:46.442 --> 29:45.969 Defense Department that that wasn't 29:45.969 --> 29:47.747 accurate . So what what was the 29:47.747 --> 29:50.010 miscommunication ? Yeah , Natasha , you 29:50.010 --> 29:53.300 know , look again , um . Learned the 29:53.300 --> 29:55.244 number today , provided the number 29:55.244 --> 29:57.133 today , uh , as I mentioned in in 29:57.133 --> 30:00.170 looking into this , um . You know , 30:00.500 --> 30:02.569 part of the uh explanation is the . 30:03.510 --> 30:05.399 Sensitivity from a diplomatic and 30:05.399 --> 30:07.399 operation security standpoint , but 30:07.399 --> 30:10.680 again , uh , given the , the difference 30:10.890 --> 30:13.209 in what we've been briefing uh and what 30:13.209 --> 30:15.376 the actual number is just felt that it 30:15.376 --> 30:17.489 was important to , to get you that 30:17.489 --> 30:20.680 information , um , so 30:20.680 --> 30:23.410 sensitivity aspect of that . Uh , I , I 30:23.410 --> 30:25.632 mean , just , uh , no , I'm not because 30:25.632 --> 30:27.521 I'm not gonna get into diplomatic 30:27.521 --> 30:29.521 discussions , but , um , you know , 30:29.521 --> 30:31.270 there's just diplomatic , uh , 30:31.969 --> 30:35.209 considerations , so . Jenny . Thank you , 30:35.239 --> 30:37.719 General . I have a few questions on 30:37.719 --> 30:41.199 South Korea and Russia . The US 30:41.199 --> 30:44.229 Congress passed the National Defense 30:44.229 --> 30:47.390 Authorization Act to station 30:47.680 --> 30:51.239 28,500 US 30:51.239 --> 30:54.040 troops in South Korea . Do you think 30:54.040 --> 30:57.319 that this will change under the 30:57.319 --> 31:01.010 incoming administration ? I appreciate 31:01.010 --> 31:03.066 the question . I'm just not going to 31:03.066 --> 31:04.954 speculate about what the incoming 31:04.954 --> 31:06.899 administration may or may not do . 31:07.250 --> 31:09.479 South Korean National Intelligence 31:09.479 --> 31:13.410 Service says at least 100 North 31:13.410 --> 31:16.369 Korean soldiers killed in fighting in 31:16.369 --> 31:18.647 Ukraine . Do you have anything on that ? 31:18.729 --> 31:21.930 What is the US estimated ? Yes , so you 31:21.930 --> 31:24.550 know we continue to Observe and and 31:24.550 --> 31:27.250 assess , um , I , I would say at this 31:27.250 --> 31:30.030 stage , um , we , it's our assessment 31:30.030 --> 31:33.530 that several 100 . Uh , DPRK 31:33.530 --> 31:36.729 forces , uh , have been , um , or 31:36.729 --> 31:38.896 several 100 casualties , right , which 31:38.896 --> 31:40.951 would range from killed in action to 31:40.951 --> 31:43.173 wounded . Um , I'm , I'm not gonna have 31:43.173 --> 31:45.173 a breakdown for you in terms of KIA 31:45.173 --> 31:47.396 versus wounded , but several 100 have , 31:47.396 --> 31:49.618 and , and as they engage in combat with 31:49.618 --> 31:51.896 the Russians , you know , we certainly , 31:51.896 --> 31:51.819 I would anticipate that those numbers 31:51.819 --> 31:55.520 will go up . Kremlin announced that 31:55.520 --> 31:59.069 Russia would . Beside restrictions 31:59.069 --> 32:02.109 against the United States and also 32:02.109 --> 32:05.300 Foreign Minister Lavrov also said 32:05.790 --> 32:09.670 arms control was the things of the past 32:09.670 --> 32:13.199 and that a nuclear catastrophe 32:14.469 --> 32:17.430 was possible . What is the US view on 32:17.430 --> 32:20.170 this ? Well , again , uh , this kind of 32:20.170 --> 32:22.969 irresponsible , uh , saber rattling and 32:22.969 --> 32:25.969 rhetoric , um , from a nuclear armed 32:25.969 --> 32:28.369 country is , uh , uh , obviously 32:28.369 --> 32:30.969 unwarranted . Uh , we have not seen any 32:30.969 --> 32:33.136 shift or change in the strategic force 32:33.136 --> 32:35.191 posture of Russian forces that would 32:35.191 --> 32:37.358 necessitate a change on our end . Uh , 32:37.449 --> 32:39.616 certainly we're gonna continue to work 32:39.616 --> 32:41.616 with allies and partners around the 32:41.616 --> 32:43.616 world towards regional security and 32:43.616 --> 32:45.770 stability . Yes sir . Um , general , 32:46.050 --> 32:48.217 today , um , Human Rights Watch , uh , 32:48.217 --> 32:51.119 their report accusesrael of genocide , 32:51.449 --> 32:54.599 um , by restricting , uh , Gaza water . 32:54.969 --> 32:57.160 Um , and this , uh , this report came 32:57.160 --> 32:59.160 after like weeks of the letter that 32:59.160 --> 33:01.160 sent by the Secretary Austin , uh , 33:01.160 --> 33:03.327 with Secretary Blinking to Israel . To 33:03.327 --> 33:05.640 do more uh uh for the civilian . So do 33:05.640 --> 33:07.696 you first of all , do you agree with 33:07.696 --> 33:09.751 that , with this report , and do you 33:09.751 --> 33:11.751 still believe that Israel has to do 33:11.751 --> 33:14.920 more for the civilians there ? Thanks . 33:15.000 --> 33:17.111 Um , well , as you know , uh , from a 33:17.111 --> 33:19.849 US government standpoint we do not , uh , 33:19.920 --> 33:21.670 agree with the allegations or 33:21.670 --> 33:25.040 assertions regarding genocide . Um , we 33:25.040 --> 33:27.560 do believe that way too many innocent 33:27.800 --> 33:30.199 people have been killed or injured in 33:30.199 --> 33:32.000 this war , both Israelis and 33:32.000 --> 33:34.239 Palestinians . Uh , that was ignited 33:34.239 --> 33:37.000 when Hamas launched its terrorist 33:37.000 --> 33:39.000 attack , and brutally murdered more 33:39.000 --> 33:41.222 than 1200 innocent civilians on October 33:41.222 --> 33:43.760 7 , 2023 . So we want to see an 33:43.760 --> 33:46.319 enduring resolution to the conflict in 33:46.319 --> 33:48.839 Gaza , uh , which is why we continue to 33:48.839 --> 33:51.079 actively work towards an agreement to 33:51.079 --> 33:53.190 stop the war , bring all the hostages 33:53.190 --> 33:55.709 home that are still being held by Hamas . 33:56.040 --> 33:59.040 Yes sir . Thank you very much . Um , as 33:59.040 --> 34:01.680 Secretary of State Anthony Lincoln , um , 34:01.760 --> 34:03.920 admitted that the US is in direct 34:03.920 --> 34:07.000 contact with HTS , uh , previously 34:07.000 --> 34:09.239 designated terrorist group , and State 34:09.239 --> 34:11.770 Department also , um , in my question 34:11.770 --> 34:13.669 responded that in the past , uh , 34:13.679 --> 34:15.955 Department of State . Engage with such 34:15.955 --> 34:18.364 terrorist organization , even they had 34:18.364 --> 34:20.715 active military operations against them . 34:20.754 --> 34:23.794 So the question is , uh , the Pentagon 34:23.794 --> 34:26.715 is also at this time involved with the 34:26.715 --> 34:28.993 Department of State officials in Syria , 34:28.993 --> 34:31.155 the engagements they have for 34:31.155 --> 34:33.099 transition of government and other 34:33.099 --> 34:35.520 things . Are , are you asking me if DOD 34:35.520 --> 34:37.742 has been in contact ? To my knowledge , 34:37.742 --> 34:40.076 we have not , um , and as you highlight , 34:40.076 --> 34:42.187 you know , State Department right now 34:42.187 --> 34:44.187 has been the lead from a diplomatic 34:44.187 --> 34:46.353 standpoint , uh , so I won't speak for 34:46.353 --> 34:48.520 the State Department other than to say 34:48.520 --> 34:50.576 again taking a step back big picture 34:50.576 --> 34:53.618 here . Trying to work with partners in 34:53.618 --> 34:56.849 the region and actors in Syria 34:57.418 --> 35:01.259 to address how we may enable this 35:01.259 --> 35:03.378 opportunity for the Syrian people to 35:03.378 --> 35:05.448 live in security and stability after 35:05.448 --> 35:08.579 50+ years under the Assad regime . But 35:08.579 --> 35:10.801 again , I'd refer you to states to talk 35:10.801 --> 35:12.769 about their specific efforts on 35:12.769 --> 35:15.675 sanctions . By the Department of State 35:15.675 --> 35:17.875 on Pakistan long range ballistic 35:17.875 --> 35:21.445 missile , so one of the deputy national 35:21.445 --> 35:23.556 security adviser in the White House , 35:23.675 --> 35:26.735 as TRT well reported , uh , they showed 35:26.735 --> 35:29.354 severe concerns on Pakistan long range 35:29.354 --> 35:31.410 ballistic missile program , and they 35:31.410 --> 35:35.274 said like we have concerns that they 35:35.274 --> 35:37.564 can hit long , even they can hit the 35:37.564 --> 35:41.560 United States , so . You have a long uh 35:41.570 --> 35:44.000 partnership with Pakistan when Pakistan 35:44.000 --> 35:47.040 was your ally in war on terror . So you 35:47.040 --> 35:48.969 have some assessments , you did 35:51.159 --> 35:53.159 provide some input to Department of 35:53.159 --> 35:55.215 State or the White House officials . 35:55.215 --> 35:57.239 You have some observations . Uh , I 35:57.239 --> 35:59.517 don't . I mean , as you highlight , um , 35:59.517 --> 36:01.709 we , we value Pakistan as a , uh , 36:01.719 --> 36:03.830 partner in the region , uh , and have 36:03.830 --> 36:05.608 worked closely with Pakistan in 36:05.608 --> 36:07.775 counterterrorism efforts , uh , in the 36:07.775 --> 36:09.886 past and we'll continue to have those 36:09.886 --> 36:11.775 conversations , but as it , as it 36:11.775 --> 36:13.997 relates to that , I , I just don't have 36:13.997 --> 36:16.219 anything , Louis . Um , thank you for , 36:16.219 --> 36:18.163 uh , today's briefing and for this 36:18.163 --> 36:22.070 update , um . Combatant commanders 36:22.070 --> 36:25.429 have the ability to rotate forces in 36:25.429 --> 36:28.790 and out um at their discretion . 36:29.199 --> 36:31.421 Um , is this a scenario where that took 36:31.421 --> 36:33.477 place as long as these troops are in 36:33.477 --> 36:35.780 theater , that that's why we saw this 36:35.780 --> 36:38.739 we doubling of forces inside Syria . If 36:38.739 --> 36:41.600 you're going to send troops from the 36:41.600 --> 36:44.659 United States or from outside of the OR , 36:46.159 --> 36:48.326 that's going to have to go through the 36:48.326 --> 36:50.437 Joint SA . That's going to have to be 36:50.437 --> 36:49.959 pressed forces . It's all going to have 36:49.959 --> 36:52.126 to be approved . It's going to require 36:52.159 --> 36:55.439 secretary's orders . In this case , was 36:55.439 --> 36:57.600 this a rotation of forces from within 36:57.600 --> 37:01.229 the AOR . Which is the SECOM commanders . 37:01.270 --> 37:03.492 So I don't , I don't have that level of 37:03.492 --> 37:05.659 granularity , so I'll just talk , uh , 37:05.659 --> 37:07.992 anecdotally , um , it entirely could be , 37:07.992 --> 37:10.639 right ? I mean , you could have . Uh , 37:10.689 --> 37:12.411 forces that have a specialized 37:12.411 --> 37:14.467 capability that are already based in 37:14.467 --> 37:16.633 the AOR , um , and I'll just make this 37:16.633 --> 37:18.633 up . You're at LUD Air Base and you 37:18.633 --> 37:20.522 have a specialized capability and 37:20.522 --> 37:22.633 you're needed to go to somewhere else 37:22.633 --> 37:24.800 in the theater to support an operation 37:24.800 --> 37:26.856 that's entirely possible or it could 37:26.856 --> 37:29.022 come from state side . It just depends 37:29.022 --> 37:31.169 on what the requirement is , uh , and 37:31.169 --> 37:33.689 what the capability is , uh , in terms 37:33.689 --> 37:36.550 of , of on the ground . My next 37:36.550 --> 37:38.606 question , um , you said you learned 37:38.606 --> 37:40.883 about it today , um , was this because . 37:41.500 --> 37:44.169 A question had been posed internally 37:44.169 --> 37:48.090 and CEO responded today , or was this 37:48.090 --> 37:49.939 because CEO informed you today 37:49.939 --> 37:52.649 proactively ? Uh , it's because I got 37:52.649 --> 37:55.239 word of it recently , um , as our team 37:55.239 --> 37:57.370 was looking at this again , given the 37:57.370 --> 37:59.939 significant situation in Syria , um , 38:00.010 --> 38:02.689 and I asked for more information on 38:02.689 --> 38:04.929 this recognizing that if the numbers 38:04.929 --> 38:08.010 are not what we briefed , let's find 38:08.010 --> 38:10.389 out what the actual numbers are , um , 38:10.729 --> 38:12.840 and , and go from there and I got the 38:12.840 --> 38:15.007 numbers today . Has Secretary Austin , 38:15.007 --> 38:17.007 does he plan to or has he spoken to 38:17.007 --> 38:19.939 General Corolla about this ? Look , uh , 38:20.020 --> 38:22.020 but you know , Secretary Austin and 38:22.020 --> 38:24.242 General Cur speak about thisENO AOR all 38:24.242 --> 38:28.179 the time about this . No , 38:28.189 --> 38:30.300 they have not spoken about this . Let 38:30.300 --> 38:32.522 me get to some folks that haven't had a 38:32.522 --> 38:34.745 question yet . Yes , sir , please ask a 38:34.745 --> 38:36.689 news question and don't , uh , wax 38:36.689 --> 38:39.540 eloquently . I , I'll stop . OK , so , 38:39.629 --> 38:43.449 um . Pakistan intelligence , uh , 38:43.479 --> 38:45.423 former intelligence chief just got 38:45.423 --> 38:48.560 court martialed for corruption , uh . 38:49.659 --> 38:53.060 How do you see said generals and the 38:53.060 --> 38:55.780 extremism , the Taliban , the terrorism 38:55.780 --> 38:58.002 thing , does it disappoint you when you 38:58.002 --> 39:00.100 see former colleagues uh face the 39:00.100 --> 39:02.770 charges ? Uh , that , that's really a 39:02.770 --> 39:05.500 question for the , the Pakistani , um , 39:05.770 --> 39:07.603 you know , authorities and , and 39:07.603 --> 39:09.714 government . I'm , I'm not gonna wade 39:09.714 --> 39:11.659 into Pakistani domestic politics . 39:11.770 --> 39:14.103 Thank you . Let me go to the phone here , 39:14.103 --> 39:16.437 just take a couple more . Howard Altman . 39:17.719 --> 39:19.886 Hey , thanks , Pat . I appreciate it . 39:19.886 --> 39:22.108 I'm wondering , can you tell me whether 39:22.108 --> 39:24.163 there's been any additional um force 39:24.163 --> 39:26.959 protection , uh , you know , uh , ramp 39:26.959 --> 39:30.840 ups at any facilities in the US or OOAs 39:31.320 --> 39:33.669 regarding drone incursions ? Have any 39:33.949 --> 39:36.320 additional equipment being , uh , drone 39:36.320 --> 39:38.376 counter drone equipment been sent to 39:38.376 --> 39:40.760 any , uh , facilities beyond the ones 39:40.760 --> 39:42.760 you've already mentioned ? Thanks . 39:42.929 --> 39:44.985 Yeah , thanks , Howard . I , I don't 39:44.985 --> 39:47.040 have anything , uh , additional pass 39:47.040 --> 39:49.262 along . I'd refer you to NorthCO , uh , 39:49.262 --> 39:50.985 to talk about any , you know , 39:50.985 --> 39:52.929 additional facilities that they're 39:52.929 --> 39:54.707 looking at or , um , you know , 39:54.707 --> 39:56.762 movement of , of equipment and , you 39:56.762 --> 39:58.873 know , obviously , as you well know , 39:58.873 --> 40:01.096 um , base commanders have the authority 40:01.096 --> 40:03.207 to take appropriate steps in terms of 40:03.207 --> 40:05.399 force protection . Uh , as it relates 40:05.399 --> 40:07.343 to anything , uh , and so that's , 40:07.343 --> 40:09.455 that's something that's done on a day 40:09.455 --> 40:11.677 by day basis , uh , and not necessarily 40:11.677 --> 40:13.899 managed or or tracked from here at , at 40:13.899 --> 40:16.066 OSD , but again I'd , I'd refer you to 40:16.066 --> 40:18.177 Northcom . Yes , sir . Thank you very 40:18.177 --> 40:20.232 much , sir . Two questions quickly . 40:20.232 --> 40:22.959 One , if you are aware of uh US India 40:22.959 --> 40:25.520 space delegation here in Washington and 40:25.520 --> 40:28.429 uh space . Any relations between this 40:28.429 --> 40:30.870 building and space relations . I'm not 40:30.870 --> 40:33.500 tracking that . The second one is that 40:33.870 --> 40:36.469 who is helping and if this building is 40:36.469 --> 40:39.669 aware of sanctions against Iran on 40:39.669 --> 40:42.399 their nuclear program and also of 40:42.399 --> 40:44.750 course sanctions against Pakistan about 40:44.750 --> 40:48.239 on their missile long range missile 40:48.239 --> 40:50.350 program . Yeah , I'd I'd refer you to 40:50.350 --> 40:52.461 the State Department as it relates to 40:52.461 --> 40:54.517 any type of uh diplomatic efforts on 40:54.517 --> 40:56.683 that front . I , I don't have anything 40:56.683 --> 40:58.961 to from here . Last question , yes sir . 40:58.961 --> 41:01.072 Uh thank you very much . Uh , just to 41:01.072 --> 41:03.128 follow up on the section on entities 41:03.128 --> 41:05.350 supporting Pakistan missiles program in 41:05.350 --> 41:07.461 terms of security spectrum , how does 41:07.461 --> 41:09.239 the , uh , the Pentagon see any 41:09.239 --> 41:11.350 advancement in technology acquired by 41:11.350 --> 41:13.750 Pakistan , uh , to , uh , upgrade its 41:13.750 --> 41:16.479 system . Uh , as it is being faced by 41:16.479 --> 41:18.719 nuclear India , uh , being founded by 41:18.719 --> 41:20.979 nuclear India , hostile Iran , which 41:20.979 --> 41:24.000 did a provocative take on Pakistan this 41:24.000 --> 41:26.590 year and uh destabilize Afghanistan . 41:27.120 --> 41:30.100 Yeah , so I , I . Won't have anything 41:30.100 --> 41:33.169 to provide in terms of Pakistani or 41:33.169 --> 41:36.419 Indian um weapons programs other than 41:36.419 --> 41:39.780 to say look we uh value both India and 41:39.780 --> 41:42.179 Pakistan as important partners in the 41:42.179 --> 41:44.600 region . Uh , we believe that , uh , 41:44.610 --> 41:46.721 each country has an important role to 41:46.721 --> 41:48.943 play when it comes to regional security 41:48.943 --> 41:51.110 and stability , and I'll just leave it 41:51.110 --> 41:53.860 there . All right . Only because it's 41:53.860 --> 41:57.000 the holiday season . Can you , I know 41:57.000 --> 41:59.111 you can't do this right now , but can 41:59.111 --> 42:01.399 you provide to us whether or not these 42:01.399 --> 42:04.879 troop increases were specified in the 42:04.879 --> 42:07.040 orders book that the secretary has 42:07.040 --> 42:09.151 routinely approved every week and how 42:09.151 --> 42:11.320 far back those go ? Can you , can 42:11.320 --> 42:13.840 someone just get that for us when 42:13.840 --> 42:15.951 possible ? I'll take the question . I 42:15.951 --> 42:19.810 don't know . To what level 42:19.810 --> 42:21.780 of detail we're able to provide 42:21.780 --> 42:24.058 specificity I will say , um , you know , 42:24.219 --> 42:26.386 broadly speaking again without getting 42:26.386 --> 42:29.459 into classified information , um . That 42:29.459 --> 42:32.149 those order books are often looking at 42:32.149 --> 42:34.260 individual units or personnel right ? 42:34.260 --> 42:37.459 they're not necessarily um looking at 42:37.729 --> 42:40.669 um broad numbers all that to say uh 42:40.669 --> 42:42.939 again understand your intent and we'll 42:42.939 --> 42:44.995 provide what we can thanks everybody 42:44.995 --> 42:44.909 appreciate it .