Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for
Personnel & Readiness
The Honorable Ashish S. Vazirani
HON Shawn G. Skelly
 

Leadership


The Honorable Ashish S. Vazirani

Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
 


HON Shawn G. Skelly

Performing the Duties of Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness​

Leadership Picture - Mr. Peter Belk
Mr. Peter Belk
Readiness
Leadership Picture - HON Lester Martinez-Lopez
HON Lester Martinez-Lopez
Health Affairs
Leadership Picture - HON Ronald Keohane
HON Ronald T. Keohane
Manpower & Reserve Affairs

Assistant Secretaries
of Defense
&
Directors

Leadership Picture - Ms. Beth Foster
Ms. Beth Foster
Force Resiliency
Leadership Picture - Mr. Jeff Register
Mr. Jeff Register
DHRA
Leadership Picture  - There is no picture available yet
Ms. Ann Lee
Executive Director
Review of Notification Process for Assumption of Functions and Duties of the Secretary of Defense  
26 Feb '24

Today, the Department of Defense released the "Review of Notification Process for Assumption of Functions and Duties of the Secretary of Defense". The Sec. of Defense's Chief of Staff directed a 30-day review to identify the relevant facts and circumstances during the period of January 1-5, 2024, and to evaluate the processes and procedures through which the Deputy Sec. of Defense was notified that she would carry out the functions and duties of the Sec. of Defense. The full review is available here:

 

 
 

 

 
 


 


Defense Department Seeks Military Spouse Input Through Survey
10 Jan '24
 


The Defense Department has launched the 2024 Survey of Active Duty Spouses, its biennial assessment of the impact of military life on spouses and their families.
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 


 


Death Probes, Drug Testing & More: Get to Know DOD's Crime Lab
10 Jan '24
 

 

 



If the term "medical examiner" happens to come up in conversation, for many people, crime scene investigation television shows come to mind. Investigating deaths is a large part of what those experts do, but when it comes to the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, the various jobs carried out by its experts encompass so much more than that.
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 


 


IDing the Fallen, Past & Present: Here's How DOD's Only DNA Lab Works
10 Jan '24
 

 

 





Over the past several decades, most people have come to understand what DNA is – generally, it's defined as the carrier of a person's distinct genetic information. Since DNA was first used in forensic science in the late 1980s, it has opened doors for criminal investigators and genealogists to solve cases that have been cold for decades. For the U.S. military, it's been essential in carrying out the age-old motto, "no one left behind."
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 





 





Meet the Airmen Who Comfort Families of the Fallen During Dignified Transfers
10 Jan '24
 

 






Families of U.S. service members who die while on duty overseas face unimaginable grief, as well as a lot of questions that need to be answered to bring their loved one home. A vast network of caring folks based at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, help them through that process. 
 

 
 

 
 

 

 





 





With Dignity and Care: Inside the Process Bringing our Overseas Fallen Home
10 Jan '24
 

 






When you walk into the Joint Personal Effects Depot at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, the first thing you see is a row of glass cases filled with watches, lighters, jewelry, outdated cellphones and other items that are broken, cracked and even melted. All remain unclaimed after the Sept. 11, 2001, attack at the Pentagon.
 

 

 

 

 





 





With Dignity and Care: Inside the Process Bringing our Overseas Fallen Home
10 Jan '24
 

 






When a U.S. service member dies while on duty overseas, a massive endeavor begins to get that person home with dignity and respect. Regardless of the fallen service member's branch, that effort is coordinated by Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations based at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.
 

 

 

 

 





 





General Officer Announcements
10 Jan '24
 

 

 






Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nomination:

 






Army Col. Michael L. Smith for appointment to the grade of brigadier general. Smith is currently serving as director of the Unified Network Task Force, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
 

 

 

 

 





 





Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder on Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Health Status
10 Jan '24
 

 






Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following update on Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's health status:

 






Secretary Austin currently remains hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and is in good condition.
 

 

 

 

 






 






Flag Officer Announcements
9 Jan '24
 

 







Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations:  Navy Captain Douglas J. Adams for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half).  Adams is currently serving as deputy, Program Executive Office, Undersea Warfare Systems, Washington, D.C.
 

                                                                     
 

 

 






 






Sailor-Turned-Astronaut Compares Submarine, Space Station Life
9 Jan '24
 

 







For NASA astronaut Stephen Bowen, it was the  smell that immediately struck him as familiar.  "It has a unique odor," he said of the first time he entered the International Space Station. "It has a little tinge of everything." 
 

 

 

 

 






 






Medal of Honor Monday: Army Spc. 4th Class Gary Wetzel
8 Jan '24
 

 







Imagine losing your arm and suffering other severe injuries, yet still putting others' safety before your own. That's exactly what Army Spc. 4th Class Gary George Wetzel did during a firefight in Vietnam that took out his unit's helicopter. Wetzel miraculously survived the day, and his valor earned him the Medal of Honor.
 

 

 

 

 






 






Arctic Angels In Action
4 Jan '24
 

 







Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, also known as "Arctic Angels," recently conducted jumps from a Marine Corps KC-130J Super Hercules during airborne operations at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
 

 

 

 

 







 







DOD Releases Training, Resources to Help Combat Trafficking in Persons
2 Jan '24
 

 








In late December, President Joe Biden proclaimed January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and urged every American to learn how to identify signs of trafficking. The Defense Department continues its efforts to prevent and eradicate this horrific crime.
 

                               
 

 

 







 







Medal of Honor Monday: Army Tech. Sgt. Charles MacGillivary
1 Jan '24
 

 








During the last frigid winter of World War II, Army Tech. Sgt. Charles Andrew MacGillivary and his company found themselves pinned down by Germans for weeks. To break out of the bleak situation, MacGillivary singlehandedly took out several enemy positions, despite suffering serious wounds. His leadership and bravery during a pivotal moment of the war earned him the Medal of Honor.
 

 

 

 

 







 







Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on the Offices of Special Trial Counsel
28 Dec '23
 







I am pleased to announce that the four Offices of Special Trial Counsel—within the Army, the Department of the Air Force, the Navy, and the Marine Corps—have reached full operational capability.
 

 

 

 

 







DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 







Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Program Proposed Rule Published
26 Dec '23
 







Today, the Department of Defense publishes for a 60-day comment period a proposed rule for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/DOD-2023-OS-0063.
 

 

 

 

 










DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 










After Tough Year, Military Recruiting Is Looking Up
22 Dec '23
 










It's no secret that 2023 was a tough year for military recruiting, but that situation is looking up, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder during a news conference yesterday.
 

 

 

 

 










DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 










DOD Announce Release of Department of Defense Instruction and Website on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response
21 Dec '23
 










Today, the Department of Defense released the DOD Instruction on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response, which establishes the Department’s enduring policies, responsibilities, and procedures for mitigating and responding to civilian harm.
 

 

 

 

 










DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 










Television and Movie Star Brian Keith Was Also a Marine
21 Dec '23
 










Actor Brian Keith has been the judge on the television series "Hardcastle and McCormick," the uncle in "Family Affair," Teddy Roosevelt in the movie "The Wind and the Lion," and the father in "The Parent Trap."
 

 

 

 

 










DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 










Defense Department Taking Action with Warfighter Brain Health Initiative 
20 Dec '23
 










The Defense Department is committed to focusing on warfighter brain health. Some DOD actions include monitoring service members, instituting injury prevention safety measures, and continuing to provide innovative brain injury treatments.
 

 

 

 

 










DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 










Flag Officer Assignments
18 Dec '23
 










The secretary of the Navy and chief of naval operations announced the following assignments: Rear Adm. (lower half) Amy N. Bauernschmidt is assigned as deputy commander, Seventh Fleet, Yokosuka, Japan.
 

 

 

 

 











DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 











General Officer Announcements
15 Dec '23
 











Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations: Marine Corps Reserve Brig. Gen. Douglas K. Clark for appointment to the grade of major general. Clark is currently serving as commanding general, 4th Marine Division, U.S. Marine Forces Reserve, New Orleans, Louisiana.
 

                                     
 

 

 











DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 











Sports Hero's Who Served: Champion Wrestler, Actor Was Also a Soldier
15 Dec '23
 











Sports Heroes Who Served is a series that highlights the accomplishments of athletes who served in the U.S. military. Randy Couture was a champion wrestler and martial artist, as well as an actor.
 

 

 

 

 











DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 











NSA Focuses on Talent as Pace of Technology Quickens
8 Dec '23
 











The National Security Agency's ability to recruit and retain top talent is key to meeting the demands of the future, agency Director Army Gen. Paul M. Nakasone, said today.
 

 

 

 

 











DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 











DOD Releases 2024 Basic Allowance for Housing Rates  
14 Dec '23
 











Basic allowance for housing, or BAH, rates for 2024 will increase by an average of 5.4%. The new rates, which are paid to all U.S.-based active-duty members of the uniformed services when government quarters are unavailable, take effect Jan. 1. 
 

 

 

 

 











DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 











DOD Addresses Recruiting Shortfall Challenges  
14 Dec '23
 











The Defense Department's acting undersecretary for personnel and readiness and senior manpower officials today testified about shortfalls in Army, Navy and Air Force recruiting in the fiscal year that ended in September at a hearing of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee.
 

 

 

 

 














DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 














Military Children Shine at Christmas Show  
11 Dec '23
 














Army Garrison Italy's Soldiers' Theatre held the opening night of its annual Christmas Show, featuring 25 members of the Vicenza military community. Commissioned and noncommissioned officers, retirees, spouses and military children were cast in the show.
 

 

 

 

 














DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 














Camouflage Not Required: DOD Helps Students Plan for Civilian, Military Careers  
11 Dec '23
 














The Defense Department is partnering with educators and guidance counselors at one of New York City's largest high schools to help students plan for their future, regardless of whether that path leads to a career in the military or as a civilian.   
 

 

 

 

 














DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 














DoD Announces New Reserve Forces Policy Board Chair  
11 Dec '23
 














The Secretary of Defense appointed Honorable Col. Lisa Disbrow (Ret.) as Chair of the Reserve Forces Policy Board (RFPB) today. Disbrow succeeds Maj. Gen. Arnold L. Punaro, who retired from the Marine Corps Reserve and held the chair since 2011.   
 

 

 

 

 















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 















Chiefs Discuss Military Recruiting Challenges at Committee Hearing  
7 Dec '23
 















The military's recruiting chiefs said they are making progress in meeting recruiting goals for fiscal 2024 even in the face of what one called "one of the toughest recruiting landscapes I've seen in over 33 years of service." 
 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
 

 

 















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 















Face of Defense: The Cuban Chief's Recipe for Leadership  
6 Dec '23
 















According to Marrerosuarez, these are values ingrained in her from growing up in impoverished conditions, living with food insecurity and clothing scarcity in Cuba. In 2008, at 19 years old, she emigrated with her family from Havana to Miami.
 

 

 

 

 















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 















Brown: Young People Consider Military Service if They Know Enough About It  
6 Dec '23
 















Getting young people to choose a career in the military will require more people talking about what opportunities there are in the service, said the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
 

 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















DOD Issues Ex ceptional Family Member Program
23 Jun '23
 
















The Defense Department has issued its own Exceptional Family Member Program, a move that ensures consistency across the services for military families with special needs.  
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















New Defense Department Policy Standardizes Exceptional Family Member Program Across the Services
23 Jun '23
 
















The Defense Department has enacted changes to ensure consistency across the service branches for military families with special needs. Previously each service set its own processes and guidelines because there wasn't standard policy guidance from the department. 
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Department of Defense Approves Policy to Reimburse Pet Expenses Due to a Permanent Change of Station
21 Jun '23
 
















The Department of Defense has approved a new policy to cover pet travel expenses, like pet shipping or quarantine fees, incurred by Service members during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). As of January 1, 2024
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















DOD Plans to Return to 'Defense Travel System'
13 Jun '23
 
















In a memorandum released last month, the Defense Department announced that previous directions to begin using the new MyTravel system have been repealed, and agencies should instead return to using the existing Defense Travel System.
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Military Marks Half-Century of the All-Volunteer Force
13 Jun '23
 
















Military training instructors throughout the U.S. armed forces began shouting this (or something very like it) at their charges soon after the American military ditched the draft and returned to its all-volunteer roots in 1973. 
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















In 75 Years Since Women's Armed Services Integration Act, Female Service Members Have Excelled
12 Jun '23
 
















Just 75 years ago today, President Harry S. Truman signed into law the Women's Armed Services Integration Act, which allowed, for the first time, women to serve as regular members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. 
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Defense Civilian Training Corps Kick-Off Marks Milestone in Strengthening DOD Civilian Acquisition Workforce
12 Jun '23
 
















On June 8, the Defense Department marked a new milestone in its commitment to modernizing the acquisition workforce with the launch of the Defense Civilian Training Corps. 
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Biden Moves to Improve Opportunities for Military Spouses
9 Jun '23
 
















At Fort Liberty, North Carolina, today, President Joe Biden signed an executive order designed to strengthen economic opportunities for military and veteran spouses, caregivers and survivors. 
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Bug Awareness Week: Small Bugs Pack a Pathogenic Punch
9 Jun '23
 
















Walter Reed National Military Medical Center partners with its Department of Defense stakeholders and the National Institutes of Health to promote Bug Awareness Week, an annual public health campaign held June 10 – 17 to heighten awareness of the potential risks associated with insect-related transmissible diseases. 
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Austin Says Qualified Patriots, Including LGBTQ+, Bolster Defense
7 Jun '23
 
















This 12th annual Pride Month, the Defense Department honors the service, commitment and sacrifice of the LGBTQ+ service members and personnel who volunteered to defend America, stated Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III in a June 1 news release.  
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Officials Say DOD Must Be Employer of Choice to Meet Manpower Goals
6 Jun '23
 
















On Jan. 27, 1973, Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird Jr. announced that the U.S. military would fill its ranks exclusively with volunteers rather than with draftees. On July 1, 1973, the military draft ended.  
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Pride Month
1 Jun '23
 
















This Pride Month, we honor the service, commitment, and sacrifice of the LGBTQ+ Service members and personnel who volunteer to defend our country. Their proud service adds to America's strength.
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
DoD Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Pride Month Observance
1 Jun '23
 
















Department of Defense Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Pride Month Observance
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Back on Track: DOD Fellowship Guides Military Spouse's Workforce Return
24 May '23
 
















For military spouses, finding employment can be difficult and daunting, especially after a big move. But a lot of spouses have the potential, drive and skills that would be great assets to the workforce, and it would be a shame to see them go to waste.
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks Visits Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and the Ted Stevens Center
23 May '23
 
















Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks visited Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, today to gain a deeper understanding of the quality-of-life issues facing servicemembers stationed in the Arctic, receive operational updates, and visit the Ted ..
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks Visits Eielson Air Force Base and Ft. Wainwright
23 May '23
 
















Today Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Gilbert Cisneros, Jr. signed a policy to implement the Brandon Act and improve the process for service members to seek mental health support.
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Civilians, Service Members Recognized for excellence in Sexual Assault Prevention, Victim Advocacy
22 May '23
 
















The Defense Department recognized a group of service members and civilians for their outstanding work toward sexual assault prevention and victim support in an annual award ceremony held at the Pentagon this month.
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
Armed Forces Wellness Centers Help All to Improve Lifestyle, Health Outcomes
16 May '23
 
















Maintaining fitness is often a challenge for service members and their families, but COVID-19 wreaked havoc with fitness routines and the Defense Health Agency would like to get people back on track.
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
Austin Says Taking Care of Troops, Families a High Priority
12 May '23
 
















Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with paratroopers and family members of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
Fisher Houses Offer Free Stays, Comfort to Ailing Military Families, Vets
10 May '23
 
















It might be the well-stocked kitchens, the shelves of movies or the wheelchair-accessible showers that have drawn hundreds of thousands of military members, veterans and their families to Fisher Houses over the past three decades.
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
STEM Event Urges Students to Dream Big
10 May '23
 
















Ignite the imagination. Launch creativity. Explore opportunities. Temple University Ambler, in conjunction with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division, hosted an Engineering Prototype Day on April 21 to showcase..
 

 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
DoD Announces Implementation of the Brandon Act
5 May '23
 
















Today Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Gilbert Cisneros, Jr. signed a policy to implement the Brandon Act and improve the process for service members to seek mental health support.
 

 

 

 

















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Brandon Act Aims to Improve Mental Health Support
5 May '23
 
















Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr., undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, signed a policy today to initiate implementation of the Brandon Act and improve the process for service members seeking mental health support.
 

 

 


















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article

DoD Hosts Month long Celebration of Military Spouses
4 May '23
 
















The Defense Department will celebrate Military Spouse Appreciation Month in May with a monthlong series of virtual events designed to help spouses meet career and personal goals.
 

 

 



















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article


DoD Implements New Overseas Cost-of-Living Allowance Adjustment Process
3 May '23
 
















The Defense Department has announced updates to the adjustment process for the overseas cost-of-living allowance, which is aimed at creating financial predictability for service members stationed outside of the continental U.S.
 

 

 



















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 


















Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Speaks at the USNA Alumni Leadership Forum
29 April '23
 
















Hello everyone and thanks for inviting me to speak today. I want to begin by thanking all of you for your selfless service to our nation. For those of you who might not know, I'm a former naval officer, and it means a lot for me to come and speak to all of you today.
 

 

 



















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article


Game On: Sailors Celebrate Military Children
21 April '23
 
















Put your game face on! Sailors assigned to the USS Ronald Reagan raced into action to show their appreciation for Sullivans Elementary School students at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, during Month of the Military Child.
 

 

 




















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 



















Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Speaks at the Syracuse Service Summit on the Value of Service
20 April '23
 
















Thank you Dr. Armstrong for the introduction and thank you to Secretaries O'Keefe and Rostker for the thought-provoking discussion to start our morning. You have both provided extraordinary service to the nation. Secretary Austin sends his regrets for not being able to join you all today for this important forum.
 

 

 

















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 

















DOD Names Mr. Bryant Parmeter as the Inaugural Chief Talent Management Officer
10 April '23
 
















Brynt Parmeter has been named the inaugural Chief Talent Management Officer (CTMO) at the Department of Defense (DoD), a position that will reside in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)).
 

 

 

















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 

















Month of the Military Child 2023 - Taking Care of Our Military Children
3 April '23
 
















The Defense Department is observing April as Month of the Military Child and will highlight programs, resources and services available to support the overall well-being of military children, youth and teens.
 

 

 

















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 

















DOD Official Says Training for Ukrainians Is Ongoing
30 March '23
 
















Since the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine just over a year ago, the U.S. has provided more than $32.5 billion of security assistance in the form of military hardware and ammunition. Allies and partners have also provided military hardware.
 

 

 
















 
















Service Members Get Extended Parental Leave
29 March '23
 
















The Defense Department issued a new policy to provide 12 weeks of paid, non-chargeable parental leave to service members who have a child through birth, adoption or a long-term foster care placement of at least 24 months.
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















DoD Announced New Bereavement Leave Benefit for Members
29 March '23
..
Today, the Department of Defense announced a new non-chargeable, paid bereavement leave benefit for service members who suffer the loss of their spouses or children. Directive-type Memorandum 23-003 
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















DOD Announces Six New Measures To Enhance Well-Being
22 March '23
 
















Today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at improving the lives of our dedicated military force and their families.
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















DOD Announces Next Steps on Suicide Prevention in the Military
16 March '23
 
















Today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III issued a memorandum on the Next Steps on Suicide Prevention in the Military.
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Military Celebrates Women's History Month
10 March '23
 
















March is Women's History Month. This year's theme, "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories," acknowledges the pioneering women...
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Department of Defense Releases Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence
10 March '23
 
















Today, the Department of Defense (DOD) released the Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies, Academic Program Year 2021-2022.
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Physician Says DOD Focused on Improving Mental Health of Force
7 March '23
 
















Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. Lester Martinez-Lopez said the department is committing resources with a focus on preventing suicides of military and family members.
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Austin Charts Path Forward in Message to Force
2 March '23
 
















The new missive comes two years after the secretary's first message to the force, which outlined his priorities to defend the Nation from enemies foreign and domestic.
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Job Search Tool Connects Military Spouses, Employers
28 Feb '23
 
















The Defense Department's Military Spouse Employment Partnership connects military spouses with over 600 partner employers consisting of corporations, small businesses, non-profits and federal agencies who have committed to recruit...
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee (SPRIRC) Releases Report Families
24 Feb '23
 
















Today, the Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee (SPRIRC) released their independent report, providing their findings and recommendations.
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Service Members Should Avoid Foods With Poppy Seeds
22 Feb '23
 
















Service members may want to hold off ordering that "everything" bagel. It's not an urban legend: Eating poppy seeds can cause diners to test positive for codeine on a urinalysis, Defense Department officials said in a memo released yesterday.
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















DoD Releases Policies to Ensure Access to Non-Covered Reproductive Health Care
16 Feb '23
 
















On October 20, 2022, the Secretary of Defense released a memorandum, "Ensuring Access to Reproductive Health Care," directing the Department to take a series of actions to ensure Service members and their families are able to access non-covered reproductive health care.
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Sesame Workshop Rolls Out Self-Care Content for Military Families
31 Jan '23
 
















Like many Americans, emotional well-being is something that many military families have said they're struggling with since the pandemic started, according to Sesame Workshop, which works with the Defense Department to bring information to military families through its websites and free apps.
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Consolidated Department of Defense Coronavirus Disease 2019 Force Health Protection Guidance
31 Jan '23
 
















The Department of Defense recently released the memorandum for the Consolidated Department of Defense Coronavirus Disease 2019 Force Health Protection (FHP) Guidance – Revision 4.
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Biden Announces Abrams Tanks to be Delivered to Ukraine
25 Nov '23
 
















President Joe Biden announced today that the United States will provide Ukraine with 31 M1 Abrams tanks. That is the required number to equip an entire Ukraine tank battalion.
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















Leaders Detail Future of National Guard
24 Jan '23
 
















The National Guard remains an integral part of U.S. military might, and it's changing to remain effective for the future, Army Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said today.
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















DOD's Safe Helpline Has Aided Victims for a Decade
24 Jan '23
 
















For over a decade, the Defense Department's Safe Helpline has provided a secure place for military survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones to get support and information 24/7.
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















If It Is Worth Dying for, It Is Worth Living for
24 Jan '23
 
















Army Capt. Garrett Boyer is an active-duty psychologist at Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia. In his commentary below, he shares a story of a combat veteran to encourage others to seek mental health help if needed. Names have been changed to protect confidentiality.
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















DOD Now Accepting Applications for New Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot
12 Jan '23
 
















The Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot program provides spouses of currently serving members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Space Force, to include active, reserve and National Guard components, with paid fellowships at civilian employers across various industries and locations.
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















DOD Rescinds COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate
10 Jan '23
 
















Today in a memo, Secretary Austin rescinded the Aug. 24, 2021 memorandum mandating that members of the Armed Forces under DoD authority be vaccinated against COVID-19, and the memorandum of Nov. 30, 2021, pertaining to the vaccination of National Guard and Reserve personnel. 
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















DOD Begins Implementing Naming Commission Recommendations
5 Jan '23
 
















The Naming Commission process is now over and the names of bases, posts, ships, streets and more named after Confederate soldiers will change.
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















DHA Will Serve 'Anytime, Anywhere — Always,' Says New Director
5 Jan '23
 
















Army Maj. Gen. Telita Crosland yesterday became the Defense Health Agency's fourth director in its nearly 10-year existence, pledging to continue taking the DHA "down its path of excellence."
 


 
















 
















   DOD Releases Memo Expanding Military Parental Leave Program
5 Jan '23
 
















The memo provides details on transition to the new expanded parental leave for Service members who were on leave under the old military parental leave program as of Dec. 27, 2022, and had not used all of their maternity convalescent leave or their caregiver leave.
 

 

 
















 
















   DOD Survey Asks Participants to Weigh in on Exceptional Family Member Program
30 Dec '22
 
















WASHINGTON — Soldiers, family members and civilians are the Army’s most valuable resource. This year, to meet the needs of an evolving Army, policies have been reexamined and programs changed to improve quality of life for the force.
 

 

 
















 
















New in 2023: Allowance will help low-income military families
30 Dec '22
 
















A new allowance, designed to be a safety net for lower-income active duty military families, is set to take effect Jan. 1. It will help these families make ends meet, and addresses hunger and food insecurity.
 

 

 
















 
















DOD Shows Progress in Supporting Service Members, Families
20 Dec '22
 
















The Defense Department and military services are making progress in one of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's priorities — taking care of service members and their families. 
 

 

 
















 
















In New Year, BAH Rates Will Increase By Average of 12.1%
15 Dec '22
 
















The Defense Department has released the basic allowance for housing, or BAH rates for 2023. Those rates have risen, on average, by 12.1%, said the Pentagon press secretary during a briefing today.  
 

 

 
















 
















   DOD Survey Asks Participants to Weigh in on Exceptional Family Member Program
30 Nov '22
 
















Last month the Defense Department released the Annual Report on Suicide in the Military for 2021, which showed a 15% decrease in suicides from 2020 to 2021. But that hasn't meant the department can shift focus away from suicide prevention, the deputy secretary of defense said. 
 

 

 
















DoD News Article Thumbnail - This image links to the external news article
 
















DOD Survey Asks Participants to Weigh in on Exceptional Family Member Program
17 Nov '22
 
















For the first time, the Defense Department will offer those enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program, also called EFMP, an opportunity to provide detailed input about their experiences. Feedback will be used to improve how the program provides services to participating families. 

Latest Posts