On-Camera Press Briefing
January 13, 2025
14:16
Pentagon Briefing Room, Washington, D.C.
Moderator: Good afternoon, everyone. We are here today for an on-camera press briefing with the Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin. Secretary Austin will provide an update on the Department of Defense’s priorities and initiatives.
Secretary Lloyd Austin: Thank you, and good afternoon to all.
I am pleased to be here today to provide an update on the Department of Defense’s priorities and initiatives. As we enter a new era of strategic competition, the Department of Defense is focused on three primary lines of effort:
- Deter and defeat aggression by strengthening our alliances, investing in advanced capabilities, and maintaining a ready and responsive force.
- Innovate and adapt to the rapidly evolving threat environment by embracing emerging technologies, enhancing our cybersecurity, and fostering a culture of innovation.
- Strengthen our workforce by attracting, developing, and retaining the best talent to ensure the Department of Defense remains the most capable and effective fighting force in the world.
To achieve these goals, we are implementing a number of initiatives, including:
- The Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) program to connect our sensors and shooters across all domains, providing our warfighters with a comprehensive view of the battlefield and enabling them to make better decisions faster.
- The National Defense Strategy Commission to review the National Defense Strategy and make recommendations for updates to ensure it remains relevant in the face of evolving threats.
- The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program to enhance the cybersecurity of our defense industrial base and protect our sensitive information.
- The Talent Management System (TMS) to improve the recruitment, development, and retention of our military and civilian workforce.
These initiatives are essential to ensuring that the Department of Defense remains prepared to meet the challenges of the future. We are committed to working with Congress, our allies and partners, and the American people to build a stronger and more resilient defense for our nation.
Moderator: Thank you, Secretary Austin. We now have time for a few questions.
Reporter 1: Secretary Austin, can you provide an update on the situation in Ukraine?
Secretary Austin: The situation in Ukraine remains fluid and complex. We are closely monitoring the situation and are working with our allies and partners to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. We continue to call on Russia to end its unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine.
Reporter 2: Secretary Austin, what are the Department of Defense’s priorities for the next year?
Secretary Austin: Our priorities for the next year are to continue to deter and defeat aggression, innovate and adapt to the rapidly evolving threat environment, and strengthen our workforce. We will also focus on implementing the initiatives that I have mentioned today.
Reporter 3: Secretary Austin, what are the biggest challenges facing the Department of Defense today?
Secretary Austin: The biggest challenges facing the Department of Defense today are the evolving threat environment, the need to innovate and adapt, and the need to strengthen our workforce. We are committed to addressing these challenges and ensuring that the Department of Defense remains the most capable and effective fighting force in the world.
Moderator: Thank you, Secretary Austin. This concludes today’s press briefing.
On-Camera Press Briefing
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