“The Joint Chiefs of Staff, in view of their global responsibilities and their perspective with respect to the worldwide strategic situation, are in a better position than any single theater commander to assess the risk of general war. Moreover, the Joint Chiefs of Staff are best able to judge our own military resources with which to meet that risk.” Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Omar N. Bradley in 1951 to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Learn more about global integration and how it informs decision making for the Chairman and the Secretary of Defense and supports the National Defense Strategy.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley on Coronavirus
 

“We are at war. It’s a different type of war, but a war, nonetheless. And we are the United States military and we will prevail in this war, both as a nation and as the Armed Forces.”

''This is not the first challenge the United States has ever faced. This is not the first war we've ever been in...We will get through this through solid leadership, caring for our troops and keeping focus on the mission."

"We are committed to the health and safety of you and our families...We are the world's finest fighting force and it's because of you. Keep your eye on the mission and take care of yourselves and each other."

“The impact on uniformed military is very minimal...We are also preparing to help--Whatever the nation needs...We're able to support other agencies, as necessary, and as required by the President and Congress."

"[Taking care of soldiers and families is] one of the top priorities of the secretary of defense, it's one of the top priorities of all of us in uniform, it's one of our solemn responsibilities to take care of our soldiers and families and we intend to do that. And we'll provide whatever assistance is needed to them."

"Here in the United States, we are making all due preparations to protect our bases, camps and stations and also to act in support of Health and Human Services. So we've got lots of capabilities, medical capabilities, housing, and so on, so forth that if required and directed by the secretary of defense we'll do our part."

Joint Staff Surgeon Brig. Gen. Dr. Paul Friedrichs on Coronavirus

“Not only do we have an obligation to the health of our service members and to their families, we also have an obligation to preserve our ability to do our military mission and to our communities in which we have bases.”

"The immediate risk to our force remains low. We’ve had a handful of cases worldwide--No one is seriously ill and everyone who has been diagnosed has been appropriately treated or getting the care they need."

"The current confirmed cases are low and we want to keep those numbers low by implementing common-sense mitigation efforts. These practical measures can have a significant impact on controlling the spread of COVID-19."

"Every individual has the responsibility to implement these basic measures, including social distancing measures in the workplace and frequently wiping down surfaces."
 

Download CDC directions on cloth face coverings

"For years, [we] have had a very robust research and development program looking at viral illnesses. Our labs have been working on vaccines, and we are partnering with [Health and Human Services] and CDC on developing vaccine candidates."

 

Learn more about DoD's priorities to combat coronavirus.