July 29, 2020

DOD Proposes Removing More than 11,000 Troops From Germany

The United States will bring some American service members home from their forward stationed assignments in Germany, while other service members will move to other locations in Europe to improve the commitment to NATO and the defense of Europe, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said, adding that the proposed changes are firmly in line with the National Defense Strategy.

July 13, 2020

No Place for Racism, Discrimination in U.S. Military, Milley Says

Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper testified about the military role in wake of the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis policemen in May.

May 29, 2020

Leaders Describe Lessons Learned From COVID-19 Risk Mitigation

Some practices adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic have benefitted the troops and may be continued after the pandemic abates, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said.

March 24, 2020

Esper Lists DOD's Top Priorities During COVID-19 Pandemic

Protecting the Defense Department's people, maintaining military readiness and supporting the whole-of-government interagency response are DOD's top three priorities amid the coronavirus pandemic, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said.

Jan. 2, 2020

Esper: Kataeb Hezbollah Will 'Likely Regret' Further Provocative Behavior

U.S. forces in Iraq were attacked Dec. 27 near Kirkuk by Kataeb Hezbollah, a group with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force. The attack, which involved 31 rockets fired, killed one American civilian contractor and injured four American service members as well as two partners in the Iraqi security forces, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said.

Dec. 20, 2019

DOD Leaders Look to Future, Reflect on End-of-Year Results

Congress' passage of the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act yesterday will enable the Defense Department to adapt to the challenges posed by great power competitors, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said.

Dec. 18, 2019

Esper, Milley Commemorate Battle of the Bulge 75th Anniversary

Military and civilian dignitaries from Europe and the United States were in Belgium today to mark the anniversary of one of the most important battles of World War II: the Battle of the Bulge.

Nov. 15, 2019

U.S., South Korean Defense Leaders Talk Military Exercises

Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper and South Korean National Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo discussed their nations' combined military readiness exercise program during the 51st annual Security Consultative Meeting in Seoul, South Korea, today.

Oct. 11, 2019

Esper Condemns Turkey's Syria Incursion, Says U.S. Stands With Syrian Democratic Forces

Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper condemned Turkey's unilateral military incursion into Northern Syria, saying the move endangers civilians, will encourage instability and may cause the resurrection of ISIS.