Defense Department

Austin Ceremonially Sworn in at the White House

Jan. 25, 2021 | By Brian W. Everstine
Vice President Kamala Harris on Jan. 25 ceremonially swore in new Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III at the White House, days after he started the job and has already announced multiple changes to the Defense Department. “Secretary Austin’s integrity, experience, and intimate knowledge of ...

Brown on Capitol Riot: ‘I Struggled on That Day’

Jan. 25, 2021 | By Rachel S. Cohen
On Jan. 6, as a throng of supporters of former President Donald J. Trump and right-wing extremists mobbed the U.S. Capitol, the Air Force Chief of Staff couldn’t tear himself away from the television. Brown, teleworking away from the Pentagon, said he watched in shock ...

About 5,000 Guard Troops to Stay in D.C. Through Mid-March

Jan. 25, 2021 | By Brian W. Everstine
Approximately 5,000 National Guard troops will remain on the streets of Washington, D.C., with most protecting the U.S. Capitol for almost two more months, in response to requests from federal agencies and local police who anticipate additional unrest. As of Jan. 25, there were about ...

New Team of Acting Leaders Take Command at DOD, USAF

Jan. 20, 2021 | By Brian W. Everstine
A new team of acting leaders in the Defense Department and the Department of the Air Force took command at 12:01 p.m. Jan. 20, leading the military on a temporary basis while Biden administration nominees await confirmation. Immediately after President Joe Biden took the oath ...