1 00:00:03,340 --> 00:00:07,000 afternoon everybody . Let me start with 2 00:00:07,000 --> 00:00:08,889 a couple of things and then we'll 3 00:00:11,040 --> 00:00:14,850 get to you . Mhm . 4 00:00:16,140 --> 00:00:18,690 Last week , Deputy Secretary Hicks 5 00:00:18,690 --> 00:00:20,912 signed new guidance for the procurement 6 00:00:20,912 --> 00:00:22,857 and operation of unmanned aircraft 7 00:00:22,857 --> 00:00:26,510 systems or US in addition to ensuring 8 00:00:26,520 --> 00:00:28,631 the department's continued compliance 9 00:00:28,631 --> 00:00:31,000 with Section 8 48 of the fiscal year 10 00:00:31,010 --> 00:00:33,660 2020 N . D . A . 11 00:00:34,340 --> 00:00:37,150 This policy will allow the department 12 00:00:37,150 --> 00:00:38,650 to take advantage of rapid 13 00:00:38,650 --> 00:00:40,539 technological advancements of the 14 00:00:40,539 --> 00:00:42,650 commercial market . The guidance also 15 00:00:42,650 --> 00:00:44,880 continues the practice of not allowing 16 00:00:44,880 --> 00:00:46,940 chinese made drones for our military 17 00:00:46,940 --> 00:00:48,662 use , thereby taking action to 18 00:00:48,662 --> 00:00:50,718 safeguard sensitive information that 19 00:00:50,718 --> 00:00:53,660 could be collected by a U . S . Also 20 00:00:53,670 --> 00:00:55,781 yesterday , I think you may have seen 21 00:00:55,781 --> 00:00:57,948 the missile Defense agency conducted a 22 00:00:57,948 --> 00:00:59,837 successful test of a ground based 23 00:00:59,837 --> 00:01:01,503 interceptor or G . B . I . At 24 00:01:01,503 --> 00:01:03,670 Vandenberg Space Force Base . This was 25 00:01:03,670 --> 00:01:05,950 a non intercept test and the missile 26 00:01:05,950 --> 00:01:08,620 splashed down in a controlled area of 27 00:01:08,620 --> 00:01:10,787 the pacific ocean M . D . A . Issued a 28 00:01:10,787 --> 00:01:12,731 notice to Mariners and a notice to 29 00:01:12,731 --> 00:01:15,220 airmen in advance of uh in coordination 30 00:01:15,220 --> 00:01:17,164 with the Coast Guard and the FAA a 31 00:01:17,164 --> 00:01:19,730 respective respectively . This was the 32 00:01:19,730 --> 00:01:22,230 first flight test of a three stage 33 00:01:22,240 --> 00:01:24,910 booster operating in two stage mode 34 00:01:25,200 --> 00:01:27,570 meaning the third stage was not ignited , 35 00:01:28,040 --> 00:01:30,500 allowing early release of the kill 36 00:01:30,500 --> 00:01:32,611 vehicle . And then on a schedule note 37 00:01:32,611 --> 00:01:34,833 this evening , the Secretary along with 38 00:01:34,833 --> 00:01:38,290 the First lady dr biden , Prince Harry , 39 00:01:38,290 --> 00:01:41,370 the Duke of Sussex uh and the Ceo of 40 00:01:41,380 --> 00:01:43,640 the Fisher House Foundation . Mr ken 41 00:01:43,640 --> 00:01:45,910 fisher will host a virtual event to 42 00:01:45,910 --> 00:01:48,470 honor Warrior Games athletes , their 43 00:01:48,470 --> 00:01:50,380 families and caregivers . The 44 00:01:50,380 --> 00:01:52,602 Department of Defense Warrior Games . I 45 00:01:52,602 --> 00:01:54,658 think as you all know , is an annual 46 00:01:54,658 --> 00:01:56,324 event first held in 2010 that 47 00:01:56,324 --> 00:01:58,213 celebrates the resiliency and the 48 00:01:58,213 --> 00:02:00,324 dedication of wounded ill and injured 49 00:02:00,324 --> 00:02:02,324 active duty and veteran US military 50 00:02:02,324 --> 00:02:04,390 service members . The 2021 Warrior 51 00:02:04,390 --> 00:02:06,740 Games were slated to begin this week in 52 00:02:06,740 --> 00:02:08,962 Orlando but they had to be cancelled to 53 00:02:08,962 --> 00:02:10,962 ensure the health and safety of the 54 00:02:10,962 --> 00:02:12,907 athletes and their families due to 55 00:02:12,907 --> 00:02:14,907 COVID-related concerns . Uh and the 56 00:02:14,907 --> 00:02:16,962 secretary is delighted to be able to 57 00:02:16,962 --> 00:02:19,073 have the opportunity tonight uh to be 58 00:02:19,073 --> 00:02:21,296 able to speak with some of the athletes 59 00:02:21,296 --> 00:02:23,629 again and their families and caregivers , 60 00:02:23,629 --> 00:02:25,796 uh even if it is remotely he's looking 61 00:02:25,796 --> 00:02:27,851 forward to that . So with that we'll 62 00:02:27,851 --> 00:02:31,130 take questions . Um I'm sorry I was 63 00:02:31,140 --> 00:02:33,990 distracted by my ipad , which is I 64 00:02:34,000 --> 00:02:37,060 can't get back to work in here . Lita 65 00:02:37,060 --> 00:02:40,920 will go to you first . Thanks john uh 66 00:02:40,930 --> 00:02:44,010 two things . Um one . Um can you give 67 00:02:44,010 --> 00:02:46,640 us whatever update you may be able to , 68 00:02:46,640 --> 00:02:50,460 on the flights of evacuees out 69 00:02:50,460 --> 00:02:52,650 of europe and out of the Middle East . 70 00:02:52,660 --> 00:02:54,990 Um , considering these , apparently 71 00:02:54,990 --> 00:02:57,710 there's some problems with measles . Um , 72 00:02:57,720 --> 00:03:01,250 do you know , um what if any cases 73 00:03:01,250 --> 00:03:04,380 there are and what you know what what 74 00:03:04,380 --> 00:03:06,800 the process is at this point . And then 75 00:03:06,810 --> 00:03:09,520 second , a quick one . Uh I realize you 76 00:03:09,520 --> 00:03:11,742 can't talk much about the investigation 77 00:03:11,742 --> 00:03:14,120 into the drone strike , but can you 78 00:03:14,120 --> 00:03:16,231 tell us whether or not the U . S . Is 79 00:03:16,231 --> 00:03:19,110 able as part of the investigation to 80 00:03:19,110 --> 00:03:22,090 put people on the ground in 81 00:03:22,100 --> 00:03:25,590 Afghanistan or if this will have to all 82 00:03:25,590 --> 00:03:28,400 be done remotely ? Thank you . Thanks 83 00:03:28,400 --> 00:03:31,800 lita on the your measles 84 00:03:31,800 --> 00:03:34,660 question . Operation Allies Welcome 85 00:03:34,660 --> 00:03:37,010 flights into the United States remain 86 00:03:37,010 --> 00:03:39,540 paused at the request of the C . D . C . 87 00:03:39,540 --> 00:03:42,660 For at least seven additional days from 88 00:03:42,660 --> 00:03:45,510 today because of recent diagnosed cases 89 00:03:45,510 --> 00:03:47,621 of measles among afghans who recently 90 00:03:47,621 --> 00:03:50,740 arrived in the United States . And I 91 00:03:50,740 --> 00:03:54,070 think you asked about how many cases 92 00:03:54,070 --> 00:03:56,790 there , there have been five diagnosed 93 00:03:56,790 --> 00:03:58,960 cases of measles among new arrivals so 94 00:03:58,960 --> 00:04:01,450 far . And we are closely monitoring 95 00:04:01,840 --> 00:04:04,420 just in case more emerged . We already 96 00:04:04,420 --> 00:04:06,531 announced one case that was confirmed 97 00:04:06,531 --> 00:04:08,910 last week at Fort McCoy and three cases 98 00:04:08,910 --> 00:04:11,077 were confirmed on thursday night among 99 00:04:11,077 --> 00:04:12,966 new arrivals who flew into Dulles 100 00:04:12,966 --> 00:04:15,470 airport here in the D . C . Area and 101 00:04:15,470 --> 00:04:18,200 then one Has been found at four pick it . 102 00:04:18,740 --> 00:04:20,962 Uh They have been housed separately and 103 00:04:20,962 --> 00:04:23,129 are receiving medical care and the C . 104 00:04:23,129 --> 00:04:25,296 D . C . Is doing contact tracing . And 105 00:04:25,296 --> 00:04:27,296 we'll ask people to self isolate as 106 00:04:27,296 --> 00:04:29,407 needed and obviously we'll share more 107 00:04:29,407 --> 00:04:29,160 information as soon as it becomes 108 00:04:29,160 --> 00:04:32,350 available on your second question . Um 109 00:04:32,360 --> 00:04:34,582 You're you're right . I'm not gonna get 110 00:04:34,582 --> 00:04:37,440 ahead of uh what centcom is doing with 111 00:04:37,440 --> 00:04:41,340 their assessment of that strike . I 112 00:04:41,350 --> 00:04:44,970 don't foresee an option at this point 113 00:04:44,970 --> 00:04:47,137 and I'd certainly referring to centcom 114 00:04:47,137 --> 00:04:49,192 but I'm not aware of any option that 115 00:04:49,192 --> 00:04:51,940 would put investigators on the ground 116 00:04:51,950 --> 00:04:55,420 in uh in Kabul to uh to complete their 117 00:04:55,420 --> 00:04:59,260 assessment ? Yes sir . Can you Travis 118 00:04:59,260 --> 00:05:01,427 triton with military dot com . Can you 119 00:05:01,427 --> 00:05:03,482 know , Travis , can you speak at all 120 00:05:03,482 --> 00:05:05,750 about the safety of folks who are at 121 00:05:05,760 --> 00:05:09,680 like Fort McCoy , Fort Pickett and 122 00:05:09,680 --> 00:05:11,902 whether there's any danger to them with 123 00:05:11,902 --> 00:05:13,680 these measles cases ? Well , we 124 00:05:13,680 --> 00:05:15,513 certainly are taking these cases 125 00:05:15,513 --> 00:05:17,736 seriously . Travis , that's why the CDC 126 00:05:17,736 --> 00:05:19,680 is involved . And we've paused the 127 00:05:19,680 --> 00:05:21,847 flights coming in . Uh we're observing 128 00:05:21,847 --> 00:05:24,013 all the CDC guidelines that need to be 129 00:05:24,013 --> 00:05:26,650 observed . Um and we'll be working very 130 00:05:26,650 --> 00:05:28,680 quickly on on the the appropriate 131 00:05:28,690 --> 00:05:30,912 immunizations . So we're taking it very 132 00:05:30,912 --> 00:05:34,020 seriously . Um and uh and we want 133 00:05:34,030 --> 00:05:36,141 that's why we're being as transparent 134 00:05:36,141 --> 00:05:38,470 as we can about this . We want the 135 00:05:38,480 --> 00:05:40,647 people who work on these bases and the 136 00:05:40,647 --> 00:05:42,869 families who live there to know how how 137 00:05:42,869 --> 00:05:44,980 seriously we're taking it and that we 138 00:05:44,980 --> 00:05:48,380 are separating these individuals from 139 00:05:48,390 --> 00:05:50,730 the rest of the cohort there and we're 140 00:05:50,730 --> 00:05:52,841 doing contact tracing right now so we 141 00:05:52,841 --> 00:05:55,540 can get a better sense of the scope of 142 00:05:55,550 --> 00:05:58,770 possible infection Megan . I just want 143 00:05:58,770 --> 00:06:00,826 to fill up on tracks this question , 144 00:06:00,826 --> 00:06:02,937 Are you saying that you guys are able 145 00:06:02,937 --> 00:06:05,103 to give mmr vaccinations to afghans at 146 00:06:05,103 --> 00:06:09,040 the basis we're gonna that's hang on , 147 00:06:09,040 --> 00:06:10,984 just let me make sure I get this . 148 00:06:10,984 --> 00:06:13,750 Exactly right . So I don't Uh huh . 149 00:06:14,940 --> 00:06:17,720 So all arriving afghans are currently 150 00:06:17,720 --> 00:06:19,831 required to be vaccinated for measles 151 00:06:19,831 --> 00:06:21,887 as a condition of their humanitarian 152 00:06:21,887 --> 00:06:23,960 parole and critical immunizations 153 00:06:23,960 --> 00:06:26,550 including mmr are being administered 154 00:06:26,550 --> 00:06:28,328 for afghans that safe havens on 155 00:06:28,328 --> 00:06:30,328 military bases in the United States 156 00:06:30,328 --> 00:06:32,383 will soon be vaccinating afghans for 157 00:06:32,383 --> 00:06:34,383 mmR while they are still overseas . 158 00:06:34,383 --> 00:06:36,328 That answer your question . And my 159 00:06:36,328 --> 00:06:39,160 individual questions . Sorry , to what 160 00:06:39,160 --> 00:06:41,440 extent if any is D . O . D . 161 00:06:41,440 --> 00:06:44,630 Participating in any sort of rescue 162 00:06:44,630 --> 00:06:46,940 missions or otherwise helping people 163 00:06:46,940 --> 00:06:49,051 who are still in Afghanistan who want 164 00:06:49,051 --> 00:06:51,273 to get out , get out , aiding the State 165 00:06:51,273 --> 00:06:52,996 Department or aiding any other 166 00:06:52,996 --> 00:06:55,162 organisms . There's no active military 167 00:06:55,162 --> 00:06:57,162 role in these efforts . You've seen 168 00:06:57,162 --> 00:06:59,440 some private groups are are working 169 00:06:59,440 --> 00:07:01,440 towards this . And you probably saw 170 00:07:01,440 --> 00:07:03,780 last week we uh we have announced that 171 00:07:03,780 --> 00:07:07,110 we're going to start uh a more formal 172 00:07:07,110 --> 00:07:09,277 process of working with private groups 173 00:07:09,277 --> 00:07:11,850 as they continue to find a way out for 174 00:07:11,860 --> 00:07:13,860 for people . And of course , you've 175 00:07:13,860 --> 00:07:15,804 heard the Secretary Blinken at the 176 00:07:15,804 --> 00:07:17,582 State Department talk about the 177 00:07:17,582 --> 00:07:19,638 continued communication that we have 178 00:07:19,638 --> 00:07:21,749 with the Taliban to get people out on 179 00:07:21,749 --> 00:07:23,860 charter flights or even on commercial 180 00:07:23,860 --> 00:07:26,540 flights as best we can . So just as we 181 00:07:26,540 --> 00:07:28,530 said before , while the military 182 00:07:28,530 --> 00:07:30,808 mission in Afghanistan has ended the U . 183 00:07:30,808 --> 00:07:32,530 S . Government mission to help 184 00:07:32,640 --> 00:07:35,990 americans and L . P . R . S . And S . I . 185 00:07:35,990 --> 00:07:38,700 Ve applicants get out of Afghanistan 186 00:07:38,700 --> 00:07:41,280 continues but it doesn't but it doesn't 187 00:07:41,290 --> 00:07:43,640 involve an active military component to 188 00:07:43,640 --> 00:07:45,473 it . Just the Defense Department 189 00:07:45,473 --> 00:07:47,418 helping facilitator organiser make 190 00:07:47,418 --> 00:07:49,362 connections . We'll continue . You 191 00:07:49,362 --> 00:07:51,529 continue to have these conversations . 192 00:07:51,529 --> 00:07:53,550 But there's no active military 193 00:07:53,550 --> 00:07:55,550 component to the actual movement of 194 00:07:55,550 --> 00:07:57,550 individuals , if that makes sense ? 195 00:07:57,550 --> 00:08:01,060 Yeah , you bet . Yes . So we no you 196 00:08:01,060 --> 00:08:04,170 know , john , oops ! Um , last week 197 00:08:04,180 --> 00:08:06,400 during his tour in Middle East , the 198 00:08:06,400 --> 00:08:10,020 secretary was supposed to um to 199 00:08:10,020 --> 00:08:13,620 stop over in Saudi Arabia and it was 200 00:08:13,630 --> 00:08:17,040 canceled . So who was this ? He was to 201 00:08:17,050 --> 00:08:20,010 meet . And why was it canceled ? Well , 202 00:08:20,010 --> 00:08:22,750 I'm referring to the Saudis for for 203 00:08:22,760 --> 00:08:25,010 more specifics on that . It was the 204 00:08:25,010 --> 00:08:28,370 trip , as you know , was uh was 205 00:08:28,370 --> 00:08:31,330 planned pretty rapidly because we 206 00:08:31,330 --> 00:08:33,510 wanted to get over there to say thanks 207 00:08:33,510 --> 00:08:36,710 to so many of the nations that have 208 00:08:36,720 --> 00:08:38,630 continuing to help us with these 209 00:08:38,630 --> 00:08:41,910 evacuations . Um and uh , we certainly 210 00:08:41,910 --> 00:08:44,360 would have uh liked to have gone to 211 00:08:44,370 --> 00:08:47,080 Saudi Arabia . That's a key partner in 212 00:08:47,080 --> 00:08:49,830 the region . But uh , you know , it 213 00:08:49,830 --> 00:08:52,052 just didn't happen and it didn't happen 214 00:08:52,052 --> 00:08:53,997 for some scheduling issues that we 215 00:08:53,997 --> 00:08:56,219 understood were on the Saudi side and I 216 00:08:56,219 --> 00:08:58,163 would let them speak to uh to what 217 00:08:58,163 --> 00:09:00,163 those issues were . So does it mean 218 00:09:00,163 --> 00:09:02,360 that the Secretary was uh 219 00:09:03,340 --> 00:09:06,970 willing to meet the prince Salman 220 00:09:06,980 --> 00:09:10,330 NBS ? Yes , absolutely . I mean , part 221 00:09:10,330 --> 00:09:14,260 of our hope with the visit was to 222 00:09:14,270 --> 00:09:16,159 be able to meet uh with the Crown 223 00:09:16,159 --> 00:09:18,910 prince . Uh he is the Defense Minister 224 00:09:18,910 --> 00:09:21,340 for Saudi Arabia and we have a strong 225 00:09:21,340 --> 00:09:23,640 defense partnership with Saudi Arabia . 226 00:09:23,650 --> 00:09:25,650 Uh and so yes , that was , that was 227 00:09:25,650 --> 00:09:28,520 part of the plan . And uh , I would 228 00:09:28,520 --> 00:09:31,000 fully expect it that we'll get a chance 229 00:09:31,000 --> 00:09:32,833 to get this rescheduled , it was 230 00:09:32,833 --> 00:09:34,778 postponed , it wasn't , you know , 231 00:09:34,778 --> 00:09:36,833 cancelled forever . Uh they're a key 232 00:09:36,833 --> 00:09:38,778 partner and and we fully expect to 233 00:09:38,778 --> 00:09:41,000 continue to , to be able to foster that 234 00:09:41,000 --> 00:09:43,167 partnership in that relationship going 235 00:09:43,167 --> 00:09:46,170 forward , jenny , thank you , dan . On 236 00:09:46,170 --> 00:09:49,330 the North korean missile launch . North 237 00:09:49,330 --> 00:09:51,900 Korea reported that it successfully 238 00:09:51,900 --> 00:09:55,090 test fired newly developed the long 239 00:09:55,090 --> 00:09:59,030 lines cruise missile on last weekend . 240 00:09:59,040 --> 00:10:02,690 Was the United States aware of 241 00:10:02,700 --> 00:10:05,970 that North korean missile launch in 242 00:10:05,970 --> 00:10:09,460 advance . I won't speak to uh 243 00:10:09,470 --> 00:10:12,970 intelligence activities january or what , 244 00:10:12,980 --> 00:10:15,202 what we knew or what we didn't know . I 245 00:10:15,202 --> 00:10:17,258 mean , certainly were aware of these 246 00:10:17,258 --> 00:10:19,036 reports of these cruise missile 247 00:10:19,036 --> 00:10:21,147 launches . We're going to continue to 248 00:10:21,147 --> 00:10:23,202 monitor the situation . Uh and we're 249 00:10:23,202 --> 00:10:25,313 absolutely consulting with our allies 250 00:10:25,313 --> 00:10:27,536 and partners uh in the region . I think 251 00:10:27,536 --> 00:10:29,758 without confirming specifics here . The 252 00:10:29,758 --> 00:10:31,813 activity itself certainly highlights 253 00:10:32,340 --> 00:10:35,060 the Dprk is continuing focus on 254 00:10:35,060 --> 00:10:38,120 developing its military program uh and 255 00:10:38,120 --> 00:10:40,231 the threats that it continues to pose 256 00:10:40,231 --> 00:10:41,953 uh to its neighbors and to the 257 00:10:41,953 --> 00:10:44,100 international community . Uh and I 258 00:10:44,100 --> 00:10:47,260 think you heard uh , Iraq will you know , 259 00:10:47,270 --> 00:10:51,060 say pretty clearly last night that 260 00:10:51,070 --> 00:10:53,070 nothing's going to change about our 261 00:10:53,070 --> 00:10:55,237 commitment to the defense of Japan and 262 00:10:55,237 --> 00:10:57,237 South Korea ? Those commitments are 263 00:10:57,237 --> 00:10:59,181 ironclad . Do you think this is in 264 00:10:59,181 --> 00:11:03,030 violation of the UN Security councilor 265 00:11:03,030 --> 00:11:05,850 legislation on sanctions against North 266 00:11:05,850 --> 00:11:07,961 Korea ? Yeah , I think I'm just going 267 00:11:07,961 --> 00:11:09,961 to differ on that right now . We're 268 00:11:09,961 --> 00:11:12,183 aware of these reports and I'm not in a 269 00:11:12,183 --> 00:11:14,406 position to to confirm the reports with 270 00:11:14,406 --> 00:11:16,461 any great specificity at this time . 271 00:11:16,461 --> 00:11:16,420 But again , I would just say it just 272 00:11:16,420 --> 00:11:18,680 highlights again the threat that the 273 00:11:18,680 --> 00:11:20,736 Dprk continues to pose to the region 274 00:11:20,736 --> 00:11:23,050 and to its neighbors . Thank you . Yes , 275 00:11:23,050 --> 00:11:26,320 ma'am . Thank you , john , I know you 276 00:11:26,320 --> 00:11:28,920 may . I've been talking with the 277 00:11:28,930 --> 00:11:32,180 generals involving in the situation in 278 00:11:32,190 --> 00:11:35,350 Afghanistan . Uh do you think that the 279 00:11:35,350 --> 00:11:39,010 Taliban takeover in Afghanistan could 280 00:11:39,010 --> 00:11:41,730 represent any threat imminent threat 281 00:11:41,740 --> 00:11:45,150 for African countries ? Mhm . Um 282 00:11:46,740 --> 00:11:49,220 I think it's too soon to tell with 283 00:11:49,220 --> 00:11:52,260 respect to the impact uh in Africa . 284 00:11:53,140 --> 00:11:55,700 I mean , what I what only I would add 285 00:11:55,910 --> 00:11:58,690 is , and you've heard Secretary Austin 286 00:11:58,690 --> 00:12:01,900 talk about this that we have seen in 287 00:12:01,900 --> 00:12:04,390 recent years the terror threat to our 288 00:12:04,390 --> 00:12:07,140 interests metastasized out of 289 00:12:07,140 --> 00:12:09,720 Afghanistan and other places including 290 00:12:09,920 --> 00:12:12,270 in Africa . Uh and so we're gonna stay 291 00:12:12,270 --> 00:12:14,437 focused . The Secretary addressed this 292 00:12:14,437 --> 00:12:16,492 on saturday . We're gonna stay laser 293 00:12:16,492 --> 00:12:18,048 focused on the threat as it 294 00:12:18,048 --> 00:12:19,770 metastasizes to other places , 295 00:12:19,770 --> 00:12:21,881 including Africa , which is why we're 296 00:12:21,881 --> 00:12:24,048 going to continue our counterterrorism 297 00:12:24,048 --> 00:12:26,103 partnerships there , have an idea of 298 00:12:26,103 --> 00:12:28,990 what type of threat maybe African 299 00:12:28,990 --> 00:12:30,990 countries will be facing with us . 300 00:12:31,000 --> 00:12:33,430 Again , I think it's too early to tell 301 00:12:33,430 --> 00:12:37,390 what the Taliban take over 302 00:12:37,390 --> 00:12:39,390 in Afghanistan is going to mean for 303 00:12:39,390 --> 00:12:41,112 terrorism or counter terrorism 304 00:12:41,112 --> 00:12:43,520 interests in Africa . I just don't 305 00:12:43,520 --> 00:12:45,940 think we're able to describe that with 306 00:12:45,940 --> 00:12:48,320 specificity right now , what I can tell 307 00:12:48,320 --> 00:12:50,098 you again to reiterate what the 308 00:12:50,098 --> 00:12:52,209 Secretary says , We're not gonna lose 309 00:12:52,209 --> 00:12:54,209 focus on that threat and where it's 310 00:12:54,209 --> 00:12:56,376 going . Um and we're going to maintain 311 00:12:56,376 --> 00:12:58,542 a robust over the rising capability to 312 00:12:58,542 --> 00:13:00,870 deal with it as needed ? Let me go back 313 00:13:00,870 --> 00:13:04,740 to the phones here , Phil Stewart . Hey 314 00:13:04,740 --> 00:13:07,970 there , I uh just getting back to this 315 00:13:07,970 --> 00:13:10,026 whole new york Times story about the 316 00:13:10,026 --> 00:13:12,081 drone strike and questions about the 317 00:13:12,081 --> 00:13:14,248 drone strike , Are you able to confirm 318 00:13:14,248 --> 00:13:16,303 uh or will you be able to confirm at 319 00:13:16,303 --> 00:13:19,170 any point the people's names or 320 00:13:19,170 --> 00:13:21,890 identities uh , of those killed in the 321 00:13:21,890 --> 00:13:24,680 two drone strikes , targeting um 322 00:13:24,690 --> 00:13:27,870 alleged ISIS militants in the last days 323 00:13:27,870 --> 00:13:30,092 of before the withdrawal was complete . 324 00:13:30,092 --> 00:13:32,259 Thanks . Yeah , Phil , thanks . What I 325 00:13:32,259 --> 00:13:34,259 can say is I cannot confirm them at 326 00:13:34,259 --> 00:13:37,090 this time . And is there any time in 327 00:13:37,090 --> 00:13:39,146 the future that you'll be able to do 328 00:13:39,146 --> 00:13:41,201 that ? I I just can't confirm him at 329 00:13:41,201 --> 00:13:43,257 this time , Phil , I think I need to 330 00:13:43,257 --> 00:13:45,312 leave it there . So , I was going to 331 00:13:45,312 --> 00:13:47,423 actually follow up on that question , 332 00:13:47,423 --> 00:13:49,630 john previous briefings , I asked you 333 00:13:49,640 --> 00:13:51,473 if you have the name of the ISIS 334 00:13:51,840 --> 00:13:54,007 operative that you killed in the drone 335 00:13:54,007 --> 00:13:56,007 strikes , and you said it's not the 336 00:13:56,007 --> 00:13:58,460 time appropriate time to disclose this ? 337 00:13:59,340 --> 00:14:01,451 Now , the new york Times has revealed 338 00:14:01,451 --> 00:14:03,600 something that is incredible that the 339 00:14:03,610 --> 00:14:06,210 strike was actually the strike actually 340 00:14:06,210 --> 00:14:09,260 targeted a aid worker . Why is it not 341 00:14:09,260 --> 00:14:12,380 every time ? Or is it Phil was asking 342 00:14:12,380 --> 00:14:14,950 about the the , I think Phil was asking 343 00:14:14,950 --> 00:14:18,390 about the strikes , we took on 27 344 00:14:18,390 --> 00:14:21,090 August and I'm not able to confirm the 345 00:14:21,090 --> 00:14:25,020 identities of the ISIS individuals 346 00:14:25,020 --> 00:14:27,360 that were targeted in those strikes and 347 00:14:27,360 --> 00:14:30,620 also on this missile , the 348 00:14:30,780 --> 00:14:32,780 measles . And then the pause in the 349 00:14:32,780 --> 00:14:35,900 flight , the seven day extension . When 350 00:14:35,900 --> 00:14:37,844 did it start it today ? Today from 351 00:14:37,844 --> 00:14:41,240 today ? Thank you Teresa . I don't 352 00:14:41,240 --> 00:14:43,351 think you have two questions . So the 353 00:14:43,351 --> 00:14:45,462 first piggybacking off of what he had 354 00:14:45,462 --> 00:14:47,684 just asked as far as the new york Times 355 00:14:47,684 --> 00:14:49,573 report , um , stating that it was 356 00:14:49,573 --> 00:14:51,740 actually a civilian that may have been 357 00:14:51,740 --> 00:14:53,740 killed in that that vehicle may not 358 00:14:53,740 --> 00:14:53,400 have been carrying any explosives at 359 00:14:53,400 --> 00:14:55,622 all . First and foremost , what is your 360 00:14:55,622 --> 00:14:57,622 response to these articles that are 361 00:14:57,622 --> 00:14:59,733 written ? And then also if there's no 362 00:14:59,733 --> 00:15:01,956 longer any military on the ground , how 363 00:15:01,956 --> 00:15:04,067 is this investigation being conducted 364 00:15:04,340 --> 00:15:07,880 into the incident ? Yeah . So , uh , I 365 00:15:07,880 --> 00:15:10,760 would say um , that 366 00:15:13,540 --> 00:15:15,880 the assessment by Central Command is 367 00:15:15,880 --> 00:15:18,047 ongoing and I'm not going to get ahead 368 00:15:18,047 --> 00:15:21,150 of that . Um , uh , 369 00:15:21,940 --> 00:15:23,884 the strike was taken to prevent an 370 00:15:23,884 --> 00:15:26,680 imminent attack on the airport . I'm 371 00:15:26,680 --> 00:15:28,902 sorry . You had another question . What 372 00:15:28,902 --> 00:15:31,124 if they're on the ground ? How are they 373 00:15:31,124 --> 00:15:33,180 able to conduct the investigations ? 374 00:15:33,180 --> 00:15:35,236 There aren't any military members on 375 00:15:35,236 --> 00:15:37,236 the ground ? I think I mentioned to 376 00:15:37,236 --> 00:15:39,347 lead this question . I'm not aware of 377 00:15:39,347 --> 00:15:41,458 any plans to put investigators on the 378 00:15:41,458 --> 00:15:43,624 ground sent . Central Command is still 379 00:15:43,624 --> 00:15:45,680 assessing the results of that strike 380 00:15:45,680 --> 00:15:47,791 and I they have a variety of means to 381 00:15:47,791 --> 00:15:50,013 do that . And I'm just not going to get 382 00:15:50,013 --> 00:15:52,236 ahead of where they are in terms of the 383 00:15:52,236 --> 00:15:54,458 process . Do you feel a different party 384 00:15:54,458 --> 00:15:54,060 should actually be investigating that 385 00:15:54,060 --> 00:15:55,893 versus the military who actually 386 00:15:55,893 --> 00:15:59,330 conducted the strike is absolutely in 387 00:15:59,330 --> 00:16:02,410 keeping with past practice for the 388 00:16:02,420 --> 00:16:05,880 command , uh an operational control 389 00:16:05,890 --> 00:16:08,420 of a strike to be the ones to assess 390 00:16:08,420 --> 00:16:10,540 the validity of that strike . This is 391 00:16:10,550 --> 00:16:12,950 very typical . Nothing unusual about 392 00:16:12,950 --> 00:16:15,720 that . Yeah . Caitlin burke with CBN 393 00:16:15,720 --> 00:16:18,140 news , have capitol police had any 394 00:16:18,140 --> 00:16:20,430 communication with the pentagon 395 00:16:20,470 --> 00:16:22,970 regarding National Guard involvement 396 00:16:22,980 --> 00:16:25,040 involvement ahead of this weekend's 397 00:16:25,040 --> 00:16:28,330 rally in support of january six writers . 398 00:16:28,360 --> 00:16:30,027 I'm not aware of any specific 399 00:16:30,027 --> 00:16:32,980 communications between the National 400 00:16:32,980 --> 00:16:34,820 Guard and the Capitol Police . I 401 00:16:34,820 --> 00:16:36,690 certainly would point you to the 402 00:16:36,690 --> 00:16:38,801 National Guard . You should certainly 403 00:16:38,801 --> 00:16:40,968 ask them about that . I'm not aware of 404 00:16:40,968 --> 00:16:43,023 any direct communication . Um but we 405 00:16:43,023 --> 00:16:44,746 maintain constant inter agency 406 00:16:44,746 --> 00:16:47,930 communication uh certainly have since 407 00:16:47,940 --> 00:16:50,830 the sixth of january , for sure . Uh 408 00:16:50,840 --> 00:16:52,896 and I expect that that communication 409 00:16:52,896 --> 00:16:54,951 will continue , but I'm not aware of 410 00:16:54,951 --> 00:16:58,480 any specific um requests or 411 00:16:58,480 --> 00:17:01,130 specific uh communications right now . 412 00:17:01,130 --> 00:17:03,297 Again , I would certainly point you to 413 00:17:03,297 --> 00:17:05,463 the National Guard . They'd probably a 414 00:17:05,463 --> 00:17:07,741 better place to go to . Yeah , Abraham . 415 00:17:07,741 --> 00:17:09,908 Um I was wondering if you could update 416 00:17:09,908 --> 00:17:12,019 us on over the horizon capabilities ? 417 00:17:12,019 --> 00:17:14,241 Any progress being made in the region , 418 00:17:14,241 --> 00:17:16,574 Afghanistan ? And also , what was D . O . 419 00:17:16,574 --> 00:17:18,797 D . S role in helping the Afghan pilots 420 00:17:18,797 --> 00:17:20,810 get those who escaped the bordering 421 00:17:20,810 --> 00:17:24,170 countries to get out of those countries . 422 00:17:24,540 --> 00:17:27,300 And is there any interest in recovering 423 00:17:27,300 --> 00:17:29,710 the actual assets , the helicopters and 424 00:17:29,710 --> 00:17:32,180 planes that are death . Uh Well , those 425 00:17:32,180 --> 00:17:35,400 are three of them . I'm gonna see if I 426 00:17:35,400 --> 00:17:37,511 can do them without having to ask you 427 00:17:37,511 --> 00:17:39,789 to repeat them on the over the horizon . 428 00:17:39,789 --> 00:17:42,450 As you know , we absolutely have robust 429 00:17:42,450 --> 00:17:44,672 capabilities . I don't have anything to 430 00:17:44,672 --> 00:17:46,672 announce a report today in terms of 431 00:17:46,672 --> 00:17:48,783 additional capabilities or additional 432 00:17:48,783 --> 00:17:50,783 places where we might try to employ 433 00:17:50,783 --> 00:17:52,894 those those capabilities , but we are 434 00:17:52,894 --> 00:17:55,061 continuing to have those conversations 435 00:17:55,061 --> 00:17:57,117 uh , in real time , but I just don't 436 00:17:57,117 --> 00:17:59,390 have anything to announce today . Um , 437 00:17:59,400 --> 00:18:02,370 I'm not aware of any role by the D . O . 438 00:18:02,370 --> 00:18:05,800 D . In terms of helping 439 00:18:05,810 --> 00:18:09,380 those afghan pilots leave the countries 440 00:18:09,380 --> 00:18:11,491 they were in . I'm referring to State 441 00:18:11,491 --> 00:18:13,713 Department for that . And on your third 442 00:18:13,713 --> 00:18:17,710 question , I don't have any disposition 443 00:18:17,720 --> 00:18:21,110 decisions to speak to today about uh , 444 00:18:21,120 --> 00:18:23,500 about those aircraft uh , and what 445 00:18:23,500 --> 00:18:26,320 might be their future . Uh , what I can 446 00:18:26,320 --> 00:18:28,760 tell you is that we're engaged in a 447 00:18:28,760 --> 00:18:30,982 conversation here at the pentagon about 448 00:18:30,982 --> 00:18:33,450 uh , and with uh neighboring nations 449 00:18:33,460 --> 00:18:35,960 about those aircraft and I think that's 450 00:18:35,960 --> 00:18:38,210 probably where we just stay right now 451 00:18:38,220 --> 00:18:40,590 today . Yeah , I got all three of them . 452 00:18:40,600 --> 00:18:42,850 Thank you sir . I just want to go back 453 00:18:42,860 --> 00:18:45,280 one more time to the NEW YORK New York 454 00:18:45,280 --> 00:18:48,150 Times Story from Friday on the 29th . 455 00:18:48,160 --> 00:18:50,590 Right . I understand that centcom is 456 00:18:50,590 --> 00:18:54,290 still assessing , but will this , will 457 00:18:54,290 --> 00:18:56,650 the assessment take into consideration 458 00:18:56,650 --> 00:18:58,594 this story , especially that we're 459 00:18:58,594 --> 00:19:00,594 talking based on the new york times 460 00:19:00,594 --> 00:19:02,660 story about 10 civilians who were 461 00:19:02,660 --> 00:19:04,771 killed , including seven Children and 462 00:19:04,771 --> 00:19:08,280 the main target as , as reported by New 463 00:19:08,280 --> 00:19:11,050 york Times is an aid worker who worked 464 00:19:11,050 --> 00:19:14,900 for american organization . My question 465 00:19:14,900 --> 00:19:17,530 is that's the first part . Would you 466 00:19:17,530 --> 00:19:19,586 take that story into consideration ? 467 00:19:19,586 --> 00:19:21,752 And is the beautiful , let me stop you 468 00:19:21,752 --> 00:19:23,697 there . Just so I don't forget , I 469 00:19:23,697 --> 00:19:25,863 would refer you to send come on that . 470 00:19:25,863 --> 00:19:27,697 They're the ones conducting this 471 00:19:27,697 --> 00:19:29,697 assessment . And what factors there 472 00:19:29,697 --> 00:19:31,919 folding into that is really for General 473 00:19:31,919 --> 00:19:33,919 Mackenzie and his staff to speak to 474 00:19:33,919 --> 00:19:37,260 committed to a again , transparency and 475 00:19:37,270 --> 00:19:40,860 publicly revealing the 476 00:19:40,870 --> 00:19:43,092 outcome of that assessment and share it 477 00:19:43,092 --> 00:19:44,870 with the public . We will be as 478 00:19:44,870 --> 00:19:47,560 transparent about the uh , the outcomes 479 00:19:47,560 --> 00:19:49,616 as as we can be . And uh and we have 480 00:19:49,616 --> 00:19:51,616 tried to be uh since the strike was 481 00:19:51,616 --> 00:19:54,860 taken um and to the degree that we can 482 00:19:55,240 --> 00:19:58,840 um with a due regard to operational 483 00:19:58,840 --> 00:20:01,190 Security mindful that ISIS K still 484 00:20:01,190 --> 00:20:05,050 poses a threat um that we will . Thanks 485 00:20:05,640 --> 00:20:09,470 terror cop . Thanks john , 486 00:20:10,000 --> 00:20:12,000 okay . A couple a couple of them to 487 00:20:12,000 --> 00:20:14,570 follow up on Megan's question is the 488 00:20:14,570 --> 00:20:16,626 Secretary , glad that these veterans 489 00:20:16,626 --> 00:20:18,681 groups are continuing to try and get 490 00:20:18,681 --> 00:20:20,960 Afghan partners out of Afghanistan . 491 00:20:20,970 --> 00:20:22,637 And when you say there's been 492 00:20:22,637 --> 00:20:25,250 discussions going on , um can you 493 00:20:25,260 --> 00:20:27,670 elaborate on what that means ? Our is 494 00:20:27,670 --> 00:20:29,837 the Department of Defense offering any 495 00:20:29,837 --> 00:20:31,837 assistance in plans or , you know , 496 00:20:31,837 --> 00:20:33,948 knowledge of the terrain or knowledge 497 00:20:33,948 --> 00:20:35,948 of communications and then I have a 498 00:20:35,948 --> 00:20:35,530 couple more , but I'll stop there for a 499 00:20:35,530 --> 00:20:38,010 second . All right , well , let's 500 00:20:38,020 --> 00:20:41,760 uh you asked is the Secretary , glad I 501 00:20:41,760 --> 00:20:43,982 would say the secretary shares the same 502 00:20:43,982 --> 00:20:46,204 concerns that so many of these veterans 503 00:20:46,204 --> 00:20:48,371 uh groups and individual veterans have 504 00:20:48,371 --> 00:20:51,930 for , Uh , for our Afghan 505 00:20:51,930 --> 00:20:54,940 allies that are still there , uh , and 506 00:20:54,940 --> 00:20:56,940 still want to leave the country . I 507 00:20:56,940 --> 00:20:58,996 mean , he shares that same concern . 508 00:20:58,996 --> 00:21:01,218 You've heard him say many times that we 509 00:21:01,218 --> 00:21:03,384 we believe we have a sacred obligation 510 00:21:03,384 --> 00:21:05,607 to those who helped us over the last 20 511 00:21:05,607 --> 00:21:05,380 years and nothing's changed about that . 512 00:21:05,380 --> 00:21:07,620 So , uh , he shares their concerns and 513 00:21:07,630 --> 00:21:10,480 he welcomes their input . Um , and uh , 514 00:21:10,480 --> 00:21:12,258 and the department welcomes the 515 00:21:12,258 --> 00:21:14,424 opportunity to continue to communicate 516 00:21:14,424 --> 00:21:16,369 with them and engage with them and 517 00:21:16,369 --> 00:21:18,591 we're gonna try to do something to more 518 00:21:18,591 --> 00:21:20,702 solidify those communications so that 519 00:21:20,702 --> 00:21:22,869 we can all work towards the same end . 520 00:21:22,869 --> 00:21:24,758 Um , I'm sorry . You had a second 521 00:21:24,758 --> 00:21:26,813 question or see , I already forgot . 522 00:21:26,813 --> 00:21:28,924 Yes , thank you . I never even got to 523 00:21:28,924 --> 00:21:31,091 it , so you're that good . Um , so the 524 00:21:31,091 --> 00:21:33,369 second question is on the drone strike , 525 00:21:33,369 --> 00:21:35,647 the investigation that's been launched , 526 00:21:35,647 --> 00:21:37,758 is it actually a formal investigation 527 00:21:37,758 --> 00:21:39,869 such as a 156 where there's processes 528 00:21:39,869 --> 00:21:39,240 and steps that we can follow along the 529 00:21:39,240 --> 00:21:41,960 way , or is it not as formalized yet ? 530 00:21:42,340 --> 00:21:44,451 I would refer you to centcom tara for 531 00:21:44,451 --> 00:21:47,940 that . I I I'm not , I'm not sure what 532 00:21:47,940 --> 00:21:51,140 the actual form of it is . Uh , I know 533 00:21:51,140 --> 00:21:53,084 that they're looking into this and 534 00:21:53,084 --> 00:21:55,251 they're taking it very seriously , but 535 00:21:55,251 --> 00:21:57,084 what format it takes is really a 536 00:21:57,084 --> 00:21:59,362 question better put this income . Okay . 537 00:21:59,362 --> 00:22:01,473 And lastly , um it appears that there 538 00:22:01,473 --> 00:22:03,696 has been a uptick in covid cases at all 539 00:22:03,696 --> 00:22:05,751 you did . And I was wondering if the 540 00:22:05,751 --> 00:22:05,670 department's aware of this and what 541 00:22:05,670 --> 00:22:08,160 steps are being taken uh for the 542 00:22:08,160 --> 00:22:10,104 afghans and for personnel that are 543 00:22:10,104 --> 00:22:12,490 based there . Let me take that question 544 00:22:12,490 --> 00:22:16,050 to her . I was not tracking reports of 545 00:22:16,050 --> 00:22:19,200 an uptick of Covid how you did so , 546 00:22:19,210 --> 00:22:21,420 rather than speculate and guess we'll 547 00:22:21,420 --> 00:22:23,531 take the question and we'll see if we 548 00:22:23,531 --> 00:22:26,960 can get you a better answer . Uh 549 00:22:29,140 --> 00:22:33,070 Jeff struggle . Thank you . Does 550 00:22:33,070 --> 00:22:34,848 the Defense Department have any 551 00:22:34,848 --> 00:22:38,750 indications how the special forces in 552 00:22:38,750 --> 00:22:40,861 guinea who are being trained by Green 553 00:22:40,861 --> 00:22:43,390 Berets , slipped away from their base 554 00:22:43,400 --> 00:22:46,860 to launch a coup without the Green 555 00:22:46,860 --> 00:22:49,850 Beret trainers noticing . Uh huh , 556 00:22:50,440 --> 00:22:53,370 Jeff , there was no involvement , I 557 00:22:53,370 --> 00:22:56,700 think , as you know , from uh from US 558 00:22:56,700 --> 00:22:59,930 forces with respect to the activities 559 00:22:59,930 --> 00:23:03,930 there . Um and uh we obviously 560 00:23:03,940 --> 00:23:07,690 share uh the US government's uh 561 00:23:07,700 --> 00:23:11,680 condemnation of of this of this coup in 562 00:23:11,680 --> 00:23:14,160 guinea uh were carefully reviewing the 563 00:23:14,160 --> 00:23:15,938 situation on the ground for any 564 00:23:15,938 --> 00:23:17,827 potential impacts on our military 565 00:23:17,827 --> 00:23:19,716 assistance . Until that review is 566 00:23:19,716 --> 00:23:21,882 complete , there's gonna be no further 567 00:23:21,882 --> 00:23:23,827 training or support to the guinean 568 00:23:23,827 --> 00:23:25,993 armed forces . The military seizure of 569 00:23:25,993 --> 00:23:28,160 power is inconsistent with US military 570 00:23:28,160 --> 00:23:30,382 training and education , I think as you 571 00:23:30,382 --> 00:23:33,210 know , we were uh engaged in a joint 572 00:23:33,220 --> 00:23:35,570 training effort with the guinea , 573 00:23:35,580 --> 00:23:38,230 Special operations forces uh four hours 574 00:23:38,230 --> 00:23:41,810 away uh from Conakry . When separately 575 00:23:41,820 --> 00:23:44,320 in that city , the military seizure of 576 00:23:44,320 --> 00:23:46,590 power occurred . Well , we're the 577 00:23:46,590 --> 00:23:48,757 special forces asleep at the time when 578 00:23:48,757 --> 00:23:50,880 the Iranians left for the capital , 579 00:23:51,010 --> 00:23:53,177 Jeff , I think I'm just gonna leave my 580 00:23:53,177 --> 00:23:55,230 answer the way , the way I did erIC 581 00:23:55,230 --> 00:23:56,230 Schmidt , 582 00:23:59,240 --> 00:24:01,560 john , I want to come back to the drone 583 00:24:01,560 --> 00:24:03,671 strike one more time . The California 584 00:24:03,671 --> 00:24:06,180 based NGO that employed the driver of 585 00:24:06,180 --> 00:24:08,069 the white sedan that was struck , 586 00:24:08,069 --> 00:24:10,840 asserts that he was an employee of the , 587 00:24:10,850 --> 00:24:12,740 of the NGO and had no connections 588 00:24:12,740 --> 00:24:14,770 whatsoever to ISIS . You have any 589 00:24:14,770 --> 00:24:16,992 reason to dispute the company and their 590 00:24:16,992 --> 00:24:19,103 assessment of their employee . ErIC , 591 00:24:19,103 --> 00:24:21,214 I'm not going to get ahead of Central 592 00:24:21,214 --> 00:24:23,492 Command's assessment of this airstrike . 593 00:24:23,492 --> 00:24:25,492 I think I need to let them complete 594 00:24:25,492 --> 00:24:27,800 their work . As I said earlier , the 595 00:24:27,810 --> 00:24:30,032 strike was taken to prevent an imminent 596 00:24:30,032 --> 00:24:32,310 there at the airport in the back there , 597 00:24:33,140 --> 00:24:36,600 Uh , about North Korea 1st . I want you 598 00:24:36,600 --> 00:24:39,330 to cry by your comment to Jenny . Oh , 599 00:24:39,340 --> 00:24:43,170 did you mean the beauty can 600 00:24:43,180 --> 00:24:45,680 confirm that North Korea launched 601 00:24:45,690 --> 00:24:47,790 something over the weekend , but you 602 00:24:47,790 --> 00:24:50,090 are still looking into the specifics . 603 00:24:50,170 --> 00:24:52,780 Is that what it means ? No , I'm not 604 00:24:52,780 --> 00:24:55,310 confirming anything At this point . I'm 605 00:24:55,310 --> 00:24:57,532 saying we're aware of these reports and 606 00:24:57,532 --> 00:24:59,532 this sort of activity that has been 607 00:24:59,532 --> 00:25:01,950 reported . Just shows the continued 608 00:25:01,950 --> 00:25:03,839 threat that the DpRK poses to the 609 00:25:03,839 --> 00:25:06,520 region and to its neighbors program , 610 00:25:06,530 --> 00:25:10,190 uh , when North Korea Ranch cruise in 611 00:25:10,190 --> 00:25:12,860 March , the president said that he 612 00:25:12,870 --> 00:25:15,260 didn't complete did not consider 613 00:25:15,740 --> 00:25:19,170 consider it as a provocation of 614 00:25:19,840 --> 00:25:22,130 generally speaking that's abiding 615 00:25:22,140 --> 00:25:25,170 administration not consider North Korea 616 00:25:25,180 --> 00:25:28,100 testing of the cruise missiles as a 617 00:25:28,110 --> 00:25:30,200 provocation no matter how wrong the 618 00:25:30,200 --> 00:25:33,160 range of missiles . I think again I 619 00:25:33,170 --> 00:25:34,948 think I dealt with this without 620 00:25:34,948 --> 00:25:36,948 confirming specific press reporting 621 00:25:36,948 --> 00:25:38,670 here and getting into you know 622 00:25:38,670 --> 00:25:40,640 intelligence assessments that the 623 00:25:40,640 --> 00:25:42,862 activity being reported that we've seen 624 00:25:42,862 --> 00:25:45,029 reported certainly highlights the Dprk 625 00:25:45,029 --> 00:25:47,029 is continuing focus on developing a 626 00:25:47,029 --> 00:25:48,918 military program and I'm posing a 627 00:25:48,918 --> 00:25:51,084 threat to its region to the region and 628 00:25:51,084 --> 00:25:54,730 to its neighbors . Um Let's see , Laura 629 00:25:54,730 --> 00:25:58,230 Sullivan . Hi john thanks for taking my 630 00:25:58,230 --> 00:26:01,100 question . Um I wanted to know um we 631 00:26:01,100 --> 00:26:03,322 know that General Miller is going to be 632 00:26:03,322 --> 00:26:05,990 testifying in a closed hearing tomorrow . 633 00:26:05,990 --> 00:26:08,046 Can you tell us why that is a closed 634 00:26:08,046 --> 00:26:10,490 hearing and why why it's not open to 635 00:26:10,490 --> 00:26:12,601 the public ? And then I have a second 636 00:26:12,601 --> 00:26:15,580 question . The the request for a closed 637 00:26:15,590 --> 00:26:17,812 discussion with General Miller was made 638 00:26:17,812 --> 00:26:20,090 by the Senate Armed services Committee . 639 00:26:20,440 --> 00:26:22,551 And will he be well General Miller be 640 00:26:22,551 --> 00:26:24,718 testifying publicly at any point . I'm 641 00:26:24,718 --> 00:26:26,940 not aware of any public testimony right 642 00:26:26,940 --> 00:26:29,870 now uh by General Miller . But that is 643 00:26:29,870 --> 00:26:31,981 a question obviously better put lower 644 00:26:31,981 --> 00:26:34,148 as you know to the oversight committee 645 00:26:34,148 --> 00:26:36,870 is not to the department . Got it and 646 00:26:36,870 --> 00:26:39,270 then um on the news last week that the 647 00:26:39,270 --> 00:26:41,048 D . O . D . I . G . Is going to 648 00:26:41,048 --> 00:26:43,048 evaluate the screening of displaced 649 00:26:43,048 --> 00:26:44,937 afghans ? Can you say ? What role 650 00:26:44,937 --> 00:26:47,180 exactly D . O . D . Has had in this 651 00:26:47,180 --> 00:26:49,970 screening and what is the status of 652 00:26:49,980 --> 00:26:52,410 that I . G . Investigation and what are 653 00:26:52,410 --> 00:26:55,300 some of the problems that led to it ? I 654 00:26:55,310 --> 00:26:57,950 can't speak for the I . G . I think you 655 00:26:57,950 --> 00:27:00,061 know laura that's an independent body 656 00:27:00,061 --> 00:27:01,910 and that uh that they make their 657 00:27:01,910 --> 00:27:03,910 decisions on their own accord and I 658 00:27:03,910 --> 00:27:06,840 certainly am not gonna speak to what 659 00:27:06,840 --> 00:27:09,030 they want to look at . I think you've 660 00:27:09,030 --> 00:27:10,919 heard both General Milley and the 661 00:27:10,919 --> 00:27:13,141 secretary talk about and general taylor 662 00:27:13,141 --> 00:27:15,540 when he was up here with me uh talk 663 00:27:15,540 --> 00:27:18,220 about our role in the screening process 664 00:27:18,220 --> 00:27:20,190 which was largely from a biometric 665 00:27:20,190 --> 00:27:23,010 perspective . So we are contributing to 666 00:27:23,010 --> 00:27:26,310 the types of data that that that we 667 00:27:26,310 --> 00:27:28,770 have collected on some individuals as 668 00:27:28,770 --> 00:27:31,210 part of a larger screening process that 669 00:27:31,210 --> 00:27:33,154 is really run by the Department of 670 00:27:33,154 --> 00:27:35,488 Homeland Security . We are part of that . 671 00:27:35,488 --> 00:27:37,654 But it is a is a screening process run 672 00:27:37,654 --> 00:27:39,880 by Dhs and it's more comprehensive than 673 00:27:39,880 --> 00:27:42,213 just the biometric data that we provide . 674 00:27:42,540 --> 00:27:45,460 Jim . Yeah time since 675 00:27:46,590 --> 00:27:49,640 last month has been crazy and all sorts 676 00:27:49,640 --> 00:27:51,670 of changes have happened in the 677 00:27:51,670 --> 00:27:54,360 strategic world . Is this going to 678 00:27:54,370 --> 00:27:57,610 delay the global posture review in any 679 00:27:57,610 --> 00:28:00,680 way ? And we talked you talked about 680 00:28:00,680 --> 00:28:04,660 Africa before and the possibility 681 00:28:04,660 --> 00:28:07,000 of threats to the homeland coming from 682 00:28:07,010 --> 00:28:09,490 africa . Does that mean that U . S . 683 00:28:09,490 --> 00:28:12,780 Africa command could get more resources 684 00:28:12,790 --> 00:28:15,020 especially after the last 685 00:28:15,020 --> 00:28:17,690 administration cut the resources to 686 00:28:17,690 --> 00:28:19,912 that command . Well I don't want to get 687 00:28:19,912 --> 00:28:21,857 ahead of the global posture review 688 00:28:21,857 --> 00:28:23,801 which is looking at those sorts of 689 00:28:23,801 --> 00:28:26,420 questions . Um It is uh it is very much 690 00:28:26,420 --> 00:28:29,230 an effort on track . They are um 691 00:28:29,230 --> 00:28:31,286 nearing the completion of their work 692 00:28:31,286 --> 00:28:33,710 and I think uh in relatively short 693 00:28:33,710 --> 00:28:35,890 order will be able to talk more about 694 00:28:35,900 --> 00:28:38,011 the global posture review . But it is 695 00:28:38,011 --> 00:28:41,150 uh it is pretty much on track and on 696 00:28:41,150 --> 00:28:42,872 schedule to be wrapped up here 697 00:28:42,872 --> 00:28:46,250 relatively soon john question . Do you 698 00:28:46,250 --> 00:28:48,360 know what is the reason why they cut 699 00:28:48,370 --> 00:28:51,720 the resources to the african ? Why ? 700 00:28:51,720 --> 00:28:55,460 Who cut resources ? He mentioned about 701 00:28:55,840 --> 00:28:57,951 some cutting ? I think he was talking 702 00:28:57,951 --> 00:29:00,062 about the previous administration and 703 00:29:00,062 --> 00:29:02,284 I'm not able to speak to decisions that 704 00:29:02,284 --> 00:29:04,010 were made before before this 705 00:29:04,010 --> 00:29:06,232 administration took office had time for 706 00:29:06,232 --> 00:29:10,050 just another one about the missile test . 707 00:29:10,060 --> 00:29:13,420 How the assessment about the 708 00:29:13,430 --> 00:29:16,580 difference between Cruz long range 709 00:29:16,580 --> 00:29:19,850 cruise missile and at CBM . 710 00:29:20,640 --> 00:29:22,807 What are the differences again without 711 00:29:22,807 --> 00:29:26,330 confirming these reports ? A ballistic 712 00:29:26,330 --> 00:29:29,910 missile uh can often travel 713 00:29:30,840 --> 00:29:34,500 much longer distances and at greater 714 00:29:34,500 --> 00:29:38,050 speeds than a cruise missile . Um It 715 00:29:38,050 --> 00:29:40,750 also ballistic missiles tend to pack a 716 00:29:40,750 --> 00:29:42,972 bigger payload . They can pack a bigger 717 00:29:42,972 --> 00:29:45,194 payload than a cruise missile typically 718 00:29:45,194 --> 00:29:47,370 would cruise missile may travel . 719 00:29:47,380 --> 00:29:49,213 There's some cruise missiles and 720 00:29:49,213 --> 00:29:51,269 ballistic missiles that have roughly 721 00:29:51,269 --> 00:29:53,269 the same range but typically cruise 722 00:29:53,269 --> 00:29:55,324 missiles travel a shorter range than 723 00:29:55,324 --> 00:29:58,730 longer uh Like I C . B . M . S . Um 724 00:29:58,740 --> 00:30:01,250 They pack a smaller payload but they 725 00:30:01,250 --> 00:30:04,230 can be much more precise in their 726 00:30:04,230 --> 00:30:07,050 targeting because they're 727 00:30:07,050 --> 00:30:09,150 multidirectional they don't just 728 00:30:09,160 --> 00:30:11,430 ballistic missiles as you know , go up 729 00:30:11,430 --> 00:30:13,486 into the atmosphere and then sort of 730 00:30:13,640 --> 00:30:15,307 come back down on a ballistic 731 00:30:15,307 --> 00:30:17,720 trajectory . A cruise missile basically 732 00:30:17,720 --> 00:30:20,760 flies like an airplane uh an unpiloted 733 00:30:20,770 --> 00:30:24,550 airplane . Uh and so it can it can 734 00:30:24,550 --> 00:30:26,730 zig zag , it can do all kinds of 735 00:30:26,740 --> 00:30:28,820 different maneuvers before it is his 736 00:30:28,820 --> 00:30:31,580 target . That's your question . Yeah . 737 00:30:31,590 --> 00:30:34,980 But louis John about 10 days ago , 738 00:30:34,990 --> 00:30:37,840 Secretary Austin her General Milley 739 00:30:37,850 --> 00:30:39,739 referred to the drone strike as a 740 00:30:39,739 --> 00:30:43,290 righteous strike . Did he share the 741 00:30:43,300 --> 00:30:45,356 general's assessment at that point ? 742 00:30:45,356 --> 00:30:47,522 And then I have a bottle . I think the 743 00:30:47,522 --> 00:30:51,250 Secretary Ari spoke about the 744 00:30:51,260 --> 00:30:54,040 need that we had to protect our people 745 00:30:54,040 --> 00:30:55,818 at the airport . Um We've we've 746 00:30:55,818 --> 00:30:57,873 department has talked about the fact 747 00:30:57,873 --> 00:30:59,710 that uh this strike prevented an 748 00:30:59,710 --> 00:31:02,220 imminent attack on those people . And 749 00:31:02,220 --> 00:31:05,360 uh nothing's changed about that view at 750 00:31:05,360 --> 00:31:07,480 this point . So General Milley spoke 751 00:31:07,480 --> 00:31:09,258 about good intelligence that he 752 00:31:09,258 --> 00:31:11,480 describes a very good intelligence that 753 00:31:11,480 --> 00:31:13,591 ISIS was preparing a specific type of 754 00:31:13,591 --> 00:31:16,710 vehicle specific location and he talked 755 00:31:16,710 --> 00:31:18,670 about the secondary explosion 756 00:31:19,040 --> 00:31:21,320 indicating that there were explosives 757 00:31:21,320 --> 00:31:24,530 there . Does that information from 10 758 00:31:24,530 --> 00:31:27,030 days ago still hold true ? Or is it 759 00:31:27,030 --> 00:31:29,030 something that centcom is currently 760 00:31:29,030 --> 00:31:31,141 reviewing ? That indicates that maybe 761 00:31:31,141 --> 00:31:34,420 things have changed . I have nothing to 762 00:31:34,430 --> 00:31:38,280 speak today that alters the 763 00:31:38,290 --> 00:31:40,950 view . Centcom is conducting their 764 00:31:40,950 --> 00:31:43,061 assessment and I think we need to let 765 00:31:43,061 --> 00:31:45,117 them finish that work and then we'll 766 00:31:45,117 --> 00:31:47,228 you know , we'll be as transparent as 767 00:31:47,228 --> 00:31:49,940 we can at the end of it . But I have no 768 00:31:49,940 --> 00:31:52,280 additional context to offer today with 769 00:31:52,280 --> 00:31:54,391 that information that he provided . I 770 00:31:54,391 --> 00:31:56,669 have no additional context offer today . 771 00:31:56,669 --> 00:31:57,770 Okay . Thanks everybody appreciate it .