As the first anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot nears, arguments abound over how the Defense Department responded to the attack, and whether there was a delay in activating the National Guard to secure the area.
In case something similar happens in the future, the procedure will be more simple than it was in early 2021: federal agency requests will go through the DoD executive secretary, per a memo from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signed Thursday.
“By clarifying and refining the request process, including outlining the required information needed to assess requests from Federal and local partners, the Department will be able to respond to requests efficiently, quickly, and effectively,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby wrote in a release.
The Pentagon hasn’t received any requests in anticipation of anniversary demonstrations on Jan. 6, 2022, Army Lt. Col. Chris Mitchell, a DoD spokesman, told Military Times on Thursday.
The change comes after a review Austin directed earlier this year.
If National Guard assistance is required within 48 hours, the defense secretary will be the approval authority for activating the D.C. National Guard, which cannot be activated by D.C.’s mayor, unlike state governors.
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The response to the siege on the Capitol was mired in red tape.
This caused much consternation on Jan. 6, as the then-acting defense secretary delegated approval to the Army secretary, who then circled back with the acting defense secretary for his blessing, in deference to the chain of command.
And while D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser had requested some Guardsmen downtown for traffic control on Jan. 6, the Capitol Police didn’t request any until after the complex was breached, adding hours to get approvals and create a response plan.
“Throughout this process, the Department will continue to work closely with its partners, including with the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, District of Columbia Metropolitan Police, and U.S. Capitol Police, to improve planning for scheduled and emerging events,” Kirby wrote.
Meghann Myers is the Pentagon bureau chief at Military Times. She covers operations, policy, personnel, leadership and other issues affecting service members. Follow on Twitter @Meghann_MT
The name changes should be completed by early 2024.
The new aid includes additional rockets for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS, as well as other ammunition and equipment.
Labor shortfalls rooted in the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic remain a millstone around the neck of the defense industry, forcing firms to juggle staff, hold job fairs and find workarounds to keep operations running as smoothly as possible.
The Defense Department is responding to revelations that senior officials' phone records were deleted following the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has again ordered the Pentagon to postpone a planned test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, this time amid increased tension with China over Taiwan.
Barracks from which 1,200 Fort Bragg soldiers are being relocated because of mold, outdated ventilation systems and aging buildings, will be demolished.
An attorney assisting the veteran hopes the release of the bodycam will push Gastonia police to take accountability for the incident.
A first-of-its-kind analysis reveals that soldiers in the Army are more likely to be locked up ahead of trial for drug offenses than for sexual assault under a system that gives commanders control.
The appeal to the Supreme Court — which has garnered support from two former Trump admin. officials — follows years of efforts by the late Staff Sgt. Joshua Berry’s family.
“You are using the military to create fear in the minds of the people," Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley wrote in a never-sent resignation letter.
China said it is extending threatening military exercises surrounding Taiwan that have disrupted shipping and air traffic and substantially raised concerns.
The cooperative research and development agreement allows the organizations to share facilities, intellectual property and expertise to “elevate solutions for both the warfighter and industry,” the company said in a statement.
Sharon Harmon attained the rank of colonel at a promotion ceremony Saturday at Camp Fogarty.
The veteran must also pay nearly $1.3 million to the Army as restitution for her role in the Fort Hood theft.
Army Pfc. David Owens will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined, according to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
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