Latest Lloyd Austin News
US defense chief vows to counter Iran in visit to Bahrain
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — America's top defense official vowed Saturday to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to counter its “dangerous use” of suicide drones in the wider Mideast, a pledge coming as negotiations remain stalled over Tehran's tattered atomic deal...
US seeks balance as fears grow Russia may invade Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP) — The buildup of Russian troops near Ukraine has left U.S. officials perplexed, muddying the Biden administration’s response. Some Republican lawmakers have been pressing the U.S. to step up military support for Ukraine. But that risks turning what may...
Austin: Moscow should explain its troop buildup near Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP) — American officials are unsure why Russian President Vladimir Putin is building up military forces near the border with eastern Ukraine but view it as another example of troubling military moves that demand Moscow's explanation, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said...
Pentagon boosts housing money for troops, as hunger persists
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon will increase housing payments for troops in key areas and look for ways to combat hunger across the force, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Wednesday, in the department's latest effort to address food insecurity among service members. ...
Oklahoma challenging Pentagon's vaccine mandate for Guard
WASHINGTON (AP) — A dispute between Oklahoma's governor and the Pentagon over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate is setting up the first critical test of the military's authority to require National Guard troops to get the shot and laying the groundwork for potential protests from other states. ...
Thousands of military families struggle with food insecurity
SAN DIEGO (AP) — It’s a hidden crisis that has existed for years inside one of the most well-funded institutions on the planet and has only worsened during the coronavirus pandemic. As many as 160,000 active-duty military members are having trouble feeding their families. ...
New Oklahoma National Guard leader eases vaccine policy
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — New Oklahoma National Guard Adjutant General Thomas Mancino has relaxed the Guard’s policy on COVID-19 vaccinations. “No negative administrative or legal action will be taken against Guardsmen who refuse the COVID-19 vaccine,” he said in a...
Jill Biden honors kids of injured troops as 'hidden heroes'
WASHINGTON (AP) — In her first solo White House event as first lady, Jill Biden went right into teacher mode Wednesday as she honored “hidden heroes” — the children and caregivers of injured U.S. troops. “My gosh," she said brightly to the little girl who had...
Watchdog finds no misconduct in mistaken Afghan airstrike
WASHINGTON (AP) — An independent Pentagon review has concluded that the U.S. drone strike that killed innocent Kabul civilians and children in the final days of the Afghanistan war was not caused by misconduct or negligence, and it doesn't recommend any disciplinary action. ...
Oklahoma health official: State ready for kids' COVID shots
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma is ready to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to children aged 5-11 when final approval comes, a state health official said Tuesday. About 130,000 vaccine doses for children are being shipped to Oklahoma in anticipation of its approval, Deputy...
