Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy

The United States is achieving major results in the Indo-Pacific with our allies and partners. That's why Secretary Austin is heading to the region for the tenth time since becoming Secretary. Secretary Austin's trip comes as the DoD continues to strengthen U.S. relationships with allies and partners in support of a shared regional vision for peace, stability, and deterrence.

Performing the Duties of Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Melissa Dalton recently met with Deputy Commander of the Italian Carabinieri Lt. Gen. Riccardo Galletta at the Pentagon. During the meeting, the leaders discussed a wide variety of global security topics, to include stabilization operations, security threats along NATO's southern flank, countering irregular warfare, bolstering security in fragile states, and the employment of the Carabinieri's unique stability policing capabilities to address the most pressing global challenges. More: https://lnkd.in/eZqkzW_V U.S. European Command United States Department of Defense

Recently, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) officially launched the Brigadier General Charles Young Research, Analysis, and Lessons Learned Institute within the Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU)!   The DSCU Young Institute serves the #SecurityCooperation enterprise through research, critical inquiry, and scholarship that advances the knowledge and practice of security cooperation.   Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities Madeline Mortelmans provided keynote remarks. She discussed how a highly professional and informed security cooperation workforce is critical to achieving U.S. foreign policy and National Defense Strategy objectives. Also, she welcomed and thanked members of the Young family and the Charles Young Foundation for their attendance and their mission to preserve the legacy of a great American.   Read more about Brigadier General Young, DSCU’s new Young Institute, and how DSCU is responding to legislative mandates here: https://lnkd.in/eKPAubCS   Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy #dsca #dscu 

As Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III prepares to deliver the commencement address at South Carolina State University tomorrow, DoD News’ Joseph C. sat down with SCSU Alum Brandon Brown, Director of Transnational Threats Policy. Brandon is an ‘09 graduate and was a direct hire into Policy following a successful internship in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readinness. Learn more about Brandon’s path and his views on a career in public service: https://lnkd.in/ez7SJXfe

Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Amanda Dory co-chaired the 10th U.S.-UAE Joint Military Dialogue with UAE Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Lt. Gen Eisa Al Mazrouie at the Pentagon this week. Both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to a strong bilateral defense relationship. More: https://lnkd.in/eW4bt8VQ U. S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) United Arab Emirates

I recently had the opportunity to visit our Baltics nation allies, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia with DSCA Director Jim Hursch. These nations have been allies with the United States since 1922 and have several notable Security Cooperation programs with us.    I spent my first day in Lithuania where I met with acting Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL), Darius Marozas for the Lithuanian Armed Forces, an old classmate of mine from the Army Sergeants Major Academy. There, I got an overview of their current and emerging efforts to further develop interoperable Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) for greater synergy inside the NATO Alliance. I then travelled to Latvia on my second day where I met with Latvian CSEL Edgars Joksts-Bogdanovs. SGM Joksts-Bogdanovs expressed Latvia’s desire to have the United States as their partner of choice for both capabilities and NCO development. Together, we attended a meeting with Mr. Hursch and the Latvian Chief of Defence Lieutenant General Leonīds Kalniņš, further strengthening the senior leader and enlisted leader relationship that is growing stronger throughout our partners and Allies’ militaries. On my final day, I visited Estonia, where I met with the Estonia Defense Forces CSEL Enn Adoson to discuss NATO NCO interoperability, and training and exercise opportunities that could bolster the U.S.- Estonia relationship. I also met with the Baltic Defense College (BDC) CSEL Alvydas Tamosiunas and discussed their critical role in educating U.S. and Partner Nation CSELs on leadership that creates more interoperability on the battlefield and long-lasting relationships. In addition, we discussed the critical role of space-centric curriculum integrated into the BDC CSEL Course to ensure our future leaders understand and can lead in this complex mission area. #DSCA #securitycooperation #NATO #Lithuania #Latvia #Estonia #ncos

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy salutes Ms. Sasha Baker who concluded her tour as Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, April 26. We are deeply grateful for her outstanding contributions to the United States Department of Defense and U.S. national security. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III: “Acting Under Secretary Baker was asked to step into a difficult and critical position, and she has been a pillar of strength and wisdom. Under her leadership, our Policy team has helped the Department navigate a range of complex global challenges, including major crises in Ukraine and the Middle East. Her strategic acumen and steadfast commitment to our national security have helped her play a pivotal role in shaping our defense policies, tackling emerging threats, and strengthening interagency relationships and international alliances. As Acting Under Secretary Baker moves on to her next chapter, we wish her continued success and thank her for her service to the Department and the United States.” Office of the Secretary of Defense https://lnkd.in/e6K-f3ji

Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Sasha Baker discussed a range of national security topics with United States Department of Defense News’ Jim Garamone. Read more about the vital work underway in our office and how it underpins department-wide efforts to safeguard the rules-based international order.

“It takes a network to defeat a network." Jim Saenz, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Counternarcotics and Stabilization Policy, spoke to representatives from 19 different nations at the International Forum on Countering Transnational Organized Crime in Rome this week. More: https://lnkd.in/ejsuQzfy George C. Marshall Center United States Department of Defense

Last week, Ryan sat down with Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space John Plumb on the sidelines of Space Symposium to discuss what the department has been up to. Listen to a preview below and stay tuned for their full conversation.