President Biden, in statements on his first visit to the Pentagon as commander-in-chief, announced the creation of a China working group to assess the Department of Defense’s strategies to meet China’s challenges.
The working group, which will be led by the Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, Dr. Ely Ratner, will include up to 15 civilian and uniformed employees of the Department of Defense. It will review the strategy, operational concepts, technology and structure of the force, as well as the defense relations with China.
“It will take a whole lot of government effort, bipartisan cooperation in Congress and strong relationships and partnerships,” Biden said. “This way we will meet China’s challenge and ensure that the American people win the competition of the future.”
The working group has four months to prepare recommendations for Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who introduced both Mr. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Austin and Mr. Biden reflected on the service of Beau Biden who, when he was captain of the Delaware National Guard, served under Austin’s command in Iraq. Austin referred to the Biden family as a military family that understands sacrifice. Biden said it is the honor of his life to serve as commander-in-chief.
Both Mr. Biden and Vice President Harris paid tribute to African American service members, past and present. Biden promised that everyone would be treated with respect.
“Right now, more than 40% of our active service forces are people of color, and the diversity and full strength of our strength has long been reflected at all levels of this department,” he said. Biden. Austin is the first black Secretary of Defense.
The visit comes a week after Austin ordered commanders to schedule a date for a “resign“to deal with extremism in the ranks. The Pentagon was alarmed to find veterans and active personnel who took part in the January 6 riot at the Capitol that killed five people.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters in an informational assault on the Capitol that it was “a wake-up call.”
The military has also seen racist incidents in its ranks in recent weeks.
The head of naval operations has condemned two recent extremist incidents. They were found painted in a bath of the USS Carl Vinson and, on Lake USS Champlain, a sailor found a bow on his stretcher. Both incidents are being investigated, according to a statement this week from Admiral Michael Gilday.
Collaborators: David Martin and Mary Walsh