Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III issued a recent message to the force emphasizing the Defense Department's commitment to a professional, orderly and calm transition to a new commander-in-chief, the Pentagon announced today.
In this message, which was sent out on Wednesday, "Secretary Austin reiterated that the U.S. military will be prepared to carry out the policy decisions of the next commander-in-chief and obey all lawful orders of the civilian command to defend the United States, our Constitution, and the rights of all American citizens," the Pentagon's deputy press secretary told the media Sabrina Singh.
Singh also said that Austin's message confirms that the military "will continue to stand on the sidelines of the political arena; it will guard our republic in a principled and professional manner and stand with valuable allies and partners who deepen our security."
She added that as the transformation is about to get underway, the Defence Secretary expressed a deep sense of pride and appreciation for the civilian employees of the Ministry of Defence as well as all service members stationed in the States and deployed around the world.
With 74 days to go before President Joe Biden's administration hands over control of the Defense Department to Donald Trump's second administration, Singh said steps are being taken to prepare for the start of that transition.
"In terms of contact with the Trump team, right now we're coordinating with the White House and General Services Administration," She said.
"There are [certain] agreements that need to be signed and implemented before we can start the transition process," Singh continued. "But regardless, we are committed to ensuring a professional and efficient transition for the incoming administration."
Asked if Austin's message to the armed forces was in any way related to the Defense Department's concerns about how the incoming administration might plan to use the military to solve domestic problems in the U.S., Singh replied that it is important to remember that the military is not a political entity.
"I think it's important to remember that the military is apolitical; and as it says in (Austin) memorandum to the force, the U.S. military will be prepared to implement the policy decisions of its next commander in chief and obey all lawful orders of its civilian command," Singh said.
Pentagon/ gnews - RoZ
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