If you hadn’t already read it, encourage readers to take a look at “Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Message to the Force” dated March 2, 2023. It serves as an important reminder of the Secretary’s priorities, namely “defending the Nation, taking care of our people, and succeeding through teamwork. The memorandum reinforces the guiding principles and critical priorities in accordance with the National Defense Strategy while recognizing the commitment and hard work of the Department.” According to the March 2, 2023 memorandum, those priorities and specific areas of focus are:

DEFEND THE NATION

• Prioritize China as the “Pacing Challenge”
• Confront the Acute Russian Threat
• Address Advanced and Persistent Threats
• Innovate and Modernize
• Meet the Climate Crisis

TAKING CARE OF OUR PEOPLE

• Grow Our Talent
• Build Resilience and Readiness
• Ensure Accountable Leadership

SUCCEED THROUGH TEAMWORK

• Join Forces with Our Allies and Partners
• Strengthen Partnerships Across America
• Build Unity Within the Department

Finally, as the Secretary reminds us, “Thank you all for what you do every day. I'm honored to call each of you my colleagues. Together, we will continue to tackle the challenges of this decisive decade to meet our sacred obligation to defend the American people.”