In a recent interview with Reuters, Defense Secretary Mark Esper reported a 30 percent increase in COVID-19 cases in the military, but said he would start providing “aggregated numbers” to prevent compromising ongoing/future missions. “I’m not going to get into a habit where we start providing numbers across all the commands and we come to a point six, seven weeks from now where we have some concerns in some locations and reveal information that could put people at risk,” said Esper.
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen M. Lord detailed collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to manufacture ventilators and N95 masks, Military Times reports.
The Pentagon released a memo outlining pay changes for service members affected by coronavirus quarantine. The DOD is instituting a new pay called “Hardship Duty Pay – Restriction of Movement,” which compensates military members ordered to self-monitor in isolation. The fact sheet also outlines guidance for telework, basic allowance changes, and family separation allowance as well.
Over 11,400 National Guard members have been deployed in throughout United States and three territories. Military Times provides a comprehensive overview of mobilization efforts here.
Photo by Lisa Ferdinando, DOD
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Join the Conversation
Today ADC and Blue Star Families will be hosting a virtual town hall meeting focused on the topic of supporting early child care and education during the COVID-19 crisis. Special guest will include Jenny Korn, Deputy Director and Special Assistant to the President at The White House.
This free event will be held on Friday, March 27, 3:00 – 4:00 PM ET. Please visit ADC’s COVID-19 Military Support Initiative website for more information.
