1 00:00:02,640 --> 00:00:05,090 Okay . Good afternoon everybody . We'll 2 00:00:05,090 --> 00:00:07,201 get started here . As we talked about 3 00:00:07,201 --> 00:00:09,610 earlier today we're delighted to have 4 00:00:09,610 --> 00:00:11,560 joined us . General Van Herp . 5 00:00:11,570 --> 00:00:13,681 Commander of U . S . Northern Command 6 00:00:13,681 --> 00:00:16,710 NORAD . Um The general has some opening 7 00:00:16,710 --> 00:00:18,488 comments about the efforts that 8 00:00:18,488 --> 00:00:21,160 Northern Command is expending to uh to 9 00:00:21,160 --> 00:00:25,150 help our interagency colleagues uh 10 00:00:25,160 --> 00:00:27,780 process afghans in the special 11 00:00:27,780 --> 00:00:30,070 immigrant visa program and get on to 12 00:00:30,070 --> 00:00:32,292 their new life . I'm gonna turn it over 13 00:00:32,292 --> 00:00:34,403 to him for just a second . He'll have 14 00:00:34,403 --> 00:00:33,790 some opening comments and then we'll go 15 00:00:33,790 --> 00:00:36,012 to Q . And A . Just like we've done all 16 00:00:36,012 --> 00:00:38,234 week . I'll moderate . I'll call on you 17 00:00:38,234 --> 00:00:40,500 please when I do uh before you ask your 18 00:00:40,500 --> 00:00:42,700 question of the general uh identify 19 00:00:42,700 --> 00:00:44,644 yourselves and your outlet . So he 20 00:00:44,644 --> 00:00:46,867 knows who he's talking to . Uh and then 21 00:00:46,867 --> 00:00:49,540 we do have a hard stop in 30 minutes at 22 00:00:49,550 --> 00:00:51,661 four o'clock . So with that general , 23 00:00:51,661 --> 00:00:54,330 can you hear me okay ? Hi Jonah , have 24 00:00:54,330 --> 00:00:56,386 you loud and clear ? How many ? Good 25 00:00:56,386 --> 00:00:58,608 sir ? Good . Thank you so much . Thanks 26 00:00:58,608 --> 00:01:00,830 for joining us and General I'll turn it 27 00:01:00,830 --> 00:01:03,052 over to you sir . Thank you very much . 28 00:01:03,052 --> 00:01:05,163 John it's great to be with you in the 29 00:01:05,163 --> 00:01:05,070 press corps there today . Before I go 30 00:01:05,070 --> 00:01:07,340 on . I just want to remind everybody to 31 00:01:07,340 --> 00:01:09,340 keep those warriors and heroes that 32 00:01:09,340 --> 00:01:11,300 lost their lives yesterday in our 33 00:01:11,300 --> 00:01:13,411 thoughts and prayers along with their 34 00:01:13,411 --> 00:01:15,522 families . The folks that continue to 35 00:01:15,522 --> 00:01:17,522 serve in Afghanistan and around the 36 00:01:17,522 --> 00:01:19,689 globe doing our nation's business . Uh 37 00:01:19,689 --> 00:01:19,600 we should keep them in our thoughts and 38 00:01:19,600 --> 00:01:23,560 prayers Less than a month ago . I was 39 00:01:23,560 --> 00:01:25,504 with you there in the room talking 40 00:01:25,504 --> 00:01:27,671 about our global information dominance 41 00:01:27,671 --> 00:01:29,838 experiment three and today I'm here to 42 00:01:29,838 --> 00:01:31,671 discuss U . S . Northern Command 43 00:01:31,671 --> 00:01:33,893 support the Operation Allies . Refuge . 44 00:01:33,893 --> 00:01:36,004 In addition to our no fail mission of 45 00:01:36,004 --> 00:01:38,171 defending the homeland . United States 46 00:01:38,171 --> 00:01:40,060 Northern Command provides defense 47 00:01:40,060 --> 00:01:42,282 support of civil authorities or discuss 48 00:01:42,282 --> 00:01:44,449 today . Our disk operations range from 49 00:01:44,449 --> 00:01:46,504 providing covid medical assistance , 50 00:01:46,504 --> 00:01:48,671 relieving pressure on the overburdened 51 00:01:48,671 --> 00:01:50,393 medical systems in Louisiana , 52 00:01:50,393 --> 00:01:52,393 Mississippi and Alabama . Currently 53 00:01:52,393 --> 00:01:54,449 while simultaneously supporting wild 54 00:01:54,449 --> 00:01:56,671 land firefighting in the Western United 55 00:01:56,671 --> 00:01:58,893 States . Additionally , we're providing 56 00:01:58,893 --> 00:01:58,830 support to the Department of Homeland 57 00:01:58,830 --> 00:02:00,970 Security and the U . S . Customs and 58 00:02:00,970 --> 00:02:03,140 border protection by conducting 59 00:02:03,140 --> 00:02:04,751 detection and monitoring and 60 00:02:04,751 --> 00:02:06,473 transportation support for the 61 00:02:06,473 --> 00:02:08,584 Southwest border mission . We're also 62 00:02:08,584 --> 00:02:10,473 ready to conduct hurricane relief 63 00:02:10,473 --> 00:02:12,807 efforts if required . And of course , U . 64 00:02:12,807 --> 00:02:14,696 S . Northern Command is providing 65 00:02:14,696 --> 00:02:16,807 support within the Continental United 66 00:02:16,807 --> 00:02:18,973 States for Operation Allies . Refuge . 67 00:02:18,973 --> 00:02:21,140 On July 14 , the White House announced 68 00:02:21,140 --> 00:02:23,620 Operation Allies Refuge which provides 69 00:02:23,620 --> 00:02:25,720 eligible Afghan nationals and their 70 00:02:25,720 --> 00:02:28,690 immediate families with support of the 71 00:02:28,690 --> 00:02:30,912 U . S . Government . The opportunity to 72 00:02:30,912 --> 00:02:32,840 relocate to United States . The 73 00:02:32,840 --> 00:02:34,673 Department of State subsequently 74 00:02:34,673 --> 00:02:37,090 activated the Afghanistan Coordination 75 00:02:37,090 --> 00:02:39,312 Task Force and requested the Department 76 00:02:39,312 --> 00:02:41,368 of Defense provide temporary support 77 00:02:41,368 --> 00:02:44,590 for up to 3500 Afghan special immigrant 78 00:02:44,600 --> 00:02:47,260 applicants . On August 15 , the 79 00:02:47,260 --> 00:02:49,316 Department of State requested in the 80 00:02:49,316 --> 00:02:51,427 Secretary Defense approved additional 81 00:02:51,427 --> 00:02:53,482 support for Afghan special immigrant 82 00:02:53,482 --> 00:02:55,538 visa applicants and other vulnerable 83 00:02:55,538 --> 00:02:57,810 Afghans . In response to this request , 84 00:02:57,810 --> 00:02:59,890 the U . S . Northern Command , we're 85 00:02:59,890 --> 00:03:02,220 providing temporary housing , medical 86 00:03:02,220 --> 00:03:04,276 screening , transportation and other 87 00:03:04,276 --> 00:03:06,109 services for both afghan special 88 00:03:06,109 --> 00:03:08,680 immigrant visa applicants and at risk 89 00:03:08,680 --> 00:03:11,160 afghans . U . S . Northern Command has 90 00:03:11,160 --> 00:03:13,104 been tasked to build capacities to 91 00:03:13,104 --> 00:03:16,340 support up to 50,000 Afghans . To do 92 00:03:16,340 --> 00:03:18,507 that . The Department of Defense under 93 00:03:18,507 --> 00:03:20,118 U . S . Northern Command has 94 00:03:20,118 --> 00:03:22,284 established task forces at Fort Lee in 95 00:03:22,284 --> 00:03:24,396 Virginia , Fort Bliss in texas , Fort 96 00:03:24,396 --> 00:03:26,780 McCoy and Wisconsin and Joint Base 97 00:03:26,790 --> 00:03:29,260 McGuire dix Lakehurst in New Jersey . 98 00:03:29,940 --> 00:03:31,940 And on august 25th the Secretary of 99 00:03:31,940 --> 00:03:33,940 Defense authorized three additional 100 00:03:33,940 --> 00:03:35,829 military installations to provide 101 00:03:35,829 --> 00:03:37,884 support inside the United States for 102 00:03:37,884 --> 00:03:39,551 afghan special immigrant visa 103 00:03:39,551 --> 00:03:41,662 applicants , their families and other 104 00:03:41,662 --> 00:03:43,662 at risk individuals . This includes 105 00:03:43,662 --> 00:03:45,662 Marine Corps Base Quantico and Fort 106 00:03:45,662 --> 00:03:47,718 Pickett in Virginia and Holloman Air 107 00:03:47,718 --> 00:03:50,050 Force Base in New Mexico . As of today , 108 00:03:50,050 --> 00:03:52,420 Fort Pickett has a capacity of 1000 109 00:03:52,430 --> 00:03:54,374 Afghans and we're working with the 110 00:03:54,374 --> 00:03:56,486 other two installations , holloman in 111 00:03:56,486 --> 00:03:58,319 quantico to finalize their final 112 00:03:58,319 --> 00:04:01,080 respective capacities . Additionally , 113 00:04:01,080 --> 00:04:03,136 while not a task force , US Northern 114 00:04:03,136 --> 00:04:05,413 Command is supporting Operation Allies , 115 00:04:05,413 --> 00:04:07,900 refuge with services and additional 116 00:04:07,900 --> 00:04:09,940 forces including assisting with 117 00:04:09,940 --> 00:04:12,330 managing the flow of evacuees at Dulles 118 00:04:12,330 --> 00:04:14,550 airport and the philadelphia 119 00:04:14,550 --> 00:04:16,772 International Airport in pennsylvania . 120 00:04:16,772 --> 00:04:18,717 That airport is opening up today . 121 00:04:19,140 --> 00:04:21,360 Additional sites are possible . Here's 122 00:04:21,360 --> 00:04:23,527 a snapshot real quickly if some of the 123 00:04:23,527 --> 00:04:25,527 numbers that you'll see at the Task 124 00:04:25,527 --> 00:04:27,582 force is so Task Force Eagle at Fort 125 00:04:27,582 --> 00:04:29,471 Lee Virginia stood up in july and 126 00:04:29,471 --> 00:04:32,800 currently has a capacity for 1750 today . 127 00:04:32,800 --> 00:04:34,770 Task Force Eagle at Fort Lee has 128 00:04:34,770 --> 00:04:38,530 supported 1647 afghan special 129 00:04:38,530 --> 00:04:40,530 immigrant visa applicants and their 130 00:04:40,530 --> 00:04:42,530 families , nearly half of whom have 131 00:04:42,530 --> 00:04:44,752 completed the process and have moved on 132 00:04:44,752 --> 00:04:46,863 with the support of the Department of 133 00:04:46,863 --> 00:04:48,252 State , non governmental 134 00:04:48,252 --> 00:04:50,252 Intergovernmental organizations and 135 00:04:50,252 --> 00:04:52,308 volunteer organizations . Task Force 136 00:04:52,308 --> 00:04:54,420 Bliss at Fort List . Fort Bliss Texas 137 00:04:54,420 --> 00:04:57,350 currently has a capacity of 5000 And 138 00:04:57,350 --> 00:04:59,517 received first flights with vulnerable 139 00:04:59,517 --> 00:05:02,780 Afghans . On Saturday , 21 , The base 140 00:05:02,780 --> 00:05:06,660 has supported today 2160 Afghans 141 00:05:07,040 --> 00:05:09,320 Housed in a mix of hard and soft 142 00:05:09,320 --> 00:05:11,860 structures . Final capacity is expected 143 00:05:11,860 --> 00:05:14,850 to be at least 10,000 . Task Force 144 00:05:14,850 --> 00:05:17,360 McCoy . Fort McCoy Wisconsin currently 145 00:05:17,360 --> 00:05:19,730 has a capacity of 10,000 and received 146 00:05:19,730 --> 00:05:21,674 their first flights with that risk 147 00:05:21,674 --> 00:05:24,280 Afghans on Sunday August 22 Today , 148 00:05:24,280 --> 00:05:27,680 Task Force McCoy has supported 2,383 149 00:05:27,680 --> 00:05:30,080 Afghans who are being housed in hard 150 00:05:30,080 --> 00:05:32,080 structures with shower and bathroom 151 00:05:32,080 --> 00:05:34,191 facilities located in each building . 152 00:05:34,191 --> 00:05:36,320 Task Force Liberty at Joint Base 153 00:05:36,320 --> 00:05:38,920 McGuire Dix Lakehurst New Jersey 154 00:05:38,930 --> 00:05:42,160 currently has a capacity of 3500 and 155 00:05:42,160 --> 00:05:44,180 received its first group of Afghans 156 00:05:44,190 --> 00:05:47,640 Wednesday August 25 . Today , Task 157 00:05:47,640 --> 00:05:50,960 Force Liberty has supported 1,192 158 00:05:50,960 --> 00:05:53,470 Afghans who are being housed in a mix 159 00:05:53,470 --> 00:05:55,660 of hard and soft sided structures . 160 00:05:56,340 --> 00:05:58,570 Final capacity at Task Force Liberty is 161 00:05:58,570 --> 00:06:01,540 expected to be at least 10,000 . So 162 00:06:01,540 --> 00:06:03,707 today our total capacity of these four 163 00:06:03,707 --> 00:06:06,760 installations is approximately 21,000 164 00:06:07,140 --> 00:06:09,620 And growing were steadily working to 165 00:06:09,620 --> 00:06:12,330 increase capacity to the 50,000 number 166 00:06:12,340 --> 00:06:14,890 by September 15 . The number of 167 00:06:14,890 --> 00:06:16,946 military installations of supporting 168 00:06:16,946 --> 00:06:18,834 this effort could increase in the 169 00:06:18,834 --> 00:06:20,834 future . The request for assistance 170 00:06:20,834 --> 00:06:23,001 from the State Department specifically 171 00:06:23,001 --> 00:06:24,834 requested that the Department of 172 00:06:24,834 --> 00:06:27,001 Defense provide culturally appropriate 173 00:06:27,001 --> 00:06:28,946 food , water , bedding , religious 174 00:06:28,946 --> 00:06:31,112 services , recreational activities and 175 00:06:31,112 --> 00:06:33,223 other services such as transportation 176 00:06:33,223 --> 00:06:35,630 from the port of entry to the location 177 00:06:35,640 --> 00:06:37,760 of accommodations and some medical 178 00:06:37,760 --> 00:06:41,120 services as well . My team of military 179 00:06:41,120 --> 00:06:43,670 civilian contract personnel are working 180 00:06:43,670 --> 00:06:45,726 closely with the numerous agencies , 181 00:06:45,726 --> 00:06:47,837 both government and non government to 182 00:06:47,837 --> 00:06:49,614 ensure further requirements and 183 00:06:49,614 --> 00:06:51,726 additional capabilities are available 184 00:06:51,726 --> 00:06:53,892 for vulnerable afghans . In addition , 185 00:06:53,892 --> 00:06:56,059 the Department of Homeland Security is 186 00:06:56,059 --> 00:06:58,114 working to conduct the screening and 187 00:06:58,114 --> 00:06:59,948 security vetting for all special 188 00:06:59,948 --> 00:07:01,948 immigrant visa applicants and other 189 00:07:01,948 --> 00:07:04,059 vulnerable afghans in the fastest way 190 00:07:04,059 --> 00:07:06,059 possible , consistent with the dual 191 00:07:06,059 --> 00:07:08,170 goals of protecting national security 192 00:07:08,170 --> 00:07:10,392 and providing protection for vulnerable 193 00:07:10,392 --> 00:07:12,726 afghans who supported the United States . 194 00:07:12,940 --> 00:07:15,250 That process involves biometric and 195 00:07:15,250 --> 00:07:17,194 biographic screenings conducted by 196 00:07:17,194 --> 00:07:19,200 intelligence , law enforcement and 197 00:07:19,200 --> 00:07:21,200 counterterrorism professionals from 198 00:07:21,200 --> 00:07:23,311 across the interagency community . We 199 00:07:23,311 --> 00:07:25,533 are working around the clock to vet all 200 00:07:25,533 --> 00:07:28,280 afghans being evacuated before allowing 201 00:07:28,280 --> 00:07:30,950 them into the United States . During 202 00:07:30,950 --> 00:07:33,230 recent visits to Fort Lee , Fort McCoy 203 00:07:33,240 --> 00:07:35,296 and Fort Bliss . I saw the operation 204 00:07:35,296 --> 00:07:37,760 first hand and I'm proudly watched our 205 00:07:37,760 --> 00:07:39,593 U . S . Personnel operating with 206 00:07:39,593 --> 00:07:42,910 compassion as they helped afghans and 207 00:07:42,910 --> 00:07:44,966 their families who have done so much 208 00:07:44,966 --> 00:07:47,021 for the United States and our allies 209 00:07:47,021 --> 00:07:49,021 through two decades of conflict . I 210 00:07:49,021 --> 00:07:51,243 also talked with some of the Afghans in 211 00:07:51,243 --> 00:07:53,466 each location . During a conversation I 212 00:07:53,466 --> 00:07:55,688 had with one Afghan family . I asked if 213 00:07:55,688 --> 00:07:57,688 they had what they needed . If they 214 00:07:57,688 --> 00:07:59,799 were doing OK ? Getting enough to eat 215 00:07:59,799 --> 00:08:01,688 and getting enough to sleep . The 216 00:08:01,688 --> 00:08:03,854 father thanked me saying they had what 217 00:08:03,854 --> 00:08:05,966 they needed and that it was the first 218 00:08:05,966 --> 00:08:08,077 time in a long time that he has slept 219 00:08:08,077 --> 00:08:10,188 without being afraid for his family's 220 00:08:10,188 --> 00:08:12,188 safety . So thousands of soldiers , 221 00:08:12,188 --> 00:08:14,770 sailing sailors , airmen , marines are 222 00:08:14,770 --> 00:08:16,770 working across the United States to 223 00:08:16,770 --> 00:08:18,714 complete this incredibly important 224 00:08:18,714 --> 00:08:20,381 mission to provide our afghan 225 00:08:20,381 --> 00:08:22,437 colleagues as safe harbor While they 226 00:08:22,437 --> 00:08:24,492 finalize their immigration process , 227 00:08:24,492 --> 00:08:26,548 I'm also grateful for the support of 228 00:08:26,548 --> 00:08:28,770 the communities surrounding each of our 229 00:08:28,770 --> 00:08:30,992 bases and for the volunteers and others 230 00:08:30,992 --> 00:08:33,159 who are aiding in all of these efforts 231 00:08:33,159 --> 00:08:35,159 together . We're honor honoring our 232 00:08:35,159 --> 00:08:37,270 commitment to our afghan partners and 233 00:08:37,270 --> 00:08:39,437 their families . And I look forward to 234 00:08:39,437 --> 00:08:39,060 taking your questions . Thank you . 235 00:08:39,640 --> 00:08:41,751 Thank you . General start with lida . 236 00:08:42,440 --> 00:08:44,662 Hi , General Leader of Al Gore with the 237 00:08:44,662 --> 00:08:46,690 Associated Press . I have one quick 238 00:08:46,690 --> 00:08:49,270 numbers question for you and then a 239 00:08:49,280 --> 00:08:52,860 second . Um , can you tell us how 240 00:08:52,860 --> 00:08:56,180 many evacuees have gone through Dulles ? 241 00:08:56,180 --> 00:08:58,460 The governor said today . The numbers 242 00:08:58,460 --> 00:09:01,420 14,000 we were told earlier there was 243 00:09:01,420 --> 00:09:04,460 about 7000 S ivy . Can you square those 244 00:09:04,460 --> 00:09:06,820 numbers for us ? Uh , and then I have a 245 00:09:06,820 --> 00:09:09,380 follow up . Unfortunately , I don't 246 00:09:09,380 --> 00:09:11,491 have a specific number for your State 247 00:09:11,491 --> 00:09:13,824 Department would be best to answer that . 248 00:09:13,824 --> 00:09:16,140 I can tell you what has come to us and 249 00:09:16,140 --> 00:09:19,720 that's a 6578 at four separate 250 00:09:19,720 --> 00:09:21,887 locations . I will tell you what we're 251 00:09:21,887 --> 00:09:24,590 seeing Is of those that do arrive at 252 00:09:24,590 --> 00:09:27,680 Dulles about 40% or so have been coming 253 00:09:27,680 --> 00:09:30,310 to us . Others have been uh am sets and 254 00:09:30,310 --> 00:09:32,870 in other status uh such as having a 255 00:09:32,870 --> 00:09:34,870 green card already where they could 256 00:09:34,870 --> 00:09:37,840 move on from Dulles . Thank you . And 257 00:09:37,850 --> 00:09:39,794 my follow up is can you give us an 258 00:09:39,794 --> 00:09:43,080 assessment of both the security risks 259 00:09:43,080 --> 00:09:45,660 as well as the covid risks as you're 260 00:09:45,660 --> 00:09:47,549 doing And everyone is doing these 261 00:09:47,549 --> 00:09:50,370 screenings . What security risks are 262 00:09:50,370 --> 00:09:52,592 you seeing ? Are you seeing a number of 263 00:09:52,592 --> 00:09:54,648 people who are showing up on lists ? 264 00:09:54,648 --> 00:09:56,870 And then what about Covid ? How is that 265 00:09:56,870 --> 00:09:59,037 testing going And what are the threats 266 00:09:59,037 --> 00:10:02,630 at the basis for Covid . Thanks leader . 267 00:10:02,640 --> 00:10:05,570 So for security I would defer to DHS 268 00:10:05,570 --> 00:10:07,514 who runs that operation . I'm very 269 00:10:07,514 --> 00:10:09,181 comfortable . We've worked to 270 00:10:09,181 --> 00:10:12,180 streamline that operation . As I said 271 00:10:12,180 --> 00:10:14,069 in my opening comments were doing 272 00:10:14,069 --> 00:10:16,013 biographical and biometric testing 273 00:10:16,013 --> 00:10:18,020 across the various agencies of the 274 00:10:18,020 --> 00:10:19,576 inter agency to include our 275 00:10:19,576 --> 00:10:21,464 counterterrorism and intelligence 276 00:10:21,464 --> 00:10:23,780 communities . What we're seeing is uh 277 00:10:23,790 --> 00:10:25,790 folks coming across cleared by that 278 00:10:25,790 --> 00:10:28,400 process process which I'm comfortable 279 00:10:28,400 --> 00:10:31,640 with with regards to Covid the afghans 280 00:10:31,640 --> 00:10:34,650 coming from the Middle East into our 281 00:10:35,040 --> 00:10:37,262 locations that we have stood up are all 282 00:10:37,262 --> 00:10:39,429 being tested actually multiple times . 283 00:10:39,429 --> 00:10:42,600 We test them 100% upon arrival at each 284 00:10:42,600 --> 00:10:44,656 location . They're getting tested at 285 00:10:44,656 --> 00:10:46,711 Dulles as well and en route they get 286 00:10:46,711 --> 00:10:49,350 tested . I'll give you some numbers we 287 00:10:49,350 --> 00:10:51,780 are seeing so far to date . When I was 288 00:10:51,780 --> 00:10:54,900 at Fort McCoy on Wednesday . Only three 289 00:10:54,910 --> 00:10:57,650 out of more than 1300 had tested 290 00:10:57,650 --> 00:10:59,817 positive when I went to Fort Bliss the 291 00:10:59,817 --> 00:11:02,690 same day one out of more than 1200 had 292 00:11:02,690 --> 00:11:04,912 tested positive for Covid . I hope that 293 00:11:04,912 --> 00:11:08,840 helps one out 294 00:11:08,840 --> 00:11:11,250 of 12:00 gen . 295 00:11:13,140 --> 00:11:15,196 Hi General Van Herck . It's jennifer 296 00:11:15,196 --> 00:11:17,362 griffin with Fox News . I just want to 297 00:11:17,362 --> 00:11:20,120 go back a little bit too numbers . What 298 00:11:20,120 --> 00:11:23,060 percentage would you say of the people 299 00:11:23,060 --> 00:11:25,380 who are processing onto these bases ? 300 00:11:25,390 --> 00:11:29,190 Are S ivy holders or applicants Or 301 00:11:29,200 --> 00:11:32,860 are you also housing people who 302 00:11:32,870 --> 00:11:35,220 apply for refugee status ? Just trying 303 00:11:35,220 --> 00:11:37,610 to understand the breakdown of who is 304 00:11:37,610 --> 00:11:40,630 on these bases . And um and then 305 00:11:40,640 --> 00:11:42,990 secondly there are reports from Dulles 306 00:11:42,990 --> 00:11:45,710 that some of those uh some of the 307 00:11:45,710 --> 00:11:47,766 commercial flights that have come in 308 00:11:47,766 --> 00:11:49,877 have had to keep people on the tarmac 309 00:11:49,877 --> 00:11:51,860 on board planes for up to 10 hours 310 00:11:51,870 --> 00:11:54,790 while screeners come on board . Is 311 00:11:54,790 --> 00:11:56,901 anything being done to rectify that ? 312 00:11:56,901 --> 00:11:59,220 Is that a DHS issue ? Are you aware of 313 00:11:59,220 --> 00:12:02,150 that issue at Dulles ? Thanks jennifer 314 00:12:02,150 --> 00:12:04,372 on the S . I . V . Numbers . I defer to 315 00:12:04,372 --> 00:12:06,372 the State Department . I don't have 316 00:12:06,372 --> 00:12:08,594 that exact number in front of me . What 317 00:12:08,594 --> 00:12:10,594 I would tell you is the S . I . V . 318 00:12:10,594 --> 00:12:13,410 Numbers have not been in excess of 50% . 319 00:12:13,410 --> 00:12:15,760 But I don't have the details right now 320 00:12:16,240 --> 00:12:18,240 With regards to the problems you're 321 00:12:18,240 --> 00:12:20,296 describing at Dulles . I am aware of 322 00:12:20,296 --> 00:12:22,640 the longer waits that you describe . Uh 323 00:12:22,650 --> 00:12:24,590 we worked very hard over the last 324 00:12:24,590 --> 00:12:26,770 couple of days to make the process as 325 00:12:26,770 --> 00:12:28,992 efficient and effective . When I say we 326 00:12:28,992 --> 00:12:30,992 D . O . D . Worked with the process 327 00:12:30,992 --> 00:12:34,080 owner DHS to streamline this 328 00:12:34,080 --> 00:12:35,858 specifically customs and border 329 00:12:35,858 --> 00:12:38,020 protection along with the T . S . A . 330 00:12:38,020 --> 00:12:40,340 Who who owns that process if you will . 331 00:12:40,350 --> 00:12:42,960 Some of the challenges were being uh 332 00:12:42,970 --> 00:12:46,750 use of the proper vetting authorities 333 00:12:46,750 --> 00:12:49,620 if you will to ensure that we looked at 334 00:12:49,620 --> 00:12:51,880 the same ones and that they were coming 335 00:12:51,880 --> 00:12:55,050 across . We knew exactly who was 336 00:12:55,060 --> 00:12:57,282 certifying that and that's customs that 337 00:12:57,282 --> 00:12:59,393 was certifying it across to the other 338 00:12:59,393 --> 00:13:01,393 side . What was happening is if the 339 00:13:01,393 --> 00:13:03,440 improper system was utilized , they 340 00:13:03,440 --> 00:13:05,329 were being flagged as read on the 341 00:13:05,329 --> 00:13:07,440 receiving end at Dulles . That should 342 00:13:07,440 --> 00:13:09,773 actually give you comfort jennifer that , 343 00:13:09,773 --> 00:13:11,773 that we're not leaning towards more 344 00:13:11,773 --> 00:13:13,884 conservative and pushing them out but 345 00:13:13,884 --> 00:13:16,110 actually ensuring verification uh that 346 00:13:16,110 --> 00:13:18,221 led to the delays that you're talking 347 00:13:18,221 --> 00:13:20,054 about when I took the brief this 348 00:13:20,054 --> 00:13:22,166 morning . Uh , we had no airplanes on 349 00:13:22,166 --> 00:13:24,870 the ramp waiting at Dulles uh for 350 00:13:24,880 --> 00:13:27,560 processing through customs . Uh , and I 351 00:13:27,560 --> 00:13:29,838 don't have an update for you right now , 352 00:13:29,838 --> 00:13:32,004 but I believe we're in a good position 353 00:13:32,004 --> 00:13:35,210 jennifer thing torre Thank you . 354 00:13:35,220 --> 00:13:37,360 General Tareq off was defense one 355 00:13:37,740 --> 00:13:39,796 following up on jen's question , Can 356 00:13:39,796 --> 00:13:43,660 you talk about the challenges that 357 00:13:43,670 --> 00:13:46,390 you've had with the D . O . D . And DHS 358 00:13:46,390 --> 00:13:48,170 systems , the biometric systems 359 00:13:48,170 --> 00:13:50,740 actually being able to pass that 360 00:13:50,740 --> 00:13:54,200 information in a timely manner . Um and 361 00:13:54,210 --> 00:13:56,432 explain a little bit more about how all 362 00:13:56,432 --> 00:13:58,600 of the different flagging read that 363 00:13:58,600 --> 00:14:01,380 you've seen because names were passed 364 00:14:01,380 --> 00:14:04,770 through different systems really can't 365 00:14:04,770 --> 00:14:06,548 answer that question . That's a 366 00:14:06,548 --> 00:14:08,603 question for DHS and I apologize , I 367 00:14:08,603 --> 00:14:11,850 just don't have that information . And 368 00:14:11,860 --> 00:14:13,630 to follow up a little bit more 369 00:14:13,630 --> 00:14:17,060 humanitarian with all the thousands of 370 00:14:17,060 --> 00:14:19,004 afghans that are going on to these 371 00:14:19,004 --> 00:14:21,060 bases , you know , many of them left 372 00:14:21,060 --> 00:14:23,250 their country with very little and 373 00:14:23,260 --> 00:14:25,482 probably have different levels of means 374 00:14:25,482 --> 00:14:28,320 to start life over here . How long is D . 375 00:14:28,320 --> 00:14:31,090 O . D . Prepared to house and feed 376 00:14:31,410 --> 00:14:34,790 these refugees ? So we're prepared to 377 00:14:34,790 --> 00:14:36,957 house them and feed them as long as it 378 00:14:36,957 --> 00:14:39,179 takes to get them through the process ? 379 00:14:39,179 --> 00:14:41,290 And as long as the secretary approves 380 00:14:41,290 --> 00:14:43,234 that , um , I agree with you there 381 00:14:43,234 --> 00:14:45,401 coming here uh starting over with what 382 00:14:45,401 --> 00:14:47,457 they bring with them . We we've been 383 00:14:47,457 --> 00:14:49,623 incredibly well supported by the local 384 00:14:49,623 --> 00:14:51,734 communities , uh the non governmental 385 00:14:51,734 --> 00:14:53,957 organizations etcetera that have jumped 386 00:14:53,957 --> 00:14:56,100 in uh to help these families with uh 387 00:14:56,110 --> 00:14:58,530 things of needs such as uh diapers , 388 00:14:58,530 --> 00:15:01,730 formula clothing , you name it . You 389 00:15:01,730 --> 00:15:03,952 see the gamut when you're talking these 390 00:15:03,952 --> 00:15:05,810 large numbers and we've been 391 00:15:05,820 --> 00:15:07,764 tremendously blessed to have great 392 00:15:07,764 --> 00:15:11,160 support they're willing to host as they 393 00:15:11,160 --> 00:15:13,216 go through the process . What do you 394 00:15:13,216 --> 00:15:15,530 mean by the process ? Can if they don't 395 00:15:15,530 --> 00:15:17,697 have a place to go , how long can they 396 00:15:17,697 --> 00:15:21,180 stay on base ? Well they stay on , 397 00:15:21,190 --> 00:15:22,968 they'll stay on base until they 398 00:15:22,968 --> 00:15:25,950 complete the uh special immigrant visa 399 00:15:25,950 --> 00:15:28,006 processing process which is owned by 400 00:15:28,006 --> 00:15:30,420 the State department With the support , 401 00:15:30,420 --> 00:15:32,710 we provide medical support . We provide 402 00:15:32,720 --> 00:15:34,720 contract medical support as part of 403 00:15:34,720 --> 00:15:37,300 that . So each of the applicants will 404 00:15:37,300 --> 00:15:39,467 go through a screening process such as 405 00:15:39,467 --> 00:15:42,600 screening for uh you know , diseases 406 00:15:42,610 --> 00:15:45,390 vaccinations if they need vaccinated . 407 00:15:45,400 --> 00:15:47,178 Uh we'll have the International 408 00:15:47,178 --> 00:15:49,344 migration organization come in towards 409 00:15:49,344 --> 00:15:51,430 the end of the process and work with 410 00:15:51,430 --> 00:15:53,920 them on where they need to be relocated . 411 00:15:53,930 --> 00:15:56,041 Many of them have family already here 412 00:15:56,041 --> 00:15:58,097 in the United States Or they will be 413 00:15:58,097 --> 00:15:59,986 relocated to places where there's 414 00:15:59,986 --> 00:16:02,320 already Afghan populations etc . What 415 00:16:02,320 --> 00:16:04,580 we saw at Fort Lee with those that 416 00:16:04,590 --> 00:16:06,840 already had some type of a special 417 00:16:06,840 --> 00:16:09,010 immigrant visa processing is that was 418 00:16:09,010 --> 00:16:12,300 taken about 5-7 days . We won't know 419 00:16:12,300 --> 00:16:14,244 exactly how long that's gonna take 420 00:16:14,244 --> 00:16:15,967 until the State Department and 421 00:16:15,967 --> 00:16:18,133 everybody is on the ground full up and 422 00:16:18,133 --> 00:16:20,022 we're ready to begin processing . 423 00:16:20,022 --> 00:16:22,133 Remember we've only been that at this 424 00:16:22,133 --> 00:16:23,911 for a few days . And so at each 425 00:16:23,911 --> 00:16:26,078 location we're going to spin up rather 426 00:16:26,078 --> 00:16:28,244 quickly here and begin the application 427 00:16:28,244 --> 00:16:30,480 in the process for special immigrant 428 00:16:30,480 --> 00:16:33,860 status or 429 00:16:34,340 --> 00:16:36,710 oren Liebermann from CNN the S . I . V . 430 00:16:36,710 --> 00:16:38,710 Application process . The screening 431 00:16:38,710 --> 00:16:40,543 process is a long process . What 432 00:16:40,543 --> 00:16:42,766 happens if at some point while somebody 433 00:16:42,766 --> 00:16:44,821 is on a military base they fail that 434 00:16:44,821 --> 00:16:46,766 screening . Are they going back to 435 00:16:46,766 --> 00:16:48,988 Afghanistan or or what's the what's the 436 00:16:48,988 --> 00:16:51,099 plan there and then john are you also 437 00:16:51,099 --> 00:16:53,590 taking questions later ? I would defer 438 00:16:53,590 --> 00:16:55,923 to the Department of the State for that . 439 00:16:55,923 --> 00:16:58,600 That's really there . There area of 440 00:16:58,600 --> 00:17:01,960 expertise . We're prepared to uh 441 00:17:01,970 --> 00:17:04,020 continue this support until we get 442 00:17:04,020 --> 00:17:06,187 through this process in support of the 443 00:17:06,187 --> 00:17:08,520 State Department . Let's be a plan here . 444 00:17:08,520 --> 00:17:10,687 Somebody if somebody fails a screening 445 00:17:10,687 --> 00:17:12,909 process and is already on a US military 446 00:17:12,909 --> 00:17:15,450 facility . So so let me go back on . So 447 00:17:15,460 --> 00:17:17,516 they have gone through the screening 448 00:17:17,516 --> 00:17:21,120 process before putting feet in the 449 00:17:21,120 --> 00:17:23,064 continental United States . From a 450 00:17:23,064 --> 00:17:26,990 security perspective , when they are uh 451 00:17:27,000 --> 00:17:29,410 through customs , they are paroled into 452 00:17:29,410 --> 00:17:32,180 the United States of America . And if 453 00:17:32,180 --> 00:17:35,130 they have relatives , theoretically 454 00:17:35,130 --> 00:17:37,352 they can go with those relatives . What 455 00:17:37,352 --> 00:17:39,574 we're doing is helping them get through 456 00:17:39,574 --> 00:17:41,520 the screening process . And so we 457 00:17:41,520 --> 00:17:44,190 provide all of the governmental 458 00:17:44,190 --> 00:17:46,190 organizations to support that , the 459 00:17:46,190 --> 00:17:49,070 medical process , et cetera . And so we 460 00:17:49,070 --> 00:17:52,150 are not doing security screening in 461 00:17:52,150 --> 00:17:54,261 support of State Department . This is 462 00:17:54,261 --> 00:17:56,520 part of the application for special 463 00:17:56,530 --> 00:17:58,252 immigrant status . I hope that 464 00:17:58,252 --> 00:18:01,150 clarifies it . Okay , Tony Tony 465 00:18:01,150 --> 00:18:03,480 capacity with Bloomberg News . Do you 466 00:18:03,480 --> 00:18:05,591 have a breakdown by gender roughly of 467 00:18:05,591 --> 00:18:07,600 how many women girls ? Boys and men 468 00:18:07,620 --> 00:18:09,740 have been processed by D . O . D . It 469 00:18:09,750 --> 00:18:11,750 begs a lot of questions in terms of 470 00:18:11,750 --> 00:18:13,972 separate facilities . And then I have a 471 00:18:13,972 --> 00:18:15,806 second question about culturally 472 00:18:15,806 --> 00:18:18,030 appropriate food . We're talking mris 473 00:18:18,030 --> 00:18:21,210 or humanitarian mris or a local 474 00:18:21,210 --> 00:18:24,670 kitchens being hired up to cook . 475 00:18:25,540 --> 00:18:28,170 Thanks Tony . Uh So we're seeing about 476 00:18:28,170 --> 00:18:30,450 50 50 male female . That that can 477 00:18:30,450 --> 00:18:32,506 change back and forth ? We're seeing 478 00:18:32,506 --> 00:18:35,230 about 15% with with Children . We're 479 00:18:35,230 --> 00:18:37,470 seeing a lot of uh of the females who 480 00:18:37,470 --> 00:18:40,210 are pregnant . Uh So I don't have a 481 00:18:40,220 --> 00:18:42,460 specific detail for what you asked 482 00:18:42,460 --> 00:18:44,238 about for the total number with 483 00:18:44,238 --> 00:18:46,460 Children , male , female etcetera . But 484 00:18:46,460 --> 00:18:48,571 that gives you an idea . We're seeing 485 00:18:48,740 --> 00:18:51,130 Right now . 513 Children at one 486 00:18:51,130 --> 00:18:53,370 location . For a total of about 30% of 487 00:18:53,370 --> 00:18:56,250 that . The location with regards to 488 00:18:56,250 --> 00:18:58,470 your second question uh were we 489 00:18:58,470 --> 00:19:01,030 contract to provide support ? Uh you 490 00:19:01,030 --> 00:19:04,050 know , meals , multiple meals for large 491 00:19:04,050 --> 00:19:06,272 windows . So for example will provide a 492 00:19:06,272 --> 00:19:08,328 breakfast meal for a halal for their 493 00:19:08,328 --> 00:19:10,550 culturally appropriate for a three hour 494 00:19:10,550 --> 00:19:12,606 window will shut down for a second . 495 00:19:12,606 --> 00:19:14,494 And when I say we it's a contract 496 00:19:14,494 --> 00:19:16,606 support at each location . Then we'll 497 00:19:16,606 --> 00:19:18,717 spin up for a lunch meal and we'll do 498 00:19:18,717 --> 00:19:20,606 the same for the dinner . Uh most 499 00:19:20,606 --> 00:19:22,661 locations I believe we'll have or do 500 00:19:22,661 --> 00:19:25,950 have a 24 hour grab and go culturally 501 00:19:25,960 --> 00:19:29,870 uh for the the Afghans as well . I hope 502 00:19:29,870 --> 00:19:32,630 that answers your food question . Let 503 00:19:32,630 --> 00:19:34,860 me go to the phone laura Seligman 504 00:19:34,860 --> 00:19:38,780 political . Hi john thanks 505 00:19:38,780 --> 00:19:42,180 for taking my question I wanted to ask 506 00:19:42,190 --> 00:19:46,110 um first of all uh ned price earlier 507 00:19:46,110 --> 00:19:49,140 said that he didn't know how many S . I . 508 00:19:49,140 --> 00:19:51,910 V . S . Have been evacuated . Can you 509 00:19:51,910 --> 00:19:55,140 square that general with the numbers 510 00:19:55,140 --> 00:19:58,700 that you gave earlier . Um Is there a 511 00:19:58,700 --> 00:20:00,930 discrepancy between the ones that have 512 00:20:00,930 --> 00:20:03,130 been evacuated in the total number of 513 00:20:03,130 --> 00:20:05,130 people that have come to the United 514 00:20:05,130 --> 00:20:07,186 States ? Um What what is what is the 515 00:20:07,186 --> 00:20:09,241 difference there ? Was it that we're 516 00:20:09,241 --> 00:20:11,408 missing Laura ? You're you need to ask 517 00:20:11,408 --> 00:20:13,408 the State department . I don't have 518 00:20:13,408 --> 00:20:15,680 that data for you . That's a question 519 00:20:15,680 --> 00:20:18,590 for them . And are there as a follow up ? 520 00:20:18,600 --> 00:20:21,770 Are there ? How many S . I . V . S . Um 521 00:20:21,770 --> 00:20:25,330 And other afghans do you estimate are 522 00:20:25,330 --> 00:20:28,520 still at the Kabul airport awaiting a 523 00:20:28,520 --> 00:20:31,120 flight out ? I'll defer to General 524 00:20:31,120 --> 00:20:33,176 Mackenzie and the forces forward . I 525 00:20:33,176 --> 00:20:35,009 don't know that answer the State 526 00:20:35,009 --> 00:20:37,009 department or centcom may have that 527 00:20:37,009 --> 00:20:39,520 answer for you laura Today it was about 528 00:20:39,530 --> 00:20:42,740 between three and 5000 earlier today . 529 00:20:42,740 --> 00:20:44,962 But as we have talked about before this 530 00:20:44,962 --> 00:20:47,129 is a snapshot in time and it literally 531 00:20:47,129 --> 00:20:49,560 changes by the hour . But the last 532 00:20:49,570 --> 00:20:51,910 thing that I saw was somewhere between 533 00:20:51,920 --> 00:20:54,400 three and 5000 but again changes our to 534 00:20:54,400 --> 00:20:57,770 our Kourtney . Hey General Van Herck . 535 00:20:57,770 --> 00:20:59,992 It's Courtney QB from NBC News . I just 536 00:20:59,992 --> 00:21:02,048 have a couple of clarifications . So 537 00:21:02,048 --> 00:21:03,992 when you talk about how they these 538 00:21:03,992 --> 00:21:06,103 individuals have already gone through 539 00:21:06,103 --> 00:21:08,270 the screening process before they even 540 00:21:08,270 --> 00:21:10,326 set foot here in the United States . 541 00:21:10,326 --> 00:21:09,770 Does that mean that their names have 542 00:21:09,770 --> 00:21:11,881 already been run through the national 543 00:21:11,881 --> 00:21:15,320 counterterror database . Courtney . 544 00:21:15,320 --> 00:21:17,542 Thanks . Uh It is my understanding that 545 00:21:17,542 --> 00:21:19,598 each one of them and their names and 546 00:21:19,598 --> 00:21:21,487 their biographical data and their 547 00:21:21,487 --> 00:21:23,709 biometric data has been run through the 548 00:21:23,709 --> 00:21:27,230 established databases . Second you also 549 00:21:27,230 --> 00:21:29,341 mentioned some of the medical support 550 00:21:29,341 --> 00:21:31,174 that the military is providing , 551 00:21:31,174 --> 00:21:33,119 including vaccinations . Does that 552 00:21:33,119 --> 00:21:35,230 include covid vaccines at the bases ? 553 00:21:35,230 --> 00:21:38,710 Are those mandatory or optional ? The 554 00:21:38,720 --> 00:21:40,942 vaccines are offered to them . They are 555 00:21:40,942 --> 00:21:43,220 offered at Dulles . We offer them as 556 00:21:43,220 --> 00:21:45,442 well as the task force locations . They 557 00:21:45,442 --> 00:21:48,300 are not mandatory . Uh , we see many of 558 00:21:48,300 --> 00:21:50,467 them are taking the vaccine if they've 559 00:21:50,467 --> 00:21:53,470 not already had it . One on the 560 00:21:53,470 --> 00:21:55,581 paperwork that's that they're they're 561 00:21:55,581 --> 00:21:57,859 getting assistance for their S . I . V . 562 00:21:57,859 --> 00:21:59,692 Paperwork . Is there any U . S . 563 00:21:59,692 --> 00:21:59,340 Military component ? Like do you have 564 00:21:59,340 --> 00:22:02,270 any military members who are assisting 565 00:22:02,270 --> 00:22:06,150 with that paperwork ? So the 566 00:22:06,160 --> 00:22:07,800 the paperwork on our end for 567 00:22:07,800 --> 00:22:09,990 accountability purposes where where 568 00:22:09,990 --> 00:22:12,110 they arrive at the task force is we 569 00:22:12,110 --> 00:22:14,280 absolutely are part of that paperwork 570 00:22:14,280 --> 00:22:17,330 process to ensure accountability to 571 00:22:17,330 --> 00:22:20,640 provide security etcetera for them at 572 00:22:20,640 --> 00:22:22,584 each of those locations . Prior to 573 00:22:22,584 --> 00:22:24,860 arriving at our task force locations . 574 00:22:24,860 --> 00:22:27,810 We are not directly involved with the 575 00:22:27,820 --> 00:22:30,180 paperwork process . Uh , I don't know 576 00:22:30,180 --> 00:22:32,180 the role in centcom of any of their 577 00:22:32,180 --> 00:22:33,958 forces . I defer you to General 578 00:22:33,958 --> 00:22:36,220 Mackenzie on questions for any D . O . 579 00:22:36,220 --> 00:22:40,190 D . Members forward ? Mm hmm . Uh , 580 00:22:40,200 --> 00:22:42,570 General Megan Myers from military times . 581 00:22:42,580 --> 00:22:45,330 I wanted to ask why these particular 582 00:22:45,330 --> 00:22:47,790 bases were chosen for cbs was it 583 00:22:47,790 --> 00:22:50,490 because of space reasons , hard and 584 00:22:50,490 --> 00:22:53,560 soft , um , buildings and or was it 585 00:22:53,560 --> 00:22:55,660 because of proximity to afghan 586 00:22:55,660 --> 00:22:57,771 communities in the area where some of 587 00:22:57,771 --> 00:23:00,440 them might end up being resettled ? Um , 588 00:23:00,450 --> 00:23:03,570 it was not necessarily for the specific 589 00:23:03,570 --> 00:23:05,681 location to an afghan community . The 590 00:23:05,681 --> 00:23:07,903 department took a look at each location 591 00:23:07,903 --> 00:23:10,070 to ensure they had sufficient capacity 592 00:23:10,070 --> 00:23:12,340 uh that there was capability in the 593 00:23:12,340 --> 00:23:15,490 region to support that the limits of 594 00:23:15,500 --> 00:23:17,580 readiness and training for the local 595 00:23:17,590 --> 00:23:20,680 instead uh infrastructure and the basis 596 00:23:20,690 --> 00:23:22,801 was also a consideration . Those were 597 00:23:22,801 --> 00:23:25,880 all provided by the services , the 598 00:23:25,880 --> 00:23:28,480 services provided within the the 599 00:23:28,490 --> 00:23:30,920 recommendations for the department . 600 00:23:30,930 --> 00:23:33,310 They took a lot a look at each location 601 00:23:33,310 --> 00:23:35,570 and offered up those installations for 602 00:23:35,570 --> 00:23:38,350 approval by the department . It will 603 00:23:38,350 --> 00:23:40,350 take one more than we gonna let the 604 00:23:40,350 --> 00:23:42,750 general close it out Therese Hi General 605 00:23:42,750 --> 00:23:44,861 Ben Hurt . My name's Theresa Guardian 606 00:23:44,861 --> 00:23:47,083 with Newsy uh for the Children that are 607 00:23:47,083 --> 00:23:50,200 on base . Um Are there any educational 608 00:23:50,210 --> 00:23:53,030 classes being provided for them ? Um If 609 00:23:53,030 --> 00:23:55,197 not , are those Children able to go to 610 00:23:55,197 --> 00:23:57,450 the C . D . C . S on base um to help 611 00:23:57,460 --> 00:23:59,516 kind of with babysitting and kind of 612 00:23:59,516 --> 00:24:02,460 educating them um on american ways and 613 00:24:02,470 --> 00:24:04,890 whatnot . That's a that's a great 614 00:24:04,890 --> 00:24:07,001 question . So to answer the last part 615 00:24:07,001 --> 00:24:09,057 first . Currently , I'm not aware of 616 00:24:09,057 --> 00:24:11,279 any of them using uh CDCs on base . But 617 00:24:11,279 --> 00:24:13,223 what I would tell you , there's an 618 00:24:13,223 --> 00:24:15,168 outpouring of support in the local 619 00:24:15,168 --> 00:24:16,723 areas , local communities , 620 00:24:16,723 --> 00:24:18,834 organizations , non governmental that 621 00:24:18,834 --> 00:24:21,270 have showed up at each location to 622 00:24:21,270 --> 00:24:25,120 provide uh coloring books uh books to 623 00:24:25,120 --> 00:24:27,950 read educational opportunities , sports 624 00:24:27,960 --> 00:24:30,570 uh at Fort Bliss when I was down there , 625 00:24:30,580 --> 00:24:34,000 the soldiers had built soccer goals and 626 00:24:34,000 --> 00:24:36,890 set up soccer areas for them to 627 00:24:36,900 --> 00:24:39,011 practice and play soccer to keep them 628 00:24:39,011 --> 00:24:41,344 occupied . So that's a great news story . 629 00:24:42,340 --> 00:24:44,507 Okay , General sir , I'm gonna turn it 630 00:24:44,507 --> 00:24:46,562 over to you for any closing thoughts 631 00:24:46,562 --> 00:24:48,673 you might have . Well , thanks john . 632 00:24:48,673 --> 00:24:50,729 And for everybody in the room and on 633 00:24:50,729 --> 00:24:52,951 the phone , it's a privilege to talk to 634 00:24:52,951 --> 00:24:55,062 you today and it's really a privilege 635 00:24:55,062 --> 00:24:57,229 to be executing this mission for those 636 00:24:57,229 --> 00:24:59,396 that have helped us for . Oftentimes a 637 00:24:59,396 --> 00:25:01,729 couple of decades . Uh , we continue to , 638 00:25:01,729 --> 00:25:04,062 to look forward to supporting them . Uh , 639 00:25:04,062 --> 00:25:06,284 we're prepared to do this as long as it 640 00:25:06,284 --> 00:25:08,118 takes to ensure that we get them 641 00:25:08,118 --> 00:25:10,284 settled here back in the United States 642 00:25:10,284 --> 00:25:12,340 of America . I'm really proud of the 643 00:25:12,340 --> 00:25:14,673 soldiers , sailors , airmen and marines . 644 00:25:14,673 --> 00:25:16,920 Uh , coast is , I've got coast is here 645 00:25:16,920 --> 00:25:19,270 working for us guardians , you name it . 646 00:25:19,740 --> 00:25:22,240 We're working very hard . Every time I 647 00:25:22,240 --> 00:25:24,573 look him in the eye and I talked to him , 648 00:25:24,573 --> 00:25:26,780 you cannot imagine how proud and 649 00:25:26,780 --> 00:25:29,630 privileged they are to support this 650 00:25:29,630 --> 00:25:31,852 mission . And they tell me that all the 651 00:25:31,852 --> 00:25:34,130 time when I've been out on circulation . 652 00:25:34,130 --> 00:25:36,241 I feel the exact same way and we look 653 00:25:36,241 --> 00:25:38,297 forward to continuing to make this a 654 00:25:38,297 --> 00:25:40,463 successful operation . So thanks for , 655 00:25:40,463 --> 00:25:42,241 let me tell the story . General 656 00:25:42,241 --> 00:25:44,352 appreciate your time this afternoon . 657 00:25:45,740 --> 00:25:48,450 Okay , I got time to take a few on my 658 00:25:48,450 --> 00:25:49,960 own two quick things that 659 00:25:52,040 --> 00:25:55,850 ourselves firstly have the 660 00:25:55,850 --> 00:25:58,660 Taliban entered or taking control of 661 00:25:58,670 --> 00:26:01,750 any parts of the military section of HK . 662 00:26:01,750 --> 00:26:03,917 The you're aware of the taliban are in 663 00:26:03,917 --> 00:26:06,060 control of any part of Hamid Karzai 664 00:26:06,060 --> 00:26:08,004 International Airport . I saw that 665 00:26:08,004 --> 00:26:10,160 report to its false including the 666 00:26:10,160 --> 00:26:12,271 delegates . They are not in charge of 667 00:26:12,271 --> 00:26:14,400 any of the gates are not in charge of 668 00:26:14,410 --> 00:26:16,780 any of the airport operations . Uh , 669 00:26:16,790 --> 00:26:19,360 that is still under us military control . 670 00:26:20,440 --> 00:26:23,100 Yeah , john can you give us any further 671 00:26:23,100 --> 00:26:25,360 details on the attack at this point ? 672 00:26:25,740 --> 00:26:29,560 Um anything about whether the marines 673 00:26:29,780 --> 00:26:33,250 noticed the attacker coming , 674 00:26:33,900 --> 00:26:37,080 anything about the firing of the shots ? 675 00:26:37,080 --> 00:26:39,950 Has any of that bin kind of cleared up 676 00:26:39,960 --> 00:26:41,793 at this point ? I don't have any 677 00:26:41,793 --> 00:26:43,849 additional details from what General 678 00:26:43,849 --> 00:26:46,016 Mackenzie laid out yesterday . Again , 679 00:26:46,016 --> 00:26:48,238 we're going to do the forensics on this 680 00:26:48,238 --> 00:26:50,404 and try to learn as much as we can and 681 00:26:50,404 --> 00:26:52,627 when we have some verifiable context to 682 00:26:52,627 --> 00:26:54,627 be able to talk to you about that , 683 00:26:54,627 --> 00:26:56,738 we'll do it . But we're still digging 684 00:26:56,738 --> 00:26:58,738 into it right now . Do you have any 685 00:26:58,738 --> 00:27:02,460 timing on when you believe um the 686 00:27:02,470 --> 00:27:05,490 the aircraft with the remains will 687 00:27:05,490 --> 00:27:08,940 arrive at Dover . I don't uh and as you 688 00:27:08,940 --> 00:27:12,850 might imagine , were uh in the services 689 00:27:12,850 --> 00:27:14,906 are in contact with the families and 690 00:27:14,906 --> 00:27:17,930 they'll notify the families uh through 691 00:27:17,930 --> 00:27:20,260 the casualty assistance case officers . 692 00:27:20,260 --> 00:27:22,204 And I think I want to respect that 693 00:27:22,204 --> 00:27:25,650 process . Um as you know , uh sadly 694 00:27:25,650 --> 00:27:27,872 from covering this for so long lead . I 695 00:27:27,872 --> 00:27:31,350 mean it doesn't usually the process 696 00:27:31,350 --> 00:27:33,390 doesn't take that long . Well , the 697 00:27:33,400 --> 00:27:35,567 President and secretary go to Dover to 698 00:27:35,567 --> 00:27:38,160 meet the families of the fallen . I 699 00:27:38,170 --> 00:27:40,990 don't have any schedule announcements 700 00:27:41,000 --> 00:27:44,640 to make , but we're all mindful of the 701 00:27:44,640 --> 00:27:48,450 importance of any return of 702 00:27:48,460 --> 00:27:50,780 fallen members and certainly these 703 00:27:50,780 --> 00:27:52,836 included . But I just don't have any 704 00:27:52,840 --> 00:27:54,896 Things to announce from the schedule 705 00:27:54,896 --> 00:27:56,951 perspective , Tony . Have any status 706 00:27:56,951 --> 00:27:59,062 report on the 17 wounded at Landstuhl 707 00:27:59,062 --> 00:28:01,118 in terms of whether there was mostly 708 00:28:01,118 --> 00:28:03,118 stable or out of out of danger or I 709 00:28:03,118 --> 00:28:05,229 don't have an update on the wounded . 710 00:28:05,229 --> 00:28:07,380 Um , the last count I had was that 20 711 00:28:07,380 --> 00:28:09,740 of them had gone to launch tool . Um , 712 00:28:09,750 --> 00:28:11,972 the remaining there was some additional 713 00:28:11,972 --> 00:28:14,820 wounded , but that they were treated on 714 00:28:14,980 --> 00:28:17,210 site and return to duty . I don't know 715 00:28:17,220 --> 00:28:19,387 what the status is . And as you know , 716 00:28:19,387 --> 00:28:21,442 Tony , we don't usually get into the 717 00:28:21,442 --> 00:28:23,560 details of , uh , of wounded even 718 00:28:23,560 --> 00:28:25,671 anonymously . We just don't typically 719 00:28:25,671 --> 00:28:27,727 talk about that . You get a sense of 720 00:28:27,727 --> 00:28:29,782 whether most are stable or emerged . 721 00:28:29,782 --> 00:28:31,949 And just I'm not going to promise that 722 00:28:31,949 --> 00:28:34,060 Tony and we just don't talk about the 723 00:28:34,060 --> 00:28:36,116 status of wounded as I think you can 724 00:28:36,116 --> 00:28:38,060 understand . I mean , there's real 725 00:28:38,060 --> 00:28:40,282 privacy issues there that we want to be 726 00:28:40,282 --> 00:28:42,282 mindful of . Yeah , okay , Thanks . 727 00:28:42,282 --> 00:28:44,504 We'll see you . I'm planning to do this 728 00:28:44,504 --> 00:28:46,560 again tomorrow morning . Uh , so I'm 729 00:28:46,560 --> 00:28:48,671 shooting for around 11 o'clock in the 730 00:28:48,671 --> 00:28:50,504 morning , uh , tomorrow to for a 731 00:28:50,504 --> 00:28:53,010 regular update with general taylor . Uh , 732 00:28:53,020 --> 00:28:55,242 and then we'll see what the rest of the 733 00:28:55,242 --> 00:28:57,409 weekend looks like . All right . Thank 734 00:28:57,409 --> 00:28:57,540 you . Yeah