BRIGADIER GENERAL PAT RYDER: All proper. Good afternoon. A couple of gadgets to go alongside, and we’ll get proper to your questions.
In order we introduced yesterday, Secretary Austin is touring right now to Fort Bragg to welcome again the troopers of the 18th Airborne Corps who deployed to Germany in February in assist of U.S. Army Europe and Africa to guarantee our NATO allies and to discourage Russian aggression. The secretary will thank them for his or her assist to our NATO companions, and also will categorical his gratitude to their households for his or her assist and for the sacrifices they proceed to make for our nation.
Individually, U.S. and Republic of Korea models started Train Vigilant Storm yesterday, which is a coaching occasion that can improve fight readiness and interoperability for all models concerned. Roughly 240 plane and hundreds of service members from the ROK Air Power, U.S. Air Power, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army will take part on this coaching. This yr’s occasion, which was long-scheduled, will strengthen the operational and tactical capabilities, mixed air operations and assist our sturdy, mixed protection posture.
Wanting forward, Secretary Austin will attend the U.S. House Power Change of Duty Ceremony tomorrow at Joint Base Andrews, which is able to embrace a retirement ceremony for the House Power’s first chief of area operations, Basic John W.J. Raymond. Secretary of the Air Power Frank Kendall will officiate the Change of Command Duty Ceremony, the place Basic Raymond will relinquish workplace to U.S. House Power Basic Likelihood Saltzman at 10:30 A.M. Secretary Austin will present remarks and acknowledge Basic Raymond for his a few years of devoted service to our nation.
And at last, Secretary Austin seems ahead to internet hosting his Republic of Korea counterpart, Minister of Nationwide Protection Lee Jong-sup on Thursday for the Republic of Korea Safety Consultative Assembly right here on the Pentagon. The aim of this annual consultative assembly is to function a venue to debate and affirm nationwide commitments towards the continued improvement of the ROK-U.S. alliance in a mutually reinforcing and enduring method. We’ll have extra info to offer on that within the coming days.
And with that, I’ll take your questions. We’ll begin with Tara, A.P.
Q: (inaudible) as another Western officers have famous that Iran is intent on supplying Russia as much as 1,000 extra munitions, together with ballistic missiles and extra drones?
GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Tara.
So we have seen the press reporting on that. I haven’t got any particular info to offer. We do know that Russia has offered — or excuse me — Iran has offered Russia with UAVs, which we anticipate they will seemingly search extra of these. We do have issues that Russia can also search to amass extra superior munition capabilities from Iran, for instance, surface-to-surface missiles to make use of in Ukraine. And so if we see Russia using such capabilities on the battlefield, we’ll definitely do what we are able to to light up that. I might say that this simply is indicative although, regardless, the connection between Russia and Iran, their continued collusion to assault Ukrainians — Ukrainian residents and maintain Russia’s unlawful occupation.
Q: Is there the rest that may be learn into that, equivalent to Russia’s munitions are literally in a depleted state? And does it add any urgency to getting air protection techniques just like the NASAMS onto the battlefield?
GEN. RYDER: Effectively, I feel it does converse to the state of Russia’s munitions functionality. We have stated earlier than that we assess that they’re — they proceed to expertise provide shortages on the subject of munitions, notably guided munitions. It is also indicative of the place they’re in search of munitions from nations like North Korea and Iran, which says lots in regards to the type of firm they preserve and the place they stand on the planet proper now when it comes to isolation.
By way of air protection capabilities, this continues to be a precedence for the U.S. authorities, for the Division of Protection to work intently with the Ukrainians, with our allies and our companions to attempt to get them extra air protection functionality. As you highlighted with the NASAMS, we anticipate these to be delivered very quickly. Once more, we’ll permit the Ukrainians to announce when these arrive in nation. However we’ll proceed to take a look at different ways in which we are able to assist them.
As well as, Secretary Austin continues to talk often together with his companions and our allies, his counterparts, to establish what different capabilities would possibly exist inside their very own shares or inside their very own protection industrial bases to have the ability to assist Ukraine in that regard.
Thanks.
Lara?
Q: Thanks for doing this.
There have been some stories that Iran is poised to hold out assaults in Saudi Arabia and in Iraq to distract from the home protests, and that the Saudi and U.S. army has raised alert ranges there. Are you able to verify these stories? And do you might have any extra info to share?
GEN. RYDER: Effectively, as you realize, I am — I am not going to speak about particular pressure safety ranges. I can say that we do stay involved in regards to the — the risk state of affairs within the area. We’re in — in common contact with our Saudi companions when it comes to what info they might have to offer on that entrance. However what we have stated earlier than, and I am going to repeat it, is that we are going to reserve the best to guard and defend ourselves irrespective of the place our forces are serving, whether or not in Iraq or elsewhere.
Q: Are you able to verify that there’s a particular risk (inaudible)?
GEN. RYDER: I am not going to have something past what I’ve offered.
Thanks.
Q: After which simply as a distinct query, are you able to give us an replace on when the NASAMS goes to be delivered to Ukraine?
GEN. RYDER: Once more, we anticipate them to be delivered comparatively quickly. I am not going to have the ability to get extra particular than that, and for operations safety functions, we’ll permit the Ukrainians to announce once they’ve arrived and once they’re operational.
Thanks.
Okay, let me go to the cellphone right here actual fast, after which I am going to come again to the room. Howard from Battle Zone?
Q: Thanks, Pat.
Received a query: A Russian hacker known as Joker claims to have accessed the Ukrainian Delta command — command and management system. Are you able to verify that? And do you might have — has that raised extra issues about comparable U.S. techniques?
GEN. RYDER: Thanks, Howard.
I — I haven’t got any info to offer on that. I would — I would refer you to the Ukrainians to speak about their very own techniques. As you realize, from a U.S. army standpoint, cybersecurity is one thing that we take very significantly at — at each degree, and whereas I haven’t got something particular to offer, that is an space that we’ll proceed to pay shut consideration to and be certain that not solely are we defending our techniques, however that our persons are taking the suitable coaching and taking applicable precautions. However nothing particular to offer.
Thanks, Howard.
All proper, Liz?
Q: Thanks.
The U.S. is planning to ship B-52 bombers to Australia as a part of a traditional rotation. China stated this may increasingly set off an arms race. Is China overreacting?
GEN. RYDER: So on the subject of plane rotating via Australia, as you realize, we’ve got a long-standing relationship with Australia, and it is not unusual for us to ship plane via to take part in joint workout routines, mixed workout routines with Australia. I feel that it does ship a transparent sign to nations within the area, to start with, that the U.S. is a dependable associate and that we do take — keep capabilities to be avail — accessible to answer a — a wide range of contingencies worldwide. However it additionally sends a transparent message that we do have the aptitude to discourage, and if crucial, have interaction. And I am going to simply depart it at that. Thanks.
Janne?
Q: Thanks, sir. I’ve two questions on North Korea. North Korea has predicted that it’s going to launch a extra highly effective army provocation in response to the U.S. and South Korea joint air workout routines, Vigilant — I imply, Vigilant Storm. It was additionally reported that North Korea would check each hypersonic cruise missiles and tactical nuclear weapons in its seventh nuclear check. How would you touch upon this?
GEN. RYDER: So I am not going to talk for North Korea. I — once more, vigilant — the — the train that we’re conducting is a long-planned train centered on enhancing interoperability of our forces to work collectively to defend the Republic of Korea and our allies within the area. Thanks.
Q: If — yet one more — if North Korea really makes use of nuclear weapons, will america be prepared for preemptive strikes earlier than North Korea makes use of nuclear weapons?
GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Janne. I am not — I am not going to get into hypotheticals however thanks.
Sir?
Q: To comply with up on the NASAMS query, is the Pentagon in dialogue with Raytheon or Kongsberg about any contractors that will be wanted to arrange the system because it goes in nation? After which I’ve received one other query on a separate matter.
GEN. RYDER: We are able to get again to you on the specifics of the — you realize, what position the contractor performs in that. Actually, as you spotlight, it’s a relationship, working with contractors, to make sure the techniques are in place, that coaching is offered, however we’ll — we’ll get again to you on that.
Q: And is there any replace on Starlink? Is the Pentagon nonetheless in dialogue with Starlink and different suppliers for a satellite tv for pc — SATCOM or has that ended? Are you able to present any replace on contracting?
GEN. RYDER: Positive. What I might say is that we proceed to debate Ukraine’s satellite tv for pc communication wants with Ukraine and corporations like SpaceX and others. I’ve no bulletins to make right now with regard to any potential contracts or future agreements.
As you realize, on Friday, we did announce that we might be delivering 4 SATCOM antenna to Ukraine to — to assist their satellite tv for pc communication wants however nothing new to announce right now. Thanks.
Ryo?
Q: Thanks very a lot, Basic. I need to ask you in regards to the U.S. deployment of fighter jets in Kadena Air Base in Okinawa. The F-15s are retiring. The Japanese Ministry of Protection stated right now the U.S. is contemplating to deploy — contemplating choices to deploy extra succesful plane to Kadena completely. I am questioning how quickly the U.S. will make a concrete, long run plan to switch F-15s. And do — do you suppose the U.S. ought to have labored out such a alternative plan earlier than F-15s in Okinawa begin leaving — begin leaving this month?
GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Ryo. So to start with, I might simply say upfront that the U.S. dedication to Japan and regional safety and the protection of Japan stays ironclad. And in order a part of the Air Power’s — the U.S. Air Power’s modernization plan, they’re retiring F-15 C and D fashions, and this fleet of plane, which has been in service for greater than 30 years, will begin a phased withdrawal from Kadena Air Base beginning on, you realize, right now, 1 November.
So we’ll proceed to keep up a gradual state presence at Kadena Air Base by — by rotational deployments, and this can embrace fourth gen — superior fourth gen and fifth era plane to backfill the F-15s as they depart.
So I would definitely encourage you to achieve out to the Air Power. They will give you some extra particulars on that. Thanks.
All proper, let me go to the cellphone right here actual fast. Heather from USNI?
Q: Nice, thanks a lot. Two fast questions.
On the primary is I wished to see if there was any replace to a harm evaluation or an thought of what prompted the explosions at Sevastopol and Crimea?
After which I heard that the — that Pink Hill is — that the Joint Activity Power Pink Hill is planning to launch its most up to date plan right now. I used to be questioning in case you have any feedback on the present unpacking proper now, happening within the pipes, or a couple of potential plan popping out?
GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks very a lot, Heather. Once more, we — we’re conscious of the explosions that occurred close to Sevastopol. I haven’t got any info to offer particularly when it comes to the state of affairs there, and I am going to simply depart it at that.
So far as Pink Hill goes, we are able to — we are able to get that info and are available again to you, so far as the standing of the unpacking. Thanks.
Okay, sir?
Q: Hello, thanks. Travis Tritten with Army.com. So the army has personnel inside Ukraine that’s — which might be — who’re doing weapons inspections now. I am questioning what the principles of engagement for these personnel are if they’re fired on by the Russians or in the event that they’re focused by the Russians.
GEN. RYDER: Yeah. In order talked about, we do have small groups which might be comprised of embassy personnel which might be conducting some inspections of safety help supply at a wide range of places. And once more, that is a part of a — a broader effort of the U.S. authorities to trace U.S.-provided capabilities and to forestall the illicit unfold all through Jap Europe.
Once more, I’ll spotlight up entrance we’ve got no indication that there was any kind of illicit unfold. The capabilities that we have offered to the Ukrainians are getting used successfully on the battlefield.
By way of personnel which might be conducting these inspections, my understanding is they’d be nicely — nicely distant from any kind of frontline actions. We’re counting on the Ukrainians to do this, we’re counting on different companions to do this. So basically, that will not be the case for — for U.S. personnel.
So once more, that’s one thing that we’ll proceed to — to make sure, you realize, the protection and the welfare of our of us which might be doing this, however the level being they don’t seem to be going to be working on the entrance strains.
Q: So up till this level, there have not been any U.S. troops inside Ukraine, and now we do have U.S. troops inside Ukraine —
(CROSSTALK)
GEN. RYDER: — I might — yeah, that is — that is not — we have had U.S. forces serving on the embassy as a part of the — the Protection Attaché Workplace, which is the place these guys are assigned. So we have been very clear there are not any fight forces in Ukraine, no U.S. forces conducting fight operations in Ukraine. These are personnel which might be assigned to — to conduct safety cooperation and help as a part of the Protection Attaché Workplace.
Q: Proper, however this is able to be totally different as a result of they’d be working exterior the U.S. embassy. I am simply questioning if folks ought to learn this as an escalation in U.S. involvement within the struggle?
GEN. RYDER: No, no, no, that is simply accountable administration of the capabilities that we’re offering to the Ukrainians. And as I discussed, the Ukrainians are working very intently with us to offer perception and monitoring of these capabilities in locations the place it is not secure for U.S. personnel to go. Thanks.
Q: — if I can simply comply with up on that, are you able to make clear are these — are there U.S. troops, like U.S. Marines, safety forces defending the embassy personnel who’s doing the inspections?
GEN. RYDER: We now have U.S. Marines on the embassy doing regular U.S. Marine-type guard duties. However my understanding is that, to your level, these aren’t fight squads which might be going out. These are personnel which might be going out in areas the place they don’t seem to be going to be in hurt’s solution to conduct these kind of inspections.
Once more, to place this into context, in case you’ve received capabilities which might be at a logistics node being tracked earlier than they go into nation, then once they come into nation they usually’re delivered to the Ukrainians after which they’re at their very own logistic nodes monitoring these after which dispersed out to the entrance strains. Our of us aren’t going to be on the entrance strains.
Q: Proper, however are there Marine safety guards going with the embassy groups which might be conducting these inspections?
GEN. RYDER: To my information, no. However, we’ll test on that and are available again to you. Jim?
Q: Basic, only a … by my very own calculations, the Ukrainians on their protection facet have all of the legacy Soviet techniques, they received S300s from Slovakia, they have Stingers from america, they have hawks coming in from the Spanish, they’ve German techniques. Fairly quickly they are going to have the NASAMS.
However for all of these air protection property to be efficient they have to be built-in. I imply, can that number of air protection measures really be built-in? They’re far vastly totally different techniques, they’ve totally different radars, they’ve totally different every little thing actually.
GEN. RYDER: Effectively, the quick reply is, you’ll be able to combine any air protection system, it simply is dependent upon the way you’re — you realize, the extent — the superior degree of how you are going to combine that. So, that’s, once more, an space that we proceed to work with the Ukrainians on, not solely us however our allies and our companions, to take a look at how they do enhance their air defenses.
However, I might undergo you they’ve demonstrated in lots of instances that they’ve completed an excellent job of integrating air defenses, notably, for instance, on the subject of taking down a big share of the Iranian drones. However, once more, that will likely be an space that we’ll proceed to work with them on.
Q: Do we’ve got contractors — are there contractors in Ukraine working this downside or is that —
GEN. RYDER: To not my information, no.
Q: — or is that one thing exterior?
GEN. RYDER: To not my information. Sure.
Q: Thanks.
GEN. RYDER: Thanks. Sir?
Q: Thanks. So, two questions. So, the U.S. has talked about that the Iranian arms shipments to Russia are a violation of the U.N. Safety Council resolutions. And has the U.S. has beforehand interdicted Iranian arms shipments certain for locations equivalent to Yemen. Are U.S. forces working to intercept Iranian weapons certain for Russia?
GEN. RYDER: Sure, so I haven’t got something to announce right now with regard of any kind of U.S. army interdiction of Iranian weapons. You’ve got heard State Division and the White Home discuss a wide range of efforts to incorporate potential sanctions and sanctions to forestall that from occurring. I’ll say from a DOD standpoint proper now our focus is on working with Ukraine to get them the safety help they want, the place it issues, which is on the battlefield. However that is one thing that we’ll proceed to maintain a detailed eye on.
Q: After which the second is concerning the inspections, so simply to verify, are these — these are civilian or army personnel who’re finishing up the inspections of the weapons in Ukraine?
GEN. RYDER: Let — its embassy personnel. Let me get again to you when it comes to the particular composition, as a lot as we are able to, clearly, inside operations safety.
Q: And it was talked about, I feel that the inspections have been happening after which they have been halted after which they resumed. When have been they halted and why did that occur?
GEN. RYDER: I am going to need to get again to you on that one. Thanks.
Q: Thanks.
GEN. RYDER: Okay, let me return to the cellphone right here. Joe Gould, Protection News.
Q: Sure, thanks a lot. Query on air defenses, the VAMPIRE techniques, the dedication to offer VAMPIRE techniques was introduced going again a few months, however nothing’s been finalized. What is the timeframe round that and what is the degree of urgency given the drone risk at current? Thanks.
GEN. RYDER: Sure, thanks very a lot. You already know, as talked about, air protection continues to be a precedence. It is one thing we’ll proceed to remain centered on and work as shortly as we are able to. In relation to the VAMPIREs we do anticipate a contract award inside the subsequent few months. After which proper now we’re anticipating supply to be mid 2023. Thanks.
All proper, let me go to Alex from Newsweek.
Q: Hey, thanks for doing this right now. So my query, a couple of weeks in the past CNN’s Fareed Zakaria requested Secretary Austin a query about potential Russian nuclear weapons use. In his response Secretary Austin stated that the man who makes that call, it is one man. There are not any checks on Mr. Putin. Simply as he made the irresponsible determination to invade Ukraine, he might make one other determination.
Does this evaluation mirror the understanding of the Pentagon and if whether or not Putin provides an order to make use of nuclear weapons whether or not tactical or strategic is there actually no manner for anybody in Russia to probably cease such an order from being carried out?
GEN. RYDER: Sure. So, you realize, we proceed to take President Putin’s rhetoric very significantly, it is one thing we proceed to observe intently. As Secretary Austin additionally stated, we’ve got no indications that President Putin has decided right now to make use of nuclear weapons.
However once more, it is one thing that we’ll watch very, very intently. Proceed to maintain the strains of communication open with our allies and companions. So we’ll simply depart it at that. Thanks. Sir?
Q: I used to be curious to follow-up on the query of Iran provide munitions and return to when the U.S. warned that — that Russia was reaching out to China and North Korea for — for various munitions.
China and North Korea each denied supplying and I’m wondering if that is still the case. Does the U.S. imagine that China and North Korea have at any level equipped weaponry or different tools to Russia’s struggle?
GEN. RYDER: So we do not — we haven’t any indications right now that China has equipped or is intending to provide any capabilities to Russia. We do know as we beforehand talked about that Russia has solicited weapons or ammo reasonably from North Korea.
And in order that’s clearly — I’ve seen the North Korean denials of that. Allow them to converse for themselves. However it’s our evaluation that Russia does proceed to hunt arms from North Korea and from Iran. Thanks.
Okay, let me return out to the cellphone right here. Jeff Schogol, Activity & Function.
Q: Thanks. Does the Pentagon have any type of evaluation of what number of helicopters and stuck wing plane the Russians have misplaced in Ukraine since February?
GEN. RYDER: Thanks, Jeff. I do not — I haven’t got any numbers to offer from the rostrum. Thanks.
Okay, let’s go to Phil Stewart, Reuters.
Q: Hey there. I simply wished to make clear one thing. Earlier if you had spoken about how there have been no indications that donor weapons had been illicitly trafficked out of Ukraine, I used to be questioning does that embrace weapons that have been probably captured by Russian forces after which later, you realize, made their manner out.
Thanks.
GEN. RYDER: Sure, so — so a part of this course of is when there are losses on the battlefield, for instance the Ukrainians reporting these losses in order that we are able to account for these capabilities. Thanks.
Let’s go to Tony Capaccio, Bloomberg.
Q: Hello, Pat. A pair questions, one on the long-now-forgotten Nationwide Protection Technique. I’ve seen posters within the Pentagon corridors with the wordings from the NDS speaking about campaigning. It defines “campaigning” because the conduct and sequencing of logically-linked army actions to realize strategy-aligned aims over time. Are you able to translate into — that into English when it comes to an instance or two of what campaigning is, for the reason that Pentagon’s highlighting that phrase?
GEN. RYDER: Positive, thanks, Tony. I imply, that appears completely clear to me, so —
(Laughter.)
And it — actually, it is precisely what it says when it comes to campaigning. And so in case you consider particular person actions, engagements, the sum of these components to realize operational aims or strategic aims is basically what campaigning is all about. And so for instance, as you take a look at the battle in Ukraine proper now and also you take a look at the person battles that Ukraine is preventing, the marketing campaign is the broader strategic or operational effort. And so for the Nationwide Protection Technique, as we take a look at finishing up that technique and — and addressing our pacing problem, China, the plan makes clear that the sorts of actions that we undertake will contribute to the ends that we want, which is a free and open Indo-Pacific, and the sorts of engagements and actions that we are going to undertake that every one cumulate to realize that impact or these outcomes. Thanks.
All proper, Courtney?
Q: Can I simply ask, in your listing that you’ll get again to us on the — the army personnel who’re doing these inspections, if it is attainable, if — in case you can present the details about, you realize, whether or not they’re army or civilian, when the inspection began, like, stopped and began, as any person requested? After which simply any type of a tough thought of, like, what number of personnel there are, what number of of those inspections they have been doing, like, you realize, are — are they really type of going to the entrance strains? Are they — and in addition, are they doing these in particular person, or are there digital ones —
GEN. RYDER: Positive.
Q: — they have been doing? So like, any extra constancy on it, I feel, is — can be — can be useful.
GEN. RYDER: Yeah. The — completely. I might additionally level you to the transcript from the background briefing that was carried out yesterday with a senior protection official that talked via a few of — addressed a few of your questions when it comes to using capabilities, digital capabilities, for instance, when it comes to working with the Ukrainians to get the knowledge. However we’ll definitely get one thing to you.
Q: Yeah, I — I suppose what we’re — once more, we’re simply — we’re — I feel what we’re making an attempt to determine is rather like, when these restarted, and simply how many individuals. As a result of the — you are — if I am not mistaken, a few of our European allies have been doing this for some time, so we’re making an attempt to — I am making an attempt to get a way of simply how lengthy it has been occurring and the way substantial it’s.
And likewise, the opposite factor I am nonetheless not clear on, if — in case you can present extra constancy on this massive RTQ that we’re — we’re asking you for is did these — these personnel, did they arrive into the nation particularly with the job of doing these inspections, or have been they individuals who have been assigned to the embassy after which assigned this position?
GEN. RYDER: Positive, yeah, once more — once more, my understanding, these are people assigned to the embassy, however we’ll get again to you along with your questions.
Q: Okay, thanks.
GEN. RYDER: Thanks.
Okay, let me go to Alex Horton, Washington Put up.
Q: Yeah, thanks, Pat. I need to return to what I feel Phil Stewart was asking in his follow-up, didn’t get an opportunity to, about Russian diversion. The State Division stated final week that pro-Russian forces’ seize, together with donated materials, is, quote, “the primary vector of diversion to this point, and will lead to onward transfers.” So from DOD’s perspective, might you give us any particular gadgets that you realize have been captured by Russia and moved round?
GEN. RYDER: I’ll look into that and are available again to you on something we have got to offer. I am — I am not presently conscious of something, however we’ll come again to you. Thanks.
Okay, and only a couple extra right here. Victoria from Nippon?
Q: Hello, sure. Thanks for taking my query. There was a report lately that if Republicans ought to take the Home majority, that they’d pull again among the funding on army help for Ukraine subsequent yr. So I simply wished to ask, if funding was lowered, what sort of impact do you suppose that there can be on Ukraine, and what response would the Pentagon need to this?
GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks very a lot, Victoria. So definitely, I do not need to get forward of the — the midterm elections or speculate on the — the result. I’ll say — and you’ve got heard us say this earlier than — we have had wonderful bipartisan assist up to now on the subject of Ukraine, and so the division will proceed to work intently with Congress on this necessary concern. However past that, I will not — I will not have something to offer. Thanks.
All proper, let me go to Jared from Al-Monitor.
Q: Hello, sir. I used to be simply questioning in case you might make clear about this — concerning this report about Iranian threats to Saudi Arabia and Iraq. You talked about that the U.S. stays in communication with Saudi counterparts about what extra they may be capable to supply. Have the Saudis offered something to the U.S. that will — in — over the previous few days that will be a trigger for concern on this regard?
GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Jared. I am not going to have any extra info to offer. Once more, we proceed to speak commonly, and yeah, I am going to simply depart it at that. Thanks.
Okay, after which final query will go to Tuna Sunil from Turkish News.
Q: Thanks very a lot for the briefing, Basic Ryder. My query is in regards to the U.S. army deployments to Greece. Some press stories in Greece say the U.S. is planning to ship 600 troopers, in addition to First Army Aviation Brigade; primarily encompass assault helicopters from the Fort Hood, Texas, to the Alexandroupoli Port in Greece. Are these stories are correct? Does the DOD verify these stories? Thanks.
GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks very a lot. I am — I am not monitoring something in the meanwhile, however we’ll look into that and are available again to you.
Okay, and remaining query goes to Luis.
Q: Are you able to inform us when the monitoring of weapons to Ukraine started?
GEN. RYDER: Yeah, so I feel Courtney requested that query, so we’ll look into that.
Q: So was it prompted by the State Division’s announcement final week, or was it already underway?
GEN. RYDER: So that is — my understanding is it has been an ongoing effort, proper? And so State Division introduced the plan this week, however my understanding is that the — the plan’s been in improvement for some time. However we’ll — we’ll get again to you on the — these specifics.
Q: And a senior official stated yesterday that DOD was conducting hands-on coaching with Ukrainian army forces in order that they might collect knowledge in areas the place the U.S. personnel couldn’t go. Is {that a} coaching program that is going down inside Ukraine, or is that one thing that is going down exterior of the nation, like we’re seeing with the opposite weapons techniques?
GEN. RYDER: Yeah, let me get again to you on that. Thanks.
Okay, thanks very a lot, everyone. Recognize it.
