Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with members of the Defense Policy Board yesterday at the Pentagon, as the board concluded a two-day session Mar. 5-6 focused on strategic challenges presented by potential threats to U.S. defense critical infrastructure.
The DPB leveraged its wide-ranging experience to provide initial observations to the Secretary on the intricate balance and possible conflicts between the Department of Defense's operational needs and the demands of industry and Defense Support of Civil Authorities, especially in the context of accessing key transportation infrastructures such as rail, air, road, and maritime systems.
The Board's two-day examination extended to strategies that could enhance cooperation and coordination between the DoD, industry, and various governmental partners at federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial levels. This approach aimed to bolster the resilience of defense critical infrastructure in anticipation of, and during, potential conflicts. Additionally, the DPB deliberated on what additional capacities, authorities, relationships, force developments, and adjustments in force posture the Department might need to effectively counter threats to defense critical infrastructure.
The Defense Policy Board is an advisory entity that offers independent advice and recommendations on defense policy issues as directed by the Secretary of Defense, Deputy Secretary of Defense, or the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.
