The United States military has not been impervious to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, with significant impacts on training, operating tempo, the supply chain and defense industrial base, the granting of security clearances and the defense budget. The numbers tell part of the story; as of the end of August 2020, almost 53,000 DOD-related COVID-19 cases (including military personnel, civilians, dependents and contractors) have been reported. To control the spread of the virus, the Department of Defense implemented guidelines for work and travel, including a hold on permanent changes of station.
The Department of Defense has also been visibly engaged in global coronavirus response, contributing its equipment and expertise to the effort. This wide-ranging support includes actions ranging from the Department’s role at home in Operation Warp Speed (the effort to expedite vaccine development and delivery), to the National Guard’s support for community food banks, testing sites across the country, and the coordination with state officials to inspect eldercare facilities; and abroad, including the delivery of pandemic supplies to allies in the southern hemisphere and elsewhere.