Defense Writers Group
17 January 2025
Moderator: It’s two minutes after, so let’s get started on this snowy day. I guess it was somewhat prescient that we did this virtually rather than make people commute over icy roads this morning.
This Defense Writers Group is hosting Steven J. Morani, the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment. As always, we’re on the record. Please feel free to record for accuracy of quotes, but there’s no rebroadcast of audio or video. I’ll ask the first question, then we’ll go around the room until we’ve either exhausted the questions or the hour is over.
Mr. Morani, thank you so much for joining us, and it’s great to know that there is a qualified and highly experienced permanent civil servant that will be staying in these roles through the upcoming transition.
My first question, I know that your public affairs officer, Bob Ditchey, has heard me say this. I’m not an expert in sustainment. I’m more of a policy and strategy guy, but one thing I’ve learned from my wife, Johnny Cash and the military is that whenever you have a big problem, break it down into tactical, operational and strategic to understand those pieces.
So to get us started, sir, can you talk a bit about the strategic level of sustainment and the challenges for the department in the future? And then walk us through some of the specific operational and tactical things you’re doing to mitigate those challenges.
ASD Morani: Thank you for the question. So one piece at a time, right?
Defense Writers Group
15 January 2025
Moderator: Good morning everybody and welcome to an incredibly special Defense Writers Group. General Eric M. Smith, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. I love the cliché, someone who needs no introduction. That’s certainly the Commandant.
The ground rules, as always, this is on the record. Please record for accuracy of quotes, but there’s no rebroadcast of audio or video. I’ll ask the first question per our protocol, but a dozen of you emailed me in advance and you're on the list for questions. If we get through those we’ll go around the table for the hour. Once again, Commandant, thank you so much for joining us, sir.
General Smith: Well thanks for having me. And thanks for what you do. Thanks for reporting. It’s vital, it really is. I’m not just saying that. It is vital that you report and keep us honest.
Defense Writers Group
7 January 2025
Moderator: Welcome to the hearty band of intrepid reporters who braved the storm. I told Catie, it just means more muffins and more question time for the rest of us. I’m really glad that you’re here.
Our speaker, of course, is Jared Stout, currently Chief of Government & External Affairs at Axiom Space. For those who follow the Defense Writers Group, I’m in my fourth year, this is our first speaker from the corporate world, and that’s kind of on purpose. I don’t do that. But this is the exception that proves the rule. Because of his incredible experience in the executive branch and working with legislation, I thought he’d be perfect to help us sort of blow the smoke off a distant mountaintop about what space will look like under a new administration, and I think you’re absolutely perfect for the job.
Some of you have met Catie Hague. I still call her Colonel Hague. We’ll be calling on her as well.
Ground rules are as always, it’s on the record. Please record it for accuracy and quotes but there’s no rebroadcast of audio or video, just so that we don’t make this like the Pentagon or White House press room. [Laughter]. You know. All the kabuki drama and throwing shoes and stuff. Is it the Heisenberg Principle that observing something can change it? My version is cameras in the press room change all of that. Right?
DWG: That’s why they’ve been debating having cameras in the Supreme Court. They’re worried about the same thing.
Moderator: It’s probably not the only reason.
