President Reviews Interagency Counterterrorism Plans

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2013 – President Barack Obama met with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and other officials today to review interagency counterterrorism planning on the eve of the 12th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.

Before that meeting, Little added, senior military planners briefed Hagel on the Defense Department’s worldwide security posture.

In close coordination with the State Department, the Defense Department has undertaken a number of efforts over the past year to increase security planning at U.S. embassies and installations around the world, including augmenting the role U.S. Marine security guards play in certain situations, the press secretary said in a statement.

“The Department of Defense has also developed, trained, and sustained, innovative force options, both at sea and at U.S. bases in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East,” he said. “These forces are operating at a high state of readiness and are complemented by air assets and other platforms that can help respond to a variety of contingencies.”

Hagel thanked Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as the Joint Staff and combatant commands, for working closely with one another to support efforts across areas of responsibility, the press secretary said. The secretary also offered his appreciation to “the men and women standing watch on this day and every day around the world,” he added.

A White House statement issued after the meeting said the national security team is taking measures to prevent 9/11-related attacks and to ensure the protection of Americans and U.S. facilities abroad.