DOD: Middle East Bound Defense Systems Convey Deterrence Message

Additional U.S. troops have also been placed on "prepare to deploy orders".

Department of Defense: This weekend, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III directed an array of additional U.S. military capability to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in order to bolster the ability of American forces there to better defend themselves.

"We are going to do everything we need to do to ensure that our forces are protected," Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said during a meeting today with the Pentagon press corps. "As always, we maintain the inherent right to self-defense."

Capabilities Headed To The Middle East: