Mark Esper

Military leaders have been pressing Esper to put in place a DoD-wide ban on the Confederate flag.

The moves are meant to eliminate "discrimination, prejudice and bias in all ranks."

Bias in hiring and promotion decisions has been well documented.

"The Navy, as an institution, has a moral obligation to know. And, it should act."

The Pentagon is rolling out a three-pronged plan to root out racism in the ranks.

The suit had been filed against Defense Secretary Mark Esper, challenging the military's current transgender policy.

At a Pentagon briefing earlier, Esper said the Insurrection Act should only be used in dire emergencies.

Esper broke his lengthy silence regarding the surge of protests nationwide following the May 25 death of George Floyd.

Defense officials will testify on Capitol Hill as criticism mounts over their presence near the White House on Monday.

Troops leveled with Pentagon leaders on their issues in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.