Readout of phone call between Secretary Hagel and U.S. Northern Command Commander, Gen. Chuck Jacoby

Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby Secretary Hagel placed a call this evening to U.S. Northern Command Commander, Gen. Chuck Jacoby, to get an update on the training for the military medical professionals that make up DoD's 30-person Ebola response team. Gen. Jacoby, who visited the team yesterday, praised the quality of the training and the enthusiasm of the team currently being trained. He made special mention of the superb support offered by staff and instructors at San Antonio Military Medical Center and Ft. Sam Houston, and he assured Secretary Hagel that the training was meeting CDC standards and would ensure the team's readiness to deploy on short notice if requested by the Department of Health and Human Services. Secretary Hagel thanked the general for his leadership and asked him to pass on his gratitude to the men and women of the team and of the San Antonio Military Medical Center and Ft. Sam Houston for everything they are doing to prepare for any possible support to civilian medical authorities. The secretary made clear that he remains committed to ensuring the team receives all the support they need.