What he actually said:

Posted on: March 3, 2020 at 13:41:52 CT

....During the combatant command teleconference, U.S. Forces Korea head Gen. Robert Abrams asked about his options to protect U.S. troops against the illness.

Esper responded that he wanted a heads-up before Abrams or any other commander made decisions on protecting troops.

Esper told reporters at a Monday press briefing that “at the end of last week, I did a deep dive with DOD civilian and military leadership, including all the service secretaries, the [Combatant Command] commanders, to ensure the entire department is equipped for all scenarios: short and long-term, domestic and international.”

He added that commanders are in charge of decisions on troop safety overseas.

“Commanders of individually affected geographic commands have all the authority they need and we'll provide specific guidance to their troops as the situation continues to evolve,” Esper said.....

https://thehill.com/policy/defense/485682-pentagon-chief-warned-overseas-commanders-not-to-surprise-white-house-on