(3 minutes read)
· Retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin was chosen by US President-Elect Joe Biden as his Defense Secretary yesterday. Upon confirmation, he will be the first African American leader of the Pentagon
· A Black secretary of defense would be a significant milestone for a military where 17% of soldiers are Black
· Susan Rice, who served as national security advisor for President Barack Obama, in her tweet had endorsed the pick and said that the country would benefit from his service.
Retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin was chosen by US President-Elect Joe Biden as his Defense Secretary yesterday. Upon confirmation, he will be the first African American leader of the Pentagon. His choice has been cheered by many for he has impeccable military credentials.
Lloyd Austin led the US forces in Iraq. He was in the forefront at the U.S. Central Command, which monitored The US presence in the Middle East. There is also criticism on the ground that his appointment would undermine the civilian role in armed forces. One has to wait and see what would be his approach once he adorns the helm of office in the Pentagon.
Reports indicate that Biden has zeroed in Austin at least a week ago but kept the decision under wrap. There are speculations about the overriding reasons for his choice. Some analysts maintain that Austin’s impeccable record would have helped him to get the coveted posting. A Black secretary of defense would be a significant milestone for a military where 17% of soldiers are Black. Susan Rice, who served as national security advisor for President Barack Obama, in her tweet had endorsed the pick and said that the country would benefit from his service.
