Biden Just Announced Lloyd Austin For Secretary Of Defense — Here’s How Experts Are Reacting

Topline

President-elect Joe Biden officially chose retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin for secretary of defense Tuesday afternoon, which would make him the first Black leader of the Pentagon if he’s confirmed — the pick has drawn applause from some observers impressed by his military credentials but criticism from those concerned about an erosion of civilian control over the armed forces.

Key Facts

Surprising Fact

Congress began mandating a “cooling-off period” between military service and Pentagon leadership in 1947. Since then, it has waived this requirement for just two generals nominated to be secretary of defense: George Marshall in 1950 and James Mattis in 2017. In an Atlantic article announcing his pick, Biden urged members of Congress to pass a waiver for Austin, just as they did for Mattis.

Key Background

Austin graduated from West Point in 1975, kicking off a four-decade career in the military. He has overseen units in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he worked as the Army’s vice chief of staff before being named to run CENTCOM in 2013. He reportedly worked closely with Biden during Obama’s first term, when the military began a major drawdown of troops from Iraq.

Crucial Quote

“He is uniquely qualified to take on the challenges and crises we face in the current moment, and I look forward to working closely with him as a trusted partner,” Biden said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.

Tangent

Since retiring from the military, Austin has served on the board of defense contractor Raytheon, which has made some left-wing commentators skeptical.

Further Reading

Biden Plans to Tap Lloyd Austin, Former Iraq Commander, as Defense Secretary (New York Times)

Why I Chose Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense (The Atlantic)