Lloyd Austin

Lloyd Austin is an American retired United States Army general and government official serving as the 28th United States Secretary of Defense under President Joe Biden. He is the first African American to hold the position. A graduate of the United States Military Academy, Austin had a distinguished 41-year military career, culminating as the commander of United States Central Command overseeing operations in the Middle East and South Asia.

Early life and education

Lloyd James Austin III was born on August 8, 1953, in Mobile, Alabama, and was raised in Thomasville, Georgia. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He later earned a Master of Arts in counselor education from Auburn University and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, and the United States Army War College.

Military career

Austin's extensive military career included numerous command and staff positions. He commanded the 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003. He later served as the Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, and the XVIII Airborne Corps. From 2010 to 2011, he was the final commanding general of United States Forces – Iraq, overseeing the drawdown of U.S. forces. He served as the 33rd Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army before being appointed by President Barack Obama to lead United States Central Command in 2013, where he managed operations against the Islamic State and in Afghanistan. He retired from the Army in 2016.

Post-military career and Secretary of Defense

Following his retirement, Austin served on the boards of directors for Raytheon Technologies, Nucor, and Tenet Healthcare. In December 2020, President-elect Joe Biden nominated him for Secretary of Defense. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 22, 2021, following a congressional waiver of the seven-year cooling-off period required by the National Security Act of 1947 for recently retired military officers. As Secretary, he has overseen the final withdrawal from Afghanistan, the response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and strategic competition with the People's Republic of China.

Personal life

Austin married Charlene Denise Banner in 1982; they have two children. He is known for maintaining a low public profile and is a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. His personal interests include reading on military history and strategy.

Awards and decorations

Austin's awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service. He has also received numerous foreign awards, including the French Legion of Honour and the Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Category:1953 births Category:Living people Category:United States Secretaries of Defense Category:United States Army generals Category:African-American United States Secretaries of Defense