Photo from BBC
After introducing his health care team with Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, President-Elect Joe Biden penned an article in The Atlantic, revealing to the American People the reasons why he has chosen Army General Loyd Austin to be his Administration's first Secretary of Defense.
If he receives a Congressional Waver (he has been retired from the military for only four years) and is confirmed by the Senate, General Austin would be the first Black person to become the Secretary of Defense.
In justifying his selection, President-Elect Biden wrote:
"In his more than 40 years in the United States Army, Austin met every challenge with extraordinary skill and profound personal decency. He is a true and tested soldier and leader. I’ve spent countless hours with him, in the field and in the White House Situation Room. I’ve sought his advice, seen his command, and admired his calm and his character. He is the definition of a patriot. He rose through the Army’s ranks during his distinguished and trailblazing career. He was the 200th person ever to attain the rank of an Army four-star general, but only the sixth African American. He built a career grounded in service to this country and challenged the institution that he loves to grow more inclusive and more diverse at every step...."
"The fact is, Austin’s many strengths and his intimate knowledge of the Department of Defense and our government are uniquely matched to the challenges and crises we face. He is the person we need in this moment."
"The next secretary of defense will need to immediately quarterback an enormous logistics operation to help distribute COVID-19 vaccines widely and equitably. Austin oversaw the largest logistical operation undertaken by the Army in six decades—the Iraq drawdown."
"The next secretary of defense will need to ensure the well-being and resilience of our service members and their families, strained by almost two decades of war. Austin knows the incredible cost of war and the commingled pride and pain that live in the hearts of those families that pay it."
"And the next secretary of defense will have to make sure that our armed forces reflect and promote the full diversity of our nation. Austin will bring to the job not only his personal experience, but the stories of the countless young people he has mentored. If confirmed, he will ensure that every member of the armed forces is treated with dignity and respect, including Black, Latino, Asian American, Native American, women, and LGBTQ service members."
"Above all, I chose Lloyd Austin as my nominee for secretary of defense because I know how he reacts under pressure, and I know that he will do whatever it takes to defend the American people..."
While many (including this writer) thought President-elect Biden would make history by nominating the equally well qualified Michele Flournoy as the First Woman Secretary of Defense, General Austin's selection is equally historic.
Do not be surprised if Flournoy receives a top assignment like Ambassador to N.A.T.O. or, later as Secretary of Defense after Austin, if confirmed, completes his service in that capacity.
With the nomination of General Austin, the makeup of the Biden/Harris Administration is:
White Women: 14
Black Women: 8
Latino Women: 3
Asian Women: 4
White Men: 10
Black Men: 3
Latino Men: 4
Asian Men: 1
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