Lloyd Austin: The First Black Secretary of Defense

A Historic Appointment

WEB Lloyd James Austin III, a retired four-star Army general, has made history as the first Black Secretary of Defense. His confirmation by the Senate marks a significant milestone in the representation of diversity and inclusion within the United States' highest military leadership.

A Distinguished Military Career

Austin, born August 8, 1953, graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1975. Throughout his distinguished military career, he held various leadership positions and commanded troops in combat operations, including in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As Secretary of Defense, Austin will serve as the principal advisor to the President on matters related to national security and will oversee the Department of Defense, the largest bureaucracy in the world.

An Unlikely Request

Earlier this month, Secretary Austin received an unusual request from an unexpected source: a young woman named Anya. Anya, a medical student, had witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of war on innocent civilians during her time volunteering in refugee camps.