JAKARTA - President of the United States (US) elected Joe Biden chose retired Army General Lloyd Austin who is also a former US Central Command commander to become US Defense Secretary. If confirmed by the Senate, Austin would be the first black man to head the Department of Defense.
Citing CNN, Tuesday, December 8, Biden contacted Austin over the weekend to offer the position and Austin accepted. Austin emerged as the top candidate for Secretary of Defense since last week.
Austin's election as Secretary of Defense will make Austin one of the most prominent members of Biden's Cabinet in the future administration. The Secretary of Defense controls the largest government agency, leads forces around the world, and the Pentagon's complex internal workings make it one of the most formidable bureaucracies in the world.
It also shows that Austin's political power will be tested. He is expected to conjure up calls to cut defense spending, as some in Congress wanted, while still funding innovative future technologies and prioritizing the challenges posed by Russia and China. All while maintaining military deterrence against attacks by Iran, North Korea and ISIS.
Hours before the election, it was reported by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith, a Democrat from Washington, that he believed another candidate, Michele Flournoy, was the most qualified person for the job.
"I clearly conveyed to Biden's people that I thought Michele Flournoy was the most qualified person for the job," said Smith. "That doesn't mean that he's the only person who can do the job."
Austin has a long history of working at the Pentagon and has worked with Biden in the past. While vice president, Biden worked with Austin in various positions, most notably when Austin was commander of CENTCOM from 2013 to 2016.
Biden and Austin discussed various issues including the Middle East and Central and South Asia. Austin is also deputy chief of staff for the Army and commander-in-chief of US forces in Iraq.
"They have known each other for a long time," said a source. The source said the history of the election was something Biden was excited about. Especially considering the history of the US military which has been dividing in many areas.
The official announcement is expected to come two weeks after Biden launches a key member of the foreign policy and national security team. Biden has previously named the first woman to head the US intelligence community and the first Latino to head the Department of Homeland Security.
Austin will need a congressional statement to be confirmed for civil office as he retired from active duty four years ago. Federal law requires seven years of retirement from active duty before taking on a government role.
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