The Promise Of US Defense Secretary General Lloyd J. Austin III: Eradicating Extremism In The Military Body

General Lloyd J. Austin III (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - Retired General Lloyd J. Austin III who is a candidate for Secretary of Defense of the United States (US) promised to eradicate extremism. This was done to overcome the internal threat that developed after the riots at the US Capitol Building.

"We can never give up control over this," said Austin, who will be the first black person to occupy the position.

Quoting The Washington Post, Wednesday, January 20, Austin said this in front of lawmakers, who are considering his nomination by US President-elect Joe Biden. No US military was present.

Retiring in 2016, Austin previously served as head of US Central Command. He has also served as commander of US forces in Iraq. Austin then tells the story of the beginning of his career. At that time he was still a young officer in the 82nd Airborne Division. Austin finds the murder of an African-American couple near the base of the division.

Later, more than 20 soldiers were found to have links to neo-Nazis or extremist groups. A sad realization, said Austin. It is known that military leaders were not aware of the signs of the threat. "We just didn't know what to look for," he said.

Austin's reference to the 25-year-old incident signals the urgency of today's military challenges in identifying and dealing with anti-government currents and racism. It is a small part of the many problems he will face if he becomes the head of the Pentagon in the Biden government.

Austin, who has since retired not embroiled in political upheaval, will face a number of other challenges, including accelerating efforts to compete effectively against China, defusing a rebel war, and mending a defense alliance strained by President Trump's hostility. He also had to grapple with the defense budget.

Before that, however, Austin must overcome another hurdle. There is a requirement that the Minister of Defense must be discharged from the military for at least seven years.

After Trump's election in 2016, lawmakers voted to agree to a waiver for Jim Mattis, a former commander who has been retired for less than seven years. At that time Trump appointed Mattis as a candidate for Secretary of Defense.

It's just that twice that requirement is not used. But some Democrats voiced discomfort with the move. They fear it will undermine US traditions of civilian control over the military.

"I know that being a member of the presidential Cabinet - a politically appointed person - requires a different perspective and unique assignment from a career in uniform," Austin said.

Several senators, including Tom Cotton, Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Duckworth will oppose Austin's waivers, which also require House approval. Since the final confirmation vote is not finalized as of Friday January 22, David Norquist, the current Deputy Secretary of Defense, will serve as the acting head of the Pentagon until Austin is confirmed.

Before retiring, Austin had made a less public appearance than any other senior official. He refused to invite journalists to join his tour of the Middle East.

The decision reduces public visibility into the activity of US troops operating in the region. In response to questions on the matter, Austin promised to conduct regular briefings and TV interviews and be open to the media as Secretary of Defense.