Lloyd Austin

Lloyd James Austin III is a retired United States Army four-star general who has served as the 28th and current United States secretary of defense since January 22, 2021.
lloyd-austin

Some of the key events about Lloyd Austin

  • 1975
    Graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point
  • 1986
    Earned a Master's degree in Education from Auburn University
  • 1989
    Completed the Infantry Officer Advanced Course
  • 2006
    Became the first African American to command a division in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom
  • 2009
    Assumed command of XVIII Airborne Corps
  • 2010
    Appointed as Commanding General of United States Forces - Iraq
  • 2012
    Became the first African American to lead U.S. Central Command
  • 2013
    Received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund
  • 2013
    Failed to anticipate and prevent the rise of ISIS while serving as head of U.S. Central Command
  • 2015
    Faced criticism for allegedly downplaying the threat of ISIS in intelligence reports
  • 2016
    Retired from the Army after 41 years of service with the rank of four-star general
  • 2016
    Oversaw a controversial U.S. airstrike on a hospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan, resulting in civilian casualties
  • 2021
    Confirmed as the first African American Secretary of Defense in U.S. history
  • 2021
    Faced backlash for slow response to remove National Guard troops from the U.S. Capitol after January 6 riot
  • 2021
    Criticized for the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan
  • 2022
    Received criticism for not informing President Biden promptly about his hospitalization
  • 2023
    Faced scrutiny for keeping his prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment secret from the President and other officials
  • 2023
    Criticized for lack of transparency regarding his health issues and extended hospital stay
  • 2023
    Questioned about potential security risks due to his undisclosed medical condition while serving as Defense Secretary
  • 2024
    Faced calls for resignation due to his handling of health disclosures and temporary transfer of duties

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Lloyd Austin Latest news

China's top military official skips crucial meeting with US defense chief

China's top military official skips crucial meeting with US defense chief

November 20 2024 , 09:03 PM  •  863 views
Regional powers gather in Laos: What's next for Asia-Pacific security

Regional powers gather in Laos: What's next for Asia-Pacific security

November 20 2024 , 12:31 AM  •  1918 views
Putin changes nuke rules after Ukraine hits Russian soil with US missiles

Putin changes nuke rules after Ukraine hits Russian soil with US missiles

November 20 2024 , 12:05 AM  •  811 views
US and Philippines join forces in groundbreaking military tech deal

US and Philippines join forces in groundbreaking military tech deal

November 18 2024 , 01:21 PM  •  503 views
US defense chief faces pressure over unpaid military operation compensations

US defense chief faces pressure over unpaid military operation compensations

November 16 2024 , 12:05 PM  •  3346 views
Three-way defense talk in Darwin puts spotlight on Pacific cooperation

Three-way defense talk in Darwin puts spotlight on Pacific cooperation

November 16 2024 , 03:13 AM  •  1558 views
US gives unexpected response about Israel's aid efforts in Gaza crisis

US gives unexpected response about Israel's aid efforts in Gaza crisis

November 13 2024 , 06:47 AM  •  1946 views
Last Veterans Day ceremony brings Biden and Harris together after election shift

Last Veterans Day ceremony brings Biden and Harris together after election shift

November 12 2024 , 04:56 AM  •  1335 views
US ready to judge Israel's Gaza aid efforts as deadline approaches

US ready to judge Israel's Gaza aid efforts as deadline approaches

November 11 2024 , 11:51 AM  •  2602 views
Pentagon insiders share what Trump plans for military leadership in 2025

Pentagon insiders share what Trump plans for military leadership in 2025

November 10 2024 , 12:20 PM  •  2503 views
Military judge blocks Pentagon chief's move in major 9/11 case decision

Military judge blocks Pentagon chief's move in major 9/11 case decision

November 9 2024 , 11:12 AM  •  4372 views
Pentagon chief writes special memo as Trump wins presidential race

Pentagon chief writes special memo as Trump wins presidential race

November 8 2024 , 01:46 AM  •  1308 views
US officials give harsh feedback about Israel's Gaza aid progress

US officials give harsh feedback about Israel's Gaza aid progress

November 5 2024 , 12:09 AM  •  770 views
Pentagon sends powerful military package to Middle East - what's inside?

Pentagon sends powerful military package to Middle East - what's inside?

November 2 2024 , 09:07 AM  •  3381 views
Pentagon chief sends powerful military package to guard Middle East interests

Pentagon chief sends powerful military package to guard Middle East interests

November 2 2024 , 07:34 AM  •  4507 views
Pentagon sends fresh $425M defense package as North Korean troops join Russia

Pentagon sends fresh $425M defense package as North Korean troops join Russia

November 1 2024 , 06:42 PM  •  452 views
North Korea sends thousands of soldiers to help Russia in Ukraine conflict

North Korea sends thousands of soldiers to help Russia in Ukraine conflict

November 1 2024 , 12:09 AM  •  1588 views
Russian diplomat challenges West over North Korean military support at UN meeting

Russian diplomat challenges West over North Korean military support at UN meeting

October 31 2024 , 02:08 AM  •  4848 views
Pacific nations caught between US billions and rising superpower tension

Pacific nations caught between US billions and rising superpower tension

US-PNG defense deal worth $3. 5B brings new infrastructure but raises regional concerns. Pacific leaders try to keep balance between US-China interests while dealing with upcoming political changes

Economics, Politics • December 10 2024 , 03:01 PM  •  947 views
Defense chief Austin lands in Tokyo as military aircraft problems grow

Defense chief Austin lands in Tokyo as military aircraft problems grow

US Defense Secretary visits Japan for key alliance talks while Osprey aircraft issues raise new questions. Regional security and aircraft safety top the meeting agenda in Tokyo

Society, Politics • December 10 2024 , 05:55 AM  •  1326 views
South Korea faces chaos after president's shocking 6-hour power grab

South Korea faces chaos after president's shocking 6-hour power grab

South Korean government deals with aftermath of presidents brief martial law declaration that shook financial markets and international relations. Political uncertainty grows as opposition pushes for leadership change

Economics, Politics • December 9 2024 , 09:07 PM  •  1435 views
Chinese navy floods waters near Taiwan as regional tensions grow

Chinese navy floods waters near Taiwan as regional tensions grow

Taiwan spotted about 90 Chinese ships spread across regional waters yesterday‚ marking a new pattern in military presence. Chinese authorities set-up no-fly zones near Taiwanʼs coast lasting until mid-week

Society, Politics • December 9 2024 , 07:57 PM  •  589 views
Breaking: Assad flees Syria as rebels take Damascus in surprise victory

Breaking: Assad flees Syria as rebels take Damascus in surprise victory

Former al-Qaeda group HTS captures Damascus forcing Assad to seek shelter in Russia after 13-year civil war. Power shift creates new challenges as rebels promise inclusive government

Society, Politics • December 9 2024 , 04:08 AM  •  1456 views
US defense chief drops South Korea visit after president's controversial move

US defense chief drops South Korea visit after president's controversial move

US Defense Secretary cancels planned South Korea trip following presidents martial law declaration. The decision comes after consulting with Korean officials and widespread public protests

Society, Politics • December 5 2024 , 06:24 PM  •  702 views
Defense chief shares combat wisdom at West Point, touches sensitive topics

Defense chief shares combat wisdom at West Point, touches sensitive topics

Defense Secretary gives meaningful speech at Military Academy about inclusivity and constitutional values. His personal war stories from Iraq bring real-world perspective to future officers

Society, Politics • December 5 2024 , 01:45 AM  •  2134 views
Pentagon's military study faces questions after major flaws discovered

Pentagon's military study faces questions after major flaws discovered

Associated Press found issues in Pentagon-backed research about military extremism. The study used outdated info and questionable methods while missing key evidence that could change its findings

Society, Politics • November 26 2024 , 09:15 PM  •  1038 views
Massachusetts lawmakers want military aircraft grounded after safety report

Massachusetts lawmakers want military aircraft grounded after safety report

Three congress members asked Pentagon to stop V-22 Osprey flights due to safety problems found by journalists. Their letter points to design issues that need fixing before operations can resume

Society, Politics • November 25 2024 , 10:48 PM  •  1074 views
Top defense officials from Asia and US meet in Laos as regional talks heat up

Top defense officials from Asia and US meet in Laos as regional talks heat up

Defense leaders from Southeast Asia US and China gathered in Laos for key regional security talks. Chinese ministerʼs decision to skip one-on-one meeting with US counterpart adds extra weight to discussions

Politics • November 21 2024 , 05:35 AM  •  2985 views
China's top military official skips crucial meeting with US defense chief

China's top military official skips crucial meeting with US defense chief

Chinese defense minister opts out of planned talks with US counterpart at ASEAN-Plus gathering in Laos. The move comes shortly after high-level Xi-Biden discussions on key global matters

Politics • November 20 2024 , 09:03 PM  •  863 views
Regional powers gather in Laos: What's next for Asia-Pacific security

Regional powers gather in Laos: What's next for Asia-Pacific security

Defense leaders from Southeast Asia met in Vientiane to discuss regional maritime issues. The talks focused on cooperation between ASEAN members and their stance on Asia-Pacific security matters

Society, Politics • November 20 2024 , 12:31 AM  •  1918 views
Putin changes nuke rules after Ukraine hits Russian soil with US missiles

Putin changes nuke rules after Ukraine hits Russian soil with US missiles

Russia rewrote its nuclear-use policy after Ukraine struck inside Russian territory with American missiles. The new rules suggest NATO involvement could trigger nuclear response‚ while global tensions rise

Society, Politics • November 20 2024 , 12:05 AM  •  811 views
US and Philippines join forces in groundbreaking military tech deal

US and Philippines join forces in groundbreaking military tech deal

Defense chiefs from US and Philippines signed new military secrets sharing deal in Manila today. Agreement opens doors for advanced weapons tech transfer and deeper military cooperation between long-time allies

Politics • November 18 2024 , 01:21 PM  •  503 views
US defense chief faces pressure over unpaid military operation compensations

US defense chief faces pressure over unpaid military operation compensations

Human-rights groups push **Lloyd Austin** to settle long-standing payment claims from overseas military actions. Many families in Middle East and Africa still wait for responses to their compensation requests

Society, Politics • November 16 2024 , 12:05 PM  •  3346 views
Three-way defense talk in Darwin puts spotlight on Pacific cooperation

Three-way defense talk in Darwin puts spotlight on Pacific cooperation

Defense chiefs from Australia Japan and US are meeting in Darwin to strengthen military ties. The high-level talk comes after recent maritime activities in East China Sea raised regional attention

Politics • November 16 2024 , 03:13 AM  •  1558 views
US gives unexpected response about Israel's aid efforts in Gaza crisis

US gives unexpected response about Israel's aid efforts in Gaza crisis

State Department makes surprising statement about Israels humanitarian aid progress in Gaza‚ while aid groups disagree. The decision comes after a month-long review of specific demands made to Israeli officials

Society, Politics • November 13 2024 , 06:47 AM  •  1946 views
Last Veterans Day ceremony brings Biden and Harris together after election shift

Last Veterans Day ceremony brings Biden and Harris together after election shift

At Arlington Cemetery top Democrats made their first public appearance since last weeks election results. The Veterans Day event marked Bidens final ceremony as commander-in-chief‚ while transition plans move forward

Society, Politics • November 12 2024 , 04:56 AM  •  1335 views
US ready to judge Israel's Gaza aid efforts as deadline approaches

US ready to judge Israel's Gaza aid efforts as deadline approaches

US officials prepare to assess Israelʼs humanitarian work in Gaza after giving them 30-days notice last fall. The evaluation comes as different organizations argue about aid delivery effectiveness in the region

Society, Politics • November 11 2024 , 11:51 AM  •  2602 views
Pentagon insiders share what Trump plans for military leadership in 2025

Pentagon insiders share what Trump plans for military leadership in 2025

Former president aims to reshape Pentagonʼs top brass and civilian workforce after winning election. Defense department employees worry about major leadership changes and new policy directions

Society, Politics • November 10 2024 , 12:20 PM  •  2503 views
Military judge blocks Pentagon chief's move in major 9/11 case decision

Military judge blocks Pentagon chief's move in major 9/11 case decision

Pentagon faces new direction after military judge upholds summer plea agreements for 9/11 case defendants. Court decided Defense Secretary cant cancel deals that prevent death penalty

Society, Politics • November 9 2024 , 11:12 AM  •  4372 views
Pentagon chief writes special memo as Trump wins presidential race

Pentagon chief writes special memo as Trump wins presidential race

Defense Secretary makes clear statement about militaryʼs role after recent election results. Pentagon leadership confirms their commitment to follow Constitution and maintain non-political stance

Society, Politics • November 8 2024 , 01:46 AM  •  1308 views
US officials give harsh feedback about Israel's Gaza aid progress

US officials give harsh feedback about Israel's Gaza aid progress

White House increases pressure on Israel over humanitarian assistance to Gaza region. State Department assessment shows Israel not meeting requirements set last month for continued military support

Society, Politics • November 5 2024 , 12:09 AM  •  770 views
Pentagon sends powerful military package to Middle East - what's inside?

Pentagon sends powerful military package to Middle East - what's inside?

Pentagon chief makes big move to boost Middle-East defense setup with new military gear. Fresh deployment includes high-tech ships bombers and aircraft to protect US interests and allies

Politics • November 2 2024 , 09:07 AM  •  3381 views
Pentagon chief sends powerful military package to guard Middle East interests

Pentagon chief sends powerful military package to guard Middle East interests

Defense Secretary orders top-tier military assets deployment to Middle East region. New forces include missile-defense ships‚ fighter jets and long-range bombers to protect US interests

Politics • November 2 2024 , 07:34 AM  •  4507 views
Pentagon sends fresh $425M defense package as North Korean troops join Russia

Pentagon sends fresh $425M defense package as North Korean troops join Russia

Pentagon delivers new military aid to Ukraine following Defense Secretaryʼs recent visit to Kyiv. Package includes air-defense systems anti-tank weapons and various ammunition types to counter combined threats

Politics • November 1 2024 , 06:42 PM  •  452 views
North Korea sends thousands of soldiers to help Russia in Ukraine conflict

North Korea sends thousands of soldiers to help Russia in Ukraine conflict

US officials spot 10000 North-Korean troops near Ukraine border getting ready for combat. Pentagon confirms soldiers training in drones and artillery while NK tests new missile

Society, Politics • November 1 2024 , 12:09 AM  •  1588 views
Russian diplomat challenges West over North Korean military support at UN meeting

Russian diplomat challenges West over North Korean military support at UN meeting

Russia defends its military cooperation with North Korea at UN Security Council meeting while Western nations point to sanctions violations. Around 10k North Korean soldiers already stationed in eastern Russia

Society, Politics • October 31 2024 , 02:08 AM  •  4848 views