Lloyd J. Austin III

Lloyd James Austin III is a retired United States Army general who served as the 28th United States secretary of defense from 2021 to 2025 under President Joe Biden. Born in 1953, he rose through every level of military command—from platoon leader to corps commander—becoming the first African American to hold several key positions, including division commander, corps commander, and vice chief of staff of the Army. After retiring from active duty in 2016, Austin joined the boards of major corporations and academic institutions before being nominated and confirmed as secretary of defense.

Early life and career

Austin was born on August 8, 1953, in Mobile, Alabama, and grew up in Thomasville, Georgia. He entered the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1971 and graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree. While at the academy he participated in rugby and track, activities that reflected his early interest in teamwork and physical endurance.

Following his commissioning as a second lieutenant in the Infantry, Austin completed Airborne and Ranger schools before being assigned to Germany with the 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized). There he served first as a rifle platoon leader, then as a scout platoon leader, and later as company executive officer in the 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry. After completing the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, he moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he commanded the Combat Support Company of the 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 508th Infantry and served as Assistant S‑3 for the 1st Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division.

In 1981 Austin took on a recruiting role in Indianapolis, Indiana, serving as operations officer for the Army Indianapolis District Recruiting Command. He later commanded a company within the Army Recruiting Battalion before pursuing graduate studies at Auburn University, where he earned a Master of Arts in counselor education in 1986. Returning to West Point as a company tactical officer, Austin continued his professional development by attending the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced courses, the Army Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College.

Austin’s early assignments also included service with the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) at Fort Drum, New York, where he held positions such as S‑3 (Operations), executive officer for the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry, and later Director of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security. He returned to the 82nd Airborne Division in 1993, commanding the 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 505th Infantry, and subsequently serving as G‑3 for the division.

After completing the Army War College at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Austin commanded the 3rd Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division. He then served on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, as Chief of the Joint Operations Division (J‑3). In 2001 he became Assistant Division Commander for Maneuver (ADC‑M) of the 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Stewart, Georgia, where he played a key role during the division’s invasion of Iraq in March 2003. Austin led his command through the advance from Kuwait to Baghdad and was awarded the Silver Star for valorous actions during that operation.

From September 2003 until August 2005, Austin served as Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division (Light) and Commander of Combined Joint Task Force 180 in Afghanistan. He became the first African American to command a U.S. Army division in combat. Following this, he was Chief of Staff of United States Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base from September 2005 until October 2006.

On December 8, 2006, Austin was promoted to lieutenant general and assumed command of XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg. In February 2008 he became the second‑highest ranking commander in Iraq as Commander of Multi‑National Corps – Iraq (MNC‑I), overseeing approximately 152,000 joint and coalition forces across all sectors of the country during a period that included the drawdown of Surge forces. He was the first African American general officer to lead a corps‑sized element in combat.

Austin’s senior leadership culminated with his appointment as Director of the Joint Staff in August 2009, following a recommendation by Admiral Michael Mullen, then chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In this role he coordinated joint operations and strategic planning for the U.S. military at the highest levels. He retired from active duty in 2016 after more than four decades of service.

Cabinet tenure

On December 7, 2020, President‑elect Joe Biden nominated Austin to serve as secretary of defense. The United States Senate confirmed his nomination on January 22, 2021, by a vote of 93–2. He served in that position from 2021 until 2025, becoming the 28th individual to hold the office. During his tenure he was responsible for overseeing the Department of Defense and advising the president on defense policy and military matters.

After retiring from active duty, Austin joined the boards of several major organizations, including Raytheon Technologies, Nucor, Tenet Healthcare, and Auburn University. His post‑military career has involved contributions to corporate governance and academic affairs.

Legacy

Austin’s career is distinguished by a series of firsts for African Americans in U.S. military leadership. He was the first African American to command a division, corps, and field army in combat, as well as the first to serve as vice chief of staff of the Army. His service record includes command at every level—from platoon leader to four‑star general—across multiple theaters, including Iraq and Afghanistan.

He is a recipient of the Silver Star, the nation’s third highest award for valor, earned during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. In addition, he has been awarded five Defense Distinguished Service Medals for his contributions at the highest levels of military command.

Austin’s leadership experience spans both operational combat roles and strategic joint staff positions, providing him with a comprehensive perspective on modern warfare and defense policy. His post‑military involvement in corporate boards and academia reflects a continued commitment to public service and national security beyond his active duty career.