Lloyd Austin

In 1979, Lloyd J. Austin III graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. This marked the beginning of his distinguished military career.

In 2003, Lloyd Austin was awarded the Silver Star for his leadership of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq.

In 2008, Lloyd Austin returned to Iraq and showcased a comprehensive understanding of the ground war, impressing Adm. Mike Mullen.

In 2011, as the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, Lloyd Austin oversaw the completion of the American withdrawal from the country.

From January 31, 2012, to March 2013, Lloyd Austin served as the Vice Chief of Staff for the US Army.

On December 6, 2012, Lloyd Austin was nominated by President Barack Obama to become the 12th commander of the US Central Command.

In March 2013, General Lloyd Austin was chosen for the top position at the US Central Command.

On April 5, 2016, Lloyd Austin retired from his military career.

In December 2020, President Biden announced his intention to nominate Lloyd Austin, a former Iraq commander, as the Defense Secretary.

Lloyd Austin addresses concerns about a retired general assuming the top civilian post at the Pentagon. He pledges to carry out the mission of the Department of Defense, deter war, ensure national security, and uphold civilian control of the military. Austin also vows to combat racism and extremism within the department.

Both chambers of Congress approve a waiver allowing Lloyd Austin to serve as secretary of defense, bypassing the seven-year waiting period after active-duty service. This is the second waiver of its kind, with the first being granted to James Mattis in 2017.

The Senate confirms Lloyd Austin in a 93-2 vote, making him the first African American to hold the position of defense secretary in the United States.

During a press conference at the Pentagon, Austin apologized for not disclosing his cancer diagnosis to the President and the public. He took full responsibility and assured that there were no risks to the Department's command and control.

On February 2, 2021, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin dismissed hundreds of members of 42 Pentagon advisory boards, including late appointments by the Donald Trump administration. This action was taken as part of a review of the boards' memberships.

During a conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the commitment to the long-standing US-Saudi security partnership and expressed readiness to work together for regional security and stability.

Under President Biden's direction, Lloyd Austin coordinated military defensive airstrikes against an Iranian-backed militia in Syria. The airstrikes were in response to Iranian attacks on Americans and aimed to address the threat posed by the militia.

Lloyd Austin, the top defense official of the United States, visited Afghanistan for the first time, holding meetings with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and other officials.

In his first major policy speech, Lloyd Austin highlights the significance of emerging technology and the rapid advancements in computing power to modernize the military, envisioning a new era of warfare different from past conflicts.

Lloyd Austin announces his intention to suggest to President Biden a reform in the military justice system by removing the prosecution of sexual assaults from the control of commanders.

In December, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underwent a prostatectomy, a surgical procedure to treat and cure prostate cancer. The surgery was performed at Walter Reed without informing the White House or senior staff, raising concerns about transparency.

In response to militia attacks in Iraq and Syria, U.S. Central Command conducts strikes on facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups, following injuries to U.S. service members.

Lloyd Austin is taken to Walter Reed due to severe pain, admitted to the intensive care unit without informing his staff or the White House, and transfers operational responsibilities to Hicks.

Lloyd Austin, the US Secretary of Defense, confirmed that he has tested positive for Covid-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, as per a statement from the Defense Department.

The U.S. carries out strikes on a militia target in Baghdad, with Hicks assuming authorities transferred by Austin, who had pre-approved the strike before his hospitalization.

Congressional notifications start just before the Pentagon issues a statement about Austin's hospitalization, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding the health status of U.S. Cabinet members.

Austin admits to shortcomings in informing the public about his hospitalization, commits to improvement, but does not disclose his specific medical issues or the timing of notifications to the White House.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underwent prostate cancer surgery and was later hospitalized due to complications from the operation. His hospitalization was kept secret from President Joe Biden and other government officials, raising questions about transparency and communication within the administration.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized again for symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue related to his previous prostate cancer surgery. Despite his doctors' positive prognosis, his mobility has been affected, leading to questions about his ability to fulfill his duties.

Lloyd Austin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken undertake a surprise visit to Kyiv, where they hold discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

At the AIPAC Political Leadership Forum, Lloyd Austin emphasized the threat posed by a nuclear-armed Iran to Israeli security and the region. He highlighted Iran's destabilizing actions, support for terrorism, and proliferation of advanced weapons.

On March 7, 2023, Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, makes a surprise visit to Iraq. This visit marks the first time the highest-ranking Cabinet official has visited the country since President Biden took office.

On January 1, 2024, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center due to complications following a surgical procedure for prostate cancer. He experienced fever and shallow breathing, requiring transfer to the critical-care unit for closer monitoring. Despite the lack of disclosure, Austin's doctors have stated that his prognosis is excellent.

Lloyd Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on New Year’s Day due to complications from a medical procedure. His hospital stay raised criticism as senior officials, including President Biden, were unaware of it.

In January 2024, it was revealed that the White House's National Security Council was unaware of Lloyd Austin's hospitalization for three days.

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center announces that Lloyd Austin is being treated for prostate cancer, which was discovered in early December 2023.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized after experiencing complications related to his previous treatment for prostate cancer. The Pentagon faced criticism for not informing the White House, Congress, or the public sooner about Austin's hospitalization.

After being treated for prostate cancer, Lloyd Austin is released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on January 15.

On February 1, 2024, Lloyd Austin publicly acknowledges his mishandling of communication regarding his prostate cancer treatment. He issues an apology to his colleagues and the American public during his first news conference after returning to work.

On February 11, 2024, the Pentagon announces that Lloyd Austin has transferred his duties to his deputy as he is hospitalized for an emergent bladder issue. He is later released from the hospital on February 13.

Austin testified before the House Armed Services Committee regarding his hospitalization, taking full responsibility for the lack of disclosure. He emphasized that there was never a break in command and control during his absence.

Lloyd J. Austin III assumes the role of Secretary of Defense, overseeing the Defense Department and serving as the principal defense policy maker and advisor.