Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III

Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III

The secretary of defense oversees the Defense Department and acts as the principal defense policy maker and advisor.

About

Lloyd J. Austin III is the 28th secretary of defense, sworn in on Jan. 22, 2021. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., Austin served 41 years in uniform, retiring as a four-star Army general after three years as commander of U.S. Central Command.

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Secretary of Defense Photos

Check out photos of Secretary of Defense Austin as he takes care of business and keeps the department running.

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Leaders

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Lloyd J. Austin III

Secretary of Defense

Lloyd J. Austin III

Kathleen H. Hicks

Deputy Secretary of Defense

Kathleen H. Hicks
Mark A. Milley

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Army Gen.

Mark A. Milley
Christopher W. Grady

Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Navy Adm.

Christopher W. Grady
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Office of the Secretary of Defense

Top civilian defense decision-makers work with the secretary to develop policy, operational and fiscal plans, manage resources and evaluate programs.

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