For the first time in history, the US Department of Defense is headed by an African American. Retired General Lloyd Austin took over after Senate approval..
On Friday, the Senate of the US Congress finally approved General Lloyd Austin as head of the Pentagon, soon he will be sworn in. specified, that Austin took up the post of Minister on an exceptional basis. The thing is, that in the United States it is forbidden to occupy the chair of the Secretary of Defense for persons, retired from active military service less 7 years ago, and the general retired in 2016 year.
Joe Biden nominated Austin for Secretary of Defense, and the US Congress passed a separate bill, which allowed him to be approved for this position.
New Defense Secretary Becomes First African American, occupying this post and sixth in US history, received four general's stars. Served in total 41 year, headed the Central Command before retiring (SENTCOM) US Armed Forces, in charge of the Middle East, South and Central Asia and parts of North Africa.
Counts Russia and China “pose a threat”, specifically Russia – “key adversary”. At the same time, he advocates cooperation in some areas..
Meanwhile, the new chief of the Pentagon did not postpone matters and held a telephone conversation with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Austin highlighted the importance of the alliance for the United States and discussed missions in Afghanistan and Iraq.
