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Lloyd Austin on Homeland Security
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Ready to respond to threats, imposing costs where necessary
Even as we address China, we will ensure that we remain fully ready to respond to and effectively deter threats emanating from Russia, Iran, and North Korea, and disrupt transnational and non-state actor threats from violent extremist organizations,
such as those operating in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. We will seek to impose cost where necessary, while using all of our tools to lower the risk of escalation with our adversaries and respond to challenges below the level of armed conflict.
The Department will innovate at a speed and scale that matches a dynamic threat landscape. This will require advances in our joint warfighting concepts and a commitment to rapid experimentation and fielding of capabilities. Where necessary, we
will divest of legacy systems and programs that no longer meet our security needs, while investing smartly for the future. In turn, we will improve the efficiency of the force and guarantee freedom of action in contested, complex operating environments.
Source: USNI News on 2021 Biden Administration
, Mar 4, 2021
Build diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work
We maintain and enhance force readiness and develop the capabilities we need to protect America when we fully embrace a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and thought. The Department will lead with our values, building diversity, equity,
and inclusion into all aspects of our work and in everything we do. Inclusivity will drive innovative solutions across the enterprise and create a constructive environment in which every person has the space to contribute fully.
Source: USNI News on 2021 Biden Administration
, Mar 4, 2021
Can't defend America if enemies are within our own ranks
It is one of a number of early priorities that have made Austin's first days at the Pentagon very different from his predecessors', focusing internally on issues within the military, instead of outward on adversaries abroad. "The job of the
Department of Defense is to keep America safe from our enemies. But we can't do that if some of those enemies lie within our own ranks," Austin said at his confirmation hearing.
Source: CNN, "Pentagon Chief," on Biden Cabinet
, Feb 5, 2021
Orders Global Posture Review of US military around the world
Austin said on the Defense Secretary's Twitter account that "Per direction from @POTUS, I'll be leading a Global Posture Review of U.S. military forces around the world so our footprint aligns with our national interests."
"We need to make sure we have the right capabilities in the right places & we are supporting the work of our diplomats," Austin tweeted.
Source: UPI "Global Force Posture Review" on Biden Cabinet
, Feb 5, 2021
Proud to be first African American to head Defense
Retired Army Four-Star General Lloyd Austin was sworn in as the nation's first Black Secretary of Defense. He was sworn in by vice president Kamala Harris at the White House, days after he started the job and has already announced multiple changes
to the Department of Defense. On Twitter, Austin said, "It's an honor and a privilege to serve as our country's 28th Secretary of Defense, and I'm especially proud to be the first African American to hold the position. Let's get to work."
Source: Chicago Crusader on Defense Secretary Confirmation Hearings
, Jan 28, 2021
Democracy demands competent civilian control of military
On confirmation hearing: "I understand and respect the reservations that some of you have expressed about having another recently-retired general at the head of the Department of Defense," Austin said. "The safety and security of our democracy demands
competent civilian control of our armed forces. The subordination of military power to the civil." Austin also sought to allay the fears of some committee members by promising to surround himself with "experienced, capable civilian leaders."
Source: NPR on Defense Secretary Confirmation Hearings
, Jan 19, 2021
Page last updated: Aug 31, 2021