US media reported on Monday that President-elect Joe Biden’s pick for the role of defense secretary will be the 67-year-old retired General Lloyd Austin.

Austin’s nomination would make him the first Black leader of the Pentagon and would be in line with Biden’s promise of a diverse cabinet.

The career military officer will likely face opposition in Congress as many believe there should be a clear line between civilian and military leadership in the Pentagon.

The retired general spent 41 years serving in the military and led US and coalition occupation troops in Iraq during former President Barack Obama’s first term — when Joe Biden was vice president.

In 2012 he became the first-ever Black vice chief of staff of the US Army, the second-highest position. He then took command of the US Central Command.

He was also involved in the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 serving as assistant commander of the 3rd Infantry Division. He subsequently oversaw the withdrawal of US troops in 2011, a decision which he disagreed with.

Biden has promised to make his presidential cabinet diverse and reflect the US population. But he faces the hurdle of getting his chosen candidates approved by the Senate, currently controlled by the Republican party.

Source: Websites