In historic move, President-elect Biden appoints retired General Lloyd Austin for top job Crusader Staff Report Retired U. S. Army General Lloyd Austin, III, will serve as the nation’s first Black Secretary of Defense. As the leader and chief executive officer of the United States Department of Defense, Austin, will command the executive department of the United States Armed Forces located at the Pentagon. President-elect Joe Biden, in a historic move, made the announcement Wednesday, December 9, after news reports emerged that he had tapped Austin for the top job. Austin’s appointment must be confirmed by the Republican majority Senate.