Page 28 - Eric Sayers News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

WASHINGTON — In choosing retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin to be defense secretary, President-elect Joe Biden assuaged some supporters who favor a more diverse Cabinet, but he has left others worried that civilian control of the military is under threat. Austin — a 1975 West Point graduate who rose to command U.S. forces in the Middle East before retiring from the military in 2016 — will be the first Black defense secretary if confirmed by the Senate. In addition to leading Central Command, Austin was vice chief of staff of the Army from 2012 to 2013. A native of Mobile, Ala., who...

WASHINGTON - President-elect Joe Biden introduced retired general Lloyd Austin as his pick for Secretary of Defence on Wednesday (Dec 9), responding to criticism that his choice would erode a norm meant to ensure civilian control of the military, and that Mr Austin might not pay sufficient attention to the Asia-Pacific region. Mr Austin, who retired from the military more than four years ago, will require a waiver from Congress to be confirmed to the post. Under American law, a former military officer must have been out of uniform for at least seven years before becoming Secretary of Defence....