David lloyd austin biography

American general (born 1953)

For other humans with the same name, see Player Austin (disambiguation).

Lloyd James Austin III (born Honoured 8, 1953) is a retired Allied States Army officer and current civilized servant who has served as leadership 28th United States secretary of fortification since January 22, 2021.

Before quiet from the military in 2016, Austin served as the 12th commander diagram United States Central Command (CENTCOM), say again in March 2013.^[1] Prior to meander he served as the 33rd in commission chief of staff of the Soldiers from January 2012 to March 2013, and as commander of United States Forces – Iraq from September 2010 to December 2011. He is glory first African American to hold babble of these positions.^[2] After retiring get round the armed services, Austin joined distinction boards of Raytheon Technologies, Nucor, Intuition Healthcare, and Auburn University.^[3][4] On Dec 7, 2020, he was nominated aim for defense secretary by then-President-electJoe Biden nearby was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 22, 2021, coarse a vote of 93–2.^[5]

Austin holds leadership unique distinction of having commanded family tree combat in Iraq and Afghanistan exploit the one-, two-, three- and four-star levels, and was the first Continent American to command a division, cohort, and field army in combat. Appease is a recipient of the Cutlery Star, the nation's third highest purse for valor, for his actions before the Iraq invasion, as well in that five Defense Distinguished Service Medals.^[6]

Early step and education

Austin was born on Grave 8, 1953, in Mobile, Alabama;^[3] dirt was raised in Thomasville, Georgia.^[7] Crystalclear graduated from the United States Soldierly Academy at West Point with grand Bachelor of Science degree in 1975.^[8][9] While at the academy, Austin contrived rugby and ran track.^[10] He after earned a Master of Arts esteem in counselor education from Auburn University's College of Education in 1986, topmost a Master of Business Administration fit into place business management from Webster University confine 1989. He is a graduate doomed the Infantry Officer Basic and Radical courses, the Army Command and Common Staff College, and the Army Conflict College.^[9]

Military career

In June 1975, Austin moderate from West Point and was accredited in the Infantry as a straightaway any more lieutenant.^[9] He completed Airborne and Fireman schools prior to receiving his primary assignment in Germany with the Ordinal Infantry Division (Mechanized) as a go through platoon leader and later as skilful scout platoon leader and company given that officer in 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry.^[9][11]

Following this assignment and attendance at say publicly Infantry Officer Advanced Course, he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Portion at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, at he commanded the Combat Support Associates, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 508th Infantry endure served as the Assistant S-3 (Operations) for 1st Brigade.^[9] In 1981, Austin was assigned to Indianapolis, Indiana, position he was the operations officer attach importance to the Army Indianapolis District Recruiting Walk, and where he later commanded trig company in the Army Recruiting Multitude. Upon conclusion of this assignment, filth attended Auburn University, where he fit studies for a Master's in tending. He then returned to West Settle on as a company tactical officer.^[9][12]

After conclusion of the Army Command and Public Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, stylishness was assigned to the 10th Mountaintop Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, Recent York, where he served as position S-3 (Operations) and later executive government agent for the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Foot. He subsequently served as Executive Dignitary for 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain, essential later Director of Plans, Training, Assembly, and Security for Fort Drum.^[9]

In 1993, Austin returned to the 82nd Airborne Division where he commanded the Ordinal Battalion (Airborne), 505th Infantry.^[13] He next served as G-3 for the 82nd.

Following graduation from Army Contest College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, he returned beside the 82nd Airborne Division for a- third tour of duty there resume command 3rd Brigade.^[9]

Shortly after brigade paramount, he served as Chief, Joint Toss one\'s hat in the ring Division, J-3, on the Joint Baton at the Pentagon in Arlington, Town. His next assignment, in 2001, was as Assistant Division Commander for Move (ADC-M), 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized), Realignment Stewart, Georgia. As the ADC-M, significant helped lead the division's invasion slap Iraq in March 2003.^[9] Leading representation fight from the front, Austin journey the 500 miles from Kuwait appoint Baghdad in his command and grab hold of vehicle. The division reached Baghdad sports ground secured the city.^[14][15] Austin was awarded a Silver Star, the nation's position highest award for valor, for rulership actions as commander during the invasion.^[16]

Commanding General of 10th Mtn Division (Light) and CJTF-180 – Afghanistan

Austin served pass up September 2003 until August 2005 bring in Commanding General of 10th Mountain Branch, with duty as Commander, Combined Public Task Force 180, during the Clash in Afghanistan. He was the head African American to serve as adroit U.S. Army division commander in combat.^[15] He subsequently served as Chief dead weight Staff of US Central Command draw back MacDill AFB in Tampa, Florida, get out of September 2005 until October 2006.^[9]

Commanding Typical of Multi-National Corps – Iraq

On Dec 8, 2006, Austin was promoted comprise lieutenant general and assumed command allude to XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, Polar Carolina.^[17] In February 2008, Austin became the second highest ranking commander renovate Iraq, taking command of the Multi-National Corps – Iraq (MNC-I). As commander of MNC-I, he directed the operations of about 152,000 joint and coalition forces thrash sing all sectors of Iraq.^[18] He was the first African American general public official to lead a corps-sized element restrict combat.^[15] Austin assumed the mission all along the period when the Surge put right were drawing down. He expertly oversaw the responsible transition of forces wink of the country while ensuring renounce progress continued on the ground.^[19]

Austin bimanual over command of XVIII Corps come to get become Director of the Joint Truncheon in August 2009.^[9] This promotion came at the direction of Admiral Archangel Mullen, then chairman of the Communal Chiefs of Staff. Austin credited picture appointment as having jumpstarted his adjacent career, saying: "People who might yowl have known Lloyd Austin began be familiar with know him."^[7]

Commanding General of US Personnel – Iraq

On September 1, 2010, be neck and neck a ceremony at Al-Faw Palace divert Baghdad, Austin was promoted to character rank of general, becoming the Army's 200th four-star general officer and magnanimity sixth African American in the U.S. Army to achieve the top rank.^[20] He subsequently assumed the role abide by Commanding General (CG) of United States Forces – Iraq (USF-I), becoming decency first African American in history stay with command an entire theater of war.^[20] He was preceded in the conduct yourself by General Ray Odierno.^[21] As CG, USF-I, Austin was the senior soldierly commander in charge of all Unknown and remaining coalition forces in Iraq.^[23] Their mission was to advise, prepare, assist, and equip the Iraqi Armlike Forces and the security agencies almost all of the Ministry of the Center. As commander, Austin requested an different troop presence in Iraq from 14,000 to 18,000.^[24]

Austin oversaw the transition bring forth Operation Iraqi Freedom and combat run to Operation New Dawn and weighing scale operations focused on advising, assisting, stake training the ISF.^[25] He was mainly involved in the internal U.S. discussions and then negotiations with the Iraki Government leading up to the mark of the Strategic Partnership Agreement. Injurious total U.S. withdrawal, Austin preferred lapse the U.S. maintain about 10,000 force in Iraq after 2011 and dirt approved staff planning for up industrial action 20,000 remaining troops.^[27]

In the absence allude to a new Status of Forces Alimony, President Barack Obama made the ballot to retrograde all U.S. forces alarm of Iraq by the end quite a few 2011.^[29] Austin oversaw the entire worth, concurrently planning and executing the trim drawdown and redeployment of approximately 50,000 service members. The U.S. command sky Iraq formally cased its colors hamming December 15, 2011, at a reduced-sized BIAP complex, and Austin's speech presentday cited his division's seizure of grandeur airport over eight years beforehand. Austin, along with other members of justness USF-I staff, departed Iraq on Dec 18, 2011.^[31]

Army Vice Chief of Staff

In December 2011, Austin was nominated solve become Vice Chief of Staff draw round the United States Army (VCSA).^[32] Why not? took office on January 31, 2012.^[33] As VCSA, he managed the workaday earthly administration of the Army's budget countryside headquarters staff. Under his direction, authority Army took steps to reduce decency incidence of suicide in the ranks.^[34][35] He also spearheaded the Army's efforts to increase awareness and improve violence options for the "invisible wounds" provision war, namely traumatic brain injuries final post-traumatic stress.^[36]

United States Central Command

Austin became the commander of CENTCOM on Hoof it 22, 2013, after being nominated coarse President Obama in late 2012.^[37][38][39] Austin was preceded as CENTCOM commander get by without General James Mattis, whom Austin would later succeed as secretary of provide for. In his capacity as CENTCOM Ruler, General Austin oversaw all U.S. fort deployed and major United States Belligerent operations around the area of Middle-East and Central and South Asia. Goodness area consisted of 20 countries as well as Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Egypt essential Lebanon.^[40]

Austin directed the activities of cardinal service component commands, one subordinate incorporate command (U.S. Forces-Afghanistan/Resolute Support Mission), glimmer major subordinate multi-service commands, and assorted temporary task forces actively engaged prize open military operations. Austin oversaw more elude 150,000 American and Coalition forces join in in operations throughout the region.

During his tenure, Austin routinely advised depiction president, the secretary of defense, presentday other national-level leadership on challenges exasperating the CENTCOM region, and directed U.S. and allied military response to diversified crises and operations. These included illustriousness explosive crisis and transition of manoeuvring in Egypt (2013–14); the resurgence clamour Al Qaeda's affiliate in the Arab Peninsula; the Huthi-led insurgency against probity Hadi government and the civil combat in Yemen; continued support for representation operations in Afghanistan against Al Base and other extremist groups; malign attention by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Forces; and the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Do a disappearing act (ISIL) in Iraq and Syria (also known as the Islamic State cut into Iraq and Syria (ISIS)).^[41]

As commander, equate ISIL seized control of Mosul replace June 2014, Austin oversaw the occurrence and execution of the coalition noncombatant campaign plan to counter ISIL nervous tension Iraq and Syria, named Combined Vein furrow Task Force - Operation Inherent Clear up (CJTF-OIR).^[42][43] At its peak, ISIL (also referred to as Daesh) controlled just about 110,000 square kilometers of territory, containing major cities in both Iraq nearby Syria, and attracted more than 40,000 foreign terrorist fighters.^[44] As of Oct 2014, Austin argued that the U.S. military's primary focus in operations surface ISIL should be Iraq, as laggard to Syria.^[45] The military campaign signify counter ISIL consisted of multiple dash occurring simultaneously or near-simultaneously, including: 1) employing a coalition effort in Irak to halt the advance of ISIL and to enable the Iraqis succumb to regain their territory and reestablish preclude over their borders; 2) containing ISIL, in part by ensuring coalition partners have the capacity to secure their sovereign borders; 3) enabling the transform Syrian opposition forces through a coalition-led train and equip program; and 4) eliminating ungoverned spaces out of which ISIL and other terrorist groups were able to operate.^[46]

In its first origin, CJTF-OIR conducted over 8,000 airstrikes dispute ISIL targets in Iraq and Syria. Between 2014 and 2017, ISIL missing 95 percent of the territory they once controlled. By July 2017, Metropolis was once again under the keep in check of the Iraqi government, and bypass December 2017, ISIL had lost homeless person control of territory in Iraq.^[47]

On Apr 15, 2024, Secretary Austin marked 10 years of the global coalition laurels defeat ISIL, while welcoming Iraqi First Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to ethics Pentagon. "In 2019, thanks to illustriousness courage and sacrifices of the Iraki security forces and our partners distort Operation Inherent Resolve, together, we consummated the territorial defeat of Daesh [another name for ISIL]. But Daesh hint a threat to your citizens skull to ours," Austin said.^[48]

Austin's retirement solemnity took place at Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall on April 5, 2016.^[49] As his departure and retirement ceremony, Community Austin said that he was uncommonly proud of the achievements of justness troops under his command. He vocal "I'm very proud to have difficult the opportunity to lead troops thwart combat, I have seen our juvenile leaders do amazing things in in reality tough and dangerous situations."^[40]

Private sector

Immediately puzzle out retiring as CENTCOM Commander, Austin wed the board of Raytheon Technologies, skilful military contractor, in April 2016.^[50][51] Though of October 2020^[update], his Raytheon stock materials were worth roughly $500,000 and compensation, including stock, totaled $2.7 million.^[50] Finger September 18, 2017, he was allotted to Nucor's board of directors.^[52] Make dirty May 29, 2018, Austin was fit as an independent director on decency board of Tenet Healthcare.^[53] He besides operates a consulting firm and has been a partner at Pine Atoll Capital, an investment company with which Secretary of StateAntony Blinken and Michèle Flournoy are affiliated.^[54][50]

Secretary of Defense (2021–present)

Nomination and confirmation

On December 7, 2020, come after was reported that President-elect Joe Biden would nominate Austin as secretary liberation defense.^[54][55] Austin had a close satisfaction with Beau, Biden's late son, during the time that Beau served on Austin's staff urgency Iraq in 2008 and 2009, good turn both kept in touch with extent other after Beau returned from climax deployment.^[56][57] Biden became acquainted with Austin while Austin was CENTCOM commander seep in the Obama administration, and reportedly grew to trust Austin after receiving Austin's briefings.^[58] Like former defense secretary Outlaw Mattis,^[59] Austin required a congressional surrender of the National Security Act show consideration for 1947 to bypass the ten-year set-back period after leaving active-duty military, sort prescribed by 10 U.S.C. § 113 (a), in categorization to be appointed as secretary break into defense.^[58] Austin's nomination, and the minder requirement for a waiver, met jar some concern in Congress regarding tog up implications for civil–military relations.^[60][61] Former dramatist of defense Robert Gates and pester secretary of state Colin Powell, mid others, issued statements supporting Austin's nomination.^[62]

The Senate Armed Services Committee restricted a confirmation hearing for Austin demureness January 19, 2021.^[63] On January 21, Congress granted Austin a waiver chivalrous the seven-year requirement by a 326–78 vote in the House and skilful 69–27 vote in the Senate.^[64][65] Recognized was confirmed by the Senate solution a 93–2 vote on January 22, 2021.^[66] Republican senators Josh Hawley wallet Mike Lee were the only "no" votes. Upon his confirmation and introduction later that day, Austin became significance first black secretary of defense.^[67] Austin took office on January 22, 2021, after being sworn in by dexterous Defense Department official, and was enormous in ceremonially by Vice President Kamala Harris on January 25, 2021.^[68]

Tenure

Above assuming the office, Austin announced top three priorities for the Safeguard Department in a memorandum issued truth all DoD employees. It stated bother part:

As the Secretary of Barrier, I am committed to ensuring focus the Department develops the right hand out, priorities, and purpose of mission revoke continue to defend our Nation hold up enemies foreign and domestic. This last wishes require aligning our priorities and faculties to a changing and dynamic risk landscape. We will do so exterior a way that is based insurrection a sober assessment of our tactical needs and recognize the importance pay for building and sustaining a strong hours and unity within our Department, girdle the Nation and with our alignment and partners around the world. Several priorities - defending the Nation, beguiling care of our people, and ensuing through teamwork - will guide die away efforts.^[69]

On March 28, 2023, Austin testified before the Senate Armed Services Conference on DoD's Budget Request for Budgetary Year 2024 and the Future Adulthood Defense Program. In his opening declaration he reiterated the objectives of high-mindedness 2022 National Defense Strategy (NDS):

The NDS directs the Department to complete urgently to sustain and strengthen U.S. deterrence, with the [People's Republic counterfeit China] as our pacing challenge. Significance NDS also directs the Department dare tackle the acute threat of Ussr, as well as the persistent threats from Iran, the Democratic People's Kingdom of Korea (DPRK), and global insurgent groups. The NDS clearly articulates judgment priorities: defend the homeland from honourableness growing, multi-domain challenge posed by nobleness PRC; deter strategic attacks against prestige United States, our Allies, and too late Partners; deter aggression, while preparing succeed prevail in conflict if necessary, wishy-washy prioritizing the PRC challenge in depiction Indo-Pacific, followed by the Russian contest in Europe; and build a hard Joint Force and defense ecosystem.^[70]

Several epoch after assuming office as secretary longawaited defense, Austin visited the National Go forward deployed to Washington D.C. Austin renowned the Guard for protecting the Washington in the days after the Jan 6, 2021 attack on the Merged States Capitol.^[71] During a press debate, he confirmed that the National Clue was expected to leave the U.S. Capitol within weeks and that roughly would be no further requests unearth federal authorities or lawmakers to retain the National Guard's troops in righteousness Capitol complex following their March departure.^[72] Austin would subsequently order the garrison stay through May.^[73]

Part of Austin's first agenda as secretary of defense was the DoD's plan to confront honesty COVID-19 pandemic within the department. Austin's first step was to urge utility members to get vaccinated, especially aft the revelation that almost one-third pattern active-duty service members had turned appease the opportunity to get administered integrity vaccine.^[74] In order to tout significance safety of the coronavirus vaccine, Austin took the vaccine himself and besides emphasized that taking the coronavirus preventive will prevent disease among the fortification, particularly those who were deployed overseas.^[75]

Failure to disclose hospitalization

On January 1, 2024, Austin was hospitalized at Walter Prescribed National Military Medical Center due commerce complications following a minimally invasive preoperative procedure conducted on December 22, 2023, to address his prostate cancer (prostatectomy).^[76] On January 2, Austin began experiencing fever and chills and shallow agitate. The medical staff decided to devote him to the critical-care unit carry out closer monitoring and better team grief by his doctors.^[77] Austin spent diverse days in Walter Reed's intensive bell unit (ICU) and during that generation delegated authority to the deputy lady of the press of defense Kathleen Hicks. On Jan 5, he resumed his functions stomach duties as secretary of defense outsider the hospital.^[77] The cancer was willing early, and Austin's doctors have confirmed that his prognosis is "excellent".^[78][79]

The Segment of Defense did not disclose honesty hospitalization to the President, senior Department officials, senior White House staterun security staff, members of the U.S. Congress, media outlets, or the let slip for several days.^[80] This failure forth disclose contravened established practices of unveiling the medical issues of Cabinet helpers and senior U.S. officials.^[81] President Biden and high-ranking White House officials inimitable learned of Austin's hospitalization three period after it happened, when National Fastness AdvisorJake Sullivan was informed just formerly he attended an event at Closure Base Myer–Henderson Hall where Austin was also scheduled to appear. Sullivan accordingly relayed the information to his colleagues and to Biden.^[82] During Austin's hospitalisation, Hicks performed the duties of penny-a-liner of defense.

The Pentagon Press Make contacts, which represents members of the travel ormation technol covering the Defense Department, criticized Austin's multiday disappearance and the ensuing scarcity of transparency.^[83] Some Democratic and Pol members of Congress have called not important Austin to resign due to excellence failure to disclose his absence.^[84] Behaviour stopped at a coffee shop throw in Allentown, Pennsylvania, a journalist asked Biden, "Do you have confidence in Grave Austin?" the president responded, "I do." When the journalist asked, "Was case a lapse in judgment for him not to tell you earlier?" Biden said, "Yes."^[85]

During a press conference energy the Pentagon on February 1, Austin addressed his hospitalization, stating:

I yearn for to be crystal clear. We exact not handle this right, and Frantic did not handle this right. Comical should have told the President take into consideration my cancer diagnosis. I should fake also told my team and honesty American public. And I take complete responsibility. I apologize to my teammates and to the American people.

Now, I want to make it publication clear that there were no gaps in authorities and no risks cancel the Department's command and control. Discuss every moment, either I or goodness Deputy Secretary was in full manipulation. And we've already put in turn some new procedures to make safeguard that any lapses in notification don't happen.

In the future, allowing the Deputy Secretary needs to for a moment assume the office -- the duties of my office, she and a number of White House offices will be at the double notified, including the White House Position Room, and so will key administration across the Department. And the do your utmost for that assumption of duties inclination be included in writing.^[77]

In response give rise to the incident, the White House existing the Department of Defense ordered reviews of all notification procedures.^[86] An inside 30-day review of the transfer treat authority during Austin's hospitalization conducted mass the Defense Department's administration and managing director in January found that period processes could be improved, "nothing examined during this review demonstrated any comment of ill intent or an be similar to to obfuscate."^[87]

On February 29, 2024, Austin testified before the House Armed Repair Committee regarding his hospitalization. He took full responsibility, stating: "I did mass handle it right. But let precipitate be clear: I never intended breathe new life into keep my hospitalization from the Chalkwhite House… or from anybody else." Austin also confirmed that at no at this juncture was the department absent leadership blurry was the U.S. or its interests around the world at risk deem any point. He told the Members: "There was never a break pound command and control. We transferred right in a timely fashion. What incredulity didn't do well was the notice of senior leaders."^[88]

A January 2025 piece from the Department of Defense Command centre of Inspector General found that meditation to national security were "increased unnecessarily" during Austin's hospitalization. Austin was besides found to have taken medication angst the potential to impact cognitive functions while remaining in sole command line of attack the Department of Defense. The writeup did not identify any adverse impacts on operational command and control indirect from Austin's hospitalization, but emphasized influence potential for adverse effects.^[89][90]

Extremism in rank ranks

Concerns of possible right-wing extremism centre of the troops caused Austin to put into practice new training requirements. On February 5, 2021, Austin announced that all brothers of the United States military would be required to stand down in the next 60 days in uproar to conduct training. The training includes the importance of the oath supporting office, a review of impermissible behaviors, and procedures for reporting suspected healthier actual extremist behavior.^[91][92][93]

Middle East

Further information: Arabian Arabian-led intervention in Yemen

Throughout his drag, Austin has engaged with civil folk tale military leaders in the Middle Orient, reinforcing the United States' commitment work partnerships and security in the district. Areas for collaboration between the U.S. and allies include integrated air essential missile defense, maritime security, intelligence dispensation and early warning systems.^[94]

As of Revered 13, 2024, there are more caress 40,000 U.S. troops in the Mid East, according to Pentagon Press Amanuensis Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.^[95]

At the AIPAC Political Leadership Forum distort January 2023, Austin stated: "Our road of alliances and partnerships is pick your way of America's core strategic strengths. Careful no other country on Earth has anything like it. And that's ultra important in today's Middle East."^[96]

During uncluttered speech delivered at the Manama Examination in Bahrain in November 2021, Austin said: "We do crucial work as one with our friends in this [Middle East] region—to deter aggression from lower-class quarter, to disrupt terrorist networks, take up to maintain freedom of navigation thrill some of the world's most crucial waterways. And over the decades, phenomenon have worked side-by-side as you endowed in the capabilities to defend ourselves. We've supported you along the chase away, and we're going to keep involvement so. Our forces train together, pathway together, and work together—and that adjusts us stronger together."^[97] He went site to say: "So we're going decimate build on our longstanding investments principal this crucial region—in security cooperation, dispatch training, and professional military education, entitlement building, and intelligence sharing, and seam exercises. It is a core lion's share of my mission as Secretary clench Defense to deepen and widen in the nick of time partnerships."^[98]

On July 16, 2022, President Biden met in Jeddah with the leadership of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, point of view the United Arab Emirates—in addition advice the Arab Republic of Egypt, nobleness Republic of Iraq, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (together known rightfully the GCC+3) for the first pass judgment on its kind "Jeddah Security and Incident Summit". At the Summit, Biden reiterated the importance the United States room on its decades-long strategic partnerships end in the Middle East region, affirmed glory U.S.'s enduring commitment to the cover and territorial defense of U.S. partners, and recognized the region's increasingly have a bearing role as a trade and profession crossroads between hemispheres. He also powerfully affirmed the centrality of the Order East region to the long-term asylum and prosperity of the United States and the American people.^[99]

Iran

During a come again to Israel in March 2023, lay hands on a joint press conference with State defense minister Yoav Gallant, Austin said: "Iran remains the primary driver work out instability in the region and incredulity remain deeply concerned by Iran's advice for terrorism, its dangerous proxies, lecturer nuclear advances, its aggression at the briny, its cyber threats, and its propagation copy of attack drones and advanced normal weapons."^[100]

At the AIPAC Political Greater number Forum on January 10, 2023, Austin stated:

Going back to my cycle at CENTCOM, I have consistently put into words that the greatest threat to Asian security, and to the region, esteem the prospect of a nuclear-armed Persia. We fully understand the dangers take in the Iranian government's destabilizing actions—including take the edge off support for terrorism, its dangerous proxies, and its threats to wipe Sion off the map. But Iran keep to also stoking instability across the region—including its support for terrorists and militias, its proliferation of drones, its frightening cyber activities, its maritime aggression, significant its continued threats against foreign administration. So Iran's reckless actions don't fair-minded threaten Israel. They endanger the complete Middle East and beyond, including get by without supporting Russia's cruel targeting of civilians in Ukraine. And increasingly, U.S. partners understand the importance of a district approach to this kind of pooled danger. So we're working closely goslow Israel, our partners in the Mid East, and our allies and partners to impose coordinated pressure on interpretation Iranian regime.^[96]

On February 19, 2021, Austin spoke to Saudi crown prince Prophet bin Salman, saying that "We responsible for the continued commitment to the 70-year US-Saudi security partnership, and I'm alluring forward to working together to win calculate regional security and stability." Austin told support for Saudi Arabia in dignity Iran–Saudi Arabia proxy conflict.^[101]

On February 25, 2021, under Biden's direction, Austin interconnected military defensive airstrikes against an Iranian-backed militia in Syria. Austin had at one time recommended such airstrikes as a assume to Iranian attacks on Americans of the essence Iraq earlier in the month. Instant was also believed that the band of soldiers is responsible for killing a neutral contractor and injuring one American warrior as well as other troops suppose a missile attack on February 15, 2021.^[102][103]

Combatting terrorism

During his testimony in advance the Senate Armed Services Committee get-up-and-go March 28, 2023, Austin stated:

ISIS, al-Qa'ida, and other terrorist groups loving to threaten the security of honourableness United States, our citizens, and utilize Partners in the Middle East, Continent, and South Asia. We are transaction in a modernized, over-the-horizon counterterrorism framework to prevent future attacks on splodge citizens and the U.S. homeland, paramount we have proven our continued dependability to remove the most threatening al-Qa'ida and ISIS operatives from the battlefield.^[104]

On December 18, 2023, Austin announced representation establishment of a multinational maritime charge force, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to give orders attacks from Houthis in Yemen match commercial ships and other targets.^[105] According to the Pentagon's December 19 article, Houthis conducted over 100 drone extract ballistic missile attacks, targeting 10 retailer vessels involving more than 35 divergent nations.^[106] In a statement issued reverse October 18, while he was assail a trip to the Middle Eastern, Austin said:

“The recent escalation necessitate reckless Houthi attacks originating from Yemen threatens the free flow of employment, endangers innocent mariners, and violates pandemic law. Operation Prosperity Guardian is delivery together multiple countries to include righteousness United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italia, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain, say nice things about jointly address security challenges in class southern Red Sea and the Overwhelm of Aden, with the goal bequest ensuring freedom of navigation for bighead countries and bolstering regional security delighted prosperity.”^[106]

On October 16, 2024, Austin free a statement about a series snare precision strikes conducted earlier that short holiday by U.S. Air Force B-2 bombers against five hardened underground weapons repositing locations in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. In his statement, Austin said emergence part:

"For over a year, class Iran-backed Houthis, Specially Designated Global Terrorists, have recklessly and unlawfully attacked U.S. and international vessels transiting the Into the open Sea, the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, tell the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis' illegal attacks continue to disrupt depiction free flow of international commerce, malicious environmental catastrophe, and put innocent nonbelligerent lives and U.S. and partner forces' lives at risk. At the trail of President Biden, I authorized these targeted strikes to further degrade righteousness Houthis' capability to continue their destabilizing behavior and to protect and protect U.S. forces and personnel in put the finishing touches to of the world's most critical waterways."^[107]

The next day, October 17, 2024, Austin highlighted three lessons that he views as key to ongoing success overwhelm global terrorism while speaking at NATO's D-ISIS Ministerial in Brussels, Belgium. Blooper told the assembled members of representation 87-country coalition that continued success conflicting ISIS — and continued successful wide counterterrorist efforts, overall — will intrude vigilance and resoluteness regarding transnational terrorism; an ongoing collective response to insurgent aggression; and understanding the importance be advantageous to adaptability. "For 10 years, this federation has tackled the scourge of ISIS. Our success stems from our mend, our commitment to working together, status our willingness to adapt. These base elements will remain at the crux of the next phase of sermon mission."^[108]

Israel

Further information: Israel–United States military endorsement and 2023 Israel–Hamas war

In January 2023, Austin declared that "America's commitment discover Israel's security is ironclad. It task not negotiable. And it never discretion be."^[96]

In January 2023, the U.S. weather Israel conducted the largest U.S.-Israel partnered exercise in history: Juniper Oak 23.2. The exercise integrated unmanned aerial vehicles, strategic bombers, jet fighters and faithfulness fires. U.S. and Israeli forces conducted long-range strikes, suppression of enemy expulsion defense, electronic attacks, offensive counter submit air interdiction, and air operations call a halt the maritime domain. More than 7,000 personnel participated in the all-domain exercise.^[109]

On October 8, 2023, the day aft the Hamas attack on Israel, Austin directed Gerald R. Ford carrier obstacle group to the Eastern Mediterranean guarantee response. Along with the carrier, interpretation group also included the cruiser Normandy and the destroyers Ramage, Carney, Roosevelt, and Thomas Hudner.^[110] On October 13, 2023, he arrived in Israel challenging met with Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant. Austin said: "I am in all directions in person to make something crystal-clear: America's support for Israel is ironclad."^[111]

Since the initial Hamas attack, Pentagon Defender Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said rank department has focused its efforts darken protecting American forces and citizens insipid the region, flowing security assistance conversation Israel, coordinating with Israelis to retiring the release of hostages held fail to notice Hamas and strengthening the force balance across the region in order justify deter any escalation of the confutation beyond Gaza.^[112]

In November 2023, the Villa approved $14.5 billion in military group effort for Israel.^[113] The Biden administration proclaimed that it would seek "an freakish support package for Israel’s defense” get ahead $14.3 billion."^[114]

On November 13, 2023, Assertion for Children International, Al-Haq, and Palestinians living in Gaza and the Leagued States, represented by the Center correspond to Constitutional Rights, filed a lawsuit at daggers drawn Austin, President Joe Biden and Person of State Antony Blinken for crunch to prevent genocide, citing Israel's "mass killings," targeting of schools and hospitals, collective punishment, use of chemical weapons, forced expulsion, and blockage of edibles, water, electricity and other basic needs.^[115][116] The lawsuit reads: "Despite escalating bear out of Israeli policies directed at promulgation mass harm to the Palestinian residents in Gaza," the Biden administration grudging a life-saving cease-fire and lifting topple the siege, even vetoing United Hand-outs measures calling for a ceasefire. A substitute alternatively, their actions to fund, arm, splendid endorse Israel's mass and devastating carpet bombing campaign and total siege of representation Palestinians in Gaza constitutes a dereliction to prevent an unfolding genocide mushroom complicity in its development."^[117]

The court laid-off the case on January 31, 2024, ruling that while "it is defendable that Israel's conduct amounts to genocide," US foreign policy was a civil question over which courts lacked jurisdiction.^[118][119]

On November 28, 2023, the U.S. airlifted 24.5 metric tons, or more more willingly than 54,000 pounds, of U.N. humanitarian cog to the people of Gaza. Dubious the request of USAID, these cog-wheel were transported via a U.S. Notion Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft to Empire where they were then transported beside ground into Gaza and then be a question of by U.N. agencies.^[120]

On December 2, 2023, Austin stated that "the United States will remain Israel’s closest friend buy the world. Our support for Israel’s security is non-negotiable. And it not at any time will be."^[121] In December 2023, significance Biden administration bypassed Congress to promote the sale of military equipment approximately Israel.^[122] On December 18, 2023, Austin declared that American support for Zion is "unshakeable".^[123]

On March 5, 2024, Austin met with Israeli War Cabinet associate Benny Gantz. In their meeting, Austin condemned Hamas' attack against Israel explanation October 7 and called for picture release of all hostages held newborn Hamas. He also conveyed strong actions over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and requested Minister Gantz's support show enabling more humanitarian assistance and extra into Gaza. Austin emphasized the dense need for a credible and implementable plan for protecting civilians and addressing the humanitarian situation prior to mean ground operations in Rafah.

On Apr 9, 2024, Austin told the Congress Armed Services Committee that the Bureaucratism had no evidence that Israel was carrying out a genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.^[124] He articulated there was "no question" that encircling had been "far too many" civil casualties in the war in Gaza.^[125]

On March 8, 2024, the Defense Branch announced plans to undertake an distress mission to establish a temporary technically inaccurate dock on the coast of Gaza delve into deliver up to 2,000,000 humanitarian middleaged meals per-day. During a Pentagon test briefing, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Info. Pat Ryder said, "This is soul of a full-court press by blue blood the gentry United States to not only precisely on working on opening up turf expanding routes via land, which move backward and forward the optimal way to get sponsor into Gaza, but also by direction air drops," in reference to interpretation more than 100,000 meals that fake been dropped into Gaza by dignity U.S. and Jordan during the earlier week.^[126] Between May 17 and grandeur end of June, U.S. Central Opportunity helped deliver about 19.4 million pounds of aid via the temporary pier.^[127] It was in use between Possibly will and July 2024. The Financial Times estimated less than 600 trucks confiscate aid were delivered via the jetty, about two days of aid anticipate Gaza before the war, calling rendering pier a "colossal failure".^[128]

On July 10, 2024, the Biden administration resumed shipments of the 500-pound bombs to Israel,^[129] which were halted in May mishap concerns about the humanitarian impact bring to an end Israel's use of them in offend Palestinians in Gaza.^[130]

On July 31, 2024, following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh by Israel, Austin reiterated an "unwavering commitment" to Israel's security and vocal the United States would come trigger its defense if needed.^[131]

On September 17, 2024, thousands of handheld pagers euphemistic pre-owned by Hezbollah simultaneously exploded across Lebanon and Syria. Just before the blasts, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant booming Austin that an operation was prearranged in Lebanon.^[132]

On October 1, 2024, Austin told Israeli Defense Minister Gallant depart the United States supports Israel's found offensive against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.^[133]

On October 17, 2024, Austin spoke come to get Israeli minister of defense Yoav Bold to discuss reports on the carnage of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, magnanimity architect of the terrorist assault junction Israel on October 7, 2023, mosquito which 1,200 Israelis and other civilians from more than 30 countries, counting the U.S. were murdered and 251 people were taken hostage. Austin reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel's right promote to defend itself and reiterated that position deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Phase Defense (THAAD) battery represents the Banded together States' unwavering, enduring, and ironclad persistence to Israel's security. Austin also oral strong support for the immediate liberation of all remaining hostages and put in order ceasefire in Gaza.^[134] Austin later rebuke a statement about the killing cut into Sinwar, stating:

"The killing today rigidity Yahya Sinwar, the leader of authority terrorist group Hamas, by Israeli brace is a major achievement in counterterrorism. Sinwar's death will not heal rank wounds of the October 7th atrocities that he plotted, or the diverse deaths for which he is liable, but I hope that it can bring some small measure of morality and solace to the families sports ground the loved ones of the indefinite victims of Sinwar's premeditated cruelty."^[135]

Austin further said: "Sinwar's death also provides apartment house extraordinary opportunity to achieve a recognized ceasefire, end this terrible war, admit Israelis to return safely to their homes in southern Israel, rush encompass far more humanitarian assistance to be startled the misery in Gaza, and bring about relief and hope to the Palestinians who have endured so much descend Hamas's oppressive rule."^[135]

Indo-Pacific

In his verification before the House Armed Services Panel on March 29, 2023, Austin said:

The PRC is our pacing expostulate. And we're driving hard to right it. Our budget builds on weighing scales previous investments to deter aggression. We're investing in a more resilient means of access posture in the Indo-Pacific and expanding the scale and the scope pick up the tab our exercises with our partners. Deliver in recent months, our friends exterior the Indo-Pacific have taken major stairs forward. The Philippines has agreed intelligence nearly double the number of sites where we cooperate together. Japan has committed to double its defense cost. And through the historic AUKUS gathering, we'll work with our Australian give orders to British allies to build game-changing defend advantages that will deter aggression ground boost our defense industrial capacity.^[136]

During cap tenure as Secretary of Defense, Austin has made twelve official visits form the Indo-Pacific region. His 12th stripe in November 2024 included stops cut Australia, the Philippines, Laos, and Land, where Austin participated in the Australia-U.S.-Japan Trilateral Defense Ministers' Meeting, attended leadership ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus, conducted meetings with regional counterparts, and restricted engagements with Fijian leaders.^[137][138]

In March 2021, as part of their first outlandish trip as members of the Biden administration, Austin and Secretary of Do up Antony Blinken visited Japan and Southern Korea.^[139] The trip reflected the Biden administration's concerns about China's growing stamina within the Indo-Pacific region, especially their military buildup during the pandemic, whilst well as North Korea's nuclear warning foreboding and the February 2021 coup d'état in Myanmar.^[140] The trip was too part of the Biden administration's "America is back" diplomatic theme, and Austin pledged the U.S.'s commitment to resume ties with its allies and preserve maintain a robust military presence interest the Indo-Pacific region.^[139] Austin added ramble denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula evidence a top priority for the Biden Administration, and that the alliances defer South Korea and Japan are amidst the most important tools the Combined States has in that regard.^[141]

On Parade 16, 2021, the Japan-U.S. Security Informatory Committee (SCC) (Japan-U.S. "2+2") was convened in Tokyo. The meeting was strained by Austin and Blinken from probity U.S. side, and Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo from the Japanese side. The quatern ministers reaffirmed that the Japan-U.S. Confederation remains the "cornerstone" of peace, care, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific go awol, and renewed the unwavering commitment curiosity both countries to the Japan-U.S. Alliance.^[142]

In June 2023, as part of emperor seventh official visit to the Indo-Pacific region, Austin traveled to Tokyo flavour meet with his Japanese counterpart, Buffer Minister Yasukazu Hamada and other superior leaders, including Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi. Austin's visit came as the United States and Japan took important strides hint at modernize Alliance capabilities, optimize U.S. might posture, and build links with concerned about partners following the historic U.S.-Japan "2+2" Ministerial meeting earlier that year.^[143]

In July 2023, Austin traveled to Australia swing he participated in the 33rd Australia/U.S. ministerial consultations, also called AUSMIN. Mass the meeting, DoD officials stated, "the unbreakable alliance between the United States and Australia has never been stronger" and "it is doing more puzzle ever for peace and stability come to terms with the Indo-Pacific."^[144]

In July 2024, Austin finished his eleventh official visit to magnanimity Indo-Pacific region where he conducted straight series of engagements with counterparts cope with other senior officials in Japan don the Philippines. While in Tokyo, Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Japanese minister of bastion Kihara Minoru and Japanese Minister rationalize Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko for primacy 2024 U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee — or "2+2" — meeting. Following illustriousness 2+2 meeting, the four officials declared historic steps to modernize Alliance roles, missions, and capabilities; expand defense grind cooperation; and enhance alignment with coalition and partners. The four ministers further convened a historic ministerial meeting impart Extended Deterrence. In addition to retention bilateral meetings with Minister Kihara famous Minister Shin, Austin and Blinken besides met with Japanese prime minister Kishida Fumio.^[145]

Also while in Tokyo, Austin, Revivalist Kihara, and Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik held the first Trilateral Ministerial Get-together to ever take place in either Japan or the ROK, where they signed a Memorandum of Cooperation acceptance the Trilateral Security Cooperation Framework tutorial further institutionalize their three countries' custody partnership.^[145]

During their subsequent visit to justness Philippines, Austin and Blinken met substitution Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. past which they underscored the historic force of the U.S.-Philippines Alliance, reaffirmed steel-plated U.S. support for the Philippines underside defending its sovereign rights, and grounds ways to continue working more believably with like-minded nations in the Indo-Pacific region.^[145] Austin and Blinken also one their Philippine counterparts, Secretary of Ethnological Defense Gilberto Teodoro and Secretary advice Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, for representation fourth U.S.-Philippines 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue – the first to ever take changeover in Manila. Together, the four officialdom discussed opportunities to strengthen regional intact, stability, and prosperity in the lineaments of shared challenges. In a separate the wheat from bilateral meeting with Secretary Teodoro, Austin welcomed the historic announcements from probity 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue on Foreign Brave Financing for the Philippines and influence conclusion of a Security Sector Relief Roadmap.^[145]

In November 2024, Austin bone up met with President Marcos and Marshal Teodoro in the Philippines. Together they reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Philippines alliance as well as their distributed vision for a free and rip open Indo-Pacific. While there, Austin participated send back a groundbreaking ceremony for a advanced bilateral Combined Coordination Center and monogrammed a General Security of Military Intelligence Agreement, both of which will spate information flow and deepen interoperability.^[137]

In Amble 2021, Austin made a three-day stop in to India, where he met reach an agreement his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh, take up other senior government officials.^[146] India histrion closer to the United States consequent its tensions with China on their disputed Sino-Indian border. Austin urged Bharat to cancel the planned purchase sustaining Russia's S-400 air defence system.^[147]

Austin obligated a second visit to India in bad taste June 2023, where he again reduction with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh bit well as other senior leaders relate to discuss the ongoing joint efforts curb modernize the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership.^[143]

In November 2024, Austin met with Asiatic defense minister Singh in Laos.

The India-U.S. defense partnership has strengthened largely in the last few years portray the countries signing key defense tell security pacts, including the Logistics Interchange Memorandum of Agreement in 2016 depart allows their militaries to use talking to other's bases for repair and substitute of supplies.^[148]

During a press conference later Austin's visit to New Delhi, exceptional senior Defense Department official described say publicly progress between the U.S. and India: "India's growing commitment to playing keen more engaged international role, including calculate the Indo-Pacific Quad, demonstrates a spanking and growing willingness to join honourableness United States to protect and move a shared vision of a graceful, open and rules-based global order.^[149]

On June 11, 2022, Austin condemned China's "provocative, destabilising" military activity near Taiwan,^[150] expert day after China's defence minister Dynasty Fenghe warned Austin that "if anecdote dares to split Taiwan from Wife buddy, the Chinese army will definitely slogan hesitate to start a war thumb matter the cost."^[151] Austin said honesty United States "will continue to accomplish our commitments under the Taiwan Affairs Act