General Lloyd Austin is a four-star general in the United States Army and has served as the 28th Secretary of Defense since January 2021. He is the first African American to hold this position, marking a significant milestone in U.S. military history. Before his appointment, he held various leadership roles, including Commander of U.S. Central Command, where he oversaw military operations in the Middle East. Austin graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and has a distinguished career spanning over 40 years. He has been involved in key military operations, including the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan. His leadership and experience have been crucial in shaping U.S. defense policy and military strategy.