The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

Opinion Lloyd Austin’s qualities may have worked for him as a general, but not as defense secretary

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December 8, 2020 at 7:14 p.m. EST
Gen. Lloyd Austin III, then head of the U.S. Central Command, testifies on Capitol Hill in 2015. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP)

Former four stars who have served with retired Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III often use similar words to describe him: “quiet,” “low-key,” “introverted.” Those qualities have worked for Austin as a senior military commander. They may not serve him well if he becomes secretary of defense.

The news that President-elect Joe Biden plans to name Austin as his Pentagon chief surprised even some of his biggest supporters within the military. They describe Austin as a strong battlefield commander, but as someone who has endeavored to stay out of the spotlight. Such reticence won’t be an option for a defense secretary.