The president-elect of the United States Joe Biden has selected Retired Gen. Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense, according to people with knowledge of the discussions.

Lloyd James Austin served as the 12th commander of United States Central Command (CENTCOM). Austin was the first Black commander of CENTCOM.

Before CENTCOM, Austin was the 33rd vice chief of staff of the United States Army from January 31, 2012, to March 22, 2013, and the final commanding general of United States Forces – Iraq Operation New Dawn, which ended on December 18, 2011.

He retired from the armed services in 2016. (ILKHA)