LLOYD AUSTIN URGES THE MILITARY TO PEACEFULLY & SEAMLESSLY TRANSITION TO TRUMP
With the win of the newly re-elected President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin, issued a memorandum to the military that the Pentagon would have a smooth and orderly transition. Plus, the military will not be involved in politics, and they are ready anytime to carry out all orders and perform the duties and obligations of the next commander-in-chief. While these memos from the Defense Secretary are irregular, it was not the first time that this thing happened (that the military's top civilian leader had pushed force to the military's duty.)
During the 2016 election, former Defense Secretary Ash Carter, in the Obama administration, reminded the troops and the people at the Pentagon to have a smooth transition after Trump was elected as head of state. And in 2018, when Jim Mattis, Trump's Defense Secretary, resigned, he urged the force to remain focused on their sworn mission.
Who Is Lloyd Austin?
Lloyd Austin is the U.S. Secretary of Defense. A role that would come to be after President-elect Joe Biden would nominate the decorated Veteran for the duty.
However, before working in this capacity, Austin had a storied military career. One that included serving with President Biden’s late son Beau in Iraq. As a Four-Star General in the Army, Austin understands the military better than anyone. In fact, he would serve in Iraq and Afghanistan at all levels of General (One-Four Stars). He was a Commander in Iraq, Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army (VCSA), and the 12th Commander of CENTCOM (United States Central Command), among many other duties.
As the first Black Soldier to hold such positions, Austin has many accolades including five Defense Distinguished Service Medals and a Silver Star. His military career spans over four decades beginning in 1975 at West Point, leading to the completion of Airborne and Ranger training. The General also helped transition the U.S. from its fuller presence in Iraq responsibly. In addition to his noted successes in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Leading by example, Gen. Lloyd has also served on many different boards. This includes both Raytheon Technologies and Auburn University. But looking beyond his military endeavors, Austin continues to be a voice for its community. While serving as VCSA and even after retirement, Lloyd Austin has been an advocate for improving the mental health of troops.
He actively called for the DoD to help destigmatize mental healthcare. Truth be told, the list of his accomplishments is long. There isn’t a facet of the Army that Austin hasn’t been involved in some capacity.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer in 2023
In early December 2023, Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he underwent surgery for prostate cancer. Unfortunately, Austin developed a infection and was admitted to intensive care at the beginning of 2024.
The pain in his abdomen, leg, hip, and the feeling of nausea, led to the discovery of a urinary tract infection (UTI). This would cause concern and may have been a result of complications from his aforementioned procedure. Even President Biden himself wasn’t fully informed at first, which only added to the concerns about communication.
As the New Administration Nears, Austin Calls for Smooth Transition
In a memo to the U.S. troops, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III reiterated that the military would resume deviating from the political arena. Instead, they will continue to guard over the republic with professionalism and will stand together with the country's partners who deepen the security.
The defense secretary conveyed a deep appreciation and pride for the troops stationed nationwide and around the world. He also was grateful for the Defense Department's civilian crew. There are now just 71 days left before President Joe Biden and his administration will hand over the authority of the Department of Defense to the re-elected Donald Trump administration. Now, preparations are underway for the transition.
Right now, everything has been coordinated with the Trump team in the White House. A few agreements need to be signed and put into place before the transition process can begin. However, there are some worries about the memo of Lloyd J. Austin, which said that the force was tied to the Department of Defense's considerations of how the incoming administration would use the military in dealing with domestic issues. It is also important to remember that the military is not and will never be a political entity.
It is vital to remember that the military is apolitical, and the organization is always ready to execute any order from its next commander-in-chief. Additionally, it is obligated to carry out new policies and lawful orders from its civilian chain of command.
Insights from Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III
Last Wednesday in Miami, Lloyd J. Austin spoke with various reporters, saying that Pentagon leaders will resume doing what is right. The senior leaders will for sure stay focused on what tasks will be given, plus their sworn promise to defend the country, succeeding through teamwork and taking care of our troops. He even reminded the troops about the sworn oath that they had taken to defend and support the Constitution.
On the other hand, the country's friends and foes remain cautious as they await the return of the Trump administration to office on January 20th. Some are wondering if his second term will be filled with the unpredictability and turbulence that characterized his first four years or if it will have a smooth beginning until the end.
Critics are saying that during his administration in 2017-21, Trump had plainly flouted norms of behavior in open pursuit of political approval from the U.S. troops, who are loyal to the U.S. Constitution, not to any leader, party, or political movement.
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