(Press Enter). U.S. DepartmentofDefense Home News Spotlights About Legal & Administrative Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III The secretary of defense oversees the Defense Department and acts as the principal defense policy maker and advisor. About Lloyd J. Austin III is the 28th secretary of defense, sworn in on Jan. 22, 2021. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., Austin served 41 years in uniform, retiring as a four-star Army general after three years as commander of U.S. Central Command. Full Biography TODAY'S EVENTS The secretary has no public or media events on his schedule. PRESS PRODUCTS ADVISORY | 5 hours ago Secretary Austin Travels to South Korea, California RELEASE | Nov. 24, 2021 Defense Secretary Makes Thanksgiving Calls to Deployed Service Members RELEASE | Nov. 24, 2021 Statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III SOCIAL Follow the secretary of defense on social media. Secretary of Defense Photos Check out photos of Secretary of Defense Austin as he takes care of business and keeps the department running. View Photos On Flickr Leaders Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Mark A. Milley Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. John E. Hyten DEFENSE.GOV Home News Spotlights About HELPFUL LINKS Live Events Today in DOD Contracts For the Media Contact RESOURCES DOD Resources Help Center DOD / Military Websites Insignia Agency Financial Report POPULAR Coronavirus: DOD Response DOD Expeditionary Civilian Workforce Artificial Intelligence DOD Space Strategy The Department of Defense provides the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation's security. Enter Your Search Terms Subscribe