Joe Biden set to make history by appointing first ever black Pentagon chief

General Lloyd Austin

Credit: AFP

Joe Biden is set to make history by selecting the first African-American to lead the Pentagon, according to widespread US media reports. 

The US president-elect was expected to name retired General Lloyd Austin as his defence secretary, one of the most important posts in his cabinet.

Gen Austin, 67, once led US Central Command, which covers the Middle East, Central Asia and part of South Asia, during Barack Obama’s second term in office.

He is also credited with being the military architect of the US-led drive to counter the Islamic State terror group after it emerged in Syria and Iraq.

Mr Biden has faced calls from some Democratic congressmen to appoint a diverse cabinet by selecting women and people from ethnic minorities into leading posts.

Gen Austin will have to be granted a waiver by Congress given he retired from the military only four years ago. Defence secretaries must have been out of active military duty for at least seven years.

That rule is in place because the role is meant to be part of the civilian leadership of the US Defence Department, distinct from the military chain of command.

Gen Austin worked closely with Mr Biden during the Obama presidency, when Mr Biden was US vice president.

Gen Austin’s other previous roles include vice-chief of staff of the US Army and commanding general of the US forces in Iraq.

Jim Clyburn, the South Carolina congressman who is African-American and made a critical endorsement of Mr Biden during his presidential bid, praised the choice after it was reported.

“I think it’s a great appointment”, Mr Clyburn said. “This was a historic election. I wanted to see this administration do historic things and this is an historic occasion.”

Mr Biden is pushing ahead with naming his top team despite Donald Trump’s continued refusal to concede the election. Mr Biden will take office on January 20.