Who is the current Secretary of Defense?

The current Secretary of Defense is Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III. He has been serving in this role since January 22, 2021, and is the first African American to hold this position. Austin has a distinguished military career, including serving as a four-star general in the U.S. Army and as the commander of U.S. Central Command. His leadership in the Department of Defense involves overseeing military operations, policy-making, and ensuring the readiness of the armed forces.

Notably, Aston B. Carter was the Secretary of Defense before Ash Carter, and James Mattis served in the role prior to Austin. General Mark Milley is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and not the Secretary of Defense. Understanding the current leadership structure helps in grasping the chain of command within the Department of Defense and the role of the Secretary.