Who is the current Secretary of Defense?

The current Secretary of Defense is Lloyd J. Austin III. He took office on January 22, 2021, becoming the first African American to hold this prestigious position in the United States government. Austin has an extensive military background, having served for over 40 years in the U.S. Army and culminating his career as a four-star general. His leadership in various military roles, especially as the commander of U.S. Central Command, has equipped him with a deep understanding of national defense issues and military operations.

In addition to his significant military experience, Austin's appointment reflects ongoing efforts to diversify leadership positions within the Department of Defense. His tenure has also focused on modernizing the military and addressing contemporary security challenges, such as cybersecurity and global threats.

The other individuals listed have also served as Secretary of Defense but are no longer in office. Mark Esper served immediately before Austin but was dismissed in November 2020. James Mattis and Leon Panetta both held the position in previous administrations and have contributed to U.S. defense policy in significant ways, but their terms are no longer current.