VIENTIANE, Laos — As he prepares to exit his role as U.S. Secretary of Defense after four years, Lloyd Austin emphasized the critical importance of women and racial diversity to the strength of the U.S. military, reflecting on his decades of service and the values that have shaped his leadership.
In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Austin, who has spent 41 years in uniform, stated that women have played an integral role in the military throughout his career. “I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside women in combat, and I would tell you that our women are the finest troops in the world,” Austin said, acknowledging the growing role of women in the armed forces. According to the Pentagon’s 2023 report, women made up 17.5% of the U.S. military’s active-duty force and 21.6% of the selected reserve in 2022.
Austin also addressed the future of diversity in the military amidst the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has nominated Pete Hegseth as the new Secretary of Defense. Hegseth, a former Army National Guard major, has previously voiced concerns about women in combat roles, suggesting that men are more capable in such positions. His remarks about purging the military of “woke” officials have sparked debate about the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the armed forces.
In contrast, Austin stressed the importance of a diverse military, describing it as a meritocracy where individuals are valued for their capabilities rather than their background. “We’re a diverse nation, and our military will remain a diverse military,” he affirmed.
As for Hegseth’s nomination, Austin refrained from commenting on the selection directly but acknowledged that the President-elect has the right to appoint individuals to positions of power. “The president-elect has the opportunity to nominate anyone he chooses,” Austin noted, emphasizing respect for the democratic process and the president’s prerogative.
Austin also addressed the ongoing Ukraine conflict and the evolving U.S. military support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. The Biden administration recently approved the use of ATACMS ballistic missiles by Ukraine, marking a significant shift in U.S. aid. Austin reiterated the U.S. military’s vigilance in the face of Russia’s shifting nuclear posture but expressed confidence that there is no immediate indication of a heightened risk of nuclear conflict.
On the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, Austin confirmed that approximately 10,000 North Korean soldiers are stationed in the Kursk region, though they have not yet fought alongside Russian forces. “I think the intent’s there, but we’ve not seen that yet,” Austin said, signaling ongoing concern over the evolving dynamics of the war in Ukraine.
As Austin prepares to leave the Pentagon after a distinguished career, his reflections on diversity, readiness, and the future direction of U.S. military strategy underscore the challenges and opportunities facing the armed forces in the years ahead. His successor, once confirmed, will inherit a military landscape that continues to evolve in the face of both internal and external pressures.
