Diversity and military scholars have expressed both optimism and cynicism towards President Joe Biden’s nomination of Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, who was confirmed last week as the nation’s first Black defense secretary.
Dr. Gary Packard Jr., University of Arizona dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology praised the decision, adding that he thought Austin was a great choice for the role.
“I think he’s going to bring a really strong blend of operational experience, commitment, respect for human dignity and adherence to constitutional principles as our new secretary,” Packard said.
Packard has more than a decade of experience in diversity and inclusion affairs within the United States Air Force Academy. He was also a lead author of the Department of Defense’s study leading to the 2011 repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
“I’ve seen him [Austin] quoted as saying that, in essence, it shouldn’t have taken this long, and somebody should have preceded him in that role,” Packard said about the historic nature of his being the first African-American to hold the post. “And I take from that, that he’s got a real strong sense of probably both his struggles coming up through the ranks as a Black man in the military, and he has a deep appreciation for his role in helping those things to get better.”
As his first directive, Austin has ordered his senior leaders to report to him on the efficacy sexual assault prevention programs in the military.
Diversity scholar Dr. Charles H. F. Davis III seemed more cynical about Austin’s appointment, saying that the actions of the U.S. military should be heavily scrutinized
