Pentagon Chief Calls for ‘New Vision’ for American Defense

(L-R) Adm. John C. Aquilino, Adm. Philip S. Davidson with Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley participate during at a Change of Command ceremony for the U.S Indo-Pacific Command, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam west of Honolulu, Hawaii, on April 30, 2021. Cindy Ellen Russell/Honolulu Star-Advertiser via AP

NAVAL STATION PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii—In his first major speech as Pentagon chief, Lloyd Austin on Friday called for developing a “new vision” for American defense in the face of emerging cyber and space threats and the prospect of fighting bigger wars.

Reflecting President Joe Biden’s promise to put diplomacy first in dealing with foreign policy problems, Austin said the military should provide leverage that diplomats can use to prevent conflict.