Women in Military ‘Make Us Stronger’: Defense Secretary

Lloyd Austin made the comments after his nominated successor, Pete Hegseth, said women should not be in combat roles.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in Washington on Feb. 1, 2024. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Outgoing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a Nov. 20 interview that women and racial diversity are essential to the strength and success of the U.S. armed forces.

Austin made the remarks in an interview with NBC News as the former commander of the U.S. Central Command prepares to leave his position after four years as head of the Department of Defense.