Lloyd Austin Biography: Age, Height, Parents, Career, Wife, Children, Net Worth

Alamu TosinJanuary 9, 2024

Lloyd James Austin III, a former four-star general in the United States Army, has been in office as the 28th United States Secretary of Defense since January 22, 2021. Prior to his retirement from the military in 2016, Austin held the position of the 12th commander of the United States Central Command, starting in March 2013.

Wiki

Name:	Lloyd James Austin
Date of Birth:	August 8, 1953
Wife:	Charlene Denise Banner Austin
Nationality:	American
Occupation:	Army
Net Worth:	$7 million

Lloyd Austin Biography

Lloyd J. Austin III, born on August 8, 1953, in Mobile, Alabama, is a distinguished figure who has made significant contributions to both the military and public service. Serving as the 28th United States Secretary of Defense, he is notable for being the first African American to hold this crucial position. Nominated by President Joseph Biden and confirmed by the United States Senate, Austin’s journey to this prestigious role is marked by a lifetime of dedication, leadership, and service.

Lloyd Austin Age

How old is Lloyd Austin? Lloyd Austin is 70 years old. He was born in Mobile, Alabama, United States on August 8, 1953.

Lloyd Austin Height

How tall is Lloyd Austin? Lloyd Austin has a height of 1.92m.

Lloyd Austin Parents

Who are the parents of Lloyd Austin? Lloyd Austin was born to James Austin Jr. and Aletia Taylor Austin. James was a postal worker.

Lloyd Austin Siblings

Lloyd Austin has five siblings.

Lloyd Austin Career

Raised in a farming community in Thomasville, Georgia, Austin’s formative years were shaped by the influence of his mother, Aletia Taylor Austin, a devout Catholic, and his father, Lloyd Austin Sr., a postal worker. Despite receiving an academic scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, Austin, an outstanding high school student and athlete, chose a different path based on the advice of his father. Enrolling in the United States Military Academy at West Point, he embarked on a military career that would span several decades.

Graduating in 1975, Austin’s initial assignment as a platoon leader in the 3rd Infantry Division in Germany marked the beginning of a journey through the ranks. His commitment to continuous learning led him to pursue master’s degrees in counselor education at Auburn University and business management at Webster University. Over the years, he assumed various leadership roles, including Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and later, Commander of the 3rd Brigade, 82d Airborne Division.

Austin’s career took on international dimensions as he served as Chief of the Joint Operations Division, J-3, on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon from 1999 to 2001. Subsequently, he played pivotal roles in Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving as the Assistant Division Commander for the 3rd Infantry Division and later as Commanding General for the 10th Mountain Division.

Noteworthy among his accomplishments was his role in Iraq, where he served as Commander of Multi-National Corps in 2008-2009 and later assumed command of all U.S. Forces in Iraq in 2010. In this capacity, Austin successfully executed plans to decrease and redeploy American military forces, a testament to his strategic acumen and leadership.

His contributions continued on the domestic front when he served as Vice Chief of Staff of the Army in 2012, overseeing daily operations, managing a substantial budget, and addressing critical issues such as suicides, mental health, and physical injuries stemming from U.S. military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Culminating his military career, Austin served as the Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) from 2013, overseeing 150,000 personnel from 20 nations. His distinguished service garnered numerous honors, including the Silver Star Medal for valor in combat, the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit.

Retiring from the military on April 5, 2016, Austin transitioned seamlessly into the corporate and philanthropic spheres. Currently, he sits on the boards of Guest Services, United Technologies Corporation, Nucor Corporation, and the Carnegie Corporation, showcasing his commitment to diverse sectors.

In December 2020, Austin’s leadership qualities once again came to the fore when he was nominated for the position of United States Secretary of Defense. The Senate’s overwhelming confirmation vote of 93-2 on January 22, 2021, affirmed the trust and confidence placed in him to lead the nation’s defense.

Lloyd J. Austin III, now residing in the Washington, D.C. area with his wife Charlene, epitomizes a life dedicated to service, marked by unwavering leadership, strategic vision, and a commitment to making a lasting impact on the institutions he has served. His journey is not just a personal narrative but a testament to the heights that can be reached through dedication, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

Lloyd Austin Wife

Is Lloyd Austin married? Yes, Lloyd Austin has been happily married with his wife, Charlene Denise Banner Austin for over forty years.

Charlene was a non-profit administrator and contributed her services as a board member for the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University.

Lloyd Austin Children

Does Lloyd Austin have any children? Charlene and Llyod do not have children together however they share a close-knit family with their stepsons. Lloyd allegedly has two stepsons. They live in Great Falls, Virginia.