Deputy Secretary of Defense nominee Kathleen Hicks at her Senate confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C. Feb. 2, 2021. (DoD photo by EJ Hersom)
By Gary Raynaldo DIPLOMATIC TIMES
The U.S. Senate voted Monday to confirm Kathleen Hicks to become America’s first female deputy defense secretary who is now the second in command of the behemoth Pentagon. Gen. Lloyd Austin serves as the U.S. Secretary of Defense. Hicks was sworn in as the 35th Deputy Secretary of Defense today. The Deputy Secretary of Defense is charged with executing the defense secretary’s priorities and leading the Defense Department’s day-to-day business, including managing the defense budget. Hicks will work with Defense Secretary Austin to “operationalize” the strategy to the “pacing challenge” posed by China and the increased threat from a resurgent Russia. During her Senate confirmation hearing, Hicks stated that the overriding mission of the Defense Department is to deter adversaries and defend the United States and its citizens. Hicks told the Senate Armed Services Committee that challengers who seek to undermine America’s interests by force should never doubt America’s resolve or readiness to thwart their aims. Hicks served as a deputy under secretary of Defense during the Obama administration and led Biden’s Pentagon transition team.
“Our military strength bolsters the work of our diplomats, reinforces our alliances and partnerships, and strengthens our prosperity.”
-Kathleen Hicks said during Senate confirmation in emphasizing that the DOD is most effective when it’s working in concert with other tools of national power
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III swears in Dr. Kathleen H. Hicks to her appointed position of Deputy Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Feb. 9, 2021. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jack Sanders)
I couldn't be more pleased to welcome Dr. Kathleen Hicks as the 35th Deputy Secretary of Defense, and I'm especially proud to be working with the first woman to fill the role. Welcome to the team, @kath_hicks. pic.twitter.com/TwNtdfAR9A
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) February 9, 2021
Deputy Secretary of Defense nominee Kathleen Hicks reacts to a statement during her Senate confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C. Feb. 2, 2021. (DoD photo by EJ Hersom)
Hicks previously served as senior vice president and Henry A. Kissinger Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies — one of the preeminent Washington think tanks. Hicks holds a Ph.D. in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a masters from the University of Maryland’s School of Public Affairs. She received her undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts.
