The key criteria for those in the top-tier positions appear to be loyalty, wealth, and ideological fervor, not competence.

But Austin “did not transfer his authorities” during that period, the review found, nor did he inform Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks or his chief of staff of the procedures.

Salesses is the deputy director of the Washington ... operational services at the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and various departments in the military, defense ...

Austin III (Secretary Austin), to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks (Deputy ... that afternoon, his staff directed a transfer of authorities to Deputy Secretary Hicks.

The inspector general found that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks ... A review of some texts between his staff showed frustration — including his chief of ...

Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Shawn G. Skelly stressed equitable military hiring practices as crucial to national security at a Jan. 13 event. Rebecca D. Patterson, the ...

(Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool) He previously served as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Defense Continuity and Mission Assurance and as the deputy assistant secretary ...

Robert Salesses, deputy director of the Pentagon’s Washington Headquarters Service, will fill in as acting secretary ... with the Joint Staff and the Department of Defense and stands ready ...