Biden picks Gen. Austin as defence secretary

US President-elect Joe Biden has selected Gen. Lloyd Austin, the former commander of Central Command, As secretary of defence.

Biden, who is be sworn in on January 20, is building his team. He has already elected his spymaster, secretary of state and some other officials.

Before retiring in 2016, Austin served as the commander of US Central Command under former president Barack Obama.

If confirmed by Congress, Austin will be the first Black American in US history to be nominated for defense secretary.

However, he may face challenges, as he will require a waiver from Congress due to his recent service, an exception granted to only two nominees in the last century.