Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told West Point cadets the women he had witnessed in combat had been "incredibly" capable, competent and brave.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is forcefully endorsing having women in combat roles and emphasizing the military’s obligation to defend the U.S. Constitution.

Trump's Pentagon pick Hegseth has said he was opposed to having women in combat roles. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin gave an impassioned defense of women in combat on Tuesday following Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Defense, arguing that the United States "should not have women in combat roles.

Women and racial diversity are vital to the strength of U.S. armed forces, outgoing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in an exclusive interview with NBC News.