Who could be Lloyd Austin’s deputy defense secretary?

Not sure if they've checked the Veteran block yet, but Chris Murphy. I trust him over a career contracting agent or astro-physicist, just because. He's filled in at DA.

That's a good question. The too they mentioned could both handle it it seems.

He isn't going to get a waiver from either side of the aisle. The Democrats were reluctant to approve the waiver for Mattis. The only reason that got approved is Congress thought Mattis could balance out Trump's inexperience...they were wrong.

He has even less time out of the military than Mattis did. (Four years since he left active duty). Again, there's a reason why when the SECDEF position was created it was made a civilian job AND they had the mandatory time out of service for military members. Biden needs to pick someone else honestly. I'll be seriously surprised if another waiver is approved and within a 4 year time period when there's only been two so far in over 70 years.