3. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III: Vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army: A native of Thomasville, Ga., Austin was commissioned an Infantry second lieutenant in 1975 upon graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Austin served as the assistant division commander (Maneuver), 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Stewart, Ga., and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, from July 2001 until June 2003; and Commanding General, 10th Mountain Division (Light), Fort Drum. On Dec. 6, 2012, the Pentagon announced that President Obama will nominate Austin to lead the U.S. Central Command.
