Mr. Lloyd Austin, as the number one Department of Defense person, knows better, especially as a retired officer, that one MUST maintain command and control in the military. His personal reason for the absence need not be made public, but not notifying your boss, the Commander in Chief, Biden, or your second in command, Deputy Defense Secretary, Kathleen Hicks, two times, displays a gross loss of priorities. He placed his personal issue(s) above that of the country.

One may say, “Well, it was only for a couple of days” (in each instance), but sometimes instant response to military issues/events is required. With breaking events that require DoD approval, needed actions may be delayed, possibly to the detriment of U.S. or its allies’ interests. This is just “UNSAT.” Yes, he’s afforded HIPAA protection, just as for any U.S. citizen, but that’s not the root issue. He placed the largest military in the world at risk, due to his (in)actions. His medical information could have been kept private, but the absence from the office, MUST be covered with ALL important personnel notified and compensatory action(s) taken until he’s “fit for duty.”

Charles Ryan

Groton