The Pentagon released an internal review on Monday, focusing on its handling of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's recent hospitalization. The review provided eight recommendations to improve transparency and communication regarding the transfer of military authority. It found no wrongdoing, including on Austin's part.
Austin underwent surgery for prostate cancer on Dec. 22 and was rehospitalized on Jan. 1 due to a bladder issue. Surprisingly, neither the White House nor Deputy Secretary Kathleen Hicks were informed until Jan. 4, a day before Austin was discharged.
The lack of communication raised bipartisan criticism once made public. The three-page declassified review, released Monday, highlighted the challenges faced by Austin's staff in an "unprecedented situation." Factors such as medical privacy laws and the uncertainty of Austin's situation were cited as reasons for the lack of information sharing.
The review noted that a day after Austin was admitted to the hospital, his assistants agreed to transfer authorities to Hicks, who was on leave in Puerto Rico. However, Hicks was not informed of Austin's hospitalization, and the authorities were transferred back to Austin on Jan. 5.
In response to the review, Austin stated that two of the eight recommendations had already been implemented. He directed the implementation of the remaining six, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the continuity of command and control for service members.
Earlier this month, Austin apologized for the handling of his hospitalization, stating that he should have informed the president, his team, and the public about his cancer diagnosis. He took full responsibility and expressed a commitment to learning and adjusting to prevent similar situations in the future.
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