S President elect Joe Biden has chosen his defense secretary, retired General Lloyd Austin.

That's according to a person familiar with the decision.

On Monday, Austin served under former President Barack Obama, overseeing forces in the Middle East as head of the U.

S Central Command.

He would also be the first black person to run the Pentagon.

The news was first reported by Politico.

Austin is a surprise pick over Michelle.

Floor annoyed.

She was a Pentagon policy chief under Obama, and many saw her as a leading contender for the job.

She would also have been the first female secretary of defense.

Austin's nomination could draw fire from progressive groups, given his role on the board of a number of companies, including weapons maker Raytheon Technologies.

And he would be the second Pentagon chief in four years to require congressional waiver, since it has been less than seven years required of the position since he served in the military.

Biden's first major challenge, however, will be the global health crisis.

He's already nominated key members of his health team, including California Attorney General Javier Becerra as head of health and human services, and Biden's asked Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, to stay on as a chief medical adviser.