In one of first actions, new defense secretary orders review of sexual misconduct programs Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has made ending sexual misconduct a top priority. (Greg Nash-Pool/Getty Images) Newly sworn-in Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, carrying through on a promise he made during his confirmation hearing, isn’t wasting time tackling military sexual misconduct. Saying the military cannot accomplish its missions if “we also have to battle enemies within the ranks,” Austin issued a memorandum Saturday night telling Pentagon senior leaders, combatant commanders, defense agency and DoD field activity directors to speed up efforts to get a handle on the situation.