Please note that the acting Defense Secretary does not mean any immediate changes in policy or strategy. The acting position is typically a temporary appointment lasting only until the Secretary can resume his duties.
At this time, it’s not specified what the procedure is that Secretary Austin will be undergoing, but it is not considered to be life-threatening or impact his ability to perform his duties in the long-term. It’s routine for second-in-command officials to take over during brief periods of incapacitation or absence.
As a career civil servant, Hicks is more than qualified to take on the duties of Acting Defense Secretary. She’s served in the Department of Defense under both the Obama and Trump administrations and brings a wealth of experience and insight to the job.