Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden announced two key picks for Department of Defense (DOD) roles on Dec. 30, calling them “crisis-tested patriots” who will ensure that department “policies are accountable to the American people.” Biden announced his choices of Dr. Kathleen Hicks for deputy secretary of defense and Dr. Colin Kahl for undersecretary of defense for policy, both of whom previously served in former President Barack Obama’s administration. Hicks and Kahl will answer to Lloyd Austin, whom Biden earlier said he would nominate to be secretary of defense. The former vice president said the two nominees will play a key role in keeping Americans safe including, in his administration’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution effort, addressing security threats related to the climate crisis, equipping service members and their families, and preparing for potential conflicts. “Dr. Kath Hicks and Dr. Colin Kahl have the broad experience and crisis-tested judgment necessary to help tackle …