Deputy Secretary of Defense nominee Kathleen Hicks reacts to the start of her Senate confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C. Feb. 2, 2021. (DoD photo by EJ Hersom) Hicks’ multi-state tour to focus on emerging and disruptive defense tech Military technologies and strategic competition against China will be a primary focus for the deputy secretary of defense on her upcoming trip. Aug 16, 2022 By Brandi Vincent