GENERAL AUSTIN. A U.S. Army Major General, Aaron B. Austin gained a reputation for toughness and the nickname "Iron-Butt" Austin. Austin was often involved in anti-terrorist operations and became involved with the G.I. Joe team in 1982. A General under Austin, Lawrence J. Flagg, suggested Austin use Flagg's G.I. Joe team in an attempt to rescue Dr. Adele Burkhart from Cobra. While Flagg was the Joes' commander, Austin often assisted Flagg as an advisor. After the death of Flagg, Austin took his place as the Joe team's commander. He essentially supervised the team and advised the team's field commander, Colonel "Hawk" Abernathy. After years of service to the Joe team, Austin suffered a massive heart attack, due to stress and declining health. Austin slowly recovered but realized he could no longer continue as the head of the team and promoted Hawk to Brigadier General and commander of the entire G.I. Joe operation. Shortly after his recovery, Austin went into semi-retirement. After Austin's departure, it became obvious that Austin had helped to protect the team from the Jugglers, a top secret committee of generals that oversaw G.I. Joe and became a thorn in the team's side for years. General Austin's role was eventually filled by General Hollingsworth. During the conflict known as World War III, General Austin helped coordinate the Joe team's operations from the Pentagon.

Austin's full name was revealed in G.I. Joe vs. Cobra: The Essential Guide.

 
(GI 1, 2, 5, 33, 42, 45; SE:DEC 6; SC:DEC; GI:DEC 1-3; AE 36)