Donald Trump's move to pack his administration with military brass is getting mixed reviews, as Congress and others struggle to balance their personal regard for the individuals he's choosing with a broader worry about an increased militarization of American policy. No fewer than three combat-experienced retired Army and Marine leaders, with multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, are on tap for high-level government jobs normally reserved for civilians.

In this Nov. 19, 2016, file photo, President-elect Donald Trump shakes hands with retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis as he leaves Trump National Golf Club Bedminster clubhouse in Bedminster, N.J. Trump said at a rally on Dec. 1, that he will nominate Mattis as defense secretary.

President-elect Donald Trump has said he would nominate retired General Marine Corps James Mattis to be his defense secretary. Mattis, who is known as "Mad Dog" and renowned for his tough talk, retired in 2013 after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Trump's one-time presidential rival, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, appeared to be next in line for the nod -- reportedly as housing secretary -- after he posted on social media that an announcement was imminent President-elect Donald Trump and Betsy DeVos after their meeting at Trump International Golf Club, in Bedminster Township, New Jersey on November 18, 2016. AFP PHOTO The 70-year-old property tycoon also told the Times that he is "seriously, seriously considering" appointing widely respected retired Marine general James Mattis as his defence secretary.

UPDATE : Romney under "active consideration" for secretary of state position, according to The Wall Street Journal . President-elect Donald J. Trump also met with Michelle Rhee, former chancellor of DC's public schools, who would invite a fight with teachers unions should she be selected as education secretary : Trump also met with well-known education activist Michelle Rhee and her husband, Kevin Johnson, mayor of Sacramento; Betsy DeVos, another education activist; and with retired Marine Corps Gen.