WASHINGTON—President Barack Obama took the historic step on Friday of naming an openly gay man to head the Army, a nomination that, if confirmed, would be a first for the nation’s military services.
In light of past controversies over gay military service and President Bill Clinton’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, Obama’s promotion of Army Acting Undersecretary Eric Fanning to the largest service’s top post could face hurdles in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Several GOP presidential candidates have criticized the Supreme Court’s June 26 ruling, in a 5-4 decision, that gay couples have a constitutional right to marry, and homosexuality remains a divisive topic within the largely conservative military.
“Eric brings many years of proven experience and exceptional leadership to this new role,” Obama said in nominating Fanning. “I am grateful for his commitment to our men and women in uniform, and I am confident he will lead America’s soldiers with distinction. I look forward to working with Eric to keep our Army the very best in the world.”
Fanning, 47, who has held a handful of lower Pentagon posts, would replace current Army Secretary John McHugh, a former New York state congressman who has held the job for six years.
Praising Fanning’s “sound judgment and insight,” McHugh said: “Our soldiers, civilians and their families will benefit greatly from his leadership.”
While the Senate confirmed McHugh, who had been the senior Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, by unanimous voice vote in September 2009, Fanning is unlikely to enjoy such a smooth confirmation post.
A native of Kalamazoo, Michigan and a Dartmouth College graduate, Fanning served as chief of staff to Defense Secretary Ash Carter from mid-February through June, when Carter named him acting undersecretary of the Army.
In congratulating Fanning for his nomination to the top post, Carter put the Senate on notice against any political opposition. “President Obama has made an excellent choice, and I hope for a quick Senate confirmation,” Carter said.
Because he was in an acting, or temporary, role as Army undersecretary, Fanning did not face a Senate confirmation vote before assuming that post on June 30. He also served as acting secretary of the Air Force for six months in 2013.
The Senate did confirm Fanning by a voice vote as undersecretary of the Air Force in April 2013, but he would hold a much more visible post in becoming a top Pentagon official as secretary of the Army, the oldest and largest of the country’s five main military services.
Although the number of soldiers on active duty recently fell below 500,000 for the first time since 1996, to 490,000, the Army still makes up 36 percent of American military personnel.
Gay and human-rights groups hailed Obama’s selection of Fanning to lead the Army. “History continues to be written, and equality marches forward with the nomination of an openly gay man to serve in this significantly important role,” said Ashley Broadway-Mack, head of the American Military Partner Association, which represents gay military families.
The Human Rights Campaign, an advocacy organization for gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, also applauded Fanning’s promotion. “Considering the tremendous struggles that LGBT [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender] Americans have faced within the Department of Defense, Fanning’s nomination is deeply significant,” said Chad Griffin, the group’s head.
“This is a sign of hope and a demonstration of continued progress toward fairness and equality in our nation’s armed forces.”
However, more than four hours after news broke of Obama’s nomination of Fanning, there was little public praise of the choice from lawmakers or from current or former Pentagon leaders, save from Carter, McHugh, the man he would replace, and Gen. Mark Milley, who, as Army chief of staff, would report directly to Fanning.
TNS
Image credits: AP