President Barack Obama is nominating longtime Pentagon official Eric Fanning to be the Armys new secretary. If confirmed, Fanning would be the nations first openly gay leader of a military service.
Obama says Fanning brings years of experience and leadership to the role. He says in a statement that hes confident Fanning will lead U.S. soldiers with distinction.
Fanning is currently the Armys acting under secretary and has served as the Air Forces acting secretary and chief of staff to the Defense secretary.
The nomination comes as the Obama administration works to eliminate barriers to military service based on sexuality or gender.
Fannings nomination must be confirmed by the Senate. He would replace John McHugh, who has said he plans to step down no later than November 1.