Senate Confirms Iraq War Veteran Dan Driscoll as Army Secretary/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Senate confirmed Dan Driscoll as the new U.S. Army secretary in a 66-28 vote, making the Iraq War veteran and former adviser to Vice President JD Vance the Army’s top civilian leader. Driscoll pledged to focus on soldier welfare, recruitment, and modernization. His confirmation comes amid Trump administration workforce cuts raising concerns over national security.
Army Leadership Quick Looks
- Dan Driscoll confirmed as Army secretary with 66-28 Senate vote
- 38-year-old Iraq War veteran and former adviser to Vice President JD Vance
- Focus on soldier welfare, recruiting reforms, and modernizing weapons systems
- Faces challenge of Trump-era federal workforce cuts impacting military readiness
- Committed to addressing sexual assault and improving Army culture
- Senators press Driscoll on following lawful orders and political neutrality
- Duckworth and Slotkin vote against him over concerns of potential political reprisals
Senate Confirms Iraq War Veteran Dan Driscoll as Army Secretary
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — The Senate confirmed Dan Driscoll as the new U.S. Army secretary on Tuesday, voting 66-28 to place the Iraq War veteran at the helm of the service branch amid significant recruiting challenges and government workforce cuts.
At 38 years old, Driscoll becomes one of the youngest Army secretaries in recent history. A North Carolina native, he served as an armor officer from 2007 to 2011, deploying to Iraq between October 2009 and July 2010.
Driscoll, who previously advised Vice President JD Vance, emphasized his military roots during his Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing, noting that both his father and grandfather served in the Army.
“We are a family that understands the gravity of leading soldiers in and out of combat,” Driscoll told senators.
Challenges Ahead: Recruitment and Workforce Cuts
Driscoll assumes leadership as the Army grapples with persistent recruiting shortfalls and seeks to revamp outdated weapons systems. At the same time, he must navigate the Trump administration’s push to slash the federal workforce, which has raised concerns about national security and military readiness.
“We have to modernize while ensuring readiness,” Driscoll stated, “and that means balancing reforms with maintaining a capable force.”
Commitment to Soldier Welfare and Accountability
Driscoll promised to prioritize soldier needs, emphasizing safer environments for all service members. Addressing sexual assault in the military, he said:
“I want an Army my daughter could join without fear. There will be zero tolerance for misconduct.”
Recruitment reforms are also central to his agenda, with a goal of making the Army more accessible and appealing to younger generations.
Senators Press on Lawful Orders and Political Independence
While Driscoll’s hearing was mostly non-contentious, Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) pressed him on whether he would refuse unlawful orders—particularly those involving the use of active-duty troops for domestic law enforcement.
“I reject the premise that the president or secretary of defense would issue such orders,” Driscoll said, adding, “I will always follow the law.”
Slotkin also questioned him about the revocation of military pensions, referencing potential political actions against retired Army Gen. Mark Milley. Driscoll declined to give a direct answer, sparking further concern.
Both Duckworth and Slotkin voted against his confirmation, citing unresolved issues surrounding political neutrality and military governance.
Political Background and Previous Campaign
Driscoll ran unsuccessfully in the 2020 Republican primary for a North Carolina congressional seat, securing about 8% of the vote in a crowded field. Despite the loss, his political connections—particularly with Vice President Vance—have kept him in influential circles.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Modernization and Stability
The Army faces dual challenges: modernizing its forces and managing personnel uncertainties due to widespread government cuts. Driscoll’s ability to balance technological upgrades with troop readiness will be pivotal.
“This is about ensuring that every soldier is equipped, prepared, and supported,” Driscoll concluded.
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