WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden plans to nominate Christine Wormuth, a former senior Pentagon official, as the first woman to lead the Army, the White House said Monday.
If confirmed by the Senate as Secretary of the Army, Wormuth would be one of the most powerful officers in a defense system long dominated by men. He would work with the Army Chief of Staff, Gen. James McConville, who does not lead the soldiers but is responsible, along with the Secretary of the Army, for training and equipping them.
Biden has yet to nominate anyone to serve as secretary of the Air Force or Navy. Many other positions in the Pentagon that require Senate confirmation must also be filled. The highest-ranking Defense Department candidate still awaiting Senate confirmation is Colin Kahl, chosen to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. His nomination came from the committee on a 13-13 vote and it is unclear when the full Senate will act.