Is Trump risking national security by failing to appoint a permanent SECDEF?

2019-03-29T13:12:42-04:00

In the 70 years before 2019, the Department of Defense had never gone more than two months without a permanent leader. Now, President Donald Trump’s administration is poised to double that wait.

The post formerly filled by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has been open since Jan. 1, a leadership void that has drawn increasing concern among lawmakers.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., has pressed the Trump administration repeatedly for quicker action on the vacancy, and he was among lawmakers of both parties who expressed frustration this week that no solution appears to be in sight.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2019 1:14 PM

2019-03-29T13:14:51-04:00

I miss General McMaster and General Mattis.

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Mar 29 at 2019 1:48 PM

2019-03-29T13:48:17-04:00

I miss General Mattis. But, would appointing one and going through the fight not divide the country more. POTUS needs to prioritize. We need better focus.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 29 at 2019 3:17 PM

2019-03-29T15:17:20-04:00

I agree that the position should be filled as quickly as possible, but it seems that filling it with the correct person may be more important. At first blush I believed that Mattis was the perfect choice. Sadly, he wasn't as he clearly demonstrated. Although he functioned well as SecDef he too often wandered off the tracks into areas that were not his purview. Of course, after the President makes his selection, we'll see how long Congress takes to make a circus out of the confirmation process

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Mar 29 at 2019 4:03 PM

2019-03-29T16:03:47-04:00

Perhaps Trump is having a hard time finding some lackey that would do exactly what he says regardless the consequences. No sane person would accept such a position.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2019 5:41 PM

2019-03-29T17:41:35-04:00

No matter how good or flawed the candidate for Defense Secretary, how long do you believe it will take Congress to confirm him/her?

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 29 at 2019 5:44 PM

2019-03-29T17:44:34-04:00

A very wise 1st Sgt took me under his wing when I was a company XO, and then became the acting Company commander for at least three months. He had a unique way of using visual aids.

He stuck his index finger in a cup of coffee and said "This is a Rifle Company with a great leader." He then pulled his index finger out, and then put his ring finger in." He then said This is the same Rifle Company, where the index finger properly trained his subordinates, not much difference is there lieutenant?" I said "I get your point 1stSgt, but please tell me that this analogy does not include include you licking your fingers." He snorted a laugh and said "#@*%!&& Lieutenants. Get out of my office pup."

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 29 at 2019 9:21 PM

2019-03-29T21:21:06-04:00

I think he is too toxic to work for.