Obama Nominates First Openly Gay Civilian to Lead a Military Service
President Obama is ready to nominate Eric Fanning to become
the next secretary of the Army, which would make him the first openly gay
civilian to lead a branch of the U.S. military. Fanning, 47, has been acting
undersecretary of the Army since June and has previously served as special
assistant to Defense Secretary Ash Carter. Fanning has also served as Air Force
undersecretary and deputy undersecretary of the Navy, to name a few of his
positions at the Pentagon. He would still have to be confirmed by the Senate,
but his nomination “reflects a major shift for the Pentagon, which only four
years ago prevented openly gay troops from serving in the military,” notes the Washington Post.
Fanning’s nomination shows how Obama and Carter want the
military to become more open to gay men and lesbians, an administration
official tells the New York Times.
Fanning, a former journalist for CBS News, will not have an easy job leading an
Army that could be facing harsh budget cuts. Although it's unlikely that
senators will object to Fanning’s qualifications for the job, many nominees
have been held up by Republicans recently, points out the Wall Street Journal.
“Eric brings many years of proven experience and exceptional
leadership to this new role,” Obama said in a written statement. “I am grateful
for his commitment to our men and women in uniform, and I am confident he will
help lead America’s soldiers with distinction. I look forward to working with
Eric to keep our Army the very best in the world.”
Gay rights groups were quick to applaud Fanning’s
nomination. “Considering the tremendous struggles that LGBT Americans have
faced within the Department of Defense, Fanning’s nomination is deeply
significant,” said Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin. “This is a sign of hope and a demonstration
of continued progress towards fairness and equality in our nation’s armed
forces.”