On May 27, the Senate confirmed Christine Wormuth MPP ’95 as secretary of the Army. Wormuth will be the first woman to serve in the role.
The secretary of the Army is a non-Cabinet-level official within the Department of Defense (DoD) responsible for matters relating to the U.S. Army, such as weapon systems and equipment acquisition, personnel and reserve affairs and environmental issues. Wormuth’s confirmation places her as one of the most powerful officials in a field long dominated by men.
Wormuth previously served as under secretary of defense for policy during the Obama administration, the third most senior civilian in the DoD. She has also served as the senior director for defense policy on the National Security Council and as principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for Homeland Defense and Americas’ Security Affairs. Prior to confirmation, she was the director of the International Security and Defense Policy Center at the RAND Corporation.
Wormuth’s nomination was celebrated by her colleagues in the international security field and in the SPP community.
Kathleen Hicks MPM ’93, who made history this year when she was confirmed as the first woman as deputy secretary of defense, said it "puts another big crack in the glass ceiling," tweeting that "[s]he is a capable, deeply experienced and committed leader who will support our soldiers, their families, and our nation."
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also endorsed her, describing her as a “true patriot with a dedicated career in service to America and our nation’s security.”
"I have no doubt that she will lead our soldiers and represent their families with honor and integrity as the Secretary of the Army."
