US Marine Corps in Leadership Limbo as General Resigns and Senate Blocks Successor
The United States Marine Corps finds itself in an unprecedented situation as it currently lacks a confirmed leader for the first time in over a century. General David Berger resigned as commander on Monday, and his successor’s approval has been blocked by a Republican senator. This development has left the Marine Corps without a confirmed leader since the late 1800s.
General Berger assumed command as the 38th leader of the military corps in July 2019. According to the customary four-year term, he is set to step down soon. Gen. Eric Smith, the current assistant commander, has been nominated to succeed Berger. However, due to the senator’s hold on the confirmation process, Smith can only serve in an acting capacity, without the Senate’s endorsement.
This situation marks the first time since 1859 that the Marine Corps has operated without a confirmed commander. Archibald Henderson was the last acting commander at that time. While Smith possesses the authority to implement new policies concerning budgeting, training, and personnel decisions, he is unable to take on traditional leadership responsibilities. Smith cannot move into the commander’s residence, use the official office, or issue new formal planning guidance.
The hold on Smith’s promotion is the result of Senator Tommy Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama, blocking all nominations for senior military positions. Tuberville is unhappy with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s decision to use Pentagon funds for travel related to reproductive care, including abortions. As a result of Tuberville’s actions, over 200 officers, military operations, and key leaders are already being affected.
Defense Secretary Austin, along with General Berger, has urged the Senate to take action and approve an acting commander. The delays have caused significant disruptions and have major implications for military readiness. The Navy has been the first branch to feel the impact of Tuberville’s hold, but it is anticipated that the Army, Navy, and Air Force will face similar delays later this year. The Senate’s approval for the nomination of the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is also expected to be affected.
With uncertainty surrounding leadership transitions, dozens of high-ranking officers are unable to assume new commands and relocate, affecting not only their professional lives but also their families’ plans. Stable and timely leadership transitions are crucial for maintaining effective defense and building strong alliances.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon spokesperson, Sabrina Singh, revealed that Tuberville’s hold on promotions is impacting the careers of 265 senior officers. If the problem persists, this number could rise to 650 by the end of the year. Singh highlighted cases where officers would have to perform multiple roles simultaneously due to the lack of promotions. Some officers are even working in higher-ranking positions without receiving the corresponding salary.
General David Berger, a Maryland native, served in Iraq and Afghanistan and spearheaded efforts to transform the Marine Corps’ capabilities for amphibious warfare in the Pacific. On the other hand, General Eric Smith, a decorated Marine infantry officer, has extensive combat experience in Afghanistan and Iraq. Smith previously served as a top military advisor to Secretary of Defense Ash Carter before assuming his current role as the deputy commander for combat development.
The impact of these disruptions in the Marine Corps’ leadership is being keenly felt, with urgent pleas for Senate action to resolve the situation. As the military’s largest force, the Marine Corps plays a crucial role in defending the United States and maintaining global security. The delay in leadership appointments threatens both military readiness and vital alliances, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution.