Even More General, Flag Officer Confirmations Stymied by Senate Hold
Since February, a blanket hold in the Senate on confirmations for senior military leaders has caused a challenge within the military as many key leader positions have been left without permanent leadership.
As of Nov. 6, the number of affected positions increased to some 452 nominations for leadership roles across the armed forces, involving 448 general and flag officers. All are awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
Without Senate confirmation, those important military positions might need to be filled by other officers in “acting” roles, who may lack both the needed rank and experience to perform in the role.
“Some of the positions that are stalled for confirmation include the Fifth Fleet Commander, the deputy Fifth Fleet Commander, the defense attaché to Israel and the list goes on,” said Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh during a briefing today at the Pentagon. “As we’ve said before, these holds have a direct effect on our military readiness, our national security and our military families.”
The blanket hold on nominations in the Senate has prevented lawmakers from using the traditional “unanimous consent” process for confirming large numbers of military nominees en bloc.
According to the Congressional Research Service, without using “unanimous consent,” the Senate is still able to confirm nominees. But it must confirm each nominee individually using time-consuming voice or roll-call votes.
In September, the Senate was able to use this method to confirm Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Randy A. George as Army chief of staff and Gen. Eric M. Smith as Marine Corps commandant.
On Nov. 2, the Senate again used individual voting to confirm Adm. Lisa Franchetti as Chief of Naval Operations, Gen. David Allvin as Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and Lt. Gen. Chris Mahoney as Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.
While it is possible to continue to use voice votes to confirm military leaders, it might take several months to confirm the hundreds of nominees that have been sent forward by the president.
“As we face a variety of urgent challenges, the most powerful fighting force in history must be at full-strength,” said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III in a statement released following last week’s votes. “This unprecedented delay in confirming our military’s top leaders has hurt our military’s readiness and unnecessarily weighed down our military families, who already give up so much to support those who serve.”
Chief, Director’s Action Group, DHA – Report NLT 09 JULY 2024
Chief, Director’s Action Group, Defense Health Agency. The Director, Defense Health Agency (DHA) requests service nominations to fill the O-6 level position. The Officer will lead Director’s Action Group (DAG) operations, overseeing a specialized executive support team of military officers, Government civilians, and contractors responsible for three primary lines of efforts: Strategic Communications, Strategic Engagement, and Strategic Initiatives, as well as DHA Front Office analytics and archives capabilities. The selected individual must hold a Secret (required) clearance, or Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (preferred) clearance. The selected individual must possess the required experience, and demonstrate exceptional knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform and execute the duties and responsibilities as outlined in the attached position description. The officer will report directly to the Director, DHA. The assignment is 36 months, and the primary duty location is in Falls Church, Virginia. The selected individual should arrive no later than July 9, 2024, with early reporting authorized.
Prospective applicants should send a Nomination Memorandum, CV with contact information and Biography to CAPT Shauna O’Sullivan NLT 1200 EST Monday, Nov 27, 2023.
October Navy Career News – From the Chief of Naval Personnel
Think you have what it takes to be a Recruit Division Commander?
Recruit Training Command is looking for the best and brightest Sailors throughout the fleet for this challenging and rewarding shore duty. Find out how to apply in the October edition of Sailor-to-Sailor!
See the October Sailor-to-Sailor here:
https://www.dvidshub.net/r/mwr8iz
Your Navy career news for the month of October is inside – announcements include:
– GMT Requirements for FY24
– Updates to the Enlisted Leader Development Program
– Legislative Fellowship 2025 Call for Applications
– SELRES Advancement to Warfighting Positions Program Phase II
Healthcare Management Course (HCM) – Jan 22-25, 2024 (VIRTUAL)
Who: First-time clinical supervisors (Medical Corps is limited to 6 seats)
What: Healthcare Management Course
When: Jan 22-25, 2024 (Virtual)
Where: Blended learning with ten online modules followed by the virtual class hosted by JMESI instructors
Course Description: The JMESI Healthcare Management Course is a tri-Service training event designed for first-time clinical supervisors. The course provides attendees with the administrative tools to successfully manage their clinical areas. Topics discussed include the following: Civilian Personnel, Contracting, Budgeting, Quality Management, tools available through the TRICARE Operations Center, Efficient Scheduling and Utilization Management, and more. Panel discussions allow the clinicians to ask direct questions and receive first-hand answers regarding management tools and practices that can impact the military healthcare management arena. Attendees participate in hands-on training with clinic administrative tools.
Prospective applicants should provide their name, rank, position title, work address, and work phone in this format to CAPT Shauna O’Sullivan NLT 1600 Tuesday, November 28, 2023.
Next Virtual Course Dates: May 13-16 and Sept 16-19, 2024
Joel Schofer's Career Planning Blog 