First Openly Gay Secretary Of The Army Confirmed By U.S. Senate After Long Delay

Eric Fanning

After being delayed for almost 8 months, Eric Fanning has been confirmed as the first openly gay Army Secretary.

Fanning had previously served as undersecretary of the Air Force and acting secretary of the Air Force.

Via NBC News:

Fanning thus becomes the first openly gay leader of any U.S. military service — a milestone not lost on gay rights groups and coming five years after the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell," which had prohibited gay and lesbian service members from being open about their sexuality.

"Eric Fanning's historic confirmation today as Secretary of the U.S. Army is a demonstration of the continued progress towards fairness and equality in our nation's armed forces," Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin said in a statement.

Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., had held the nomination on hold over a dispute regarding Obama administration efforts to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and possibly transfer detainees to the United States.

Roberts dropped his opposition after receiving assurances that detainees would not be transferred to Fort Leavenworth in Kansas.

Prior to the vote today, Roberts said, "He will be a tremendous leader as Army secretary and will do great by our soldiers at Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley."

Politicians and advocacy groups alike celebrated the news:

Congratulations to Eric Fanning on historic appointment as the first openly gay @SECARMY. He's capable, experienced & will lead with honor!

— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) May 17, 2016

Eric Fanning (@SECARMY) is now the first openly gay @Army Secretary https://t.co/Z0lpygyzhh #EqualityForALL #GoARMY pic.twitter.com/KpJKogarjb

— Daniel Beerthuis (@DanielBeerthuis) May 18, 2016

Eric Fanning has spent his career serving this country with tireless dedication and skill. He will do the same as Army Secretary.

— Chad Griffin (@ChadHGriffin) May 17, 2016

President Obama Nominates Kenneth Fanning As First Openly Gay Secretary Of The Army

President Obama, in a historic first, has nominated Kenneth Fanning as Secretary of the Army today. Fanning would be the first openly gay Secretary of any branch of the United States' armed forces.

Fanning would be the 22nd Secretary of the Army, the largest service branch of the U.S. military.

Fanning is currently serving as Acting Under Secretary of the Army and Chief Management Officer since June 30, 2015. He has been a specialist on defense and national security issues for more than 25 years in Congress and the Pentagon.

He has previously served at the Pentagon in many high level positions including deputy under secretary of the Navy under secretary of the Air Force, acting secretary of the Air Force, Pentagon chief of staff and acting under secretary of the Army.

President Obama issued this statement upon Fanning's nomination:

“Eric brings many years of proven experience and exceptional leadership to this new role.

“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.”

Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl to return to active duty

Sgt. Bowe Berdahl, who was released from Taliban captivity after five years in late May, will soon return to active duty for the US Army.

From CNN:

The soldier will soon take a desk job at Fort Sam Houston, said U.S. Army North spokesman Don Manuszewski.

Bergdahl will be assigned to a unit responsible for homeland defense, civil support operations and security cooperation programs involving countries such as Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas.

Manuszewski wouldn't offer any details about what Bergdahl will be doing day to day but said the former captive will not be treated "any different than any other soldier."

When he's not in an office, Bergdahl will live in barracks and share a bathroom with other service members.