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.”