An openly gay United States acting army undersecretary Eric K. Fanning was nominated by President Barack Obama to become the next Secretary of the Army. The White House announced on Friday, September 18.
It was written in the article dated September 18, 2015 on Reuters, by Yeganeh Torbati and Jeff Mason that the nomination could pave the way for the first openly gay civilian secretary of military branch in U.S. history.
Fanning’s nomination must first confirm by the U.S. Senate before he can lead the Army.
President Obama said in his statement that “Eric brings many years of proven experience and exceptional leadership to this new role,”
Obama also said that he is looking forward to working with Eric Fanning to keep the United States Army the very best in the world.
Before, Eric Fanning was a chief of staff of Defense Secretary Ashton Carter. He also served as undersecretary of the Air Force and deputy undersecretary of the Navy.
For now Eric Fanning is the acting undersecretary of the Army since June this year.
Fanning’s nomination to head the Army is an excellent choice which lauded by Secretary Carter. He said he is privileged to have worked alongside Fanning as his chief of staff and “watched him developed into one of the country’s most knowledgeable, dedicated, and experienced public servants.”
Carter said. “I know he will strengthen our Army, build on its best traditions, and prepare our ground forces to confront a new generation of challenges,”
“The nomination of an openly gay man to lead a U.S. military service branch was a significant sign of progress in protecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals serving in the world’s most powerful military,” advocacy groups said in praising Obama’s decision.
The American Military Partner Association, a support group for the families of LGBT service members, likewise hailed the U.S. president’s decision; saying they are thrilled to see Eric Fanning lead the world’s greatest army.
By Jason E. / Reuters
