President Obama nominated Eric Fanning to be secretary of the Army on Friday. If confirmed by the Senate, he'll be the first openly gay secretary of a military branch, The New York Times reports.
Fanning has served as Defense Secretary Ash Carter's chief of staff and acting under secretary of the Army as the current secretary, John McHugh, plans to leave office. He also has experience in civilian roles in the Navy and Air Force.
"I can't think of any civilian with more experience with the services, having served in senior positions in all three," former assistant defense secretary Derek Chollet told the Times. "He understands all of their unique cultures and processes."
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The appointment comes as the military tries to integrate gay soldiers, some of whom say they still feel uncomfortable five years after the repeal of the controversial "don't ask, don't tell" policy.
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