President has not nominated successor for vice chairman who leaves in November.
The Pentagon is preparing to delegate some of the responsibilities of Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General John Hyten. The Air Force general will retire when his term expires November 21. Without a nominee in the process, problems could come from the position not being filled, particularly regarding budget and resource allocation work. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby stated it is a “big job with immense responsibilities” and that a vacancy is “not optimal.”
Officials who may receive delegated tasks include Vice Admiral Lisa Franchetti, director for strategy, plans, and policy, and Lieutenant General James Mingus, director of operations for the Joint Staff. Though the White House has not announced potential replacements, Admiral Christopher Grady of U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Admiral Charles Richard of U.S. Strategic Command have reportedly been considered for the Joint Chiefs’ number two role.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the president and his advisors as they consider potential nominees for Joint Chiefs vice chair.
- For the Joint Chiefs of Staff as they prepare to delegate the vice chair’s responsibilities.
- For God to accomplish His purpose in U.S. military governance.
Sources: DefenseNews, USNI
