Top US Marine Corps job unfilled as senator stalls nominations
Raw StoryThe head of the US Marine Corps steps down Monday, leaving the famed service without a confirmed long-term leader as America's bitter political feud over abortion hampers the approval of scores of military nominees. Tuberville insists the policy is illegal, while Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has said it is legally sound and that delaying the approval of the nominees "harms America's national security and hinders the Pentagon's normal operations." General David Berger's term as Marine Corps commandant "will expire on 10 July 2023, at which time he must vacate the office, regardless of whether a successor has been appointed," spokesman Major Jim Stenger said. In response, Austin directed the Defense Department to develop policies -- which were released in February -- to allow service members to take administrative absences in order to receive "non-covered reproductive health care," and to establish travel and transportation allowances to help them cover costs.
History of this topic
Marine general taking steps to return to full duty as commandant several months after heart attack
The Independent
One senator's abortion protest leaves the Marine Corps without a permanent leader
NPR
Lone Republican leaves Marines without confirmed leader for first time in over a century
LA Times
Admiral picked to lead Navy is retiring; bad judgment cited
Associated PressDiscover Related
