Gen. David Berger, the commandant of the Marine Corps, retired from his post on Monday, while the service is now without a Senate-confirmed leader for the first time in over 100 years.
Gen. Eric Smith will serve as commandant in an “acting” capacity, as his nomination remains on hold due to Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s (R-Ala.) ongoing block of military promotions and nominations over his opposition to the Pentagon’s abortion-related policies.
During remarks at Berger’s relinquishment of office ceremony on Monday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urged “rapid confirmation” of the next commandant.
“Now, I know that everyone here is looking forward to the rapid confirmation of a distinguished successor to Gen. Berger. You know, it’s been more than a century since the U.S. Marine Corps has operated without a Senate-confirmed commandant. Smooth and timely transitions of confirmed leadership are central to the defense of the United States, and to the full strength of the most powerful fighting force in history. Stable and orderly leadership transitions are also vital to maintaining our unmatched network of allies and partners. And they’re crucial for our military readiness,” Austin said.
During his tenure, Berger spearheaded the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 modernization initiative, which aims to transform the service to make it a more mobile force more fitting for potential conflict with China in the Western Pacific region.
Smith, who was nominated as Berger’s successor in late May, has been the assistant commandant since 2021 and previously led Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC) and was once the deputy commandant for combat development and integration (Defense Daily, May 31).
Until he is officially confirmed, Smith will remain in his assistant commandant role while also leading the Marine Corps in an acting capacity.
Tuberville has yet to show any indication of plans to lift his block on military nominations, reiterating his opposition to the administration’s policy covering travel money for armed services personnel to receive reproductive healthcare, including abortions, outside the states that have made it illegal and extremely restrictive.