The US Senate approves the appointment of Christine Wormouth as the first Secretary of the Army
The US Senate on Thursday approved Kristen Wormouth to be the first woman to hold the position of Secretary of the Army.
Wormouth received a very warm reception from members of the Senate Armed Services Committee during this month's hearing.
Her confirmation of the appointment makes her one of the most powerful officials in a long-time male-dominated defense establishment. She is the second woman to be nominated by US President Joe Biden for a senior position in the Pentagon, after Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks.
During the hearing, several senators pressed Wormouth over a range of personnel issues that have plagued the military, such as sexual assault and racial tensions.
The US military’s handling of sexual assaults and other acts of violence has come under intense scrutiny, following a string of crimes, including murders and suicides, last year in Fort Hood, Texas.
A review panel found that military commanders in this position did not adequately address high rates of sexual assault and harassment, and were totally ignoring the sexual assault prevention program.
Wormouth told the Senate Armed Services Committee that she was "angry and frustrated" about the failures at Fort Hood.
She said the military needs to "focus a lot" on improving the leadership climate, down to lower levels so that younger soldiers feel safe and be able to lodge complaints if necessary.
