Army Secretary Stepping Down

Army Secretary John McHugh plans to leave office no later than Nov. 1, announced the Defense Department on Monday. He informed President Obama of this after having expressed this desire several weeks ago to the Pentagon leadership, states DOD’s release. McHugh, a former Republican New York congressman, has led the land service since September 2009. “Secretary McHugh has been a tremendous public servant for decades, and he has helped lead the Army through a period of challenge and change,” said Defense Secretary Ash Carter. “There will be much time in the coming months to appropriately celebrate his many accomplishments, but for now I will just say that every soldier is better off because of his hard work and vision, and so is the country,” he added. This announcement follows President Obama’s decision in May to tap Gen Mark Milley to be the next Army Chief of Staff, replacing Gen Ray Odierno.