Dan Driscoll is now the Secretary of the Army, despite some concerns surrounding his lack of experience. Although Driscoll served during the Iraq War, he has made a name for himself outside of the military. Still, the Senate voted 66-28 to approve Driscoll for the role. With widespread cuts, policy changes involving “woke” ideology, recruitment woes still lingering, and military families facing multiple financial pressures, it’s safe to say that the Veteran has his work cut out for him.

Who Is Dan Driscoll?

Daniel P. Driscoll went to Yale where he studied law with fellow classmate and friend JD Vance. In addition to attending law school, Vance’s ally is also a decorated Army Veteran and has experience both as a businessman and in the world of politics.

Between 2009 and 2011, Driscoll was a Cavalry Officer with the 10th Mountain Division, deploying to Iraq and earning accolades like the Combat Action Badge. Dan Driscoll also completed Ranger School.

It was after serving his nation that Driscoll went to Yale, connected with the future Vice President, and would go on to practice law at Guantanamo Bay, as well as interning for the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and for Chief Judge Alex Kozinski.

Driscoll has a small amount of political experience, as he ran for Congress in 2020 for North Carolina’s 11th District; however, Madison Cawthorn would emerge out of a very crowded Republican primary victorious.

Trump Picks Driscoll for U.S. Secretary of the Army

Although Dan Driscoll’s Congress run didn’t work out, his days as a part of the political world continue, ironically, as he will help form policies and shape decisions for our nation’s largest apolitical military branch.

President Donald Trump has picked Driscoll as our nation’s next United States Secretary of the Army, looking to the Veteran for his ability to disrupt the current state of the military.

Driscoll has experience in the Army and a lot more of it in the business world; however, there are more than 1.2 million people involved with the Army including Soldiers and civilians—his lack of experience leading large organizations has come into question since his nomination.

Trump’s pick in Driscoll comes as warfare changes throughout the globe. There is less focus on the Middle East, yet conflicts still exist. Europe has its own war to deal with.

Furthermore, the Indo-Pacific region is of high concern for American defense. China poses potential problems on a number of fronts and the successor of Christine Wormuth, the first woman to serve in the role, will have a lot on their plate.

Dan Driscoll Fits Trump’s Plan for the Military

The GOP has made it no secret that many are unhappy with the state of our nation’s military. Trump is specifically looking to replace leadership positions and has picked surprising nominees to help shape new policies so far.

Whereas recent leaders have more experience at the higher levels of military leadership, some of Trump’s cabinet heads seem more related to his campaign and agenda than the traditional traits you might find in candidates for these roles.

Dan Driscoll fits what the future of military leadership could look like during the Trump administration. However, Driscoll has called for bipartisan collaboration involving matters of national security.

In the past, Driscoll has criticized Republicans wanting to impeach President Joe Biden, pointing out the threat to democracy and voting in doing so.

Trump doesn’t want the same old, same old. He’s looking for fresh perspectives to lead the military. Driscoll is a prime example.

Dan Driscoll's Senate Confirmation Hearing Recap

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., whose son attended Yale with Driscoll, started the hearing by reading an endorsement of Driscoll. He said, "As a lawyer, we follow the facts and the law, and that's what Dan Driscoll will do as Secretary of the Army.

During the questioning, Driscoll supported expanding the Army's use of drones, noting the cost inefficiency of the current air defense systems in place. "We can no longer shoot $4-million missiles to take down a $400 drone - that math, just simple math, doesn't add up," he said. "We are going to have to find solutions, whether it's directed energy or whatever it is, that can have a cost-effective way to provide security."

Driscoll also urged the Army to do a better job communicating with the public about what the service had to offer beyond recruiting bonuses and benefits. "I enlisted because I wanted to go serve my country. And I think young people stand by ready for us to tell that story again in a compelling way, and if confirmed, I look forward to working with you to tell that story."

His Congressional hearing went well and has ultimately proven to be successful with his nomination now complete.

While Driscoll avoided culture war topics in his hearing, rising political tensions overlapping with the military are areas impossible to ignore given the ongoing policy changes affecting each branch.

Regardless of whether or not Dan Driscoll is up for leading the organization while facing some of the tougher parts of the job that come with the territory will become evident soon enough as the Secretary of the Army writes the latest chapter of its illustrious history.

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Image Source: Dan Driscoll for Congress | Facebook