Senior military promotions resume after Tuberville's hold is lifted: A resumption of senior military promotions follows the lifting of Tuberville's hold
US Army generals finally promoted after months of delay caused by Republican Sen Tommy Tuberville's hold on promotions and confirmations Eight officers receive well-deserved advancements, marking a significant milestone for the military
Eight Army general officers were promoted by the US Army chief of staff on Thursday, finally ending a months-long delay in promotions and confirmations caused by a hold from Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville. The promotions were celebrated at an annual professional forum for Army general officers in McLean, Virginia, where Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth addressed the gathered officers and their command sergeants major, acknowledging that the day was "long overdue."
"It's safe to say that the last few months have been extremely difficult and frustrating for all of you and your families, as well as for those of us who have been witnessing what has been happening for nearly a year now," Wormuth said to the group. "Nevertheless, you have all remained remarkably professional as always, and I want to express my gratitude for your professionalism and composed conduct during this very challenging time."
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George also acknowledged and thanked those who have "sacrificed and put their lives on hold" and done "many unconventional things over the past nine months."
"We appreciate your duty and selfless service," he said, referring to the promotion that came shortly after Tuberville lifted his hold on military general and flag officer nominations as a protest against the Pentagon's reproductive health policies. These policies included a travel allowance for service members needing an abortion across state lines due to their home states laws. Now, 12 four-star generals nominations are pending in the Senate.
The promotion ceremony on Thursday featured eight officers, all dressed in civilian business attire, in contrast to their usual uniforms. The officers promoted were now-Lt. Gen. Heidi Hoyle; Maj. Gen. Ron Ragin; Maj. Gen. Curt Taylor; Maj. Gen. Pat Work; Maj. Gen. William Green; Maj. Gen. Mary Izaguirre; Brig. Gen. Scott Woodward; and Maj. Gen. Denise Brown.
Army Secretary Christine Wormuth (on the right) and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George (in the middle) extend their congratulations to newly promoted Army general officers at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner on December 7, 2023. Photo by Haley Britzky/CNN.
George presented the officers with their new ranks one by one, administering the oath of office at the end. Afterward, the eight newly promoted generals were enthusiastically congratulated by a long line of their Army colleagues.
George mentioned before the ceremony that the promotion ceremony was relatively spur-of-the-moment and was about people vacating positions and moving around. One of the newly promoted officers, Work, with the 82nd Airborne Division, is expected to deploy just hours after the ceremony on Thursday.
"This promotion came at the perfect time," Wormuth remarked at the ceremony. About 200 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division Headquarters in Fort Liberty, North Carolina, were recently sent to Romania and Poland to take the place of soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division Headquarters. Work informed CNN that he would be departing on Thursday evening to join them. He mentioned that if he had gone on the mission as a one-star general instead of the two-star general he is now, it would have been noticed by the allies and partners he will be working with in the region.
"[Y]ou need to understand how others perceive you, so that could be a factor for them. It's probably realistic and practical to have that expectation," Work stated. "So, arriving as a two-star general on top of an American division definitely puts you in a better position than arriving as a one-star because it completely mitigates that."
Looking ahead, Wormuth mentioned on Thursday that the Army would be addressing "lingering disruptions" from Tuberville's hold "as carefully as possible." She expressed hope that the holds were a "one-time occurrence and will not become the new normal," underscoring the importance of keeping military officers apolitical.
As the Army works on relocating officers and their families to new positions and duty stations, George informed CNN that they will be addressing individual transitions to ensure that they are effectively supporting all personnel.
"There is a sense of urgency in ensuring that the right leaders are in place," George explained. "With the numerous responsibilities in the Army, it's important that we take action now to keep things moving forward."
Lt. Gen. James Mingus is one of the 12 four-star generals with pending nominations. He has been nominated to be the next vice chief of staff of the Army. On Thursday, George expressed his urgency for Mingus to be confirmed as soon as possible. "We're eagerly awaiting Gen. Mingus to join the team," he stated. "We really need him."
