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Immediate Release

Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Department of Defense Personnel Decisions

I am pleased to announce that two of my closest advisors are moving into critical new roles at the Department of Defense.

One of my first decisions upon returning to the Pentagon was asking Eric Fanning to serve as my chief of staff. His deep well of knowledge and vast experience in the Pentagon, honed during his tenure as deputy undersecretary of the Navy and acting secretary of the Air Force, have been crucial assets for my front office. He has also helped me build an outstanding team of civilian and military leaders across the Pentagon. Working with him closely over the last several months, I've seen first-hand why he is one of the most respected appointees in the Obama administration.

Now that my office is up and running, I have asked Eric to serve as acting undersecretary of the Army, filling a role that has been open since Brad Carson became acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. With Brad spearheading my Force of the Future initiative, Eric will provide Secretary McHugh with vital support as he prepares to conclude his tenure. I will forever be grateful for Eric's advice and leadership during this crucial first phase of my time as secretary of defense, and look forward to continuing to work with him as he helps lead the men and women of the world's most powerful ground force.

As Eric Fanning takes on this new challenge, it is my pleasure to announce that Deputy Chief of Staff Eric Rosenbach will be promoted to chief of staff, effective July 6. Eric, a former Army intelligence officer, Harvard faculty member, and private executive, has served in a number of positions throughout the department, culminating in his Senate confirmation as assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense and global security. As the principal architect of DoD's cyber policy, he has already left a lasting imprint on our military. I am confident that Eric brings the right blend of strategic acumen, technological expertise, and managerial skill to help me lead the department during an important time in its history. I would like to thank both Erics, as well as their families, for being willing to serve in these positions. They embody the spirit of service that makes our military the greatest on earth.