Defense Undersecretary Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick M. Shanahan swears in Robert Wilkie as the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Dec. 20, 2017. In this role, Wilkie serves as principal advisor to the defense secretary and deputy defense secretary for total force management as it relates to readiness; National Guard and Reserve component affairs; health affairs; training and personnel requirements and management, including equal opportunity, morale, welfare, recreation and the quality of life for military families. DoD photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley SHARE: Download: Full Size (1.1 MB) Credit: Brigitte N. Brantley VIRIN: 171120-D-GO396-0024C.JPG Photo Gallery