Trump announces Army secretary pick

Mark Green. PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK

WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump on Friday announced his pick for the next secretary of the US Army, a state senator from Tennessee.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis praised the nomination of Mark Green for the top civilian job in the Army.

“Mark will provide strong civilian leadership, improve military readiness and support our service members, civilians and their families,” Mattis said.

If confirmed by the senate, Green would succeed Eric Fanning, who was the first openly gay secretary in any of America’s armed forces.

BACKSTORY: U.S. Senate appoints first openly gay army secretary

Green’s nomination drew some criticism, however, with opponents highlighting his actions as a state legislator that they said opposed gay rights.

According to the Palm Center think tank, Green sponsored bills that discriminated against the gay community.

Green’s nomination is Trump’s second pick for the job, after Vincent Viola withdrew over concerns about his ability to separate from his large business holdings.

Green is a West Point graduate and Army veteran who served as a military physician.