Congressmen C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and John R. Carter – Co-Chairs of the bipartisan House Army Caucus – thanked Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy for his service and leadership as his announced departure takes place at noon today as President-elect Joe Biden is sworn into office. McCarthy, a former Army Ranger, has fulfilled the  top post since September 2019, overseeing the service through a tumultuous year that included the COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest, tensions with Iran and a violent riot in our nation’s Capitol.

“Secretary McCarthy has served the U.S. Army in uniform and out, during both Democratic and Republican administrations,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “I have enjoyed getting to know this fellow Terp since he has been a senior leader in our U.S. Army. Ryan’s tenure demonstrated resolve, as he met every challenge the Army confronted by leading with respect – no matter a servicemember or civilian’s rank or circumstance – and an appreciation for the facts. I appreciate Secretary McCarthy’s service and wish him the best.”

“It has been my privilege to work with Secretary McCarthy over the years,” Representative Carter said. “His commitment to the U.S. Army and the soldiers that selflessly serve was always evident through his leadership. I also want to sincerely thank Secretary McCarthy for his role in bringing the Credentialing Assistance Pilot Program to Ft. Hood and for his steadfast leadership throughout the many challenges he was faced with over the last year. I wish him well as he embarks on this next chapter.”

John Whitley, the assistant secretary of the Army for financial management and comptroller, will serve as the Acting Secretary of the Army until the U.S. Senate confirms a candidate to take over on a permanent basis.

The House Army Caucus includes more than 100 members from both parties and works to educate their fellow House Members on Army needs, and advocate for those needs in the legislative process. 

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