President Obama on Tuesday nominated Air Force Undersecretary Erin Conaton to be undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. Conaton has been the Air Force’s No. 2 top civilian leader since March 2010. She has had a large role in shaping the service’s space and energy policy, among her engagement, during her tenure. If the Senate approves her for the post, Conaton would be the senior policy advisor to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on recruitment, career development, pay, and benefits for US military personnel and Defense Department civilians. She would also oversee the overall state of military readiness. She would fill a Pentagon post vacant since late October when Clifford Stanley resigned.
Trump Admin Loosens Rules for US Military Airstrikes
Feb. 28, 2025
The Trump administration has granted U.S. military commanders more leeway to conduct airstrikes against suspected militant threats, a shift from the Biden administration policy that required greater sign-off from the White House and Pentagon, U.S. officials told Air & Space Forces Magazine.