Gen. Eric Smith to Lead Marines as Next Commandant

Gen. Eric Smith has been nominated to be the next commandant of the Marine Corps, succeeding Gen. David Berger who will retire this summer. Smith, currently the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, is expected to continue the Force Design 2030 modernization efforts launched by Berger. However, the effort has faced criticism from retired Marine Corps officers and Sen. Dan Sullivan has called for a hearing on Force Design to discuss some of those criticisms and concerns. Smith's confirmation by the Senate is unclear due to a procedural hold by Sen. Tommy Tuberville over the Pentagon’s abortion travel and leave policy.