Marine Corps Leadership Crisis: Unprecedented Lack of Confirmed Commandant Threatens Military Promotions and Stability

The Marine Corps is currently without a Senate-confirmed commandant for the first time since 1910, as Gen. David Berger stepped down without a permanent successor. Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama is blocking senior military nominations in protest of a Pentagon abortion policy, causing a lapse in command. President Joe Biden's pick for the Marines' new service chief, Gen. Eric Smith, will serve as acting commandant until confirmed. Tuberville's actions have been criticized by both Democrats and Republicans, as they delay critical military nominations and impact the readiness of the force.