Esper takes DOD reins

Acting Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who began running the Pentagon today, says the Defense Department's priorities "remain unchanged."

In a department-wide memo issued today, Esper said he is committed to the National Defense Strategy's three lines of effort: increasing lethality, strengthening alliances and instituting reform. The three "LOEs" have become a mantra at the Defense Department since they were first established by former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

"Stay focused on your mission, remain steadfast in your pursuit of excellence, and always do the right thing," Esper wrote in the short memo.

Esper, who is still technically Army secretary, comes to the job amid heightened tension with Iran. He is headed to Brussels this week for a NATO defense meeting.

President Trump said last week he will nominate Esper to become permanent defense secretary after former acting Defense Secretary Pat Shanahan withdrew from consideration following media reports of violent past incidents involving his son and ex-wife.

In a statement released late last week, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jim Inhofe (R-OK) called Esper a "wise choice" for defense secretary.

"This position is far too important to our national security to continue being filled on an acting basis," he said.

Trump has also said he intends to nominate acting Deputy Defense Secretary David Norquist to fill the post permanently. Meanwhile, Army Under Secretary Ryan McCarthy will be nominated to take Esper's place as service secretary, and Army General Counsel Jim McPherson will be acting under secretary.

Inhofe also praised Norquist and McCarthy and said he supports their nominations.

"I am glad we're moving closer to having confirmed senior leadership at the Pentagon -- though more work remains -- and I look forward to bringing all three nominees in before the Armed Services Committee as soon as possible," he said.