Work staying on as DEPSECDEF until successor named

Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work formally announced today he will be staying on in his post until his successor is named.

Work, who spoke during a Pentagon ceremony to honor his service, praised outgoing Defense Secretary Ash Carter along with the uniformed and civilian personnel at the Defense Department who will, “when necessary, kick you in the ass and get you moving.”

“I believe history will judge Sec. Carter as the model for a secretary of war,” Work added.

Meanwhile, retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee yesterday.

The committee, along with the full Senate, voted to change existing law that would allow Mattis to serve as defense secretary, despite having not been out of uniform for at least seven years. Mattis has been retired three years. The House is scheduled to vote today on the measure.