Via the AP: Trump turns to outsider to shake up Navy, but his lack of military experience raises concerns.
Trump late Tuesday nominated Phelan, a major donor to his campaign who founded the private investment firm Rugger Management LLC. The Trump transition team did not respond to a request for comment on his qualifications. According to his biography, Phelan’s primary exposure to the military comes from an advisory position he holds on the Spirit of America, a non-profit that supports the defense of Ukraine and the defense of Taiwan.
Not all service secretaries come into the office with prior military experience, but he’d be the first in the Navy since 2006. Current Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth similarly does not have prior military service. She, however, has spent her career in a host of defense civilian positions.
More via NBC News:
As the 79th Navy secretary, Phelan would oversee more than 900,000 people and an annual budget of more than $210 billion.
The last eight people who have held the title since 2009 had served either in the Navy, Marine Corps, Army or Coast Guard, according to their Naval History and Heritage Command biographies.
Twenty out of 26 people to be confirmed as Navy secretary over the last 70 years were veterans, the Military Times reported.
Carlos Del Toro, whom Phelan would be replacing, had served in the Navy for more than 20 years and had done several tours of duty at sea, his Navy biography says.
BTW, there is a big difference between noting that not all such secretaries have had military service and having someone who essentially has zero relevant experience.
So, it does seem that in addition to TV appearances being a big draw for Trump, another one is being incredibly wealthy.
Along those lines, Zuckerberg dines with Trump in Mar-a-Lago. Trump does seem to be courting the oligarchs.
