HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — At the Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, a significant hub of the U.S. military's space and missile programs, a crucial officer is preparing to leave his position to assume a vital new role leading the agency responsible for America's missile defense.
However, the advancement of Maj. Gen. Heath Collins is currently on hold, causing disruptions throughout the chain of command.
His absence means that a rear admiral who typically oversees missile testing at Redstone is temporarily filling in as the acting director of the Missile Defense Agency. Meanwhile, the brigadier general chosen to replace Collins is also unable to start working in Huntsville and is compelled to extend his assignment at Space Systems Command in Los Angeles.
Collins's promotion is one of 301 military promotions worldwide that are currently obstructed by Senator Tommy Tuberville (R), the state's U.S. senator. Since February, Tuberville has been utilizing his power to place "holds" on all Pentagon appointments requiring Senate confirmation. Tuberville's goal is to pressure the military into ending its policy of funding travel for service personnel and their families stationed in states with abortion bans to states where the procedure is legal if they require care.
The ripple effect from the delayed promotion of one senior leader at one installation illustrates the consequences of Tuberville's use of his Senate "hold" power to wage a culture-war campaign on abortion policy, according to critics.
Several officials, retired generals, and veterans living near the arsenal argue that it has undermined the military's long-term planning, disrupted the training of future leaders in specialized fields, and affected military families' lives. They claim that this will exacerbate the Pentagon's struggles with personnel retention.
If Tuberville remains steadfast, the number of positions blocked from Senate confirmation is projected to increase to 650 by the end of the year, according to the Defense Department. This would constitute a majority of the military's 852 flag and general officer positions.
Tuberville, who declined to comment, has argued that the Defense Department's policy violates a federal ban on funding for abortions. He also believes that the holds are not affecting military readiness.
"I hate to have to do this. But they're going to listen," Tuberville, a former college football coach, told the Catholic News Agency last month. "I'm not changing my mind."
Regarding the impacts at Redstone, Tuberville spokesman Steven Stafford stated in an email: "No one has been a stronger advocate for Huntsville than Coach."
Collins is one of four senior leaders either currently stationed at Redstone Arsenal or scheduled to transfer to the Alabama base whose Senate confirmations have been delayed by Tuberville's hold. The Washington Post has identified at least six more service members who have had to temporarily change or extend roles, or whose career progression has been halted due to these four holds at Redstone.
Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth described Tuberville's hold as "unprecedented" and stated in an interview that it is having "unexpected and unhelpful" consequences.
While other senators have previously blocked military promotions, an official noted that none have lasted as long as Tuberville's hold.
Sabrina Singh, deputy Pentagon press secretary, emphasized the need for "tested leaders who are fully empowered to make tough decisions" and expressed concern that the hold "undermines our military readiness."
The Senate must approve appointments for the most senior military leaders. Typically, votes are held in batches for numerous promotions, requiring unanimous consent from the chamber for each group under Senate rules. This allows any senator to delay the process.The Senate majority leader could circumvent Tuberville's hold by presenting the nominations individually on the floory, but this would require dedicating two to three days for each vote, potentially hindering other Senate business. Democrats argue that this process could take months.
Despite the local implications, Tuberville faces minimal political pressure to withdraw the holds in Alabama, where Republicans widely support his anti-abortion stance. The state Republican Party's Executive Committee voted 99 to 1 in favor of a resolution supporting his position.
Redstone Arsenal, established in 1941, is a military base in northern Alabama. It initially served as a war chemicals plant during World War II and later became a hub for rocket development, led by German scientist Wernher von Braun. Today, the base is home to various military organizations and contractors focused on space and missile defense.
The Arsenal houses historic rockets, including von Braun's V2 and a Saturn 1B, as well as serving as a test site for rocket engines and explosives. Approximately 45,000 civilians, including contractors, and 800 military personnel work on the base daily.
One of the leaders at Redstone is Collins, who currently oversees the Missile Defense Agency's ground-based interceptors. These interceptors are positioned to counter potential threats from North Korea and Iran. Collins was nominated to assume command of the entire agency in May.
With an annual budget of around $11 billion, the Missile Defense Agency is responsible for developing and procuring the country's defenses against ballistic missiles. The agency has not been without a Senate-confirmed director since its establishment in 2002. Without a full three-star general at the helm, the agency's credibility in military planning and ability to set long-term strategy may suffer.
Another Redstone leader awaiting Senate confirmation is Col. David Philips, who is slated to become a top Army aviation officer responsible for developing new airborne vehicles. His position is currently being filled on an acting basis.
Vincent Boles, a retired major general who now coaches contractors at Redstone Arsenal, expressed concerns about having an acting leader, as it may impede the office from devising a new long-term vision. He emphasized the importance of having a confirmed leader to make significant strategic decisions.
The holds also affect the Army's Space and Missile Defense Command, responsible for defending the United States against potential intercontinental ballistic missile attacks. Maj. Gen. Sean Gainey was nominated to take over the command in January, but with his promotion on hold, Lt. Gen. Daniel Karbler has postponed his retirement to remain in charge.
He emphasized the importance of having qualified leaders in the space and missile defense sector and expressed his hope for a swift resolution to the promotions issue. Karbler's remarks were met with applause from the audience, who understood the challenges he and others in similar positions were facing.
Overall, the article highlights the complex and controversial nature of Senator Tuberville's hold on military promotions. While some support his actions as a way to address their concerns about social issues in the military, others worry about the potential negative impact on the space and missile defense sector and the morale of young officers. The article ends with a sense of uncertainty, as Karbler's postponed retirement serves as a reminder of the ongoing political battles that can disrupt military operations and careers.