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Iraq War Vet Dan Driscoll Appointed as New Secretary of the Army

BY Guy D. McCardle

Dan Driscoll’s rise from Company-grade leader to Army Secretary is a testament to his grit, strategic mindset, and the deep connections he’s forged in both military and political circles—now, all eyes are on how he’ll steer the Army into the future.

Dan Driscoll today (left) and as a soldier with the 10th Mountain Division (right). Image Credit: Kurdistan 24

In a significant development for the U.S. military, the Senate has confirmed Dan Driscoll as the new Secretary of the Army with a 66-28 vote in favor. Driscoll, a 38-year-old Iraq War veteran from North Carolina, brings a diverse background in military service, law, and business to the position.

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A Soldier’s Journey

Driscoll served in the U.S. Army from 2007 to 2011, completing a relatively short but impactful military career of less than four years. During his time in uniform, he rose to the rank of first lieutenant and served as a cavalry scout platoon leader and armor officer. He was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York, a unit known for its rapid deployment capabilities and significant contributions to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In October 2009, Driscoll deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving in a combat role until July 2010. His dedication and leadership earned him several accolades, including the Army Commendation Medal and the Combat Action Badge, recognizing his performance and engagement in active combat situations. He also completed  U.S. Army Ranger School, earning his Ranger tab, a testament to his endurance and tactical proficiency.

Driscoll’s decision to join the Army was deeply rooted in family tradition. His father was a Vietnam War veteran, and his grandfather served as a decoder during World War II. Inspired by their legacy, he accelerated his education, graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in just three years so he could enter the military at a time of war.

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After leaving the Army in 2011, Driscoll took advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill to pursue a law degree at Yale Law School. It was there that he met JD Vance, who would later become the Vice President of the United States. This connection helped shape his post-military career, leading him into the worlds of law, business, and politics, ultimately setting the stage for his appointment as Secretary of the Army.

 

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Political Aspirations and Advisory Roles

Dan Driscoll’s political career began in 2020 when he ran for a congressional seat in North Carolina. Competing in a crowded Republican primary, he finished sixth, securing about 8% of the vote. Although he was not successful in this race, the experience helped him build connections in the political world.

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After his campaign, Driscoll transitioned into advisory roles, becoming a senior adviser to JD Vance, As part of his role, Driscoll worked on Vance’s team during the transition period before Donald Trump’s inauguration. He also built a career in business, owning a consulting practice and later serving as the chief strategy officer for OnCall Physician Staffing, a company specializing in medical staffing solutions.

In December 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Driscoll as Secretary of the Army, praising him as a “disruptor and change agent” who could bring fresh perspectives to military leadership. Trump highlighted Driscoll’s diverse background as a former soldier, investor, and political adviser as key qualifications for the role.

It’s no secret that Driscoll’s close relationship with Vice President Vance played a significant role in his confirmation process. Vance was a strong supporter of his appointment and even sat with Driscoll in the viewing gallery above the Senate floor during the confirmation vote. When the vote was finalized, Vance, serving as the presiding officer, formally announced Driscoll’s confirmation, cementing his rise from Army officer and businessman to a political leader.

Confirmation and Vision for the Army

Yesterday, Mr. Driscoll was officially confirmed by the Senate as the 26th Secretary of the Army with a vote of 66-28. At just 38 years old, he is the youngest person ever to hold this important position. Despite the often contentious nature of political appointments, Driscoll’s confirmation process was relatively smooth compared to other Trump administration nominees. He received bipartisan support, with 16 Democrats voting in his favor. Vice President JD Vance sat with him in the Senate viewing gallery during the vote and later presided over the chamber to announce his confirmation.

Now that he is in charge, Driscoll has outlined several major priorities for his time as Secretary. One of his biggest goals is to ensure the Army is fully prepared to operate in increasingly complex and contested environments. He wants to modernize the force, making sure soldiers have the best training, equipment, and leadership possible. Recruiting is another key focus, and he hopes to build on recent successes while expanding programs like the Future Soldier Preparatory Course, which helps potential recruits meet the Army’s standards.

Driscoll also plans to strengthen the defense industrial base, making it easier and faster to develop and produce new weapons and military capabilities. He is particularly focused on advancing the Army’s ability to fight in multi-domain operations—where land, air, sea, space, and cyberspace warfare are all connected. He believes leveraging commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology, such as drones and electronic warfare systems, will help the Army stay ahead in an era of rapid technological change.

 

Driscoll steps into this role at a critical time. The Army is undergoing a major transformation to stay competitive in an increasingly complex global landscape. His leadership will play a crucial role in shaping how the Army adapts to new threats, technological advancements, and the challenges of modern warfare. With his background as a soldier, businessman, and political adviser, Driscoll brings a unique perspective to the job—one that he hopes will put soldiers first while pushing the Army forward.

Looking Ahead

With his confirmation, Secretary Driscoll is poised to lead the Army through a transformative period. His unique blend of military experience, legal expertise, and advisory roles provides a multifaceted perspective that is expected to drive innovation and reform within the Army. As he steps into this pivotal role, the Army community and the nation will be watching closely to see how his leadership shapes the future of the service.

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