One of the Defense Department’s top civilians is heading for the Pentagon River Exit, as the Obama administration wraps up its final months.
Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Christine Wormuth will step down in June after seven years in the administration, which included a post at the National Security Council.
In a statement, Defense Secretary Ash Carter thanked Wormuth for her service, and announced that Principal Deputy Brian McKeon will become acting undersecretary of defense for policy.
Warmouth was integral in formulating the anti-Islamic State strategy, including the plans to send special operators to Syria to vet and assist rebel fighters on the ground.
The Pentagon statement cited the traditional “has decided to spend more time with her family,” as the reason for her departure. But sources speculated that it’s just the latest in a number of expected high-profile departures that are routine as a president’s second term comes to an end.
