President Trump has made a good choice in nominating Anthony Tata as the next undersecretary of defense for policy.
A 28-year veteran of the U.S. military, Tata served most of his career in the Army’s elite light infantry airborne units.
The retired brigadier general is a fundamentals-focus guy. Individuals familiar with his views suggest that Tata recognizes the need to ensure that the U.S. military is ready to fight and win a major war with China or Russia. He’s also known as an adopter of retired Gen. Stan McChrystal’s “listen-learn-lead” approach to leadership. That’s crucial considering the complex and wide-ranging responsibilities Tata will find himself directing if he secures Senate confirmation.
Still, it’s the China and Russia challenge that most suits Tata to speedy confirmation.
While Tata has supported the replacement U.S. forces in Afghanistan with private contractors, something that I believe would be a mistake, he understands that Moscow and Beijing are U.S. adversaries. In turn, he’ll be well placed to grapple with emerging Russian challenges in North Africa and rising Chinese military challenges in the South China Sea. That matters. After all, the outcome of those efforts will play a significant role in determining whether the U.S.-led international order is able to sustain its credibility during the next four years of a Trump administration, should the president be reelected.
Another feather in Tata’s cap is his lifetime dedication to public service. Following his retirement from the Army, Tata has led education policy efforts in Washington, D.C., and North Carolina. His successes in the latter case were lauded by academic experts. It says something about Tata that he didn’t rush into lucrative private sector work as soon as his military career was done. It shows that he cares about the country, first and foremost.
Regardless, the simple point is this. The Pentagon needs proven leadership on the matters of its remit, and someone who is trusted by the president. Tata offers both.
