The search for a new Secretary of the Army is underway following Dan Driscoll’s resignation. This creates a leadership opening in the country’s largest military branch.

Driscoll announced his departure, stating that Wednesday would be his last full day in the role. He expressed that serving under President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was an honor.

The next Army Secretary will face a military sector undergoing significant change. Issues regarding readiness and the Army’s involvement in the ongoing conflict with Iran are prominent.

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Driscoll and Sergeant Major of the Army Michael R. Weimer awarded eight Meritorious Service Medals and two Purple Hearts to Old Dominion University Army ROTC cadets. These honors were given during a private ceremony on March 22, 2026, in recognition of their bravery during the March 12 classroom shooting.

Mike Obadal, Army Undersecretary, might serve as acting Secretary after Driscoll’s exit. Obadal, a former special operations officer and defense industry executive, has already started engaging publicly, speaking at conferences.

The Trump administration has seen deputies stepping into top roles following resignations or firings. For example, then-Navy Under Secretary Hung Cao assumed the role of Navy Secretary after John Phelan left earlier this year.

Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman and senior adviser to Hegseth, is a potential candidate for the Army Secretary position as per various sources.

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Sean Parnell spoke during a Pentagon press conference on Mar. 17, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia. Some within the Office of the Secretary of War want him to become the next Secretary of the Army. His military background, combined with institutional experience, adds to his qualifications.

Parnell’s history includes serving as assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs and former United States Army captain. His platoon killed over 350 enemy fighters during the Afghan War’s peak. He ran for the House in 2020 unsuccessfully and later for Pennsylvania’s Senate seat in 2021, receiving Trump’s endorsement before ending the campaign due to domestic abuse allegations, which he denied.

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Senior Pentagon officials vouch for Parnell’s loyalty to the president, referencing his presence during Trump’s Butler, Pennsylvania rally where Trump was shot. Parnell stayed to assist others before returning with Trump three months later.

Parnell’s relationship with Trump spans years, indicating ties with senior White House members. A third administration official confirmed Parnell’s commitment to the job given by President Trump and Secretary Hegseth.

Brian Mast, Florida Representative, might be considered too. Mast chairs the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and is a former Army service member of 12 years.

Driscoll’s resignation follows disagreements with Hegseth over the Army’s transformation and readiness. He criticized Hegseth for obstructing these initiatives.

Parnell defended Hegseth’s leadership, pointing out the department’s unity under Hegseth’s vision. He mentioned improved standards, merit, arsenal strength, morale, and military recruitment under Hegseth’s leadership.

Despite Democrat and some Republican criticism, Hegseth remains focused on continuing the Department’s progress. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina criticized the creation of leadership gaps, while Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island noted issues with a culture punishing dissent.

Navy Secretary John Phelan was removed in April after conflicts with Hegseth over shipbuilding and management.

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Hegseth explained his transformative leadership for peace and strength, reducing bureaucracy and boosting innovation. The Department supports his direction to prioritize warfighters and America.

Democrats and Republicans voiced concerns over the changes within the Department of War.

The White House referred inquiries about Driscoll’s resignation to DOW. Fox News Digital reached out to Parnell, Mast, the Army, and DOW for comments.