Order of Succession of Officers to Act as Secretary of Defense

In simple terms

This presidential memorandum temporarily modifies the line of succession for the Secretary of Defense, directing that the Secretary of the Navy shall serve as Acting Secretary during the Secretary's death, permanent disability, resignation, temporary absence, or temporary disability. The change explicitly overrides Executive Order 13000 in part, but leaves that order otherwise intact, and automatically expires upon appointment of a Deputy Secretary of Defense.

Federal Register Open PDF 70 FR 32975

Record & deadlines

Jun 2, 2005Signed
Signed by the President
Jun 6, 2005FR published
Published in the Federal Register · 70 FR 32975
Federal Register PDF
Date TBD
Expiration upon appointment of Deputy Secretary of Defense

Key directives

Secretary of the Navy shall act as Secretary of Defense upon death, permanent disability, or resignation of Secretary
Secretary of the Navy shall act as Secretary of Defense during temporary absence or temporary disability
Acting designation for temporary circumstances expires when Secretary returns or disability ends
Executive Order 13000 otherwise remains in effect
Memorandum expires upon appointment of Deputy Secretary of Defense
Secretary of Defense directed to publish in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Secretary of Defense · Department of Defense

Prior policy

otherExecutive Order 13000 of April 24, 1996

Related orders

What to expect

Immediate

Memorandum takes effect upon issuance
Secretary of the Navy designated as Acting Secretary in specified circumstances

Near term (90d)

Expiration triggered upon appointment of Deputy Secretary of Defense

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

Temporary nature of succession change suggests unusual vacancy or anticipated vacancy in Deputy Secretary position
Explicit override of EO 13000 creates potential confusion if not clearly communicated within DoD
Conditional expiration creates uncertainty about duration of this arrangement