'Who the f--k is this guy?': Defense world reacts to Trump's surprise Pentagon pick

Top Military Adviser Believes Trump's Pentagon Pick is 'Unqualified'

Washington, D.C. - President Donald Trump's surprise pick for deputy secretary of defense, Patrick Shanahan, has sent shockwaves through the defense world. Shanahan, a former Boeing executive with no military experience, has been met with skepticism and even hostility from some in the Pentagon. "Who the f--k is this guy?" one senior defense official reportedly asked when Shanahan's nomination was announced. "I've never heard of him."

Shanahan's Boeing Ties Raise Concerns About Conflicts of Interest

Shanahan's lack of military experience is not the only concern raised by his nomination. Shanahan spent more than three decades at Boeing, where he was responsible for developing and selling weapons systems to the Pentagon. Critics worry that Shanahan's close ties to Boeing could lead to conflicts of interest. "This is a guy who has spent his entire career selling weapons to the Pentagon," said William Hartung, a senior researcher at the Center for International Policy. "Now he's going to be in charge of overseeing the Pentagon's budget? That's a recipe for corruption."

Trump's Pentagon Pick Sparks Debate About Civilian Control of the Military

Shanahan's nomination has also sparked a debate about civilian control of the military. Some experts argue that Shanahan's lack of military experience makes him unqualified to serve as deputy secretary of defense. "The deputy secretary of defense is one of the most important positions in the Pentagon," said John Pike, director of GlobalSecurity.org. "It requires someone with deep knowledge of military affairs. Shanahan doesn't have that experience."

Others argue that Shanahan's civilian background could be an asset. They point to the fact that Shanahan has a strong business acumen and is known for his ability to manage large organizations. "Shanahan is a smart guy with a lot of experience in the private sector," said Loren Thompson, a defense analyst at the Lexington Institute. "He could bring a fresh perspective to the Pentagon."

Conclusion

It remains to be seen whether Shanahan will be confirmed as deputy secretary of defense. The Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on his nomination on January 24. If confirmed, Shanahan would be the first person without military experience to serve as deputy secretary of defense in more than 50 years.

The reaction to Shanahan's nomination is a reflection of the deep divisions within the Trump administration over how to manage the Pentagon. Trump has repeatedly clashed with his top military advisers, and his decision to nominate Shanahan has only further strained those relationships.