THREAD: How do Mattis and Shanahan transfer #SecDef authority?
Late on Monday, the Office of the Secretary of Defense communications team will bring Mattis & Shanahan into a phone call, which will be complete by 11:59pm. They don't have to be in the Pentagon for the call. 1/3
Late on Monday, the Office of the Secretary of Defense communications team will bring Mattis & Shanahan into a phone call, which will be complete by 11:59pm. They don't have to be in the Pentagon for the call. 1/3
The phone call follows an approved script (which DOD can't release). Once the call is complete, DOD will notify the White House that Shanahan has assumed authority as Acting Secretary of Defense. 2/3
The purpose of the call is to ensure all members within government know who is in command. It's also a courtesy and a mark of respect for the incoming #SecDef. And that's how, on Jan. 1, @DepSecDef will walk into work as Acting #SecDef!
Info courtesy of US defense official. 3/3
Info courtesy of US defense official. 3/3
