An abortion battle causes mayhem in America’s military ranks

A senator takes the culture war to the armed forces

Head and shoulder shot of Charles Brown testifying during his US Senate Committee on Armed Services confirmation hearing. — Image: Picture Alliance

Jul 13th 2023|WASHINGTON, DC

The handsome white-painted house at 801 G Street SE, one of the oldest public buildings in Washington, DC, has been home to all but two commandants of the Marine Corps since 1806. This week, though, it has no occupant for the first time in more than a century. General David Berger, the outgoing chief, retired on July 10th. His deputy, Eric Smith, cannot move in because the Senate has not confirmed him. He holds the job in an acting capacity, with limitations, and has no deputy.

This article appeared in the United States section of the print edition under the headline “General disarray”