Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s ongoing blocking of military officer nominations has resulted in the U.S. Marine Corps operating without a Senate-confirmed commandant for the first time in over 150 years. The position, held by the highest-ranking officer in the Marine Corps, became vacant upon the retirement of Gen. David Berger after 42 years of service. Tuberville’s opposition is causing delays in the confirmation of Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith as the replacement commandant. This move, along with Tuberville’s refusal to confirm other officer positions, is in response to his disapproval of the Pentagon’s decision to support service members and their families in receiving out-of-state abortions.

While Smith assumes the duties of the commandant without confirmation, the delays have significant consequences. According to the Defense Department, approximately 265 officer nominations, including Smith’s, have been affected by Tuberville’s actions. This delay has left a “huge impact” on the force, with officers being asked to delay retirement, assume higher duties without higher pay, and families being caught in logistical nightmares due to relocation uncertainty.

The absence of a Senate-confirmed commandant for the Marine Corps is unprecedented since 1859 and could present challenges for Smith, who will have most of the authorities but may struggle without a second-in-command. The role of commandant oversees the Marine Corps as its highest-ranking officer, a four-star general, and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The impact of Tuberville’s actions has also raised concerns about national security. During a nomination hearing for Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the potential risk to retention efforts and recruitment was highlighted. Brown stated that the challenges posed by Tuberville’s protest might discourage junior officers from balancing family life and pursuing senior positions in the military.

Tuberville’s opposition stems from his belief that the military is succumbing to left-leaning ideology. He has expressed criticism of efforts to address extremism within the military and accused Defense leaders of teaching critical race theory. Tuberville’s broader opposition to the Pentagon’s support for service members and their families’ access to reproductive care is based on his interpretation of the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funds from being used for abortion except in specific situations.

If Tuberville’s hold on military nominations persists, over 650 officer roles could remain vacant by the end of the year, further exacerbating the logistical hurdles and impact on the force.