The Department of Defense’s (DoD) acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Sasha Baker, plans to step down from her post by the end of next month, the DoD announced today.
Baker stepped into the role in mid-2023 when Colin Kohl left the position after being narrowly confirmed by the Senate in 2021.
“Baker was asked to step into a difficult and critical position, and she has been a pillar of strength and wisdom,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III said in a written statement.
“Under her leadership, our Policy team has helped the Department navigate a range of complex global challenges … Her strategic acumen and steadfast commitment to our national security have helped her play a pivotal role in shaping our defense policies, tackling emerging threats, and strengthening interagency relationships and international alliances,” he said.
Amanda Dory, who is currently director of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies at the National Defense University, will step into the role of Under Secretary of Defense for Polic in an acting capacity.
In July 2023, the White House nominated Derek Chollet, a State Department official, to the DoD policy role. Chollet testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee last year, but the committee has not called a vote on his nomination. President Biden renominated Chollet at the start of 2024.
“I urge the United States Senate to confirm Derek Chollet, our outstanding nominee to serve as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. At this crucial moment for U.S. defense policy, the Department needs a confirmed principal adviser in this critical role,” Austin said.
