ExecutiveOrdersEO
Memo 13000MemorandumG.W. Bush · R Quiet signal

Presidential Memorandum 13000

Order of Succession of Officers to Act as Secretary of Defense

This presidential memorandum temporarily modifies the line of succession for the Secretary of Defense, directing that the Secretary of the Navy shall serve as Acting Secretary during the Secretary's death, permanent disability, resignation, temporary absence, or temporary disability. The change explicitly overrides Executive Order 13000 in part, but leaves that order otherwise intact, and automatically expires upon appointment of a Deputy Secretary of Defense.

Federal Register Open PDF 70 FR 32975

Impact dates

  1. Expiration upon appointment of Deputy Secretary of Defense

Key directives

  • Secretary of the Navy shall act as Secretary of Defense upon death, permanent disability, or resignation of Secretary
  • Secretary of the Navy shall act as Secretary of Defense during temporary absence or temporary disability
  • Acting designation for temporary circumstances expires when Secretary returns or disability ends
  • Executive Order 13000 otherwise remains in effect
  • Memorandum expires upon appointment of Deputy Secretary of Defense
  • Secretary of Defense directed to publish in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Memorandum takes effect upon issuance
  • Secretary of the Navy designated as Acting Secretary in specified circumstances

Near term (90d)

  • Expiration triggered upon appointment of Deputy Secretary of Defense

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

  • Temporary nature of succession change suggests unusual vacancy or anticipated vacancy in Deputy Secretary position
  • Explicit override of EO 13000 creates potential confusion if not clearly communicated within DoD
  • Conditional expiration creates uncertainty about duration of this arrangement
Presidential Memorandum 13000: Order of Succession of Officers to Act as Secretary of Defense · Executive Orders