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EO 13533Executive OrderObama · D

Executive Order 13533

Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of Defense

This executive order establishes the line of succession for the Secretary of Defense, specifying 19 tiers of officials who would assume the role if the Secretary dies, resigns, or becomes unable to serve. It revokes the previous succession order from 2005 and adds new positions including the Deputy Chief Management Officer and Director of Operational Energy Plans and Programs.

Federal Register Open PDF 75 FR 10163

Impact dates

  1. Revoke EO 13394 of December 22, 2005

Key directives

  • Establish 19-tier order of succession for Secretary of Defense
  • Require Senate confirmation and FVRA eligibility for acting Secretaries
  • Disqualify individuals serving in acting capacity from succession
  • Preserve presidential discretion to depart from this order
  • Revoke EO 13394 of December 22, 2005

Timeline

Immediate

  • Revocation of EO 13394 (2005 succession order)
  • New succession order takes effect upon signing

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Permanent update to DoD continuity of government procedures
  • Remains in effect until superseded by future order

Risks & tensions

  • Low visibility but structurally important for national security continuity
  • Presidential discretion clause (Sec. 2(c)) creates flexibility but potential uncertainty in crisis
  • Acting capacity exclusion (Sec. 2(a)) may complicate transitions during vacancies
  • No judicial enforceability (Sec. 4) limits accountability mechanisms
Executive Order 13533: Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of Defense · Executive Orders