Guy Roberts, the U.S. Defense Department’s top civilian in charge of nuclear, chemical, and biological defense programs, quietly stepped down in April for reasons that remain murky, one of the latest in a series of high-profile exits from the Pentagon over the past six months.
The news of Roberts’s resignation comes on the heels of a report that Owen West, the assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict, is also leaving his post, to spend more time with his family. The departures leave yet another hole in the Pentagon’s senior leadership, as acting U.S. Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan still waits for President Donald Trump to formally submit his nomination for the permanent job to the Senate. The Pentagon has now been without a permanent leader for nearly six months.
Robert Daigle, the director of the Department of Defense’s Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office, stepped down in May. Earlier departures in recent months included Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson; Phyllis Bayer, the Navy civilian in charge of energy, environment, and installations, including basing and housing; chief spokesperson Dana White; and Defense Secretary James Mattis himself, to name a few.
When contacted by Foreign Policy, a Pentagon spokesperson declined to provide an explanation for Roberts’s abrupt resignation.
“The department’s commitment to modernizing the department’s nuclear force and closely cooperating with allies and partners remains unwavering, and will result in the increased defense of the nation,” said Lt. Col. Mike Andrews, a department spokesperson. “We appreciate his service to the department and wish him continued success.” Roberts submitted his resignation April 2 and left immediately, Andrews said.
