The Senate voted 74-23 Monday to approve Owen West, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former Goldman Sachs partner, as assistant defense secretary for special operations and low intensity conflict, Defense News reported Tuesday.
West was nominated by President Donald Trump in June and recommended by the Senate Armed Services Committee for the position one month later.
He will advise Defense Secretary James Mattis on matters related to the department’s special operations.
During his military career, West held the positions of infantry platoon commander, combat adviser and reconnaissance platoon leader.
He also penned books and articles about military affairs and adventure sports.
West also previously served as director of the Positive Coaching Alliance and Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation as well as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.