Army Secretary Dan Driscoll’s resignation over conflicts with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has sparked speculation about his replacement. Florida Representative Brian Mast, a former Army combat engineer who volunteered for the Israel Defense Forces and once wore an IDF uniform in Congress, is emerging as a candidate.
Mast suffered leg injuries in Afghanistan in 2010 that required amputation; he was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. After active duty, he worked in the Department of Homeland Security and earned a Harvard University degree before volunteering with the IDF in January 2015.
In remarks to reporters, Mast stated: “I grew up in a Christian home… It was that moment [of harassment] that it really sank in the parallel between the United States and Israel.”
Mast wore an IDF uniform to a House GOP meeting in October 2023. When asked about his attire, he remarked: “Tlaib’s got her flag, I’ve got my uniform.”
The potential appointment comes as Congress debates provisions in the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act that would merge U.S. and Israeli military operations, granting Israel access to U.S. national security secrets.
Independent journalist Nick Sortor criticized the candidacy: “NOBODY wearing a foreign uniform should EVER take control of the US Army.”
Driscoll’s resignation followed months of tension with Hegseth over the direction of the Army and the firing of Gen. Randy George as chief of staff without explanation, leaving President Trump to appoint a replacement for the acting Army chief.